Crossing the Marathon Finish Line

2007-06-06T12:58:00.001-07:00

Finished!

2007-06-06T12:29:00.001-07:00

Well, I finished the marathon. I was able to complete my marathon before I turned 31 today.

I'm not entirely happy with my time and I didn't do as well as I thought. I think the biggest reasons were 1) I was in heels the day before and the arches of my feet gave out pretty early in the race and 2) I was running differently because I was trying to avoid the extensor tendinitis coming back. Luckily, it didn't until after the race, but I hurt EVERYWHERE else.

Here is the synopsis:

For the first 10 miles or so, I felt pretty good. I was making sure I ran really slowly so I can last longer. I also tried doing a run/walk every mile which was pretty natural since I walked every time I hit a water station. At mile 7, I saw a bystander with a Vizsla so that charged me up a little. Around the time I hit the freeway, I started getting side splits and the arches of my feet started giving out and cramping.

At the half-marathon mark, I was tempted to catch the shuttle for the half-marathoners since I was tired and my feet were screaming. I was also starting to feel a little discouraged since I hadn't seen any familiar faces (coaches or other teammates). However, I did commit to myself that unless the tendinitis came back, I would plow through to the end, whatever it would take. At that moment, I saw a coach and the team captain and felt energized to continue.

I basically ran/walk (mostly walked) until I made sure I hit the 19 mile mark before they cut off the race (which was around 11:30). I called for reinforcements and asked Phil to come and meet me at mile 22. The only reason I was able to go from Mile 20-22 was because I knew Phil was waiting for me at mile 22. Mile 20 is the infamous "wall" that a marathoner hits, and it was brutal. Mile 20 was at the top of a bridge and I was feeling discouraged. 6.2 more miles feel really long when every step makes you cry in pain.

Phil encouraged me and walked with me from mile 22. He even got me to jog a little at certain points. However, around mile 24-25, I was emotionally and physically drained and I started crying. I think I need to just cry it out for me to move on. It had been such a struggle to that point that I needed some sort of release. I still had side splits and my feet and calves would cramp up. I even had moments where a sharp pain hit the back of my left knee and my left leg would crumble. Luckily Phil was next to me to help hold me up during those moments.

In the last mile, it was not any easier. I did not feel better that I was almost done. Phil had to leave my side and stay with the bystanders. I ended up running/jogging the last bit because I needed to be by my family and Phil again soon or else I would just collapse and give up right there.

Yes, it took me almost 7 hrs and 10 minutes, a completely embarrassing time. However, I feel like I've learned a lot. Will I do it again? Probably, if anything, to apply my learning to the next one to get a reasonable time (which I'm positive that I can do).

I'm still sore, but I feel good and am grateful I have this week off. Thanks for everyone who sent their prayers and thoughts and called/emailed me before and after the marathon.

Here are things I learned:
1) Definitely pack water and electrolytes on your own. There was not enough during the race and I was grateful I decided last minute to bring some of my own
2) Pack as lightly as you can otherwise. Just enough of anything that you think you really need. By mile 20, you're going to feel every ounce you're carrying.
3) Stay off your feet as much as you can the day before. Do NOT wear heels of any kind. The arch and bottom of my feet were already hurting before it started.
4) Eat potassium and electrolytes days before the race. The arches on my feet had cramped up the night before and it didn't help that I was running 26 miles the next day. The arches were what gave me the most pain and I had to stop running pretty early because of it.
5) Bring an ipod and a cell phone. You will be bored, Bored, BORED.
6) Do NOT run alone. When I started feeling physically exhausted, I found that it would have helped to find any familiar face.
7) BodyGlide is your best friend. I didn't have any blisters. A cold bath (with ice) is your next best friend (so you can actually stand up the next day)
8) Be prepared to walk even longer than 26.2 miles. First of all, when you turn corners, you will not turn the tightest corner, nor will you be running completely efficiently. If you're lucky, you'll only run an extra quarter mile than you planned. Then, after you finish, you don't just end. You have to walk farther to collect stuff and return the chip in your shoe, as well as checking in and getting to the hotel shuttles. Anyways, be prepared to go farther.
9) You don't HAVE to use porto-potties. I used the bathrooms before the race, but did not need to use anything during the 7 hour run/walk.
10) It's OK to cry. Sometimes you just have to.

Mom's Summary

2007-06-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

My mom summed up the marathon pretty well in an email she sent to my family:

When I picked up Phil around 8:20 AM, Phoebe called and joyfully informed us that she was at mile 8. By then, she had already run 1 hour and 35 minutes. Based on Phoebe's original estimate, she should be able to make it to the finish line around 12:00 PM. However, Phoebe called again around 11:00 AM at mile 19 that she was in pain. Phil left us to trace the route backward to meet with Phoebe, for which I was very grateful because I was worried that Phoebe might got injured on the feet. I didn't want to call Phoebe to distract her, but I could call Phil for updates. While waiting for Phoebe, we placed the blanket under the shadow of a tree by a medical assistance tent. Some runners already turned in and lied on the cots for medical attention. We were close to the stage where performers were singing rock 'n' roll songs. Around 1:00 PM, Phil called that Phoebe was close to mile 25. We all went to the finish area and waiting nervously for Phoebe to show up. Finally around 2:00 PM, Phoebe slowly jogged by. We all cheered for her. When I saw her in pain, I was in tears. I am sure that everyone was relieved that it was over.

After the race, Phoebe suffered frequent cramps all over her legs, calves and feet. Phil seemed to know what to do with it. That's also a blessing. JJ was running back and forth between Phoebe and the medical tent for medical guidance and ice.

Our family celebration took place at a very nice and crowded Cheesecake Factory. Phoebe was all smiles again and JY was inspired to join her next year. JJ and I were inspired too that we would take small steps at a time. We will start with a 5K race.

2 Weeks to Go!

2007-05-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Yesterday, I ran 22 miles. Well, I ran 20 miles in 4:31, and tried to run the last 2, but started getting some foot pain, so I walked the last 2 miles at 20 minute miles, finishing 22 miles in 5:10.

Not bad, and it feels good to know that even if I walked the last 4 miles during the marathon, I'll still be able to finish it in the marathon maximum race time of 7 hours (basically I can do the last 4 miles at 25 minute miles). Of course, if I don't have foot pains, I should be able to hit my estimated time at 6 hrs. That doesn't count if I have extra adrenaline too.

During the 22 miles, I actually ran most of it without Cody, and I had stopped at home after doing 13 miles (in 2:40) for about 10 minutes to test my blood sugar, drink some water, use the restroom, and pick up the dog to run another 9 miles.

I started the run at 7:45 so that I would finish the run around when I would finish the marathon (to make sure I can run in the noon heat). I imagine if I started earlier, my time would be better since I wouldn't be so hot.

I spent 5 minutes running ice cold water down my legs after the run, and I feel pretty good today. Able to walk and function normally, except for the left foot pain that had started in mile 20. Unfortunately, the pain I feel is not common so I couldn't figure out what it is and what to do to stretch it. The pain is on the top of my foot, about an inch or two below my second toe. I looked up various foot anatomy charts, and I think I just have some mild extensor tendonitis. Basically, I need to rest, ice, compress, elevate. To prevent this on marathon day, I plan on getting SuperFeet which will add some additional support to my feet (at least enough to let me make it 4 more miles than what I did yesterday)

The 22 miles is my last long run. For the next two weeks, it will just be light runs (3-5 miles) and soon I'll be done! Hooray!

Half Marathon!

2007-05-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

OK, I have been pretty silent for awhile, and the reason is that I got the flu around the end of March and hadn't run until last Saturday, April 28. I actually tried to run on the 19th, but the flu had become a bronchitis that had induced asthma so my doctor said that I should not run if it's causing me to have coughing fits. Since I was unable to figure out what the damage to my marathon training was due to this "vacation" from training, I decided to avoid the whole thing and not post until I knew the situation.

Last Saturday, I ran 2 miles and walked 3 miles for a total of 5 miles. Not great.

Last Monday, I ran 3 miles and ran/walked 2 miles for a total of 5 miles. Not great, but better.

Last Wednesday, I ran 5 miles and ran/walked 3 miles for a total of 8 miles at a pace of 12 minutes per mile (1:36 exactly). I was super excited about this given that this was my first week back from over a month-long break.

I decided to try to run a half-marathon yesterday. Mostly to see how I'd feel, and to try to catch up since the rest of the Team in Training folks are at 12-14 miles and are doing 16-20 miles next weekend. Amazingly, I was able to run 8.25 miles at about 11:30 and ran/walked the rest to do about a 2:45 half-marathon. The great thing is, I felt good afterwards and felt like I could have run more. The best part is, I'm not sore at all this morning (probably due to the 5 minute cold bath I ran on my legs yesterday).

Now, I'm no longer hiding in shame and embarrassment and can confidently say that I think I'm back on pace and should be able to finish the marathon in 5-6 hours. Even if I had run the marathon yesterday, at my pace, I could have pretty much walked the rest of the way and still have finished. That realization makes me excited and relieved.

All of you who have donated have been generous to the cause as well as supportive of my marathon training. I feel like it's my responsibility to do my best to uphold my part of the bargain - which is to finish the marathon. I'm glad that it looks like I can and that I won't disappoint you or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Thanks everyone for their encouragement and support!

8 mile run at Seal Point Park in San Mateo

2007-03-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Today was a long day for Cody and I. As I am writing this, Cody is conked out on the carpet in front of me.

This morning, we had to meet at 7am with the Team in Training group to run 8 miles. With Cody, I did 8 miles in an hour and a half, which is slightly over 11 minute miles. Considering that I always went slower than that, I think it was a good accomplishment. What also felt really nice is that I was not last in the pack. Although I started as one of the last people, my endurance outlasted at least most of the other women that were running (I stopped to walk for 3 minutes total, and only after running over 6 miles straight).

We had a person who specialized in sports injury prevention speak to us after our run. He showed us different stretches and sold some Styrofoam rollers to help us stretch some areas (like the IT band!). I've been wanting to get a roller for awhile, so it's helpful. Also, there were some stretching techniques he showed us that I hadn't heard about before.

On a sidenote, I think I need to start measuring my times as "WD" or "WOD" ... "With Dog" or " Without Dog". I feel like Cody not only helps me in pulling me forward (but that's usually only for the first mile until he realizes that he's wasting his energy and all the pulling he can do isn't going to get me to run to the front of the pack where he wants to be), but he also psychologically motivates me not to stop. Usually, if I want to stop, it's because I'm tired. However, Cody usually is not. So if I think about stopping, I usually have to think about planting myself with enough force to prevent myself from falling forward when Cody decides that he would rather continue running. Usually I think this is a bad idea and I might as well continue running anyways. That's probably the biggest reason that I only stopped twice (minute and a half each time) in today's run.

Anyways, I think the next long run is not dog-friendly so I may end up finding out what my WOD time will be soon enough!

Thanks again for everyone who has sponsored me. If you still haven't, here's the link:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/phoebeho
I have $1948 more to go by April and $448 more to go by March 15.

3 months to go!

2007-03-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well, there's 3 months to the marathon.

Last Sunday, I was able to run 8 miles with Cody even with the torrential rain that came down in the middle of the run. I think the rain was to teach me a lesson and to make sure I wear quick-dry fabrics rather than cotton.

Through the week, I've been running between 2-5 miles each day, as well as meeting with my personal trainer on Tuesdays and Fridays to do weight training. Tomorrow, we'll be doing a "long run" of 5-8 miles in San Mateo. The trail should be dog-friendly so I should be able to get a good time with Cody helping me out :)

Here are a couple of pictures of Cody and me running on one of our Team in Training group runs:

Thanks for all who've sponsored me so far... $2000 more to go!

First Team Run Session

2007-02-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

We had our first run as a team this morning.

We met at Stanford at 8am. After a brief warm-up, they split us up into 3 teams:

1) Beginning runners
2) People who run 2-3 times a week
3) People who run 15 miles or more a week

Technically, I fall into the third bucket since Cody and I run a lot. However, since I don't look like the tall, thin, lanky people that stood in the third group, I decided to compromise and run with the second group. Among those in the second group, we were able to run either 4 miles or 5 miles.

I had just purchased the Garmin Forerunner 305, so I used it for the first time. The watch is bulky and can do some pretty fancy things (I'm still waiting for it to chop up fruit and make a smoothie), but I was able to get it to work without reading the instruction manual (I hate reading manuals). If I set it correctly, I ran 4.3 miles (I took the "5 mile loop" which was clearly not 5 miles) in a little over 46 minutes (no stops). I think it worked out to something around 10:40 per mile.

I don't think I was the last person (I was definitely not the first) so I was pretty pleased with my performance. Of course, Cody pulled me a little so that probably helped with my time.

When we finished, they made us "check-in" (to make sure that everyone came back) and greeted us with food and drinks. We waited until everyone else arrived and had a brief chat session. We left at around 10am.

I had no physical ailments, other than slight wheezing (exercise-induced asthma) towards the end of the run. If I didn't push myself to run with the crowd, I probably would have avoided the wheezing.

I really think they should have marathons based on someone's height or stride. I mean, seriously, it's not very fair for a a guy with a 4' stride to be compared with little me with a much shorter stride. Oh well, one of the injustices in the world.

Cody and I Training

2007-01-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a collage that Evan made for us:

Marathon Fundraising Letter

2007-01-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I hope you're doing well. This June, I decided I'm going to spend my birthday in a completely opposite manner from last year.

Last year: Turning 30
This year: Turning 31 (Granted, I can't really do anything about this one)

Last year: Vegas
This year: San Diego

Last year: Wasting all my money at the tables
This year: Raising money for a good cause

Last year: Binge eating at the buffet lines
This year: Watching my diet and overall health

Last year: Drinking through the night
This year: Running a marathon through the day.

That's right, you read it correctly. This year, I'm going to run the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego on June 3rd to raise money for Team in Training.

For those of you who knew me back in high school, you would remember me as a swimmer, as someone who never ran a mile without stopping until I was 23. For those of you who remember me from college, you may remember me as the person who drove to the computer lab even though it was a couple of blocks from my dorm.

My life has changed a lot in the last year. With the recent addition of Cody, my Vizsla, I started running in order to exercise him. Although I always thought running was tedious and boring, it is never monotonous when you are running with a curious, energy-filled puppy. Although I can't run with Cody at the actual marathon, I will be training with him. I'm hoping the entertainment and my sheer determination will help me cross the finish line. As I've never ran more than 12-14 miles at one time, my only goal is to cross the finish line before the crickets start chirping, and hitting my fundraising goal of $3000.

The money raised through Team in Training helps benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. The funds that have already gone towards research has helped people increase their life span and their quality of life. Hopefully, with your help, we can work towards finding that cure. If you can support me even a little bit, I would greatly appreciate it. The best way is to go to my personal Team in Training web page. Please take advantage of any company matching contributions as well.

Please feel free to check in on this blog (finishamarathon.blogspot.com) to see my progress.

Thanks again in advance for your support!

Phoebe

PS. For Cody's progress, check out mydogcody.blogspot.com

Getting Started

2007-01-14T22:15:00.000-08:00

I will be running the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego on June 3, 2007. This is the weekend before my birthday and I think it will be fitting to try to reach some an amazing goal before my 31st birthday. This blog will journal my steps towards training to cross the finish line (hopefully).

I will be training with Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 75% will be going towards research while the other 25% will be used for administrative expenses. I need to raise a minimum of $3000 so I can use all the support I can get. Please go to my Team in Training page to donate (keep in mind that you can also apply for matching gift donations if your company matches donations).

I appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks!