I haven't written in a couple of weeks (besides that hockey post a couple of days ago - but let's face it, that wasn't me. If I ever know that much about hockey, it's because I've moved to Canada and become the all-star hockey mom). I know that you missed me, but I was waiting for some interesting things to accumulate before I set off to writing again. I've also been faced with a slight case of post-marathon blues and an end-of-the-semester procrastination kick in the butt. (In all actuality, this blog post itself is a procrastination technique. That economics of law final at 1:30 that I haven't looked at yet? Meh. Later. Like after I chug this diet coke.)
So let's talk about life, shall we?
Marathon related.
Zero week was sort of all about recovery. When I woke up Monday morning after the marathon, I'm pretty sure that my first words were "Help". My legs just felt like bricks. I had stayed in St. Louis that night, so I had an early drive back to school for my first class at 11:30. Of course I was able to swing by SBucks to grab a venti cafe misto (which, you know.. everyone else just calls cafe au lait.. ne pas Starbucks). Monday was a long day because Mondays at Truman love me. That night I engaged in an intense and painful foam rolling sesh.
Classes were cancelled Tuesday so I went to get gelato with some fellow Cardinal Keys that also ran marathons/half marathons that weekend. I got nutella flavored and it was amazing. It was so fun to talk to other people about the whole ordeal and to celebrate our successes.
On Wednesday I finally decided it was time to stretch out my legs with some light cardio. I hopped on the elliptical and went at a moderate intensity and pace for an hour. Oh my goshhhh, this was a heaven send. After this, I felt back to normal.
Since then, I've been doing a lot of cross training (Oddly, I missed the rec soooo much!) I didn't go on my first run until tonight, 2 weeks later. It was an easy 6 miler. And now it's actually time to start training for the Red, White & Boom half marathon that I'll be doing in the Twin Cities on July 4th. I'm so excited to run in Minneapolis! It's supposed to be a great city for running.
School Related.
Finals are this week. Uhhhh yeah. Finals are dumb. BUT today was fantastic because my Target Case team presented for Target executives and we won! Our case was to build a business strategy for Target's expansion into Canada, and we came up with some pretty shweet ideas. And we won the $2000 prize!
My hair is nutso because I got caught in the rain right before our presentation.
Other school stuff.... yeah, it doesn't matter. I have to finish an econ development paper, and take my econ law and consumer behavior finals. It's really not too bad, I just don't have motivation to study as per usual. That's why I especially loved the Target case study and spent so much time working on it, because it was hands-on work and allowed me to avoid doing other things.
Miscellaneous Life Happenings
I'm going on an Eiffel Tower tour. Vegas next week and France the week after that. I'm beyond excited.
While abroad, I want to check out a couple of grad schools. The program I really have my eye on is "Strategic Fashion Marketing" at the London College of Fashion. It's a school that lets you create and execute your own project as a part of your Masters thesis. I'd be really interested in doing some work in the marketing of sustainable fashion. I'm also looking at Cass Business School (London), the London School of Business, Hult (London), and HEC (Paris)... all of which I'd be going after a Masters in International Business. We'll see. The hope is that I'll feel inspired enough to write a compelling personal statement while I'm over there. And travel time can be devoted to studying for the GMAT, which I'm taking this summer.
Related to all of this (sort of.. at least that's how I rationalize it)... I bought an iPad!
I had been toying with the idea for a while, and when I heard that my tax refund was approximately the same amount as this lovely gem (thank goodness the new iPad came out to help push the 2nd gen's price down...), I decided I would make the purchase.
I'm not a "Mac Head" by any means, but I have a high level of respect for Apple as a company. They make truly beautiful products. And honestly, the last Apple product I purchased with an iPod classic, 4 and a half years ago.
You can really use the iPad for so much. I already downloaded all of the apps that I'm super excited for... like TripIt (which organizes your travel reservations, plans, maps, phone numbers, etc), Epicurious (basically a cookbook), Netflix, Gmail, Chegg (for renting e-textbooks), GMAT Prep, Facebook, Linkedin, and of course.... BIG ANGRY BIRDS.
I feel so business-y now. Which brings me to my next point of excitement...
I can't wait to work here! It's just a month away!
But with the approach of summer means that I'm leaving all of my friends :( Most people will be in STL this summer.
Shoutout to this girl for turning 21 last week!
Cardinal Key initiation last Sunday!
Huge Group of Girls.
Wahhhh. I'll probably write a goodbye blog post to all of my graduating senior friends. I don't want to be sad yet.
Saturday night, April 14th (AKA night before the marathon)...
I.AM.FREAKING.OUT.
I've had butterflies in my stomach all week, and just a general sense of unease. I question my readiness to run 26.2 miles. But deep down, I know that I can do this. I followed my training plan and did everything I was supposed to do to prepare for this. I completed my longest training run 4 weeks ago and have been tapering ever since. I've been eating lots of healthy carbs the past few days. And I have the perfect marathon outfit picked out... the perfect Asics socks, Brooks shoes, Nike tempo shorts, Nike dryfit tee, and an Under Armor wicking cap. I have the perfect playlist for my baby ipod shuffle. My number is pinned to my shirt (1188.. I like the double numbers there, or maybe I'm just clinging onto any sign of luck that I can find).
AHHHH!
Two years ago, when I finished my first half, several people told me that I would want to eventually run a full. I always said, "No way - that's crazy. Your body isn't made to handle that. It's just too much pressure. And training for that would be too intense or take too long. I'm content running the half." Not that I necessarily disagree with all of those statements now. I still think that the marathon is a pretty ridiculous feat, the kind that you complete just once in your life to say that you did. Or at least that's how it starts before it pulls you into its evil allure. I'm already guilty of the catching the marathon bug, having already signed up for the full marathon in the St. Louis Rock n' Roll series (I wanted to beat the price increase deadline...) But still, I wouldn't think twice about dropping down to the half and eating the cost. Why? After training for a full marathon, the half just seems to be the perfect challenge: you know... challenging, yet reasonable and approachable. The full? He's a pompous, selfish jerk. He wants too much of you. He consumes you, he eats away at any other thoughts you might have. And that's why I just want to kick him. He deserves a good, swift kick.
It might sound like I hate the marathon, but that's really not the case. Au contraire, I've enjoyed the challenge of training. I've enjoyed learning more about myself: my limitations, vulnerabilities, and strength. Running has given me solitude and peace: something that everyone needs to experience. If you can handle being alone, with only your own random and weird thoughts, for hours... then you really learn who you are and what you want to do with your life. Running has made me grow up.
When I finish the marathon tomorrow, I know it will be a great achievement, but I'm not sure how I'll feel about it. I guess we'll reflect tomorrow :)
...
Sunday, April 15th - 4:30 a.m.
I.AM.SO.EXCITED!
This is actually about to happen! Ahhhh!
I woke up around 4 and ran around a little bit to wake myself up. I drank (2) 16 oz. bottles of water before grabbing a couple of cups of coffee. Bah humbug to the supposed rule that you shouldn't drink coffee before running... how can you not? Apparently it dehydrates you, but whatevs. I need my caffeine. I also ate a small banana and a piece of whole wheat toast with Nutella. Sugar&carbs, sugar&carbs, sugar&carbs!
To ease my nerves, I flipped on the TV. I almost settled on VH1's Jumpstart but then I saw that The Color of Friendship was playing on Disney Channel. I love that movie! I wish they played it at times other than 4:30 in the morning...
I also remembered this morning that I forgot to fill out the emergency contact information on the back of my bib. Since I fully plan on passing out sometime during the race, this is a horrible detail to overlook. But that's all fixed now.
I don't have any pre-race rituals per se, except for the fact that I've worn the same sportsbra to every Go! St. Louis event. So I guess I'll stick with what I know there.
I'm bringing some VitaCoco coconut water with me to the start line... I swear by the stuff. It's super hydrating, contains electrolytes, has just a bit of energizing sugar, and 95 quick calories to get me started. I am also bringing ibuprofen with me. No shame in poppping a few right before the race starts.
Sunday, April 15th - 5:00 p.m.
OWWWWWWWWWWW.
I finished the marathon!! I am so tired, and in quite a bit of pain. But I couldn't be happier about this accomplishment. Here's how the event went...
I got to the starting area of the marathon (on Market Street) at about 6:10. I loosened my muscles a bit, sipped on my coconut water, and just took in the atmosphere of excitement. It was here that I first toggled with my baby iPod (my affectionate naming for my little blue iPod shuffle) and realized that it wasn't working. I vaguely remember plugging it in after I made my marathon playlist and a message popping up - saying that the iPod was "corrupted". I didn't give it much of a thought. But I guess that corrupted iPods don't like to play music. Makes sense in hindsight. So, I swallowed a pill of reality right then and there: the marathon that lied ahead would be ran music-less. It would be just me and the marathon.
(A quick note on my running and music usage: I definitely complete some runs without listening to music. Especially if I'm running somewhere especially pretty or if I'm just in a super internally-motivated mood. With my previous long distance racing experience, I've always worn my iPod and used it sparingly... playing a song here and there when I need a dose of energy. That's why I was extremely disappointed to find that I'd be running the entire marathon music-less. I literally had a craving for music.)
I couldn't spend time being upset about the iPod fiasco, I had a race to line up for. I headed to my corral at about 6:30 to patiently wait for the start. While standing there, I noticed my friend Rachelle pass by. We got to chat until the start of the race, which was great for helping to calm my nerves.
My thoughts at the start line were something along the lines of:
"What am I doing?"
"Oh my gosh, I'm seriously about to run a marathon"
"I hope I can do this"
"Shoot, better double-knot my shoes"
The national anthem was sung, followed by the start of the wheelchair marathon. Then the elite runners were released. And then it was our turn! There were about 15,000 runners lined up, and I was in corral C, so it took a while to actually cross the starting line and begin the race. I started about 8 minutes after the official start.
Here's an idea of the race course. And I guess we'll do a quick recap.
Miles 1-4: Super chill! Rachelle and I stayed together for the beginning of the race. It's a gorgeous day, and the first few views are great. We started on Market street, across from the courthouse, heading towards the Arch. We made a turn and headed towards Soulard (the most fun STL neighborhood ever - they are always outside cheering for runners and playing music) and then towards the AB brewery. Every Go! race I've participated in (well, this is just the 4th) runs by the brewery, and it's always my least favorite part. I absolutely hate the smell of hops or whatever it is that goes on in there. But today was more mild than usual, so that was a welcome surprise.
Mile 5: I saw some red hair up ahead of me and had a hunch that it was my bestie, Brit. I stalked her for a couple seconds before deciding that it really was her and screaming her name.
Mile 6-10: Rachelle, Brittany, and I continued sailing on our way. We dominated the hills on Olive and we were all looking and feeling good. It was really nice to have the company of friends, especially sans music.
Mile 10: This is where the marathon course split off from the half-marathon. It was sort of dramatic, like I was being sent off into the wild blue yonder, away from my friends and most of the other event participants (only about 2000 people run the full marathon, the rest run the half). I got in a separate lane and continued down (what I guess was) Market, under the hospital, and into Forest Park.
Mile 13: "You're halfway there"... gee, thanks.
Mile 16: This was probably my defining moment. There's really nothing like seeing the 16 mile marker and thinking, "only 10 more miles".
Mile 17: I saw a spectator wearing a t shirt with the flag of England on it. Had I had my music, I probably would have just thought to myself, "Nice shirt". Since I was getting a little bored with life at that point, I decided instead to say to him, in a British accent, "I like your shirt, chap. Very nice!" to which he responded, also in a British accent, "Cheerio!" ... Seriously.
Mile 17-20: I think this was about the time that we ran through the U-City loop. That was definitely one of my favorite parts. It's just so weird to be running down a blocked off street that is normally so busy. Window shopping kept my mind off of the pain for at least a little bit.
Mile 20: So apparently this is where most people hit the "wall" - the time when glycogen stores in your muscles are all used up, and your body struggles tremendously despite your mental will power. I was dreading this "wall" but I didn't quite hit it here.
Mile 21: Now I hit the "wall". I'm not sure how to explain what happened here, I just all of a sudden felt very overwhelmed by this whole marathon thing. It was both a physical and emotional wall for me. I literally burst into tears... I'm not completely sure if it was because I was so happy, and that my goal was so close to being within reach, or if it was because I was in just that much pain. My head was like, "Sarah! What's wrong with you?" Needless to say, I had a lot of trouble breathing here. For that reason, I broke my goal to run the whole thing and walked for a bit. I had to force myself to take deep breaths. Or not even deep breaths necessarily, just not shallow breaths. I think this was the closest thing to hyperventilating that I've ever experienced. It was just so odd.
Mile 22: It was here that I found the perfect napping spot. All I wanted to do at this point was stop running and go to sleep. I didn't want to walk, walking hurt more than running. But I was still dealing with my breathing thing and running was practically killing me. There was this ever-so-tempting shady and grassy area. Would have made the perfect nap spot. I somehow resisted and carried on my way.
Mile 22-25: Geez, I don't even know what happened here. Everything was literally a blur.
Mile 25: My 2nd breakdown of the race. (I know, I know.. I was such an emotional WRECK.) The culprit this time? "We are Young" by Fun being blasted through some speakers that were set up by a volunteer station.
I was like... "Yes. I am young. And I'm running a marathon. And I love this song."
Mile 25-26.2: I finished strong, I definitely found my stride. The finish line is visible for the last .5 miles or so, so that's definitely motivating. I passed the 26 mile marker and then booked it in with just about everything I had left. Since I was the only one finishing at that moment, the announcer called me out specifically ... "Sarah from Kirksville, Missouri! Just finished the maraaaaathooonnn!" Cue cry time number 3.
I can't explain what it is about the marathon that is so emotional. I guess a good start is to say that when something is a conscious goal on your mind for 4 months, and then it comes to a close, it's both a joyful and sad experience. Not that I doubted that I could do this, but.. I actually did it now. Oh my gosh. It's just numbing.
So, will I do another full marathon? I honestly don't think so. I think my body hates me right now. Like, I just peeled two toes apart. What the heck. And I'm probably going to be limping up and down stairs for at least a week. As far as purely road racing goes, I really enjoy the challenge that the half provides. I am looking to do a Warrior Dash and/or Tough Mudder race... which is a 5k and 12 mile run, respectively. The kicker is that they're done while running through the mud and completing various obstacles along the way, like jumping over fire and stuff. Sounds like fun!
Words won't describe exactly what running a marathon has done for my spirit. It was one of the most self-educational experiences. I'm glad I did it, but I'm also glad it's over. I'm ready to get back to different kinds of workouts besides just running all the time. That being said, I would encourage anyone who thinks that they may even want to do it *just a little bit* to go for it! It's a life accomplishment that will teach you about yourself and that you'll remember forever. I'll never forget this.
Part of me wishes I lived in the 60's. I would have been one of the business women that all the men hated and tried to demoralize - yet failed. And I'd do all of that while looking ever so dapper.
Another thing I'm obsessed with? My economics of law class. Which isn't necessarily about economics or law, but it is really interesting. I entertain myself in that class by finding everyday parallels, even if it's a stretch. Example: "Your face is a negative externality. The socially optimal outcome is that you wear a bag over your head." Applying game theory to boys and their weirdness is similarly fun.
Some countdowns:
21st birthday in 6 days
LONDON in less than 2 weeks
Marathon in 53 days
So much to look forward to!
Marathon training is going swell. I built up to 16 miles on Saturday and have an 18 miler this weekend. It's so weird to think that one year in high school, my new years resolution was to "be able to run a mile without stopping". I actually even get jealous now when I see other people running when I'm not.
These past couple of days have been rough for me because I've been sick and had to skip workouts, but I'm trying to take care of myself and get better by resting.
And as a part of my "feeling better" regimen I made banana "ice cream" - just a frozen banana blended up with Hershey's dark chocolate syrup. Sooooooooo good!
Annnnnnnnnd here's just some random things that I like, and things you might like too... :)
Today I want to talk about something that truly breaks my heart.
Slavery.
It seems like such a shocking concept today, doesn't it? It was so normal and accepted in the early American days of plantations and labor intensive industries. But 150 years later, it is disgusting and saddening.
In 1863, President Lincoln ordered the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing 3/4 of all American slaves. In 1865, the 13th amendment was passed declaring all slavery in America illegal.
But slavery did not end.
Today, across the globe, there are roughly 27 million people enslaved - owned in captivity, forced to work against their will, and barely able to survive in their hell.
...In the year 2012.
That is more people enslaved today than any other time in history.
27 million people - that is more than all of the people living in New York, Chicago, LA, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and St. Louis COMBINED.
So what is modern day slavery and human trafficking? "Slavery occurs when one person completely controls another person, using violence or the threat of violence to maintain that control, exploits them economically, pays them nothing, and traps them into never being able to escape. The global slave trade is often referred to as "human trafficking." Slavery includes everything from young girls and boys trafficked for sexual exploitation, to children abused in factories, to men and women trapped as bonded labor slaves and other unfathomable injustices."
"Ignorance isn't an excuse." (Source: Do Something Now Campaign)
This modern day slavery is not just a 3rd world problem, somewhere far away and unfamiliar. Slavery and human trafficking has been reported in ALL 50 STATES of America, the land of the free. Instead, life and liberty are ignored.
There are a lot of great sources that explain further the realities of the current slavery situation. I'd like to point you in the direction of:
-Not For Sale Campaign
-Call and Response
-The CNN Freedom Project
-Do Something Now
-Anti-Slavery
...and these are just a few of the websites dedicated to educating and encouraging action on the topic of anti-slavery efforts.
Slavery today is very real. Ignorance is easier. But inaction is not an option...
A couple of months ago, I registered to run my first marathon. I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to do something that would change my life.
For those of you that don't know, a marathon race is 26.2 miles long. However, 26.2 miles is the lowest amount of mileage you can run in an official marathon event, as the mileage for the race route is determined as the shortest possible route (running on the inside corners, etc). In reality, by the time you dodge around other runners and take a few outside corners or stop for a water station, you end up running a little more than just 26.2 miles. You run around 27 miles.
I've decided to dedicate the 27 miles that I'll be running on April 15th to the 27 million people currently trapped in slavery.
One mile for each million people.
That means that each stride will represent over 300 individuals.
I could wait until I become an expert marathoner before I try to promote a cause by running. But first of all, I will never be an expert marathoner (I'll be thankful to finish) and I am ready to do something about this issue NOW.
The reason and the purpose for me running this exceptionally challenging event has now changed. It isn't just about me (1 person) anymore, it is about all of the people (27 million) that need our help to experience freedom.
I'd like to raise money for a very strong anti-slavery organization, and if you'd like to join me in my efforts, you can click on the below link to make a secure donation to the International Justice Mission:
International Justice Mission (IJM) is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems - police, courts and laws - effectively protect the poor.
It is hard in a single blog post to explain why modern day slavery is so tragic. I'd be willing to talk to anyone further about this issue that is tugging at my heart. Feel free to comment or contact me otherwise for any questions on my fundraising efforts.
Remember those awkward first day of school pictures that your parents always took? You hated it, but let's face it, you really loved it. And now you can go back and remind yourself of how far you've come. I didn't want to deprive myself of photographic evidence of the first day of marathon training because ***YAY IT'S FINALLY HERE!!*** (Fake it til you make it. In all actuality, I'm sick and feel like death right now. I had no desire to run today whatsoever. I'm just too stubborn to sway from my running plan.)
It's also very weird to start my running plan right now.. it seems so early! The race is on April 15, and when I trained for the halves, I would start my training in the middle of January. Hopefully the extra month (and extra 13.1 miles) doesn't kill me this year.
Anyways. Less talk, more awkward Ilooksuperintense time:
For this one, I finally took the time to figure out how to use my camera's self timer:
Honestly the run itself was tough.. I just don't feel good :/ Supposedly there is a "neck" rule when it comes to working out: if your sickness is above the neck (throat, nose, head) then you should be in the clear to go ahead and run, but if your sickness is below the neck then you should abstain. But obviously, you should take cues from your body concerning body aches, fever, etc.
I tried to tone down my pace... I'd really like to be running 8 minute miles but sometimes you have to remember to go easy on your body when it needs it:
Recovering with stretching, foam rolling, and banana soy smoothie!
