10 Things I didn't tell You

10 Things I didn't tell you about Bayshore Marathon:


Grand Traverse City Pie Company

1. Friday, the day before the Marathon, I thought I was going into the ER. I was rushing from the parking lot to the gym for CC. In a hurry, I was talking on the phone to my mom, and holding donuts for the kids that PR-ed. Not paying attention, typical, and in extreme speed I didn't see the dumpster door open. My face blasted into it! I hit it so hard it knocked me in the air and flat on my back! My phone flew out of my hand flying through the air and the donuts went in the other direction. I thought I needed stitches or broke my nose. This guy came from nowhere "Are YOU ALRIGHT"?  I quickly hopped up, giggled and pretended I was a rock star.
2. I Forgot my MAKE UP! With a gash across my nose, I really needed some paint. Kay came to my rescue. Sharing the same hotel, she happened to have an extra tube. I was so grateful.
3. The morning of the marathon, my Garmin wouldn't charge. I later found why. It wasn't getting any charge in the hotel because you had to FLIP THE SWITCH to give power to the outlets!
4. Claudia, selflessly gave me hers. One of the kindest things ever done. Right up there with giving me her kidney.
5. Andy was supposed to run the Half. He gave his bib to Claudia and became my biggest fan.
6. I didn't know my pace. I had NO idea I had to run at that pace until Jeff had sent me my splits at 9:40 the night before. I peed my pants a little. It was 13 seconds faster than I thought.
7. I slept like a baby the night before the race.
8. LACEY QUALIFIED FOR BOSTON! I did too.
9. Danielle had her hardest Marathon.   She didn't get the time or experience she had trained for or dreamed of. BUT...She was looking on line for another marathon to conquer. I am so proud of her. She is so incredible. She didn't let her disappointment defeat her.
10. It was my Anniversary Weekend. 19 years. Andy bought me a new Mountain bike. Pretty Awesome. Lets see if this bike lasts as long as my next 19 years does!

I wanted to go to 2 PLACES in TC: Cherry Republic and Grand Traverse Pie company . PIE!!! I just really wanted CHERRY PIE.

In closing, I am so blessed to be surrounded around some amazing people.
Today was the last day of CC. Our head coach congratulated me in front of all the kids on my marathon saying this: "Guys, Coach Harless doesn't just coach you things that she doesn't do herself. We as coaches walk the same walk we teach you by. I looked her splits up, she ran each of her splits faster, I watched her ranking and saw as she picked people off. Her ranking started out....and she finished ...."
The kids cheered me on. It was weird knowing one of the other coaches was checking out my race.
In Closing, People will listen to you sometimes, But they are always watching. Actions speak louder than words.
Do you practice what you preach? People don't want to hear you running your mouth, They want to see if you can put your money where your mouth is.
The best leaders are the ones that lead by example.


WTG to KRIS T! She guesses what I forgot in Traverse City! I had a mini contest on my Running against the Odds FB page. I brought her home a PRIZE!!

Anita

Bayshore Marathon 2015: Run my own Race

Make no mistake, running 26.2 miles is not something to be underestimated. I could train just about anyone physically to run a marathon, but I can not train what is between your ears.

When you set your feet before that start line you had better be prepared.
You have 2 options:
1. You can RUN it.
2. You can RACE it.
Both are usually going to hurt, The Marathon is not going to let you finish without taking a piece of you.

I chose to RACE it.

Team Harless, The Best Support system one could ask for.

This was not my first rodeo. This is marathon #10.

I am like David up against Goliath when lining up to conquer 26.2 miles. I am humbled by the battle I am going into. I have been in enough marathons now to see the strong turn weak. The brave coward under the distance, the elite fail and the healthy become expired to never cross another finish.

I still get choked up before I ever start. I look sheepishly at the distance, blushing timidly at the thought of little ole me thinking yet again I can take this on.

Like a soldier going into battle, I have trained for 16 weeks. I have prepared and I have asked God to equip me with the necessary tools to Finish the Course, to Conquer yet again another 26.2 miles.
HUMILITY...I have to know my place.

Bayshore Marathon Goals:

1. 3:35
2. 3:40
3. 3:45

I did not make a goal to PR, I just didn't train hard enough too, coming off my injury last summer.
I had really been thinking 3:40 was a great goal, it was in the middle and seemed attainable. However, When Jeff heard my goals the Wednesday before he told me "Why are you not going after 3:35, if that is your dream time, then go for that." He continued to go over my training and believed I was capable.
The seed was planted.

Running 26.2-Running MY OWN RACE

Lacey and I stayed in same hotel, before race.

The morning went smooth. Lacey and I found Danielle and Jama. The 4 of us headed to the start together.  All of our Goals were very close. But I had to run MY OWN RACE.

Danielle, me, Lacey,Jama

I knew what I had to do. I love these girls, we trained together for this moment, but at this point I had to run my own race and pace.
I asked the girls if I could give a quick prayer for them before we started.
It was shortly after we were all running towards the finish.

Danielle stayed with me for about 5 miles. Danielle had gotten a respiratory infection the past week, she graciously said "Nita, you run your race....don't hold back for me.." I hated leaving her but Lacey was with her.
Ole Jeff had sent me my splits the night before,  I had to nail these order to reach my goal. I wrote them on my arm. At mile 5, I had to be at 41 minutes. A few feet ahead of Lacey and Danielle, I lifted my arm and gave a thumbs up, WE DID IT!

The morning was quickly heating up. I took my "shell" off and threw it to a some guy, he was a great sport, laughing and catching it.

It was incredible the energy on the course. I was loud and proud. The water was magnificent to my right. The sun was heating up my running sleeves quickly. I knew my family was at mile 7, I could toss them there.

Jama stayed in front of me about 10-15 feet. I was very concerned because she was running my pace and that was not her goal.  She looked great. She would be next to me here and there and I would ask her how she was and she said "Good."

Coming up to mile 7, I saw "TEAM HARLESS". They looked awesome. "WOW, am I lucky to have my family there for me." I smiled running towards them. My tank was full!

My Splits Jeff sent me the night before.

"DRINK water ANITA!" I knew I had to hit every water station. It was heating up faster than I had expected. I couldn't get behind the gun. I could see Jama had already broke through her tank top in front of me.

Coming up on mile 8, Jama was next to me, "Hey, how you feeling Jama?" Jama was sweating pretty bad, "I am hurting already."
I didn't know what to say back, She is a tough cookie and very competitive, I had to trust she knew what she was doing.  I encouraged her but looked at my pace to discover I was going to fast, I let her move ahead again.
At mile 10, I looked at my splits and Nailed it again!

The half Marathoners were now passing us. I was powered up. "YEAH, YOU ROCK!" I yelled. I was giving out high fives to anyone that engaged. I knew a lot of runners running this distance. "NITA!!!" It was Kay running towards me. She looked awesome.
Minutes later, I heard my name again "ANITA!!" it was Claudia full spirited and smiles. I barely caught my breath from all the excitement when I saw another huge smile and blonde hair coming towards me. "ANITA!!" It was Erin.
One by one I saw, Jessica, Mike, Sandy and many others.

This woman came from nowhere at mile 11. Peppy, she starts chatting with me.  She just hung out next to me. I asked her "What is your goal?"  I had noticed I was running faster than I should. Laughing she says  "Goal, I don't have a goal, I am just running as hard as I can to see how far I can get!"
My mind when spastic. "WHAT, is this chick NUTS, my pace was at a 7:45 talking to her, this was NOT part of my plan!"
Politely she replies "So what is your goal?"
"I am hoping to hit 3:35."
Without a breath "OH! I would be happy with that, I will stay with you!"
I grabbed my mantra, "RUN YOUR OWN RACE ANITA." Then I repied, "Well then, you are going to have to slow it down!"
I picked up a new partner. I had to really stay focused.

THE TURNING Point
At mile 13, you turn around. This lets you see where everyone is. I was concerned about Lacey and Danielle. Jama, was still in front of me.
Lacey, was about a minute behind me. She looked great. I couldn't find Danielle. I was getting nervous. I saw other running friends but no Danielle.  Then I saw her, my heart broke. She was struggling.

I found myself in the 3:35 pacing group. It was a fun group. I was cutting up with the runners. The group had 2 girls in matching outfits. They both had bibs on their back that read "Help us get to Boston 3:35." I found myself laughing and cheering the runners on. I felt great. I was in my element. Jama joined into the group. One of the girls was struggling at mile 15. "Boston Strong!" I encouraged her and shared my best coaching mantra I had to help her.
But it was Jama. She didn't look so good. "Anita, I am hurting." I replied "Jama, you have plenty of time banked, bring it down." I couldn't convince her. So I just said "..make it to 19, my family will be there to cheer for you."

About mile 17, I noticed the group was slowing down. "Run your Own Race Anita."
I slowly moved pass them. I still had my new partner next to me. She too was struggling. Jama fell back.

At mile 19, I saw my family. I got so excited. My body felt strong, my mind even stronger. I was ready for the next 7 miles.

Mile 20, My world changed. All the positivity in the world was not working. I decided to pray. 20 miles, 20 people. "Danielle, Lacey, Jama, my enemies, my family.....Judy from my addiction group,all those running...ahhh." I couldn't focus. My prayers kept getting interrupted by my misery. My quads were burning. My chest was tight and "God, help me, I am soo hot."
I quickly and selfishly hijacked my prayers for others with more prayers for me.

Mile to mile girl. Just get to the next mile. Look at the guy in front of you in the Blue. Keep your eyes on him. Stay with him. He is pacing you.

I felt like someone shot my calf with a bullet. "WHAT was THAT?" I did a quick hop in hopes it was nothing.
It didn't take long for me to discover my calves were cramping. I have never had this during a race. I have seen some of the strongest men drop like infants over cramping. Fear over took me.

The dynamics of this race really changed. My body was failing me. I was hitting every water station, taking my nutrition and still I was NOT in control. I had to change how I planted and lifted my feet, in hopes I could prevent the cramps from completely disabling me. My chest was tight. My heart was beating double time, I knew I had to calm down.
I was running scared.

I could still see the guy in blue. He was about 30 feet in front of me. 2 miles, 1 mile. My paced slowed to what felt like a halt. I had to finish. My calves and quads were screaming. I tried to distract myself with a great power song, but I couldn't even find that.
I looked behind to see if Lacey or Jama had caught up. No one was behind me. My feet hit the track for the last couple hundred meters. I heard my family shouting in the stands.
I crossed the Finish line still upright.
A running friend of mine Alexis, was at the Finish.  I was puking so bad she was rubbing my back. "Its OK, let it out, you will feel better." I couldn't stop, it hurt so bad. I was embarrassed and again out of control with my body. She was so compassionate. "I'm Sorry.." I cried. "It's Ok, Let it out, it means you gave everything."

This is BEFORE the marathon we Ran into each other.
 Then there she was again at the end to take care of me like and Angel.

I DID. No regrets. I RAN my Own Race. I stayed focused. Throughout all the distractions I stayed on target.

Me, Danielle, Lacey

Claudia,Lacey and Me

NET Time: 3:33:54
Overall 339/2039
Gender 89/971
Catag 8/151

Grateful!! Wednesday I will share 10 things I didn't ADD.
You will want to check it out!

Anita

My goals for Bayshore.

God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them. ~Author Unknown

16 weeks ago I made goal. To run another Bayshore Marathon. This will be my 10th marathon and my second Bayshore.

I have always been a goal setter. I like beginnings and endings. I love to see progress. I enjoy the commitment and dedication. Its seeing how far you have come. Its looking at the obstacles that you have overcome. It is failing and getting backup, and trying gain. Some of my greatest failures have only inspired me to greater things.

Well, it has been 14 weeks of training, now coming to an end. I love the running, not so much the track work, intervals, the constant knowledge of pace and distance or the poor sleeping.

2 days LEFT! Saturday Morning. Ugh,I think I just threw up in my mouth. NERVES.

I am coming out with IT!
Here is the reason my stomach  has butterflies in it. Its my GOALS I have for my time.

My PR is 3:28:10. That was GLORIOUS!
2015 Bayshore Marathon Goals
1. 3:35
2. 3:40
3. 3:45

Last year, after I ran Boston I got injured. I was still coaching CC and over did it. This cost me most of my summer. I had to put away the running shoes for bike pedals. I was able to run the CRIM and even by the Grace of God able to run Detroit Freep Marathon. I even managed a half marathon in October. It was not pretty, but I was grateful. My spring and summer consisted of tears running down my face more than my legs.

Bayshore will be my first major race that I will be pushing myself to the end of myself.

Sharing my last year with you has a purpose. I am encouraging you to take a leap of FAITH and set a GOAL.
Dedication, hard work, set backs, pain, overcoming, commitment, VICTORY.

Share your Goal with ME. Let me encourage you along the way!

Anita

How Do You use Your Power?

There is POWER in a Smile.
There is POWER in your Words.
There is POWER in Touch.

 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue.." Psalms 18:21

As each person stepped out of their car, I could see a smile. Some had a nervous smile, while others had a shy smile or a excited smile. We organized a "Fun Run before the Gun.".  I love catchy names. (We are all in a running club that was birthed from the school our kids attend.)
We all are running Bayshore this weekend. Some of us are running the marathon and some of us are running the half marathon but we are all running.

We did an easy 2 miler, then followed it up with a fun breakfast at a local café. I asked every one to bring 8-10 things to create a  Bayshore Goody Bag.

The day went off perfect.
It was a great recovery to a really bad morning. Really bad.

We all have The Power to change someone's moment, day, outlook, or thoughts.
We gathered around one another, in so many ways different from each other. And in 1 way the same: We are all running the same race.

I listened, I heard them encouraging one another. Inquiring, listening laughing, speaking LIFE into one another.
Edifying one another.


"Mary Ann" looked at me with these beautiful blue eyes. "..I would like to do a 3:58...."
I get so excited to inquire about her training. As I listen, I get more excited to speak confidence into her. To teach her to believe in her training, to teach her she has to now train her mind, follow through with her mind and her legs will listen.

Claudia and her French accent. She is so deep. We discussed her last run. "Claudia, get in your own head, no music, nothing but your own thoughts. Meditation Run. Strategize, organize, and prepare your thoughts for the race." Its not the words I say, it is the way she looks at me, she is listening, really listening.
It is at that point I quickly review my words.
If everyone listened to my words, was I Encouraging? Edifying? Loving?

Could my words actually make a difference?

It was at that place that I looked at each person sitting around me and thought of how they have made a difference in my life.
Sometimes it has nothing to do with words at all. It is a hug, a glowing smile, it is ears that listen. It is time, a gift, or even something as simple as eye contact.

YOU have lots of material to practice this POWER. Everyday we encounter people. We have family,friends, coworkers, neighbors, and numerous random people.
Make THAT difference.
Speak Life into people and I promise you will feel a life fulfilled.

I have gotten so many text messages form the group on how much fun they had. We gave gifts, hugs, laughs and encouragement. I watched each one receiving as much as they gave.

I was beyond spoiled, Overwhelmed and highly blessed.

3 DAYS UNTIL BAYSHORE MARATHON!!!!

Anita

Fear reminds me of who I am NOT.

Growing up we all have so many FEARS.
I will never forget that look Alec had during the Boston bombings. He was shaking and pale. His little body was helpless to the fear that overtook him. His voice wasn't even recognizable. Tears saturated his innocent cheeks.  It is the worst feeling in the world to not just be overcome by fear but to not be able to tame your child's fear.
My heart was beating outside my chest as people screamed and ran. The unknown gave birth to not just fear but paralyzing dread.

Growing up, my family was decorated in addiction. So many days, FEAR came unwelcomed. It hurt. My stomach turned, my hands shook, I would cry till even that hurt. It was the unknown that disabled you. It was the lack of control that terrorized you.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

 

Living life safe prevents you from having unnecessary FEAR and anxiety.

"We Demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT to make it obedient to Christ."

2 Cor.10:5

With 5 days out from my marathon I have been reunited with FEAR.
When I just think about lining up for 26.2 miles my heart skips a beat. I can feel butterflies in my belly and my hands start to sweat.
I think "What have I gotten myself into."
"Can you do this Nita?"
"Will my body stay strong and healthy?"
"Will my mind stay strong, can I overcome the voices that want to discourage me?"
"Is God listening to my prayers?" "Will he show me 'Great and Mighty things'?"

"I will Instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

 

I am trained. I am prepared, I am ready...I think. That little whisper rests there.

Its more that just running 26.2 miles. Yes, that is ALOT but there is more.
It is running hard. I am going to push my body and mind beyond its limits. As I type these words, I can feel the tears falling down my cheeks. FEAR comes in waves.  
It is going to hurt, so bad. And yet it is going to feel so good. It is humbling to know that I will be overcoming FEAR and truly resting on GOD to bring me into the Finish.

I am trying, again, to be grateful in my FEAR. My Fear has brought me to GREAT and MIGHTY things.
My Fear has Humbled me. Reminded me that I am NOT...

• Overconfident
• Prideful
• Content

 

BIB NUMBER 921

 



Fear is a tool to bring me to my knees. FEAR reminds me of who I AM NOT and who HE is.

Asking you to remember me in prayer. Thank you, Giving God all the Glory.
Anita

3 Simple Lessons.

I am called coach, however, I have NO credentials. The only document I have is my background check and fingerprints!
Just about anyone can learn how to train middle schoolers to run 2 miles.
Repeats, Intervals, Hills, stretching, Run, run and run..
Mixed in with teaching them self discipline, commitment, dedication, and hard work.
But the cherry on top is Encouragement.
Not Every Coach is good at this.

I may not be skilled as a coach in many ways but one way I have been gifted is ENCOURAGEMENT.
I can pump sunshine up just about anyone's  hiney and mean it.

Tuesday night, our XC kids had a meet in Brighton. Our team had got wind of their new course, with more hills.
I had tried to prepare then for the challenge they were going to have. As we drove out, Alec casually says "Well mom, if I don't make Varsity time on this race I still have 2 races."
I knew where his mind was going. He was already throwing in the towel because it was a hard course.
I smiled and replied "Alec, never count on a second chance. You do your best like it is the only chance that you have....What if the other meet gets canceled or you get sick..."
He didn't reply.

Tuesday was cold and windy. As we walked the course before the meet I prayed.
It was a beautiful course through the woods, However, Holy Hills!

The GO screamed through the air. The 1 milers took off. I did too. I ran as fast as I could to get to the 1/2 mile mark right before 2 very large back to back hills.
"UP UP, Look at the TOP of THE HILL." I screamed.
My voice cracked as I continued to cheer on the runners.
I looked at my watch and had 3 minutes to get back to the Finish line to guide them in.
I could hear myself breathing, I was winded running through the tall grass trying to beat our 7 minute 5th grader.

"GO GO, Pick it UP, Right HERE, Right NOW!" I continued to shout. "Turn Em over, Look at the clock, RUN!"
They came in beat up, winded, dry heaving and empty.
I was stoked, excited, and charged!

Alec runs the 2 mile. This was going to be really difficult. They took off. So did I, again. I ran to my same spot. This time I climbed the first hill.
I was overcome with adrenaline. "Where are they?" I looked down at my watch."
I was nervous for them, who was going to be the first to come out of the woods?

One of OURS! "YES! There you go, Get up this hill!"
I needed to find Alec. I kept looking at my watch and squinting towards the woods.
There he was!!!
He looked pretty good. "That's it ALEC!"  I continued to scream. "PASS HER, make your move, Kill it, UP UP!"

As soon as he passed, I ran into the woods and waited for them to come through.
A course like that changes the dynamics of your fastest runners. It becomes a mental game. Who can tolerate the most physical pain and move through it.

As each of the kids came through they were surprised to see me. "Keep your eyes on the person in front."  "Stay with THEM."
Don't let up, YOU got this."

I had 3 minutes to make it to the Finish line. I ran out on the trail screaming at each of the kids. "That's it, GO, Don't let up!"
Running backwards and sideways out of trails I found myself winded too.
I saw our first runner. My voice cracked as I ran towards him, up and down I shouted his name.
Then they came in, one after another.
I was jumping and hollering at each kid as they came towards the chute.
I could see how bad some of them looked.

Lil Kaitlyn, at about 65 pounds soaking wet, came down the chute pale. She didn't slow down, I could see she was going to fall apart.
I ran to her as fast as I could to catch her. Her eyes filled with tears. I wrapped my arms around her and told her how proud I was. She cried harder. Then started to puke.
"WOE, sister!" I jumped.

I found myself picking up several kids. Hugging them, sharing high fives, and listening to people whispering about me.
"Coach Harless, we love watching you with the kids."

This is what I LOVE.
I love watching them see me at the end and run harder than they thought they could.
I love when they wrap their arms around me sharing their PR.
I love seeing them exhausted, sore and tired.
I love that final KICK at the end."
I love the gleam in their eyes as they discover they can run through pain, exhausting and
fatigue.
I love hearing them say "I passed 6 kids!"
I LOVE hearing "Coach Harless"

As for Alec. He hit his Varsity time!  "Mom, I just kept thinking how you made me run on Monday through the trails and how much they helped. I thought about what you said about something happening to one of the other meets. I looked at my watch at the 1/2 mile mark and knew I had to run harder."

Lesson #1 - Go like there are no second chances.
Lesson #2 -It's just puke, wipe your face and smile for the camera!
Lesson #3- Always listen to your mama!

RUNDOWN:
Damielle and I found some great trails in Fenton. We had 10 miles to run. We ran about 4 miles through the woods. It was beautiful, green, lush and quiet.

"Whether you turn to the tight or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

Anita

Fighting our Giants

Faith allows things to happen.  It is the power that comes from
     a fearless heart.  And when a fearless heart believes, miracles
     happen.

Mondays always beat me up. I can really mess a good Monday up. I was telling my niece some of my Monday mistakes and she responded, "Wow, you are having a bad day." I laughed, "No, really I am not, its been a good day." All of my days are inside up out!

I took off to run a tad bit too late. I was taking my tank top off before I had even made it up the hill outside of my street.
"It's HOT"
"Just RUN"
"I'm already out of breath."
"Then BREATH Anita."

The dialogue that runs through my head.

I quickly thought of Kay. I was at Austin's basketball tournament this weekend texting backand forth with Kay.
She was talking about how bored she gets running.
The dialogue in my mind interrupts each other, it fights for air to speak. I am like a dog "Squirrel" and find myself totally sidetracked from one thought to the other.

Fighting Our Giants. Who does not LOVE the story of David and Goliath.
Our greatest giants are the ones that torture our mind.
Many of my running friends are struggling with mental handicaps that can be conquered with sheer FAITH.
Faith is believing what is unseen.
You have to believe in your tomorrow.
Do the work in your Today.
And let go of your Yesterday.

You have to be so DETERMINED that you don't just believe in your dreams and goals you claim them as a package on its way.

Your determination then MOTIVATES you to do whatever it takes to make it happen. This is the ACTION. You still have to work for it. You may have to work really hard, blood sweat and tears.
The harder you work the more you will appreciate it.

I ran the trails today. Once with just myself, then again with Alec for another 2 miles.

________________________________________________________________________

Andy and Austin were not with me on Mothers Day. They made me an Inspirational video. It was my running story. It was beautiful. Many of my running friends and family were stars in it!
I went out to brunch with the family,with out him and Austin. It was a first for me, I was struggling emotionally but tried to be a big girl.
My brother in law Bruce had to come to my rescue while poring myself a innocent cup of coffee.
Being over the 40year mark has really shown itself. Not just in my running but my physique changed quite a bit too. I have been married 19 years at the end of May. Andy has always been very complimentary to me. I always feel beautiful to him.
I am not the girl that ever got flirted with or hit on. I never was the girl that put myself in those positions either. It is awkward for me.
Well...
Not paying attention to anything but my coffee. I didn't see this man come up behind me. It came up real close and slipped his arm around my waist. At first I thought I must know him. Then he leaned in and quietly whispered in my ear "I just had to come and tell you, you have really nice calves."
AHHH! My Brother in Law Bruce was right next to me and saved me.

When I told Andy about it..Well he won't be leaving me at the brunch table alone anymore!
_______________________________________________________________________________
I am going to share some of my favorite products I purchase at the grocery store.

 

Tart Cherry Juice is good for inflammation. I always have a jar in the fridge. Tart cherries are a rich source of antioxidants that can help maintain heart health, joint health and blood circulation.

Anita