White Rock Marathon: Beautiful Day

Wow…where to begin?! My experience at the White Rock Marathon was nothing short of amazing. I learned so much about myself and my incredible support system that day. I have run the half marathon at White Rock three times and I have always said that White Rock equals MAGIC and that held true again this year. There was the one year that I was exhausted from a weekend of playing concerts at the Winspear Opera House and woke up just hoping to finish the race….and I broke two hours for the first time, and then last year when I was dealing with some very frustrating hip pain…and ran my third fastest time ever. See? Magic! And it looks like White Rock brought magic again this year. When I work up that morning it was in the upper thirties and raining and I had no reason to truly believe that I would have FUN while running. Yep, you heard me…I had FUN.

The whole week before the race was filled with words of love, support, and encouragement from my friends and family. I remembered thinking that I should run a marathon EVERY week because I have not felt that much positive energy in a long time. I was very calm the whole week leading up to the race; I don’t think that I ever really experienced that “taper madness” that people speak of. I had no doubts that I would finish the race and I had no doubts that I would have a positive experience. I really did trust my training and I knew that I was prepared. The only thing that caused me slight concern was the forecast of rain, but Erik and my runner friends were so positive telling me that the rain was not really a factor and what a great day it would be for running. I really owe them a thank you because they had me believing that a little rain was nothing to freak out about.


Lunch at Taco Joint

The Saturday before the race was filled with friends and food. Several of us met for lunch at Taco Joint before heading to the race expo. It was a big moment when I got to go to the “full marathon” side to pick up my race bib. I have gone to the “half marathon” side so many times and I didn’t really think that I would EVER run a full marathon. The race expo was a blur—I didn’t get to shop very much because we ran into so many running friends (frunners) and had to stop and chat each time. I remember that I felt incredibly lucky to have made so many friends from running—what a great “problem” to have, right? We met some more running folks for a carb-filled dinner at Bucca di Beppo and then it was off to the house to prepare all of my stuff for the race.


The Full Marathon Line...it is for REAL

I was torn over what to wear as I tend to warm up pretty quickly while running, but I also knew that the rain would be a factor. I ended up selecting a long sleeve shirt and running tights over my compression sleeves with a beanie and some gloves. I went back and forth over wearing a jacket, but I have never run in one before and didn’t want to try it on this day. I tucked an 89 cent rain poncho from Academy in my shirt pocket before heading out the door. That 89 cent poncho ended up saving my tail.

I have to mention that SiriusXM radio has a great sense of humor—I heard “No Rain” and “Run To The Water” during my drive to Fair Park and the race starting line. It is things like this that make me laugh at the whole situation. I arrived a little bit later than I planned to and missed the group meet up, but was able to find Gretchen (my marathon race buddy) without too much trouble and we headed to our starting corral. I was thrilled because I saw Mark L, Felix, and Cairo go by on their way to the start. It was great to get a hug and encouragement right before the starting gun fired.

One of the things that I love about White Rock Marathon is how it is just ELECTRIC at the start—fireworks, music, EXCITEMENT! While many of the same effects were still there, it was a bit muted by the rain. Gretchen and I had to wait about twenty minutes to cross the starting line and while we were standing there it started to rain again. The timing of that rain saved my tail…it was then that I decided to get that poncho out of my pocket and put it on…and I didn’t take it off until I was finished and had the medal around my neck.


Meanwhile While I Was Running...

We got off to a good start, the corral system seemed to work well and we didn’t have to get around many slower runners. The rain got heavier a few miles into the race and I knew that it was just going to be something that we would have to deal with all day. I tried really hard to dodge puddles because I wanted my feet to stay dry for as long as possible. I tend to be blister prone and even though I had covered my feet in both Body Glide and Vaseline, I was still worried.

In my last blog entry, I asked for words of advice from experienced marathoners to a rookie. I really drew upon those words during the race and they even carried me at times. So if you were one of those people who shared your wisdom with me…THANKS…you don’t know how much I relied on it during the challenging moments. A common theme was “take it all in” and “smile, have fun” and that is what I did. If a band was playing, I sang the words out loud at the top of my lungs. I tried to look at all of the spectators and take in their faces, signs, and cheers. I knew that standing still in the cold rain was much harder than running. It meant a lot to have them there on a day like that.

Gretchen and I knew that our friends Corina, Marci, and Cassie would be cheering for us at certain points along the course and we really looked forward to seeing their faces along the way. They were dressed in bright yellow tutus (covered by rain ponchos) and were making lots of noise with egg shakers and a tambourine (think that they are friends with a music therapist?) and they called themselves “Operation Sunshine”. They will never know how much their presence helped me along that day. We also knew that Erik would be waiting at the Dolly Pardon Hills (mile 21) with the other Dollys and would be running in with us. The race course really showcases some of the best parts of Dallas and I love running through the Arts District and in front of the stately homes on Beverly Drive. Fall comes a little bit later here in Texas and the trees were beautiful shades of orange and yellow against the backdrop of Christmas decorations.


Operation Sunshine

Gretchen was an amazing race buddy. Early in the race she asked me what words she could say to me if and when I started to struggle. She wanted me to say “suck it up, buttercup” to her and I chose “you are stronger than you think”. We never had to use those phrases on each other, but I know that I thought about mine several times. She also had the race divided by her “9, 9, 9” plan (9 miles, 9 miles, and a little less than 9 at the end) and that really seemed to help. It really began to seem real when we got to the half marathon split…oh how many times had I taken that shorter route…but not today…today I was taking the long way. (Incidentally Dixie Chicks song “Taking The Long Way” came up on my ipod as I got ready to leave for the race). Around mile 11.5 we passed the RAW (Grapevine Runners) aide station and I saw so many frunner faces there. They were all so helpful and welcoming, again another bright spot on the road. Staci (Tini) was super helpful getting water and Gatoraide for Gretchen and me as we passed through. We passed Operation Sunshine again somewhere around mile 12 and I was still taking it all in, smiling, and having an awesome time.

Mile 12 is where we hit White Rock Lake and that is where the challenge really began. Remember those words of advice that I drew from? Cat had a gem for me—don’t ditch your gloves before you get to the lake…remember that the “other” side is often cold and windy. She is pretty brilliant because the wind hit right on cue. My gloves were soaking wet by then and I wondered if it would be better to take them off, but I trusted Cat’s wise words and I’m glad that I did. Mile 12 is also where I started to have an unusual pain that moved from my hip to my hamstring to my knee and back….it was frustrating because I had NEVER experienced this pain before (and I haven’t since). Looking back it was probably caused from running on wet surfaces, jumping puddles, and wearing soaked, heavy shoes. The good news is that as long as I took time at the aide stations to stretch then the pain was very manageable. The bad news is that it added about a minute per mile from 13 until the end (frustrating), but I wasn’t about to let that get me down.


Somewhere Around Mile 12

White Rock Lake was the hardest part of the whole marathon. Erik and I have been coming to White Rock every weekend for our long runs for several years now—so I feel like I know every inch of the path. I knew where it would be windy and I knew just how far it was from one point to the next. It was during this section of the marathon I felt like Gretchen was dragging me and I worked really hard to not hold her back too much. Remember those words of advice—I kept drawing on them and “smile” was in my mind quite often during this stretch. Again, I looked at the volunteers and knew that they were having a much harder time that I was. Winfrey Point is a tough part of the lake for me and a constant thorn in my side. It is a half mile around that point and it is often the most extreme section of the lake (hottest in the summer, windiest in the spring, coldest in the winter, etc). Like clockwork, we approach Winfrey Point and the wind picks up and the rain comes down harder….and my ipod begins playing “Beautiful Day” Seriously? How could I NOT laugh at that!? Awesome Bono, just awesome.

We came off the lake around mile 20 and I stopped for a short restroom break. This was the first time I took off my gloves and I had trouble moving my fingers! I didn’t realize just how cold my hands had gotten. I was working hard to get to mile 21 because those are the Dolly Pardon Hills and that is where Erik would be waiting to run in with me. I also knew that Operation Sunshine would be there with dry gloves and clementines for me. I remember looking at Gretchen and saying “we have just run 20 miles girl!” In some way it seemed as if it had gone by so fast. I heard a spectator say “you are going to make it!” and I started to get excited about getting to that finish line…this was really going to happen!


At The Dolly Pardons-Mile 21

I was so relieved to climb that hill and see Erik, Operation Sunshine, and the Dollys waiting for me. I remember running up and saying “who wants to rub my butt” hoping that someone would be able to work that little ache/cramp out of my muscles. Erik was on it but it didn’t seem to help too much. Marci poked clementines in my mouth, shoved dry gloves on my hands (with hand warmers inside!) and we posed for a few pictures. Poor Erik was shivering and was ready to start running so that he could warm up. We lost Gretchen in the shuffle—she started to get cold when she stopped so she kept on moving. I could see her bright pink calf sleeves just ahead of us for the last few miles of the race.


Erik goes to work...

I never hit “the wall” during this race and I think that Erik was a huge part of that. Having him with me for those last five miles was just what I needed to lift my spirits, he knew just what to say and was so supportive. Frunners Liza and Vi were also nearby and it was great to see some familiar faces. I was still taking stretch breaks at each water stop, but my legs were feeling better as we went. The mind is a funny thing, isn’t it? I should note that I had not been watching my watch any during this race. Gretchen and I just ran a comfortable pace the entire time and we actually stayed fairly consistent. I spare you the long list of splits, miles 1-13 averaged just under 10:00 min miles and 14-26 were in the 11:15 minute range for an average of 10:39 for the whole race and a finish time of 4:42:49

The last five miles are a bit of a blur to me. I remember the beautiful houses along Swiss Avenue, the spectators, and the bands (one was playing Brown Eyed Girl) and focusing on Erik who was running just ahead of me. Soon enough I could see the buildings at Fair Park and I knew that the end was very near. Again, drawing from the advice given to me, I tried to take everything in and really savor the moment. I was about to be a MARATHONER! It was all pretty overwhelming and I started to get a quiver chin as we rounded the bend and entered Fair Park.


A Toast With Gretchen!

Erik peeled away and I went on to cross the finish line…I had done it. I will never forget that feeling as I let the tears come freely. Wow. “Do your best” my dad had said…and I did. The advice that I had heard the most during my training was “don’t set any time goals for yourself on your first marathon” and “finishing should be your only goal” and “run your first one for a good time, not a fast time.” I really tried to draw on that advice and quiet my inner perfectionist. Am I pleased with my time? Not exactly, but I did the best that I could on the day that I was given. That is something running twenty-nine half marathons has taught me. Do I know that I can do better? Heck yes! And I can’t wait to try again…and soon. But for now I will be proud of the fact that I ran a marathon, and I ran it as strongly as I could, and I have recovered well. I ran a marathon on a day when many people chose not to leave their houses because it was so cold and rainy.

I am a marathoner.

(Thanks again to Corina and Gretchen for the pictures!)

Marathon Week: Words of Advice from My Wise Frunners

As I was running my last long run on Sunday my mind wandered a bit and I thought about what I wanted to say in my blog this week. I am merely days away from my first marathon and I felt as if I should have something inspiring to say...you know, something that profound that would knock your socks off! That is when the idea hit me--why not let all of the experienced runners I know do the talking for me. I am so lucky to be surrounded by some INCREDIBLE runners. We are talking multiple marathoners, ultra marathoners, fifty milers, and some who will be taking on hundred milers in the next year. So I turned to the social media networks--Facebook, Twitter, and Daily Mile--and asked for their advice for a rookie/1st time marathoner. The responses were just fabulous, like I said--I'm lucky to know such diverse and experienced runners. I have sorted through all of the tips and tidbits and have found that most of them fall within a few basic categories: inspirational, practical, straight up running, and humorous.

Practical:
Bring toilet paper you never know when you might need it out on the course. I’ve seen races where they ran out before the race even started. Night before place everything you need out on the floor, especially if you are traveling. –Rodney

Bring a throw away sweatshirt to wear while waiting for the race to start. It will be cold before starting. –Mark L.

Lube everything that might rub. EVERYTHING. Most importantly – have fun. –Rick

1.Before the race, go to the port-a-potty. Then get out of it and go to the back of the port-o-potty line. Do it.
2. Don't plan on sleeping a lot the night before. Nerves are too much. Get a huge sleep two nights before and know that will be enough to get you through.
3. Plan out your celebration-i.e. ice cream with relatives afterward so there is no strain on your time. –Andrew

Straight Up Running:
Run SLOW! No time goals! –Libby

Goals are great, but deal with what the day gives you. If you see a goal slip away mid-race, re-assess and move on. A positive attitude will carry you a lot of miles…and a negative attitude can keep you in misery a lot of miles. If you have people coming to cheer, ask them to come around mile 16 or 20…at the finish line, you’ll have all the energy you need to cross, it’s those “wall” miles when a familiar face can make all the difference. –Lesley J

The start is key. DON’T go out too fast! The excitement at the start will be high, soak it in but don’t get caught up in it. If stressed in the later miles try to smile. You will do great I wish you well. –Byron

1) Be sure finishing is one of your goals. 2) Have fun! –Matt F

Your goal for this first should be to finish, nothing else. I’ve seen a few people set the marathon goal bar a little too high, only to come away disappointed. Use the first one as a measuring tool for your next. You’ll know what to expect then. –Marlon O.

Don’t let all the positive energy and excitement make you run too fast at the start! –Jeremy C

If you trained with walk/run intervals trust your training and do not skip the planned intervals, especially the early ones. Make sure your time goal matches your successful training runs. Pacing, patience, pacing, patience and do not start out too fast. Good luck! –Paula R

Go big, or go home! ….and stay with the pace you trained for, the temptation will be to run it faster, don’t. –Reece C.

Listen to your body until mile 20, then it is all about your brain. Trust your training, follow your plan, don’t let anyone else try and change it. Don’t go out too fast, don’t change anything you have been doing, and SMILE when you cross that finish line. –Elizabeth M

You trained for a reason – stick with your pace/intervals/eating/clothing that you trained with. There are others faster/slower/running various intervals/ paces – that’s THEIR race and not yours. “Dance with the one who brung ya”…don’t ignore what has worked for you these last few months. –Mel K

START slower than your goal pace, then at the end run like a bad ass when you have something left in the tank (it feels so much better to finish strong). And the last 4miles of White Rock are essentially downhill. I agree that the last 6 miles are mind over matter. Good luck! --Robin D.

Nobody-nobody has figured out the best way to run the last 10k of a marathon. Don't set a time goal. Your only goal is to finish. --Andrew

The mythical "wall" everybody talks about is extremely mobile and never in the same spot 2 races in a row. At last year's Honolulu Marathon they decided to put it at the 16 mile mark. The year before they had it at the 20. What gives?!?! Maybe this year they'll have it at 26.3 miles. :) Serious tip: DON'T start off too fast. If anything, go slow to the point where you feel like you're doing something wrong. Adrenaline at the start is cool and all, but if you go out too fast it WILL bit you in the butt. –Jan J

Run the first 10 miles with your head, the second 10 miles with your legs, and the last 10K with your heart. (I read this somewhere...wish I remembered where...)

Run your 1st marathon to have a good time rather than to run a fast time. –Hal Higdon (my "coach" whose books and training plans I have been following)

Inspirational:
Tell everyone you know you’re doing the race. When mile 22 comes and you want to quit, you will think of all their faces. —Elaine

When you are feeling low, trust your training and smile at the crowd. But most of all, have fun!! –Marci

Enjoy the moment, it will be loud so take it all in! Wave and make eye contact with the people cheering, they will cheer harder! Don’t stare at the clock and sprint for the finish! Stay steady, look to your left and right and see the fans cheering for you! –Derek

Take time at the finish to enjoy the moment. You just did something pretty incredible – soak it in! Smile, cry, hug, accept praise. –Amy

Enjoy the ride. You can try for a time goal on the next one. You’ve trained so hard relish every step! Also, trust your training! --Corina

Don't stop when it hurts. Kick the sh** out of the wall if you encounter it. It's okay to cry when you cross the finish line. Remember you can rest when you are done. Have fun and be a super star! –Fawn

Keep your eye on the ball – the finish line. –Rebekah

Humorous:
How about, watch the marathon on tv while eating a big bag of chips with dip…just sayin’ --Jeff E

Stick to whatever beer you trained with. –Erik

Don’t trip. –Jaela

Cat’s White Rock Marathon advice:
1. Lube up any/all body parts that touch other body parts
2. Drink the beer at 18, eat the free food on Swiss Ave
3. Stuff a few tissues in your pockets; potties often run out of paper and you can always sell them to the highest bidder
4. Don’t toss your gloves too early, you may be cold on the “other” side of the lake.
5. Plan a pig out somewhere because the food at White Rock is pretty sad.

My favorite advice comes from Michelle B.--
Don’t run slow!! Run hard, you’ve trained like a bad ass, race like a bad ass!! You should cross that finish line knowing you left it all out there. You only get 1 first marathon, no regrets! (Seriously, doesn't that fire you up? Who doesn't want to race like a bad ass?)

Runners are very generous people and I appreciate everyone taking a moment or two to share their thoughts, support, and advice with me. I am so excited the marathon and can hardly wait for Sunday to get here. The training is done, the miles have been run (the hay is in the barn, as so many say)--hang on tight because the the ride is about to begin!

Oh and be sure to stop by That Pink Girlfor a peek at what Erik will be busy doing on marathon day. Hint...it involves BOOBS!!

The White Rock Half Marathon: Finding A Little Bit of That White Rock Magic

The White Rock Half Marathon is probably my favorite race of the year. There is nothing like the energy of 22,000 runners as they line up at the starting line and anxiously wait for the race to begin. I have run it three times now and intend to run it every year, it is as much a part of my December traditions as putting up a tree or baking cookies. I swear that there is something magical about the White Rock Half and I was looking for a little bit of that magic on Sunday.

The whole weekend revolved around the marathon and half marathon. I love going to the Marathon Expo on the Saturday before the race, talk about two of my favorite things--shopping and running--in the same place. It is a great time to get ideas for my 2011 racing calendar as many of the half marathons have booths there with information about their upcoming races. There are some really fun things in store for 2011, I can hardly wait! We also had a great pre-race carb meal with Ben, Liza, Vi, and others on Saturday evening. One of my favorite parts of running is the food and we had lots of it! Pasta, bread, pizza, and dessert...it was a good night! I was so excited and nervous for Ben, Liza, and Vi because they would be attempting the full marathon on Sunday. I was really nervous for Ben, who would be trying to qualify for Boston by running a 3:10 or less. It turned out that Ben had an incredible race and ran a full marathon in 3 hours and 9 minutes! Hello, Rockstar! Congrats also go to Liza and Vi for their great marathons.


Running Rocks!

You know the story, Sunday morning came so early and I woke up feeling very nervous and somewhat fearful. My hip has been a bit wonky lately, tightening up as I run and causing me pain. I knew that I could run the distance and have done it with pain before, I just didn't really want to go down that path today. I was also a little apprehensive because the race had moved to Fair Park and I was unsure of how the traffic and parking would be (turned out to not be an issue). I arrived in plenty of time and stayed in the warm car while I got my gear together. It was a chilly morning, I think that the temps were somewhere in the 30s. I knew that I would be shivering as I waited for the race to start.

I felt pretty lucky because I got to start in the third wave of runners (group C) so my wait wasn't too long. The waves went way into the alphabet (at least to M) and I know that the later groups had up to a 45 minute wait. I was on the edge of being emotional while waiting to start the race. I think that it was due to a variety of things--I was worried about my hip, I was excited about being on the verge of completing my big goal for 2010, and this race is just huge and there is so much nervous energy at the start. I almost go impatient while waiting during the fan fare before the race--it was cold and I just wanted to RUN!

We started from Fair Park this year, which was different, but I loved the course. We ran out of Fair Park and into the Arts District. It was a breath taking to turn the corner and run directly towards the very dramatic (and red) Winspear Opera House and the neighboring Meyerson Symphony Center. I perform at both of these with my wind ensemble, the Metropolitan Winds, which is still a complete thrill to me. After leaving the Arts District we ran down the very festive McKinney Avenue and into stately Highland Park. The views were astonishing at times and the crowd support was phenomenal. Best year yet!


Dessert Anyone?

As predicted, my hip started to tighten a bit in the early miles and I became quite concerned. However, I was prepared to run a slower pace (I was prepared for 2 hours or slower) and I walked the entire span of each water station to allow my hip to loosen up a bit. Fortunately the pain seemed to plateau at a very manageable level--sometimes it was noticeable and sometimes I didn't feel it at all. My pace was quite good considering my circumstances and I began to feel optimistic about my finishing time. This was confirmed when I passed the 7 hour mark at 1 hour and 15 seconds (during my PR half I passed 7 miles at exactly 1 hour). My race data shows that I got somewhat faster in the final miles, which is always a goal of mine. I felt strong as I wrapped up the last couple of miles, the return to Fair Park was pretty cool--lots of people cheering. I finished in 1:53:56...just 2 minutes and some change slower than my PR and my 3rd fastest half marathon time yet. A year ago I broke 2 hours for the first time (1:57) and this year I broke 1:55 despite that cranky hip....looks like I found that White Rock magic again.

After the race I wrapped up in my heat sheet, and went in the adjacent building to collect my medal, finishers shirt, and free food. I only wish that my car wasn't so far away...and wait a minute...it is COLD out here! All in all I missed the energy of Victory Plaza, but liked the space and logistics of the new Fair Park setting. The course really showed some of the best and most beautiful parts of Dallas. It was quite a study in contrast as I ran passed a homeless man with a shopping cart on the way out of Fair Park and found myself in front of million(s) dollar Highland Park homes five miles later.


Mission Accomplished

Now that one of my 2010 goals is complete (10 half marathons in 2010--this was number 11 on the year and 18 overall) I am taking a whole week off from any intense running or exercise. Recovery is the hardest part of training for me and I am finding my own challenges in this week of downtime. I am looking forward to getting back at it as I have one more goal to wrap up in the final weeks of this year. Stay tuned!

When Music and Running Collide...One Amazing Weekend

Unfortunately I didn't have this blog during the second weekend of December 2009. I wish that I had been writing then and had captured the weekend as it happened. For now I will have to rely on my memory to explain just why that weekend was so magical to me.

December 13, 2009 had been circled on my calendar for quite some time. Early in 2009 I set a goal to run a half marathon in 2:00 or less. The year proved to be quite challenging to me as I dealt with some injury-like issues, which turned out be mostly shoe related (a story for another day). I was unsure, at times, if this was a goal that I would ever reach. Things started to look up in September when I finished a half in 2:01 and they looked even better in November when I finished the DRC Half in 2:00:26. My last chance for the year would be at the White Rock Half Marathon on December 13. The White Rock Marathon is a special one to Erik and me as his Uncle Chock served as chair of that race for several years. Erik has manned the Dolly Pardon water station for about 9 years now and he ran the full marathon, his first, in 2008. I fully intend to run the White Rock Half every year, it is that special to us.

The weekend began to look even more interesting earlier that fall when I got our wind ensemble schedule. We had been given an extraordinary opportunity to perform on four holiday concerts with the Turtle Creek Chorale in the brand new Winspear Opera House. There would be four concerts: Friday 12/11, Saturday 12/12, and TWO concerts on Sun 12/13. At first glance I decided that I would just miss the afternoon concert on 12/13...but we were told that it was all or nothing--play every concert or none at all. There was no way that I could pass up such a special opportunity--the Turtle Creek Chorale is amazing and a chance to play in the Winspear was something that I only dreamed of. I decided then that I would do it all...play 4 concerts and run a half marathon in the span of one weekend.

The weeks leading up to the concerts were quite hectic. Not only did I have the usual holiday obligations, but there were several extra rehearsals for the concerts. Of course, none of these rehearsals were close to home and I spent many hours driving up and down the tollway. I was in awe of the Winspear, I felt like such a grown-up musician! I only dreamed of things like this when I was a high school band student in Denison, Texas.

The concerts began on Friday and we were full speed ahead from that point. Saturday got even busier as I managed to cram yoga, a high school football game (state semi-finals for the Yellowjackets, no way I was missing that!), and a concert into the day. It was late when I got home that night and even later when I got to bed. I was not used to having that little sleep before a race and felt exhausted when the alarm went off early on race morning. As I stumbled around the house, I began to see my 2:00 goal slipping away. I was telling myself that it was okay if I didn't make it, that sometimes there are challenging circumstances that are out of my control. The morning was foggy as I headed south on the tollway yet again. I remember laughing to myself about how a musician's lifestyle and a runner's lifestyle really aren't a good match...musicians stay up to the wee hours and runners get up in the wee hours!

The running gods must have been looking out for me that day. I found a parking spot with no problem and had plenty of time to eat, listen to music, and get ready to go. As soon as I walked up I ran into Ben and Liza, friends from my little running group. They were doing the full marathon that day--a 1st for Liza and she was nervous. The race got off to a very organized start thanks to the corral system.

Early in the race I passed within sight of the Winspear, I remember looking at it and thinking how cool it was that I would be playing there later in the day. The race was just about perfect: perfect weather, amazing crowds, familiar scenery. I could not have asked for anything more. I am certain that I was smiling every step of the way. I knew that I was on a pace to break 2:00, I just didn't know by how much. Imagine my excitement when I crossed the finish line and saw 1:57:18 on my watch. A new PR by 3 minutes!!

I flew into the afternoon concert on a cloud...I suppose my runner's high was still in full effect. That concert was very special because my parents, brother, and his wife were in attendance. I'm sure that I wasn't looking so great by the second concert later that night, and I was never so happy to drive north on the tollway and go home. I am also not sure how I made it through the remaining week of school following that weekend. I'm pretty sure that I could have fallen asleep at any given moment and I don't know that I was the most patient or effective therapist for my students. I'm not sure how I did all that, but again it taught me that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. I was even more flattered later in the week, when my mother-in-law sent me a Wonder Woman bracelet. I remember that weekend every time that I look at it.

I have been thinking about that weekend lately as I have another weekend of music and running ahead. On Sunday I will run the Big D Texas Half and I will play a concert with the Metropolitan Winds at the Meyerson on Sunday night. I am hoping that I can recapture some of that magic and approach my PR time again. I have not been close to that time since White Rock...could it have been the music? Is there something magic about the combination of my two passions--music and running? Stay tuned...