solar squirrel

On Monday 4/20/2009 I did something I never thought I would do - I ran in (and finished) the Boston Marathon.  I remember telling Elizabeth there would be NO WAY I would EVER run a marathon.  And then, slowly, sneakily, she managed to get me to consider at least doing a trail marathon.  In my mind that really didn’t count, since it was on single track trails in the lush woods of Michigan.  So in my mind trail running doesn’t ‘count’ since you typically go slower and the wear and tear on your body isn’t as traumatic as running on the pavement.  Plus - you’re out in the wilderness with nature.  It’s natural.  To me running with thousands of people on streets that are meant for automobiles isn’t my idea of fun.  I’m not excited by crowds and pollution.  There *might* be one exception.  Just one.  I would consider doing the Boston Marathon if I ever qualified, but I knew that would never happen, so I didn’t have to worry.

Well, you see, I have this really insane group of friends who just happen to all be a part of this crazy running club - SERC that I’m a member of.  The girls in SERC are some of the best runners in N.E. Ohio, and they got it in my head that I would be able to qualify for Boston, despite the fact that I thought there would be no way.  Elizabeth and Janet informed me that the TowPath marathon was a Boston Qualifier - and it wasn’t a road race.  So I started training for it and incredibly I was able to train at a pace that would just get me qualified - 8:18.  Janet and I ran at TowPath together and both qualified for Boston, so that was it - I was in.

So began a rough training plan, which was interrupted by massive amts. of school work, getting laid off and going on interview after interview in search of a job that I wanted (and finally got!!!), getting stuck for an extra week snowed in in Oregon, starting a new job and immediately traveling, etc, etc.  Needless to say, I was not properly trained going into Boston.  But that was fine, my goal was only to finish.  Enjoy the experience and have memories of doing something that a lot of runners never get to do.

I was lucky that I was going with 2 seasoned veterans - Barb and Elizabeth - who coordinated everything from the hotel and flight to when we would go to the expo and what time we would wake up on race day.  All I had to do was follow their lead.  It was a perfect way to do Boston as a first-timer.  I didn’t have to worry about anything.  Basically the only thing I had to take care of on my own was the actual running and even that was low stress because my intent was just to finish.  I honestly didn’t care what my time was as long as I finished. 

The weekend was so fun.  We went to the expo first thing Sat. am and we didn’t have any crowds to deal with.  Unfortunately I had a terrible headache so I made Elizabeth leave the expo before she was ready so that I could find some excedrin.  We headed back to the hotel so I could rest a bit and then I was feeling MUCH better.  Let me just interject to say how altruistic Elizabeth is - seriously.  I’m sure everyone that is reading this who knows Elizabeth already realizes this, but she is such a great person.  I am so fortunate to have her as a good friend.  Ok - so after the expo and my shopping spree buying $300 worth of Boston Marathon stuff we went to lunch at Legal Seafood.  I guess it’s a tradition to go there Boston weekend and I know why!  The food was so good and the service was excellent.  We ended up having a big group because some of the guys joined us so it was a fun time listening to them talk about their expectations for the race.

Lunch at Legal Seafood

Fast forward to race morning.  We were up early and I stumbled out of the hotel room to the Starbuck’s which opened at 5 am.  Got my coffee and got dressed and the 3 of us (Barb, Elizabeth, and me) headed down to the lobby to meet the rest of the group.  We walked to the area where there were tons of busses lined up waiting to  take the racers to the start line.  For those who don’t know, Boston is a point to point race, not out and back, so you get bussed to the start.  Our hotel was at the finish, so we had to take a bus to get to where the race starts.

Once we got to the race start location we went to the *secret* church location.  Not sure how SERC found out about the church initially, but it was very convenient because it was warm and there were bathrooms without a line (and no one was there except SERC people!).  So we hung out there before it was time for everyone who was in the first wave to leave.  I left with them even though I was in the second wave - I wanted to see the elite men start!  After I left my friends I found a good spot to watch the start and I was able to see the elite men start - Ryan Hall was right out front.

Then it was time for me to line up.  They have corrals based on your qualifying time.  Because I qualified with a 3:38 I was in the 2nd wave.  (Fast people get to go in the first wave).  It was insane how many of us there were…there was some talk over the loud speaker and then we were off!  The first 10k was tough because I was trying SO HARD not to run fast.  I was getting passed left and right.  I knew not to run fast, though, because then I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it as much.  The entire time I just was in awe at the vast no. of people there were!  It was insane - as far as I could see in front of me - hundreds and hundreds of runners!  But the runners weren’t the only people - the crowds lined the course.  The cheering got so loud at one point that my ears were ringing.  When we passed Boston College (I think that’s where we were) there were students holding signs that said ‘kiss me…’ - it was so crazy!  I passed a blind runner who was tethered to a guide.  I passed a man pulling an oxygen  tank, I passed the inspirational Hoyts…  It was just one incredible event after another.  At one point there was a group of old people in wheel chairs waiting to get their hands slapped by the runners.  They were all lined up along the road watching the runners go by.  I hit all of their hands. It was so motivating.  I think I drank too much water because I had to stop 3 different times to use the bathroom, but it didn’t matter.  I was just trying to enjoy every minute of the race.  I took my gels at mile 12 and mile 17.  When I got to heartbreak hill I didn’t realize I was even there.  I think that hill is a bit over-rated.  (Though - I was running / walking super slow, I’m sure if I was racing it would have seemed challenging).  Towards the end I was getting cold.  I took my gloves off and left them and I should have kept them because the weather got colder as the day went on.  I was freezing as I neared the finish and would have been more comfortable if I would have kept them.  The last turn before the finish was great - I knew I was almost done and the crowds were out of control.  I can’t believe how many people there still were all around me running - you would think with such a slow time I would have been alone, but I was surrounded by other runners.  I finished smiling and was pushed through the crowd of other runners waiting to turn in their chips and get their medals.  We all got space blankets and it was a sea of silver crinkled masses.  I was so so so so cold by this point that I was starting to loose it.  I needed to find my bus so I could get my drop bag and then head to the warm hotel.  I had to ask 3 different times which way the Marriot was because I was so lost in the massive crowd of people.  On the way to the hotel I stopped and sat down because my feet were killing me and I was incredibly cold.  This girl came up to me with a wheel chair and asked me if I needed help.  It was so pathetic.  I told her I was fine, I was just really cold and I got up and headed back in the direction of the hotel.

Back at the hotel I was welcomed by Barb and Elizabeth - who had both gotten PR’s.  And wouldn’t you know it, Barb got FIRST PLACE in her age group!  We were going to get to go to the award ceremony with the likes of Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher!  That in itself was worth the trip - seeing so many elite athletes was amazing.  And my friend Barb was one of them!  After the awards we went and ate some wonderful Italian food and then off to the post race party!  The post race party was a lot of fun - including free massages and a free oxygen bar.  I had never tried an oxygen bar and it was SWEET!  They had different ‘flavors’ - including peppermint and floral scents.  It was awesome!  It kind of made you feel a little light headed, but good.  We all tried it out and Elizabeth got some really silly pictures (check them out on her facebook).

It was a great weekend with a great group of people.  I just wish I wouldn’t have had school commitments - but next year I’ll be done with school so look out!!!!!!

Here’s a link to the photo’s that I took:

Boston 2009

I’ve been traveling this week for work - visiting WPS (Wisconsin Power Systems) in Green Bay, Wi.  I thought that Green Bay would be a big city with lots of traffic and people and buildings - but it’s actually quite deserted.  I really liked it, though. 

I stayed at a Holiday Inn, which was right across the parking lot from WPS, where I went during the day.  Also right next to the hotel was the Fox River, which I ran along this morning.  It was really beautiful - they have about 25 miles of multi-purpose trail that goes along the river along fancy houses.  http://www.foxrivertrail.com/ 

I am already loving my new job - it’s very fast-paced and there is a TON of work that needs to be done, but it’s work that I am totally capable of doing - and I’m EXCITED to do it.  I really want to do well here, since the company is doing work that I believe in.  It doesn’t seem that the culture embraces the environmental aspects of the work, though.  It’s more focused around minimizing the costs of the utility company, which is great - but there is a whole other side to AMI.  Hopefully I can have an influence on the Marketing Communications people and get them to emphasize ALL of the benefits of their product.  The people I traveled with (project manager, software engineer, and marketing VP) are all down to earth and fun.  My personality meshes well with everyone I’ve met so far and I love the energy, optimism, and enthusiasm the company culture seems to foster.

Tomorrow (Friday) I leave for Boston to do my first ever Boston Marathon.  I’m really excited and I can’t wait to soak it all in.  I have to make sure I take tons of photos and document as much as possible since I don’t know if I’ll ever go again. 

This post is dedicated to Brian Royle - who is a loyal follower of solarsquirrel.  Thanks, Brian!!!!

Let me first of all state that I love snow and winter.  I never realized that snow could cause a flight originally scheduled on the 22nd to be delayed 5 days!

Our flight from Portland to Cleveland was supposed to happen yesterday - the 22nd of Dec.  We checked online yesterday morning and it said it was cancelled.  No big deal, we figured we would just call the airline and get the next one, so what if we ended up getting in a little later last night.  BOY WERE WE WRONG!  After being on the phone for AN HOUR I managed to get nothing accomplished but to get myself even more frustrated and upset.  The woman on the phone told me that there was nothing left for the day, so would she like me to check for the 23rd.  ‘Ok’ I said, that’s fine.

Nothing for the 23rd.
Nothing for the 24th.
Nothing for the 25th.

At this point I thought there had to be something wrong with their computers or something - how could a flight originally scheduled for the 22nd not be able to go out for 3 days?!?  The woman said that our best bet was to just wait a few hours and call back and not get a refund for our original cancelled flight.

So that’s what we did.  We waited about 4 hours and called back.  This time the situation seemed to be even worse!  It was INSANE!  Even Expedia showed NOTHING for the search results when we picked PDX to CLE for any time and any day between the 22nd and 25th.  At this point I was starting to accept the fact that I wouldn’t be home for Christmas, but I had Brian’s party the day after Christmas that I really wanted to go to!  We would certainly be able to get a flight that would get us home by the evening of the 26th, right?  WRONG!  The next available flight option for us was 12/27 - yep - a full 5 DAYS LATER!  And I’m not even going to hold my breath on this one…I may not make it home until after the new year at this rate!

The thing that really gets to me is that the weather isn’t even that bad!  I mean, yea, there’s snow on the ground, but it’s not like anything we’ve never seen.  It’s just normal winter.  I guess the reason for all of the issues is there was some type of back log of holiday travelers - people who’s flights had been cancelled and who had been stranded in the airport for days already had to get taken care of prior to us.  Top that off with the fact that they were having issues w/ the de-icing machines or something and you get a 5 day delay!

The good news is that we’re at Todd’s sister’s house, which is very nice and cozy.  We don’t have to pay for extra days at a hotel, we have plenty of things to keep us entertained including Guitar Hero and Wii and a whole cupboard full of games.  Oh - and lots of wine and beer!  I’m also happy that Todd gets to see his parents and sister and nephew for a little longer since he only gets to see them once a year.  I just don’t get to be with my family for Christmas, but I guess that’s ok.  It’s not like I have to go back to work…I”m not losing any vacation days!

So - I’ll plan on being at the SERC New Year’s eve morning run since I’m gonna miss the Christmas eve one, and I definitely want to get together with some peeps that will be at Brian’s party so if any of you read my blog let’s plan something!

As of now we get back home early evening on 12/27 - cross your fingers that it doesn’t change!

Well, our vacation in Oregon is almost over :(  We leave tomorrow to go back to Ohio.  It seems like we just got here!  Tuesday was a gorgeous day and we decided to go fishing since we didn’t know if we would get another break in the weather.  Todd’s dad is an experienced fisherman so he took us out on the Rogue River.  It was so beautiful!

Rogue River

We caught 3 fish, but none that we could keep.  You’re not allowed to keep native fish and that’s what I caught.  Todd caught a sucker fish and a steelhead but we had to throw them back.  It was still really fun and that was the first time I had ever caught a fish by myself!  We used fish eggs from the fish we caught last year as bait:

steelhead eggs used as bait

Notice the tweezers - Todd’s dad said that you shouldn’t touch the bait because the fish can smell if you have touched it.  He also treated the eggs with Borax (?) I think to keep them from going bad.  They looked REEEEEELY gross because after you had them in the water they got this whitish membrane on them that was sort-of hanging off.  Todd thought that was the ticket to catching a good fish though and tried to make that happen every time he put the bait on.

Todd the happy fisherman

We both were fishing and Todd’s dad was doing the rowing and instructing.  It was like we had our own private fishing guide!  He would steer the boat and tell us where to put our lines in and what bait to use.  Then when we got to the spot on the river where we would fish, he would row the boat against the current so the boat would stay in the spot as long as possible.  He must be buff constantly rowing against the current like that!

Our fishing guide and instructor (a.k.a. Todd's dad)

It’s been really snowy here ever since Tuesday.  Our drive from Grants Pass to Portland on Friday was super snowy!  There were highway patrol on the road blocking anyone who didn’t have 4 wheel drive and making them put chains on their tires!

Snowy drive north

This was driving in the middle of the day.  It was so beautiful!  The tree branches were all individually covered with white fluff.  I sure love snow!

In other news I have not really worked out at all.  I think I have gained about 40 lbs.  Yesterday Todd and I tried to go running but it was super windy and my face felt like it was freezing off so we only ended up doing about 7 miles.  Here is a current picture of me that emphasizes the weight gain in my stomach and lower half:

Me posing to show off my new winter weight gain!

So, needless to say; I will be going full force with my workout schedule when I get home (Monday late night).  And as ‘luck’ would have it, I still don’t have a job, so I’ll have PLENTY of time to workout!  Woo hoo!  (Though I still have 2 courses that I have to do work on, but at least things will be slow for the next 2 weeks because of the holidays - hopefully those 2 weeks can be used to jump back into being in shape!)

Buckeye 50k is seriously up in the air for me at the moment. I don’t know if I’m going to be in good enough shape to run it, especially having missed 2 weekends worth of running - one of which was a milestone long run (22 miles).  What do you guys think?  Should I just shoot for doing the half marathon?  Will I be able to get back 2 weeks worth of running in time to do the 50k in the middle of Jan?

Today is going on our third full day in Oregon visiting with Todd’s family.

Todd looking out at the winter snow

Yesterday we woke up to a winter wonderland!  It was so beautiful and white.

Looking out over the back yard

Todd’s sister and nephew were going to drive back north and before they left I decided that we should have a snowball fight - 2 against one - Todd’s 11-year old nephew and I against him.  Hee hee.  I didn’t get any pictures of the fight but it was pretty fun.

My running has been non-existent but here is a rundown on my ‘exercise’ so far during the trip:

Saturday 12/13:  Sat on a plane all day, then drove 4.5 hours from Portland to Grants Pass
Sunday  12/14:  Played in swimming pool.  Tried to drown Todd by standing on him while he was under water (sorry Brian, it didn’t work)
Monday 12/15: Snowball fight with perfect snowball snow.  Built a snowman with rock eyes, pine cone nose, and branch mouth and arms.  The 2nd snowman that was built was smashed when Todd threw his nephew on top of it.

We’ll be here till the 22nd.  I’ll probably be taking more pictures and posting fun updates.  Stay tuned.

Oh E-Speed - if Wii Fit counts as exercise, so does snowball fighting!!!

Notice the top sign on the right - third one down - yea, that’s right, “Openbaar toilet”.  Can you guess what that is?  It’s a freakin’ toilet that is out in the middle of the street!  Nice beginning to my post about my trip to the Netherlands.

The trip was a combination of the worst traveling nightmare I have ever experienced combined with some really awesome people and very productive meetings.  I’ll spare you the details about my travel nightmares, but trust me when I say that it was BAD.  I arrived Friday morning in Amsterdam and left Sunday morning from Eindhoven.  It was really fast.  I think I slept a total of 8 hours Thurs - Sunday.  I couldn’t let being tired get in the way of enjoying my first time in the Netherlands so of course I went out Friday and Saturday night.  The nightlife in Eindhoven is crazy.  It may have been because of the football (soccer) tournaments going on, but it was complete insanity in the streets both nights.  HUNDREDS of people lined the streets singing, cheering, drinking and smoking.  There was so much energy in the air!  Clubs don’t close until LATE and you can just walk around with alcohol.  OH - and did I mention the ‘coffee shops’?  Yea - you can go to the ‘coffee shop’ and order weed off of a menu hanging on the wall.  It’s just such a crazy and different place from the U.S. 

 Turkish fans celebrating their soccer victory in the streets of Eindhoven

Philips Global Interactives group in front of the Frits Philips statue in Eindhoven 

Now that I’m back I have a lot of work (and sleep) to catch up on.  I also haven’t worked out since Tuesday - so that’s a whole week without exercise (unless you count lugging my 50 lb. suitcase around the Ulrich train station as exercise).  Tomorrow I’m planning on doing a track workout at lunch and trying to work a little late.  We’ll see how that goes.