May 19, 2012

Cleveland, Day 2

Oh, my nerves!

Less than 12 hours to the start of the marathon as I type this. I wish I could say that I was super excited, but the truth is, I'm terrified. I keep thinking, "What if I don't finish?" because everybody knows about this. I can't hide it if I don't finish. Everyone will know I failed.

Today was a really rough day. I was so tempted to just pack up and go home. My kids were driving me CRAZY with the fighting, and the whining, and the "I'm tired!" and "I'm hungry!" and "I don't want to go there!" and all that.

We took the kids to the Brown's stadium for the kids fun run at 11. My kids have never done a race before, and they were really nervous about it. I had to bribe them in order to get them to agree to the race. It was organized into age groups, which was nice--Eli ran with the 4-6 years olds (100 yards) and Noah ran with the 7-8 year olds (1/4 mile, one lap around the football field).
The 4-6 year olds at the starting line
 There was a LOT of waiting around, and people speaking, which I thought was ridiculous--kids don't have an attentions span for that! But finally, it was time to start. Eli's went first--there were tons of kids, and it was hard to see him. But once the gun sounded the clown counted down, it was easier to spot him. I was so proud of him!! He ran across the field like a champ, and Jerry was waiting at the other end for him.

Then it was Noah's turn. Again, a LOT of kids--but his age group was divided into boys and girls, so it was a little easier to spot him. I got choked up as I watched--he was one of the last kids (probably about 4-5 kids behind him), but he never broke stride or anything. He just kept going, and then he sprinted at the very end and passed a bunch of kids. I was surprised he had any energy left--usually kids will sprint from the start on their first race, and then have to walk it in. I kept reminding Noah to start slow ;)
With their medals after the race
 I can never deny that they are my children...
We run for COOKIES!!
Shortly after that, Eli started complaining that his rib was hurting, and Noah was complaining that his heel was hurting. They were both hungry, tired, and driving me crazy. That's when I started to lose it. I was pissed that they couldn't give me this ONE WEEKEND to be happy for me and let me be stress-free. I explained that running a marathon is a big deal to me, like a birthday is to them--and that they should treat me special, like I do on their birthdays. Noah was really good, but Eli was pouting and mad at me all afternoon.

We went to the expo before dinner.
Jessica and me
I picked up my packet, and then shopped around. We got a ton of free stuff! Jerry and each of the kids won a Starkist tuna t-shirt, and Starkist was handing out tons of packs of tuna. We ended up with all this:
Good thing I'm a fan of tuna. We also got a t-shirt for pledging to ride our bikes more often. I bought a few things, too. I got some Gu for tomorrow (I found the Chocolate Mint flavor I've been looking everywhere for), and two new stickers for my car. The one I have on there now says, "13.1 miles 'cause I'm only HALF-crazy". But that won't be relevant after tomorrow, so I am going to replace it with a regular old 13.1 sticker. And then I got a 26.2 one that says, "26.2 miles. Been there. Run that."
I really like the race shirts we got. The color is awesome!! And there is a cool guitar on the back...


 When I saw my bib, the whole thing got very real and scary. Like, I'm actually going to run a marathon tomorrow. Twenty-six point fucking two miles. Who DOES THAT?!
 My kids have lots of confidence in me :)  They made me these signs when they stayed the night at my parents' house on Thursday...
Eli sounded out "Katie", obviously;  that's a cookie, and water bottle, and me
holding a water bottle. And flowers. He said the blue thing in the middle was a
tear drop--not sure what that is about!

Noah, promoting Runs for Cookies ;)
I took the advice of Rik, the captain of my Ragnar team, and made a pre-marathon video. I mostly made this for myself, but I figured I would share it with all of you, so you can see how I'm feeling about this whole thing.
Here goes nothing....

72 comments:

  1. You can do it! I've done two and was not in nearly as good shape as you are. You will possibly cry at the end, which makes running hard, but its so emotional crossing the finish line. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. You can definitley do it!! You've trained hard and you will finish. Don't worry, no one will think you're a failure if you don't finish but you will finish so that's a moot point. Good Luck!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You can do this Katie, we are all behind you 100%! You have trained a long time for this and you body is prepared. Now just get your mind to think positive thoughts of crossing that finish line. You got this girl!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so excited for you!! It's going to be great. Even if it's hot and your knee hurts, and you are completely miserable the whole time, it's STILL going to be great, because you're going to finish a MARATHON and it will be totally worth it. Stick to your walk/run plan, and START SLOW!! You are more than ready. Can't wait to hear about it!! (also that shirt is awesome). Also also, mint chocolate gu is amazing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Man I am so excited! You are going to be amazing Katie :) Love the signs that your kids made, awesome stuff.

    Just think Dory from Finding Nemo: just keep running, just keep running! We're all cheering for you :)

    Also, I read your blog with your voice as a NZ accent (not logical, but just the way it goes lol), so funny to hear your actual accent :P

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love the shirt! Really cool. You hot this girl! Go kick this marathons ass!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You got this-I really need to proof read!

      Delete
    2. You got this-I really need to proof read!

      Delete
  7. You are going to do amazing! I'm super excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are going to do great!

    ReplyDelete
  9. JenniferMay 19, 2012

    I am so excited for you and know you can do it! You have trained so hard and have already proven that you are a fighter! We are all behind you, and I am sure every single person who is positing today will be thinking about you tomorrow! Good luck and YOU GOT IT GIRL! I can't wait til tomorrow night to read all about it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm so proud of you! Stay strong and run for you - not for us. We'll follow you regardless! You are such an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You are going to do great tomorrow. We are all cheering you on in spirit tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am so excited for you! I know you'll do great tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousMay 19, 2012

    Katie, you cannot fail! Training for 18 weeks -- staying strong -- staying consistent -- showing UP! You've succeeded already. I can't help but think that the vast majority of people who utter the phrase, "I'm going to run a marathon" never get anywhere near as far as you've gotten already. Crossing the finish line, while fantastic, seems less of the point to me.

    I thought of you today when I was selling at the farmers market in Columbus. There was a tall very slim young woman there. She had no bulges, smooth as a steel pipe. But at the same time, she was just not that attractive. She had few curves, and was almost sort of freakishly adolescent. I thought that you (AND I :D) with our charming idiosyncratic flaws are much more attractive, more appealing.

    I'll be sending good vibes all day tomorrow (and tonight, that you sleep well). You are a winner already.

    Joan

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've never commented before, but I've been reading for a while. I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK! You've got a lot of people rooting for you, and while that may make you more nervous just know that you can't disappoint us. You're an inspiration and the fact that you signed up for this is more than a lot of people will ever do. Try to get some rest and once again, GOOD LUCK!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am sooooooooooo excited for you! I have a 10k here in MI tomorrow, so I'm nervous about the weather too, but knowing you're doing this AMAZING feat will keep me going. You're such an inspiration and I'm seriously so excited for you and can't wait to hear(read) all about it! You have such a great support system cheering you on. AND Jessica will be with you (literally) every step of the way. You've said it a million times, but you guys help each other when you need it and always seem to make it through. Tomorrow is no different. Good Luck!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Good luck!! I have never commented on here, but you are truely inspiring! I hope you have an amazing experience and I can not wait to read about it!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good luck tomorrow!! We all know you will rock it :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousMay 19, 2012

    Katie you are AMAZING! I am cheering you on all they way from Oregon, WooHoo! Have a great run and happy wishes for you!
    -Renee

    ReplyDelete
  19. Megan K.May 19, 2012

    Good luck tomorrow! You will do amazing! You have inspired so many people. Happy Running, can't wait to hear about it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Good Luck Katie! You will do great!

    ReplyDelete
  21. You can so it! Lol that made me think of your out takes from your Spark People video. Anyway! You'll do great. I'll be praying for safe conditions and a good experience. Good luck!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. You can so it! Lol that made me think of your out takes from your Spark People video. Anyway! You'll do great. I'll be praying for safe conditions and a good experience. Good luck!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. You can so it! Lol that made me think of your out takes from your Spark People video. Anyway! You'll do great. I'll be praying for safe conditions and a good experience. Good luck!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. LoveAnAnimalMay 19, 2012

    Your video made me tear up. I totally understand your fears and worries. Though know this, you are ready! When it's time for you to dig deep, you will find it and you will own it. We are very proud of you!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Good luck, Katie! You can see you will have a lot of readers cheering you on remotely tomorrow morning. Feel that and take us all across the finish line with you! You can do it and I will be sending cool weather vibes your way!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Go go go! You will be awesome! :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Go, Katie, Go! You will totally ROCK the marathon! You have trained and prepared. It sounds like one of those life events a person never feels really totally ready for. But, then you do it and realize you were ready! You have worked so hard. You will not fail. Failing is never trying. You are trying and you are going to give it all you can. No matter what the outcome, the fact is you have tried and therefore, you are successful. Sending prayers for your knee and the heat! Can't wait for you to put that sticker on your jeep and to read all about your marathon!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm cheering you on!! YaY!!! Can't wait to read the post telling us all about your marathon!! Best of luck!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. You got this, Katie!! I'll be thinking of & praying for you, can't wait to read all about it! :_

    ReplyDelete
  30. Good luck tomorrow! With your determination, I have no doubt you will finish! Enjoy the whole experience!! Can't wait to read your post marathon blogs! :) I'll be cheering you on from Colorado!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Best of luck, Katie!! You can do it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousMay 20, 2012

    DESYACV2: good luck with everything. I know you can do it, can't wait to hear all about it :). praying that is a nice weather and that your knee don't give you any problems.....

    ReplyDelete
  33. I loved hearing how you're feeling. I hope you'll do an after-the-race video too because I can only imagine the happiness oozing from every word you might utter :) You're going to have an incredibly powerful day tomorrow. I can't wait to hear about how amazing it felt when you crossed the finish line (because even though YOU have doubts about your abilities none of US do! We KNOW you've got this!!!)

    Cheering you on!
    ~Ang

    ReplyDelete
  34. YAY! You should do videos more often. :) I cannot wait to hear how this goes!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I LOVE that you said "FIRST marathon!" You kept saying "first and LAST" but I have a feeling, with your competitive nature, you're not done! I wish you the best and I can not wait to hear all about it!! That video made me tear up! You seemed to get a little emotional, too, and I can only imagine what crossing that finish line will feel like! You are awesome and you and Jessica both GOT THIS!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. i hope you have fun today :) good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am auteur running by now and maybe with the time difference you are already done, you will kill it! And on a side note, your kids are adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Good luck Katie!! I live in Cleveland so I have been monitoring the forecast and telling my husband about you! ;) I don't know you but I'm rooting for you, no doubt! Slow and steady wins the race, right?!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Can't wait to read about your experience. I have no doubt that you'll finish strong! You are a total inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I can't wait to hear how it went. I know you did awesome! Sorry the kids were stressing you out. My kids were doing that last weekend, on Mother's Day and it was a sucky day. I asked them why they can't quit acting like turds and fighting with each other for one day so I can have a break. Kids. I enjoyed watching the video of you and getting to hear you. I hate the heat also, and every time I run lately it's hot and I feel like I do so terrible that it makes me not even want to run.

    I read your other post about the shirts, and I just have to say I think you look great in all of them. Seriously. Sometimes I wonder if people who have lost a lot of weight will always see themselves a certain way. I sometimes still feel like I am huge, and while I still have a good amount of weight to lose, and I am not THAT big anymore. I was in a wedding this weekend and cried at home when I tried on my dress because I thought I looked awful. When I saw the pictures from the wedding, I didn't think I looked that bad, and I wonder if my brain just doesn't see what's there sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousMay 20, 2012

    By the time you read this, you will already have FINISHED!!! Katie, I just know you are going to do awesome - your fears and nerves are so normal and I feel for you! I wish there was some way that we could do all of this without those feelings but like you said -- after today you will be a MARATHONER!! - something you have worked SO HARD for, and deserve!

    Cheers to you!
    Melisa
    beginfromhere.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Good luck!! I am sure you will do awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Yay Katie! Today's the day! Good luck! You can do this!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Woke up this morning and realized that you were running right then... then went to check to see if you were done yet on the cleveland marathon site, but realized I don't know your last name.. which is totally fine lol. Lots of Katies running today! Can't wait to hear that you finished!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can search the site by her bib number (see pic in her post). :)

      Delete
  45. Wishing you all the success in the world, Katie. Do it for yourself. Not anyone else. Look how far you've come. You are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Katie!
    I am so proud of you for doing this!!! You have been such an inspiration to me and so many others. I feel like i've really gotten to know you through your blog and when i watched your video i just wanted to give you a hug and say "YOU GOT THIS!!!"
    You are going to finish this race...you may already have as i am writing this post!
    You make me believe that someday i too will run a marathon and that even with the preparation you've done you are still scared makes me a little relieved that i'm not alone when i get nervous before races.
    I cannot wait to read your post tonight!!!
    YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Katie! You can do this. Just like so many others have said, you are an inspiration to me. I have started my journey this year and your blog has more than kept me going. I understand your anxiety - I kind of feel it even on short distances - the scary voice in my head questioning whether I can do this or not.

    You CAN do this! You will do this! You rock!!

    Can't wait to read your race report!! GO KATIE!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thinking of you, but you're all done by now. So proud of you especially because I know how hard you trained and you've admitted you don't really love running. I could use some of your determination. Go Katie GO!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnonymousMay 20, 2012

    Been tracking your progress on the Cleveland marathon site...now it say's you've finished!!! Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Just checked online and it shows you finished!!!! I knew you would!! CONGRATS!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. AnonymousMay 20, 2012

    CONGRATS, KATIE! Cross another thing off your bucket list! You are A-MAZ-ING!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am DYING!!! Can't wait to read your post marathon post (thats a lot of "posts") =).

    Super excited for you.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Oh Good Luck! I hope it wasn't too hot!!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Whohoo!!!!! Go go GO!!! So excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I know you accomplished this! I know you were scared but you have this! I hope you are proud of how far you have come! Think about the first 5k you just WALKED the whole thing! You are amazing and an inspiration to all of your readers! Way to go Katie!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. AnonymousMay 20, 2012

    I'm so excited to read your marathon recap! I cheated and looked at the race results and saw that you finished... so I can go ahead and say AMAZING! :D

    ReplyDelete
  57. I just checked and saw you finished and I'm SO proud of you!! You did terrific!! I hope it was a blast and can't wait to read all about it!!! :)

    YAY! Congrats Katie!! Marathoner!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. I usually read you blog thru the daily email. In fact, I find my motivation at 415am as I read your post from the day prior and smell the coffee brew. Today is different though! I have stopped more than once to check the blog....today I am sitting in hopeful anticipation that you have already posted. Yes, I am anxious and excited for YOU. You are my daily dose of inspiration and I am excited to hear that YOU DID IT. No doubts...just ready to read the play by play :) Just know that you are stinkin' amazing and better than a cup of Bigelow Coconut Hot Tea in my book.

    ReplyDelete
  59. DYING to hear how it went!! : )

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hey Katie!!! Way to go finishing the marathon!! I'm so proud to have met you and run with you. You are a huge inspiration and it was an honor. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  61. AnonymousMay 20, 2012

    Congratulations, Katie! I tracked your run the whole way. I couldn't believe how involved I was. That is certainly a testimonial to how inspirational you are.

    Wallow in your wonderful accomplishments, you deserve it!

    ReplyDelete
  62. teachpsychsoc - KimberlyMay 20, 2012

    YOU DID IT KATIE !!!! I've always know you would .... you are that kind of girl :)

    Could not be prouder or happier for you !!!! Can't wait to hear all the details :)

    Blessings, happiness and a million smiles Katie !
    Kimberly

    ReplyDelete
  63. AnonymousMay 20, 2012

    Glad to see the posting updates from people! I've had your page open all day hoping to see. Can't wait for your post. You make me look forward to my run tomorrow morning. : )

    Joan

    ReplyDelete
  64. The shirt is awsome! Can't wait to read your post about the race :D

    ReplyDelete
  65. AnonymousMay 20, 2012

    I'm working backwards from today..just watched the video (love it!) And yes, you are a marathoner now! Congratulations again!

    Dede

    ReplyDelete
  66. Oh my god, the little "runsforcookies.com" KILLED me. Too cute!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thank you so much for sharing your video. I've never seen a 'pre-marathon' video before. It is a great idea. Since I know I will never run a marathon, you are the closest thing I will get to understanding the experience.
    --Love the posters.

    ReplyDelete

I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

Featured Posts

Blog Archive