Well, the big day has come and gone. After all of the anticipation, Friday nights spent at home, nerves and physical pains - I finished my first marathon.
This marathon taught me so much more than I ever could have learned within a classroom. It taught me I have more mental strength than I ever imagined. It taught me how much I really do rely on my family. Most of all, it taught me that no matter the obstacles that are put in my way - I can overcome them.
Needless to say, my parents had their doubts I would even be able to finish this marathon. With everything going on in my life I had let training rest on the back burner - and a little over half-way into the race I felt it.
I guess the best way to explain why training is so vital is to go through my many pains - which started at mile nine. Mile nine was a gem in that, chaffing began. Having a mom who was at one time, an avid marathoner, she explained the need to wear vaseline on your thighs or anywhere else there might be cloth rubbing against your skin. I followed her instructions but did not think of the implications of what happens when the vaseline wears off. Today, my thighs are still raw and the cause of much discomfort.
By mile 19, I was ready to call it a day. I had put in a good fight but man I did not think I could win this battle. With the help and support of the best fans I have ever seen - I powered through. Mile 22 - I could no longer feel my legs... which at that point was a relief. I was finally able to run my race without every step feeling a shooting pain up and down my calves and thighs. This numbness led me into mile 24.
At mile 24 all the pains were coming back and I was coming upon the last leg of the race - a bridge. A bridge where I met my saving grace - a dad who was pushing his son and daughter along the race. Everytime I started to give up and walk - he would chime in "Come on, RUN HAPPY, you can do it," "Don't stop and walk now, 2 miles to go!"Although at the time it may have been the most annoying noise ever - it really did encourage me to keep going.
Mile 25 - one mile left to the finish. At that point I had made up my mind, I would run the last mile and sprint to the end. Mind over matter. I had reached the top of the bridge and was greeted by my zeta sisters, who, after I threw up a crown did some stellar zeta cheers for me! I kept running and thought I saw the finish line.. I broke into a sprint.
My bad... the finish line was down a ramp, around a corner and at least a quarter of a mile away. I struggled. Truly struggled. Then, the finish line was near - I saw my mom - as I passed her, I heard her scream "Run Christy, finish it." And, that's what I did. As I sprinted across the finish line, to my delight, I heard the announcer say, "and in comes Christy Stillwell, finishing the marathon with a little extra kick." It was the best feeling of my life.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Remembering WHY I'm in it to END it.
One month, 2 days till my marathon.
Let me tell you... I am FREAKING out. I don't feel at all prepared for this shindig. After taking a month off and completely disregarding my "plan" I am stressed to the max to fit all of my work outs and distance runs in.
Through my reading, I have found that two weeks before the marathon you are supposed to start tapering off your runs. Well, that leaves me with one weekend left to make a 20-22 mile run. This weekend. All the planning, travel arrangements were made months in advance when I felt I had plenty of time to train, prepare and psych myself up for this.
I feel untrained, unprepared and unpsyched. This past weekend was brutal to run outside. It must have been 17 degrees out, the wind was forcefully blowing - whipping my hair back and forth, leaving me with wind burned cheeks and a serious case of the chills. After finally making it home, I did everything to try to get comfortable - used my sisters electric blanket, took a hot shower, put on sweats. Nothing worked.
It is in these instances - the ones where I am starting to seriously question myself, my abilities and my mental strength - that I turn to others.
It is stories like this one that make me realize I really don't have it so bad. So, however tired, however much I want to just give up, I won't. This is all so much bigger than me, and if ever I need that extra inspiration - I'll just turn to those other 8,000 people who are running with me (http://www.breastcancermarathon.com/run/why-im-running/).
Song of the Day: OneRepublic - Good Life (mad props to Natty T. for providing me with my saweet new playlist. Love you gf.)
Oh, and p.s. in case you haven't seen Donna has put my favorite word as a banner on her website, "inspire". And that is just what I intend to do.
Passionately Pink,
Christy
Let me tell you... I am FREAKING out. I don't feel at all prepared for this shindig. After taking a month off and completely disregarding my "plan" I am stressed to the max to fit all of my work outs and distance runs in.
Through my reading, I have found that two weeks before the marathon you are supposed to start tapering off your runs. Well, that leaves me with one weekend left to make a 20-22 mile run. This weekend. All the planning, travel arrangements were made months in advance when I felt I had plenty of time to train, prepare and psych myself up for this.
I feel untrained, unprepared and unpsyched. This past weekend was brutal to run outside. It must have been 17 degrees out, the wind was forcefully blowing - whipping my hair back and forth, leaving me with wind burned cheeks and a serious case of the chills. After finally making it home, I did everything to try to get comfortable - used my sisters electric blanket, took a hot shower, put on sweats. Nothing worked.
It is in these instances - the ones where I am starting to seriously question myself, my abilities and my mental strength - that I turn to others.
Why I am Running
Several months ago, when I entered this race, that was an easy one to answer. I was running because I could. As a breast cancer survivor and runner, it was an easy choice. Now it is even easier to answer, but will be harder to do. In October, I was released by my oncologist with 10 years of survival behind me. Now just a month later, I am once again the patient. I found out I have cancer in the opposite breast. I am determined to complete this race. While I may run slowly or walk quickly, I will finish! Breast cancer wont stop me!
Mary Kay Donaldson
Beaufort, SC
It is stories like this one that make me realize I really don't have it so bad. So, however tired, however much I want to just give up, I won't. This is all so much bigger than me, and if ever I need that extra inspiration - I'll just turn to those other 8,000 people who are running with me (http://www.breastcancermarathon.com/run/why-im-running/).
Song of the Day: OneRepublic - Good Life (mad props to Natty T. for providing me with my saweet new playlist. Love you gf.)
Oh, and p.s. in case you haven't seen Donna has put my favorite word as a banner on her website, "inspire". And that is just what I intend to do.
Passionately Pink,
Christy
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
MIA
Yes, I have been MIA for the past three months. While life has been taking over, I have barely come up for air let alone a chance to write. For those of you wondering, yes I have been training. Yes, I have managed to finish more than five miles (I maxed out at 18). Where have I been, you ask? Well, let me tell you what I have learned over the past month.
The past month has taught me more about life than I have learned over the course of my 22 years here (yes, I know.. big freaking deal). You see, my marathon training was placed on hold for the past month so I could finally support a woman who has always supported me - my Grandma.
I started training for this marathon as a means of self-reflection. Throughout my collegiate relationships I lost a huge part of who I was. The athlete. The writer. The independent thinker and person. And, not that I didn't appreciate those things I did gain in college, but I still missed those other parts of myself. I figured throughout training I'd be gaining so many of those things back, and while I slowly did a huge part of it all was still missing.
It wasn't till recently that I realized - not only what I was missing but what my life goals were. What I had been passionate about, and what hopefully sparked the passion of others. I love seeing the excitement people get right before Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It thrills me to see NFL players sporting pink during October. And while I may have lost sight of all that -
My Grandma truly believed I could make a difference.
While I may not yet be the star I once thought I was meant to be... I know that the difference I am making with every step would make her proud. She was the kind of women that believed in a better world. She believed people could make a difference just by sharing a smile.
So, while this marathon may have started out as being a selfish means of self-preservation, it has garnered its way into being a giant momento of the person my Grandma always knew I was. No longer is this marathon about me - its about her. Her passion for life, her caring personality, the lives she touched by sharing her smile.
Song of the Day: Holes in the Floor of Heaven - Collin Raye
Passionately Pink,
Christy
I started training for this marathon as a means of self-reflection. Throughout my collegiate relationships I lost a huge part of who I was. The athlete. The writer. The independent thinker and person. And, not that I didn't appreciate those things I did gain in college, but I still missed those other parts of myself. I figured throughout training I'd be gaining so many of those things back, and while I slowly did a huge part of it all was still missing.
It wasn't till recently that I realized - not only what I was missing but what my life goals were. What I had been passionate about, and what hopefully sparked the passion of others. I love seeing the excitement people get right before Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It thrills me to see NFL players sporting pink during October. And while I may have lost sight of all that -
My Grandma truly believed I could make a difference.
While I may not yet be the star I once thought I was meant to be... I know that the difference I am making with every step would make her proud. She was the kind of women that believed in a better world. She believed people could make a difference just by sharing a smile.
So, while this marathon may have started out as being a selfish means of self-preservation, it has garnered its way into being a giant momento of the person my Grandma always knew I was. No longer is this marathon about me - its about her. Her passion for life, her caring personality, the lives she touched by sharing her smile.
A smile happens in a flash - but its memory can last a lifetime.
Song of the Day: Holes in the Floor of Heaven - Collin Raye
Passionately Pink,
Christy
Monday, September 20, 2010
skunks, creeps and shin splints... OH MY!
Over the past week I have been running here and there every day but only two days were really notable.
day one of the creeps and the skunks...
Jogging along, half asleep.. which is my personal favorite way to jog. I was pleasantly awaken by three baby deer who let me get so close I almost touched them. Typically as soon as you get close to a deer, they run... this was one of those odd situations where I was actually more afraid of them than they were of me. Very cool.
As I determined it was best to continue my jog half asleep, I was just getting into my rhythm when a creepy car drove past me, stopped and reversed. I freaked and sprinted around the corner. No sooner had that occurrence happened then another creepy guy was lurking around his parked car. Just about this time I determined it was wise for me to stay awake for this run.
I finally thought I was in the clear when I see a skunk scamper across the street. It was at this point I completely gave up on my run. The problem with this scenario would be the two creepers chilling in my neighborhood. By now I'm sure you have figured out I made it home safely but have determined the streets of suburbia are not ones to be reckoned with.
Shin Splints
A phenomenon I never actually believed in. Back in High School everyone would complain of shin splints... I thought it was their way of getting out of practice and chopped it up to them being a bunch of wimps. Well let me tell you shin splints will get 'cha. I continued jogging on my wounded legs and after a few days determined I should probably trade over to the bicycle. Wise choice - as I found out that if you have an injury you are more prone to shin splints. So what was my sprained ankle turned into shin splints. Go figure.
Another recent discovery.. Michael Jackson "Thriller" is probably not the best song choice when running alone on a path in the dark.
Personal Favorite Songs of the Week:
day one of the creeps and the skunks...
Jogging along, half asleep.. which is my personal favorite way to jog. I was pleasantly awaken by three baby deer who let me get so close I almost touched them. Typically as soon as you get close to a deer, they run... this was one of those odd situations where I was actually more afraid of them than they were of me. Very cool.
As I determined it was best to continue my jog half asleep, I was just getting into my rhythm when a creepy car drove past me, stopped and reversed. I freaked and sprinted around the corner. No sooner had that occurrence happened then another creepy guy was lurking around his parked car. Just about this time I determined it was wise for me to stay awake for this run.
I finally thought I was in the clear when I see a skunk scamper across the street. It was at this point I completely gave up on my run. The problem with this scenario would be the two creepers chilling in my neighborhood. By now I'm sure you have figured out I made it home safely but have determined the streets of suburbia are not ones to be reckoned with.
Shin Splints
A phenomenon I never actually believed in. Back in High School everyone would complain of shin splints... I thought it was their way of getting out of practice and chopped it up to them being a bunch of wimps. Well let me tell you shin splints will get 'cha. I continued jogging on my wounded legs and after a few days determined I should probably trade over to the bicycle. Wise choice - as I found out that if you have an injury you are more prone to shin splints. So what was my sprained ankle turned into shin splints. Go figure.
Another recent discovery.. Michael Jackson "Thriller" is probably not the best song choice when running alone on a path in the dark.
Personal Favorite Songs of the Week:
- Avril Lavigne - Holding On
- Keith Urban - Stupid Boy
- Eminem & Rihanna - Love the way you Lie
- Blink-182 - Rock Show
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
a little bit of inspiration from me to you.
So, after what may have been the best weekend of my entire life I have been unable to force myself to get up and go for a run, thus, nothing to blog about. Well, I think we all know I love to chat and just couldn't go another day without spreading my wisdom. So, I've decided the best thing to do is write about what I think. Why I run. And what motivates me. Not saying it's right or it's wrong - just some thoughts.
While reading my running magazine today it dawned on me that people run for all reasons - they run for autism awareness. They run to raise money for our parks. They run for the health benefits. And some just run to be a part of a group. The great thing about running is the common bond all runners share. Those experiences and moments you have when you are the only one on a trail. And those you have when packed into a start line at a race. The stories are endless. I think one theme people find with runners is the positive can-do attitude. I definitely notice it within myself. I not only feel better about myself but I have a much better outlook on life after a few days of running.
Now, some may ask - as my mother does on a daily basis - why I am running a marathon all the way in Jacksonville when the Marine Corps Marathon is less than 30 minutes from my house. The answer is two-fold. One, the Marine Corps Marathon is only a month or two away and I can currently run no more than 4 or 5 miles on any given day. Two, ever since I was little my parents encouraged us to volunteer. One Christmas instead of asking for toys and clothes, my sisters and I received Livestrong bracelets. Although at the time I looked at it as though I was just shorted my new Britney Spears c.d. the thought has stuck with me for awhile.
That same thought carried with me into high school where my feature stories were about the benefits of donating to charities. Then one year I decided to spend a weekend volunteering for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was such a powerful experiences - men, women, mothers, daughters, sisters, brothers - all gathered, sporting pink I might add, to raise breast cancer awareness and take over the district. This experience led me to organizing Breast Cancer Awareness month at my high school and the ongoing search for a cure continued.
It continued right into college when I was searching for the perfect sorority. I liked them all and just couldn't decide. The girls were all nice and involved in tons of activities. The turning point came to the last night of rush, I turned to my roommate completely split between two sororities. She looked at me and said, "Christy, the girls are all nice. You will get along with anyone - look at where you think you can make the biggest difference." And that made my decision entirely too easy. The next day I became a part of Zeta Tau Alpha and got the chance to spend the next four years raising money and awareness for the cause.
Now that college is over, it is on to my next challenge. Next item on the "Bucket List" - run a marathon. And what better way to do it then being surrounded by positive, amazing individuals who are running for a cause I have always been passionate about. This next chapter of my life is so exciting - I just hope I can survive the ride.
Passionately Pink,
Christy
While reading my running magazine today it dawned on me that people run for all reasons - they run for autism awareness. They run to raise money for our parks. They run for the health benefits. And some just run to be a part of a group. The great thing about running is the common bond all runners share. Those experiences and moments you have when you are the only one on a trail. And those you have when packed into a start line at a race. The stories are endless. I think one theme people find with runners is the positive can-do attitude. I definitely notice it within myself. I not only feel better about myself but I have a much better outlook on life after a few days of running.
Now, some may ask - as my mother does on a daily basis - why I am running a marathon all the way in Jacksonville when the Marine Corps Marathon is less than 30 minutes from my house. The answer is two-fold. One, the Marine Corps Marathon is only a month or two away and I can currently run no more than 4 or 5 miles on any given day. Two, ever since I was little my parents encouraged us to volunteer. One Christmas instead of asking for toys and clothes, my sisters and I received Livestrong bracelets. Although at the time I looked at it as though I was just shorted my new Britney Spears c.d. the thought has stuck with me for awhile.
That same thought carried with me into high school where my feature stories were about the benefits of donating to charities. Then one year I decided to spend a weekend volunteering for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was such a powerful experiences - men, women, mothers, daughters, sisters, brothers - all gathered, sporting pink I might add, to raise breast cancer awareness and take over the district. This experience led me to organizing Breast Cancer Awareness month at my high school and the ongoing search for a cure continued.
It continued right into college when I was searching for the perfect sorority. I liked them all and just couldn't decide. The girls were all nice and involved in tons of activities. The turning point came to the last night of rush, I turned to my roommate completely split between two sororities. She looked at me and said, "Christy, the girls are all nice. You will get along with anyone - look at where you think you can make the biggest difference." And that made my decision entirely too easy. The next day I became a part of Zeta Tau Alpha and got the chance to spend the next four years raising money and awareness for the cause.
Now that college is over, it is on to my next challenge. Next item on the "Bucket List" - run a marathon. And what better way to do it then being surrounded by positive, amazing individuals who are running for a cause I have always been passionate about. This next chapter of my life is so exciting - I just hope I can survive the ride.
Passionately Pink,
Christy
Saturday, September 4, 2010
11 & 12
DAY ELEVEN
Woke up this morning to go for a quick run. While running I spotted a frog. Questioned if it was the same one my best friend, Tracy, had stepped on a few years ago. Ended my run early.
Had a brief conversation with my Dad when I got back, it went something like this:
ME: Dad, I'm starting to get a little nervous about this whole marathon thing... last night I filled out my planner with the distances I should be running every day for the next few months and it dawned on me, that for example, I am supposed to be running 11 miles on New Years day. Well, lets be honest, that will never happen.
Dad: Yeah, I got to be honest the whole marathon thing has me thrown for a loop. What are you going to do run the first mile than drive the next 25? Seriously, my daughter who ran cross country struggled with it...
ME: well, it's not like I have ever lost anything in my life.
Dad: well I'm not expecting you to win it..
ME: come on Dad, dream big.
Song of the Day: Barenaked - Jennifer Love Hewitt
DAY TWELVE
I debated not going for a run today but then I remembered the conversation Tracy and I had last night. Apparently, she finds it very amusing that the majority of my blog posts go something like this.. "I was going to go for a run today but I was too hungover." And after finishing a bottle and a half of wine with her last night I was definitely not going to let that be held over my head.
I am so glad that I did go for a run because the weather was perfect. The temperature was incredible for running - not too hot and not too cold. The sun was shining, I could not have asked for anything better.
With this great weather brought out lots of dogs! Specifically, I saw two golden retrievers on my run. For those who haven't heard, I lost my dog Holly - a golden retriever - a few months ago. So as I saw all of these beautiful goldens it made me feel a little closer to her. Dogs are such an important part of your family and it has definitely been hard not having her around everyday. But, seeing all of these dogs made my run so much more special. My run flew by with memories of days spent with Holly at the farm, sporting events and playing field hockey with her.
Song of the day: Destiny's Child - Survivor
Passionately Pink,
Christy
Thursday, September 2, 2010
DAY TEN
Went running through the park near my house. Realized the problem with that is two-fold. One - the gnats are awful. I had more up my nose than were swarming in the air. Two - it smelled of skunk and when I turned the corner to see a black and white rat-looking animal I freaked, only to realize that rat was followed by a leash and a woman.
But, let's be honest the benefits of running through a park far outweigh the costs. While hitting mile two I was on my way up a long steady hill and when I started to see over the top all there was to view was this gorgeous sunset. It was heaven.
Song of the Day: Rascal Flatts - Bless the Broken Road
But, let's be honest the benefits of running through a park far outweigh the costs. While hitting mile two I was on my way up a long steady hill and when I started to see over the top all there was to view was this gorgeous sunset. It was heaven.
Song of the Day: Rascal Flatts - Bless the Broken Road
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