Expect the unexpected

27 May, 2018, 2 comments

After months and months of training and preparing for my first and shortly after second marathon, I've learned a lot. Most importantly, I did it & I loved it. Was it challenging? Absolutely. 26.2 miles will test the limits of your mental and physical capabilities in ways that you can only fully appreciate once it is over. Everyone thought I was crazy for doing two marathons so close together, but I just said this the other day, I fully believe in Lynn's approach on this. The first race was my "training run" and the second race was the real race!

My first marathon was in Big Sur, CA on April 29. Prior to that race 20 miles was my longest distance. Just like I had before my first half marathon, I ended up with a case of tendinitis in my right knee. This forced me to taper a few weeks ahead of schedule, but I needed to take it easy so I could ensure I'd at least by able to run the full race. Thankfully by race day I was feeling much better and did not need the brace I had been wearing.

I had signed up for Big Sur in April of 2017, so I had a long time prior to study the course and become familiarized with what I needed to do from a training perspective, but as I've learned over the years, there is no substitute for actually running the course. The elevation maps never give an accurate depiction of what you can expect to encounter on the course. Case in point, Hurricane Point. This was definitely called out as the big uphill of the course (500ft+ elevation gain), but it's grossly understated. If someone would have told me to prepare for 2 miles of uphill (miles 10-12), starting the ascent at literally the lowest point of the course to the highest I would have done much more rigorous hill training. No one said anything about the Carmel Highlands, miles 22-24, until I was at the race expo. This final stretch of the race included cambered roads that were also rolling hills. These sections really hit me hard mentally and physically.

Despite these challenging parts of the race, the views I saw more than made up for any disappointment I had with those other sections. I was last in Big Sur 10 years earlier and absolutely fell in love with it, so to be back and running through it was beyond anything I could ever put into words. It's the kind of beauty that can bring tears to your eyes because you can't comprehend any other way to react. From the Redwood forests, to the endless deep clear blue ocean waves crashing along the shore, it was sheer bliss to drink it all in over the 5 and a half hours it took me to complete the course.

I felt very grateful for having had the opportunity to participate in this race with Runner's World through their VIP program. I found out the day before the race, this was the last year they were offering the program and that made it even more special. It was well worth the extra money paid to be a VIP. We got custom Asic's backpacks with our names on them, heated buses to the start, our own heated start tent with food and dedicated bathrooms and a dedicated finisher's tent that included a reserved set of massage therapists. In a large race like Big Sur, hands down this was worth every penny. I do hope that Big Sur or Runner's World will offer this again in the future for other races.

Pics from Big Sur Race and my trip to Monterey in the surrounding areas

My second marathon was on May 20, 2018. It took place in Sugarloaf, ME. The reason I was running this had to do with my coach. Lynn Gray was planning for this to be her final marathon. It's the reason she trained with me and my friend Kevin McDonald was doing this as his first marathon. Clearly committing to running a second marathon before I had even run one was a gamble, but I thought it made sense and I knew I'd be trained. As time went on in our training months, Lynn would often tell me that Big Sur was my training run for Sugarloaf. I got what she meant. I knew I wouldn't run the full distance until I was in Big Sur, but I didn't really get what it all meant until I actually did it.

Unfortunately one week prior to this marathon Lynn fell and fractured her hip, so she dropped out of the race and so did a few others from our group who were planned to attend. As upsetting as this was, I knew we needed to carry on and run in Lynn's honor. Lynn was very happy to see us push on and represent the club.

This race was vastly different from Big Sur. It was a real runner's race. We saw so many people with Boston jackets on as many were coming out in hopes of getting a BQ! It was an unusual day. We were not able to get a clear read on what the weather was going to be. High chances for rain and cool conditions was what we prepared for. Despite the forecasted rain chances, we were lucky to not have rain the entire time. It did help to keep us cool during the entire marathon, so that was a positive.

For this race, I decided I would not take any pictures. I really wanted to shave off a lot of time in the race to get closer to my goal of 5 hours. Little did I know that some things would happen at the end of the race that pushed me to go even faster. First off I fully expected to be the last person in my group to make it to the finish. This is how I went into the race, so when I got to mile 22 and saw my friends I was shocked. I hadn't seen them the entire race. Kevin was just ahead of me doing a combination of walking and running - I knew something was off. When I finally caught up to him he shared with me that both his legs had started cramping mid way into the race. He was calm about it and kept pushing on. He told me to go ahead. Next I came up by Jessica and Jen, they had started the race an hour early as they planned to do a walk run combo throughout the entire race. Despite that, I still never expected to see them until the finish. Jessica yelled at me to go for it. She said you are so close, you can make your goal. Before I could even think I had picked up the pace running as fast as my feet could muster in those final miles. I finished the race in 5 hours and 15 minutes, this was 21 minutes faster than my time from Big Sur. Without that encouragement right there at the end I am not sure if I would have had such a huge time gain.

I am beyond grateful for everyone who supported me and know now that you always have to expect the unexpected in the marathon distance. Sometimes it can bring you challenges and other times it can bring you joy -- either way -- there is more inside of you that you can pull from to push there. This is the epitome of what I adore about running. Perseverance!

Kevin really captured the spirit of perseverance on this day, pushing on with cramped legs for the 2nd half of the race. I don't know how he did it, but I do know this says a lot about his character to never give up, while it may not be the result he expected to end up with on race day, he kept on going and to me that is so much more meaningful than any time clock will ever capture. In all, these were two amazing races that have shown me once again that I am capable of so much more than I ever knew. Through the training process too, my friendships with both Lynn and Kevin were taken to a new level. I feel so fortunate and grateful to be part of such a great running club. This is my running family!

New year, new destinations!

1 Jan, 2018, No comments

The first of the year is always a time of reflection and looking forward at the same time. It's an important activity we each participate in that allows us to take stock of what we've accomplished and lay out the plans for how we will achieve our next set of goals. I've filled up our 2018 calendar with tons of beautiful races that are close to home and some that are true destinations. My personal calendar is already planned all the way through September. I wish I could travel more. Every time I read about a new race, it makes me excited to go. This is why I love running so much. It is the one thing that has finally captured my spirit for adventure and discovery. Please take a moment to review what I've put together - there are truly some incredible destinations listed here that I think each of you will appreciate.

Let's get out there and explore this amazing country together! Please contact me if you have any other suggestions for our list.

Happy New Year to all!
-Geena

Marathon Fever!

15 Oct, 2017, No comments

As you may know by now, I am signed up for my first full marathon to commence next April in Big Sur, California. What you may not know is that I've also signed up for the Sugarloaf Marathon in May, just 3 weeks later, in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. Honestly I have no idea if I will be able to do both, but I fully expect to be trained to do it by that point. I couldn't miss out on the opportunity to join Lynn in her 100th marathon. Wow, 100 marathons! It's quite staggering to consider the amount of miles Lynn has run up to this point. It will be a fantastic group trip. Several of us are in for the full & a few are signing up for the 15K. If you want to join us, sign up soon. This race fills up fast!

Fueling this marathon fever even further, I am planning to run in the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K and USATF 5K Championships in New York City on November 4. This race happens the day prior to the New York City Marathon. This is the shakeout run that many of the Olympians and elite athletes do the day before the race. I've never been more excited to run a 5K than I am for this one. How cool, to "run" with the Olympians! I also plan to volunteer at the NYC Marathon Expo and of course see the race in action since I will be there. Who knows, maybe I will want to run the full marathon in NYC next year too! The best part of the 5K (besides the Olympians) is the fact that the finish line is the same one as the marathon. So I only have to run 3.1 miles to cross the line!

Ready for cooler temps?

17 Sep, 2017, No comments

Summer never seems to end once it really starts up, but there is a way to run in cooler temperatures. This is where traveling for races comes into play. We just returned from Tennessee for the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and I was astonished to be feeling temps as cool as 50 degrees. During the race, we didn't get out of the 60s. It was phenomenal. Our next destination trip is coming up in late October in Essex CT for the Steam Train Half Marathon, where I am sure we'll experience more beautiful fall weather.

Proof is in our picture, this was taken on Sept 9 just before the start of our race. Check out our jackets! I kept mine on until around mile 2. 50's-60's is really ideal running weather for me anyways ;-)

If you are staying here and want to cool off, Lynn has gotten us hooked on ice water stops throughout our long runs. If you plan ahead this is a great way to keep cool for distance running. Lynn suggests putting your water jugs into the freezer around 8:30 or 9 pm the night before. If possible have ice water available every 3 miles or so. We like to pour it down our backs or on our heads. Yes you may shriek because its freezing, but it's really the best & fastest way to cool the core temperature down. Here's to hoping cooler temps are on the way for us sooner rather than later!

They say to dream BIG....

17 Jul, 2017, No comments

Well I did and now it's real. I am officially registered for the Big Sur International Marathon, which takes place on April 29, 2018. This will be my first full marathon. Maybe I have officially lost my mind or I've simply drank the Koolaid, either way, this is really happening. I will partake in my first full, while Lynn looks to complete her 100th marathon. Hey, we all have to start somewhere; don't we?! Why Big Sur you ask? Well, it is simply one of the most breathtaking places I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. Coincidentally, next year will be the 10 year anniversary of our first time there. We did the Hwy 1 drive up from LA to Monterey Bay. If you've never been, this is an absolute must trip. This was the trip that convinced me that California is my ultimate dream state. It is by far and away one of our all time favorite vacations ever. So much beauty, wildlife and we got to visit my husband's brother who is no longer with us. Needless to say, Big Sur holds a special place in my heart.

Behind us is the Bixby Bridge, which I'll be running on as we depart Big Sur - can you believe this view?!

For those who know this race, you may be wondering how I got in so quickly. It's typically a lottery drawing to get into this race. Well what I learned is if you read through everything in detail, there are ways to get in guaranteed if you play your cards right. I registered through Runner's World as part of their VIP program. It's slightly more expensive than the already outrageous cost of this race, but the value far exceeds the money they charge. They offer lots of perks, like free training, special access for VIPs, extra goodies, etc. If you are interested in joining me, check out the registration site here for the VIP entry. You'll be hearing lots more from me to come as we get closer in. Now Lynn says I just have to make 13 miles my "easy run." Haha, that should be fun, but it seems I must've had this in mind already. I have 3 half's coming up starting in September-Nov (who knows it may even end up being 4). So by the time I get through all of those, it should be easy right?! :-D

The mountains are calling and I must go...

19 Jun, 2017, No comments

The races that always stand out in my mind involve some sort of mountain scenery. As you now know, my first half was in the Rockies, CO in 2015. Last year Lynn joined me and we did a half in Grand Tetons, WY. Both races are run by the same organization - Vacation Races. All they do are races focused around our national parks. Bar none, they are a stellar race company. You cannot beat the swag, from the amazing shirts, medals, race bibs and of course the races themselves. This company takes care of it's runners. It is so much more clear to me now how important this is having come off of a sub par experience with some aspects of our recent Virginia Wine Country Half, which was run by Destination Races - a very different organization.

I said early on, my goal is to run every race VR has on their list. The list is still growing, so it may take me a while to complete, but if I do one a year I think I can get there. It's such a great way to experience the beauty of our national parks. The races often take place just outside the park perimeters. VR also does a lot to encourage runners to participate in hikes in the area.

Smoky Mountains Half Marathon is one that I've looked at a number of times. It's coming up on September 9, 2017. This could be an easy road trip up. I've also scoped out a number of great rental cabins in the area starting at $99 a night. If you've never done a Vacation Races race, this would be a great intro. On Raceraves.com, this race has a score of 4.8 out of 5 from 30 reviews. If I haven't sold you yet, be sure to check out this video from the VR team. It's from a few years ago, but still great. This year will be it's 6th year in the Smokies.

If you join me, you can add one of these beauties to your medal collection. Let me know if you are interested!

Where is your dream race destination?

8 Jun, 2017, No comments

It all started with a simple Facebook ad about an upcoming half marathon through Rocky Mountain National Park. That is when my running journey began (again). RMNP is simply one of the most breathtaking parks I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. I thought to myself what an awesome way to experience it from a whole new perspective on foot!

I met Lynn Gray in January of 2015 and the rest is history. She helped me train for my first half marathon that would take place in August of 2015 in the Rockies. Prior to meeting Lynn I was coming off a long hiatus of running from a stress fracture injury and my longest run was a 5K, so I was essentially starting over from square one. Needless to say Lynn stood by me and helped me to discover how to push myself further than I could have ever imagined was possible. I completed that half marathon, which many say is likely one of the hardest races anyone could choose (especially for their first & for being from Florida).

Ever since, I've continued to seek out new destinations to continue the journey. There is no better way to truly experience a destination than to run through it. Little did I know when this all started it would become one of the greatest joys of my life.

I am excited to now have the opportunity to share this passion with you, my fellow TTFS club members. I plan to keep this site updated with monthly activities for half marathons that are destination oriented. Some may be far, far away and others might be right here in Florida. Don't forget we are fortunate to live in a place many travel to as their destination of choice!

Take...The First Step

Lynn Gray is an RRCA Coach and runs the TTFS Club in the Tampa Bay area. I am fortunate to be part of this club & am now the acting Travel Director who will be helping to coordinate destination races for the group. For more information on Lynn's programs be sure to check out her site!