Even though this is a blog about how running changed my life, I must pause to remember those who lost their lives on 9-11-01. I remember exactly where I was on that morning...chapel at WCA. When we found out what was going on, it was hard to concentrate the rest of the day. We watched the news footage and I really was having a hard time comprehending what was going on. It seemed so surreal. So much has changed since that day but it has only made our country stronger! So many have given their lives for the sake of our freedom-can I just pause to say that all of those protesting at military funerals are just idiots! those same soldiers are keeping this country free and allow you to do such idiotic things as protesting...really makes me angry!-okay, back to my rememberance--we owe so much to those military personnel but also to the firefighters, police, EMT, and ordinary civilians who did the extraordinary not only on 9/11 but also in the days following. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your sacrifice!!!!!
I will never forget!
We will never forget!
I do have a runner slant to this as well. In my September issue of Runner's World, they have a section about 9/11 and how running played a part in helping them to cope with the tragedy. One of the stories is about Lyz Best-she is the widow of Jeremy Glick-Flight 93. She and Jeremy used to run together, she was a casual runner at the time, but following 9/11 running "made her feel good when nothing else did." On November 6, she will run the NYC marathon in honor of Jeremy. There will be 21 other marathoners who lost loved ones on Flight 93 running that day as well. She finished her article with these words, "I love you Jeremy. This one's for you." For more stories from runners on how running helped them to cope after 9/11, go to www.runnersworld.com/september11. Hope you check it out...the stories are very moving.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
2011 Disneyland Half Marathon Recap and pics
Let me begin by saying that I had a great time overall at the race. There is something about running at Disney, whether it be Land or World, that just causes me to brim with joy. Our hotel was only a couple blocks from the park so, I went running through Downtown Disney every morning. It was just me and the early morning workers. That was really cool! They did look at me funny that first morning.
Because I am focused on potties, I must say that there were more port o pots than I have ever seen. No lines either. I was able to use one and squeeze into my corral with 20 minutes to spare right near the start line. I did stop during the race-but only took a short break-in and out I say...haha. Now about that George Michael bathroom! Oh, that's another story, nothing to do with racing. :)
Upon exiting the castle, I was fortunate enough to make it into runDisney's webpage shot. Thanks to Karen Bass for seeing it and tagging me on FB. The volunteers were awesome and I've never seen so many cheer teams in my life. They must have dozens of high schools. Someone had a sign that stated, "You are better than Chuck Norris!" did he or did he not run a marathon...I don't know-need to find out though cause I keep hearing about it.
I don't care too much for baseball but when I came through the tunnel at Angel stadium and heard the roar of the crowd, my pace definitely increased. We ran around the outfield and were displayed on the jumbo tron as we ran by. Too cool!!
Unfortunately, I don't have any funny stories to tell you like I did from the full at World (I will say there are some weird people in California in general) but Drew Carey was running too. He has lost 80 pounds! I bet he didn't do Weight Watchers though. One of the first things Will said to me when I finished was that Drew Carey had beaten me by 5 minutes. Really...what a thing to say?! Thanks rach! LOL! My time was 1:55:20-my goal time was under 1:47.
So, I did enjoy the race overall but...with that said, I thought I was satisfied with my time, that was my thinking from mile 4 on...now 4 days later, not so. Second guessing should be my middle name I do believe. I was far from my goal time (umm...1:55 vs. 1:47-yeah that's a big gap) and, I say this with all sincerity, appreciate the congratulations, good jobs, etc. from all of you, but...it is my right to be unsatisfied with my performance, isn't it?! You that know me pretty well know how stubborn and determined I am-overly so at times. I get it honest, right Ethel?
There are goals I have set and my new mottoas of today is radical. I'm not going to do anything stupid-I've learned I need to listen to my coach or else I'll get hurt but...I am determined to be focused over the next few months. I want to run 3:45 (or below) at the Myrtle Beach full and I am tired of thinking I am satisfied with my race and then the next few days realizing that was just my lazy brain side winning the mental battle. I may not be good enough, fast enough, or whatever enough to get to 3:45 but it is not going to be because I didn't give my full attention. And, I won't know that I just can't reach 3:45 unless I am radical now, right?!
Again, I do appreciate all of your congratulations and your support!! Without your encouragement, I don't think I could continue! So, thank you! It does mean a lot to me!!! Now, support me to 3:45!
Some quotes from I Love to Run:
1. The only one who can tell you you can't is you. And you don't have to listen. --Nike
2. It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be.
3. The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.
Mickey said he was proud of me too!
Because I am focused on potties, I must say that there were more port o pots than I have ever seen. No lines either. I was able to use one and squeeze into my corral with 20 minutes to spare right near the start line. I did stop during the race-but only took a short break-in and out I say...haha. Now about that George Michael bathroom! Oh, that's another story, nothing to do with racing. :)
Upon exiting the castle, I was fortunate enough to make it into runDisney's webpage shot. Thanks to Karen Bass for seeing it and tagging me on FB. The volunteers were awesome and I've never seen so many cheer teams in my life. They must have dozens of high schools. Someone had a sign that stated, "You are better than Chuck Norris!" did he or did he not run a marathon...I don't know-need to find out though cause I keep hearing about it.
I don't care too much for baseball but when I came through the tunnel at Angel stadium and heard the roar of the crowd, my pace definitely increased. We ran around the outfield and were displayed on the jumbo tron as we ran by. Too cool!!
Unfortunately, I don't have any funny stories to tell you like I did from the full at World (I will say there are some weird people in California in general) but Drew Carey was running too. He has lost 80 pounds! I bet he didn't do Weight Watchers though. One of the first things Will said to me when I finished was that Drew Carey had beaten me by 5 minutes. Really...what a thing to say?! Thanks rach! LOL! My time was 1:55:20-my goal time was under 1:47.
So, I did enjoy the race overall but...with that said, I thought I was satisfied with my time, that was my thinking from mile 4 on...now 4 days later, not so. Second guessing should be my middle name I do believe. I was far from my goal time (umm...1:55 vs. 1:47-yeah that's a big gap) and, I say this with all sincerity, appreciate the congratulations, good jobs, etc. from all of you, but...it is my right to be unsatisfied with my performance, isn't it?! You that know me pretty well know how stubborn and determined I am-overly so at times. I get it honest, right Ethel?
There are goals I have set and my new mottoas of today is radical. I'm not going to do anything stupid-I've learned I need to listen to my coach or else I'll get hurt but...I am determined to be focused over the next few months. I want to run 3:45 (or below) at the Myrtle Beach full and I am tired of thinking I am satisfied with my race and then the next few days realizing that was just my lazy brain side winning the mental battle. I may not be good enough, fast enough, or whatever enough to get to 3:45 but it is not going to be because I didn't give my full attention. And, I won't know that I just can't reach 3:45 unless I am radical now, right?!
Again, I do appreciate all of your congratulations and your support!! Without your encouragement, I don't think I could continue! So, thank you! It does mean a lot to me!!! Now, support me to 3:45!
Some quotes from I Love to Run:
1. The only one who can tell you you can't is you. And you don't have to listen. --Nike
2. It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be.
3. The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.
Packet Pick-up (my fav)
Yay for DL!
me on the runDisney facebook page
after the race with my 1/2 medal and Coast to Coast medal
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