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Back from wherever I went…
It has been a long time since my last post. Odd, I feel suddenly as though I am in confession. Hopefully I won’t be assigned any hail Mary’s.
From a race perspective, this past year has been a turning point. After taking a bit of a break in 2008, I am back in the swing of things. Since I wrote last, I have completed 4 more marathons (San Francisco, Honolulu, Phoenix Rock & Roll and Big Sur – for the 2nd time). Next on tap is the grand-daddy of them all. This is by far, the race I have been waiting for. The New York City Marathon. When I sit down and think of where I want my running to take me, it is at the start line in New York. I have idolized this race for so long and cannot wait to experience it. One particular reason is because I am running this race in honor of my Grammie.
She is the most amazing person in the world and I have held-out dedicating a marathon to her, just waiting for the perfect opportunity; and NY is it. My Grandmother has so graciously battled ovarian cancer, not once, but twice. She has shown strength when I might have sat down and cried and screamed “it’s not fair!”. So, running the New York City Marathon is not a solo experience. I am running to fight cancer. I am running on behalf of my Grammie and The American Cancer Society. So many people have donated thus far. I am speechless at the generosity I have received, but I am not done yet. I have a ways to go before I fulfill my goal.
I have vowed to right the names of cancer survivors and cancer victims on my race day jersey. I will proudly carry their memories with me throughout the race. When I want to give up, I will think of them and how they never once gave up. I am running for beautiful people like Helen (my Grammie), Kay, Forest, Carol, Celia, Susan, Ruth, Ammie, James and many more. I am honored their loved ones have allowed me to take them on my journey. I would love to write the names of many more on my jersey.
I will write much more over the next few months as race-day draws nearer (November 1). If you would like to support me and the many who battle cancer, I encourage you (PLEASE!) to donate. It is easy to donate online: http://tiny.cc/RunNYC (My race page).
Thank you to everyone for their support and encouragement.
-Jana
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Marathon #4 on the year is complete (#5 if you count an unofficial run on Mt Rainier in August). I think I can say with confidence this is my last marathon this calendar year. I will admit while running the CIM (California International Marathon) and immediately after, I wondered if it would be my last marathon. Nahhhh, life’s too short to quit now. I am a bit burned out on marathons and my body feels tired, so choosing the next race will take some time and a lengthy recovery period.
I confirmed yet again that endurance is my skill; not speed during a marathon. I always make the catastrophic mistake of starting too fast. I do this every marathon. I tell myself before the start ‘don’t start out too fast Carter’ (yes, I talk to myself). However, when the gun goes off, so does my competitive drive and I want to go out guns blazing. This marathon was no exception.
I made it to Sacramento on Friday to register (online registration had closed & forced to sign-up in person). Got my number, #5439, and wandered the expo. The expos are never that thrilling, same vendors, same crap being sold.
The nerves had kicked in and I was anxious for Sunday to arrive. I hadn’t trained much for this race; maybe 10+ training runs since the Portland Marathon in early October. I am gluten for punishment I suppose. I stayed in the host hotel (Sheraton) and was surrounded by runners. Every elevator ride had at least another marathoner in it (you can pick a marathoner out easily). The Rockets were also staying in our hotel and I was lucky enough to have a few elevator rides with them too (basketball players are also very easy to pick out
). Even got to ride with Jack Sikma, member of the 1979 Sonics championship team (only true Seattlites would remember him).
Ate my prerace meal around 5pm Saturday; white rice, and tried to get to bed early. Didn’t sleep much that night. Too much tossing and turning and staring at the clock. Woke about 4:20, got ready, headed to the lobby to catch my school bus to the start. Made it to the start & got in the never ending porta-potty line (a must stop for any runner prior to the start). With about 10 seconds until gun time, I lined up.
Gun went off and so did I. I ran a pretty fast first ½ (for me anyway). My first few miles were in the 7-minute range and I finished with a 48 minute 10K time and 1hr46minute 13.1 mile time (11 minutes faster than my time the Sunday before at the Seattle ½ marathon). I kept up with the 3:20 pacers until about mile 13 when I waved them on. Then, the hardest part of the race, around mile 18 I saw my Boston dreams run by when the 3hr40minute pacer passed me. Maybe Boston is not for me…not if I start out this fast it won’t be.
The course was advertised as ‘downhill’, but the rolling hills were brutal. I could feel every one and they seemed endless. The worst part of the course were the long stretches. You could see forever into the distance and the roads seemed endless. We had great spectator support however…well done and hats off to all those who cheered us on.
The headwinds kicked in around mile 13, but the weather was perfect aside from that (no rain, about 40 degrees at the start). As usual, there were many times I wanted to stop, sit on the side of the road and go no further; but, I persevered and kept telling myself this pain is only temporary and the end is near.
The most beautiful site on any marathon course (aside from the finishers chute) is mile marker #25. This is when you know you will make it. After several grueling hours, it is almost over. You can almost taste the victory at this point. This is also when the spectators are out in force; this marathon was no exception. We had the National Guard lining the last mile, kids waving flags, adults yelling ‘almost there’ and the sound of dozens of pounding feet around us. I love mile 25. I love it so much I always dedicate this mile to the most special person; and I did. I was impressed with myself, I remembered every mile I had dedicated to people along the course and thought about each & every person during those miles.
I rounded the corner near the capitol building in Sacramento and I could see the finish line. Oh what a site! I pushed myself as hard as I could so as to finish strong (‘finish strong’ I always tell myself, even if I struggled the entire way, ‘finish strong’). I think I finished a bit too strong as I was having a hard time getting a breath. My breathing was very shallow and I contemplated waving the paramedics over to get some oxygen, but eventually I evened out my breathing. I got my medal, found my entourage and I was done. Another marathon in the bag…
Results:
-
10K: 48 minutes
-
13.1 Mile: 01:46:49
-
Finish: 03:53:13 (PR)
Marathon #4 on the year is complete (#5 if you count an unofficial run on Mt Rainier in August). I think I can say with confidence this is my last marathon this calendar year. I will admit while running the CIM (California International Marathon) and immediately after, I wondered if it would be my last marathon. Nahhhh, life’s too short to quit now. I am a bit burned out on marathons and my body feels tired, so choosing the next race will take some time and a lengthy recovery period.
I confirmed yet again that endurance is my skill; not speed during a marathon. I always make the catastrophic mistake of starting too fast. I do this every marathon. I tell myself before the start ‘don’t start out too fast Carter’ (yes, I talk to myself). However, when the gun goes off, so does my competitive drive and I want to go out guns blazing. This marathon was no exception.
I made it to Sacramento on Friday to register (online registration had closed & forced to sign-up in person). Got my number, #5439, and wandered the expo. The expos are never that thrilling, same vendors, same crap being sold.
The nerves had kicked in and I was anxious for Sunday to arrive. I hadn’t trained much for this race; maybe 10+ training runs since the Portland Marathon in early October. I am gluten for punishment I suppose. I stayed in the host hotel (Sheraton) and was surrounded by runners. Every elevator ride had at least another marathoner in it (you can pick a marathoner out easily). The Rockets were also staying in our hotel and I was lucky enough to have a few elevator rides with them too (basketball players are also very easy to pick out). Even got to ride with Jack Sikma, member of the 1979 Sonics championship team (only true Seattlites would remember him).
Ate my prerace meal around 5pm Saturday; white rice, and tried to get to bed early. Didn’t sleep much that night. Too much tossing and turning and staring at the clock. Woke about 4:20, got ready, headed to the lobby to catch my school bus to the start. Made it to the start & got in the never ending porta-potty line (a must stop for any runner prior to the start). With about 10 seconds until gun time, I lined up.
Gun went off and so did I. I ran a pretty fast first ½ (for me anyway). My first few miles were in the 7-minute range and I finished with a 48 minute 10K time and 1hr46minute 13.1 mile time (11 minutes faster than my time the Sunday before at the Seattle ½ marathon). I kept up with the 3:20 pacers until about mile 13 when I waved them on. Then, the hardest part of the race, around mile 18 I saw my Boston dreams run by when the 3hr40minute pacer passed me. Maybe Boston is not for me…not if I start out this fast it won’t be.
The course was advertised as ‘downhill’, but the rolling hills were brutal. I could feel every one and they seemed endless. The worst part of the course were the long stretches. You could see forever into the distance and the roads seemed endless. We had great spectator support however…well done and hats off to all those who cheered us on.
The headwinds kicked in around mile 13, but the weather was perfect aside from that (no rain, about 40 degrees at the start). As usual, there were many times I wanted to stop, sit on the side of the road and go no further; but, I persevered and kept telling myself this pain is only temporary and the end is near.
The most beautiful site on any marathon course (aside from the finishers chute) is mile marker #25. This is when you know you will make it. After several grueling hours, it is almost over. You can almost taste the victory at this point. This is also when the spectators are out in force; this marathon was no exception. We had the National Guard lining the last mile, kids waving flags, adults yelling ‘almost there’ and the sound of dozens of pounding feet around us. I love mile 25. I love it so much I always dedicate this mile to the most special person; and I did. I was impressed with myself, I remembered every mile I had dedicated to people along the course and thought about each & every person during those miles.
I rounded the corner near the capitol building in Sacramento and I could see the finish line. Oh what a site! I pushed myself as hard as I could so as to finish strong (‘finish strong’ I always tell myself, even if I struggled the entire way, ‘finish strong’). I think I finished a bit too strong as I was having a hard time getting a breath. My breathing was very shallow and I contemplated waving the paramedics over to get some oxygen, but eventually I evened out my breathing. I got my medal, found my entourage and I was done. Another marathon in the bag…
Results:
-
10K: 48 minutes
-
13.1 Mile: 01:46:49
-
Finish: 03:53:13 (PR)
The California International Marathon (CIM) is just 4 days, 15 hours away – I feel very unprepared. So why run it? Well, why not! I will just take myself down to Sacramento, get up in the wee hours of Sunday morning, bus to the start, stand around in the 30-40 degree weather, mentally yell at myself for 26.2 miles and then cross the finish line and think “That is why I ran it”. I am not sure if I have a time goal, I suppose just setting a PR is my goal. Well, I do have goals, but will keep them close for now; then I only have myself to disappoint. For those 2 or 3 folks who read this blog and know my prior race traditions, I have asked my close friends to send me songs that inspire them to add to my marathon playlist and have requested specific miles from a few folks to think about them when running those portions of the race. I am still working on my dedication, so can’t discuss that quite yet. I will dedicate the race to someone, as I always do.
I had a good training run this past Sunday running the Seattle ½ Marathon. It was my first ½ marathon I have run in and I have to say, it was damn good to see the 13 mile marker and know I didn’t have another 13 miles to go. I had a great time running with ‘my boys’ from the running group. Thanks to Matt, Jerry, Bob, Andy & Chul for a great time. A few photos added (the upclose was taken at the start line & the other at the finish).
On a side note, I ran into a guy I knew in college that I had not seen since graduation day 10 years ago. I had always wondered what became of him and it was very shocking to see him at the marathon. I suppose it is a small world.
The California International Marathon (CIM) is just 4 days, 15 hours away – I feel very unprepared. So why run it? Well, why not! I will just take myself down to Sacramento, get up in the wee hours of Sunday morning, bus to the start, stand around in the 30-40 degree weather, mentally yell at myself for 26.2 miles and then cross the finish line and think “That is why I ran it”. I am not sure if I have a time goal, I suppose just setting a PR is my goal. Well, I do have goals, but will keep them close for now; then I only have myself to disappoint. For those 2 or 3 folks who read this blog and know my prior race traditions, I have asked my close friends to send me songs that inspire them to add to my marathon playlist and have requested specific miles from a few folks to think about them when running those portions of the race. I am still working on my dedication, so can’t discuss that quite yet. I will dedicate the race to someone, as I always do.
I had a good training run this past Sunday running the Seattle ½ Marathon. It was my first ½ marathon I have run in and I have to say, it was damn good to see the 13 mile marker and know I didn’t have another 13 miles to go. I had a great time running with ‘my boys’ from the running group. Thanks to Matt, Jerry, Bob, Andy & Chul for a great time. A few photos added (the upclose was taken at the start line & the other at the finish).
On a side note, I ran into a guy I knew in college that I had not seen since graduation day 10 years ago. I had always wondered what became of him and it was very shocking to see him at the marathon. I suppose it is a small world.
- Big Sur - April 29, 2007
- Sea Fair - July 8, 2007
- Mt Rainier Epic - August 11, 2007 [unsanctioned marathon]
- Portland - October 7, 2007
- California International - December 2, 2007
I think 'Team Jana' colors for this marathon will be blue. I have my reasons...
- Big Sur - April 29, 2007
- Sea Fair - July 8, 2007
- Mt Rainier Epic - August 11, 2007 [unsanctioned marathon]
- Portland - October 7, 2007
- California International - December 2, 2007
I think 'Team Jana' colors for this marathon will be blue. I have my reasons...
The people you meet in Starbucks…
Have you ever wondered about the people around you? You know, the strangers you pass on the street, in the halls, at the store? I often times wonder who they are, what problems they are dealing with, what motivates them and do they ever stop and wonder the same about me. Call it egotistical, but we pass so many people on a daily basis it makes me wonder if we are ever noticed.
This morning, I chatted with a guy in line at my Starbucks (Kirkland Bridle Trails Sbux). I had recognized this person as someone who works in the store and has greeted with me a smile many a mornings. His name is Thomas. I admit, prior to our encounter this morning, he was the friendly barista on the other side of the counter who supplied me with my morning fuel. Today, I realized he works three jobs and appears to be very happy and content with life. Not only does he dole out coffee 4 days a week, but he is also a general contractor and realtor.
He took the time this morning to talk with me. Not the kind of rubbish we normally do when trying to be polite, but we had a conversation. Just reminds me that I should take notice of those around me. Make an effort to recognize them. I have often sat in this very Starbucks and wondered about those around me; the group of mothers who meet regularly, the elderly man who comes in alone with his hand carved wooden vases and the familiar faces I recognize from work.
The people you meet in Starbucks…maybe I will stop, take a moment and try and notice those around me more.
The people you meet in Starbucks…
Have you ever wondered about the people around you? You know, the strangers you pass on the street, in the halls, at the store? I often times wonder who they are, what problems they are dealing with, what motivates them and do they ever stop and wonder the same about me. Call it egotistical, but we pass so many people on a daily basis it makes me wonder if we are ever noticed.
This morning, I chatted with a guy in line at my Starbucks (Kirkland Bridle Trails Sbux). I had recognized this person as someone who works in the store and has greeted with me a smile many a mornings. His name is Thomas. I admit, prior to our encounter this morning, he was the friendly barista on the other side of the counter who supplied me with my morning fuel. Today, I realized he works three jobs and appears to be very happy and content with life. Not only does he dole out coffee 4 days a week, but he is also a general contractor and realtor.
He took the time this morning to talk with me. Not the kind of rubbish we normally do when trying to be polite, but we had a conversation. Just reminds me that I should take notice of those around me. Make an effort to recognize them. I have often sat in this very Starbucks and wondered about those around me; the group of mothers who meet regularly, the elderly man who comes in alone with his hand carved wooden vases and the familiar faces I recognize from work.
The people you meet in Starbucks…maybe I will stop, take a moment and try and notice those around me more.
Camp Muir - Mt Rainier [May 19, 2007]
OpenWide_Jan20072 | BarbCampMuir_May2007 | CampMuir_May2007 | Deer_May2007 | |||
Descent_May2007 | GoodbyeRainier_May2007 | JanaGoingOverEdge_May2007 | JerryBarb_May2007 | |||
JerryCampMuir_May2007 | JerrysRoute_May2007 |
Hawaii Oct 2005
Lys_Jana_KailuaBeach2 | Jana_Allen_PearlHarbor | Ben_Jana_USSMissouri | Canoes_DiamondHead | |||
Conch_Blower | Diamondhead | DiamondHead_ArtMuseum | Family_PearlHarbor2005 | |||
Hawaii2_2005 024 | Jana_DiamondHead |
| Place Overall: | 1520 | out of 7232 |
| Women: | 433 | out of 3790 |
| F 30-34: | 69 | out of 559 |
| AgeGrade: | 59.35% | Place: 1466 |
| FINISH: | 3:53:52 | pace: 8:56 |
| 10k: | 50:31 | pace: 8:08 |
| Turn-9.1Mi: | 1:13:23 | pace: 8:04 |
| Half: | 1:48:21 | pace: 8:16 |
| 17.2 M: | 2:31:37 | pace: 8:49 |
| 20 Mile: | 2:51:58 | pace: 8:36 |
| 35K: | 3:09:41 | pace: 5:26 |
My Food Consumption:
1. Day before - Still feeling the effects of the flu, I downed only a few pieces of bread at dinner
2. Morning of - Ate part of a performance bar around 3am & took water throughout the night
3. Fluids During - Water/energy drink at every aid station except the first one & during mile 25
4. Food During - Gu at mile 11 & 18 (I somehow missed the mile 12 gu station)
What could have been better:
1. Mile markers were signs sitting on the ground & easy to miss. I would have liked to see them higher up for easier visibility.
2. Pace callers were not at every mile (except in the 2nd half) and they called out elapsed time vs avg pace & expected finish time
3. More aid stations early on.
4. The baggage check was about ¾ mile walk from the finish line, they should have had it in the post-race area. Walking that far to get the bags only to walk back was not easy.
5. Finish line should have been visible to runners at least 100 yards in advance to build excitement.
6. The bibs seemed larger than normal
7. Expo was small and non-eventful
| Place Overall: | 1520 | out of 7232 |
| Women: | 433 | out of 3790 |
| F 30-34: | 69 | out of 559 |
| AgeGrade: | 59.35% | Place: 1466 |
| FINISH: | 3:53:52 | pace: 8:56 |
| 10k: | 50:31 | pace: 8:08 |
| Turn-9.1Mi: | 1:13:23 | pace: 8:04 |
| Half: | 1:48:21 | pace: 8:16 |
| 17.2 M: | 2:31:37 | pace: 8:49 |
| 20 Mile: | 2:51:58 | pace: 8:36 |
| 35K: | 3:09:41 | pace: 5:26 |
My Food Consumption:
1. Day before - Still feeling the effects of the flu, I downed only a few pieces of bread at dinner
2. Morning of - Ate part of a performance bar around 3am & took water throughout the night
3. Fluids During - Water/energy drink at every aid station except the first one & during mile 25
4. Food During - Gu at mile 11 & 18 (I somehow missed the mile 12 gu station)
What could have been better:
1. Mile markers were signs sitting on the ground & easy to miss. I would have liked to see them higher up for easier visibility.
2. Pace callers were not at every mile (except in the 2nd half) and they called out elapsed time vs avg pace & expected finish time
3. More aid stations early on.
4. The baggage check was about ¾ mile walk from the finish line, they should have had it in the post-race area. Walking that far to get the bags only to walk back was not easy.
5. Finish line should have been visible to runners at least 100 yards in advance to build excitement.
6. The bibs seemed larger than normal
7. Expo was small and non-eventful
- When I run, there are no thoughts of work or the stresses of life; it is just me and the pavement…in unison - Me
- I run so I can know what it is like to push myself to the limits and still come out on top. I run because I am a runner - Me
- It hurts up to a point and then it doesn't get any worse. - Ann Trason
- Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when awareness comes, it is excruciating. - John Farrington, Australian marathoner
- The marathon can humble you. - Bill Rodgers
- I run for those who cannot run for themselves. - Me
- When I run, there are no thoughts of work or the stresses of life; it is just me and the pavement…in unison - Me
- I run so I can know what it is like to push myself to the limits and still come out on top. I run because I am a runner - Me
- It hurts up to a point and then it doesn't get any worse. - Ann Trason
- Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when awareness comes, it is excruciating. - John Farrington, Australian marathoner
- The marathon can humble you. - Bill Rodgers
- I run for those who cannot run for themselves. - Me
T-12 days, 20hrs
Someone asked me over the weekend what it felt like to cross the finish line at a marathon. It is a feeling that I cannot recreate in any other realm of my life. Oddly enough, it is a fleeting feeling, lasting only a few minutes. Months of training and many agonizing days are culminating into that one moment. It truly is overwhelming. The minute I see the finishing chute I immediately think about the hours that led to that moment. I tend to get quite emotional when I enter the chute – amid the many spectators all cheering you on, you realize that it really is a great feat. And when it is all over? You forget the pain of running 26.2 miles and decide which race is next.
On a side note, I had a great trail run over the weekend. I did a 7-hour trail run/hike/climb beginning at Alpental and ending at the Mailbox trailhead. It was probably the most challenging event to date. Probably not the smartest move to do this 2 weeks prior to the marathon, but I tend to be a bit crazy. Thanks to my running entourage for keeping me safe (and catching me more than once when I slipped over the edge) - Jerry, Matt, Andy, Jon, Kevin & Chul.
