Photos and such

So, first of all, I did hijack some of these pictures from the marathon photo company, but they are charging $14 for a single 5x7 photo, which on a grad school budget is nothing but highway robbery. As a result, please forgive the big "Proof" sign on most of these pictures.

It's quite obvious that the pictures where I am smiling were taken very early in the race and the pictures without smiles, grimaces, and general pained looks were taken at the end. My sister commented how I was squinting in many pictures, and it should be noted that there was not a single cloud in the sky on Sunday, so the sun was definitely an issue.

Major props to Seth for the sign. Had to share if only so Seth can get the glory for taking the time to make it! Provided a good laugh at mile 24.

I also forgot to add that a minor highlight of the race was my high five from President E. Gordon Gee himself! He was in Bexley (presumably near his home). I saw him in his bowtie greatness as I was coming up the street. He had his hand out taking high five from the runners and no one was around me. So, needless to say, when the opportunity presented itself, I took advantage;-)

So the day after the race will forever go down as one of the most miserable days for me. Looking back, I should have just cleared everything off my plate and just sat at home, but I went to class and work. Everything from the waist down ached when sitting still and hurt when I moved. I took 4 alleve in a 12 hour period, if that gives you any idea. I'm still a bit sore, but it was a minor victory being able to walk the next morning. I also moved my massage up to Wednesday instead of Thursday. I decided that I wanted relief sooner than later;-) I have to say that the massage was amazing! The therapist used shiatsu (focusing on trigger points). Any of you that have had one of my massages know that I use trigger points a lot, so you also know that it hurts while you are having it done but feels amazing when finished. I was actually so tight that an hour wasn't enough. The therapist said I needed to come back.

That now concludes my chronicles of this process. I hope you all have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed sharing it! TNT and running became a huge part of my life and it's something that will always be with me. Thanks to all for your support both now and hopefully in the future!

With much love,

Mitsu

And the results are in!

Hi all!

Okay, let me get to the information that you all first are dying to know. I finished in 4 hours 15 minutes and 14 seconds (9:45 / mile pace). My first immediate observations:

• This was the hardest thing I have ever accomplished (and I do count my numerous degrees when I make that statement)
• Things that NEVER happened during training will happen on race day. Example: I had no blisters in spite of running in 90+ degree heat. I also made sure to wear the same shoes and socks I trained in. Yet, I ended with a huge blister on my toe.
  
• That was the most painful experience of my life (I am sure childbirth probably compares but since I have not had that experience yet, this will be tops on my list) In the hours since finishing, I am experiencing what marathoners call the "marathon walk." If you need a visual, imagine a penguin waddling, no bent knees, wide stance. Yes, I look as funny as it sounds. I fully anticipate this pain getting worse in the coming days.
• There is a lot of cheering for Team in Training members. TNT stated that they should write our names in puffy paint on our shirts. Unfortunately, this meant that I heard "Go Misty" a lot. In one case, while running with my coach Holly, I heard "Go Holly's Friend!" If I ever run for Team in Training again, I'll need to solicit nicknames to write on my shirt.
  

As far as the experience of running, miles 1-15 were going fabulously. I felt really strong and felt that I was going at a great pace. After around Mile 15, there was a gradual downhill. In the end, there was minimal walking and my final times also includes the 1.5 minutes I spent having to take a potty break. To get through, I had Dori from Finding Nemo in my head, particularly after mile 20 ("Just keep runnin', Just keep runnin'). I have to give huge public props to Misko, Seth, and Lynn for being in very ideal locations cheering me own (and in some case with signs) when I REALLY needed it. You all brought a smile to my face and helped me to pick up the pace at the most ideal time.

As far as post race activity and things coming up this week, when asked by my mother what I wanted to eat, my response was "eggs" so I had a fabulous omelette from First Watch. I do have to go to work and school tomorrow. I am only hoping that I can get down the stairs out of my apartment. If the pain is too great, then those at work and in class will know what happened. On Thursday, I will also be getting my first ever professional massage. This is rather significant because as PT, I typically am asked to provide massages, yet never have the opportunity to experience it.

Finally, and MOST importantly, I want to give my most sincere thank you to all of you that have showed your support with donations and / or frequent e-mails. Running this marathon was a huge personal undertaking but I was definitely thinking about the great mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, especially during the rough stretches. Knowing that my run will directly benefit a family that truly needs the support made the experience even more worthwhile. I have already been asked if I would run a marathon again, and I definitely would (although the timing will definitely depend on where I am in getting my degree). However, when I do, joining Team in Training would definitely be my choice. I would recommend it to anyone considering running any long distance. The support and friendships are things that will for me last a lifetime.

Finally, it will take a couple of days to get the pictures from the race. Until then, I've posted a picture taken by Lynn as I was approaching the finish. This was the most exhilarating, exhausting, and nauseating (yes, I was fighting the urge) part of the race.

Thanks so much to everyone for embarking on this fabulous journey with me!

Mitsu

You can track my progress online!

For those who are out of town or can't watch me on the course, the beauty of today's technological age is that you can track me online! Use this link

http://www.championchipmn.com:8080/Columbus/Maptracker

My bib number is 3705 or you can use my name.

Of course I will follow up a few days later with my official results and report of how it went.

It's Marathon Week!

Okay, so the big day is almost here! I must admit that I am bit anxious and nervous. I want the day to get here just so I can FINALLY get it done! Health wise, things are okay. I have been having a stiff back toward the end and after runs since the 20 miler. At this point however, I plan on running regardless so I just hope that my body will hold up. This week is the "taper" week meaning I only run 5, 5, and 3 miles so I am hoping that the rest will do some good.

Quickly, I wanted to share some information for those who may want to be on the course.

Course Information http://www.columbusmarathon.com/race-information/course-map.php

Information on where to watch http://www.columbusmarathon.com/race-weekend.php

If anyone can be on the course the day off, I would GREATLY appreciate it. I can't promise I'll know that you are around, especially if it is later in the course. My friend Seth is planning a shindig at his house (which is near the very end of the course and is when I will likely need the most cheering). E-mail him at fishman.31@osu.edu for more information.

Thanks all for the words of encouragement for the past few months! It's very nice and comforting to know that I have such support.

20 miles down and 3 weeks to go!

Hi all

So, on Sunday, the day of my glorious 30th birthday, I spent the morning running the 20 miler. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. (I think that the anticipation was the worst part!) I was doing alright until about mile 17, which is when the pain set in and I ended up just powering to the end. My parents arrived about an hour after I finished to take me to lunch, and the rest of the afternoon, I felt like I had turned 130 years old instead of 30, but overall, I think my body could have reacted far more worse than it did.

With regards to time, I finished in a time of 3 hours and 12 minutes (9:36 mile splits). I also ate 4 gel packs on the run. (This means I ate about 100 g of carbs packed in 4 tiny gel packs; not pleasant, but totally necessary.) A few things that amazed me about the time, first, when I looked at my watch at 13 miles, I realized that I was running about a minute faster than I did during the 1/2 marathon a few weeks ago. Also, the last few miles were just as fast as the first two. I have said all along that my main goal through all of this has been consistency, and was glad that I was able to maintain that though the race.

For those who don't know about marathon training, you actually max at 20 miles during training. This means, I won't run any longer distances until the day of the actual marathon. As I look back on this race, I think that the mental challenge in preparing is greater than the physical one. While physically I have remained in good health, there has always been a mental hurdle to overcome during the last 2-3 miles. I'm hoping that this won't be any different during the actual race.

There is now less than 3 weeks until the big day! I must say that I am starting to get nervous for the big push to the end. It is hard to believe that this has been going on since June. I also don't know what I will do without the weekly trainings. They seem like such a basic part of my life now.

Well, there is the latest update. I've attached the newest pictures from the last race. (I know that they aren't the most flattering, but given the circumstances, I think I'm allowed a pass.) I'll make sure to follow up with at least one more update before the big day!