6 miles down…. 20 to go!?!
October 11, 2008
I did it! This morning was the Baltimore Running Festival and I did my 6 mile relay. It was the longest I ever ran and I loved every minute of it!
Don’t get me wrong, about 4 miles into it I was playing mind games with myself and I started to question if I could do it. But then I’d see a family on the side of the road cheering on their mom or a couple on their stoop watching the race and I’d smile. It didn’t matter that the signs weren’t for me I was there, running, part of it, part of the event and that felt AMAZING. Addictive even.
Ready for the recap?
10 minutes before the race I need to find a bathroom. I do a nice warm-up jog around Camden Yards looking for port-a-potty that didn’t have a line around the block.
Mission successful. :~)
Jog bag to the starting line.
Run in to a friend, somehow in the middle of 17,500 people.
The Race Starts. I walk for a bit (there’s just too many people) and then we are off!
I feel good, got the iPod on, running in the city with thousands of people, gorgeous day, who could ask for anything more? *que Elle* "Who could ask for anything more?"
Anyway, I distinctly remember crossing the 1 mile marker. There were people there decked out in Ravens gear and cheering everyone on. I had a big smile on my face.
The next 2-3 miles were pretty much all a steady incline and a blur. I have no recollection of passing the mile markers 2 or 3. I was struggling a bit, not stopping, but mentally just wondering around. Then I saw 3 young kids and their Dad on the side of the road with big signs cheering on "Mom". It made me smile and for some reason kept me going. Hitting mile market 4, I remember thinking "OK Roni, you can do this, only 2 to go!"
I was now in the down hill part of the run. I was feeling good, no cramps just a little winded and really enjoying myself at this point.
Then mile marker 5. WHOO HOOO! 1 to go! I’m SO doing this!
Out of nowhere my Nike+ says to me… "Your run has ended. You ran 5.39 miles, yada yada."
WHAT?!?! Apparently the sweat has fried my ipod. LMAO It totally crapped out. So I shut it off and shoved it in my pocket. Thankfully I was able to salvage what I did to that point.
I approach the relay finish line and who do I see? The husband and the toddler! There they are waiting for me right at the relay exchange! The husband tried to snap a pic of me running towards him but it didn’t turn out too well. Not to mention, I look like I’m dying when actually I’m raising my hand to wave. I felt great at this point.
This is me crossing the check point. I high high five’d my partner and off she went! It was AWESOME!
I don’t have official stats as they haven’t posted them yet, but I finished right at the 60 minute mark I think. I mean the race started at 8 and when I hooked up with the husband it was 9, so that’s an hour! It was my goal, and I’m ecstatic!
The whole experience was awesome. I have to admit I’m totally considering setting my sights on a full marathon. There is just something about it. The sense of accomplishment is unbelievable. It’s you, a good pair of sneakers and the road. Your only competition is yourself. Seriously, I think running may be the most perfect sport and I’m not even an athlete!
If I decide to do it you guys are SO doing it with me! LOL We have to start a marathon movement. Yeah, it’s official, I’m adding it to my life list. GO Baltimore Marathon ‘09! :~)
Right now? I’m signing off. I need SLEEP! Right after the race we had to run to New Jersey having plans with the in-laws. Tomorrow I have plans with my parents that involves a crap load of walking! It’s a crazy active weekend! I’ll fill you in tomorrow.
On October 11th, 2008 at 11:47 pm Heather said:
YOU GO GIRL, YOU HAVE COME SO FAR,YOU MAKE ALL OF US, KNOW WE CAN DO IT. yOU ARE A GOD SEND! WE LOVE YA GIRLFRIEND!
On October 12th, 2008 at 12:23 am Alexia said:
Have you read 50/50 about Karnazes running 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states? You’ll sign up for one for sure! Inspiring :-)
Check out Alexias last blog post..Down 3.3 more pounds: Biggest Loser Blog Edition
On October 12th, 2008 at 12:38 am Zoey said:
Hi Roni,
Congratulations on completing your race! Thank you for sharing your pictures and your stories, you continue to be an inspiration!
Check out Zoeys last blog post..Pumpkin Pancakes
On October 12th, 2008 at 12:41 am Allison K said:
This is so touching. I know we don’t really know each other, that I am just a commenter - but, I am so freakin’ proud of you, Roni!!!!! Congratulations!
On October 12th, 2008 at 1:17 am Melanie said:
RONI!! YEA!! I’m so excited for you! You must feel amazing– bravo! As for running, take it from me: once you’re bitten, you’ve got the BUG, girl, I’m telling you! I ran my first Marathon (Philadelphia) about a year ago, and since then I have also run the Georgia Marathon and now I’m getting ready to run Marathon #3 (NYC!) in 3 weeks. The thrill NEVER goes away.
I tell ya what, if you register for the Baltimore Marathon, I will TOTALLY run it with you! Please let me know if you have any training questions along the way….
You rock.
On October 12th, 2008 at 1:19 am Melanie said:
ps - how do you manage to look so good in your race pics??! I look like wet road kill in all of mine :-)
On October 12th, 2008 at 1:19 am debby said:
CONGRATULATIONS, RONI! I’m so excited for you. (Not quite excited enough to sign up for a marathon, though…LOL)
Check out debbys last blog post..HOW IMPORTANT IS A SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM?
On October 12th, 2008 at 1:29 am Maranda said:
Congrats!!! Sounds like you had a great time:)
Check out Marandas last blog post..Bloggers Ornament Exchange…
On October 12th, 2008 at 2:19 am madison (follow my weigh) said:
WOOHOO!! haha i agree with melanie - i would look beet red and disastrous!
Check out madison (follow my weigh)s last blog post..pizza, alcohol & ice cream
On October 12th, 2008 at 2:28 am Lori said:
Roni,
Congratulations! I have to tell you, if I didn’t live all
the way in Phoenix, you just might convince me to join your ranks.
We have a huge PF Changs Marathon here in Jan.
I really don’t run much, but I think you could totally
motivate me!
You go Girl!!!!!
Gonna be in AZ in Jan.? ;-)
http://www.mirrorx2.blogspot.com
Check out Loris last blog post..State Fair Winner
On October 12th, 2008 at 3:08 am Christie said:
Oh, how awesome!
You do look so cute at the end of your run! So jealous!
On October 12th, 2008 at 5:08 am christy said:
Congratulations! This is a major accomplishment. We are all proud of you.
On October 12th, 2008 at 5:42 am crazylady said:
Well done Roni!!! That’s fantastic!
Check out crazyladys last blog post..Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate
On October 12th, 2008 at 6:34 am MizFit said:
YEAH!!!
I was thinking about you.
Check out MizFits last blog post..Talk about amazing & inspiring women…
On October 12th, 2008 at 6:37 am Nina said:
Told ya you would be great! I’d join if I didn’t live in Germany… maybe I should train for a marathon to you? Well, we’ll see…;)
On October 12th, 2008 at 6:47 am Lauren P said:
Whoo hoo! I suggest the Marine Corps Marathon ‘09 instead. I’ll be there.
Check out Lauren Ps last blog post..Our Lil’ Obi One…
On October 12th, 2008 at 7:50 am Ericka said:
YeAH… You are the bomb! I Admire you so much!
On October 12th, 2008 at 8:26 am Anne said:
Congratulations! It is awesome! The feeling is just indescribable! I ran my first half marathon in September — when hurricane IKE hit in St. Louis! I ran in 60 mph winds, it was flooding and it dumped 6 inches of rain in 3-4 hours and I’d do it again in a heartbeat! I’m looking forward to my next one! The feeling of crossing that finish line is awesome! Congratulations!
On October 12th, 2008 at 8:43 am Shannan said:
Roni! I’m SO proud of you!!! :)
Check out Shannans last blog post..25 Minutes and onto Week 7 next time!
On October 12th, 2008 at 9:47 am Inny said:
LOL, yesterday I did my first run and it was less than a mile :) You are very motivating.
Check out Innys last blog post..My very first run
On October 12th, 2008 at 10:40 am Cindy said:
Way to go!! You post was totally motivational. I am not anywhere near being able to start to run, but it is definitely a goal for me. I used to run a few years ago, and loved every second of it.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has powerful eletronic-zapping sweat. LOL. That happened to my phone when I was exercising on a hot day. Sad.
Check out Cindys last blog post..Brian
On October 12th, 2008 at 10:41 am Cindy said:
Hmm your commentluv thing always says my latest blog post is Brian. Very weird. Okay, that’s all. LOL :)
Check out Cindys last blog post..Brian
On October 12th, 2008 at 12:21 pm Crystal said:
Go, Roni! You are so awesome! Congratualtions!
On October 12th, 2008 at 12:23 pm Xenia said:
Way to go, Roni! I so understand how you feel about running. I’m actually celebrating my one year anniversary of running and my 30th b-day next month by running my first ever marathon. Come join the craziness! :)
On October 12th, 2008 at 2:46 pm Shannan said:
Are you doing a corn maze today? I love those! We have one around here that’s huge, but due to flooding we had to miss it this year. :( I hope you had fun!
Check out Shannans last blog post..Congrats to all the Chicago Marathon Runners!
On October 12th, 2008 at 4:25 pm Annie said:
Hey! I have been reading your blog for a while and never posted…I have been running a lot and doing my own weight watchers since June and lost 26 lbs…I live in Baltimore and ran yesterday as well…my leg was the 2nd leg at 6.8 miles I made it in 1.3…congrats to you!! I am doing the National Half Marathon this spring and the whole Baltimore Marathon next fall! Thanks for being such an inspiration…
On October 12th, 2008 at 5:53 pm Viviana said:
You’re a rockstar!!! That is so wonderful and you have every reason in the world to be proud AND boastful! Congratulations!
Check out Vivianas last blog post..Patience is key
On October 12th, 2008 at 7:42 pm Arlene said:
Congratulations! You make me want to start running … again. I tried C25K a while ago, but crapped out in week 5. I may just have to start it up again.
On October 12th, 2008 at 9:20 pm Kim said:
Yay Roni that is so awesome…congrats!
On October 12th, 2008 at 9:28 pm Jenn said:
Congratulations. I totally think that you could do full marathon. I have done 3 myself. and, I have since stopped running. You have inspired me to get back into running. I forgot how much I miss feeling the wind in my face and listening to my own thoughts. Well, done.
On October 12th, 2008 at 10:09 pm Suzan said:
Roni,,Your Roni’sWeigh family is SO proud of you……………..fantastic accomplishment~
On October 13th, 2008 at 8:47 am Giyen said:
Woohoo! You look so happy in the photos. Now that’s something to aspire to!
Congrats.
On October 13th, 2008 at 8:59 am Aimee said:
Congratulations Roni! I do my first 3K this coming weekend. 5 months ago I couldn’t run for more than 5 minutes. I hated every step, but somewhere along the way I almost kind of like going for a run. Reading about your experience definitely motivates me to keep going.
On October 13th, 2008 at 10:23 am Anne Marie said:
Congratulations Roni!! You are such an inspiration!
On October 13th, 2008 at 11:16 am Kim said:
Your awesome!
I am starting out tonight getting my family outside walking after dinner, thanks to you.
Hopefully next, running?? ha ha
On October 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm Tabitha said:
Check out mapmywalk.com ! I just found it and I LOVE IT! You have been an inspiration to me. . . I’ve ran 25.64 miles so far this month and I’ve burned ~2700 cal according to mapmywalk.com!!
Let me know what you think!
On October 13th, 2008 at 12:23 pm Sandy said:
Good for you Roni! You have come such a long, long way! You should be so proud of yourself!
On October 13th, 2008 at 1:35 pm RooBabs said:
I bet it feels so great to finish your goal (and in such a great time!). You look so happy in your picture (even if I’m smiling, I’m always red-faced and sweating like mad!!!). I would love to do a marathon, but my next milestone is a half-marathon. Since I’m trying to get pregnant, I have no firm marathon plans right now.
Congrats again on running a great race!
Check out RooBabss last blog post..Does This Picture Make Me Look Cold? Random Photo of the Week
On October 13th, 2008 at 1:43 pm Liz said:
Oh Roni, that is awesome!! I teared up reading your post. So very proud of you!! You can soooooooooo do a full marathon. You have the determination and drive to do it. :) :) :) Congrats!!!
On October 13th, 2008 at 2:24 pm Dawn said:
CONGRATS RONI!!! So glad you have been bit by the running bug. I knew you would love the relay. It is an awesome experience.
Oh Roni, I have already started my own marathon movement, I have done 2 halfs and am training for my 3rd half in December then MARCH, 2009 it is me and 2 friends and a FULL MARATHON!! I have to do it once in my life to prove to myself that I can. What you need to do is make sure you watch a finish line of a marathon and then you will have to do it. B/c you will want to experience what they are experiencing as they cross that finish line. After I did my first relay last March is when I realized I wanted to do a full marathon at some point. That was in Little Rock AR. So one year after that I WILL BE DOING MY FIRST FULL MARATHON in Little Rock, AR. I can’t wait!!
Check out Dawns last blog post..Under the weather!
On October 13th, 2008 at 3:17 pm Kellie said:
Congrats Roni! You are such an inspiration! You are such an example of perseverance. Thank you for all that you are to many of us!!! *hugs*
Check out Kellies last blog post..Allison K
On October 13th, 2008 at 5:34 pm Lizard said:
Hi Roni,
I attended and (enjoyed) your session at the BlogHer D.C. Reach Out today. I saw this post up on the screen and couldn’t wait home to come read it. I’m obsessed with distance running and did the Baltimore Relay last year.
Congratulations on finishing! And go for the full marathon! I’m hooked and would love to read all about it.
Liz
Check out Lizards last blog post..Problem Solved
On October 13th, 2008 at 6:29 pm KK (Running Through Life) said:
Congrats Roni!! Races are so much fun! I enjoy them and am doing another half marathon this Sunday.
Check out KK (Running Through Life)s last blog post..Baby, It’s Cold Outside.
On October 14th, 2008 at 1:13 pm Kym said:
I teared up over your story. I start learning to run with my trainer Nov. 10th. It is all I want to do these days. Ok, you do a marathon and I’ll do a half marathon next year!