Tuesday, September 26, 2006

The Real Pre-Portland Post

Okay, okay. The previous post was kind of a joke to bug Rob and Eric. They are so sensitive and easily grossed out that I just couldn't resist. I have to admit I've been giggling all evening about the picture of the toes. I might as well get some joy out of them!

As for what happened...they were fine during the 20 mile run. It was one of the runs after that, I don't actually remember which one, when the left toe really started to hurt. I did do the sterile needle and lancing thing and it really helped. Shortly after that, the right one started to hurt. Then things settled down and they'd only hurt for a bit after a run. Last week it was really wet here and I actually had to wear shoes and socks to work. After a couple of days of that, my toes were hurting again. The 10 mile run on Saturday didn't bother them too much, but walking around in the heat of the day at the Fair was too much. That's when the nails let go - so it's a new development. I ran three miles this morning and they didn't bother me, giving me hope for the marathon. I'm thinking the loose nail was part of the aggravation - moving up and down or something - and now they'll be better. We'll see. I've been running in the same shoes for a couple years now and they were fine. All this toe trouble coincided with the increasing mileage since last spring.

Really, I'm not too nervous about Portland. Excited, yes, anxious, no. I guess if I started thinking about all the things that could go wrong, I'd be worried, but I'm choosing not to think of those things. Instead, I keep thinking of the 20 mile run and how good I felt. I was achy, but strong. Then I think - only a 10k to finish. Now, I've heard that the last 10k is the whole marathon, so I don't think it's going to be easy. I keep remembering back to how awful I felt all winter and how I would keep going anyway. I tell myself that if I could do that, I can do this. I can hear Olga talking to me on the phone at CCC100, telling me to tell Rob "to keep moving forward, just keep moving forward". That little voice is going to push me along the course.

I'm a little worried about my buddy Sonya. She's had some quad issues these last two weeks, so is resting and icing and medicating. I sure hope it all settles down and she is good to go. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Goals? Do I have goals? I do. First: finish. Just finish the marathon. That's enough - I've been wanting and dreaming about it for five long years. Got a little side tracked with the medical stuff, but I'm here now. Second: Enjoy it. Have fun, drink it all in and wallow around in it. Third: Finish in under six hours. Fourth: Finish between 5:15 and 5:30. Oh, and accomplish all these goals with Sonya right beside me.

There you go, Rob. A real pre-marathon post. I might squeak one more out before we leave for Portland - who knows?

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Michelle,
You always look like you're finishing strong when I've seen you run, and in your photos, and always with a big smile. I can't imagine you not finishing that same exact way, and I am so excited to capture that moment on camera - I can see it now, you, sunglasses, ear-to-ear smile, and arms pumping strong, and of course, Sonya a few steps beside you.....I can totally see it, can you?

I've also decided to congratulate you with a Mary Kay pedicure kit, after seeing your dire need for one. =)

Okay seriously, that's not looking cool, so Rob, let's encourage more kissing photos, headshots, etc. No more feet.

See you later this week, my friend!
wendy
<><

Sarah said...

You're on the home stretch now! Just remember that you've put in the training and you're ready. I wish I had trained as well as you have for my first! It will certainly be sweet. : )

Unknown said...

I knew you had a pre-marathon post in you somewhere. I almost got all teary eyed just reading it. I always cry over great sports stories.

Anniversaries not so much, but a woman with gross feet running her first marathon. Now that is something to shed a tear about.

Now can you delete that last post so I won't get virtual stones thrown at me.

tryathlete said...

It is not nice to be eating a sandwich and then scrolling down to that picture. Bad bad Michelle.

Thomas said...

Eek. Maybe your shoes are a bit too small? The further you run, the more your feet swell.

I've heard that thing about the last 6 miles being 50% of the marathon, or however you want to phrase it. But I've never experienced it that way. I always felt the bit between 16 and 20 miles to be the hardest. Once you're past 20 miles you're on the homestretch and it feels easier.

Ryan said...

Runners toes..lol! You deserve a pedicure!!

I wish you great success this weekend and don't forget to enjoy each and every moment...you earned it!!

Divide by three
"Divide the marathon into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart."--Mike Fanelli, runner and coach

Wes said...

Oh, that was a good one, Michelle! We'll savor it for a while and bring it back up for Rob when the moment is appropriate! So, you've been running in the same shoes for 2 years??? I thought you were supposed to swap them out every 500 miles or so. For you, that would be like every three months. We all know you are going to do fantastic at your Marathon. I am so excited for you.

Ironayla said...

I am very excited for you and Sonya! I can't wait to hear about it!

Are you going to enroll in the athlete update service? Just wondering if we will be able to keep tabs on how you are doing?

I am sorry to hear of Sonya's issues and really hope the rest will pay off with her ability to finish!!!

Anonymous said...

As your experienced husband can tell you, it's in that week before the marathon that much of your "mental marathon" is already run. All the mental demons come out to make you doubt that you can accomplish what you have worked for months to acheive. Once you start to run on Sunday those demons will vanish because you have told them you will not permit them to take your marathon.

Olga said...

Loved the picture, don't feel lonely anymore:)
Somehow I have not a single doubt you will finish, whatever time, and will be the happiest camper out there. You just have this calm posture about you, like "i've gotta do what i've gotta do, and it's gonna be done". I'll see you Saturday.

Anonymous said...

woo hoo!!!! how exciting!!!!

The most important part? Even if you don't finish, how wonderfully brilliant that you are at the point, medically speaking, that you can even attempt it. That's fantastic.

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

It's almost time!! I am so excited for you - you are going to do great! Goodluck!

D said...

Keep this in mind as well during that last portion of you marathon: pain is temporary! Good luck. Can't wait to read your race report.

susie said...

I hope it's a great run for you Michelle! Watch those toes...whew!! It sounds like you are in fighting tough shape.

psbowe said...

Hey! Shall I send you pic of my bruised swollen(well not anymore, thank goodness) L-foot? That's the only thing I'm nervous about at this point. It was my own fault, I smashed it pretty good 2 wks ago! Been doing pool running since then so we'll see how this goes...my goal is same as yours: to finish!

Oh thanks to Rob for the email, sounds great!

Anonymous said...

I hear ya all the way! I find myself thinking of Sunday at the weirdest moments. Marathon thoughts/analogies and search and seizure lessons don't fit well. What must my students think of me? :)

JustRun said...

Sounds like you're ready. I'm even excited for you!

Ouch on the toes! Take care of those! :-)

seagull junker said...

Just have fun out there. You will have a great race.
tom

Dori said...

OMG, Michelle, you're running a marathon in 2 days! I've been so out of it, I didn't realize your marathon was so close. Best of luck to you--I hope the whole experience is wonderful for you. I'll be sending good thoughts your way. You're strong, you're ready. I'm looking forward to your race report.

Anonymous said...

Hope your toes are okay - the picture is very telling.
Best of luck to you and Sonya both!

Legs and Wings said...

Them is ug-lee toes. Esssshh (better than that tippy-toes kissing thing - I'm with Rob).

I hope Portland is ready for the likes of you Michelle. Bring home what's left of your toenails.

All the best!

Joe said...

Wow, real runner toes!! Glad they are healing up, Michelle!!

Hey, I'm in Portland (on Friday afternoon) and the weather is going to be perfect. Looking foward to meeting you and your toes tomorrow night!!!

runliarun said...

Is this your first? Rob implied it's your first. They say (what do I know?) the first one is very, very special. Your're gonna have the time of your life. Well, of your running life at least...