20 miles...I did it!

Yesterday was week #14. Saturday, May 15, 2010

It felt as if I had just gone to bed when I was startled out of my sleep with the noise of the radio at 3:06 A.M! I quickly sat up, rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, and sprung into action. My clothes for today’s training were already laid out since Thursday night. Yes, Thursday night! Hey, it was my first 20 miles of walking (at one shot) ever in my life!! Armed with my bag with all my stuff, peanut butter sandwich, and my coffee, I left home for Kennedy Park wishing that my training buddy, Shanti was with me. Shanti has a toe injury and has been water training for three weeks! Please send her your positive thoughts and encouragement.

The 20 miles training was a character building experience for me. It took me 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 54 seconds to complete the distance! This time included: bathroom stops, water stops, stretching, shaking tiny grains out of my shoes, and rubbing my covered cheek with biofreeze. Oh my goodness, I didn't know that someone’s behind could experience such intense pain.

At about mile 14, my left cheek started to hurt so I began massaging it- yes, in public!!! We stopped. My coach showed me a stretch which I did on the bench at a bus stop. We walked on some more but the pain just won't stop. I stretched myself out on the sidewalk and did the "glute stretch" that I know works. It didn't. I then proceeded to pull my pants down (only the back) and roll on the biofreeze on my cheek while someone gave me cover. Ah, it gives new meaning to applying make-up on ones cheek! Thanks to my brother for thinking up this line! The biofreeze cooled the cheek, but the pain still radiated down the hamstring. The only thing that stopped/eased that pain was a light jog.

Although the sun was hot and it felt like 125 degrees, I did not give up nor did I think about how much longer I had to walk. I simply put one foot in front of the other. It was when I saw the "Montys" sign I knew that I was almost there. Strange, I didn't feel tired at that time. I was on a "total high". My cheeks (the exposed ones) were toasted, the sweat washed off my hair color (just kidding), I smelled like a goat, but I did it. Yes, I did! I now know in my heart, for I have experienced it, that training for a marathon is more mental than physical. I truly have to let my body travel along with my mind. I am trusting my mind to take me through the next 6.2 miles on event day on June 6th.

Yesterday's training once again showed me that there are people in our lives who truly understand the concept of "paying it forward". Several past TNT members showed up to be our "water angels". We were treated to sliced oranges, pretzels, water, gatorade, energy gels, and of course, a bountiful supply of encouragement and support.

It took me about half hour to get home and get this...I could hardly get out of the car because my body was so stiff. Walking to my garage door was painful! Upon the advice of my coaches, I tried to take a cold shower, but that didn't work out, so I took a "less than warm" one. I was careful not to sit around the house (I needed to keep moving) so I did housework!!!! Not much HW though, I was too much on a "high" to finish any tasks.

Guess what? I was in bed by 8:15 P.M:) This morning my daughter treated me to breakfast at Dunkin Donut and a movie with my favorite actress in the comfort of my living room.

I wonder how long it would take me to finish the 26.2? My friends, family, and readers I thank you very much for your support and encouragement. I am truly blessed to have you in my life.

For those who are afflicted with blood cancers, my 20 miles of training pales significantly when compared to their daily battle. Please continue to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by sending whatever donation you can afford to help find a cure for blood cancers. I encourage you to visit: http://www.teamintraining.org/ for more information on how you can contribute to this cause. For those of you who have already contributed, I thank you again.
I also encourage you to take on the challenge of half marathon or marathon. You can do it, yes you can!!!