A1A RECAP. Some Mistakes hurt.

 When you stumble make it part of the dance. Everyone messes up. It's part of the dance of life. So the next time you stumble, smile at the crowd, kick up your heels, and dance a jig! The moment you embrace it as your own, no one will know it's not part of your dance. 

Suzy Toronto

The joke has always been "Anita, you can complicate a fart."  A1A Marathon is an excellent example of that. 

A1A Marathon was a petri dish of new running experiences for me. Many times throughout the marathon I had to claw my way back from quitting out of frustration from my mistake that would cost me more than my goals. 

A1A Marathon

Marathon: 178 participants 

Half Marathon: 1975 participants 

Location: Ft. Lauderdale

Temps: 77/85

Starting Time: 5:50am, 20 people go at a time. 

Course Description: "Our Marathon course features 26.2 miles of signature South Florida beauty, loaded with miles of unobstructed ocean views. The fast, flat course is ideal for those looking to achieve Boston qualifying times. If you’re searching for the ideal winter destination running event, then look no further! Run Fort Lauderdale…. Where the Ocean is Your Finish Line!!"

"You can find evidence to support anything you believe about yourself. So you might as well believe you can achieve your most outlandish goals." Julie Sygiel, Chemical Engineer & Entrepreneur  

I stood in the cluster of runners waiting to be directed to the starting mat. I was excited, nervous, and back to excited. 

I had overwhelming thoughts of failure running through my head. I knew I had ramped up my training. I knew my body was weaker, older and still damaged but a girl can dream. 

And that is what I did. I believed I could accomplish this outlandish goal of running a sub 4 hour marathon. 

I think everyone knew my goal was a pipe dream but me. 

Literally, right out of the gate it went south! As we crossed the timing mat, the volunteer threw her arm out and stopped us from going with that group of runners. Instinctually, I stopped my watch. In typical Anita fashion, I forgot to start it when the volunteer ushered us to go! 

My watch beeped at me to notify me it was shutting down and I was sick. CRAP CRAP. My distance was at least a half a mile off. 

Despite the rising temperatures I kept pace. I ran with my handheld that contained electrolytes and I had a pack of salt tabs along with 3 of my favorite Espresso Gu's. I knew I had to hit every aid station to stay hydrated. I hadn't ran in temps this warm in months. 

I was hitting my splits, smiling and sweating. Everything was good until confusion collided with me. All the people I was running with had fallen behind as the sun heated up the pavement. I came unto a very large "15" mile marker connected to a timer. I freaked out looking at my watch that only said 13.72. Without much thought I had myself convinced I had missed a turn. So I turned around. 

This mistake would be the beginning of the end. 

"Sometimes you have to push yourself, and it can be uncomfortable. You will want to quit. But if you can find your edge and embrace the discomfort even for a little bit, you'll find a new level of fitness, skill, and knowledge. And there's n better feeling than growth." Roisin McGettigan-Dumas

I turned around and RAN! I picked up my pace as all these thoughts and adrenaline flooded my body and mind. I was befuddled by my mistake. But then I saw all the people I was originally running with and they looked at me bewildered shouting out to me. Now I was even more stumped. Then I saw Leeanne. I wanted to cry. DEAR GOD what have I done. Every time I stopped to ask someone they didn't know. 

"You have to cross 4 timing mats" one of the volunteers said. Desperately, trying to keep pace I realized I should never have turned around. SO I turned around again to try to catch up to the group that had just passed me. 

I was frantic and exhausted from stopping and going. It was over 80 degrees and my watch had me at 15 miles. I caught of to the guy I had started running the race with. I explained my mess and asked him his miles. I was a mile ahead of him. This really meant I was over a mile and a half ahead because of my mishap before I even started.

I wanted to quit. 

I tried to come up with all these different ways to finish. I thought maybe I would just cut the course. But then that would be cheating. I didn't want to get disqualified and I am not a cheater. I was so upset I wasn't thinking straight.  Reality set in. I wasn't going to make my goal time. I didn't even know how I would finish upright. My left calf was wanting to cramp and I couldn't get my heart rate to settle down. I had peed myself multiple times and knew I needed to keep drinking. I just wanted to quit so bad. Even though my Garmin said 25 miles I knew I had to go to 27 miles and I was so discouraged. I was walking every aid station and begging my body to keep moving. I felt alone even with hundreds of people around me.  "Get to the next mile Anita."

The ocean waves were crashing on my left, the sun was beating over my shoulder, and I realized I was RUNNING. I was doing what I love. I knew despite my body falling apart, my skin burning underneath the blazing sun, running over my miles, getting turned around, I WAS RUNNING. I wasn't going to quit, I wasn't going to walk it in, I was going to keep running through the pain of mistakes and sore muscles with gratitude and giving God the Glory to the finish line. 

I had slowed my pace down and surprisingly passed other runners. "Come On, stay with me" I coaxed  struggling runners. "Your doing great, your almost there." I cheered for those like me struggling to not fall apart anymore. 

I looked for the finish line with stinging eyes. I heard someone yelling it me to my left. It was my brother and sister in love. I found a smile, a genuine smile. I got this. 

"Look at that, She HAS A KICK, LOOK AT HER GO!!" the race director cheered me on with SMILES as I finally made it to the finish line! It was UGLY but I made it!  

The Take Away. 

"Sometimes you have to push yourself, and it can be uncomfortable. You will want to quit. But if you can find your edge and embrace the discomfort even for a little bit, you'll find a new level of fitness, skill, and knowledge. And there's no better feeling than growth." Roisin McGettigan-Dumas

It sure is embarrassing to make those mistakes. Its a hard pill to swallow missing your goal by almost 20 minutes. I was crushed at how bad I did. I was humbled by the heat and much more. I hadn't ran a road marathon in over a year and a half. I am not a quitter. Yes, I made a terrible mistake, one that would cost me my goal but also a mistake that would remind me I AM NOT A QUITTER. A mistake that would painfully teach me who I am and who I am not. That I can readjust and redirect myself. That even in my failure I can help others and think outside myself. 

Inspiration Corner: I have ran with Doug for several years. He is a very good runner. Thursday nights I run with CRU and he is one of the regulars. Doug very kindly asked about my marathon. He was genuine and gracious with his words. He didn't tease me or embarrass me. It meant a lot. 

When I was sick Doug was very charitable and thoughtful. He is a great reminder of generosity 

 and thoughtfulness. 

ALSO..THANK YOU TO ALL THAT PARTICIPATE WITH THE CONTEST, DANIELLE WON!! 

Anita

Putting it together: Integrity

 “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” C.S. Lewis

Today, I had to make that call, the one I could barely talk through. I had to call the vet to make an appointment for Sheba to go ...I can't even say it. I can't stop crying. I can't even look at her without feeling like I am betraying her. Those big brown eyes, the eyes that love me more than herself.  This SUCKS SO BAD. I decided to do it before I go to Florida. She can barely walk and no one would be able to care  for her while I was gone. The decision was AWEFUL but I know its for the best. 

SUBJECT CHANGE.  (wiping my eyes to see the keyboard) 

Putting it together;

A1A Marathon: T-6 days. 

Where: Ft. Lauderdale

Forecast: 77' 30% chance of rain

Goal: sub 4 hour marathon

The word of the day INTEGRITY. 

I am on my second bible study with my girlfriends. We are doing a Daniel study. 

I just loved the notes on this word. As we finished up tonight's bible study I headed to my truck in front of my friend Erin. Erin wishes me well on my marathon and adds, "Do it with Integrity..." 

 

I just wanted to share some of my favorite notes and quotes:

"...godliness is never accidental. Neither is victory coincidental." Beth Moore

I am praying for victory, it will not come without Gods blessing, without prayer, without hard work It will not just "Show up" even if I do. 

"The lifeblood of integrity is becoming the same person no matter where we are-no matter who's around." Beth Moore

That means "Anita" is the same in Michigan as she is in Florida. The same at home, at work, with my brother as she is with her friends, she is the same person no matter what, even running a marathon. 

I don't want people to see perfection, I want people to see the effort more than the outcome. If I don't make my goal I don't want people to see anything but the effort and heart that I gave. That is the true victory. Integrity isn't perfection it to me is purposeful intention with honesty. 

Beth Moore says it best "Integrity not only calls us to live inside-out, it keeps the outside from coming in."

As an athlete, it is VERY important for me to give GOD the GLORY in all things including my running. 

• Nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
• ..or whatever you do, do all or the glory of God. 1 cor. 10:31

Costume Changes

"Life becomes so much simpler when there aren't so many costume changes." This is Beth Moores description of being consistent with walking the walk. 

But as we know in life there are many physical costume changes, for me I wear the outfit of mom, wife, hair stylist, friend and of course runner. Even though my roles may change my character should never change. 

Todays inspiration goes to Erin. 

Thankful for her friendship for loving people. She has reminded me of the little things that make a big difference. I have enjoyed watching her enjoy learning about Jesus. Watching her grow, love, and teach in a very difficult world. 

Beginners Corner:

Setting Goals

1. Make them personal: Most runners say they are not competitive, famous last words. However, with Garmin and Strava the temptation to compare ourselves is pretty intense. Try not to dance with the devil of comparison and competing. Your goals should be personal. 

2. Make it to the starting line: Don't give up, life happens, set backs are common, enjoy the journey.

3. Make your training flexible: Allow yourself grace. don't be afraid to change things up or switch things around. Think outside the box. Just don't give up!

Anita

COMMENT FOR THE CONTEST! SHARE THE TIME YOU THINK I WILL FINISH MY MARATHON AND THE WINNER WHO GETS CLOSEST GETS A PRIZE MAILED TO THEM FROM FLORIDA!!

Shut Up Anita

"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."

Eleanor Roosevelt

"Shut up, shut up...Anita, shut up." 

Every time I opened my mouth I knew it was more than I should have said. I could tell what I was saying was not being received well. And the more I spoke, the more I got mad at myself. But then I felt like I had to speak MORE to explain my ideas, share my heart...

If I could just describe my heart. 

Shut up Anita. 

This is almost every day of my life. 

On Tuesday nights it is our Addiction ministry. I facilitate a group for families and friends of addiction. A passion of mine. 

I stroll down the hallway to our meeting room. I am exhausted, mentally, physically and emotionally. It was a long day at work. It has been a long week and it was only Tuesday. Our room is set up in a circle with chairs. As everyone sits down, the room is packed, getting busier every week. 

"Hi, My name is Anita, Welcome to Families United by Faith, a group to support you and encourage you...I always have the group answer 3 questions and I usually give another question based on the sermon upstairs......" 

I look at the group and I can tell I am not the only one struggling. I can see many are tired and burdened. 

"...say you name, who brings you hear today, how you feel on a scale of 1-10 and...." 

Ahhh the final question, the question every waits to hear, the question that changes every week.

The question that opens the hearts of those struggling. The question that unites, bonds, and holds us together. 

The sermon was on giving. The sermon was on sacrificing, on where you heart lies. 

"WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO SURRENDER or SACRIFICE? FORGIVENESS? COMPASSION? ENCOURAGMENT? BITTERNESS? EGO?"

And I sit back and listen. 

Until it comes to me and I have to confess I am only a "6". 

It shocks everyone. My smile, my humor, my countenance is perfected. A clever disguise that stuns the group, that rarely hears low numbers from me. 

Reason 153 why I run. Because I can't always "Shut Up" when I want to. And even when I vocally "shut up" my internal voices are SCREAMING at me.  My mistakes, my imperfections, my quirks scream at me like Jezebel and like Ezekiel I just want to go hide under the Juniper tree. 

RUNDOWN: T-10 days A1A marathon

Ramping up your miles a few weeks before your marathon usually puts you on the cuff of burn out. You have put in the miles, put in the time, you have pushed your body and your mind and you are exhausted. Peak week I found my body teetering towards physical annoyances. Tight hamstring, Pf started to blow kisses at me, twitching muscles, sleeplessness and emotional fatigue. 

With 10 days until my marathon I am trying to recover and listen to my body. I continue to scale back my miles and even my effort level. I usually run 2 times on Thursday but not even Andy begging me could get me off the couch this evening. 

I am scared. Afraid I have too lofty of a goal, a 4 hour marathon. But I really want to try. I know my body is stronger than 6 months ago. But it isn't as strong as it was before cancer. 

I am not changing my goal based on fear. A sub 4 hour marathon. 

I have to try. I don't want to use cancer as my excuse. I want to overcome all that. God brought me out of that, I have to quit looking back. 

Beginners Corner: 

The average 5K training for a physically fit person takes about 4 weeks. 

From a beginners program 7 weeks. 

Treadmill training has a lot of benefits. You have the ability to set a goal pace for different workouts. With the winter pummeling us there is NO SHAME in treadmill running. It actually gives your body a break from the pounding of running on non forgiving outdoor surfaces. 

 

Cake Cookie Recipe. 

Danielle gave me a few cookies today after our run at Indian Springs. They were soo good I went out and bought the ingredients to make them this afternoon. 

• 1 box cake mix of your choice
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 bag chips of your choice

Preheat oven to 350'

Mix ingredients, folding in chips.  

Bake 7-9 minutes and transfer to baking rack. 

SO Easy and so Good. 

Whether you are trying to hush the inner voices or hush the outside voices we all just trying.  Some voices scream while others whisper. But we have an amazing God that always listens and when we can not understand the words we hear or speak, He knows all. 

DON'T FORGET TO SHARE YOUR TIME YOU THINK I WILL FINISH MY MARATHON, I HAVE A GREAT GIFT FROM FLORIDA TO THE WINNER WHO COMES CLOSEST TO THE TIME OF MY MARATHON!!