Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon - A Day To Remember

I've heard about this run for a few years with many of my friends making the trip to Oklahoma City several times to participate. They talked about the crowd support, the great course, and the humbling experience of

being at Ground Zero of the horrific bombing that took 168 lives including 19 children. My Running Friends had encouraged me to go this year but I didn't think I could justify the expense and travel to walk the half marathon. It just didn't seem right for some reason.

A section of the Memory Fence

Then after finishing a half marathon a few weeks ago they persuaded me to join them and hit the streets of Oklahoma City. I registered and offered my car for the ride in exchange for a bed since the closest hotels were booked up long ago. But it was hard for me to get excited about this event. It wasn't on my bucket list or even in the realm of possibility a few months ago. So I would go, and I would walk, and I would pick up my medal and go home. Or at least that's what I thought.

Claudia B. and I would be riding together and stopping along the way to pick up her daughter but we had work commitments that prevented us from leaving earlier in the day. We finally pulled out of town at 5:30 and by the time we reached OKC it was midnight. We checked into our hotel and crashed. I vowed to sleep in the next morning, but my internal alarm clock had other plans. We met some of the other ladies for lunch then hit the Expo to pick up our packets and do some shopping for the latest running essentials. I found a star spangled skirt, arm warmers, and head band that I thought would be a hoot. We found a few more of the Running Friends in the massive crowd and managed to take a few pictures before each heading our own way.

Claudia B. and her daughter Krystal L. taking shelter
 in the parking garage.

I'm an uber-planner so I wanted to know how long it would take us to walk to the starting line in the morning so I talked Claudia into going to the OKC Memorial Park. We walked the 7 or 8 blocks until we got to the starting line area which just happens to be at one of the Gates of Time. I think it was at that moment, looking at the chain link fence covered with mementos to the fallen that I finally realized what this run was all about. Teddy bears were tied to the fence, along with faded race bibs, flowers, shoe laces, and all manner of little trinkets of love and remembrance. Walking around the hallowed grounds made me realize that we were running to support the efforts to keep the memory of 168 souls alive for all time. Running to remind the world what was taken from the people of Oklahoma City that day, innocence. The chairs that sit empty on the lawn serve to remind us that 168 people would not be sitting with their own families any more, but sitting with God. I was humbled.

The Start!

From that moment on the run took on new meaning for me. I vowed to just soak in the moments and
experience the event as it was meant to be, enjoying every step of the way. We had dinner that evening with some of our running community and laughed and told stories, and offered last minute advice and encouragement. Then it was early to bed and early to rise. But what we awoke to was not pretty.

The skies were overcast and blustery with the forecast for severe storms on the way. We sucked it up and headed out into the cool wind and light rain, headed for the start corral. But as we neared the starting line the thunder started to roll and lightning lit the sky. We dashed into a parking garage near the starting line and packed into shelter with thousands of other runners. Soon came word that the race was being delayed to let the storm pass. Cell phone reception was spotty and information was hard to come by. First the start time was pushed to 7:00, then 7:30, then 8:00. The word was that if we didn't start by then it would be canceled. They couldn't keep the streets closed any longer than that and the temperature but the end would make conditions unsafe. But sending runners into a lightning storm was not safe either. So we waited.

Walking with the OKC Fire Department. 

8:00 came and went and we were mentally checking out already when the announcement came that we would start at 8:20. It was still lightning in the distance but the clouds were thinning on the back side of the
storm. En-mass we moved into the street and before we got the chance to find our correct place in the corral we were off. It was a mad chaotic start with walkers like Claudia and I way to far to the front but with no other option but to go with the flow. After a few miles everyone sorted themselves out and we settled in for a nice long walk.

Gorilla Hill! This neighborhood goes all out
for the race, complete with giant gorilla!

As the sun overtook the clouds the temperature rose quickly and before long we were happy to dash under sprinklers provided by residents along the way. The beauty of this event is the community participation. Through every neighborhood there were people out on the front lawn cheering us on. They handed out water, Gatorade, fruit, and donuts. They played music, dressed in costume, and posted signs to encourage us along. We saw at least one marriage proposal and spent a mile walking with members of the Oklahoma City Fire Department. That was amazing!

The only down-side to all the attractions was that we couldn't really keep a good pace going. Claudia isn't used to walking distances so we ran some of the downhill sections to pick up the pace and vary the strain on our bodies. Even though it was hot by the time we finished the hours seemed to fly by. In just a few seconds over 3:25 we crossed the finish line to the cheers of hundreds of spectators who cheered as loud for us as they did the elite runners who finished hours earlier.

We were handed out finisher medal and picked up a cheeseburger and recovery fruit and headed to the

Proud finishers. 

memorial site to meet up with our friends at the Survivor Tree. We were all tired but alright and compared notes and sights along the route. By walking I was able to see more and soak in more of the spirit of the community then I might have if I was huffing and puffing and struggling to keep running. All too soon we had to head back to the hotel and then home.

We stopped many times along the way and walked like stiff legged zombies at times, but we made it home without any trouble. But something changed about me, other then the toe nail that ripped off during the walk. I have a greater appreciation for communities that survive a devastating blow, either through terror or natural disaster. Somehow it forges them, making them stronger, making them more giving even when so much was taken from them. I think I can understand that. My struggles have made me stronger and more determined to live life to the fullest and
not let someone or something take that away from me. I think it's a lesson we all can learn. Thank you OKC.

Half Marathon Using Turtle Power!

I proudly joined the Half Marathon club yesterday! I will be putting the 13.1 sticker on my car as soon as I get it and displaying my finisher medal with the other mile-stone trinkets I've collected through the years. Just don't ask me my time because it's slow. Really slow. That's because I used my Turtle Power and walked every step of the way.

Proud Finisher

It's  been half a year since I was diagnosed with RA and have been on MTX (a low dose chemotherapy drug) treatment with pretty good results. My pain is much less and joint swelling greatly reduced, but my stamina is lacking. My energy levels are good but I can't sustain a long run anymore. Intervals are about all I can manage and honestly that's fine. I don't need to push myself to the point of exhaustion to be pleased with my effort. I'm happy to just finish upright without the aid of medical services. That's a win in my books.


Several of my friends are participation in the Oklahoma Memorial Marathon and Half Marathon in a few weeks and were encouraging me to participate. I knew if I did that I would be walking and didn't feel I could justify the long trip and expense to walk 13.1 miles. I'm sure it would have been a moving experience but I didn't think I was worthy. But the thought stuck in my head and I wondered: am I giving up or chickening out? I knew if I did a 1/2 it would have to be on my terms without the long miles and hours of running the others were putting into their preparations. They are dedicated beyond belief and some amazing runners and will do great at OKC.


And then a thought hit me. My friend Meghan M. is the race director for the local Recreation commission and had a multi distance event planed for this weekend. She and I talked about my issues and my need to walk the entire distance. The 1/2 Marathon runners were to start at 10:00 in the morning but she gave me permission to start two hours early so the race workers would not have to wait around forever while I finished. Then I had to see if I could keep my body moving for my expected 4 hour trek.


Walking 7 miles the first weekend and 10 the next without much more than a blister on my little toe and some tired muscles told me I was good to go. What's 3 more miles when you've walked that far? Right? So I made my final preparations, confirmed with Meghan my game plan, and with a wave to her as she was just setting up the event area I hit the road.


It was 38 degrees at the start with a 15 mph headwind. The wind chill was around 25 and I was cold. I

Three tired 1/2 marathoners.

dressed in layers thinking I could shed clothes as it warmed up but it never did. I don't run with music or headphones so I had lots of time to think. I set my pace and bent into the wind and ticked off the miles one by one. Several times Meghan's dad drove out to check on me (my friends take such good care of me!) and closer to the official race time the sheriff's patrol started making the rounds of the course and asking for a thumbs up.


The wind picked up even more as I walked and by the second hour I was dodging tumble weeds. I was so happy to see the blue port-a-potty at the turnaround point because I knew a tailwind would be blowing me all the way home. I texted Meghan and told her about the conditions and that I was on my way home. That was a little before the others started their race. I was half way done and my pace was pretty good even into the wind. I was going to beat the 3:45 that I was hoping for!


Halfway back at about the 8.5 mile mark I saw the first of the official 1/2 marathoners. I had the wonderful pleasure of giving each and every runner a high five as we passed and told them to keep going, the tailwind would be wonderful. I didn't mind being alone out there for the first part of the race but it sure was nice to see people and feel that encouragement for the last 4 miles. My friend Kate H. and neighbor Doug S. where out there pushing hard against the wind and doing so well. Soon I was seeing the 10K runners headed my way, then the 5K, then the 2 mile walkers. What fun to see all the different fitness levels and ages all trying to improve their lives by moving their bodies no matter how fast or how slow.

The finish line was just ahead and I thought about running the last little stretch but decided that to walk a 1/2 marathon meant walking all the way. So with my head high and a spring in my step I crossed the line and stopped my Garmin. 3:28:28. I had finished in just under 3 1/2 hours, much faster then I had hoped! My pace averaged 15:54 per mile and sad to say that's not too much slower them my run times lately. They handed me my finisher medal and I couldn't stop looking at it. I had finished a 1/2 marathon. I never in my life thought I could do it but there it was. I walked the entire thing and don't pretend that I'm in the same league with those amazing runners that do this for real, but this was real to me.

A 1st place medal, what a hoot!

I watched Doug finish and then ran back and paced Kate for the last bit of her race (she set a new PR even in the cold and wind!). Everyone was so supportive and encouraging to each other as they milled around after the race. There is not a group of more positive people on earth then runners and I love to soak in that vibe at the events. I hung around for the door prize drawing even though I was shivering as my sweat cooled. And just to put the cherry on the top of this delicious day I was the only lady in my age division so guess what. I placed 1st! I have the medal to prove it. What a hoot!


It just seemed prophetic to do a 1/2 marathon to mark the 1/2 year anniversary of my diagnosis. I do believe that I can do anything I want but in my own way and in my own time. RA will not keep me from living my life and I refuse to stop anytime soon. Turtle power will get me through.

Shout Out To Race Directors

I've developed a bad case of laryngitis and the silence is killing me! So I'm giving a shout out to all race directors out there and doing it with my laptop.

Dear Race Directors,

Please put your races on the calendars as soon as possible. Believe it or not, it takes time to train for these events and some training programs are 12 - 16 week programs, even longer for really big races. I know many of you are working with public funds and private boards, but we participants would love to put your race on our calendar and start mapping out our training.

Advertise your events on public web sites. I've been monitoring several of the more popular triathlon sites and somehow a lot of races that I KNOW are coming up are not listed. I know you don't know all the high traffic sites but please make an effort to get them posted. A Facebook page is OK, but unless I know to look for it or am invited I still won't see it. Some of the best triathlon sites: www.trifind.com, www.beginnertriathlete.com/, www.ozendurance.com and www.active.com .

Treat your runners right. I say this a lot but I mean it. I know you are trying to raise money for very good causes, but runners remember and runners talk. Races with no swag, no snacks, no water, no age divisions, no ENERGY, will not become the go-to race in your area. Example: I plan to attend a little run in a small town 60 miles away in a few weeks sponsored by the local 4-H club. Why? Because they make it a party. There are welcome signs all over the staging area and lots of fun beads, headbands, face stickers, etc. for the runners. Best of all the 4-H cooking groups make lots of cookies, cakes, cinnamon rolls and treats for the runners. I will not be doing a local run sponsored by a community group just a few miles from my home because they give nothing, don't thank the runners, provide no water or recovery fruit, and no medals except for the first place overall runners. They couldn't wait for the last runner to cross the line so they could get the heck out of there and be on with their day. Treat your runners right.

Encourage all ages and skill levels to participate. I understand wanting to draw the elite athletes to your event. They are awesome to watch and so inspirational. But have lots of age group divisions, not just 18 and under, 19-50, and Masters. Yes I have been to a few of these. Really. And a separate women's and men's divisions please. Don't start packing up the gear before the last runner crosses the line. While some can breeze through a 5K like it's a walk in the part for others it's a major accomplishment and should be celebrated.

OK, I'll step off my soap box. Hosting these events is a big job and takes lots of time, effort and volunteers. Thanks to all the race directors out there who give us such fun and challenging events to look forward. Now if I could just get my voice back I would make some calls and start filling in my race calendar for the year. Happy running!

Happy Groundhog Day!

In addition to being a really fun movie (I can't listen to "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher without smiling) Groundhog Day is National Rheumatoid Awareness Day. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to do the TLC Groundhog 10K Run in Kansas City and raise some money for the Arthritis National Research Foundation. It all added up to a really neat experience that was well worth the effort.

Proud Finisher

The race took place at Sub Tropolis in (or should I say "under") Kansas City. This is a limestone mine that has been converted to industrial storage space and climate controlled environments. The race is sponsored by The Children's Therapeutic Learning Centers of Kansas City to fund the work they do for children with special needs. That alone would be reason enough to do the race but they were giving away some pretty neat 10K finisher medals so I sent in my registration.

It also gave me a focus race to raise money for the ANRF, a foundation that grants money to researchers working for a cure/treatment for all types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. I created a donor page and was humbled by the generosity of my family and friends. I can't thank them enough for supporting me on my run. I truly did think of each and everyone of them as I trotted along the tunnels.

I didn't know what to expect when we arrived at the venue. After looking at pictures on-line I was pretty sure I wouldn't have any claustrophobia issues but it was overwhelming to see the place in person. The mine was dug leaving pillars holding the roof up with everything else between cleared away. It reassembled a huge shopping mall with lots of support columns throughout. Walls were added where they needed to divide the area for storage units and such but near the entry way it was pretty open. There were over 1400 runners in the 10K and it didn't seemed packed at the starting line at all. But it was loud. That many voices echoing off the walls make quite a din.



Dan K. and Kate H. before the race.

When  the race was about to start everyone just started moving to their area. I was in the green wave along with most of the participants. The crowd just sort of moved forward and before you know it we were crossing the starting line. I felt good and set my own pace. Since GPS watches were useless it was just a matter of running how you felt. I did have my timer going and knew what mile I should be on at any given time. The problem was that I missed the mile markers in the crowd and didn't quite know my distance part of the time. So I walked when I needed and ran as much as I could.

They said the mine was a constant 68 degrees. But I can tell you it was much warmer the farther you got from the entrance. I am thankful the route was well marked with cones on both sides of the path and lights overhead. The tunnels that lead off into the side were blocked off and dark so you would really have to try to get off the route and I had no intention of straying from the pack.



Even the pillars are huge.

Even before I neared the end of the first loop the fast runners were passing me. Bicyclists lead the way shouting for us to move to the right, leaders coming! They looked so smooth and fast as I trudged along. When we started the second loop I was seriously wondering what the heck I was doing and who I was trying to impress. Three more miles of this! Ugggg.

But I wasn't the slowest, I finished ahead of 70 others and 2 ladies in my age group. I wasn't the most challenged, the blind man with his guide dog and the parents pushing their disabled child in a special running stroller where amazing. But I did finish and in just about the time I was shooting for. Would I have liked to go faster? Of course. Was I willing to push my body to accomplish that? No. I participated and finished and raised some money for a worthy cause without wrecking my body. That is winning in my books.

My friends Kate H., Dan K., Doug S., Jenessa M., and Emery S., all stepped up to the line and ran like a groundhog through the tunnels under Kansas City. It sounds crazy but that's what crazy people do. And I like being this kind of crazy. Enjoy Groundhog Day, again and again, and again!



2013 Looking Back, and Looking Forward

It's New Year's Eve and as I write this I have just finished a 4.75 mile run. OK, run is a little optimistic, I jogged/walked the distance. On the plus side I ran the first 2.5 miles and ran over half of the remaining 2.25 so overall I did fine. I've gotten to where I like point to point runs because I can't cheat and I have to make the distance or wait for someone to pick me up on the side of the road. (I always file a flight plan with my Hubby including route and ETA just in case.) Today I had Hubby drive me south of town and let me out along the highway. He says it makes him feel bad leaving me standing on the side of the road. Awwwww.

So now it's time to look back over the year and review what went right and what went wrong. Then I need to figure out how to make what when wrong go right next year. And to realize that sometimes we don't get to choose our path, only make the best of the rocky road laid before us.

My goal last year was to better my time in the Big Pool Triathlon and do an open water swim triathlon. I'm happy to report that I bettered my time by over 3 minutes. I placed 1st (don't laugh, I wasn't the only one in my age group) in my division and felt pretty darn proud. Then in September I participated in my first ever open water swim triathlon. Just to add some fun to the year I did an epic weekend with a 10K on Saturday and one leg of the Bike Across Kansas on Sunday.

Now for what went wrong.

I'm slowing down. Way down. My turtle mascot is even passing me. But that's OK with me. What is not OK is the spill I took on my bike in September on a long bike ride with Traci W. It landed me in the hospital overnight and dashed my attempt at a 100 mile bike ride. This was followed by a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Boom. That was a blow. I'm still trying to balance the disease, treatment, and workouts so I can maintain my activity level but it's difficult. I have to conserve my energy where I can and time my workouts with my medications. All in all, it's a pain the you know what.

What can I do for next year?

I intend to Run Anyway. I have several races/runs on my calendar already and plan to do at least 4 sprint triathlons. I may be getting slower but I finish and that's what matters to me. I want to do more bike rides but maybe not the long distance rides. Some of my Running Friends are encouraging me to do the Oklahoma City Memorial 1/2 Marathon but I'm not sure my mind and body are up to that. We'll see after I do the Groundhog Run 10K in Kansas City the end of January.

All in all it wasn't a total disaster year. But I would sure love next year to be better. I'm looking forward to putting this RA into remission and feeling my old self again. I can't wait to get my bike back out on the road and pedal away the miles. Next year will be a great year. Happy New Year to all my friends and family. Keep moving; whatever you can, whenever you can.

Running Underground!

My registration is in for the TLC Groundhog Run in January! What makes this run so unique? It takes place in an underground mine that has been converted to commercial storage. What makes this so challenging to me? I have claustrophobia.

TLC Groundhog Run

After looking at pictures of the place and reading all I could about it I made the decision to go for it. I'm going to run the 10K this time because there is a finisher medal involved. I'm all about the bling! Several other ladies are signed up so it's looking like a group road trip is in order.

Since the race is inside the weather won't be a factor, but it will affect my training. The RA medication is supposed to knock my immune system to the ground so I can't afford to get sick. Plus I don't think my feet will take much more than one day of running a week. So I'll be swimming and riding the bike on the trainer as much as I can. I'll try to get in a long run once a week but it most likely will be on my treadmill. I LOVE doing long miles on that thing. (I wish there was a sarcasm font.)

If I can keep this up through the winter I should be in good shape next spring when the real training starts. I've been looking at the Tri schedule for next year and I can hardly wait!

Run Anyway

I’m not posting this for sympathy. I’m not posting this to make myself seem special. I’m posting this to remind myself to Run Anyway. Yesterday I was officially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, commonly referred to as RA. I choose to think of it as Run Anyway because that is what I intend to do.  

A few months ago my fingers started swelling and would get “stuck” in the bent position if I moved them too far. The stinging and aching was beyond the control of standard over the counter meds and only getting worse. Soon the pain spread to my entire hands and my feet. Once it hit that stage I knew something had to be done. Running was becoming very painful so I didn’t do much of that at all. That doesn’t make for a good triathlete!

We live in an area without a rheumotogist so off I went to the big city for an evaluation even though my local doctor and I had already pretty much narrowed the diagnoses down to RA. The specialist confirmed it and we are now working on a plan of attack. There is no cure for RA but the treatment can slow the progression significantly. My joints are only slightly damaged and although it isn’t reversible I should retain most of my function. I’m really looking forward to a reduction in the pain. The treatment isn’t without side effects and I’ll have to be monitored closely.

So instead of feeling sorry for myself and picking out a nice comfy rocking chair and cane, I’m going to run. And swim. And bike. Heck, I wasn’t fast to begin with so slowing down doesn’t bother me. I’ll just have to be a little more careful about how I structure my training and I’ll be fine.

From now on, RA = Run Anyway. I’m not giving up. This is more reason than ever to stay active and as fit as possible. I plan on doing triathlons for many years to come. I’ll do the best I can with what I’ve got. No excuses and no expectations. Just RUN ANYWAY!