Cleveland Marathon 2013

On Cleveland Marathon morning, I woke up at 4 am and went through my normal marathon morning routine: Put in contacts, put up hair, go to the bathroom, get dressed, apply Bodyglide, eat breakfast, double-check I haven’t forgotten anything (bib, gu, iPod, Garmin). Then I triple-checked that I wasn’t forgetting anything and I went to the bathroom (again?) There was red flag number 1.

I left the house promptly at 4:50am and in the car I could feel my stomach making weird gurgling noises. I thought, “Am I hungry or is that nerves?” I think I even commented that I thought I was nervous or something on the drive in.

For the first time in years I have mastered the drive downtown on marathon morning. Take 90E to E.9th Street, E.9th to left on St. Claire, right on w. 3rd and pull in to the parking lot literally right next to the Cleveland Browns Stadium. Once parked, I sat in the car for a bit acting as bubbly and care-free as I could. Ryan had a stomach bug all week and was nervous about his race and I was trying to put him in a good mood.

Eventually, we headed into the stadium to use the bathrooms and hang out with some friends. Bathroom trip number 3 happened, and there was red flag number 2. At this point I was pretty sure I had caught Ryan’s stomach bug but hoped that it was in the early stages. My plan was to run the race and then take care of the stomach bug when I finished. The stomach bug can wait a couple hours to start right?

Hanging out with friends inside Browns Stadium

My stomach kept grumbling, but I was talking and hanging out with friends, so I kept ignoring it. A little after 6am, we all headed out to take a group picture by the starting line, but before that I had to go to the bathroom…again.  And there was red flag number 3.

Starting line pic

At 6:30am, I headed into the starting corral, putting myself between the 3:30 and 3:35 pace groups and tried not to think about how sick I was feeling. At this point I was still 100% planning to run the entire race. The gun went off and I walked my way to the actual starting line. As soon as I crossed the starting line I was running. I only saw 1 walker in the area. In years past there were tons of walkers and it was a very frustrating start. This year it was smooth sailing; as soon as I crossed the starting line I was running and that probably means most people lined up according to the right pace!

Before I knew it I was on the Shoreway, I turned on my music and set out for a nice run through my city. “My City”, I own Cleveland, right? I was feeling pretty good; I was enjoying being around runners, and enjoying all the spectators…but I was really thirsty. The first water stop came and I immediately grabbed water (after dropping the first 2 I tried to grab). The water stops for Cleveland were great. Every stop I passed had PowerAde first and water second (I hate when they aren’t all the same).  Plus they shouted what they had and even had signs “water second”.

Runners on the Shoreway from Cleveland.com

Somewhere after the 5K mark, I was right where I wanted to be pace wise…ok maybe I was going a little fast but not by much. I felt a grumble in my belly and the “Oh my God, I have to go to the bathroom NOW!” I seriously looked around and there were runners and spectators everywhere and I thought “They are all going to see me poop my pants.” At the time, I had no idea where the next porta potty was at but was so happy to see it somewhere before mile 4. There was no line and I was in and out quickly. It was weird because in a training run, I would normally stop my watch because that time wouldn’t count as part of my run. Unfortunately, during a race I couldn’t stop my watch. I was losing time and sitting on the pot.

I can’t believe I am talking about poop in a race recap.

I got out, refused to look at my watch and just wanted to get back into the race. As soon as I started running, I felt like I had to go to the bathroom again but not just that, I had actual pain in my stomach. I tried to distract myself, “only 21.2 miles to go”, “you have so many people to look for on the course still”, “complete this and it is marathon number 12″, and “shiny spinning guitar medal”. I was so excited to see people on the course.  I felt like I was dying but as soon as I saw someone I was all smiles and waves. It was great to see so many people on the course: Katie, Suzanne, Michelle, Frank, Cory, Katie and my future in laws. It was like a little mini boost of energy. The spectators were phenomenal! Signs, cowbells and cheers. I truly felt like I was part of a parade. Thank you spectators!

Around mile 6, I had to go, again, which would bring us to red flag number… this time I was for real going to poop my pants. I was also feeling pukey. I was praying that there were potties every 2 miles because I knew I was going to need it. I found one and was lucky that again there were no lines. At this point, it started to settle in that I was really sick and I needed to decide how sick I wanted to make myself. Then I remembered that my family was waiting for me at mile 17! Must. Get. To. Mile. 17.

Still Going

I made my way to mile 10 and had to go to the bathroom again. At this point, I knew I was done; it was just a matter of when to pull out. I was lucky that I knew my way around Cleveland and knew how to get to the finish line to watch Ryan finish. He was aiming to go sub 3 and I figured I could at least watch him finish.

For some reason, I just couldn’t pull myself out of the race. I was super sick and just kept pushing myself and it was getting worse. As I made my way downtown, I had to decide quickly what I was going to do. I don’t know why, but when the half marathoners made the turn to go left and make their way to the finish, I went right with the marathoners. My stomach was cramping and still I kept on with the marathoners. I decided I would stop at mile 13 or 14 and walk back. The crowd would be thinner and it would be less embarrassing to stop there. I was already planning to find someone with a phone so I could call my Mom to tell her I was sick and pulled out of the race.

Just as I am coming up at mile 13, I see Ryan! Wait, what? He shouldn’t be there, he should be running. I was supposed to drop out and watch him finish. I felt like my whole face light up when I saw him. I decided that this would be a good spot to pull out of the race. Mile 12.8. It was amazing that I made it that far.

I feel like it was a sign that Ryan pulled out and was on the side of the road waiting to watch me go by.  The stomach bug that had plagued him during the week and the day before proved to be too much for him. If he wasn’t there I would have kept running for another mile or 2 and made myself sicker. What if he wasn’t waiting for me to run by? What if he went to the finish line to wait for me? What if I didn’t know he also pulled out and I went to the finish line to wait for him? There would have been a lot of waiting and worrying where the other one was.

When I pulled out at mile 12.8, I immediately felt guilty, crushed, bummed and let down. I felt guilty that I quit; I stopped running. I felt crushed that I got sick the morning of the race. I felt bummed that I couldn’t run my favorite race and I felt let down that I had so many people waiting for me to finish.

As I made the “walk of shame” back to the finish line area, I took off my bib. I was embarrassed to have on a marathon bib and everyone know that I didn’t finish. It took a lot to not start crying as soon as I stopped. I wanted to really bad, I felt like I had my heart broken.

It got even harder as I saw friends who ran the half and instantly knew something was up and wanted to know what happened. Why wasn’t I running? It was even harder to realize that I had my first ever DNF (Did Not Finish). Still stings to even say those words.

When I got home I kept repeating “I am so bummed” and I was. I hoped that by saying it out loud it would make me feel better. I took a shower and started getting ready; as soon as I finished putting on my makeup I started crying. I sat on the couch and tried to get a hold of myself but the tears just kept flowing. If you know me, you know that it is rare that I cry. Ryan even said that the last time he saw me cry was when he asked me to marry him.

It took me a long time to get a hold of myself and stop crying; there were so many emotions going through me. I received a bunch of texts, phone calls, Tweets and Facebook messages that cheered me up and feel like it was okay that I dropped out. I even received a lot of messages “Wow, you are human.” or “You know you are still incredible.”  These things made me smile. So many of them reminded me that the bug will pass in a few days and that I’m lucky that it is a bug and not an actual injury. I’m out for a few days instead of a few weeks.

I think I will always look back at Cleveland Marathon 2013 and feel bummed. I don’t think that will ever go away. I feel like I need to get over this stomach bug and head back out to finish the rest of the race, but I won’t.

In the end, it’s just a marathon. It’s not my first and it’s certainly not my last. There will be other marathons.

I love you Cleveland Marathon.  See you in 2014.

@mojamala2 Hope you feel better soon! 2014 #CLEmarathon is YOURS!!!

— Cleveland Marathon (@clevemarathon) May 21, 2013

They love me too

Cleveland Marathon Weekend 2013

I am beyond excited to race tomorrow, even with the heat that is predicted. I’ve already dialed my goal time back and if need, be I will dial it back more during the race. The goal is to finish and have fun.

So far, I have had a blast this weekend, even if it was really busy. Friday, I attended the VIP reception for the Cleveland Marathon.

  

Not only did I get to start the weekend with drinks and dinner, but I also got to spend it with the Official Cleveland Marathon Bloggers. An added bonus was getting to see some important people who work their guza’s off to make the Cleveland Marathon weekend a success.

Cleveland Marathon Bloggers

Saturday was quite busier than I expected but I decided to start the day by going to watch the 5K for the Cleveland Marathon. I love that they have this event. It’s a great way for everyone to be involved in the Cleveland Experience. Also, it finishes on the Browns football field! I even saw a guy who juggled while running!!!

  

Watching the 5K pumped me up for my own race tomorrow. After the 5K I headed out to the expo for packet pick-up and shopping.

Expo Goods

I have no restraint at marathon expos: 2 new shirts, gu, clif blocks and a new iPhone case.

Instead of heading home to rest after the expo, I headed out to help my Mom with some baking. This was not my usual pre-race ritual but it was nice to hang out with my mom and sister for a bit. They’ll be at the race tomorrow cheering and handing out ice to help cool down runners. Look for them around mile 17 and mile 23. Thanks Logo Mom and Logo Sister!

 

Phew! I’m tired just looking at how busy this weekend was. Luckily, I have my race day outfit picked out and I just finished carb-loading with friends. I feel as ready as I’ll ever be for the marathon tomorrow.

Eventually, I found some time to relax and have a few laughs with Ryan as we tried to take selfies with our pickle jars. We swear by pickle juice before long runs and marathons.

Good luck tomorrow everyone running Cleveland. Please remember to hydrate and adjust your goal times if you need to. Run Safe and HAVE FUN!!!

My Night Out With Elle Magazine & Wella Hair: Turn Any Light Into The Spotlight

Last night, I traded in my sweaty running clothes, put on a dress and heels to attend an event at the Charles Scott Salon in Rocky River. How else would I taper for a marathon just days away?

From Wella Hair USA Facebook page

I’ve been to Charles Scott Salon many times to get my hair and nails done and I’ve always been mega impressed with their salon and professionalism. When Canopi contacted me to attend an event, hosted by Elle Magazine and Wella Hair Professionals, I jumped at the chance to go.

I was aware that they were doing lite apps, drinks and a D.J. but I did not know they were doing hair, makeup and nails for the attendees! I went back with a stylist to get my hair done and she asked what I wanted to do. I responded “just do whatever”. When it doesn’t involve cutting or coloring my hair, I can be pretty brave.

Hanging with some hotties

My stylist, Christine, gave me some beach waves and I love dthem!!! I wear my hair 3 ways, straight, curly or pony tail. But now I need to get myself a styling wand ASAP, to master beach waves for the summer.

I also had the chance to get my nails done. If you know anything about me, I love getting my nails done. When I do my own nails, it looks like a toddler painted them. When I get them done though, I usually chip them within the first 12 hours. But guess what??? It’s been almost 24 hours and I have yet to chip them!

As I was leaving the event, I was handed a goodie bag with hair products from Wella and an issue of Elle Magazine. Looking forward to testing out their products and kicking back with a girlie magazine.

Swag bag

I’d say the worst part of the night was when it was time to go to bed. I loved my hair and didn’t want to mess it up.

So sad

I was hoping I would wake up in the morning, my hair would have stayed and I could have gone to work with my beach waves. It did not, so it’s back to straight hair for now but I’m coming back for you beach waves!

What’s your favorite way to wear your hair?

Cleveland Marathon Weekend is Upon us.

I have a crazy busy week this week but by Friday I will be hanging out with runners at the VIP dinner, Saturday I will be shopping at the marathon expo, Saturday night I will be carbo loading with friends and Sunday morning I will be at the starting line to run my 12th marathon. Immediately after the marathon Sunday I am off to one of my best friend’s baby shower. By Monday morning I will be sporting an awesome post marathon hobble walk and a shiny new finishers medal with a spinning guitar.

Finisher’s Medals

Hopefully, everyone has their bib number by now but don’t forget to pick up your packet at the expo. Every year I try not to spend too much at the expo. Every year I come back with new headbands, gu, water bottles and clothing items. Last year I couldn’t even run but still got myself a 26.2 shirt from 26.2 apparel and an awesome bag/purse from the Cleveland Marathon official merchandise area. The official items are always stellar! It’s really hard to hold myself back.

My “run” purse/bag

Please remember bags and backpacks are not allowed at the expo or at the start/finish area of the marathon. Also bags are subject to be searched.

Speaking of the start line. GET. THERE. EARLY!  The roads close early and some close earlier than listed. Save yourself the stress and leave early so that if your route is closed you still have time to find an alternate route (happened to me last year). Also get to the starting line and in your corral EARLY! The weather is looking to be nice so there is no excuse. Go to the bathroom, shed some clothes and get in your corral.

Perhaps your view will look like this on race morning

Lastly, line up where you belong. Do not line up at the front because you want to be up there. Runners in the front, walkers in the back and then line up according to pace groups. If you line up where you don’t belong it jams up the entire start line. I’ve seen it happen at many races and can be frustrating for all participants. The race is chip timed so you don’t have to be close to the front, your timing chip doesn’t start until YOU cross the start line (not when the gun goes off).

What are you most looking forward to this weekend? What is your starting line etiquette?

Good Luck to everyone! Can’t wait to see you all this weekend! Remember to have fun and make your own CLEVELAND EXPERIENCE!

Weather as of Thursday Morning.

This looks pretty good!

 

 

 

Cleveland Marathon Training Week 18: This Is It!

Training is all done, now just need to keep the legs healthy and give them some much needed rest. My plan is to run 5 miles on Monday (yesterday), 4 on Tuesday and 3 on Wednesday and then I am shutting them down til Sunday. Speedwork, hills & long runs will not help you at this point. Either you are ready or you are not. If you are ready then relax and enjoy the week. If you are not ready make sure you adjust your goal time and add in walking if you need to.

10 days ago, when the weather released the 10 day forecast, I immediately checked the weather. This is the time of year where I religiously check the weather.

10 days ago forecast for Sunday

Today I checked the weather again.

Tuesday’s weather prediction for Sunday

Little bit of a difference in weather in just a couple days. So for now I will check the weather once a day but will not freak out about it. I am checking out of curiosity at this point. When I check the weather on Friday and Saturday, it will be to narrow down outfit choices. I’ve trained in the hot and the cold and the snowy and the rainy. I’ve ran marathons in the 30s-40s and in the high 70s. The weather may not be ideal but as a runner you learn to adjust and deal with it.

Last week’s training:

Monday: Rest Day
Tuesday: Speedwork, 1 mile WU, 4-800s at 3:30, 3:28, 3:24, 3:23, 1.5 mile CD
Wednesday: Yoga and football
Thursday: Yoga
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 10 mile longish run at 8:36 pace
Sunday: Rest Day

Total Mileage: 15

I didn’t plan to run only 2 days last week but I did a lot of running at football on Wednesday night and felt like I pulled something in my quad. It ended up being nothing. Probably just me getting old. To be safe I babied it the next couple of days to make sure it had healed.

Good Luck to everyone running any of the Cleveland Marathon Races this weekend!

5 Days! or 4 days 16 hours and 48 minutes.

My Cleveland Marathon Experiences

While researching a couple things for this post, I stumbled upon some really cool Cleveland Marathon Facts.

1. First Cleveland marathon was in 1976 and Jesse Owens fired the gun at the starting line.
2. Cleveland Marathon has gone through many name changes/sponsors. “The Revco” Marathon and 10K, the CVS Marathon and 10K and now the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K.
3. The original marathon course started in Hudson, traveled through Twinsburg, Solon and then ended in Cleveland. No offense but that course sounds terrible and hilly. I don’t want to hear any complaints about the Cleveland Marathon course now.
4. At the start of the Revco Marathon in 1992, the temperature was 68 degrees and as the winners crossed the finish line the temperature had risen to 77 degrees! (sounds similar to the 2012 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon.)
5. The half marathon was not added until 2005!
6. 16 year old running sensation Alana Hadley,  is making the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon her debut marathon. Her half marathon time is 1:16:41. I wish I could be at the finish line to watch her finish the marathon.

Cleveland Marathon Experience No. 1- Sometime in the 1990s

The reason I was researching the Cleveland Marathon was because I wanted to share my many Cleveland Marathon Experiences. Out of nowhere I remembered my very first Cleveland experience was as a spectator in the early 90s! I don’t remember the exact year but I remember going with my Aunt Denise and little cousins to downtown Cleveland very early in the morning. We stationed ourselves around Public Square (I think) and anxiously waited for my Uncle Tom to run by us. He had been training to run the 10K. I still remember when you could see the first runners coming in. My cousins and I got all excited, “is that him? is that him?” My Aunt laughed as a bunch of Kenyans flew by us, obviously not him. Sometime went by and we eventually saw my Uncle. We cheered and were excited to see him. I remember at the time I didn’t know how far a mile was, let alone 6.2 of them.

Found this on Ebay! Who sells past medals!?!?

Cleveland Marathon Experience No. 2- May 1999

My next Cleveland Marathon Experience was as a volunteer. My high school track team volunteered on the course every year. It was 1999 (wow do I sound old) and all we had to do was stand on our assigned street and make sure cars didn’t go onto the course. At the time I was a sprinter and pole vaulter on the track team. I whined when I had to run more than 400 meters. Yet here I was watching the marathon. I definitely had an itch to run more after watching the race. Yet still I had no idea how far a marathon was. I knew it was many miles but couldn’t tell you the exact amount.

Cleveland Marathon Experience No. 3- May 18, 2008

In 2008 I began training for my first marathon. Being from Cleveland, I couldn’t imagine any other race for my first marathon. My Uncle Tom, who I watched run the 10K in the 90s, was also running the marathon. I was so excited that we would both share our first marathon experience together. Sadly, a couple weeks before the marathon I got sidelined with an injury. Luckily, I was able to take a few weeks off and come back to run the half. I remember it rained that morning but stopped just before the race started. I had not run a race in the rain before so I was happy it cleared up. It was only my second half marathon but I shaved 10 mins off my PR and ran a 1:43:23.

Picture of my Uncle’s medal.

 Cleveland Marathon Experience No. 4- May 17,2009

This was “The Marathon” for me. Everything had lined up perfectly, weather was amazing and I didn’t over dress. I had glued myself to the 3:40 pace group and stayed with them for as long as I possibly could. I eventually lost them but held onto my pace as best I could. I saw my family at mile 23 and my Mom jumped around like a crazy person yelling “it’s only a 5K from here! You got it!”. I think she even jumped in with me for a couple seconds. But that was all I needed to hear. “Just a 5K”. I crossed the finish line in 3:40:12. BOSTON QUALIFIER! Just barely but I did it.

Cleveland Marathon Experience No. 5- May 16, 2010

I ran Boston in 2010 and really wasn’t sure how my legs were going to be after that. So in 2010, I decided to run the half instead. I couldn’t imagine not being a part of The Cleveland Marathon Experience. This was another perfect weather day but I barely made it to the start line. I had waited to long to get in line for the bathroom and made it to the start line less than 30 seconds before the gun went off. I learned my lesson to always go to the bathroom early and get to your corral on time. For this race, I ended up running a 1:45:14, about a month after running Boston.

2010 Finish Line

Cleveland Marathon Experience No. 6- May 15, 2011

This was the year I became an Official Cleveland Marathon Blogger! I’m not sure they could find a bigger and more loyal fan of their race. This was also the year I raised money for Autism. Great foundation if you want to raise money. The weather for this race was less than ideal. It was cold, rainy and windy. I am always cold so I was freezing during this race. I started having some shin pain early on in the race. Odd for me because I didn’t have any problems during my training. By mile 20, I had my doubts on if I would finish. I kept thinking my legs were going to quit. I stuck through it though and made my way to the finish. Not my best time, 4:00:04 but if I wouldn’t have finished, they never would have snapped this picture that became “The Logo”

The original “Logo” picture

Cleveland Marathon Experience No. 7- May 20, 2012

In 2012, I signed up for the Cleveland Marathon again and was also asked to be an Official Blogger for the second year in a row. I had big goals for this race and trained my heart out. I trained hard, saw major results and was expecting a huge PR. Sadly, about a month before the race, I started having IT band issues. I did everything I could to get healthy so I could run. However, on race day, all my friends toed the line for the race and I was left spectating from the sidelines. I was crushed. Cleveland is my race. Still, I cheered my heart out for all of my friends that day. I couldn’t run but I was armed with my cowbell and cheered them on as they ran. I felt awful for them as the temps climbed that day. It reached 78 for a high and when you are running that feels awful but all of my friends trudged through and finished! 2012 wasn’t all that bad because it was also the year that I became “The Logo”.  My picture above from 2011 was on promotional material, posters flyers etc for the 2012 race.

The Logo

I can’t tell you how my Cleveland Marathon Experience No. 8 will be for another 10 days. However, I think it is safe to say that I am a Cleveland Marathon lifer. I plan on running this race every year for as long as I can. When a time comes that I can’t run, you’ll see me volunteering or spectating.

Cleveland is my city and I will run it. When I can’t run it, I will support it.

Sources:
Cleveland Marathon History
Temperature 1992
Revco Marathon

Run Puritas 5K

I forgot to take a picture of the shirt, so imagine the above logo on a light grey t shirt. Then imagine the shirt being a perfect fit. Then imagine me wearing it everyday since Saturday. Hello, new favorite t shirt!

Saturday May 4th was the first annual Run Puritas 5K put on by Peace Racing. I’ve done a couple Peace Racing events in the past and for a small company I am always impressed. Great races, accurate courses, flat courses and fast awards after. They also have a giant inflatable finish line. Ryan and I always joke that we want one to run out of for our wedding.

My goal for this race was to run even 7 minute miles. Not run 6:30 for the first mile, 7:30 for the 2nd mile and want to crawl for the third mile. My second goal was to run faster than the 5K last week.

The gun went off and I immediately started out too fast but was able to get it under control fairly quickly. I paid attention to my breathing and how I felt and aimed to push myself but not kill myself. I wanted to have something in the tank for a strong finish. First mile was in the 7′s so I was happy with that and tried to pick it up for the 2nd mile. The course goes through a neighborhood I haven’t been in too much so there was a lot of new things for me to check out. I also ran with music for this race to keep myself in the zone.

Running with my eyes half closed and almost smiling. Makes me look special.

The last mile is a very long straightaway and parts are on a brick road. Running on bricks can be a little tricky but I barely noticed them. I concentrated on pushing the last mile and as I got close to the last turn I realized I was in first! I had no idea how close the next female was but a good rule to remember while running is “NEVER LOOK BACK”. You mess up your form and lose time when you look back.

I couldn’t hear anyone but decided to push for a strong finish. As soon as I started to push the pace, I realized I was going to puke if I kept that up. If there was someone else close by, they would have taken the lead. As I made the last turn, I could see the finish line up ahead. The turn was onto a very smooth parking lot so it felt good and helped me to pick up the pace to finish. (even if I ended up puking at the finish)

Moja Finish

I crossed the finish line in a time of 22:21 a 7:11 pace, 7th overall and 1st overall female. 40 seconds fast than the 5K last week and didn’t puke. This time is still far from my PR but I am still recovering from the Athens Marathon and gearing up for the Cleveland Marathon on May 19th. I will be going after a 5K PR after the Cleveland Marathon.

The race recap doesn’t end there. After I caught my breath I asked Ryan how he did. He was the first overall male!

First Overall Male-Ryan

Very exciting day for us as it was our first win as an engaged couple.

Overall winners

I think it’s safe to say we’ll have to come back next year to run as a married couple.

I love how we are smiling and laughing in this picture from our cool down.

Next race up is the Cleveland Marathon!!!