Bustin' For Boston PART 1

After a week's worth of storm predictions and a night full of storm warnings, the morning of the 2009 Oklahoma City Marathon had arrived. I'd barely slept all night. I kept the hotel TV on, tuned to the local news station. Severe storms were swarming the area all night. As the alarm started going off at 3:45 AM, I didn't dare hit snooze. I woke and did my pre-race jittery shuffle. Thankfully I've learned to lay everything out the night before. So I dressed, stretched, and used the bathroom like 50 times. I geared up with my new Garmin and headed out to meet my partners for the 5 AM shuttle. I told Kenton goodbye and anticipated seeing him in about an hour an a half. His plan was to ride his bike around the course and was going to begin his trek at mile 1.

We were all in the lobby ready to catch the 5 AM shuttle, just as we planned. We planned for the 5AM just so we'd be sure to get to the 6:30 AM start. Shuttles were to run every 15 minutes

 and this gave us plenty of room for any unexpected problems. Or, so we thought. As the time ticked by, no shuttle arrived. The stop was getting very crowded too. More and more people were traveling out of their hotel rooms to catch the bus.

I was nervous. I hate being late to a race. I wanted to be there extra early and have plenty of time to get in position. It was nearly 5:50, when I got a hold of Kenton and plan B was put in to place. 6 grown adults were going to pile into our hatchback Mazda 3 and rush to downtown

 Oklahoma City. That's what we did. Bill, Rick, Brad, Stacey, Kenton, and I loaded into the car and zoomed to the highway. (Side note: Mazda 3's have seating for 5, and that's cramped at best. Bill opted for the hatch!) This was proving to be an interesting start!

Kenton is good at lots of things. This particular morning brought his talents to the surface. He's got google maps uploaded in his brain. As he recognized the traffic backing up on the highway, he opted to turn early and navigate a new way on the fly. He got us about as close as anyone could to the starting line with no trouble. I'm sure it looked like a clown car unloading as 5 runner's emerged onto the sidewalk. I kissed my husband goodbye once more and was so relieved to be just a few blocks from the start. My comrades and I walked briskly towards the hub-bub in the very humid morning. It was over 75 degrees and it was still only about 6 AM. It wasn't raining, and in fact it was pretty clear skied above us. It was warmer than we hoped, but it looked as though the storms they predicted were holding off. 

I was truly blessed to have the friendship and the experience of my training partners. We dashed for the porta potties and just before we split up they declared where we should meet once we were done. There were 19,000 participants after all. It was really easy to lose someone out there. Finally my turn in line came. I rushed in to the porta-potty. I eventually got all my business taken care of. Not without having to literally tell my self to slow down. At one point I was scrambling so fast that I had knocked my glasses on the floor, unclipped my ipod, and nearly kicked over the cup I had been drinking from. So here's me minutes before the starting gun,

 standing in the porta potty all flustered and realizing that my shorts are still around my ankles. "Okay, Lacy, slow down. First things first, PULL-UP- YOUR- PANTS." After that brief but humorous breakdown. I was able to get myself together and meet my friends under the 8 minute mile sign. The crowds were so thick we had to squeeze through the fence. With just enough time to do a head count, the gun went off and we were moving towards the start.  As luck would have it that we were only about a minute behind the gun. I didn't expect to be running as soon as we were. I heard the high pitch "beep" as the electronic chips crossed over the starting line, and it was official, this race had begun.

The crowds were loud and thick. What a great place to run a marathon. As expected the first miles were quite congested. People dashing this way and that way trying find their place. All I cared about was keeping my friends in sight. We established a "Marco-Polo" game as we got separated. It worked too. But for the most part we were all able to keep right in sight of each other. Mile one passed quick. I knew to look right, because my mom and Kenton were going to be standing there. Sure enough, there they were. I hollered Kenton's name to get his attention. He spotted me and they both waved. I quietly said, "Hi Mom." Stacey said to me, "That's your Mom?" I felt so guilty. Yeah that was my mom! Why didn't I scream, "HI MOM!!"? Football players do it, and their mom's love it. Sorry Mom. Next time, I promise.

The sun was rising and it was getting real warm. There was a heavy wind blowing but it wasn't hitting us, so it felt very very sticky outside. I don't usually drink sports drink during runs, but I knew I would be in serious trouble on this day if I didn't.

More to come................

A Little Back Story Goes A Long Way

In the summer of 2007 I read, "Marathon Woman," by Katherine Switzer.

 http://www.katherineswitzer.com/

 It was a great read and a wonderful history of women's running. As I read about her history making run of the Boston marathon, I was captivated. She was literally almost thrown off the course once the director discovered, "K. Switzer, #261," was a female. It was a great moment to read about and then to look at all the pictures from that famous day in running history. As I type right now, I have a small clipping of that moment taped to my computer monitor. It has been in my sights for quite some time now.

Later that summer I was out on one of my typical Saturday morning long runs. I tended to run 13 miles every Saturday, whether I had reason to or not. As I was half way through it, I noticed my pace was faster than normal and I was sustaining it. When I returned I realized I might have more gas in the tank then I was using on my running expeditions. I recall talking to my Dad about the silly notion, that maybe, just maybe, little 'ol me might run a marathon fast enough to qualify for the one and the only, Boston Marathon. He believed that I could. I needed to work at it, but he believed that I could do it.

I went on the Boston Athletic Association's website (http://www.bostonmarathon.org/)  and found my number. 3 hours and 40 minutes. A near two hour improvement on my best time thus far. It sounded impossible, but it was my number, and boy, did Boston have my number.

I worked. I joined the local running club's training class and was informed of my other number,

 8:20. This was the pace I'd have to keep for 26.2 miles in order to get to Boston. Well, since I was just barely a one year old (in runner's years), taking that much time off my 2nd marathon didn't seem likely. I tried though. In October 2007, my follow up to my first marathon

performance of 5:20 in Oklahoma City was to run the Wichita Marathon.

While my magic number wasn't expected, I was dumbfounded as to how I ran a 4:29 less than 6 months after my first marathon. In that amount of time I managed to improve by an entire hour. I felt encouraged that I had it in me to get even faster. A few nay-sayers crossed my path. Saying things like, "another 50 minutes off, that's pretty impossible sounding." Ah, if they only knew the fuel they put to my fire.

With the full support of my loved ones I went for it and I went hard. Too hard as a matter of fact. I began training for my next marathon the day after Wichita. I became too obsessed with miles. I ignored training guides and just ran and ran and ran. I became over trained and burnt out. I had signed up for the Eisenhower Marathon in April of 2008. I finished my 22 mile training run with a great time and I was on target to run a Boston qualifying time, or a BQ. I was depressed from the burn out, I was alone from not having a running partner, and my body was in pain. I was not ready for my BQ. I was broken, in more ways than one. My Pelvic bone, my inferior ramus, was fractured, along with my heart. 

I spent the spring and summer of 2008 in a dark place. My core was shaken. Not just because I couldn't run, but so many things were not right. It was a long season of seeking and searching, and healing. Physically and mentally. I had to examine what was driving me to run all those

 miles. What was causing the obsession, the unhealthy obsession. I believe that God needed to grab a hold of me and unfortunately, thick headed girls like me, have to be broken before they can pay attention. But eventually I heard Him, I got it, and the sun shined once more. My relationship with the Lord is my only real reason I do anything, and especially the only reason I do anything well. I let go of so many things. As I learned to loosen my grip and yield control of my life, amazingly, the things I wanted, the things I dreamed of, and the things I hoped for were all falling in to place.

My heart and body healed and I was running better than ever. New personal records were being set at every one of my races. I was winning medals. I wasn't forsaking my family's best intrust in order to pursue my own. Things were good.

My dear friend, Karl, who happens to be my physical therapist, checked in on me after all my long races and by Christmas he delivered me some great news. "Okay, I'll let you train for a full, but you gotta do it right this time, you got it?" I got it, I was good this time, and this time IT WAS GOOD!

As I glance once more at the picture of Katherine Switzer and the race course that has my number, I can't believe the reality of the story I will tell you next.

Stay tuned....

TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!

Boston Bound!!!

http://www.onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=10482&submit_action=select_result&re_NO=1495

Oh the story my heart needs to tell!! For now I leave you with this image. The last yards of the Oklahoma City Marathon 2009. Moments from my 3:37 finish. Yeah, that's my Dad blocking the horrible wind for me in those last precious foot falls.

For now I will rest and let this overwhelmed heart take a breather.

Champagne...uh, Juice Box Wishes and Caviar...um, no...Fish Stick Dreams

Kenton and I better strike it rich. Otherwise, his teen years are going to be such a disappointment. Judah has lived the sweetest life thus far. Most of it's been generous gifts, or the fact that young children are easily impressed, or simple dumb luck.

Lucky Judah won a raffle at school and got to take a limo ride yesterday. His principle, Mrs. Jackson, took him and the other winners to McDonald's. I hear they all played the XBox and sang karaoke along the way.

Ahhh....to live the lifestyle of a spoiled pre-k student!

Let's Get This Party Started...already

Just as Juno starts her clever little story by saying, "It all started with a chair, " I too will use a piece of furniture to begin my tale. That will probably be the only similarity that Juno's story will have to mine, but it was an intriguing line to start a epic story.

So (clearing my throat), it all started with a park bench.

 About a year ago, I found myself sitting on this bench crying. I was five days away from my third marathon and during a short run, a pain that wouldn't subside, got the best of me and forced me to stop. I was unable to lift my leg over the curb. So, I dragged my right leg behind me and hobbled to the bench. I felt stuck in the park. I couldn't move without

 tons of pain. I called Kenton hoping he might be able to rescue me. He didn't answer. I broke down. I must of looked like a moron.

After a few minutes, I did all I could think of and that was get up and hobble home. I made it home and went immediately to a website trying to figure out what had happened.

Well, you all know how this story goes by now. I had fractured my pelvis. I wasn't a runner for quite some time thereafter. Even once I was allowed to run, I wasn't a marathoner.

But flash forward to today and here I sit, just four days away until my next marathon. I've been under close supervision by a wonderful friend and physical therapist. I've been accepted into a group of wonderful runners who have helped me train at a race pace. I've run and recovered from a 20 mile run, a 22 mile run, and even a 24 mile run. I hit race pace on all these training

 runs.

My family has supported me through all of this. Whether it's been long phone calls with my Dad. Jaw drops from my mom as she encourages me about the distances. Judah telling me, "I'll pray for you, you don't have to be scared, I know you can do it." Countless new and old family and friends checking in all the time and seeing how I'm doing. And especially Kenton. He's worked around my training, financially supporting my expenses and did it all willingly. He even dug a path in the snow to get me to the Y during a blizzard,

 so I wouldn't miss my 12 miler, even if it had to be on a treadmill. I love that man. He's never once told me to dial it down. He believes in me and I know I succeed mostly because of him.

So here we sit. Four days and counting.. 3 Days, 14 Hours, and 44 minutes...

This marathon is to be my Boston Qualifier. I plan to run 26.2 miles in less that 3:40. That is a 50 minute improvement on my best time. I'm scared to death and excited beyond belief all at the same time. Every little ting or twitch has me on guard. I'm fearful that it's going to storm. A million other things are swarming my head as the days tick down. But this is all normal. My nerves show how important it all is to me.

I have bib number as of this week. I'm #1495. I can be tracked along the course by that number. Every time I cross a timing mat (Every 10 kilometers, I think) my time will be reported at this site: http://tracking.theendresultco.com/2009/okcmm/index.php

I consider all of you (yes, even you who read this and never comment, or barely know me) very dear. I know I couldn't do any of this with out the love I get from all of you.

I covet your prayers. I can't wait to tell you all about it. I'm excited to tell you about being a marathoner, again, and How the Lord helped me rise off that park bench and shine for him.

Stringing Us Along

Judah got his first dose of silly string yesterday. His Easter basket came loaded with all sorts of stuff and silly string was one of his jackpots.

He figured out the new substance real quick!

Easters

Señor Ramon: What is this?

 Nacho: Leftovers. Enjoy.

 Señor Ramon: There is no flavor. There are no spices. Where are the chips?

 Nacho: Somebody stole them.

 Señor Ramon: Did you not tell them that they were the Lord's chips? 

Nacho: I was trying to! 
Señor Ramon: You are useless Ignacio! 
Elderly Monk: Silence brothers! This is the worst lunch I ever had. 
Señor Ramon: Your only job is to cook. Do you not realize I have had diarrhea since Easters? 

Nacho: Ok... Maybe I am not meant for these duties. Cooking duty.

 Dead guy duty. Maybe it's time for me to get a 

better duty! 

Okay, so our holiday had nothing to do with Nacho's poor cooking or the Lord's Chips. But we did

 have a wonderful Easters.

On 

Pal

m Sunday we toured the 

Resurrection tr

ail with my parents and Judah. Our favorite activity was when we chose a name for

 Jesus. The Romans had a sign made that mockingly

 said, "King Of The Jews." Judah wrote out, "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah." Mr. Randy helped him nail that

 sign to a cross.

We later talked about how Judah could view Jesus as his Lion, his protector

. The Lion of Judah. It was a very powerful experience.

The

 Saturday before Easter has taken on 

a new tradition in the past few years. The Easter Sun Run 10K take place at Sedgwick County park. The day was blessed with sun, calm, and for my first experience, warmth. Every year prior, it has been

 freezing cold, so this was a welcomed change.

My goal was to set a new PR. I ran the 6.2 miles in

 43:29. Good enough for a three minute improvement from my best time and 3rd place in my Age Group.

Rain was for casted for the next day so 

we bumped our egg hunt up to Saturday evening.

Instead of toys or candy we had a surprise in Judah's eggs. He had numbered pieces of paper to help him spell out his present.

After he ordered all the clues, he was delighted to discover that he's going to go see Monsters VS. Aliens in 3D!!!! He' very excited, tomorrow is the show.

We rounded out the night by making Jello Jigglers. However, the were less jiggly than we anticipated, but still fun. And of course we died eggs. Now, we're stuck with still about 1/2 a

 dozen hard boiled eggs. Judah like

s to eat them in theory, but I've thrown away too many played with eggs this week. (Take heart Kenton, only a few more egg salads and we'll be done!)

Sunday morning, I hit the road at 6:30 to get in my small run. As I headed back for home it began misting on me. By the time I was at church for worship practice, it was pouring. It continued to pour all day long. Our neighborhood egg hunt was canceled and our annual egg hunt with Aunt Faye was moved to Nana and Grandpa's basement. We made due, but it sure was a let down from the previous days wonderful weather.

It was a nice calm day spent with lots of wonderful people. Oh, and watching Transformers! I mean come on! It's Easter!

Who Are You Supposed To Be?

Judah had his school carnival on Saturday. After several games and prizes he decided to use his remaining tickets to get his face painted. He went in and declared that he wanted to look like a bear. The very friendly middle school aged helper had him sit down with his back to us as she went diligently to work. After several minutes he was finished and turned around. Once we saw his face we nearly fell out of our little first grade chairs laughing.

Judah has a great school. We've really been blessed by the experience he's had there this year. Adam's is not our neighborhood school. It's a little further away from our house and the culture is much more diverse in that neighborhood. Just to give you an idea, Judah is the only white boy in his class. I think every nationality is represented in his class. As for the rest of the school it's about the same, very diverse. 

So, as he turned around we insisted he go back and at least get some whiskers and a pink nose.

 His first rendering looked more like he was trying to blend in to his environment than be a brown bear.

Alphabetter Soup

It's a frosty late March day. Since we were stuck indoors, Judah made a big pot of warm soup. He used the recipe from his personal cook book, a gift from his Auntie Lindz. The ever so important ingredient of alphabet pasta was supplied by Nana and Grandpa. They found the organic whole grain alphabet letters at Trader Joe's. We need a Trader Joe's In Wichita so bad!!!

So here you have it, Chef Judah hard at work.

Make You Wanna JUMP! JUMP!

Daddy Mac and Mac Daddy got nothing on this kid!

(He dressed like this for school and remained this way the entire day. Including a trip to the library and the store!)

And It Was All My Idea

Hanging With The Greats

Judah has a great family. He has a huge, great family. 6 Grandparents, two cousins, and aunts and uncles coming out the wazoo! They range from age 12-90 years old.

Judah got to spend some special time with two of his Aunts this week. Judah's Great Great Aunt Faye is 90 years young and loves playing with Judah. Earlier in the week she asked if he'd come over during spring break and help her decorate her tree with Easter eggs for the spring. He was so excited. He wanted to go do it right then and there. He didn't care that Aunt Faye had things to do, he was ready. After we told him

 we'd have to wait until she had time he became to constant questioner, "Is today the day I go to Aunt Faye's?" After tears poured down his face Monday, we called to see if she was available that evening. She was busy and he was beside himself. We set a date for Thursday afternoon.

 Every morning he rose and asked, "Is today the day I go to Aunt Faye's?"

Finally the time came and we were on our way to Faye's house. When we pulled in to the drive he jumped out of the car and left me in his dust. He walked in to find an extra special surprise, not only was Great Great Aunt Faye there, but Great Aunt Nancy was there too. She'd come to town to join us for some spring break fun.

By this point it was hard to tell who was more excited, Judah or Aunt Faye. Judah was pulling eggs out of the closet and Faye was running around the house trying to get the rest of the supplies. Finally the eggs were strung and we were able to head out and hang them.

I love that Judah gets

 these experiences. How many kids get to hang out with their Great and Great Great Aunts? I hope Judah cherishes these times and remembers them always.

Our Lucky Day

I Love St. Patrick's Day! I don't know why. I always have. Kenton and I met on St. Patrick's day. But even before that, I've always loved it. Even the year my parents insisted I wear the sea foam green sweater, that I hated, to go bumper bowling didn't spoil my love of this random holiday.

Kenton and I are going to go out tonight and Judah is spending the evening with his Meme. So, he and I celebrated the Irish holiday all day together.

He was adorned in green, as all should be on this day. His father somehow forgot to wear green. So, after Judah pinched him, he lent him a sticker and a homemade "St. Patrick's Day leaf" to wear.

We joined the other 3/4 of the city and went to the zoo today and hit Sonic for happy hour to top the afternoon off.

But before we got going, I honored my mom by continuing one of her traditions. I dyed his lunch time milk green. We always had corned beef and cabbage as a St. Pat's meal and my mom always dyed our milk green. It somehow seemed to taste better to me when it was green. I didn't make cabbage or corned beef, but I did keep with the theme. Judah had green eggs, green peas, green apple sauce and of course green milk. He's lactose intolerant so it was soy milk, but it still turns green just fine. As I served the all green meal to Judah on his green plate he painted, he piped up and made me smile, "mmm my milk taste better because it's green!"

Here's to all thing tasting better, because they're green! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Age Before ...Beauty??

Today is Kenton's 27th Birthday. Yeah!!! Happy Birthday. Ironically, it's also National Women's Day. (Ironically?)

Anywho. The celebrating began yesterday when a larger than life Dodgeball game took place in Kenton's honor. He was reamed in the tenders, lost balance and smacked his elbows on the concrete, and has a nice upper thigh bruise to brag about in the locker room. Can you say Birthday fun?

The day concluded with a dining experience at Genghis Grill. Awesome concept, great food, but incredibly long wait. So, we had lots of time to stand in line or watch each other stand in line.

This morning as Judah and I were making coffee and breakfast for Kenton we headed in to wake the sleeping beauty for his late birthday morning.

The scene was too priceless to not capture. 

Wow! 27 looks great on him right?

To be fair, he caught me back in September when the clock rolled over to my birthday.So 27, may not be our best looking year, but we're going to have fun with it!