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I am still in training for my marathon on Feb 13, 2010 and Glenn is training for his first Bike Race on Feb 14! Training is hard this time because its winter and it has been COLD! But I am pain free and that is a BIG accomplishment!

I have a big birthday coming up the end of this month! Besides that all is the same here.

Later

Whats next.....

Well I have signed up for another marathon on Feb 13, 2010 (Dad's & Thalia's Bday) in Myrtle Beach in SC and Glenn will be doing a 10 mile bike race on Feb 14Th. GO GLENN! I am looking at possibly doing a triathlon in South Beach Miami in April or there is a Navy Seals Obstacle race also in June.

I will probably be setting up a facebook page in the next few days and will post a link for it so keep your eyes open.

Thanks again.

I can't believe its over!

WOW! It is over. I have been struggling with this for over a week! I can not believe its over already. I have retold my story a few times now and it still feels so surreal! I am amazed that I did it. I have a medal and pictures so I know that there is proof, but I really did it! 1/10 of 10% of the population completes a marathon a year - I am part of that percentage - REALLY!


Sorry that I have not posted my final thoughts about this amazing event as you can tell I am really at a loss of what to say. It has so many different emotions all rolled up in one - happy, sad, pain, relief, WOW, amazing, I DID IT - and I just am having a hard time putting those thoughts into coherent sentences that all of you can understand.


The marathon started out with it raining and cool - one of the ladies I was with said that the rain drops were the tears and sweat from all the training that we endured over the last 6-7 months. I was keeping my pace the first 17 miles and the hills were not slowing me down any - especially since I did all the hill training. Then I had to find a port-a-potty for a nature call, of course had I been a guy - like the ones on the course - a bush would have worked just fine. Once that was taken care of I was still running strong and not feeling an issues. Then I came to the last of the hills and it was steeper than the others (or maybe it just felt that way because I had ran the others) and that caused me to slow down some. Once I cleared that one I knew it was all downhill now and the end was near. As I was running the crowd was thin, but I kept hearing "Bravo" and that was encouraging. Then disaster hit! I was 4 miles away from the end and I had tremendous amount of pain coming from my left foot. I looked down and saw blood that is when I realized that it was just a blister that must have popped. Problem was that I was not able to even walk on it. I was 4MILES from the end and knew I had to finish. I found a medical person and asked them for an aspirin or Advil to help with the pain. Once that was in my system I was able to jog.

As I took the last left turn into the stadium all my pain was forgotten and the moment passed by so fast! I wish I could have slowed the tape down. I heard Glenn cheering for me before I actually saw him. Then when I saw him the tears began and I crossed the finish line! OMG! It was surreal as they were putting the medal on my neck I did not even realize what time it was and if I finished on time. I rounded the corner hobbling along and I searched out Glenn and found him and just started crying and he started crying too. We were just so overcome with what had just happened. I made it to the medical tent and took the shoe off and surveyed the damage - not too bad just a blister that popped and caused some discomfort. =)

The next day I was ready to go for a walk and we went to the sea so I could soak my feet in the salt water. Glenn was complaining about his calves hurting him - from standing on marble for 5+ hours waiting for me. He also was very tired so we went back to the hotel so he could sleep.

The plane ride home was memorable since there were people who were congratulating me for completing the marathon and there was a lady that we were sitting next to who said that she was going to run it, but had a calf injury that prevented that from happening. She said she was going to do it next year.

My family and friends have all been so supportive since I have returned and have also wanted to know how I felt and what I am planning to do next. I have yet to make a decision on that - but stay tuned. I am thinking about starting a face book page so that my friends and family can leave me notes. But I will keep you all informed.

Thanks for the love and support and words of encouragement I used all of them from mile 22 to mile 26.2 you all are my rocks! I love you all and thank you all.

More pics...

Please see below more photos of me from the Athens Greece Marathon, again I can not thank you guys enough I could hear you all cheering for me from the start!!!!

Also scroll down and look at yesterdays post if you did not see it we have more photos.

Photos

These are some photos of me entering "The Stadium" this was build in 1876 I can not tell you or describe the emotions that run thru you when you see that finish line for this event, WOW it is AMAZING!!! The other photos are my COOL Red hair and the them taking the timing chip off my shoe. We have a more photos from the people who put this on that should be posted tomorrow.

Its OVER!!!!

Yippppeeeee!!!!! I FINSHED IT, completed it in 5HR 25Min was on track for a 4hr 30 min finish but on mile 20 I had a blow out on my left pinky toe. Thats ok I am happy its over and time for a rest. Will post pics this week goint to eat.....

HELLO ATHENS, GREECE

We have arrived! The weather is great! NO RAIN! My foot is doing better been resting it for the big day! We went to the town of Marathon today and drove the route that we will be running on Sunday. Glenn did an excellent job on assisting me with my hill training! There is not one hill that looks like Sterling on the Lake or the Reunion trio! I am excited that I am well prepared for this one! I can not believe that in two days I will be running the route that in 490 B.C. was run! Does not get any better than that!

We were in Athens today and at the Parliment building they have two soilders that are from the Presidental Guards and they guard the Tomb of the Unknown soilder. It was neat to watch them march around the tomb.

Tomorrow we are going to see some more monuments and historical places and then having a conference and get our racing numbers. Then it will be time to dye the hair orange for the big morning. Not too thrilled that Glenn will not be able to be at the start of this one, but hopefully he will get a scooter and meet me along the course. I will need the support! Running into the stadium is going to be unlike anything I have ever experienced!

Thats all for now. STAY TUNED!!!!!!!

We leave to tomorrow WOW that training has gone by fast. I went to see my Dr yesterday who made my inserts. He told me we have a lot of work to do with these and we will not be able to use them for this race we will use them for the big run in February. He told me that the pain in my foot up into my calf is "Tendonitis" due to off the shelf inserts not sitting in my instep correctly he said I will not do any more damage to my body by running on it he told me to just take some Advil and run. So my training this week has included only two 2 mile runs, and when I arrive on Thursday we will do a 2 mile run as well.

When I return next week I will need to take a break and after running this many miles I am OK with a month off but ONLY a month after all I am a runner and Glenn will tell you I drive him nuts if I take to long of a break.

My Support System

I know that I have told all of you how much I appreciate you all, but as my time grows closer I do not want to forget anyone and I want you all to know just what you mean to me and I probally will not have the time to do so next week.

• Glenn - there are not enough words to thank you for your unconditional support and I apologize for all the mean things I have said to you during my training. I love you
• Uncle Bruce - watching you fight for your life and do it with such a positive manner gives me such strength. I know I will fight through this just as you are doing. Keep going and remember today is a PRESENT. I love you both.
• Bethany and Woody - you have been my running buddy and I will carry your voice in my head when I hit "THE WALL" and feel like I can go no further. I love and miss you both.
• My Dad, Ma, and Dad and Audrey - thank you all for always asking about me and being concerned about my training. Your unconditional love and support will help me dig down deeper when I need it the most. I love each and everyone of you.
• Jim - thank you for supporting me and following my blog. It is really a great feeling knowing that you are supporting me. I love you both.
• Roger - thank you so much for helping me with this blog and letting my family and friends follow me during my training for this great event. You are the best.
• Co-workers - thank you all for asking about my weekend runs and how far I was going. Then on Monday thank you for asking me how they went. That means a lot to me. You are all the best.
• Thalia - that entry you wrote was amazing and there are pieces of it that I will carry with me during the marathon. They were very inspirational, thank you for letting me know your thoughts and love. I love you too.
• All my friends and family - I carry each of you in my thoughts and in my heart. You will never know how much your words of support and praise have made this journey worth every step of the 600 miles I have logged in my training. I love you all and thank you.

I know that there are some that I have forgotten and for that I want to apologize - It is not that your support is any less important to me, I just suffer from CRS sometimes. =-) I can not believe that the day is this close! I am super excited and can not wait to share the photos and stories with you when we return. I LOVE YOU ALL AND THANK EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR WORDS OF LOVE AND SUPPORT! I could not do this with out each of you.

Calf Issues Part II

Well here I am a week from today I will be in GREECE! I am still in pain from my right calf and the pain that happens when I run is still with me! I am hoping that my inserts will be in tomorrow and I will be able to get some running in with them. It is frustrating, but if need be I will take Advil and worry about the pain afterwards. There is nothing that will stop me from running this once in a lifetime experience.

I went to see Bronson and Wallace and they worked out some of my knots in my legs and suggested some additional stretches that I have been completing. I know that runners have issues, I am just disappointed that up until a month ago I was pain free and now here I am in pain. FRUSTRATING.

Peggy is such a wonderful person, she will not let me pay her for my last massage (Sunday) because she says that is her gift to me for all my hard work and training. THANK YOU!

That is all I have for now on my calf. I will keep you all posted - one week! I just checked the weather over there and it will be 71 degrees and partly sunny for the BIG day! Perfect running day weather.

COLD!!!

Well we had 8 miles today was supposed to be done yesterday but due to some insert problems in my shoes, pain in foot and calf I had to run it today. I consulted with Bronson over the phone to find out what could be causing this he told me some things to try and he discovered it was and insert problem. I went to see Ryan yesterday he told me we are going to have custom made inserts for my shoes because the COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) inserts do not fit my right foot correctly (what else is new), I have an Dr appointment at 2:00 tomorrow to get fitted for them they say 2 days most of the time its 2-3 weeks but the big day is close (2 WEEKS FROM TODAY) so we need things fast, Ryan said I am used to running with inserts so it will not change much I still need run a bit longer then is on my schedule this week. Let me just tell you the cold mornings are not fun 37 Degrees today at 7:00 AM non the less I did it and felt great after it was done because it was one of my faster runs 1:15 min.

Feeling Good!!!

I started out Saturday morning at 6:20 AM. Very cold for Georgia at 42 degrees. Had my mind in a bit of a fog when I set out for my 10 mile run, Glenn told me this is easy (ya easy for him to say when its that cold and he is riding in the truck) none the less he helped me put my my mind in the game because he was correct 10 miles is easy compared to 20 the week before.

Glenn had to drive behind me for 6 miles due to how dark it was (man winter stinks)and being on the main roads, I don't like the fact that people can not see me. 2 miles into the run, once the the pain in my ankles was gone I felt my mind change from why I got out of bed, to boy am I happy I got up at 4:30. I get up every Saturday between 4:00-4:30 so I can focus for these runs. After the run was done I saw I did a 10 min mile I was very happy with myself. Athens here we come!

Another Rainy Day in GA

Mother Nature is not giving me an opportunity to run this week. It has been raining the past two days and we have had to pump water out of our garage! The water is not from the creek, but from our yard. It has been raining so hard that our yard is flooded and the creek is following just fine.

I ran on the treadmill this morning (YUCK) and that was painful since my blister on my pinkie toe has popped and now its just raw skin rubbing in my sock. I also am having some issues on my right shin area so it was not the best, but it was done. I lifted some weights to try to strengthen my shoulders and neck and core muscles. I bought a weighted hula-hoop and did that yesterday for my core also.

I have my outfit picked out and my colors are orange shirt, blue skirt, and yellow visor. I think Glenn should be able to pick me out of the crowd. I will also be adding temporary orange hair color to complete the outfit! (yes there will be MANY pictures posted!)

I am in the final days of this HUGE goal and I am looking forward to the next one. My girlfriend Bethany wants to run a race in Dec or Jan with me since this will be one of the last ones we will get to run together. Her and her husband Sherwood and their cat Vern are relocating to Kenya in April for their next adventure, so we will have a few months together and then it looks like we will have a reason to travel to Africa.

AWESOME!

I have completed my 20 mile run! The rain did not come like it was predicted and I was out there running at 6:30am (just in case). It was a peaceful, but humid morning. I saw three deer eating grass and a few dogs. I ran down one hill and then back up it and this man was walking his dog and as I got closer to him he said, "Well I am impressed. I have seen many people run down that hill, but never seen anyone run back up it. Way to go."

Glenn was still not feeling 100% so he rode behind me in the truck for the first 10miles and then got on his bike for the last 3 miles. He does such a great job of encouraging me and I REALLY needed him on those last miles! Thank you sweetie, you are the best.

When I was done I knew I did not eat enough pre-run and there was nothing left in my tank. I needed to eat right away. My left pinkie toe has a very large blister on the bottom of it and my right shin is very sore, but nothing different from any of the other runs that I have completed. I feel mentally and physically ready for this!

Later that day I treated myself to a Baskin Robins 2 scoop hot fudge sundae! We had some friends over on Sat night and I relaxed all day Sunday. I am looking forward to seeing Peggy (massage) tomorrow night.

This weekend I have a 10mile run and I am looking forward to the cooler air and hopefully a faster finish.

It amazes me this week is a low mileage week and I have run the past two nights in our town and both nights we have run into Braselton's finest! I sure hope they are going to be around like this should I ever really need them! This time Glenn was just timing me as I ran around this Industrial park and Braselton PD made sure we were okay.

Tonight we are going to map out my 20 mile run for Saturday and it looks like I will be running it in the rain. 80% chance of rain on Sat. I am not sure if Glenn will be riding his bike with me or not he has been sick all this week and does not have the strength to get up in the morning. I hope he feels better and is able to be there for some of it. He is my cheerleader!

One month away!

12 Miles

On Saturday I ran 12 miles in Sterling on the Lake for the LAST time! I was able to run up the hill twice with out stopping like previous attempts! I felt strong and there were no issues or events it was a beautiful cool morning with little or no humidity (58 degrees). While I was running I noticed something in the woods ahead of me and all I saw was a white tail, then the small deer stepped out onto the road in front of me - looked my way and was gone. Glenn was not feeling well so he did not ride his bike this trip. I can not believe the big say is almost here! I have my 20 miler on Saturday and I need to map this course out this week so I will be able to prepare my mind for this. I would like to complete it in 3hrs and 45min, but I need everything to go smooth for that to happen. This week I will have small runs and then will take Friday off to be fresh for Saturday. That is all for today. Thank you all for your support - I have to believe that there are people still reading this, but everyone is very quiet these days....... =)

It's been a light week since my 18 miles last Saturday and I have 12 miles this Saturday. On Monday I completed 5.5 miles, Tuesday 3.8 miles and Wednesday 4.0 miles. Thursday I just did some cardio and core work this morning at the gym and tomorrow other then some core work.

I feel real good my head is in the game and my focus is real good but I am still working on making it better, I am very excited 37 more days.

Just completed my 18 miles real soar after this run. I Woke up at 4:30 AM this morning took my hour for my self to get my mind straight for a 6 AM start (the focus it takes for this is extreme in itself). I was just about ready to let Glenn know I was ready and a very bad thunderstorm came through, so I turned on the local news and they said this was a slow moving front (MORE RAIN!!!) but the worst was yet to come latter tonight. So I waited until 12:30 PM and we went drove to our location. Its was tough to get my focus back but when I was in my groove at mile 2 all was good. Will take tomorrow off and get back to it on Monday morning at 4:15AM.

TWITTER

Glenn has set up a Twittering account for us..... here is the link:
www.twitter.com/Drewdj18 please follow us on that especially the day of the race since we will not be in the hotel next to the computer.

Head is in a better place

Well I think my head is back on my shoulders where it belongs again. I stretched my I-T Band all last week and stayed off it. It healed and on Saturday morning I went out and ran 8miles. It was raining a little, but I needed to do that run to clear my head! I was looking forward to doing the race that night in Statham with Wallace, but then the rain began! I thought we were going to float away, we watched the creek in our back yard just continue to rise and there was nothing we could do. It never came over the banks so our home was saved!

Wallace and I both agreed to not run that evening race and to do the Boo Run on Oct 31 in Flowery Branch. This weekend I have a 18mile run to complete and we are either going to do Chateau Elan or Traditions neighborhoods and I am looking forward to that. I can not believe how close the main event is!

Losing Focus

I am struggling. I hurt myself on Saturday from running downhills in the 1/2 marathon. It caused my IT band to become tight and has limited my walking/running and I have not run this week. It is effecting my mind though, I am starting to doubt my training efforts and my ability to do this. Since I have already completed a marathon I know what to expect and I feel like that is making my vision cloudy. It could be burn out also, I calculated the miles and I have completed over 475 miles and I still have two long runs to complete (18miles and 20 miles) before my training is over. I am just in a funk and need to get it out of my head, but it's easier said then done. I think one of the biggest hurdles I am trying to overcome is not letting anyone down. Everyone has been VERY supportive and for that I want to thank each of you, but this internal struggle is hard to shake. I am hoping to run a 5k on Sat morning & evening, but I am questioning if it will help my internal struggle or make it worse - especially if I do not place in my age group.

I'll let you know the results......... stay tuned..........

Shoe Saga

Since shoes are very important to runners I work very closely with Ryan at Runner's Fit to make sure I have the right shoe for my running style. We tried 3-4 pairs before we discovered that these were a perfect fit. Once that was established I asked Ryan to order another pair because we both knew I would need another pair before the marathon. Well a couple weeks ago I stopped in Runner's Fit to see what was happening with my replacements and Ryan said he had not heard anything. The next day he called to let me know they were on B/O and no ETA was given! So I ordered them off the Internet and need to order another pair in the next few weeks. Who would have thought that there would be an issue with shoes? I am now in search of an orange running skirt for my outfit. I figure I will be in all orange so I stand out and Glenn can take lots of photos.

Here I am completing the Asheville 1/2 Marathon on Saturday! Was it ever tough! I hope Athens is going to be easier than this was! There was a climb up that lasted one mile and it was tough. As I am running up there were a few people who were walking-running-walking and there was one guy who was running and then decided to walk right in front of me as we are yards from the top of this hill. It felt like all my momentum was GONE! At about mile 11 we were directed by the police to get on the sidewalks that were made of concrete! - worse thing for your legs. There were 1,000 people who entered the race, but only 846 finished. I came in at 2hrs 15min and was number 606 overall once I got home I looked at the info from the race and the ascent was 3500ft. We drove by where Ryan's (Runners Fit)Blue Ridge Relay race was due to end later that day - 211 miles of running! But was not able to see him finish. I did earn a green medal and a green shirt. As soon as I stopped my right knee on the outside was in pain. I iced it all day Sunday and stayed off it, but Monday it would not allow me to even walk on it. Today it is about 75% better, but looking at doing my 18 mile run that was scheduled for this Sat probably next week. I will continue to monitor it keep you all informed. I am thinking about doing a 5k - 3 miles on Sat at one of the hilly neighborhoods around me in the morning and then there is one that Wallace and I are doing that evening in Statham.

Low mileage week last week so not much to post. We went to Melbourne, FL on Thursday and I ran 8 miles along the beach on Friday morning. It was FLAT and fast! I have to say though that it was humid and at 5am I was soaked! I went and saw my Uncle Bruce and Aunt Rainey in Tampa. It was a special visit especially since I was able to have a conversation with my 6yr old Uncle and the 63yr old at the same time! Bruce you are an inspiration to me and those around you God Bless YOU!

On Saturday 9-12-09 I will be running a half marathon in Asheville, NC with MANY hills! I am looking forward to seeing where all my hill training has helped me. I will post the results next week.

While I was in FL I found these sayings on some posters at this restaurant and this one is just how I feel at times. "I hated every moment of training, but I said "DON'T QUIT" suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." - Ali

I noticed that yesterday was exactly 60 days from the BIG date and I can not believe it is almost here! Thanks again to all those that support me. Especially Glenn you may think I am amazing, but you are my rock and I would not be here without your unconditional love.

Stay tuned!

I had a 16.1 mile run this morning not as fast as would have liked 3hrs 15 min but I had to consider it was a 2500 foot assent (750M), to translate 2500 feet up, now my friends that is a hill. Hill training is very tough but it pays off in the end.

I am feeling a little beat up on my heel but the good news is I have tomorrow off to relax.

Sat Aug 22 - 8 miles

I had an 8 mile run on Saturday on a road around town that I have been wanting to run on for a long time (has some nice hills on it) but the road is pretty busy so I had Glenn follow me in our car at 6AM.

We had 3 cops pull us over 2 miles into the run and tell us they have been receiving calls from people stating a guy is following a girl running and we think he is going to hurt her. Glenn kept telling me to go ahead, but I stayed and waited for him. I was able to complete my run after the cops told Glenn to "turn on his 4 ways and be careful" I completed this run in 1hr and 20min which is a great time for me.

Deanna's Next Great Adventure

I am planning on doing the Original Historical Athens Marathon on November 8th and felt that since this is such a monumental event that maybe it was the time to do a BLOG. Every year since 2007 I have done something on the extreme side and as many of my family and friends know I always get asked the same question..."Do you have a Blog?"...well here it is.

After talking it over with Glenn and my family and friends it was decided that this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity that I could not pass up. So I began training for this in March and besides a few tight muscles and running shoe issues it has been progressing on schedule.

Glenn has been very supportive through all this and rides his bike with me on every training session I have. This training has consumed our lives and has at times becomes frustrating, but I know that without Glenn's support and dedication to this training I would not be where I am today. I would also like to thank all my family and friends who continue to support me with their words of encouragement and amazement. I appreciate each and everyone of you and I can't thank all of you enough.

While I am thanking Glenn, my family and friends there are a few others that I really need to single out because without their diligence and knowledge in this sports it takes more than moral support it also takes body support. First would be Ryan at Runner's Fit in Braselton - without him assisting me with the "right" shoes and the right fit I would not be able to run the first mile in comfort. Next would be Peggy Winney my friend and Masseuse - with out her relaxing "buffing" machine and her two hour massages I would be very sore. Then there is Broson and Wallace at the Sports Lab in Roswell - at times they forget that I am not a tough football player and leave me with bruises, but they both have tons of knowledge in their field and keep me on the right track. Last be not least would be Keith Elmore - after my first marathon last year I contacted him and we worked together for 4months and he helped me get my head straight and showed me what it felt like to reach that limit just before puke with speed sprints.

In closing, running a marathon requires so much more than just lacing up a pair of running shoes and going out for long runs every other weekend. It requires dedication to run in all sorts of weather, giving up your social life, leaning on others when you don't think you can go on, and having your own personal entourage. Thank you all you are doing this with me and I appreciate each of you.

Thank you,
Deanna