Monday, November 22, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The 2010 Stats
Because I could be grateful all I want... Folks wanna know NUMBERS.
SO!
I finished at 4:58:58.
I was aiming 5hrs, hoping that I'd come in somewhere btw 430 and 5. So i'm pleased with that. And considering I was running on a leg that had been troublesome for weeks, no complaints on my end.
Just in case you didnt know what that meant - I OFFICIALLY BEAT Jared from Subway, Edison the Chilean Miner and AL ROKER's Times. BOO-YAH.
Here's some more interesting info....
SO!
I finished at 4:58:58.
I was aiming 5hrs, hoping that I'd come in somewhere btw 430 and 5. So i'm pleased with that. And considering I was running on a leg that had been troublesome for weeks, no complaints on my end.
Just in case you didnt know what that meant - I OFFICIALLY BEAT Jared from Subway, Edison the Chilean Miner and AL ROKER's Times. BOO-YAH.
Here's some more interesting info....
This is what finishing looks like. Thanks Team ;)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
And that wraps up 2010...
I have to say- I was in shock awe (and a helluva lot of pain) all day yesterday and Sunday...
But today I can scream it out:
On a bum leg! (Damn u calf muscle knot!)
Lol - boy, am I paying for that one.
My muscles have been seizing up for the past two days so I've been doing a lot of soaking and stretching, mini massaging (it all hurts), elevating, icing, etc. And I don't take drugs much but painkillers are our friends...
Anyway. I did it. I'm grateful. Feeling accomplished. Looking forward to the next, the new year.
I'm grateful for all the support shown- from my coaches, teammates who physically helped me get across the finish, to my folks that cheered me on and helped keep my energy up, to every single person who donated to even get me IN to the Marathon and support these wonderful kids...
THANK.YOU.
I couldn't have done it without you. So while I get to rock the medal, I know that I wouldn't have made it without yall.
Yup!
Now, post marathon massage!?? I'd like to walk again soon. They're starting to call me Gimp in the streets. Haha!
communicated via @isBerry!
But today I can scream it out:
I RAN the FKN NY MARATHON!!!
And finished!
On a bum leg! (Damn u calf muscle knot!)
Lol - boy, am I paying for that one.
My muscles have been seizing up for the past two days so I've been doing a lot of soaking and stretching, mini massaging (it all hurts), elevating, icing, etc. And I don't take drugs much but painkillers are our friends...
Anyway. I did it. I'm grateful. Feeling accomplished. Looking forward to the next, the new year.
I'm grateful for all the support shown- from my coaches, teammates who physically helped me get across the finish, to my folks that cheered me on and helped keep my energy up, to every single person who donated to even get me IN to the Marathon and support these wonderful kids...
THANK.YOU.
I couldn't have done it without you. So while I get to rock the medal, I know that I wouldn't have made it without yall.
Yup!
Now, post marathon massage!?? I'd like to walk again soon. They're starting to call me Gimp in the streets. Haha!
communicated via @isBerry!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Isaiah Wins today
More morning prayers. Seems that we're right on point w the scripture...
Jen just got this text::
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We'll be thinking of this one around mile 20.
Thanks!
communicated via @isBerry!
Amen.
Morning Prayers sent from Mr. Young
Words To Keep In Mind On your Journey
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed. You will have an answer for anyone who accuses you. This is the inheritance of the LORD's servants. Their victory comes from Me,"declares the LORD.
Thanks, sir.
communicated via @isBerry!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
26 Lessons...
Its been a rough year. I'd wanted to do the NY Marathon after I'd completed the Nike Women's in San Fran in 08. My friends and family didn't make it out to see me finish. It was the hardest thing I'd done in my life, but I made it.
I didnt train for the NY Marathon in 09, when the marathon was ON my birthday. I celebrated at Brooklyn Bowl and everyone was late due to the marathon. I passed folks running and wanted to be involved. I missed that. After running with Team in Training in 08, I wanted to support local kids in NY with Team for Kids. I was nervous about the fundraising... the training so late... but I made it.
Considering I have a November birthday, this was my 26th Year. It came with challenges - on all levels, work, personal, etc. And a lot of growth - spiritually, mentally, emotionally.
This year - I've met and reunited with new family I hadn't known in over 20 years, and got out of a toxic relationship that bordered dangerous. I've worked projects in industries I'm unfamiliar with, and gained a whole gang of new folks who've been great supporters, new accomplishments and new knowledge.
So - I've collated a group of lessons that helped me get through my year, and my training. They've served as Daily Mantras, Mini Reminders and just good words to reiterate to myself. Some may help, and some may not. Either way, Enjoy em. 26 LESSONS:
Nothing in life is worth doing if you don't get butterflies in your stomach over it...
Be Dope. Whether you're sweeping floors, flipping burgers, or running a full team and a large company, be your dopest at it.
Do Work. It applies to more than just your job. Prioritize, get focused, and get to work in whatever your goals n endeavors are. Choose what u are willing to sacrifice if applicable.
Stay Fresh. Sometimes it does take a woman an hour to get ready. But u appreciate the outcome. Take YOU time to feel your bestest and freshest - appearance, work out, dress up, travel, etc.
Pray. A lot of its mental, but a ton is on FAITH. You'll make it. You have no other choice.
Don't forget to breathe. Whether running, jogging, walking, stretching, working or whatever- take a second to breathe. We hold our breath and push thru often-- Make sure to EXHALE.
Dedication is more than a word. Chosing to do something and sticking to it is a part of focus. Be it a work out, or a hobby, it can help your mental health. Plus, even if you think u suck at it now, if u keep at it, you will get better. Its inevitable.
Commitment is not something to be afraid of. Simply saying what you mean and doing what you say can take you a long way.
Speak Up. People say it all the time, but communication is key. How will people know what's going on if you don't tell them?
Developing Patience sucks. But if you can learn it now, it'll benefit you in the long run. You'll get there eventually. Trust.
Love hard, but don't love stupid. If its not a good situation for you to be in, work your way on out. There's something better around the bend.
Follow your instincts. You have guts for a reason :) If it don't feel right, you're probably right.
No one benefits from a team of Yes Men. Keep a crew that can support you but helps you get better .
Get that checked out. Then get a second opinion. Coach Astaria yelled at me for not asking her abt my calf, bc the other coaches that advised abt my leg don't deal in physical therapy. Her advice could have helped treat it differently, sooner.
Ask what's wrong, not what's right. Find solutions by finding out what you could do differently, or what hasn't yet been done.
EAT. Sometimes we get so lost in work, etc, that we forget. If you're not healthy, you can't get it done. Take care of you.
Running's the easy part: Life is hard. It hurts, it sucks, its awful. Go thru it, let it go, and get over it. The pain is temporary. Dig Deep. It gets harder before it gets easier. (Miles 22-26 SUCK) Its in you. You can get through it.
Time heals all. I fell early in season, scraped up my knee and now have a nice lil scar to remind me to be careful. But it healed. It works like that for all things.
Some people are in your life for a reason. You may not have that figured out just where they belong or why, but know that they serve a purpose. It may not be now, but they will. And it works vice versa too- maybe you're supposed to be there for them.
Learn your lessons. The universe will kick u until you do. And you'll have to repeat them until you finally learn em.
Change is inevitable. Learn to accept. Once you acknowledge that all things change, you'll be less anxious about them.
All Things as MEANT. Everything happens for a reason, even if you're not aware of it right now. I was kicking myself one day for walking the wrong way, and taking the wrong train to training. I was cursing myself for being stupid. But when I walked out the train I found my girl who I run with- she was nervous about running on wet ground and was going to skip training. I told her not to worry and that we'd both go. Had I not been there, she'd have left. I was 'right on time'. It happens like that sometimes.
Open up. Its not easy, especially if you've been hurt before and have closed up. Once you're ready, open up and try something new. It could be cool.
Sometimes all you have is a leap of faith. Take it. You'll be alright.
Fight your lazy. A few times I've had to make my self get out of bed and do what I needed to. Running in the AM to avoid PM training is one of those. Not only did I feel good about the day, but it freed up my evening to do other things.
But- Embrace your lazy. Sometimes, people who stay busy (*points at self*) need some "sit ur ass down" time. Sometimes you have to force that as well. Rest up.
Be still. Learn to listen. The messages are there, and you'll get exactly what you need when you need them, even if not how u expect. Pay attention, and be open to hearing them.
Its the little things. Sometimes a small gesture of kindness can go a long way. You never know how you can influence a person. Stay positive.
San Fran was for Me. This One is FOR YALL.
Thank you.
Love,
Is.
Carb load much? Shout to @jeannaho for bringing goodies from Beny's Delice.
More Cowbell!! (Cheer Squad set up)
I'm setting up Cheer Squads in boroughs to keep me going--
BIB NUMBER: 60947
MAP: http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/course_map/interactive_map.shtm
The point of actual squads is to keep a communication. We'll likely be getting the mobile tracker (http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/athlete_alert.htm) and hopefully will have someone near a comp that can send out updates to where I'll be. Those will be going to one/two people in each borough that can let their crew know so folks can hit the streets then.There is an ONLINE tracker as well (for free) INGNYCMarathon.org
There are 'Cheer Zones' but i dont know if that means you HAVE to be in that area. I don't expect to be carrying my cell on me, so you'll need one of my main folks contacts to find me. (Email or text me until 8am)
Either way, my bib says I don't cross start until 10:40AM as well, so keep in mind for timing.
CLINTON HILL: Court & Rinne will be holding down Lafayette & Washington for the Brooklyn squad -- Its homebase, so its gonna be super locked down, but Its also my first 13 miles, so I'll be slowin down the pace to make sure I can get thru the rest of the race. That's going to be HQ, so all you BK folks on that area, I'll DEFINITELY be looking around that street.
PARK SLOPE: 14th and 4th: The Godparents will likely be holding that down. My girl Jess who ran SF in 08 w me will likely be there too.
WMSBURG: Big sis Nic, Dad and my brother will be outside of Juliette (Bedford & N6) with crew in case you're in that hood.
Queens - who's there??
I've got holes up 1st AVE after I get out of Queens (midtown) and down 5th from BX/Harlem.
I've got some Harlem folks... somewhere ... There's a Team for Kids cheer section on 122 and Park for those who want to hit that.
Bronx - Carolita - I know to look for u... Zulay??
Central Park South and Columbus circle are mile 25 - the LAST cheer area pre FINISH. (Official cheer zone on CPS and 5th)
I just found out there are NO fans/family/gen public allowed in the park-- if you are planning to give hugs after Race- email me for the location for the meet!
Note - there are over 44THOUSAND people running, so I'm hoping that I'll KNOW where to expect folks so I can look out just the same. I'm told its a mad dash through Brooklyn and the mass doesnt seem to start splitting until post, so there will be a LOT of people running, and a lot of people cheering. If you'd like to LINK with anyone, hit me and I'll connect together. If you'll just be out there in the streets, try and let me know where. If I dont catch you, then blame the sweat.
Feel free to let my folks know who I may have missed, or drag them out.
Thank you all for braving November weather to support me in this. Thanks for the support and looking forward to seeing yall when I finish.
PS: POST Marathon plans will likely WAIT until next FRIDAY. I hope to see yall.
communicated via @isBerry!
Coach Sid and Astaria. My run parents. They keep us going. And yell at us when we need it. Lol!
Run crew: Jen and Ash been training with me since I joined. We're gonna go hard tmrw! TFK
"The Running is Easy" Thank You's and Good Luck's from the Kids. #TFKBreakfast
Friday, November 5, 2010
So I'm supposed to unpack this bag and use it for race day stuff. How to fit it all!!
This is It...
Well, almost. I'll likely write in the eve before to get rid of some of the anxiety...
But i'm setting up cheer squads... and trying to work out everything needed.
If you're in a Borough and have plans to come out and cheer, please make sure to reach out to me so I can make sure to check for you!!
I should definitely be sleep right now. Too much nervous energy!! xo
But i'm setting up cheer squads... and trying to work out everything needed.
If you're in a Borough and have plans to come out and cheer, please make sure to reach out to me so I can make sure to check for you!!
I should definitely be sleep right now. Too much nervous energy!! xo
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Last day of training pre Marathon!!
I can't front, I've been nervous. I've been anxious. I've been ready for weeks. But with set backs that include a hurt leg, a massage to fix that hurt leg that made it better but still kept it, I've been a little nervous.
I did run that weekend in DC. My cousin found me a 5 mile route that unfortunately meant a 2 mile return up hill so I definitely did not finish it running as fast as expected. The leg felt better, it was cool, even though I still had to stop and stretch.
The Monday I'd been traveling so I didn't jog--(2 flights in 2 days meant I was already off hilt. Blood pressure decreases or something when u fly so it means you should break before jus running wild miles) but the Wednes after we ran up on the reservoir on a tempo which felt good...
The knot was still there though. Less so, but still there. I'm still stretching it out.
This past weekend I was back out of town and while I brought my run gear I didn't take the 5 mile trek, thinking I might get it in during the Sunday back. It didn't happen.
Monday, however, did the Prospect park loop for a birthday head clear. I didn't really have plans set for the eve but I figured I might as well get the run out the way so I could do whatever the evening of. (Yes, debauchery ensued- sometimes the best eves come with lack of plan)...
So... Today's the last day. Supposedly there's a post marathon run planned to help stretch us out. I didn't do any of that back in 08 so it could be good for me.
The expo opens tomorrow so I'll get my race number, and some cool marathon gear to prep for race.
I'm still anxious, but I'm ready...
...And I need to get cheer squads in order!
See yall across the Finish!
I did run that weekend in DC. My cousin found me a 5 mile route that unfortunately meant a 2 mile return up hill so I definitely did not finish it running as fast as expected. The leg felt better, it was cool, even though I still had to stop and stretch.
The Monday I'd been traveling so I didn't jog--(2 flights in 2 days meant I was already off hilt. Blood pressure decreases or something when u fly so it means you should break before jus running wild miles) but the Wednes after we ran up on the reservoir on a tempo which felt good...
The knot was still there though. Less so, but still there. I'm still stretching it out.
This past weekend I was back out of town and while I brought my run gear I didn't take the 5 mile trek, thinking I might get it in during the Sunday back. It didn't happen.
Monday, however, did the Prospect park loop for a birthday head clear. I didn't really have plans set for the eve but I figured I might as well get the run out the way so I could do whatever the evening of. (Yes, debauchery ensued- sometimes the best eves come with lack of plan)...
So... Today's the last day. Supposedly there's a post marathon run planned to help stretch us out. I didn't do any of that back in 08 so it could be good for me.
The expo opens tomorrow so I'll get my race number, and some cool marathon gear to prep for race.
I'm still anxious, but I'm ready...
...And I need to get cheer squads in order!
See yall across the Finish!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)