Marathon #2

"WELCOME TO THE ROCKET CITY MARATHON- 36th Annual Rocket City Marathon: A 26 mile, 385 yard footrace through Huntsville, AL. December 8, 2012 8:00 AM" ,

read the race websites home page.  Then further down the page, 

"The Rocket City Marathon is more than just a race. It is an "event" built around the race. We work just as hard creating exciting activities to make your trip to the Rocket City fun as we do conducting a flawless race on a fast course to produce an enjoyable race that should yield your maximum performance. The carbo supper is excellent and we feed about 500 each year so be sure to give it a try. These and the other Friday activities are provided to encourage you to run your best.''

It seemed so low key in comparison to my previous (and first) marathon experience- Chicago 2011- where the race app and broadcasting info were the type of specifics listed online.  I welcomed the thought of it. Chicago was generally a good race for me; my first marathon memories that are still so vivid, including cruising through China town to the beat of local drummers and their dancing dragon, very sloooowly running the last mile in the dead middle of a 4 lane downtown Chicago street and crossing an epic finish line flanked by rows of grandstands full of cheering spectators.  As I wove through the crowd to find my husband and friends in the reunion area, I was overflowing with pride. I'd accomplished something that 5 years ago would've seemed out of reach. I finished slower than I'd wanted to (4:30ish) but at least I finished uninjured and knowing I wanted to do another. Here are the Chicago results:

Bib

FName

LName

City

State

Country

Age

Sex

ChipTime

41790

Sarah

Shearer

Nashville

TN

USA

34

F

4:45:39

I chose to tackle other goals in early- mid 2012, but was very, very excited when I added an end of year marathon (Rocket City) to my calendar. I was also pretty darn happy to be joined in training by many of my Chicago training buddies. They are the ones that keep it fun! 

Training for Rocket City went very well with the exception of my final long run. My grandmother passed away peacefully and suddenly early in the week, and I knew by the end of the week I would be headed out for a long drive North towards family. My friend and Huntsville training buddy, Cristina, offered to run the 22 miler with me on Friday morning before she had to go to work and I had to get on the road. Off we went before 5am on a frigid Friday morning after staying up late packing the night before. It wasn't ideal, but I am so thankful she offered to go with me. I struggled so badly that morning. My legs felt like bricks, and by the time it was over I felt so weak. My confidence dipped, but slowly returned over the next couple of weeks as I ran some shorter distance. 

Race weekend rolled in and I felt ready: stronger and much less intimidated than I had been going into the Chicago marathon. I credit that feeling to a couple things:

1) Sticking with a good training plan and having a great running community to push and support me through it.

2) Experience. One marathon in the books eases ALOT of nerves caused by not knowing what is in store! One half iron distance tri in the books taught even more about what to expect  and how to react during endurance racing.

Friday afternoon I headed to Huntsville AL with my buddies. A couple hours later we were checked into our hotel and meeting with the rest of the Nashville crew for a pasta dinner. A friend, Meg, has family in Huntsville who not only graciously invited us into their home, but served us a Fan- Effing- Tastic meal. That hospitality set the tone for the weekend. It seems most of Huntsville is really into this event. The local race organizers did a phenomenal job on their end- no complaints there! AND I love my race shirt (pretty blue, long sleeve, with a rocket logo) so that doesn't hurt.  

Our hotel was the official race hotel, meaning the expo/packet pickup was held onsite and the start/finish line was on the street outside the front door!!! Logistically, it was a breeze compared to Chicago. Our Saturday morning start time of 8 am (outside our front door!) allowed for a little more sleep than normal, than plenty of time to get up and prep. Obviously, our first priority as a group was to don our East Nasty gear and take a group holiday photo pre- race. SUCCESS.

Temps were warmer than expected, but it never got really hot so I was happy in that arena. My buddies and I decided to follow behind the 4:10 pace group (meaning- there is a leader who will keep the correct pace to achieve a 4 hour and 10 minute finish time; runners with this time goal can follow along). We wanted to keep the 4:10 pacer in site, but not necessarily stay right with them. That type of pace intimidated me; the closest I'd come to naming a time goal was "I think I can do 4:30". Soon enough the gun went off, and our relatively tiny crowd of 1,200 runners surged across the start line. 

I summoned my confidence and made the decision to change some of my marathon strategies based off previous experience. At Chicago, I had been so afraid to expend any extra energy that I basically ignored the crowds, didn't cheer back at spectators, or talk to any other runners. Wow, was I bored by mile 9. I did those things out of fear and anxiety, and it was not a fun race. At all. I was bored and mentally struggling at only half way through. My half iron tri taught me that giving myself over to experience makes endurance racing a much more positive experience. Embracing these adventures in their entirety, acknowledging that I do them because I love the challenge and enjoy other people who share that crazy drive has shifted my approach to racing. 

So there I am racing in Huntsville. Exploring the new scenery. Talking to my current running buddies and meeting new ones (CARRIE- I 'm looking forward to doing B2B with you, hahaha). Cheering back to the folks who cheered for me- which was alot, I must say. The neighborhoods, the schools, the community athletic groups, our friends, and plenty of random people were all through the course supporting the runners. The vibe was great, so I thought "why not feed off it." Instead of thinking "don't cheer back at them, you'll waste energy" I went with a "let's cheer together and build more energy" approach. I think I'll stick with this approach from here on out, because the first 20 miles of the course felt great- FUN almost! 

Huntsvillians seemed really into "Worst Parade Ever"as sign theme, but I 'm gonna say my brother, Seth should win a prize for best poster and spirit. I'm mean he did get into the local newspaper and all! And then front page of Reddit.com the next day.

The last 2 miles were when the pain set in. My stomach got a little queasy and then continued to get worse so I dropped my pace down quite a bit, let my stomach settle and sprinted in the last quarter mile with the aid of the ever encouraging Daniel H. 

I found my friends, found a patch of grass, and started pounding Gatorade. Here are my final results:

476 Sarah Shearer 35 Nashville TN 4:14:18

OVER 30 MINUTES SHAVED OFF MY CHICAGO TIME!!!!

I could hardly believe it! I'm still so proud and happy just thinking of it. My hope is that we all find that for ourselves- no matter what outlet (sports related or not) it comes through.

Recovery commenced, with the highlight being an "ice bath" in the outdoor pool.  It went from being just me, with Seth keeping me company here:

To a full fledged pool party in December attended by several of my cutie pie friends here:

I did have to warm my self with a hairdryer in the hotel room to regulate my body temp, but the pool was pretty effective in it's purpose- my soreness was gone by today (3rd day post race) and I feel great! I also recovered with great post race snacks and hydration provided by the marathon- the race organizers did a great job with that aspect, also. Mexican for dinner with the group followed by a lil shopping at H& M (Yes, Huntsville has an H& M! No, it is not fair.) rounded out an awesome race day and all around great weekend!

I'd highly recommend the Rocket City Marathon to anyone considering it, and hope to return to it again in a year or two! Oh, and here are more pics if you're interested.

Weblovin'

 Recently, I've been the recipient of some pretty swell web lovin. Friend and writer, Chuck Beard, posted an entry on his sweet blog :

 "The Marriage Behind Art & Music"

It had some really encouraging words for me, and also, for my hubs who is an artist of the musical variety. I am so proud of what he does and inspired by how hard he works. He is so dedicated to music, I love it. Check out his band, Eastern Block and see what you think!

Also, I was recently quite flattered/ecstatic to be featured as "East Nasty of the Week" on my running group's website. I love the write up, which was done by Rod Jones. It included an image of a pet portrait I did of which happened to be my favorite East C.A.N. rescue dog, Shorty. It also included a wedding picture (of me as a blonde); Jon and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary this month!

Late February Fog

erikhenne

I am in such a funk these days. I feel this picture is a good analogy for how I am functioning. Winter is dragging on, and S.A.D. is taking it's toll. Most days when I get out of the day job, I just want to go home and get in bed. The thought of working in the studio seems so far away, an impossibility almost. My creativity, energy, and motivation are at a low point.

The best remedy I have found so far for this winter depression is activity. I set a goal which I will need to follow a structured training plan for, and then I rely on friends to keep me going. This spring I chose the Country Music Full Marathon as my goal. It will be my first full marathon- 26.2 miles throughout the rolling streets of Nashvegas on April 30.

I began training having painful  I.T. Band issues, but with a little physical therapy and lots of hip/ core strengthening exercises, I am back. I am thankful for my good health. Last weekend I ran 15 miles- the furthest I've ever run!

I am also thankful for my running group, East Nasty, and the great friends I have met through it. Recently, I have been inspired by a new runner, Roy, who decided he was ready to get healthy and took on the challenge of running the Tomato Fest 5k this past summer. After successfully completing that, he decided to train for the Country Music Half Marathon. At the end of a run last week, Roy suffered a heart attack. Thankfully kind people and capable medics were able to save him and no permanent damage was done.Years of unhealthy diet and exercise habits result often result in clogged arteries; heart diseases is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for men and women. Heart health is one of the great benefits of running, and I'm glad Roy started running when he did so that he had a stronger heart to get him through when he suffered the heart attack. He is recovering quickly and plans to continue training. What a great reminder of how important it really is to take care of our bodies, to eat and exercise so that health problems such as heart disease are not an impending fear.

To positive changes, to Roy, and to running- it's never too late to make a difference!

1hour.56minutes.24seconds.

This morning I ran my third 1/2 marathon, but it was the first one I've ever raced. Like- set a time goal, wrote my mile splits on my arm with a sharpie, pushed myself past my comfort zone, raced. It was a gorgeous morning for the Nashville 1/2 Marathon, an I Run For the Party event, to take 1200 runners through downtown's riverfront, along the sunny greenway, out to metrocenter, and back.

The glorious weather calmed my nerves, as did seeing so many other East Nasties out on the course. East Nasties are the best, seriously. Supportive, encouraging, knowledgeable- everything a girl who's never really considered herself a "real runner" could ask for in a running group.

So, the best news is that I met and exceeded my goal- which was to finish in under 2 hours. My official time was 1.56.24- YEAHHHHHHH, THAT'S RIGHT!!!

Then, I went home and took an ice bath-yikes. YES it is entirely as bad as it sounds, but it does prevent aches and pains.

A friend commented this afternoon about how important being mentally committed is to this kind of thing, how powerfully your mind can tell your body what to do. Or not do. All my life I've told myself "I'm a slow runner", and I was until I told myself I wanted something different.

Bourbon Chase Relay

Last weekend I participated in a crazy awesome event called the Bourbon Chase Relay. As I did when invited to join my team of friends in the race, you may ask:

WHAT? 

The Bourbon Chase is a unique, overnight relay adventure in which teams of runners cover 200 miles of scenic byways along the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Participants will experience the best of Kentucky. Starting near Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, and wrapping up with a festive finish in downtown Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World, The Bourbon Chase will treat runners to gorgeous horse farms and the rolling Bluegrass countryside.

And, as the event name implies, the featured attraction of the race will be the Kentucky Bourbon Trail which links the state's legendary distilleries.

And also:

HOW? 

Teams are made up of 6 or 12 person teams. Each member of the team will run three legs over distances varying from 3 – 7 miles. Each team will provide two support vans to drop off and pick up runners at designated exchange points along the 200-mile route. So, you don't have to be a world-class runner. From casual joggers to serious racers, this event is great fun for everyone.

I'll attempt even further explanation:

Our team, "East Nasty for Life!", consisted of 12 valiant men and women. Upon checking in at the starting line, we split into 2 groups -of 6 runners each- which would for the rest of the weekend be known as "Van 1" and "Van 2". 

Van 1 kicks off the race with their runners one by one completing the first 6 legs of the 200 mile adventure. Their first runner starts, then they drive to the end of leg 1, let the second runner warm up, and look for runner one to arrive. This process repeats all the way to runner 6. Van 2 drives on to the spot where the last runner (#6) of Van 1 arrives and hands off the relay wristband. Then Van 2's runners one by one complete the next six legs, at which point the relay wristband is handed off to Van 1's first runner and cycle repeats itself two more times. Each runner completes three legs (each leg averaging around 5-6 miles) of the journey, as the team cycles through all the runners non -stop until the finish line is crossed.

Add in extreme exhaustion, and you get the idea!

Admirationfest

It's all around me. Be it artists, athletes, or animal rescuers-I have been blessed with meeting incredibly inspiring people. I admire how intentionally they choose to live; to act on the big ideas they have and be willing to be inconvenienced. It is so beautiful to see someone chose that over comfortability.

For instance, last night at East Nasty- the most awesome running club EVER- our usual route was postponed in favor of the Gumpathon. The Gumpathon is this: 6 men running across the country (3530 miles) for eight weeks, raising money for injures servicemen and women. Wow. It was an honor to support them as a group and join them for a tiny portion of their epic run.

Crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland river, we ran into downtown Nashville together.

Cadillac Ranch on Broadway hosted a fundraising concert for the Gumpathoners. At this point they are over 1000 miles into their journey from New York to Santa Monica. They are crossing 16 states, which will cover 10 mountain ranges and 3 deserts. What a choice to make. What a courageous heart you would need.

Speaking of brave people with big hearts, East C.A.N., works tirelessly to rescue, vet, foster, and adopt abandoned animals into loving homes. Do you love dogs, but don't have time or space to have one of your own? Contact these guys to take a pup to the park or for a walk; even just a little help goes a long way to support what these dedicated people are doing. Do you want to adopt a dog? Come meet a canine buddy every Wednesday at 6:00pm at 11th and Holly in east Nashville before the run. Also, see their webpage.

Since I biked to East Nasty last night, I didn't have one of my dogs with me. Don't tell Seamus and Aka, but I met the CUTEST little red pit named Penny and I took her with me for the run. I have another favorite, too; his name is Shorty. If I had any more money, space, or time, Shorty would be coming home with me!

SO, all that to say last night, this past Sunday morning, everyday really, I 'm having an admirationfest (it's a new word) for the people I meet who choose to accept challenges and struggle to aid others; they make our world a beautiful place.

Last but not least, I'm inspired by artists like Eric, who is biking cross country for a year, and drawing the entire adventure. It's not to make or raise money, it's simply to see. To put himself out of his social, economic, and geographical bubble and really see what other people living then, and as artists do, communicate it through their work.

Time for me to get out there!

Only 6 Days? Really?

Only 6 days till the Country Music Half Marathon- come cheer me on if you're around next Saturday morning! When I started training for this in January I would have told you I would be relieved when it was over. Oddly enough, I am getting anxious about the fact that in less than a week it will be over.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME? Was not expecting this- especially after a kinda rough kick off in January. I 've just felt good lately(about running, about making new friends while running,etc), and I don't want to feel like it's gonna wind down after this race. So, I have decided to wind things UP a notch. Running will continue( thanks East Nasties for always being there), and various adventures will ensue. This is in the very near future!