Running For Her Life

First off, Merry Christmas everyone!
Wow…I guess I haven't blogged in a pretty long time?? Although some of my Facebook posts do seem to come out like mini blogs sometimes:), I probably haven’t done the best job lately keeping up with race recaps, training thoughts and whatever else Elite Runners are supposed to blog about! I originally wanted to write a blog after a "certain" article about my life came out in the Charlotte Observer on September 15^th.  
In fact, the journalist, Theoden Janes, recently just got an award from the N.C. Press Association for "Best Profile Feature" and believe me, he deserved every bit of it!  

Working with Théoden  (Bless his very patient heart!) on the story Running For her Life , forced me to go to places that I had never gone before and the process became quite the“roller coaster” type of project.  So I guess you could say that after 9 months of work, the story kinda came out to be one HUGE blog all in one!  It took a lot out of me emotionally, and in all honesty, I think I went into a small state of shock after it came out. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, except that it was tough to comprehend how for 30 years, a major part of my life that I had always tried to hide, was now revealed. And even though to accommodate certain legalities, the story portrayed only a few small glimpses of the tough stuff, I still felt more exposed than I ever had.

But with all that said, I think I knew deep down, and all my close mentors and friends agreed, that it was the right time to do something like this. As I had mentioned on Facebook, and in the article itself, I felt that God had given me an opportunity that I may never have again. That there was potential for my story to reach people who may need encouragement and hope.  And why wouldn't that be a good thing?  My other anticipation was that people might learn more about the signs and effects of certain abuses, but also the redemption that can follow with a lot of help and hard work.  To my surprise, there was an absolutely amazing outpouring of positive  responses that were 
portrayed in a variety of ways. Many young people, older people, male and female alike who could relate and  had similar stories of their own. It was more than I could ever have imagined and I was so touched and so moved, that I wanted to respond to every single person.  So in the end, I think that the main mission was accomplished, and the positive things that have come from it, are way more worthwhile and satisfying than any other outward accomplishment I could ever strive for.

Of course none of this means that my life is perfect now or that everything is all gone. Or that I can erase the hard parts of the first 20 years of life.  I don't think PTSD ever really goes away completely and in fact, as my close friends can attest, my life ain't always smooth sailing! But I have found courage through other personal stories and witnessed many great examples of people where their mindset is, if I can get back up from "THAT" then I can certainly get back up from this. If I can survive "THAT" then I can survive this.  So here we are closing out 2013, a year where I've definitely gone through some trials and it's once again time to put that mindset to use!  Were these recent experiences worse or harder than other things I have gone through in my younger years?....Well if you have read the article, than you can  probably guess that the answer is: No, not at all. But between changes in living, a cyst in my knee, Kidney Stones, VERY low iron, financial setbacks, relational breakups, a marathon that didn’t go exactly how I had hoped, and a few other unmentionable personal trials, I am already trying to figure out how I can learn from, and use these 2013 roadblocks for better outcomes. 

1 Peter 1:7 says :  "These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold." 
I believe this verse and it once again comes down to trusting that God can work all things out for good in some way if I have faith. 

 

A Burrito Blog

b4 the burrito 5k

during the burrito 5k

After the burrito 5k!!!

Well plans can change quickly in the life of an Elite Runner. Long term plans where just one or two small situations can change a whole season. And short term plans where things can change in the span of 2 or 3 days. As I said in my last blog, "Overcoming Boston," there are some things that you just don't see coming or could possibly plan for in life. So on a lighter note to everything that's happened in the last week, signing up last minute for the Moe's burrito 5k dash in Columbia S.C.  seemed like a fun way to keep racing light-hearted, while still keeping in mind the tragedies of Boston.

 I was originally really excited about racing in Raleigh at the Tar Heel 10 miler. I very rarely get to race locally, so to drive a few hours and win a few bucks sounded like a good chance to take. Of course it would have been a tough physical task to run a very hilly 10 mile race this weekend and then head to Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby Festival to run a very hilly half-marathon the next. So when I heard about the Moe's dash and how it offered quadruple the $ for first place, compared to Tar Heel, AND it was only a 5k, I decided to take a chance and try something different; And the venue of the Moe's Burrito 5k dash was DEFINITELY different. The main idea was pretty simple. You run about half the race, eat and finish a burrito, and then finish the race. The first 3 Males and females to cross the finish would get cash prizes and there were age group awards as well. The race was also set up so that You could choose not to eat the burrito but then you would not be eligible for cash prizes ....or bragging rights:)

Anyhow, as silly as it sounds, I was pretty nervous before the race because I knew my burrito eating split would be very slow.  Without getting in to too much detail, I have no bottom molars to chew with except my wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth. I am also missing some top molars, so with all those teeth gone, it's pretty difficult for me to eat things quickly with the exception of soups or smoothies:) And unlike any other race where this would never matter, I knew not having teeth could be a HUGE hindrance for this one!:) But I talked to some close friends about the disadvantage and decided to go ahead and put my burrito eating fears behind me!!

 On race day I did not tell my arch rivals from the Charlotte Running Club, Caitlin Bullock and Laurie Knowles about my disadvantage, because I knew how fast they were running wise, but ALSO knew that at least Caitlin, was known to be a very fast burrito consumer!  And boy was I correct!  After running the first 1.7 miles at about 5:08 pace, and thinking that I had a pretty good lead to start the consumption, before I knew it, I looked to my left and could not believe how close to me Caitlin and Laurie were as far as their burrito dwindling. I kept looking at their burritos thinking man, they are animals....they must have been given a kids size or something?? I was trying so hard to chew and swallow, but again, when you don't have teeth, it's pretty hard to get anything down in a rush. After over 2 and a half minutes of choking, I was ready to go, but both Caitlin and Laurie were right behind me and there I was back to square one. Straining to keep the very small lead I had, the post burrito mile felt like one of the last miles of a marathon!!  I knew the Charlotte duo were behind me and competition is all that can keep you going in a race where all you want to do is stop and throw up! It was a slower pace than I would normally finish a 5k, but I was relieved to finish and run straight for the bushes to..... well, you know(ugggh) I kept going to the bushes or the bathroom for the next 45 minutes to the point where they were giving out awards for first place female and I was no where to be found. They had to come get me in the bathroom after they had already called my name. I was in severe digestive pain to say the least!

Anyway, when all is said and done, it was a really fun morning to go to such a unique event. Warming up with Caitlin and Laurie, the talented band, the people dressed up as burritos, and winning a couple grand....those are some things I just don't get to enjoy EVERY race I go to. I'm sure next week's Half Marathon in Kentucky will not be nearly as exciting!! Thanks Moe's for a great experience!!

P.S.- Oh and as far as my body rebelling against the burrito, I was sure to replenish with a 12 inch from subway and cookies on the side. I had to go home and run an easy 20 miler, so knew I would need something in there!!

On Overcoming at Boston

Well I was just getting ready to post a blog on "The power of Cross Training while trying to maintain fitness as a runner," but obviously there are way more important things going on right now. So many of us, whether in the running community or not, are heavy in heart.  "Run for your Life", the store that I work at, posted this picture yesterday that hit me to my core. 

I've always had the mindset and faith to KNOW that this life we live is short, fragile and so uncertain.  Just read some of my prior blogs to know that I do not believe that this our eternal home forever and so the time that we do have here is, well.....unknown?  The people who were at Boston yesterday, wether they were spectators, runners, volunteers, coaches, family etc., did not deserve to experience what they experienced. They are not only the "poor souls" that we will see suffering on the TV screen for the next few weeks, they are people in OUR running commuinty. People who we know and love. Or people who we may not know, but have a common bond with, because we are runners. They are friends and fans who are our cheerleaders; Coaches and Race Directors who are our leaders; and Fellow Runners who have the discipline and tenacity to train for, and qualify for one of the most enduring and grueling, yet prestigeous events in the world!

 You don't just wake up one day and say "Hey, I am going to run 26.2 miles today."  Running a marathon requires discipline, sacrifice  and persistence.  After I ran one myself last fall, I can honestly say running a marathon at any speed is no joke. And the people that were doing so yesterday, are more often than not, the kind of people that you teach your children to be like. Hard working, diligent and persistent. Many of them have the kind of character traits that spur others on to be better in running and in life.  They know what it takes to keep putting one foot in front of the other in any situation, and are the type of people with contagious personalities who are what continues to draw me to the sport on a daily basis.

So now what?  This situation differs from the 2012 NYC Marathon, in that it was not a tragedy caused by weather or accident. The idea,... the thought of what happened, is what many would call "PURE EVIL".  In fact, if you really dwell on the thoughts of why someone would do this, the mind can go sour fast, and become so enraged that then you yourself become "overcome" wth evil. 

So what do you do with this evil? How do you respond?  We've all seen evil, and experienced it at some point. I know that the reactions people have right now in the immediate aftermath are going to vary from one extreme to the other.  Justice needs to be served. The people who did this need to pay for their actions, and I believe at some point, they will.  But what do the rest of us do in the meantime?   As in any situation when overcome by anger, we can try to take revenge, manipulate or "get back" at whoever wronged us. We can be mad, enraged, and consumed to the point that we point fingers, blame God, or blame others that had nothing to do with the horrific events. Or even worse, we can have an "I give up" mentality, quit what we do, and continually question the imperfect world we live in.

 I've seen people take those routes before, and it doesn't seem to end with much satisfaction.  I know it's hard, and we all struggle with it at some point,  but I do think that ULTIMATELY, the only way we can truly overcome evil is with good.

Romans 12:19 -21 : "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Whether you believe in the Bible or not....whether you take to heart some of what it says, ...or just a few things, I think this verse sums up what the people in Boston, and in the surrounding communities are already doing. And it is AMAZING and heart warming to see.

The only way we can fight back at the cowards who do these things, is to display a a righteous support that wouldn't even make sense to the people who do these things. The following article is just one small example of the goodness in human kind.

samaritans-take-in-boston-marathoners-youre-not-in-it-alone?lite

Thank You, Boston and fellow runners for already coming together and "overcoming pure evil with pure good."

A Tribute to Zap Fitness

Pete Rea from Zap Fitness asked me to write a short blog for the website the other day explaining how I got involved with Zap and the story behind it.  Well it's hard to make the story short, but I did what I could, and here is the result:!

A Tribute to Zap Fitness- http://www.zapfitness.com/

Some of the 2005 Zapsters and I going for a hike in Blowing Rock, NC!!!

By: Stephanie Pezz Pezzullo

8 years ago I had a "chance" encounter on just a regular day that changed the course of my life.  It is crazy to think now about how that "chance" meeting with Zap Elite Coach, Pete Rea has been the ignition to what has fueled my life as a runner.  But I always knew it was more than just chance and am grateful to this day that it happened.

I was at a Clemson Soccer game with the all-famous Dominique Barnes, one of the Charlotte Lady Eagles Soccer Squad's main supporters and influences. We were there with a  few other Lady Eagle players and it was a beautiful fall day. Not only was it the Fall following the 2005 Lady Eagle Soccer Season, but that spring I had just graduated from Penn State.  It was the culmination of a  5 year span of playing Division 1 soccer as well as one surprise season of Women's Track and Field my last semester.

Domonique Barnes and some of the PSU soccer girls out for dinner in State College

Anyhow, at halftime of the game, I had a little extra energy and so I decided to go to the track for a little jog.  I saw this guy timing an athlete on the track and it all looked pretty serious so I tried to stay out of their way.  I finished my run but when I stopped to head back to the game, this guy and his athlete approached me.  He had noticed my Penn State shirt and after some small talk, it eventually came out that I had played soccer there as my main sport.  He kept probing, and I explained to him that when our soccer season got cut short my senior year, I wanted to attempt "the impossible" by trying out for the very prestigeous Women's Track team. The team was head up by Coach Beth Sullivan, who he happened to know. I told him that it all happened pretty quickly, but that I did what I had to do to make the team, and that throughout the season I ran in a few different middle distance events.  He then point blank asked what my times were and I told him that I got my 1500m time down to 4:29 by the end of the season.  I said it was hard work, but that I thrived on the competition and enjoyed the challenge.  BUT in my mind, competitive running was over, because  I didn't think that the one season resulted in anything spectacular? This guy known as Pete Rea from Zap Fitness, thought much differently!!

He insisted that the times I posted in the 800m and 1500m/mile distances were really promising given that I had never been a distance runner or trained for it in High School or College.  He gave me his number and said I should come to a race with his Elite training squad "Zap Fitness", or at least check out the facility in Blowing Rock, NC, 2 hours north of where I lived in Charlotte. I went back to the Clemson game and told Domonique about how funny it was that he knew Beth Sullivan, but I NEVER intended on giving him a call.

2006 Indoor Nationals 3k- My first National Caliber Race with Zap

Fast forward about a month and I still hadn't called Pete or thought much of it.  But Domonique had been urging me to give it a try and was always a force when it came to any woman pursuing sport!  She had come to all of the Lady Eagle games and even a bunch of my 2005 PSU soccer games and track meets.  She was convinced that I was born to be a competitor and that because there was no real Women's Professional leauge for soccer at the time, that I should see what this "Running" thing was all about. Of course, ...I was hesitant. I was working full time as a Personal Trainer and trying to get into the swing of things in Charlotte before the 2006 Semi-Pro Lady Eagle season would start again. However because of my competitive nature and the urging from Dom, the thought of "Elite" running and the curiosity of what it was, sat deep in the back of my mind. I eventually journaled and prayed about giving running a shot. On the outside, there wasn't any definite reason that I had the talent, but maybe Dom was right in that I should at least see what this "Elite Running" buisness was all about? I kept putting it off... until one day.  I had a bad day, a real bad one. It was the culmination of a really tough week and some emotional circumstances that had made me upset, to say the least.  So as has happned so many times in my life before, I decided to use my emotion or whatever you want to call it, and try to make some good out of it.  Just like I would do on the field or court in High School and College, except this time I went to a track. I  made up my own workout, killed myself for an hour or so and ran faster than I ever thought I could. Only this time there wasn't a ball.  It was just me and the rubber, and apparently the results of that workout proved to myself that I was ready for something.  That night I called up Pete!

Within 2 weeks of the call, with little to no formal training, I found myself driving to Blowing Rock, NC to stay in the mountains with people I didnt know and run in a 4 mile race in a place I had never heard of in Tennessee. The race was hard and it hurt like hell, but I think Pete was a bit surprised that I didnt finish too far off of his athletes. Even though I had never raced anything longer than a 5k, I somehow ran sub 6 minute pace which he said was good.  I didn't even know what the term "sub 6 meant"?  All I knew was that Pete said I did good and that was all I needed to hear! Within a month from that day, I found myself staying long weekends in the mountains with these "crazy" people who had "schedules" which I was not used to.  They ate at certain times, slept at certain times and ran everyday, sometimes twice!!!!  The athletes at Zap were, and still are dedicated and goal -driven people, and even though I at first thought they were crazy, I did love their passion for sport!

Zika Rea, Co-founder of Zap and now Pete's wife, was one of the main reasons why I continued with Zap and participated in some of the workouts.  She was willing to give me a chance in this very unforgiving sport right from the beginning.    They both seemed to know exactly how to train someone like me and explained to me the physiological benefits and purposes of each workout.  Every weekend was a challenge and after each workout or race with them, I was completely ZAPPED:)! (no pun intended) Soccer had not prepared me all the way for this type of training and my body had never been so sore! I remember thinking how physically painful it was to keep up with the other girls, but that I would not show them how much it hurt.  I wanted to show Pete and Zika I could hold my own and that they hadn't made a mistake. And Pete didn't bat an eyelash.  He used the same methods on me as he did everyone else and I loved that he tested my limits! If he told me to run backward for 100 miles I would have done it.  In fact, I listened to what everyone at Zap told me about running, and the next year and a half came with highlights that I never dreamed could occur.  Qualifying for Indoor and Outdoor Nationals on the track in the 3k and 3k Steeplechase were huge stepping stones.  I also put out some descent marks in a few big named road races like the Manchester Road Race and Tufts 10k.  Before I knew it, a few of these achievements had labeled me an "Elite Runner" and  had enabled me to become a true standard "A" Zap Athlete with Pete and Zika guiding me every step of the way

2004-2005 Zap athlete Amanda Chase and I dressing up for a workout:)...one of my best friends to this day!!!

In 2006, Zap supported me with a full schedule of workouts and races.  They talked to me about what they thought worked and what didn't and eventually helped me out financially so that I did not have to work as much and could come to Zap on Thursdays to stay and train through the weekends.  For 2 years they taught me everything I needed to know about the sport, all the while realizing that this was all so new to me.  They could probably guess that I was more of a natural athlete than runner, but still they encouraged me by saying that I had potential and could keep improving. And because they are the type of people who don't lie to make you feel good, I believed them. They may not have knew it, but they were in the midst of supporting a  dream that I had had since a very young age; to compete with the best,... no matter what sport it was in.  By 2007, there I was competing with the best and traveling all over the world, with a chance to run the 3k Steeplechase in the 2008 Olympic Trials.

A Christmas dinner with Zika, Pete, Amanda and myself!!

Of course no story comes without valleys.  Running wise, the 3 years that followed were tough.  I broke my ankle pretty badly in 2007 in a Steeplechase accident that Pete described as "something he never wanted to see again."  I'll never forget the look on his face when we went to the emergency room that day.  We both knew it was bad.  The accident forced me to have a major surgery and step aside from the sport for a couple years.  And so a comeback to be an Elite Runner again was questionable and slow in process. I never went back to being a Zap Athlete, mainly because we didn't know how the ankle would respond to heavy training again?  But also I am the type of personality that is to this day, a little more "scattered" and different, so I am not sure how long I would have made it on the mountain anyway!!  But I never forgot about what was accomplished those 2 years, and I never forgot the feeling I got when Pete Rea told me I was "good" or how Zika took a chance on me when she knew I was so new to the sport.  To this day, I believe God had a plan in it all and that He still does; and so I continue to run.  I have been blessed to travel all over the country and all over the world to run in races with some of the worlds best! I am affiliated with Team Alchemy and  Newton Running (Newton Running) which has been a huge goal since my competitive comeback in 2010 and I just was recently named one of the Running Times top 10 Woman Marathoner's of the year for running a 2:32 debut marathon.  Besides all that though, I know that the people I've met, the lessons I've learned and any successes I've had can all be traced back to Zap Fitness and the phenomenal program that they run. Sure, I've had ups and downs, but I am still plugging and still improving, determined to see what we can get out of this old, worn out soccer body.  Currently, I live and train in Charlotte under Coach Mark Hadley(Elite Marathoining Coach).  We have some lofty 2013 goals that I would like to achieve, but I try to take one day at a time and am already so thankful for what the sport has done for me and SO MANY people. 

To conclude, Pete wanted me to explain why I chose to donate 10% of all my Race Winnings/Prize money this past 2012 year to Zap.  I never planned on telling anyone and was hoping that he wouldn't either.  But if it will help Zap in any way, than thats what I'll do.  To me, it was the LEAST I could do for a program that has helped make my dreams become reality. If I could I would do more and for a longer time.  The athletes that come to Zap may not have come out of college with triple figure contracts, but they are hard working and talented individuals that a program like Zap gives the chance to flourish. The coaching, the system, the camps and the philosophy are all geared toward making you the best runner you can be and I think that's whats it about.  Maximizing your own potential to get out of running what you want out of it.  I feel that I still have a long way to go in the sport, and am not sure exactly how long I'll stay competitive, but I do know that it is only because of post-collegiate running groups like Zap Fitness that I at least have had the chance.  A chance is sometimes what we all need in life and Zap gives young people chances to fulfill their dreams.  I was just trying to mind my own business and watch a friend play soccer,.... but a chance was given to me that day, and I am so glad I took it!

Mind Games

Recently, I've run in a few races to kind of test the waters and see where I am at physically after the whole process of training for, racing in, and then recovering from my first marathon in Chicago. I honestly didn't know what to expect and how my body would feel getting back to the shorter distances and higher intensities. But really, who does when coming off a Marathon, particularly your first one??
Because of my very low key 2 to 3 week break after Chicago, I knew racing a Half- Marathon so soon would be a gamble.  But I wanted to experiment, see where I was at, and try to earn a few dollars by cracking top 5.

Aaron Linz, me and Laurie Knowles getting our medals after the Turkey Trot!

  So On November 18th, 6 weeks after Chicago,  I ran in the Philly Half and it turned out to be a great experiment.  My pace was a little sporadic with some of the hills, but I ran a 1:13:12 officially which is the same exact time as my Personal record that I ran in Naples at the beginning of the year.  I came in 3rd place overall, and it felt good to be back out on the racing scene.  3 days later, I came back to run and win the 8k Turkey Trot right here in Charlotte.  Although I've more or less lived here for 8 years, I very rarely get to race in Charlotte, so to come out on Thanksgiving Day and run with 9,000 other locals was seriously a cool experience; the best part being a 20 minute drive home instead of a 24 hour return trip ordeal that usually ends up in missed flights or delays.  Of course, the supposed to be "workout" that I was doing for "fun" ended up turning into a race.  Fellow elite runner, Laurie Knowles who recently moved to Charlotte, crept up behind me at mile 4 and tested my leg speed by forcing me to switch gears.  But even though my plan of running "comfortably hard" went out the wayside, in all honesty, I loved the competition, and was glad to recover so well from the Philly Half.:)  Thanks Laurie!!

My Soccer sisters, Swiney, Heidi and myself after the Main Street Crit "8k".....they cheered LOUD!!

Most recently on December 8th, I ran in the Main Street Crit 8k down in Columbia, South Carolina.  It was actually a really cool venue and great idea to have a Criterium race set up for runners.  Usually, a "Crit"is a short loop that is set up for cyclist races.  So although running at night and going around a block was really different for a road race, it turned out to be a great experience!!  Unfortunately, the course was short and turned out to be about 7.2k instead of 8k, so my time of 23:16 was more equivalent to about 25:50.  On lap 2, when I realized it was short,  time and pace went out the window and I knew it came down to just trying to win.  
Looking back now, my one train of thought says: it would have been really nice for me to post a legit 8k time which I have never had the opportunity to do before,.. BUT on the other hand, at least it was shorter rather than longer:)!! that wouldn't have been as fun.

Chillin with Susan and Heidi before the race at Starbucks. Yes, I had coffee!!

   
Anyhow, the true blessing and what really put the experience over the top, was being able to race with some of my really close friends, former soccer teammates and  Coach Mark Hadley cheering me on!  They obviously were able to see me a lot more than they would have in a normal road race, and their presence was priceless.

So all in all, I would say the last few segments of training and racing have gone pretty well since coming back from Chicago. It's nice to know that I haven't lost too much speed since the Marathon, but the results as usual, do leave in me with a  hint of in-satisfaction.  I know I can post faster times in a wide range of distances, and  as most athletes and competitors want, I too want to do better. I am excited to focus and race in more Halfs, 15ks and 10ks throughout this upcoming winter/spring seasons.  The Naples Half-Marathon in January will be a great opportunity to try and notch up the speed and get a personal record.  So this next little blurb to sum up my blog, is not really about my Philly Half experience,  nor the 8k turkey trot,  nor the Main Street Crit 8k.. ...  It's about what all runners need more fitness in,.... and what I plan on taking to a whole other level in this 2013 year.  MENTAL FITNESS! This year I want to step it up and experiment with some mind games that will help me to get through every hard workout and race.  My 2013 goals are ambitious. But if these type of things can help just a little bit in achieving them, then its worth trying!!

Here are a few past tricks that I've used in hard workouts and races. Maybe they could help you too!!???

1)   The Counting Game!


I have found that when I am at the end of my rope and I truly feel that my legs have had it, that they have gone as far as they can go and the lactic acid is absolutely burning, ....sometimes it helps to do the exact opposite of what the brain and body want to do; which is to slow down.  
What I have learned over time, is that sometimes, just sometimes, it can actually help to speed up for a short amount of time.  Some people call it surges or pick-ups.  Call it what you want, but for me, I see it nothing more than changing your running gait.  I have discovered, that for short amounts of time, by picking up the pace and turning my legs over at a very fast rate, no matter how much pain I'm in, I am actually giving certain muscles a break by using a whole different set of muscles.  Obviously, most people who do this at the end of races will call this their finishing "kick", but I have used this trick in the middle of races too.  When I feel I am slowing down, burning out, or even after ascending a hill, I have found that one of the best things I can do is change my gait a bit.  So I will get on my toes, and run really fast while counting to 17. Don't ask me why 17 seems to be my number, but it just seems like the right amount of time for me to pick it up in an anaerobic surge before I have to get back to aerobic breathing and am unable to lift my legs at that rate.  And although you may think it can make things even worse or the body even more tired, I believe that by changing my gait slightly and getting on my toes, it's a way to make my body use different muscles and suffer a different kind of pain. This in turn, gives the mind and body a break from the monotonous task that we call steady running, especially in the longer distances.  For some people, 10 or 15 seconds may be just the right amount of time to fuel the fire.  Others might try to do surges for a whole minute!  In either case, by counting to a set number, you are taking control of what you know you can handle. And really, it's all about what feels best for the individual.  I would say that experimenting in tempo or progression type workouts is the best way for you to throw a counting surge in because those type of workouts are not anaerobic in nature.  Being a Newton runner helps me a bunch because the shoes have lugs on the bottom that make it really easy to get on your toes and get your sprint on!!


2)  The song game! 

You need an ipod for this one!
In my longer runs or boring treadmill runs I will sometimes wear an ipod. I love running to music and have used it as a tool since I started in the sport.  Whether it's Christian Worship music, Alternative (Cold play or Goo goo dolls) or country (Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney) I try to have different genres and albums for every mood that I''m in or pace that i want to run.  For example, listening to Christian Rock really pumps me up, so on days where i want to just stroll and run easy, I'll sway on the side of some low key country.  I do not listen to music on every run and especially don't for my real hard workouts where I need to focus and be alone in my head. HOWEVER, I have been known to wear my ipod for certain races that i am treating as a workout.  I feel like it's a great boost for races where I am not trying to run super fast or get a P.R., but just want to put in a good solid effort.  In fact, runners world even commented on it once! check out number 4 on this list:  http://www.runnersworld.com/list-friday-august-24

3) Memorization and Mantras!

Where as music is used for my low key type training days, Memorization and Mantras are used for the times when I am HURTING and the brain starts to think of all the negatives and reasons why "I can't".  Over the course of my life, I have literally memorized hundreds of scriptures and chapters from the Bible.  It's funny because I can barely remember to get gas or brush my teeth some days, but I have stored in my head life giving Bible verses that have really pulled me through some tough life situations and races too.

I have come to find out that if I recite 1 cor. 9:24-27, I can get through at least a quarter mile or 90 seconds of hard running.  I know others who have memorized poems or inspirational quotes that they say over and over again to keep themselves in a positive mindset. Some runners recite things like "I AM STRONG" or "I CAN DO THIS" over and over again.  In either case whatever you say in your head has got to be positive, encouraging and/or inspiring.  And even though we all have negative thoughts sometimes, dwelling on things like "I'm not fit enough"or "I hate this", or "I am slow", will not help the situation!!  They definitely go through my mind sometimes, but dwelling on them does NOT help me get through a hard effort, no matter how true they may be!!:)

1 cor. 9:24- "Do you not know in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games, goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly.  I do not beat my body like a man beating the air.  No I beat my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

NOTE: Paul isn't necessarily talking about running here, but it's still a great scripture to recite!!:) 

Anyways stay tuned for more mind games in 2013. The cool thing about the sport of running is that you can make whatever you want of it. Sure it’s a physical sport, but it’s your mind that dictates how fast, far and frequent you want to run. It’s really a beautiful thing!

Chicago marathon

 "Now to Him who  is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus." (ephesians 3:20)

I have decided to write two blogs for my Chicago Marathon experience.  This one is more about the race itself and the other which I'll post at a later time, is a little more personal and more about people.  But in both blogs I talk about running, relationships and faith..... so read at your own risk!!:)

 CHICAGO MARATHON    10/7/12
Chicago Marathon Pre Race Interview; Newton-Team Alchemy

As I was getting ready for bed the night before the Chicago Marathon,  a couple thoughts ransacked my mind. Besides the thought of,  "Oh my Gosh, tomorrow is the day I will run my first marathon and I have no idea what to expect",.... I thought to myself that my last month had been really different. The crazy, non-stop, nomad lifestyle that I live and had always lived, had been pretty tamed.  I didn't have any stories about forgetting my Ipod on my car, running out of gas on the road or paying the cashier with a power bar thinking it was my credit card. I had made few mistakes in getting ready for workouts and in my daily tasks. Life, for this month anyway, (just this month) had been well.....kind of BORING!!!

 This was due in part, because I had a made a vow to myself about a month before Chicago, that apart from training, I would be taming things down for awhile.  After the USA 20k Championships on September 3rd,  I was happy to finish 8th place. It was my 5th top 10 performance of  the year for USA National Championship races. But every Championship I competed in  (1 mile, 5k, 10k, Half-Marathon, 20k) were all 13.1 miles or shorter.  I knew my next race, the CHICAGO MARATHON, would be a little different than getting prepared for the Mile or a 5k.  I was thankful to have coach Mark Hadley to help me see how different.

In my prayer time leading up to the race,  I really felt God calling me to hide out  in the "Kerith Ravine." The Kerith Ravine was a place in the mountains where God told Elijah to hide out for awhile away from people and society in the midst of chaos and hardship in his country. It was only then after spending that extra time alone with God, that Elijah had the clarity and power to know what to do next. God provided for him in every way during and after his Kerith Ravine experience. The string of miracles that happened after, were nothing short of well...miraculous!!!  My personal "Kerith Ravine" has always been the one consistent routine in my life. My early wake up time where I spend reading, praying and studying the Bible, and any books Christian or Non- Christian that help me to get in a good mind set for the day. But  for this short period of time in my life, I wanted and needed my  "Kerith Ravine" to be more. I wanted to rest as much as possible, engage in a few less social activities, and try not to drive all over the place to meet people for coffee, go to sporting events, train people... the list goes on!!  So I chose to take even more extra time everyday before my morning work outs to read, pray and study.  I went to bed earlier than ever, said no to a lot of great and fun opportunities that I usually would engage in, and tried to drive as little as possible unless it was to training or appointments. I knew the lifestyle was temporary, but this was hard for me because  I hate not being there 100% or being available to say Yes to a lot of things. .....People Pleaser 101,.. I know, ...but that's a whole other blog!

 Anyhow getting back to my thoughts the night before the race, about how the last month had been kind of uncharacteristically tamed, I had no idea that the morning of the race would be just the opposite!! The first couple hours of the day were calm. I woke up at 4am, grabbed my book bag and immediately did some reading, praying and reflecting.  I reflected on a verse that had come up all month really hitting my spirit and soul.  Ephesians 3:20 says "Now to Him who  is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus." I had heard it in sermons, books, on the radio, in my devotionals and other unexpected places but I was a little confused as to what the verse meant.  I know that it does NOT mean that having power through Christ is when we always get what we want, when we want it.  God is not a Genie or Santa Clause. And as I posted on Facebook on October 3rd before leaving for the race,  "Delighting in Him" does not mean we always get what we want or are completely satisfied with results of what we do. I think it is more along the lines of meaning that, in doing what we do, we can have joy and freedom in the process, no matter the outcome.

I am blessed to know many people who may or may not believe in God and the Bible, but are content whatever the circumstances. It's their attitude that makes them inspiring and joyful, even in the midst of some very difficult times. These people have pulled me through valley's of the past that are just too tough and hard to describe. But although it's been a tough journey at times for all of us, it is because of them, that I'm still standing. In fact, for this 2012 year, I have felt the most physically and menatlly healthy that I have ever felt. Back in my 20's and whole life for that matter, (I am 30 years old now:)) I could never have imagined feeling so much more free and clear-minded.  So maybe that's what the verse signified for me right now?

 Anyways, back to my "Kerith Ravine" time before the race, I reflected back to 2005, my senior year in college when I first decided to try out for the Penn State Track Team after my soccer career ended. Back then I just wanted to make the team for fun, but prayed that He would take control and help fulfill the desires of my heart, one of them being to be able to use my love of competition.  My best mile time which I knew from Fitness tests for Soccer was in the 5:40's at that point.  I was required to run a 5:15 mile to make the team and I remember vividly saying that all I could do was my best in the tryout and God would have to do the job of making it good enough.  I did make the team and the season went well. Looking back now, I'm not sure how I have run 26 miles in the 5:40's range, but I guess that's what faith,  a handful of great coaches and a lot of supportive people can do for you:)!

  After my quiet time and eating some breakfast, (couldn't stomach more than toast and jelly), I grabbed the Garmin that I was going to use for the race because this is what happened to my own the night before.:....
Thankfully, Susan Black, a woman that I live with in Charlotte and an angel sent by God to help me in my Chicago Preparations knew she was staying with me the following night and I sent her the hundredth text of the weekend to bring something that I had forgotten back home. She borrowed a friends Garmin who had the same model as mine and I charged it as soon as I got it ....(or so I thought)..

Anyhow,  time passes quickly when you are getting ready for a Marathon, and there is just a lot to think about in getting everything together. Bottles, clothes, gels, shoes, bibs, coffee, and going to the bathroom (probably the most important if you know what I mean) were just a few of the things on the list. By 5:40 am I was feeling a little rushed but made it to the lobby for Elite Check-in at 5:45am. I was the last in line to check in and thought man!..these people are punctual!  As I looked around and saw everyone bundled up with winter coats, hats and gloves etc., I realized that I wasn't in Charlotte 98% humidity anymore. It was 35 degrees and cold out, which was absolutely perfect for race time, but I needed something warmer than a jacket to cover up with until then....OOOPPPs #1.

So once again, I texted Susan to bring something warm down, along with a couple other items. She delivered very quickly, but  it wasn't long before I started to get reprimanded by the officials because I didn't have my uniform on yet with my number attached. I typically like to warm -up in different clothes before putting my uniform on. In soccer, we always warmed up in different clothes and then changed before game time. It's my routine for every hard workout and race and has always been very helpful because I am a heavy sweater. I don't like to be wet before the race starts.  But apparently Elite Marathon officials do not like that idea!...and so I had made OOOPPS #2!!!  Then while they were checking our shoes, I was just a about to take the first sip of coffee and I spinned around while one of the elite women turned at the same time and SPLASH!!!....my whole Starbucks coffee spilled on her hair and then to the floor.  OOOPPS #3. She said she was "sooo sorry" and I said "oh no, I am SOO sorry!!"... and thankfully it did not burn her head!  That was most important.

 However, the thought of not having a coffee before the biggest race of my life was not good.
I always drink coffee before a race and every morning for that matter.
So I asked the Elite officials if I had time to go to Starbucks in the hotel to get another coffee.  They said probably not.  I took that as a YES, and sprinted to the Starbucks in the Hilton to tell them what happened. They saw my panic and rushed to give me a free coffee ....No time to pay.... (Thanks Hilton Chicago!!!) So, With the shoes and clothes hanging out of my bag in one hand, and a coffee in the other, I ran out to the bus making me the last athlete to get on, but good enough for the 6am cutoff time!

I thought my "ooopps's" had been over until I got to the Elite tent and I started hearing my friends Garmin that I was using randomly beeping. For some reason the battery was going down and down by the minute until it was close to low battery. Not good seeing I needed it to last for 26 miles!  Either my friends Garmin was broke or I didn't charge it correctly, but in any event, this was OOOOPPS #4, and I started scrambling!! I texted poor Susan who was still at the hotel getting ready to take a shuttle to certain spots of the race. I knew there was not much time, but asked if she could bring her Garmin to the start of the race. Hers is a much different model, but I thought it would certainly be better than nothing. Once again the race officials looked at me like I was crazy when I said what she was trying to do. (I think by then, EVERYONE could tell that this was my first marathon)  They said that there was NO way she would be able to get through all the camera crews, barricades and police to make it in time.

There was no sign of Susan with 10 minutes before gun time and I was getting mentally prepared to run without a Garmin while changing into my uniform.  And then OOOPPs #5! My bib number ripped while getting my uniform on. On any other day that would probably be the last straw for me.  But the strange inner peace I had had all morning remained, and so I safety pinned it together in little time, and headed to the start line with crooked bibs hanging off.

I was just noticing that I would be the only Elite Runner without any kind of watch, when  I saw Susan who was wearing a bright yellow shirt out of the corner of my eye!!  It really was like seeing an angel, because let me just say,....THIS POOR WOMAN,  had no idea what my request would entail! She seriously competed in an unexpected workout that morning and I think it was her mission to prove the officials wrong!!  She literally had to find a way to get through 50,000 people and hundreds of other tents to find where the Start of the race and the Elite Runners were. To make a long story short, she ended up getting on the phone with a very nice volunteer woman with a headset and this woman tried her best to talk Susan through squeezing in and jumping over the barricades. When I finally saw her, there was no time for explanation. I could tell she had been through a lot and she was huffing and puffing behind all the gates and trying to find me.  I somehow got the watch from across the barricade, had just enough time to learn how it worked, and within a few minutes the gun went off!!!

And WOW!!, was it surreal to run through that first mile in a tunnel with some of the best marathoners in the world!! The 5k came and went and I realized that I did not even think to grab my first bottle! Elites are allowed to have 8 personal bottles with drink, gels etc. They are set up in a special way to grab and go without straying too much off the course.  But being in the adrenaline filled state that I was in, I of course forgot to take my first one and dropped my 3rd. OOPPSS#6! I was sure to drink some at the regular aid stations.


After that, all my ooopps's were behind me. I knew it was time to do what I had came to do ...and just run.  The crowd support, the course, and the scene itself were amazing.  Miles 1 through 10 felt good and I had a deep joy in doing what I was doing.
 Unfortunately as had happened some in training,  my left foot and leg started to seize up at mile 11 and I knew that I still had over 15 miles to go....ugggh.:(
That's when the thoughts, doubts and physical pains can really start to take over for any runner.  The left side seized up so much that at one point, I bounded in the air, and yelled out loud at it telling it to "Shut Up and Loosen!!" The guys running near me definitely looked at me funny but I had to do something? I know from other runners, that sometimes nerve and muscular pain can go away for awhile or at least move to another spot if you can fight it the right way. So like I have seen and heard about many other runners doing, I mentally pushed through the pain, and hoped for better at Mile 12.

When it finally did relieve some at about Mile 12.5, I felt a surge coming on in my spirit. At this point, I tried not to think about pace or splits too much.  It started to feel like I was in the "Zone" and I just wanted to go with it.  I had come to run my own race and really had not even thought about where the other Elite Women were.
In fact, there was a  span in the middle where I didn't even really think at all or feel like I was in my body. I knew that Coach Hadley had trained me well, but was very surprised to hear after the race how even paced my splits were. Consciously, I was not thinking about it.  Miles just kept clicking off in the 5:40's and low 5:50's, and at times, I forgot where I was!

But of course, no "Feel Good Zone" can last forever. At mile 21, the monkey jumped on my back, and even though my breathing felt great, both legs started going sour.  I knew it was common for most runners to feel the "hit the wall" sensation for that last 10k of a Marathon. I had heard all about it, from runners of all abilities.  But once again, Mark had prepared me well physically and I had worked very hard to be the most mentally fit I have ever been.  The "one mile at a time game" becomes the "one step at a time game", where you just keep going one step at a time. And whether I was going with the wind or against the wind, (after all we were in the windy city) I tried to maintain Newtonian running form.

Months before the race my initial goal was to break 2:40 for my debut marathon. Being more of an anaerobic type runner who had less than a year ago been a 3k Steeplechaser, (less than 2 miles in distance,) I thought running 6:05 per mile for 26 would be hard enough. In training, I felt at times, like a worn out old hag with soccer quads that were bigger than 2 Elite Marathon runners legs put together!  And that was just the first of my physical inadequacies for running an Elite Marathon! (You can see more in blog #2!)  As training progressed and I started to get some quality workouts in and build my long runs up to the 20's, I thought I could run somewhere in the Mid 2:30's.   Realistically, between 2:34 and 2:36, which would be about 5:53 to 6 min pace per mile. Mark may have thought different, but I thought that on an absolute ideal day with great weather, I could maybe break 2:34 and run 5:52 pace per mile.  But even then, my longest tempo run of the buildup (which is a run designed to be close to marathon pace) was 10 miles at 5:53 pace and it hurt a lot!  So the thought of clicking off 5:52's for 26 miles seemed out of reach.  Also, there were plenty of tempo run days where I could not run even 6 miles at 6 minute pace.  I remember one workout in particular with mark on the bike, where I was aiming to do 10 miles in the 5:40's to 5:50's range and I ended up giving everything I had to only come away with 9 miles at 6:06 pace!  Mark's positive spirit and ability to make me see that the training plan would work as long as I put in the effort,  along with my support crew of Triathlon Coach Jim Reavis and some of the Charlotte Running Club members, really pulled me through some tough workouts.  But still you can't help but have doubts on days where it is tough to run 2 miles at Marathon Pace!

Sooo, with all that said.....you can imagine that I was pretty excited to realize that with 2 or 3 miles to go, I could possibly achieve our ultimate goal of breaking 2:34.  When I turned the corner for the last 100 meters of the race and saw the clock at 2:32: "something",  it was beyond imaginable and I just did what I could to get to the line and straggle over to the side.  And that's when it hit me;  To finish in 2:32:42, 10th woman overall and 3rd American in the Chicago Marathon, was "immeasurably more than all I could've asked or imagined."  Immediately Ephesians 3:20 started flashing through my brain!


All in all, the race was a great experience filled with spots where I felt very strong, very weak and sometimes just ok. At certain parts I ran with a couple groups of guys and other times I couldn't see a soul in site. It was great to see Susan and Newton Shoe people at key spots throughout the streets.  The Newton staff was great in being so supportive of my Chicago endeavors and I was excited to wear a new model of shoes that were perfect for the Marathon distance. I had never worn them before because I had only received them a day before the race, but I had been in that position with Newton before and I always felt great wearing whatever they gave me. As long as they have those lugs on the forefoot, I'm golden:)

I know that I still have a long way to go in achieving what I want to achieve in the running world. To many Elite Marathoners in the world and to a few in our country, a 2:32 is not really that great and is certainly not jaw dropping. But again, for me, knowing where I have come from, and what my body is capable of, it was all I could have asked for for now.  And if that was the last race I ever run, if tomorrow I break my other ankle, if I live the rest of my life working in a 9 to 5 job with no physical competition, I will know what Ephesians 3:20 means just a little bit more.  My last 7 years in the running scene have gone beyond all that I could ask or imagine.....immeasurably more!!!

Posted on JULY 22nd, 2012

Eliminating the good, to shoot for the Great!!!!( July 22nd, 2012)   http://www.teamalchemy.com/category/pezz/pezzblog/

I made a "big" decision about a month and a half ago.  A decision that in the grand scheme of things and in life, may not be that big of a deal.  But for me, at that time of my life, ...it deserved some thought:) I know we all make these decisions at some part of our lives. you know....the kind that leave you a little double minded and crazy in the process.  But I guess the important thing is to believe that once you make the choice, it was the best choice to make, ....and looking back is not an option!!!
This past fall, winter, and part of the spring had been a new adventure for me in the running world.  Everything was happening so quickly and unexpectedly too. It was fun, new and exciting to hit up road races of every caliber and distance. I absolutely treasured new distances on the road, meeting great people at the races and getting to see some of the most interesting parts of our country.  September through January saw lots of 5ks and 10ks, a couple USATF national Road championships and even my first half -marathon.
March and April continued to challenge me with bigger and better things.  The NYC Half Marathon and the Cherry Blossom ten mile were probably the most prestigious of the bunch. I still can't get over how awesome the race directors and organizers took care of the Elite Athletes!
With all this going on, I knew in the back of my mind that track season and the Olympic Trials was approaching quickly and May would be here before you know it. It came so quickly in fact, that at one point I had no idea where I would be racing or what event I would be racing in!  But after a series of circumstances, and a very tough debut 10k track race at Stanford in May, we thought the 3k Steeple was still the best shot for me to place high at the Olympic Trials.  I already had set a good standard from last year, and  figured I could devote about 6 weeks to specifically train for the event and be ready at the Olympic Trials to compete well.  But as I started to really engage into the training and be prepared for my 2nd track race of the season, something really hit me??
First and probably most important, was that I realized I don't really like track all that much.  Yes, ...it is a sport, and anyone who knows me, knows that I love competing in all sports!! But overall, sitting all day in a hotel across the country waiting to compete in a ten to 15 minute race, was just not all that appealing to me anymore. Sure, I had had some good experiences with it over the years, and I am grateful that I was able to take it up so late in life. But due to the high costs of all the traveling, and the little to no experience I had in high school or college, I did not feel it was a path that I wanted to continue to take for much longer.
I had always felt way more excitement and vigor when thinking about experiencing different venues and courses in the Road Race scene. Track had been kind of an after thought all year and I really had not been looking forward to it as much as some of these other endeavors.
Secondly, to be completely humble and honest about the whole situation, I had proved to be "good" at track and the 3k Steeplechase over the last 2 years, but not "GREAT." (relatively speaking anyway)  It is one thing to come in top 10 or top 15 at Nationals, which I had done in 2010 and 2011, but it is a whole other thing to be top 2 or 3,.. and I just wasn't there. Qualifying for the Olympic Trials is a lot different than qualifying for the Olympics where you have to finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd to even have a chance to contend.  Maybe if I had devoted more time to technical work going over the barriers, ....maybe if I hadn't shattered  my ankle and quit running for 2 years, maybe if I did the Steeple in college, maybe if I ran in college instead of playing soccer???  Blahh blahhh blahhh....the list went on. Playing the "what if" game can only take you so far.  I decided to look where I was at right then and there.
And where was I??
Since my comeback from ankle surgery in 2010, my times had improved on the track and roads in a variety of distances.
But this past 2011/2012 year was different. I was kind of turning a corner in some distances on the road and I felt blessed to be a part of Team Alchemy and Newton running, (which happens to be a company that produces shoes for road races, not track:)
So the question arose??  Can I continue to devote everything I have to being really great at the steeplechase, (a 2 mile event with barriers and water pits).. while at the same time try to be really great on the roads and the longer distances? Maybe I could, but it didn't mean I should!! I finally felt ready to focus on one thing.
In the past, I probably would have sucked it up, did what I could and said Yes!! "sign me up. I will do it all!!"  That's what people expected and that's what some elite runners do.   And of course, The question from others and myself, "why would you choose NOT to go to the Olympic Trials??!!", loomed in my head for a bit.  But life is too short to always try to please other people and I am not afraid to say where my biggest strengths are and are not.  I don't want to be "good" at a lot of things when I might have the potential to be "great" at one.  So ....I prayed to God, I discussed it with my coaches and mentors, and I made a decision.  I eventually chose not enter the 2012 Olympic Track trials and in the beginning of June I committed to running in my debut  marathon in Chicago on October 7th this coming fall. Seeing I normally don't know where I'll be from one week to the next, never mind 5 months down the road, this was a pretty big commitment!
In order to be as best prepared as possible for this race, I knew I had to hit up some key road races to tune up. The last month has seen me competing in the USA Half marathon Championships in Duluth, Minnesota, a fantastic experience in which I came in 9th place in 1:13:43 (http://www.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?event_id=2510&do=videos&video_id=71721) The 15k Boilermaker in Uttica NY where I finished 10th overall, and 3rd American, not spectacular, but not bad coming off some pretty hefty Marathon training.(http://www.boilermaker.com/) and most recent, the Beat the Heat 5k in Winston Salem NC where I won finishing in 16:22.

Eliminating the "good," to ALLOW for the "great" may have meant no more track and no more 3k Steeplechase, but it does not mean I won't use every opportunity and every shorter distance race to get me better for the longer.
I'm not sure how "great" I can be at the longer stuff anyways and you can never predict times, places or results to an exact measure, but as usual, I'm sticking to the motto that I have had since middle school. In this new phase of training, I will do everything I can in the natural, but only God can do the Superl!!