Why?

People often ask, "why do you coach?" or "why do you pace?" I am very fortunate to have a wonderful group of women that I have been coaching for the past two years, and have made the decision to work on my own with two other coaches to train this group in the way I think can be best done; more on that to come. I have also had the great fortune over the past two years to be on the 3:50 Pace Team at the marathon...there is NO better way to run a hometown marathon!! It is a sacrifice of time and effort, BUT to get these emails...the question should be, "why don't you?" Here is a sampling of the joy I got over the past week:

I wanted to thank you for all your help and guidance through the whole training process. This really turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done and I have really found something that I love doing.

I am so glad that I had both of you that believed in me even when I may have doubted myself. I appreciate all the gut checks you gave me when I was training more than I should have limiting my cross training to make sure I would get in all the miles and the extra calories. The things that I will not forget are: The track and hill workouts that I was consistently be told that I can do better and faster, as well as long run days hoping not to get lost or seeing Meredith at the top of a hill telling us we are almost there. I achieved two huge goals this year and I could not have done it without either one of you. The most surprising goal was the life style change for myself and my family, which had a great impact to my overall success. I am now even considering myself an athlete again and now trying to determine my next goals. I cannot thank both of you enough for pushing me to be better and finding that thing inside of me that wants to be better.

I wanted to drop a quick note to say howAWESOME Bob and Merideth (3:50 pacers) were at the AT&Tmarathon this past weekend. It was my first marathon, and Iwent in with 4:00 as my goal and 3:50 as my stretch. Iended up hitting 3:49, and I'm sure that I wouldn't havedone it without the encouragement, advice, and motivationalspeaking :-) of the pacers during the race. You reallyadded to my first marathon experience, and I wanted to givea quick note to say THANK YOU!!!

The ATT Astin was my first marathon and I joined the 3:50 pace group lead by a very cheerful and bubbly woman and a tall man by the name of Bob (i think).Her name was Meredith and through web searches I think her last name was Terranova. She is an Ultra runner - I never knew there was such a thing.Anyway she was absolutely terrific and kept the (eventual) small group going hard all the way. In the last few tenths of a mile she said "go!" and I never saw her again to thank her for her help.Does anyone know her and if so please pass my heart felt thanks to her for her support, encouragement, jokes, spirit - all without which I could have never completed. The course was harder than I was lead to beleive.

I emailed Sophie Saturday morning, or maybe even Friday night, in a moment of panic...my group dynamic was not ending on the positive note I was hoping for and the thought of being a positive beacon for runners for 26.2 miles felt daunting. I didn't know if I could put it all together. Then, Sunday morning we were blessed with the most beautiful of days and I was given the gift of the greatest group of runners. The crowd support was lifting, and I felt it all come into place. It turned into the incredible day I always hope for!

Best personal moment, well there were two 1) mile 22.5 friends had set up an ultra aid station and I ran ahead of my group to stop for hugs and a coke (Paul grabbed a beer when he came by leading the 3-hour group), and 2) toward the end of the race I had a small group who had stuck with me ALL morning. I told them that we would ease off just a bit in the last mile because there was one last climb. I told them that when we got to the climb their only job was to stick to me like glue and I would pull them up. When we got to the top, I slowed for a second and told them to GO, and sent them downhill to the finish...I then wrangled in the stragglers who were willing to let me wrangle them in to the sub-3:50 finish!

Sunday afternoon I was given an incredible reminder. One of my friends told me to be transparent, and all would work out on my other situation. I was and had a wonderful conversation and closure with no bad thoughts or feelings!

mer

What a week of great gifts, reminders, and unbelievable memories!!

The "Fun" Run

Saturday was Rocky Raccoon 50 and 100 miler. I am training for C2M 100K, and didn't want to do my longest run on my own, so I thought the 50 would be a good way to log my miles, spend time with friends, and cheer on the "big" race. It was a great weekend!

Paul was planning to pace our friend, Pete, so he was there for the long haul. He hadn't been out to Huntsville for a race for a few years. I think he has been best enjoying my ultra career from the house in Austin...he gets the weekend on his own, and I go play in the woods. That and the last time he crewed for me in Huntsville, I might have left my pleasant manners at home?? I was excited for him to see how much I enjoy the 50 mile distance, during a race, and just having him out there was fun!!

I told Paul that my plan for the race was to go 2:40-2:45 a loop and just take it easy....always the famous last words. Then once I finished I would be helping out at the Lodge Aid Station and wait for friends to come through, and then wait for Paul and Pete to finish. I had spoken, via email, with a friend, Larry, who had asked to me to pace him. I told him that I didn't know what I would feel like post-race, but if I felt good I would definitely try to go with him.

On Saturday morning, Paul was sweet enough to drive Pete to the start and then come back to the room and pick me up. This way Pete and I weren't competing to get ready, and I could rest until they left. It worked out perfectly, AND Paul came back for me with McDonalds meal #1...he had hot cakes and a hashbrown.

We got to the start and I set up my transition area near the turnaround. It just makes my life easier to have my things set and ready for each loop. I headed toward the start line and chatted with my original trail running partners from Houston. I used to run with them and two other guys every Thursday afternoon on the mountain bike trails. I fondly remember our 4:30 starts in the middle of August, 7-10 miles, and NEVER a water bottle...I guess we were tough then?? Anyway, it was good to see Carol and Jeff!

7AM, and off we went. The weather was perfect...40s and warming with the sun coming up! I headed out behind the first pack of guys. Noone was particularly chatty so I put my headphone, I only wear one on the trails, on and off I went. Because of the light rain, the trails were so soft, and everything felt sooo good! Before I knew it, and quicker then planned, I came to the Dam Aid Station. The gang from the North Texas Trailrunners were manning the aid station, and were in great spirits. I said my hellos and off I went. As I hit the out to Far Side, I saw Jorge the 100-mile leader coming back...he was flying as usual. Before I got to the Far Side Aid Station, I got to see all my friends running the 100 heading back; they had an hour head start. Granted it was the beginning of their race, they all looked great and happy! At Far Side, it was a quick hello to Diana, Robert, and Mike...I love having friends at the aid station!! Back I headed, so that I could cheer on all behind me. I will mention this more than once, but heck the way back from Far Side sure seems shorter than the way out??? Back to the Dam Road, and a quick refill and good morning to Letha and Mark. I headed toward AS 174, and got to catch up to and chat with George and Barbara and others. I was LOVING this! The 100-milers were much more excited to chat with me, so I took it in as I could get it. A quick swing around 174, I only stopped there on the 3rd loop, and back to start/finish.

I guess I haven't mentioned that my pace was out of control, and even with a few walk breaks, I could reel it back in...something I knew I would pay for later. Oh well, I was enjoying it for now. I headed into the start/finish and didn't see Paul anywhere. I went over to my little area refilled my bottle and was getting my food together when he comes running up. I told him that I was too fast on the 1st loop, but I felt good. He headed out with me and my Mountain Dew...not quite the Mountain Lightening of Virginia but it would have to do. As I was heading out, the girl behind me, Jackie, was coming in. She and I always finish close, and I know she is strong so I told Paul that she would probably catch me.

On to the 2nd loop. I still felt good, and had my favorite lemon-poppy fuel with me....YUM! I would have to say that the highlight of the race for me was during the 2nd loop. Matt, a friend from North Texas, caught up to me and we ran together from Far Side in. We had fantastic conversations! Once we got to the Dam AS, he got in front of me and I had a bit of a low patch. I could see him in the woods right in front of me but couldn't quite catch him. I figured I would just follow his ease and hope for the best. He stopped for water at 174 and finally I had caught up...I think I got a little in front of him because when he caught me he hadn't realized that I had been behind him and was startled to see me. Back to start/finish area we went.

At start/finish I was thrilled to see Paul and his friend, Rob, from his Army days and his family. They had driven over to spend the day with Paul, and see me for like a minute...it was awesome to have the cheering section!! The kids looked at me like I was CRAZY! To my sadness, Pete was also with them. His day had ended early due to injury....such is the beast of these races, not everyday can be great. I re-loaded my fuel and off I went.

I was feeling good, but definitely feeling all of my training and lack of taper in my legs. And, let's be honest, I was feeling the effects of the pace of my first loop...no excuse can erase the fatigue I created there. After the Interpretive Center, about 1 mile into the loop, We hook up with a trail that takes us to the jeep road. This is the same EXACT trail I have run on for many years now. It is the exact same direction in EVERY race, and somehow at an intersection I took a wrong turn. I veered to the right at some point, and the only way I know I went wrong is because eventually I ended up in a parking lot. Are you kidding me??? I turned around to re-trace my steps and saw Matt far off in the distance...now back in front of me. I had to wait for someone to approach to find my way back to the trail, and noticed somewhere between 7-10 minutes gone...arghhh. Now I had to get back in my rhythmn and pull it back together mentally, so annoying. Off I headed to finish up this race... I saw Matt on the out and back, and he was totally confused on how I was behind him. I explained quickly as we passed. He was moving toward his goal for the day, a sub-8 hour race. I am so thrilled for him!

I made the turn around at Far Side, and on the way back I saw Jeff catching up to me. He looked great and so I knew it was just a matter of time. He caught me right as we were heading back to the Dam. He told me that he was having a dream day, and felt great, but he said that we could hang out and catch up. I told him that I was just going to keep running at my not so fast pace as this point, and that he needed to go for the strong finish. He didn't want to leave me, but I wouldn't let him stay...this is a race and I would see him at the finish!

I went through the Dam AS with my stomach a little yucky. Nothing specific, but drinking water was making feel sick, and every time I would pick up the pace I feel my stomach turn... so I needed a plan for these last 7 miles. I made a deal with myself that if I walked the incline to keep my heart rate down, I had to run everything else. Funny thing about that is that there is VERY little incline. So off I went, not feeling great but getting closer and closer to the finish. Fortunately, right before I got to the 2nd long bridge on the way to 174 I kicked a stumped so hard with my toe that my stomach settled. Literally, contact, unbelievable pain, settled stomach. My toe hurt like hell. I probably was about 45 min from the finish at that point. I thought, "screw it...I'm getting to the finish sooner rather than later." and I picked up the pace. I got to 174 AS and gave my waist pack to this couple from Austin who were cheering for their friend doing his first 50. I was kind of hoping Paul would be there and would run me in, but I probably should have mentioned that to him??

I was thrilled to be heading into the finish, but tried to reserve my excitement as I knew everyone around me was going to be out there much longer. I finished well, and felt ok. I had a good laugh at the finish telling the story of my toe jam fixing my stomach, and was happy that my purple toe matched the painful description.

As I was sitting around recovering, I asked Paul what he wanted to do. I knew he had come to pace, so I didn't want him to leave disappointed....he has a history of me not getting to the spot where he needs to pace me. I encouraged him to see if Jorge needed a pacer for his final loop. Although it would be slow to Paul, it would the fastest possible match for him. He found Maria, Jorge's wife, and he prepared to go out for a 20 mile jog in the woods. She encouraged him to get infront of Jorge and push him. He was off of record pace, but she thought at least he could have a strong finish. It was a great experience for Paul. They had nice conversation, and Paul noticed, "What I took from running with Jorge is how quiet his feet are out there, even on the last loop. Very smooth, very even, nothing unnecessary." I am glad he got to have such a great experience. After some pics and good-byes, we headed back to Austin...

On the drive back, I MUST mention McDonalds stop #2, as Pete was kind enough to GIVE me his #10 chicken nugget. I still feel very honored!!

As always, things happen for a reason...and the decision to head back to Austin was a good one as my parents had left a message that my Great Aunt had passed away on Saturday, after a very long struggle with painful illnesses.

There is an unbelievable irony to it all, Matt and I were talking about this on the trail, while we are utilizing the most of what our bodies can do others are struggling to move. Here we were running all day, and someone I know was dying. Matt and I spoke about reflection, and how these precious moments on the trail give us this amazing gift. He said that without reflection he couldn't do his job. I am thrilled to sit back and have a chance to reflect on a wonderful day, time with friends, support from Paul, and a chance to do what I love.

Time for quick recovery, so that I can pace at the marathon in less than two weeks!!

mer

They Like It!

New Bed for Pups...major success :)

So Much...

Keeping up on this front has just not been a priority. I would like it to be, but it just hasn't been...

Since I last wrote:

• I went to Bandera, ran the 50K, raced Clea for the end of the 100K, and drove back late that night. Clea was amazing and we had the best time out there. We stopped, turned off our lights and looked at the stars. We so enjoyed our time together, and she is sooo tough!
• I signed up for Miwok in May!
• Paul returned from his trip from Chile. He had a wonderful time and I loved hearing about his trip. I am happy to have him home!
• We went to Houston last weekend so that Paul could pace the Olympic Trial hopefuls at the Houston Marathon. We had a nice dinner with my family, I got to see Catherine, and we brought home some of our favorite pizza!! (Sorry Mike, I forgot to take a picture of it)
• I have been working non-stop, which is a great thing, but not doing the best job of managing my time. I will need to work on that.
• I want to create a website, but am not doing a great job of getting all of my info together for Erin who has so kindly said that she would help me. The website would be a HUGE help to my daily email responses...all questions could be answered there, but it is just not getting to the top of my priority list. Someone please kick my ass in gear on this.
• I am working through running with the dogs and making it good training time as well. They need the runs, and if I run fast enough chasing them...it is good use of the time. They are the best training partners EVER!
• I am working on balancing work time with social time. I need to set hours so that I can make an end to my day, and be better about making the time to be a good friend. There is a balance there, and I am working on it. Just because I am busy doesn't mean I can't make time to return friend emails.
• We celebrated my father-in-law's 60th b-day, early. We had a wonderful dinner at Main Street Grill in Round Rock, I highly recommend it, and made it a really wonderful fun evening. I think even though we won't go to Jersey to celebrate the real birthday, we did a great job here!
• I practiced pacing for the ATT Marathon. Yes, this is something I needed to do. I don't run 8:46/pace everyday. I actually was fairly close to nailing it today...that is after I had a restroom stop and got to stretch my legs with some quick miles to catch back up to them :)
• My group had their last long run before the marathon. Rogue was kind enough to let them join in, which was HUGE so that they weren't on their own out there. They did great, and I am very proud and feel good that they are ready to go on raceday.
• I caught up with a good friend today on the phone! I need to stay in touch more often. (see above) We talked about one thing I love about the springtime, at least the past two years, is my pilgrimage to the canyons on the WS trail. I am not signed up for Way Too Cool this year. Just because I am not signed up for WS, I may not pass up the chance to share the trail with my friends there!! I will be keeping my eyes peeled for cheap flight to Sacremento in late May.
• I guess that's all I've got for right now...caught up and hopefully won't have this kind of laundry list the next time I write.

I am very thankful for my patient husband and friends as I get settled into what I am hoping is well time managed pattern...keep your fingers crossed for me!

mer

Just a side note:

I LOVED seeing everyone during or after the run today, and even my brief moment with the 3-hour group...VERY brief! So much fun to see so many people I know have such a great morning!! I am thrilled I had a chance to chat with so many people; love the post run social. AND, glad I wasn't a buzz-kill to anyone's post-run meal....I'll try not to monitor cheese, grease, or junk intake! Did I mention that I had whipped sweet potatoes as my post-run meal, yum!! (again, Mike, sorry no pic)

I miss my husband. He has been in Chile since Friday, and will be there until Sunday. This is the longest we have been apart since we were married. I know many people who have husbands who travel for work, and so I am very lucky to have him around most of the time. Thank goodness for calling cards, as he has called me at least one a day everyday since he has been gone...he misses me too :(

I am very thankful for my friends who have made a special effort to make sure I am not totally alone this week:

- runs at the Greenbelt (with a special guest joining in!!)

- lots of errand running

- lots of doggie time (mine are still recovering from yesterday's adventure)

- chatting with me on the phone

- and a yummy meal

I am so looking forward to having an awesome travel adventure with the girls this weekend!! It will ease the pain of heading to Bandera for the first time in 4 years minus Paul. This is normally the one race I know he enjoys. I'll be thinking of my wonderful husband as I am running!!

mer

To My Dog Loving Friends

I just had to share the pics from the puppy playdate we had on Sunday.

Getting Inspired

Have I had so little going on over the past month that I couldn't bother to update my blog...just the opposite. Things have been so busy lately that even the thought of updating my blog seemed too much to bare. Ahhh, deep breath and ready to go!

Brief recap of the end of the month:

- great but too short recovery from Mt. Masochist

- two weeks post-race I ran a 25K, too fast, a wonderful long run in Bastrop (more on that later), and a 5-mile Turkey Trot at my parents (was happy to run 35 minutes on VERY tired legs)

- came home from Thanksgiving, and straight to Kileen to visit Paul's family, and then his parents came to our house the next night

- Thursday after Thanksgiving met up with friends for a business planning meeting at this fantastic restaurant...so good we took a picture of our plates (by the way 1/2 portion split with Erin)

- Then Paul's birthday, and I threw him a Dessert Party. It was great times to over-feed so many for his birthday, and, yes, everyone who came went home with leftovers!!

...in the midst of all of this projects due and working; now can you see where my blog posting time has gone???

So here I am in the midst of a very busy time, and Sunmart is approaching. Sunmart holds a special place for me, even with the crowds on the trail. It is the first Ultra I did, I get to see so many friends out there, and it is a good place to have some speed at the 50-mile distance. Did I mention the trophies are REALLY cool!

As I was getting plans together for the trip, I really created a great weekend to look forward to...I would see Catherine and Bryan on Friday morning, Ashley would stay with me Friday night, and Noelle was kind enough to fill the roll of my crew/ass kicker!

I know I have mentioned it before, but I am not a huge fan of the cold, so when the weather report was calling for a low in the 70s and a high in the mid to upper 80s I was thrilled!! I knew I could run in those temps and know how to manage my nutrition in the heat. I had my plan of Succeed, Cookies, Potatoes, etc. ready to rock.

I got into Huntsville around 2:30 Friday afternoon, had pre-race dinner, and put my legs up on the bed. Chad and Ashley arrived around 5, and had a laugh that I was just sitting in the bed. We had done a very speedy long run together in Bastrop, and I was so happy it had been warm that day. We were ready for the heat, and I spent a bit of time trying to convince them that short and t-shirt weather was a fun thing! They went to have their pre-race dinner, and when they got back I was still on the bed...although I had put my pj pants on. They were quite humored with my pre-race ritual of relaxtion, but I kept reminding them of just how much longer I would be running than they would (they were both doing the 50K). After some good chatting, Chad went over to his hotel. Ashley very shortly joined me in my pre-race vegging.

I actually slept on and off quite well, although when the morning rolled around I felt quite uninspired to be racing. I went through all the motions: getting dressed, body gilding, eating, drinking, loading the car. Off I headed to the park, hoping the vibe of the start/finish area would get me going. I got there and still I was not struck. I laid out all of my stuff in the same fashion I always do, ready to grab and go after each loop. I shared hugs and hellos with all of my friends. I was so happy that Bryan and Catherine were there early enough to share in the pre-race hugs. With 30 minutes to go...I REALLY needed to get going, in my head, so I listened to Brave and Mighty to Save. I tried to get others as hyped about my music selection but not a nibble, apparently God Rock (my new name for my music) is not everyone's running motivation.

Soon enough it is time to get to the start. Noelle and I walk that way, and see Lorena as she is making her way to the start. She had a 50-miler on her life to-do list and today was her day to cross it off. I was so excited for her to go for it. I knew I would see her throughout the day, so I was excited for that. And then, we lined up, I said a prayer during the national anthem, and we were off. I was in a good pack from the beginning, but in a very comfortable position. We hit the first aid station, and the only thing I noticed was that I was drenched...nice.

My favorite section of the first loop is the out-and-back because you see all of your friends on one side or the other. I saw my friend, Pete, on this section. I saw another friend of ours in front of him, and I could see the look in his eyes chasing him. I looked right at him, and said "run smart. run your race." I didn't know if my words would stick, but know he runs his best when he is not trying to keep someone else's pace. He is a very smart runner running his own race. I had already backed off from running with Robert, just for sake of having conversation...his pace was not mine.

Toward the end of the first loop I was sloshing, even after having taken 600mg of sodium. It was an entirely different beast with 80 degrees and 100% humidity. I just started pounding the salt....stomach stopped sloshing but I needed to go to the restroom. I went once in the woods and then when I came through the start/finish ran to go again. I told Noelle I was going to have manage my stomach with the heat, but I forced my food and drink down as scheduled. I have learned the very hard way that the best I can do is continue with food and drink even if I don't feel good...things are much more likely to improve if I can continue to eat. So off on the second loop I went.

It was good to see the 50K people out there on this loop. I was thrilled for the company. I didn't know many of the 50-milers around me, and most didn't have a ton to say...oh well, I had my music and the pines to keep me company. on the back end of the loop I caught up to two of my friends running the 50K, Jeanette and Laurie, and was so thrilled to have their company. I couldn't believe what a rough time I was having for less than 25 miles. Yuck... After a visit with each of them I put my head down and grinded back to the start/finish area.

To my joy, Bryan and Noelle were awaiting my arrival from the loop. I needed their lift. Bryan had decided it just wasn't worth it in the weather; he does not do well with the heat. I was so thrilled to have him walk me out as I was stuffing my face with food to get revamped for loop 3, always my toughest. They had told me that others were having a tough time, and it made me feel good to not be suffering alone. Off I went with the encouragement of Bryan, who said all of the right things!!

Loop 3 was tough because I was so alone. There were people on the trail, just none that I knew. I wanted my friends. I wanted company. The heat was life-sucking and I wanted conversation to distract me. I was so desperate for conversation that when I caught up to one of the Canadian women (the world championship for the 50-miler was going on) who didn't speak much English, I actually fought to piece together a conversation with her. It was pretty funny because all I understood her talk about was falling on the dirt, which she had another name for, and I am pretty sure she didn't understand a word out of my mouth. We got to the next aid station and I drank some soda, put my head phones on and headed off. I prayed to God to give me the strength to fight. I so wanted to be done. I couldn't believe I had another loop to do. I thought of my friend Jamie and her incredible will to drag her leg to the finish at Badwater. I thought of this only being a test of my will, and it was only up to me, my belief in God, and my belief in myself to perservere to the finish. I fought my way to the finish of the 3rd loop.

Noelle could feel the defeat in my eyes, but took my food and drink and walked out with me. I shoved potatoes, cookies, and drink in. I was going to feed my soul to run. It was then I looked her and my watch and said, "I'll be back before 9 hours comes." That meant I had to run! I was fueled, and ready to go. I ran to the out-and-back section and wanted to get the job done. Fortunately there were a few 50k people with the same intention...I ran with them for about 10 minutes and then headed off. I had the wind at my back and the final miles ticking away. I passed two women who weren't feeling very well, but I needed to take what small amount of energy from them I could from them because I needed the continual boost.

I was chasing such a not even secondary goal....first was to finish, second was to break 9 hours. If you would have asked me before the race, I would have thought I would have been in my car in under 9 hours. (did I mention we were going to a party in Austin Saturday night). But, here I was with my new goals and chasing the dream of reaching them. I hit the last aid station, not sure if I liked the random drum pounding or not, and knew I could do it. Then through the trees I could see Larry. I thought he got a glimpse of me because he would be walking and then all of a sudden totally take off. So randomly, this made me run faster..."don't run away from me," I thought. Finally, with about 1.5 miles to go I caught him with all of my chasing energy. (He hadn't known I was behind him) We took off together. At first we talked about the emotion of the draining day, then we were too out of breath to talk. We were running hard, or at least as hard as our tired bodies would take us. To the finish line we landed...proud, happy, and drained. Our toughest day, COMPLETE!!

After I finished, I changed, packed up and awaited the news that I had been dwelling on throughout the day...just ask Noelle...did I win a horse?? Well, actually my showing was not so bad: 9th woman and 3rd American woman, AND an 8:52 finish :) Not quite what I was hoping for but met my reassessed goals!

At times when I was running on Saturday I was overwhelmed by the distance. What was ahead kept daunting me. But then I would think: I am inspired by those that love me, those that show me their strength under so many more difficult conditions in both life and sport, and those that share their lives with me everyday. That is more than enough to get me through a tough day in the woods!!

How Blessed I am!

mer