Monday, February 21, 2011

"So The Story Goes" - Erasure

I.
Loved.
This.
Race.

IMS Arizona Marathon.

Wait . . . you've never heard of it?!

Ok, so it's only in it's third year but from now on..........every February........

you
will
find
me
there.

The expo:

* small
* well staffed [maybe too well] ;)
* VERY well organized [other than making you exit out the exit door........It was raining and the exit was not close to where we parked].
* decent shirt - I have yet to actually use a shirt from a race but It was nice.

Race Day:

* again well organized.
* heated buses
* great warm areas to wait until race start
* water/aid stations - amazing.
* tons of volunteers

Now the good freaking fabulous part . . . .

Other than the marathon with my sister two weeks ago, I have never felt so calm and relaxed going into a race.  I didn't eat my "usual" breakfast.  I forgot my gloves.  [used a pair of the Pita's socks] I forgot my bag tag.  I forgot my water.

and
I
didn't
care.

This was a "training" run.  It. was . all. good.

Got to the start line.  Begged the bag guy to take my jacket and if I didn't find him after - - - no biggie.  He did.  So. freaking. nice.

A few people came up to me from December's Tucson marathon.  When you are wearing polka dot arm warmers [thanks Angie B!] I guess you kinda stick out.  weird.  I also ran into my neighbors who were running the relay.  good. times.

Weather:  cloudy & sprinkling but not freezing [YAY!]

And
we
are
off.

After the third mile.  I.  called.  this.  race.  awesome.

My legs - felt amazing
My head - clear
My form - dare I say [until the photos come out] better.
My breathing - easy to steady

I wanted to push harder but I was mile 6.  Splits had been between 7:11 - 7:24.
Save it Emz.  Save it for 20. 

From 6-8 the rain & wind became much more steady but not heavy.

Not too eventful from 8-11.  Just nice and steady.

Mile 11 rain. heavy.  completely soaked.

And
guess
what?

iPod down.  Yep, again.  This time due to rain [water in the plug in(earphones)].  holy. freaking. suck.

Mentally, I thought, "no, not another race like Utah".  Followed immediately by, "Kate ran without an iPod her whole freaking marathon.  I've.  freaking. got. this."

Mile 14 - rain stopped.
Mile 15 - rain again.

Mile 17 to 18.  My worst mile on the books. [7:49]

Mile 18 ditched the Pita's socks I had worn as gloves.  Those freaking things could have been up to my ears

Size 15   [well some.............] ........ some freaking big socks.

These photos are going to rock.

I decided right then [at 18th "lap" alert from my Garmin].  That I was not going to have another mile come in over 7:45.

Got a burst of needed energy at 19.  YAY!

Mile 19 - 7:32
Mile 20 - 7:34
Mile 21 - 7:37
Mile 22 - 7:42
Mile 23 - 7:42
Mile 24 - 7:41

then . . . .
the heaviest rain & W I N D hit. 

Thank goodness the wind was from the side.

Mile 25 - 7:40
Mile 26 - 7:41

HAPPY
FREAKING
EMZ

New
PR.


3:18:53

111 comments:

bobbi said...

wind + rain = PR?!?!

A
FREAKING
MAZING!!!!!!

congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the PR.

That said, "EVERY February?"

C'mon, woman up and come out to Texas next year and run on the beach - 26.2 miles - all sand - you can do it!

Emz said...

Bobbi. You. Rock.

J-moo. When [exactly] & where? I'm naturally a creature of habit/convenience. But this sounds awesome.

Caroline said...

Wow! that is fantastic! Congratulations! Very happy for you!
do you have a page for your 24h thing? for donation I mean

Katie said...

That is so completely awesome!!!!! Congrats :D

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

YAAAAAAAY EMZ!!!!!!!!!!!

You rock so hard! I'm so stinkin' happy for you! :)

Shawn said...

Great Job.....way to handle the adversity!!

Tom said...

Congratulations. That is great. Maybe you can get a new PR again if you show up without shoes and don't sleep the night before. It's funny how stuff like that works.

Stacey said...

You are AMAZING!! Congratulations on a PR!

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

You frigged RULE!

Great job!

Cynthia said...

YOU FREAKING ROCK!! CONGRATS!!!

Teamarcia said...

Not sure how wind+rain=PR but damn girl you rocked!

DOn't even let me count how many iPods I've lost to water...ugh!

CONGRATS!!!

Anonymous said...

PERFECT running weather...
and you would have to agree if you PR'd.
I never (in my 13 marathons) wore music -
'cause carrying a WALKMAN in a marathon is impossible- along with trying to switch out tapes and every thing.
I bet you don't even know what one is do you? ;-)

See you can do it without!
Congrats!

XLMIC said...

I am blown away.
Awesome, Emz!
Relaxation... who knew?

Congrats on your fantastic PR!

Hannah said...

You rock! And congrats on kicking butt despite the lack of what you're used to! (Music!) That is impressive, to say the least. So so so proud of you and pumped for you! Way to go!

Adrienne said...

Sweet PR on a training run?! Only EMZ. So happy for you and can't wait to see pics of the socks :)

RunningLaur said...

Wooohoooo PR in the wind and rain!!
Seems like this was all about your mental state - and you [freakin'] got it!

LB said...

girl....you simply ROCK!!!

H Love said...

i know it has been said....but you are amazing!! so proud of you!!

Jen said...

You are SO awsome! How great that you PRed and felt great. I am SO happy for you! And I can't wait to see the pictures of your giant man sock gloves!

Anonymous said...

Great run! Consistent pace throughout the race, not to mention running in the rain and wind.

Anonymous said...

Awesome stuff - you rock sista!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

I had a HUGE smile reading this race report EM!! Isn't running amazing--despite the unfavorable conditions, your talent and training prevailed! 3:18?!?! ENJOY that PR!!! You are such an inspriration!

Rad Runner said...

For reals? like not for fakes?!

Jen Feeny said...

You continue to be my hero! I will be channeling my inner EMZ on May 15th and all I ask for is anything faster than a 3:40! :) Congrats on the shiney new PR girl! You rock my socks!

Christi said...

Freakin'
PR
That's
Awesome!

Neil Zee said...

Since it's just a training run, are you going to take the PR? seems a little fishy to me... ;)

Laurie said...

Absolutely awesome! You totally rock!!

Unknown said...

HOLY AWESOMENESS!!! I am beaming right now all the way in San Diego just thinking about this victory of yours!!!

AHHHHH! :::jumping up and down::: YAYYY! How did you feel without the old iPod?? :) Well, obviously it worked for you!

DRog said...

YES !!!
UR AMAZING !!!
WHAT A RUN !!!

thats just totally awesome E...WAY2GO!!!

you overcame A LOT! im not sure what is more impressive overcoming the conditions
or
the iPod

either way 3:18 this is a time you should be super proud of -its freakin outstanding!!!

great pic:)

D

Andrew Opala said...

Interesting how so many things didn't work for you, and yet you PR'd and felt great about it, while in other races everything clicked and you were disappointed.

There is more in your confusing story that you think, grasshopper.

But reading the post makes me happy. Good for you!

Jill@Run for the Hills said...

So happy it all came together for you!

You continue to evolve, inspire and amaze.

Congratulations on your huge success.

racing dawn said...

picutre at the end - perfect. love it.

congrats sister... :)

and you promised surf city next february... :)

KovasP said...

Nice job on the PR, especially with so many possible things standing in your way. Did you give the horse extra oats for the good run?

Melissa Cunningham said...

so.proud.of.you!!!!!!!
whoooo-hooooooo!
congrats!

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Congrats! So happy for you! Wanna pace me? It would be a walk in the park for you ...

Michelle said...

Good grief woman....wind, rain and you PR'd?!?!!? Beyond impressive! Congrats!!

Anonymous said...

you da bomb!

i'm totally convinced, when conditions aren't just right, that's when you'll do you're best.

Boston is a'comin, Emz. wOOt!
can't wait!!

congrats babygirl. you deserve all the good life has in store for you.

Unknown said...

Complete awsomeness! I love it.

Congrats - you're so stotan.

Molly said...

OMG! That's fabulous!

Congrats Girlie!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

Rock On!

EMZ!

Rock On!

Evolving Through Running said...

Wow .... just wow. Utterly amazing, and yet not at all surprising. I'll wear the shirt proudly this week. You are a golden god(ess).

Julie D. said...

amazing!! congrats!!

Big Clyde said...

Simply amazing. You are the coolest. Congrats on the freaking PR.

Gracie said...

You are beyond amazing. What a PR!

SupermomE13 said...

Everyone has already said it, but you are awesome! Your time is amazing, and getting a PR in that weather is double awesome. Congrats!
E
http://seemomrunfar.blogspot.com

Jenn said...

ROCKSTAR!!!!!! So happy for you! I swear those supposedly low stress runs turn out to be the BEST ONES! Hope you're livin' it up!! Congrats!

Erika said...

Holy fricken speedster! That's totally awesome! Way to go!

Unknown said...

Now that is just some great news! Way to rock it Emily and congrats on the PR!!!!

TRI714 said...

fast
fast
fast
fast
fast


u rock !!

Patrick Mahoney said...

fantastic EMZ, congrats!

Jason said...

Yay
You

Between you and Discom-BOB-ulated I couldn't be happier with results from this weekend's races.

You
Are
Awesomely
Fast

And I hope you yelled at some point (even on the inside)

WE ARE STOTAN!!!!!

MCM Mama said...

Woohoo!!! Great job!

Karine said...

I have an idea for you:
Identify all future runs as "training runs"!
We did a little yell-out for you--even though we weren't there in person.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Training run PR! What the what??

BEing

R
E
L
A
X
E
D

is soooooo important..

Congrats, way to fight the forgetfulness, big socks and Mother nature. You rock sister!! Excited for the pictures...

Caratunk Girl said...

EMZ!! YAY!!! That is so awesome!! I think Pita's socks are the new secret weapon.

WAHOOOO. I am so happy for you EMZ!

Katie said...

damn, girl. sweet. congrats!!

ltlindian said...

That is crazy fast! wow! Awesome job!

Caroline said...

forgot to say I was telling this guy at my gym that I "knew" someone who will run on the treadmill for 24 hrs and he went "that is impossible she will not do that" I said "YES she will, I know it" so now I have $20 bet on you dear!

ajh said...

Very impressive!

The Turtle said...

You are so awesome! Congrats on an amazing PR.

Julie said...

What else is there to say? You are obviously amazing!

Nelly said...

incredible! wind and rain and all the things that happened turned out to be a PR race?!? Awesome!!!

You
Freaking
Got
This!

Chris K said...

Holy Guacamole. Not bad EMZ. Oh, I kid. That is simply very very impressive. Congrats young lady.

Julie @ HotlegsRunner said...

This is the best race recap ever! Congrats on the PR! AWESOME time!!! =)

The Green Girl said...

Congratulations on the well deserved PR, girl! ::high fives::

I love that last shot - the time with the plastic cover. Classic.

Kevin and Kim Partridge said...

If that is the key, to convince yourself that it is a training run, I am going to try that in 19 days, and see if I can wrap my head around that one. And I agree with Dawn, LOVE the finish picture. Hey, where's the other people? You were that crazy fast.

Amy said...

I've been out of bloggy world for a week, but what a post to come back to! Congratulations! You are a rock star!

AM! said...

Hi;-)
I am SO jealous and SO honored to call you my friend.

Wow.

nice.
freakin'
job.

nuff.said.

peace.out
EMZ style;-)

AM

Aimee said...

Woohoo! You did awesome!! Congrats on your PR! Some of my favorite/best races are the ones where I've considered them "training/fun" ones!

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

AWESOME!! :)
Congrats on your PR! You rocked Pita's socks off ;)

Teri S. said...

Holy. CRAP.
You. Totally. Kicked. Ass.
Congrats on the PR!!!

Kera said...

holy shit. those are big socks.

and an awesome time. i'm so freaking proud.

Petraruns said...

Emz you TOTALLY ROCK! THis was meant to be a training run? That is amazing. Boston cannot adjust their opening times fast enough to keep you out girlfriend!

Love it. Love you!

Char said...

Fantastic!!

Good come-back on the ipod disappointment. Proud of you for not letting it get you down.

And can I say FANTASTIC again?!!

Silly Girl Running said...

Hello, rock star! Hello, amazing race!

And, boy, did you deserve an amazing race! :)

Anonymous said...

Super Duper WOOT! Looks like Pita's socks will be the newest race gear! Congratulations, that is one Rockin' PR! You worked your butt off for that, well deserved!

Jim ... 50after40 said...

Freakin awesome job stud! You set the bar ... now I know what I have to do! ha.

C2Iowa said...

An OUTstanding Freaking performance and experience. Applause................

Matty O said...

Now that is amazing :) I clicked the picture (don't think I was gonna let a chicken wing slide!!!).

Impressed girl. Simply impressed. It appears that you only posted the one photo with good form ;)

Clear minds make all the difference. Looks like I found myself a BQ running buddy. When I am ready you can be my pacer OK? It's only a 3:05:00 now. :)

All kidding aside, you KNOW that you got that because you were born with a runner's body. (OH MAN, YUP! He went there).

Great job Em. I am mega proud of you and even prouder that I got to follow along your journey to crush a 3:20:00 :) RUN RUN RUN!

Anne said...

You are absolutely amazing! A PR in wind and rain, no special breakfast and the PITA's socks...incredible!! Love this post...so inspiring :)

Georgia Snail said...

Holy. Frickin'. Craptastic. P.R.!!!

Kate said...

Holy cow! A PR with no music, lots of wind and raing. Seriously girl, you ROCK!
CONGRATS!

Katie said...

Wow! Amazing! Congrats on your PR! I'm running a marathon in May and so hoping that I can pull a PR out my butt.

Laura said...

h
o
l
y
c
r
a
p
CONGRATS...you are EM-azing.

C2Iowa said...

Plato may have had it right - but, I disagree with your assessment; you do have something to SAY.

Marlene said...

Did somebody say "training run"? Holy crap! I am convinced that going into a marathon all relaxed is the BEST thing for top performance. Seriously, my nerves always get the best of me for a goal race. I wonder if I can trick myself into thinking that my next marathon is just a training run. :)

CONGRATS!!!!!!!! Can't wait for the pics.

Johann said...

Fantastic! Congratulations on the 3:18...oh my, that's 30 minutes faster than my best 3:48, amazing! You are a super woman for sure. No iPod seems to = PB...?

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS on the PR in crappy conditions too!
i had wanted to run that race, sounds like a good one!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Congrats on the PR!!

Doesnt sound like the typical bucket 5 minute rain AZ normally gets

Sammie Girl said...

That is awesome! The fact you were able to pull off a PR with that weather makes it even better!
If it helps any, USAT (the triathlon guys) ban iPods (or any headphone type thing for that matter) so any triathlons have to be run without headphones (I need to wean myself off my dependency for my music, sooner rather than later!)

Emily said...

SO impressed! BIG congrats on the PR!!!

Jill said...

Totally
Made
My
Day
To
Get
Your
Awesome
Text!

Still smiling big time for you, Em!

Lucas R. Tucker said...

NEW PR!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Holy shi... err... cow!

You're fast.

Congrats on the PR.

SupermomE13 said...

Ok, this has nothing to do with your awesome PR or how fast you are... but I was looking at your blogger profile and saw that one of your favorite movies is Can't Buy Me Love and I just had to say something. That is the first movie I ever had a VHS tape and is one of my all time favorites. Most people have never heard of it when I mention it! Some of us were fans of Patrick Dempsey long before he became "McDreamy". :)
Great minds think alike!
E
http://seemomrunfar.blogspot.com/

monicac2 said...

Congratulations!! You ROCK!

SupermomE13 said...

Ok, I can't resist. I am a total dork too.

Some of the quotes from CBML we said ALL THE TIME (and still throw out once and awhile even though they are usually unappreciated)

"Look!! It's the African ant eater ritual!!"

"Oh yeah. All the best leathers come from Rome, Paris, and Des Moines."

and you go to love Chuckie...
"You nuked me brother!You took him from "geek" status, to "king" status, to no status."
:)

Jannifer said...

You FreAkInG Rock EMZ! But c'mon you already knew that. Way to go on the PR, such an awesome time.

Rae said...

You are AWESOME! Congrats on the new PR!

Angie said...

AAACK! Hooray, hooray, hooray!!!!! Am all teary- so, so, soooooo happy for you! Congratulations!

Angie said...

AAACK! Hooray, hooray, hooray!!!!! Am all teary- so, so, soooooo happy for you! Congratulations!

April said...

What!? That is craziness! Heavy rain and wind and a PR! You are my hero!

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

AHHHHH CONGRATS WOMAN!!! YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I AM SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

Unknown said...

you think you could give me that speed? I'll trade you some GF snacks for it! Dang, love that story!! Congrats!
LC

Liz said...

you freaking ROCK! Congrats!

Mark said...

heated buses? in arizona? you wimp!

seriously, nice job. congratulations on the new PR!

Caroline said...

Just like DUKE
you are number ONE
dukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukedukeduke!!!!!!!!!

ihaverun said...

Chills. Smiles. Awesome.

Congrats!!

Unknown said...

Your windy, rainy training run turns into a PR. I.LOVE.IT! :)

Anonymous said...

Sorry I am so late on commenting, but way to rock it! Congrats!!!!!!