I'm moving my blog!

I've decided to move my blog from Blogger to Word Press.  I'm now located at:

 www.makermothermarathonrunner.com

Getting the Monkey Off My Back - 70.3 Rev3 Quassy Training Update

I am t-minus 12 days until the Rev3 Quassy 70.3. I can't wait for race day to come and get the monkey of failing at the 2011 Providence Half Ironman off my back.  For those who need an update - I attempted the 2011 Providence HIM - survived the swim and flipped out on my bike and basically gave up.  Every single Ironman souvenir I purchased from that race has been locked up and put into storage until I can accomplish this goal.

I was and am still so ashamed at myself and wanted a REDO in 2012, but I tore my TFL and was out of commission summer 2012.  The Pity Party is now over.  I'm done with that.  I want vindication!

I am going into the home stretch of my training and am using the Half-Ironman Distance Program "Finish" from the book "The 12-Week Triathlete," by Tom Holland.  I don't have any race goals except - to finish.  I read every single word of the Rev3 Athlete Guide and I am not allowed to crawl, so I guess I need to finish in the upright position either "running" or "walking."  I'm guessing I will be also "limping" since there are no rules against that!

My best friend right now is The Stick and every single body part is just sore.  My husband, who is also my biggest cheerleader, has been talking me off the ledge for weeks.  I just hope that he gets to the race by the time I finish to see me cross the finish line.  I have warned him that he is NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES AND NO MATTER HOW MUCH I BEG to pick me up unless I have completed all 70.3 miles (or in the hospital).

For my mother's day present the only thing I wanted was to be driven all 69.2 miles through the bike and run course so I could see what I am up against.  The course looked challenging, but I didn't think it would be easy.  My husband assures me that my normal bike ride's elevation is more difficult. I don't know if that is true, but it is definitely something to hold over him!

I have also watched every single You Tube video on past Quassy races - highly recommend.  I now also have a theme song for race day (it is very important to have a theme song for race day to hum) "Till I Collapse" by Eminem.  Yup, keep it going is the mantra. 

Today I will run 30 minutes.  Tomorrow I will swim 30 minutes.  Thursday I will bike 45 minutes and Friday I will swim 30 minutes.  Saturday is Bike 90 then run 30.  Sunday is run 60.  All this "finish" training did not seem like a lot to me, but I need to trust the training and believe in myself.

But isn't that the hardest part of any race day - believing in yourself?  Isn't it always mind over matter.

I'm preparing myself to finish the race dead last.  I am preparing myself to use whatever strokes I have to to survive the swim.  I am preparing myself to walk my bike up the hills.  I am preparing myself to walk all 13.1 miles.  I am preparing myself to do whatever it takes to get over the finish line.

I'm going to smile through the tears and enjoy the journey.  If you see me on race day, remind me that I wrote those words.

Race Report: Flying Pig Marathon’s 15th Anniversary – Skyline Chili 4-Way Challenge 35.5 PIGLICIOUS Miles

My quest for 50 Marathons in 50 States by the time I turn 50 brought me to the Buckeye State and Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon.  Here I would earn my 12th full marathon medal and my 7th State medal. 

Why Flying Pig?  There were only two reasons:  the super cool double-sided pig medal and my running buddy, Alison, was running with her family as well!

At the Marine Corps Marathon Expo last September we learned that the Flying Pig offered not only the Full and Half Marathons, but also a 5K and 10K. Plus NEW for the 15^th anniversary, Skyline Chili sponsored the first annual 3-Way and 4-Way Challenge.  “The events’ namesakes are the Skyline 3-Way, a signature dish crafted from chili, spaghetti, and cheese; and the Skyline 4-Way, crafted from chili, spaghetti, cheese and onions.  To complete the 3-Way Challenge, a single runner must complete Saturday’s 5k and 10k events, as well as Sunday’s Half Marathon. To complete the 4-Way Challenge, a single runner must complete Saturday’s 5k and 10k events, as well as Sunday’s Full Marathon.”  

As a 4-time Goofy Challenge finisher, I was definitely up for the challenge of ONLY 35.5 miles!  This race would prove to be great training for the runDisney Dumbo Double Dare Challenge in August where I will run the Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K with my family and continue on to run the Disneyland 10K immediately following.  I will also run the Disneyland Half Marathon the following day.

The difference between the Flying Pig 3-way/4-way and the Disneyland races was that the 10K was scheduled first at 8am and the 5K at 10am so we got a little rest and recovery between the races. The events were well organized.  There were plenty of port-a-potties and well-staffed water stations.  Security was heightened due to the events at Boston and Bag Drop was not available for Saturday's 5k and 10k races.  SWAT and bomb sniffing dogs were visible at race start & finish as well as the bridges.

For a recap of the 10K and 5K take a look at the video above.  I would highly recommend the Flying Pig Marathon and 4-way to others.  The city supports the event.  It is well organized and staffed well.  The volunteers are awesome.  Plus it was super fun to trade in my mouse ears for pig ears for a little change!!!