My Sister is headed to KONA

A huge congrats to my sister, Nickie, on her awesome accomplishment at IRONMAN Arizona.  She got a new PR by 13 minutes and qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 13, 2012!  Her official time was 10:14:23 and she finished 3rd in her age group.  I am so excited for her and proud of her!!

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon- BOSTON Bound!

The first weekend of November I decided to head to Indy for the Monumental Marathon.  I had a lot of friends going to do the race and my original plan was to go cheer for everyone but that quickly turned into me doing the race as well.  I didn't feel very prepared or in the marathon mindset.  It turns out this might have been just what I needed!  I had been running still since the Hocking Hills 60k that I had done in September but I wasn't really on a training plan.  I was coaching in the Running Group which I LOVED so I was running different mileage and various paces but then again I think it was just what I needed as well.  So, off to Indy I went.  Thankfully, Erin and Carter had space in the Jeep for me and Bethany was willing to let me share a room with her and a friend.  We got in Friday evening, picked up our race packets then headed off to a fun dinner at Buca.  After dinner it was back to the hotel for race prep and a good night of sleep.  We got up in the AM and met in the lobby then it was off to the race start.

Pre-race in the hotel lobby
Jen-Megan-Bethany-Erin-Jessica

The race was small so the start wasn't too crowded.  I even ran into quite a few of the running spot crew which was great.  So now the big decision- do I have a race plan and if so what is it?  I know a little late to decide on a race plan!  I had a lot of support and encouragement from family and friends telling me I could have a great race.  I decided to line up with the 3:45 pace group and hopefully that would work since that was close to what I had done at the Pig in May.  As soon as I started running I felt comfortable and at ease- this was a great feeling that I don't think I have ever had as soon as I started the race.  I stayed with 3:45 for a few miles then decided I felt good so I would pick it up a little and see how I felt.  I found Mary and Jill at different points on the course and it was so great to see familiar faces- this is why I love smaller races!  Jill also told me to stay positive and go for it which was very helpful!!!  I was feeling good so I just went with it.  I should also mention that I had the BEST cheering squad ever!  Carter (with the giant cowbell), Steve, Marissa and Jeff were at 5 different points on the course - Greg, Amit and Ted were at 2 spots - Tisha, Andrea, Greg, Cole (I know I am forgetting some people here) were at another 2 spots.  So needless to say I say smiling and cheering friends at 9 different spots on the course......AWESOME!!!!  This definitely helped me get through.  

At some point in the race courtesy of Jeff!

I think I caught up to the 3:35 pace group around mile 10.  At that point I thought well this is it- I am either going to have a great day or crash and burn.  Thankfully it turned out to be a great day!  I just kept pushing myself further than I ever thought possible while telling myself I could do it and replaying in my mind the words of encouragement George had given me earlier in the week when he said I could run a 3:35.  When he said that I definitely had my doubts but it slowly became a reality.  I just kept looking forward to the next group of people I would see on the course and that honestly kept me going, that and the pace group.  Before I knew it I was at mile 26 and knew Boston was a reality.  I came in the finishers shoot and heard Mary, Brad, Katie and Johnathon cheering!  I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face and a finishing time of 3:34:16!!!  I couldn't believe it had actually happened.  Mary came running down the side of the chute and I will never forget looking at her and saying, "Mary, I just qualified!"  I am pretty sure I still had a look of shock on my face.  I guess going in without a race plan and just listening to my body was a good plan.  That and the awesome friends and family I have supporting me all the way.

At the finish- celebrating a great day for everyone!

It was a great day with PR's all around! Thanks to all the support at the race and after from family and friends- I couldn't have done it without all of you.  BOSTON 2013 here I come, watch out the tiara is coming too!!!!