May 14, 2012

Six days out

Marathon week begins...

I'm sure you are probably just as sick of reading about the marathon as I am of thinking about it. I wish I was excited, but I'm just super nervous. I will just be so happy when it's all over! Jerry, the kids, and I are going down to Cleveland on Friday morning. The marathon isn't until Sunday, so we'll spend some time doing fun things with the kids on Friday and Saturday. Jessica is staying in a hotel with our friends Andrea and Renee, who are coming to cheer us on (how awesome is that?!)

I had a three mile run on the schedule today, so I did that as soon as the boys were on the bus. The whole time I was running, I was thinking about how hard it's going to be to run 26.2 miles on Sunday--and I'm having serious doubts about the whole thing. I did the training, but I just don't feel ready. I guess I won't know for sure until Sunday!

After my run this morning, I showered and got ready for my colposcopy appointment that I've been dreading. I had to go into the procedure room, which I've never had to do before. I took some Motrin before I left home, so I was hoping for a painless procedure.

The whole thing felt a lot like a pap smear, only it took longer (and was more uncomfortable--I don't want to say "less comfortable" because a pap smear isn't exactly comfortable!). She had to put vinegar on my cervix, then look at it under some high-powered microscope. Then she had to take a couple of tissue samples (which was extremely uncomfortable, but not very painful). And the worst part was actually afterward, when she had to apply pressure (to stop the bleeding from where she took the tissue sample). I was just clenching my teeth with my eyes squeezed shut waiting for it to be over. It was such a weird feeling. Then it was done, and there was no pain or anything afterward.

After I left the OB/GYN, I went to Dick's and returned that Nathan's hand held water bottle; then I went to Victoria's Secret to get another free pair of panties. I love that they are sending me coupons for free panties! I have no idea how I got on that mailing list, but it's one mailing list that I don't mind being on. While I was there, I browsed around so I wouldn't look like I was just there for the free panties, and naturally, I ended up buying something black and very lacy. Hahaha, I felt right into that trap!

Del, my friend (and ex-boss from when I worked at Curves) called me this afternoon. She was wondering if I might want to work at Curves again! I talked to her about the hours and all that, but I couldn't commit to it, because I wouldn't have anyone to watch my kids on a routine basis. So I ended up telling her that she could use me as a contingent employee. She'll call me when she needs someone, and if I can work it out, I'll go in and work. Working at Curves was a really fun job, and I would love to go back in there occasionally!

I just realized that today is the anniversary of when I met Jerry...

29 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 14, 2012

    I'm from Cleveland. Some fun things to do, the Great Lakes Science center with the kids. We have a new aquarium right downtown. It's not huge or anything, but we didn't have one so that is kind of cool. There's the Rock and Roll museum, but I haven't been personally.

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  2. Trust your training, Katie. You are going to rock this marathon!

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  3. AnonymousMay 14, 2012

    You know that distance running is all about the mental. Keep telling yourself you ARE ready! You have trained hard. I'd recommend a mantra to repeat to yourself over and over when you need encouragement. (I am strong! I am ready!)

    You are ready. This is going to be just one more major accomplishment for you. Good luck!

    Erin

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  4. Katie, I know exactly how you are feeling about the nerves but you CAN DO THIS! You have trained hard, you have done everything you need to do. Tapering can be anxiety-enducing because of the reduction in miles, but trust Hal's plan! I have used it many times before and it WORKS! You may recall that I was a TOTAL non-runner before I did my first marathon. I had not done a 5K, 10K, half marathon - NOTHING! I followed the plan, did my training runs, and was READY - just like you! The only thing I would suggest from my experience is to go into the race with the only goal being to finish - knowing you have given it your all. I decided not to go in with any time goal WHATSOEVER because if I finish 1 minute over my "goal" time will that mean I "failed"?? NO - you are going to WIN because you are going to DO IT and that is a HUGE HUGE accomplishment!!! You've got this, Katie - and we are all rooting for you! OK, last thing and then I am done, I promise! :) I had a (VERY SIMPLE) little mantra that I would recite over and over in my head when I was feeling tired or trying to get over a tough hill, etc. I would repeat: "I can do it, I can do it, I know that I can do it" over and over and over again - and then, before I knew it, I HAD done it! We are all with you 100%!!!

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  5. Happy Anniversary!
    You CAN so do this! As you run remember the 1000+ people who follow you, who you inspire who are CHEERING YOU ON!
    I keep telling people about you. You're inpsiring!
    Enjoy this huge accomplishment and remember it's possible because of all the hard work YOU committed to and did!

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  6. You have worked so hard and planned so much. YOU GOT THIS! I can not wait to hear your story on Monday and cry happy tears of pride for you!!!!

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  7. The procedure does sound uncomfortable! I clenched my teeth while reading it haha.

    I'm sure you'll do fine with the marathon. You've been doing all of the proper training and you have such determination!

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  8. You are going to be awesome! Don't doubt yourself--we don't!!! :)

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  9. It's perfectly natural to second guess yourself. You'll do great. I can't wait to hear about it.

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  10. Happy first meeting anniversary to you and Jerry:)

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  11. LoveAnAnimalMay 14, 2012

    You are strong, you are ready, and you are going to make an awesome memory for yourself...go get it!!!

    What a sweet day for you. How did you meet the love of your life?

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  12. Good luck. YOu can do this. YOu have trained for weeks and it is just as much mental as it is physical. Keep telling yourself you can do this. you are such an inspiration and I can't wait to hear how you did!

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  13. Happy meeting anniversary! I usually celebrate the first day Marc and I started dating and our marriage anniversary. Marc is a strict marriage only anniversary, but I love looking back on those times :) That colpopsicle thingy you were talking about sounds like hell, glad you treated yourself to some fun things while out teehee! :)

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  14. Just wanted to give you a heads up you might get some very weird "discharge" after the colpo. I work at an OBGYN office and had to have a colpo and texted my nurse/friend at 11:30 convinced I was dying or something.. But it's normal! Maybe tmi but I wish someone woulda warned me!!

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  15. If you can survive that procedure, child birth , annual paps etc.. You've totally got this marathon!!! Remember when you didn't think you could run a mile? Then when you didn't think you could run 16 then 18 and 20.. you DID it! You're going to rock this marathon! I am SO excited for you and cannot wait to read about your experience. I am 3 weeks out from my first half marathon and my nerves are kicking in. Trust your training and your running partner. You will do great!

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  16. AnonymousMay 14, 2012

    Hi Katie! I've been following your blog for some time now, but haven't commented much. I'm excited to see how your marathon goes - I think you'll do great! Your journey is incredibly inspirational, especially to a gal just starting [for the thousandth time, probably] her own mission to lose 100lbs. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Question though, how did you and Jerry meet?? Maybe you've written on that already? :)

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  17. AnonymousMay 15, 2012

    You will ROCK the marathon Katie! Remember how you busted through every challeng along the path to now? This is just the next step! And we are all here living vicariously through you and cheering you on! You are READY!!

    Molli

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  18. Hi Katie -
    I will be running my first half marathon on Sunday (Cleveland, baby!). I started running last August and have lost 75lbs. I feel *exactly* as you do. I'm a wreck, keep watching the projected temp. go up, up, up for Sunday, feeling like I am missing something. But We've GOT this! We will both be celebrating a major first with our super cute spinning guitar finishers medals.
    Cleveland is a fun place! If you end up at the Cleveland Zoo which is awesome, you can also check out the Memphis Kiddie Park, which is nearby and an old school carnival-esque amusement park for kids under 50" tall. For a pre-marathon dinner, you might want to go to Little Italy for great pasta - and then grab something delicious at Presti's Bakery (OMG) for after the race. :-)

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  19. AnonymousMay 15, 2012

    Just recently found your blog. What a great accomplishment to run the marathon. I just finished my first 10K and can't even imagine running too much further. You will do great! I am your newest follower on GFC and twitter. Good luck!

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  20. Happy anniversary!

    That procedure sound very uncomfortable. Glad that you made it thru.

    I want to get on that VS list!

    I know that you're feeling super-nervous but I'm super excited for you. It'll be challenging but I know you're going to do great during the marathon!

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  21. It's funny you mention your anniversary of the day you met Jerry, cause 5/10 was the 43rd anniversary of my first date with my hub by. We went to Junior/Senior Banquet & Prom, and the rest, as they say, is history.

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  22. Awe! Happy Anniversary!! So sweet.

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  23. I get nervous when the days out are in the single digits. I have my first triathlon on Sunday and I keep dreaming about it!

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  24. Guuuurl. I have total faith in you on this race. One mile at a time!

    And as a former Clevelander: Ditto to what everyone else said. Great Lakes Science Center for the kiddos (and don't forget the Mather museum...it's a ship docked right outside of the science center that you can get tickets to tour). Love the zoo and memphis kiddie park. Two places I would always hit up when I was a nanny!And we had a memberships to the zoo, science center, children's museum, and the natural history museum.

    My suggestion for you, if you have not been there (and even if you have!) is the West Side Market http://www.westsidemarket.org/ They are open on Friday and Saturday. Fruit/Veg are outisde of the main building, and in the main building you will find many different cuisines. Def a place to check out and get a lunch to satisfy all your crew! If you do go on Saturday, the parking gets outrageous, just fyi!

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  25. Hey Katie, you.will.rock.this. Just keep that mantra in your head when you are running. You are awesome!
    For if you want to change it up after your marathon, I recommend either 30 Day Shred or Ripped in 30 by Jillian Michaels. They are only about $10 at Walmart or Target, and give an awesome workout with good variety. I have lost inches in my hips and looked much more toned with only a few weeks of doing it regularly. And the only equipment you will need are some hand weights.
    I hope your test results turn out totally normal!

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  26. Running 26.2 miles sounds like far too many miles to be physically possible. 26.2 miles on a map, planned out even looks overwhelming. You have to run each mile on its own, step after step, over and over again. Katie! You've done this before! Not literally but figuratively - you lost 125lbs! When you started, if you had focused on the 125 pounds you likely would have felt like you couldn't do it, or weren't "ready" to tackle all of it. But you did it, one pound at a time. You planned the best you could, counted calories, figured in your exercise, one day at a time. I'm at the beginning of my journey (again sort of) and in the past 10 days have had to remind myself that if I just keep going each day soon enough I'll have accomplished 30 days and then 60 and so on - and the weight will come off. Maybe approach your marathon with the same mindset you did your weight loss - you're prepared, you can do it, and you can keep putting one foot in front of the other! You got this! I'll be thinking about you Sunday!!!!
    Megan (www.jumpstartingme.com)

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  27. Happy Anniversary!!! :)

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  28. I can't wait to cheer you on!! You are going to do great!!!

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  29. I totally understand your want for cooler weather. I'd be the same way (: Also, your mention about "not that any of you are on the edge of your seats..." well not to sound creeper-ish but I do look forward to reading your posts every night. You're so interesting and inspiring; but 9 instead of 5 will totally work. (Not that you're working on my account). lol

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