Category Archives: marathon

My 5th Marathon – what a day in Columbus!

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This day began in the wee hours of the morning. Though not completely foreign to this body, I found myself anticipating the events of the day.  As only experience can share, training leads me to today, but it’s not a complete guarantee of running through my “best day”.  If it happens, complete gratitude, because as I’ve learned, the body can be unpredictable.

At 5:30 am, I drove to my dear friend Amanda’s home, a short quarter mile away.  I ran my first Columbus Marathon with her 5 years ago, 5 years later, we’re traveling together to my fifth marathon.  Oh the stories the years could tell.  We met yet another friend, and it was smooth sailing all the way to the parking garage.  We arrived on time and decided to chat a bit longer in the warm car before heading to the starting corrals.  As we began to walk towards the stairs, I hear my name being called.  Of all the 20,000 participants of the day, we just so happened to park across from my brother and his lovely wife!  Explain that!

Now a peppy group of five, we headed to the start, along with thousands of others.  It was a beautiful sunrise, we heard a warming rendition of the National Anthem, heard the sound of a cannon, and witnessed a visual sight of fireworks.  While waiting, we spoke with a gentleman that is 77 years old.  He will soon be finishing his 50th race!  He was witty, he was genuine, he was fascinatingly real, and he was encouraging – such a hopeful glimpse of the years to come and the celebration of health and life.

Soon the gun sounded, and off we went… about 5 minutes later.  What can you do?  Lots of people, does mean some waiting :)   This is the exciting part – spectators cheering, searching for their loved ones, the rise of warm breath in the air, the sound of feet pounding, and music pouring though ear buds.  This is the celebration of the training.

Not too far into the miles, I happened to glance over and see my sister-in-law – fun!  We ran together for a few miles before parting at a water stop.  Ahead I noticed another friend, this time a Mom from gymnastics, we exchanged a nod and a few words.  Up ahead at mile 7, I anticipated high-fiving my buddy Toby, one of the patient champions represented all throughout the course.  I ended up on the opposite side of the street, yet I took a moment to pray for this brave child, undergoing yet another surgery tomorrow.  Soon after that, I thought about my students who so kindly created supportive signs for the hallway outside my classroom.  A friend from high school had commented on facebook.  I’m not sure why, but I glance behind me to my left, and there she was!   We exchanged a side-hug, a few words, and parted ways.

Not much farther ahead, we reached a water stop, and my friend Kathy so kindly handed me a much needed cup of water.  Soon it was mile 10, so far so good!  Only three to go and I’d hit the half-way mark!  Well, I got “hit” alright.  Pain.  Lower Back.  Not so good.  This has happened on and off in training, I knew it was a possibility, and here is was.  16 more miles to go.  What’s a girl to do?  Take some Advil, and grab some water at mile 12!

To attempt to describe the situation with words is a bit complicated, best I can say is that I went to “that other place.”  It’s a separation of sorts.  You mentally detach from the body.  Call it distraction, call it choice, but it’s a state where I can be fully aware that pain is racking my body, yet mentally I choose other thoughts.  It’s part of the reason why someone can “look like” they haven’t run 26 miles.  This is a learned skill.  It’s practiced in training.  You understand the truth a bit clearer.  The truth is you’re not dying.  The truth is your body is temporarily in pain from induced stress.  You recognize different types of pain, and your behavior responds accordingly.  In this case, I chose to continue to take in the sights and sounds.

Every mile marker, a child champion was celebrated.  I thought about the bravery of those children whose race lasts a lifetime, not just four hours.  I thought about the “angels” and hundreds of supporters who donned t-shirts, raised signs and tents, and created an atmosphere of support.  I became intentional about thanking those who took their morning to extend a hand in support of my hydration every mile, for those who called out my name designated on my bib, and over the loudspeaker.  I appreciated a fellow Ironman champion friend who was experiencing her own pain, yet yelled in support of all those around her, I even heard my name yelled from a passing car as friend drove by (what timing?!)

At mile 17 we ran around the shoe, and then through the shoe!  People lined the bleachers, all in support of those who said yes to a silly race over 4 months prior.  Bands played, college students and athletes were present, I can say I never felt alone.  And then I was nearing mile 20, my heart was gearing up for this.  You see, a large part of my heart would be waiting there, and I needed to see them almost more than I needed my next breath.  They understand when “Mommy is going for a run”, they make me pasta dinners the night before, and come shoe shopping with me, and wait for my return on a Saturday morning before heading to our family activities.  They love to come to my events as much as I love attending theirs.  And there they were…

  And in those hugs, I felt refueled.  I had six more miles to go.  And the countdown began.  There’s a moment when you believe, in the midst of muscle tightness, heavy legs, and depleted energy, that you will not only finish, but you will finish well… I wasn’t quite there yet, but I would be, very soon.

And then the Lord sent another friend, he ran beside me in jeans, carrying a chair over his shoulder, and then a water stop could be seen ahead, and then I saw a pink shirt.  The shirt of my friend Amanda.  And we ran together for a mile, and we separated at a water stop, and then it was mile 25.  One more to go.  All mental at this point.  There’s an uphill, and it’s literally a chant in your head – almost there, almost there – and then I see a sign – “You are no longer a runner, you are a marathoner”.  And I gasp.  It’s truth.  The sheer statement of an accomplishment within a short grasp.  And I set my sights – one more stretch, one more turn, one more orange sign, around the corner, and a short .2 mile downhill finish.

And the crowd is thick, and the noise literally lifts you up, and I glance to the right and see my Dad waving.  I’ve never seen my parents at the finish before today, it’s usually a blur.  And I receive another gift.  And I cross the finish line.  And I see my friend Amanda.  And we embrace in emotion.  We both ran with pain.  We didn’t even need to say it, we knew it.  And we rejoiced in our finish time, in spite of pain.  I never thought I would break the four hour mark again (3:58.19).  And we thank the Lord who gives us the reason to run in the first place.  And we take a picture to remember.  And we celebrate with family.  And we share through social-media.  And we take a nap.  And we remember… for it is in those times that we reach the complete end of ourselves, that we remember the One who gives us life.  Life to be celebrated!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

He carried me, 26.2 miles!

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I said it before, I’ll say it again – it was a great day for a race!  Perfect weather conditions, great playlist (thanks my music-lovin husband), such a joy to “do this” together.  Before I continue, have to give props to the ones who made this even possible for us.  Our dear friends the Wojnarowski’s were kind enough to keep the girls for a sleepover last night, as well as the Richardson’s in welcoming our son for the night.  I think they all looked forward to their night out more than we anticipated our race!  Or perhaps they were thrilled that Mommy actually went to bed before they did!  Thanks also to Rachel who traveled downtown with all the “girls” to be there for the finish.  I can’t tell you how uplifting it was to see all their beaming faces as they celebrated in the success of the race.  Love ya!

Secondly, I simply wanted to thank all those who emailed, send texts, and even tweets to tell me of their thoughts and prayers beforehand, overwhelming.  AND, thanks to “tweetmytime”, friends and family even tracked my progress throughout the race by following twitter and facebook.  Thanks for all the “congrats” that were send!  Around mile 6, I promised the Lord that I would share this story of today and bring glory to His name.  My thought was – give credit where credit is due.  Truth is none of this would have been accomplished without Him.  I found a new sense of dedication and commitment to Him throughout this training, and it was such a blessing to simply carry out the plan to fruition.

Aaron took some video today of our adventure with His marvelous all in one iPhone.  You’ll want to check out his site to view it!  His idea was to capture the event for Phip Brabbs at cancerkicker as we sported their “Dominate” shirts today in support.  As mentioned earlier, I also felt led to add something to the back.  Often times, people will indicate a reason for their running on their wardrobe, almost a walking inspiration board if you will.  Well, early on in my training, I found myself repeating a song in my head.  I’ve been able to run, not only this race, but this race of life with some new freedoms, thus the song was a great theme for me.  I decided to write the chorus, but I also wanted to run “in memory” today.  My dear friend Amanda, who ran this race with me twice before, couldn’t race today.  I thought of her often, and it helped me focus even more.  Love you my friend!

Finally, I wanted to share about God’s timing.  Because God and I trained alone for this one, I had a feeling the race would be similar.  Aaron and I started together, yet each had a different purpose today.  God also had brought along another friend on this journey, Denise.  On Sundays, we found ourselves ”checkin in” to see how the week went, to share some encouragement for the hard days, and to celebrate in the good ones.  Today, we didn’t start together, but I did meet up with her at mile 10.  Of all the 15,00 runners today, He had a plan for us to meet.  It was great, it was short, and then we separated.  Mile 25, I feel this tap on shoulder.  God had brought us together again, for such a times as this.  What an amazing encouragement for me as my energy was long gone.  She literally helped carry me all the way to the finish as we crossed the line together and hugged in sheer amazement.  Our time was a personal record for each of us by a considerable amount.  He not only saw us through, but chose to bless us beyond what we could ask for or imagine!

What a joy to finish!  What an astounding feat that is when you remember  just how exhaustible your body truly becomes.  I was literally DONE at mile 22, don’t ask me how I finished those last four!  Somehow, you find your body taking one more step, and then one more, and then someone encourages you from the “sideline”, and then kind volunteers offer you water, and then a downhill comes up, and then a friend runs along beside you.  Just as in life, we are called to keep our eyes on the “prize”, and to run in such a way as to get that prize (I Cor. 9:24), storing up our treasures in heaven…how easily we forget.  Thanks again to our friends the Wojnarowski’s who so graciously welcomed us into their home for some good eats, and to my husband who firmly reminded me to rest this evening as we enjoyed some family time.  Thanks for being my biggest cheerleader, I love you!

My God is so gracious!

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This evening, my husband, my oldest, and my youngest piled into our new Honda van and headed down to the Columbus Convention Center (lil Emma was workin hard at gymnastics).  It’s a place we’ve frequented several times now as our running journeys continue.  Our goal – to pick up our packets and bibs in preparation for the big race early Sunday morning.  A seemingly ordinary event, yet God poured down His extraordinary measure for us.  I’m bursting to share, thanks so much for indulging!

As we arrived, we began to check out the vendors, ogled at all the “new stuff”, laughed at the T-shirt phrases, and scooped up all the free-bees (Aaron twittering it all!). I glanced to my right, and there was my friend Denise!  We had left messages earlier in the day, and there she was!  Such a pleasure to share in the excitement.  We both noted on a little, yet, important-to-us item, a poster.  We had received them in previous years, but couldn’t seem to locate them.  Then we learned that it was not included in the items this year, bummer.  She said our goodbyes, and Aaron and I grabbed some power-gel packs for the race (good stuff I tell ya!)  As we rounded the corner, Brynn noticed a man offering face-painting.  While we were waiting for her beautiful lady-bug to emerge,  a man approached us and asked if we wanted a poster.  I’m not kidding, HE walked up to US and gave me not 1, but 2 – for free!  Little did he know…

THEN, we walked a little farther and noticed another table.  They were selling shirts from previous years… cheap.  As we looked at the shirts, we noticed some medals as well.  The kids each chose one, and a bright blue one caught my eye.  This past May, a precious young lady was nearing the finish of her year-long stay with us and decided to run the half marathon.  She didn’t have a chance to finish.  Instantly, I just knew God was asking me to give her my medal, and I did.  It was that simple.  I had plenty, she had none.  There, sitting at this table was the exact same medal, just staring back at me.  The woman behind the table said, “Would you like this one?”  Again, I’m not kidding!  God so graciously gave me back the medal!  Unbelievable…

  THEN, as we turned to make our way out, God brought to mind by new friend Stacy.  We also had talked about meeting there and grabbing the opportunity to meet one another’s family.  I quickly sent her a text, and in a moment I received a reply, “We’re just arriving, heading down the concourse.”  Sure enough, as we left the convention room and headed out into the hall, there she was, heading straight for us with a beautiful lady that just had to be her Mom.  The kids and Aaron had a chance to say “hi”, she so graciously shared cards with them of her first marathon race in NYC, compliments of Athletes in Action, and we embraced a connection that only the Lord can orchestrate.  She is such an inspiration to me, such a light for Christ.  As you have a moment, click her name and read her story, you will be  blessed.

 Well, needless to say, that was an event.  We finished the evening by enjoying some dinner downtown.  Due to the Blue Jackets home opener, we headed North and decided upon a restaurant that Eddie George owns.  It was fun, it was delicious, it was perfect.

Aaron and I have a wonderful opportunity to become the “cheerleaders” for each of our precious children as they participate in the “Red Nose” race for children tomorrow.  I greatly anticipate the course He has set out for each of us, and revel in the opportunity to simply run for Him and with Him (I just added to my shirt tonight, pictures to come!)  Continue to pray for my friend Amanda as she rests and prepares for surgery on Wednesday… this one if for you my friend!  Enjoy a great weekend!

A race to remember…

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Last Friday, I popped in for a few minutes between several different school activities, and Aaron greeted me with “that look”. Uhhhh-o, I thought. “Heather, what do you think about me running a marathon on Sunday with my sister?” My response – “Uhhhhh, noooo!” (Sadly, not the best wife moment). Seeing the deflated body language was evidence enough. As I began to “explain” my reaction – the training required, my protective nature, the ramifications on his body :) , I could tell this response wasn’t what he had expected.

Off I went to help out with the preschool Field day that afternoon. Not sure if it was the combination of amazingly beautiful weather, the chance to jump on an inflatable with darling 3-5 year olds for two hours, or simply too much sun, but I began to sing a different tune. If I had my cell phone on me at the time I would have called right there, but instead, I needed to wait. I was so filled with joy about the chance to pour some encouragement and life into my husband (a very privileged role reserved just for us wives!) I was elated to share of my excitement in encouraging him to call, register, and simply go-for-it, why not. He had trained well and experienced a half-marathon race not to long ago, worse case he would need to walk for part of it – but He would finish! I just knew it! This was a prayer answered, I had been talking to God about my reaction, so I knew this was from Him. AND, not only did I have a peace about this decision, I too felt like he was opening up an opportunity for us to experience this together. Amazing!

With plans we previously discussed with my parents (who still live in the house where I grew up in Cleveland), what began with thoughts of ways we could support Aaron’s sister Tina as she trained for this race diligently, one thing led to anther, and there were were, 7am Sunday morning, sharing the experience together.

Some special highlights of the day:

  • Hearing “Cleveland Rocks” as the buzzer sounded at the start of the race.

  • Cool weather, beautiful skies, wonderful views of Lake Erie

  • Being separated from Aaron for a short bit, only to reverse and run against the crowd so I could find Him again, being apart was just unthinkable.

  • As we headed over an inclined bride, hearing the words, “Have I told you I love you today?”

  • Hearing random tunes being belted out by my husband, “All you single ladies…”

  • Cheering crowds, one group chanting, “You, you got what I need….”

  • Feeling the fatigue at mile 18… only to realize there were still 8 miles to go… hearing the amazing encouragement of my rookie husband!

  • Starting to believe we would actually survive the last 3 miles, amazed that he can still make me laugh through it all (including 3 child labors)

  • Heading down the homestretch, envisioning the smiles and cheers of our 3 precious treasures, my parents, and my sister Lindsey.

  • Crossing the finish line, holding hands, being announced as the “happy couple”

Overriding theme of the day – God is so good. He defies human logic. He gave me a peace about the decision, and a joy through all the pain. He allowed me to experience this with my best friend. He sustained me. He gave us strength. To Him be the glory. It can’t be explained any other way. Aaron and I talked about it the entire 2 hour ride home, and we’re still reflecting on it 2 days later. Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Now off to take some more advil…

What a God-Day!

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Simply an amazing race today! As we heard the horn that started the race at 7:30 am this morning, it was still dark, but soon the sun (Son) was shining over the entire morning. We actually started out a bit further back due to the sheer number of runners today (11,500), in fact it took us 9 minutes just to get to the start line for our time to begin, but because of this, we became intentional about zigging and zagging and working our way up to a comfortable pace. At the 13 mile mark, we realized just how fast the Lord allowed our pace to become (Yikes!) To put it this way, our time was faster than any 1/2 marathon time I’ve run as a race in itself! Whew!

Well, we felt so good that we decided to keep pluggin away, enjoying the sights and sounds of some great music and supporters lining the streets for pretty much the entire way. As we made our way up to mile 17, I started to notice how our pace was affecting my hamstring muscles. In other words, they were screaming… OUCH! In my attempt to willfully persue our amazing pace, I decided to press on, taking one mile at a time. I also found myself praying, “Lord, would you mind taking this pain away? I would really love to continue to endure for you in this way today? How bout it?” Know what he did? He answered, about mile 19 I could feel the affects melting away. I was simply so thankful, to run with less pain is SO less taxing on you mentally. I have to admit that I really wasn’t expecting an answer, but that he chose to answer it just touched me so deeply. Why do we doubt?

As we popped some advil at our next water station, I could no longer deny what else was transpiring in my body. My old high school injury began to start naggin – shin splints. I’ve had them before, yet this time, the pain ran down to my ankles and I noticed my toes and arches were numb and/or tingling. What to do? Can’t really tell you how, but there came a moment when I just knew that I needed to attend to this matter and simply encouraged Amanda to keep going as I pulled over to stretch. (She, by the way, finished in an amazing time – so proud of her!) Several people actually asked if I was okay, so touched how the “running body” looks out for one another. I stretched, felt my muscles loosen, and was re-energized to start again. That was until I took that first step – ouch.

Over the next 6 miles, the Lord gave me such a peace and calmness about his good and perfect plan for me in the last part of this amazing event. I had a goal time, yet he allowed me to see the importance of letting my plan go and simply trusting. I know that if I pushed my body past it’s limits of the moment, recovering and/or injury could have been long and hard. Instead, I simply enjoyed my time with him, I enjoyed the race. His creation seemed that much more brilliant, the faces and stories of his children running by was that much more evident, his strength that carried me through when mine was gone was unbelievable. He simply allowed me to finish, AND I crossed the line with my fastest time yet – His complete miracle.

I can’t say thank you enough for those people who followed his leading with prayer this morning, I felt each and every one of them. I can’t thank my family and my husband enough for their amazing encouragement and sacrifice in watching this journey unfold. If I can encourage you today, know that you are running a marathon of your own today. Through it may look different than mine, it’s a marathon through a through. If you have small children, if you are asked to serve a loved one, if you have a physical struggle, if you are a single parent, if you are working two jobs, juggling school, or simply walking a lonely road today, God is asked you to look to him. Look to him for strength, for guidance, for comfort, and for peace. This is not something the world can offer. Your Father in Heaven longs to run with you today. Will you ask? Have a wonderful day!

What a God-Day!

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Simply an amazing race today! As we heard the horn that started the race at 7:30 am this morning, it was still dark, but soon the sun (Son) was shining over the entire morning. We actually started out a bit further back due to the sheer number of runners today (11,500), in fact it took us 9 minutes just to get to the start line for our time to begin, but because of this, we became intentional about zigging and zagging and working our way up to a comfortable pace. At the 13 mile mark, we realized just how fast the Lord allowed our pace to become (Yikes!) To put it this way, our time was faster than any 1/2 marathon time I’ve run as a race in itself! Whew!

Well, we felt so good that we decided to keep pluggin away, enjoying the sights and sounds of some great music and supporters lining the streets for pretty much the entire way. As we made our way up to mile 17, I started to notice how our pace was affecting my hamstring muscles. In other words, they were screaming… OUCH! In my attempt to willfully persue our amazing pace, I decided to press on, taking one mile at a time. I also found myself praying, “Lord, would you mind taking this pain away? I would really love to continue to endure for you in this way today? How bout it?” Know what he did? He answered, about mile 19 I could feel the affects melting away. I was simply so thankful, to run with less pain is SO less taxing on you mentally. I have to admit that I really wasn’t expecting an answer, but that he chose to answer it just touched me so deeply. Why do we doubt?

As we popped some advil at our next water station, I could no longer deny what else was transpiring in my body. My old high school injury began to start naggin – shin splints. I’ve had them before, yet this time, the pain ran down to my ankles and I noticed my toes and arches were numb and/or tingling. What to do? Can’t really tell you how, but there came a moment when I just knew that I needed to attend to this matter and simply encouraged Amanda to keep going as I pulled over to stretch. (She, by the way, finished in an amazing time – so proud of her!) Several people actually asked if I was okay, so touched how the “running body” looks out for one another. I stretched, felt my muscles loosen, and was re-energized to start again. That was until I took that first step – ouch.

Over the next 6 miles, the Lord gave me such a peace and calmness about his good and perfect plan for me in the last part of this amazing event. I had a goal time, yet he allowed me to see the importance of letting my plan go and simply trusting. I know that if I pushed my body past it’s limits of the moment, recovering and/or injury could have been long and hard. Instead, I simply enjoyed my time with him, I enjoyed the race. His creation seemed that much more brilliant, the faces and stories of his children running by was that much more evident, his strength that carried me through when mine was gone was unbelievable. He simply allowed me to finish, AND I crossed the line with my fastest time yet – His complete miracle.

I can’t say thank you enough for those people who followed his leading with prayer this morning, I felt each and every one of them. I can’t thank my family and my husband enough for their amazing encouragement and sacrifice in watching this journey unfold. If I can encourage you today, know that you are running a marathon of your own today. Through it may look different than mine, it’s a marathon through a through. If you have small children, if you are asked to serve a loved one, if you have a physical struggle, if you are a single parent, if you are working two jobs, juggling school, or simply walking a lonely road today, God is asked you to look to him. Look to him for strength, for guidance, for comfort, and for peace. This is not something the world can offer. Your Father in Heaven longs to run with you today. Will you ask? Have a wonderful day!