"Good Morning" - Chamillionaire

So this post should be the last in the 24 hour Run Emz Series.  That's a big "should" .  You may have to deal with me bouncing back to this event on occasion.  I'll try not to reference it too often but . . . to say it was a life changing / life defining day [as dramatic as that seems] doesn't even cover it.

here. we. go.
but first click here if you have [so sadly] missed any of the past installments. ;)

1am.

My parents took Peanut and her cousin to the hotel that the Sheraton had donated.  Yep, donated.  How awesome is that?! 

Reason # 8,744 why if you do a 24 TM run you should do it outside and downtown . . . . drunk people. . . . super funny. . . . super [probably] unknowingly generous . . . drunk people. 

To put it mildly, there was not a "dull" moment from 1am-2am.

DG [drunk guy]:  dude what are you doing?
MC [my{awesome}crew]:  she's running for 24 hours for charity.
DG: no way.
MC: way.
DG: no way.
MC: way.

[repeated 44 times]

Then there was the semi-DG [drunk girl] who ran barefoot with me, in a dress.  I did try conversing [in word form] with her.  It was more just a lot of smiles and semi-awkward looks.  but she was something else.

Then.  it. happened.  funniest. moment. of. the. night.

I look up and see this:

Get. freaking. out.

I was laughing so hard.  all the while yelling, "I so didn't call you!  You keep right on moving down that road."

At the same time my sister "happy" is yelling "stay here!  stay here! OMGosh need a photo!"

Guy in van:  what cha doing?
Me: not needing you. [insert ha ha ha]
GIV: how long you runnin'
Me: 24
GIV:  hours?

[I'm a huge fan of stupid questions]

Enter [run to the bathroom] potty break - this bathroom breaks are now being escorted by the Pita.  Thanks Pita.
Enter powerade
[I'm seeing a pattern here]
Enter Protein shake [2] not the ones I "like".  Can you tell from the photo?

Start running again.

ummm not good . . . .

Feel a blister coming on at both of my heels.

Thanks to Aaron and his Engo pads + the Pita's mad skills . . .

I/We are off and running again.

At this point I'm eating [and acting like]:

nuts
dried fruit
and
sour patch kids, awwwww yaaaaa.

Where's the 5 pound gummy bear you ask?

I. have. no. freaking. clue.
I'm sure Peanut took it to the hotel with her.

Enter 3am.

Dad is back?! 

JUST AS . . . . the TV cuts to an infomercial for a  "male enhancement device" and I mean device - like a huge freaking contraption.  We all busted out. [laughing]

My brother says, "Ya, watch Dad come back now."

enter. . . .
dad
coming
back . . .
"now"

Oh, man, it was just like being 12 and having a feminine hygiene product [commercial]come on TV.  You can't watch that crap with your dad around.

Hilarious. 

After we all got our giggles out.

There was a bit of a lull.

lull = emz zone [thinking happy thoughts]

[pretty quiet . . . . my dad is walking in front of me]

Dad: "I couldn't sleep knowing you are out here doing this."
Emz: I'm doing really good Dad.

Somehow I have failed to properly mention [feeling sheepish].  my dad.  MY dad.  He'd stop by at least every 90 minutes saying/asking.

"how you doing honey?"
"you feeling alright?"
"can I get you anything?"
"You're doing great."
"This is amazing"
"Need some more water?"

always in the sweetest tone.  calm voice.  clear voice.  assuring voice.

I hate using the word "proud" because I feel it sometimes has a negative connotation/feeling to it....but I knew . . . .  HE .... MY DAD....."Mr. Twinkle Toe's" himself. . . was proud of me.

and
it
meant
everything
to
me.

I've always [ALWAYS] had an amazing relationship with my dad.  He has a unique and awesome relationship with EACH of his FIVE children that is truly amazing.

I. love. you. Dad.

[small iPod break]

Oh ya, and did I mention my family rocks?

My sister Evie [Y-von] staying the whole freaking night.  yes.  whole FREAKING. night.

I remember joking with my brother Mike and sister Y-von.  And seeing them joke with each other.  Reminded me of when we all lived under the same roof, traveled in the back of the same HYUNDAI for 13 hours to Logan, Utah . . . listening to "The Pet Shop Boys" and "Duran Duran".  Good times.  They are pretty funny and incredibly awesome characters.

okay.  wiping the tears.

About this time we [Dawn and I] started doing intervals.  6 minute run / 3 minute fast walk [4.3mph].

These potty breaks, vitals checks [required by channel 12 and my mom ;) ], clothing changes, shoe changes, treadmill moves [3] had all really started adding up, time wise. 

So Dawn got me rolling.  And the texts and tweets were rolling in again, thanks to you people back east {MCM} + early morning risers.

Was I tired . . . . yes.

but oddly, it felt more like an "I want to sleep" tired than an "I want to stop running" tired.  I just told Dawn to tell me when to start / stop on the intervals ..... I'd do whatever she told me to.

Did I mention Dawn is awesome? Well, I'm going to tell you again. 

Dawn, my texting, lashing, emoticon queen.  I needed her there.  And she was there.  The girl even picked up my nasty clothes in the bathroom [changes] and had to deal with me peeing with the door open [just in case I fell in the toilet --- didn't want her to have to army crawl into the stall].  She was there for me in a way no one else could have been.  Because she's tough as nuts, doesn't take any crap, she speaks her mind, she's not all girly & she "gets" me.

I got to 5am. 
I knew WE had the "100" in the bag.  No this wasn't a day about my "personal goals" but heck if I'm that freaking close . . . .why the heck not?!

I had decided hour 23 was for one special reader who emailed me her story.  A story I'll never forget.  A story that had an awesome ending.  A story of survival and more importantly success and empowerment.

CM - this last hour is for you.

And [sorry] I can't finish this today [like in one post]. 

The end of this event. . .well even though we know how this ends. . . . it needs it's own post.

It's 5:01am, my Peanut awakes.  Kim and Myrissa come.  Lynn from Vemma comes.  Dr. Ken -- you guessed it, he's there too. Huh, what?!  My spin instructor [plus her husband] are walking down the street towards me as well.

59 minutes left and I'm thinking, "I'm so not ready for this to be over."

"Tonight Tonight" - Hot Chelle Rae

ok. el. numero. quatro [4].

[Yes, I was self-appointed captain of the spanglish club in high school.]



four.
4.

favorite #4.

but first if you missed part one [find it here]

missed part two [find it here]

part three [here]

and well ....... four ......

here.
it.
is.

So the 6pm news came and went.   It was awesome.  great crowds. great vibe.  Lots of cars & people passing.  Dawn will have to help me on this but I loved that the same people passed me at 8am that passed me again at 6pm.  THAT brought in a lot of donations.  People figured out I was the same girl that was running hours ago......which peaked a lot of interest.  Which usually equalled a lot of cash.  awesome!

Forgot to mention another thing which I loved.

People were honking . . . . . all. day. long.

I loved it.  Not like the way creepy landscapers [no offense] honk but like supportive honking.  [yes, I truly think I know the difference].

Each time someone would honk - my arms would instantly & automatically go flying in the air.

I was like-freaking Pavlov's Dog.  loved it.

7:00-9:30pm brought . . . .

Another TM move. [lost 20 minutes] but the best move ever . . . . I was now facing the street [and walkway]!

loved...loved....loved....that!

potty break.
clothing change.
vitals check. [weight stabilized]
1/2 bagel with PB
Powerade
pickle juice
body glide
Dawn - text/tweet updates [you guys are amazing]
sponge bath
placed an order for Chipotle [yum]

And.
a lot. a lot. a lot of awesome visitors.

Family friends.
and
family family.

First Auntie B.  Auntie B - ya she rocks.  She's like a 18 year old in a "XX" woman's body.  The party starts when Aunt B arrives ...... and she has arrived. 

And even sweeter --- she brought my cousin Kijuana [who ran with me] and her two kids too.

Then one of my favorite people from church came [with her two uber handsome sons].

Then Summer and her sister came.  Summer.  Ahhhh Summer. 

She's amazing.  She found out about my run and set up a donation jar and bin at her work almost instantly.  Her daughter . . . . yep, her daughter is the one who wrote that awesome letter and gave me the $5.00 donation I wrote about here.  Awesome parenting.  That's what that's all about.  So happy I got to run with you Summer!

Then.

This awesome mom/daughter team stopped by after watching the morning news about this event.  donation made. 

Yep, got to run with her too.

And [get this] she had a 10k that next morning.  Loved. that.
I am, kinda, wishing I could remember what I told her when this photo was being taken?!

It must have been positive.


I got a run in with Mr. Michael Kornegay, himself.

Then. My. Idol. Came.


Seriously, love this woman.

My Spin instructor.  Yes, THE spin instructor.  Yep, the one I so stalking-ly voice record on my iPhone.

I hate group classes [like with a freaking passion].  This woman taught me to love them again. [well, as long as she is teaching]. 

I wish I could remember what she was telling me here:

I can hear her when I'm running races . . . .

"you've. got. this. don't think anything different"
"make uncomfortable your friend"
"keep your head in your training"
"show up on that hill"
"keep those thoughts in check"
"get to that next level of fitness"
"if you are not winded...you are absolutely wasting your time"
"discomfort is part of your training"

She came.  I had never even spoken to her.  I. felt. like. a freaking. rockstar.

[deep breath]

Enter potty break [remember we are pushing fluids hard right now]
Vitals check [weight still stable, yay!]
Eat Chipotle

Ya, I bet you want to see photos of that.

I was losing my beans [and chicken] ....

so.....

enter walking burrito break.

Enter potty break [FYI - Dawn and I - we started running during these potty breaks from here on out.]

Now it's time for the 10pm news.

awesome.  just awesome.

"Coop" - ya, he was super nice.  That's my nephew Tanner that I'm running with here.

Here's a glimpse of the crowd.  Thanks Kim for getting Peanut's hand up & bringing Mrs. Susie.

A check on mileage from Scott: [70-something]

Next a visit from RL and her boyfriend.  So.  Freaking.  nice.

I totally "paused" for her.

Then she came over to the TM to visit so I could keep the miles ticking.

Yep, and that's my brother.  MY brother.  He came back?!?!

[Emz. is. all. smiles.]
to RUN with me.  in total six.  six miles he ran with me.

Next.  A return visit, what?  I never saw her the first time?!

I'm an idiot.  Seriously.  So Mandi [from Mandi with an "I"] came back at 11pm.  HOLY. freaking. awesome. to run with me.  Her hubby came too.  So beyond awesome.

[enter blonde moment #44,744,44 - I didn't recognize her - I swear without the visor from her profile picture . . . . I was lost].

When did I figure it out?  Oh ya, when I said, "what was your name again?"

Mandi:  ummm Mandi.
Emz:  get. freaking. out.  get. freaking. out. You are Mandi.  THE Mandi?

[Emz looking all stupid and sheepish].

Thank you Mandi!

Enter another awesome friend from church [Jill & daughter] so sweet.  I am so blessed.

Enter best texts, tweets ever from ETR [yes, the amazing guy who sent me this buckle from my training run], MCM mama, Caroline & Chris K.

These people stayed up until midnight at which time Dawn lovingly told them . . . you can go to bed now.  She thinks [and we all know] you. rock.

Midnight brought a precautionary IV.

Yes, I was loving every minute.

And the best 30 minute walk with the Pita, ever.

Ugggg.  I can't see the screen . . . . .hope spell check works.



It's amazing what you realize [what you quietly see] when you are choosing to be stuck in one place.

I saw Dawn.  Never looking for any limelight.  Always looking to help.  5 months?! no freaking way.

I saw my Pita, gathering donations, hugging strangers, hugging family, looking at me with googly eyes, texting family, getting me water, winking at me, making sure others had food, making sure family in attendance were as comfortable as could be [chairs, temperature, fluids], taking care of our daughter, the gratitude he was expressing to others, the love I FELT at each moment from him, he took care of all the bumps along the way [sometimes in whisper form] so I wouldn't be worried or concerned, I could tell he was freaking proud of me without saying a word [and sometimes a girl/wife/mom likes to feel that].

I noticed every second of it.  Every smile.  Every time he gave me a thumbs up as a question from afar [as to say, "you good?"].  I'd smile ear to ear and a few times fighting back grateful tears --- sticking my thumb up, way freaking high up . . . . . as to say

you.
freaking.
bet.
cha.

I love you Pita.

"This Afternoon" - Nickelback

If you missed part 1 [click here]

If you missed part 2 [click here]

If you are up to date . . . . well, then I'll just be super impressed.

ok, so I changed [bet you can still smell me through the computer!]

But first, a few awesome things happened:

My Niece "T" came . . . yep, she's the super hot, super smart, super supportive niece who just took her MCATS - ya, she should probably work on being more motivated. She. is. amazing.

Nephew Tan came ---- and he's a runner -- awwww yaaaa.  His brother Troy had been with me since 5:30am - he was a part of the medical team....how freaking awesome is that?!

My sister Y-von came with her four awesome kids.  Her son, the one I had an abs throw down with [uhhhh, heck ya, I won] rescheduled a trip [and therefore his friend's trip to be with me......nothing snarky here Michael, only love].  They brought balloons.  Loved that.  Y-von.....she even barefoot walked with me.  Loved that.

shoes came off. . . . . have I mentioned these Woodway's Rock!?

My sister "A" [the one I ran a marathon with in January] came with her four fab kids.  Did I mention they are moving to Indiana in July?  [crying sad face - where are my emotiocons when I need them?]

By 11am the crew was building for sure.

My Uncle, Aunt & Cousin came..... as well as a few friends from Stetson Chiropractic.  Pam - you are the sweetest ever.

What?  I think they look happy and super entertained.

 Dr. Ken, loved the pain patches, love the way you pushed for donations.  So appreciated.

okay.
truth.
be.
told.

The only true "tough time" I had was when I was in this cave-ish thing.  I could only see ahead of me.  And that's great because that's where my family was but my bum was to the street, couldn't see donors, passer-by's . . . .had to turn every time . . . . which eventually made my knee cry. 

Enter Potty Break.
Enter Vitals Check. [lost 5pounds ----- started pounding a lot more fluids]

Enter more pickle juice. . . . . .

I would like to note the bathrooms ----- well they weren't super close.  We were located right next to the studio so we couldn't trollop through there.  We had to go to the main entrance from 8am-5pm then the "employee entrance" from 5pm-6am.

No biggie, but you add all those up and I'm pretty sure it's an EASY 1.5miles.  Don't go throwing me under the bus, I know it doesn't "count" just lettin' you know the potty details.

At this point I was already looking forward to 5pm - when the TM's would be moved again [closer to the street].

But wait . . .there was some pure awesome in the cave.

Watched "Day's of our Lives" without sound or captioning.  I don't know Dawn but I think our story line was way better than whatever they were hoobaskanking-up. [yep, it's a word].

Enter - another muscle milk shake, another PowerAdeZero

It hit 1pm and it was like a wave of excellent happened.

My Brother came.  My Brother came.  My Brother came.  Didn't think he was going to be able to make it.  awesome. [x 444]

Was funny when he realized I was the only one doing the 24 hour run . . . . I usually talk too fast. and.sometimes. not. in. complete. sentences. 

He said, "so no one relieves you?"
Emz:  well I can pee on my own. jk
Emz:  ummmm nope.
Him:  [look I'll never forget]

I remember him just standing there just looking like "WTH"?  Maybe that wasn't what he was thinking but that's what it looked like he was thinking.

and. I. loved. it.

Dawn, Happy & Pita took a much deserved "break" [can't really call it that] and went to get pizza for the troops.

they. were. gone. too. long.

I know, I'm high maintenance.  I missed them.  Like a-freaking lot.

At 2pm, I had the most awesome visit ever.

These kids from "Kids For Peace".

They came with a huge product donation [supplies] for Sojourner and money they made from the lemonade stand.

bring. on. the. tears.

The walked in chanting.

"Go Emily ,Go!"
"Go Emily ,Go!"

"Go Emily ,Go!"

"Go Emily ,Go!"

"Go Emily ,Go!"

Even with signs.  you freaking bet there was a "you've. freaking. got. this." sign.

It all starts with the kids.  Love them.  Peanut jumped back on for a few.

Had quite a few people stop by in the next little while which was awesome-----but all the talking, emotions, happy tears . . . I think got me a litttle worn out.  I know, cry me a river [I freaking loved it but...] I needed a little "tune out" .

Enter iPod.

20-25. minutes.  good. as. new.

Amazing what Eminem, Wiz K, Dr. Dre, 50 cent, Jay-Z & Mary J [yes, Dawn she helped this white girl find her swagger] can do to get one out of a funk.

Oh and Dawn, Happy & Pita were back ----- thank goodness.

Knee was still kind of funky put a pain patch on - which stayed on the remainder of the time.


5pm brought:

a TM move [15-20 minutes]
body glide shower
a Potty break
a vitals check
a clothing change
a 1/2 bagel with PB [thanks Dawn]
a powerade with ice [thanks Pita]

5:15 awesome.

Emz:  but my bum is still to the pathway?!
Pita et all: has to be this way for the news interview.
Emz:  feeling pretty bad for the people who are getting out of work, walking by.

Enter my awesome girls from my church group.  Can you believe they let me teach young children?!

they. are. awesome.

Thanks to Kim, they came.  And they came bearing signs of love and support. 

Full. heart.
 

Time for 6pm news.
 

And get this . . . . the guy who  did my first TV interview [clip] sad he was going to come and . . . . totally did.
 

Freaking. Happy. Emz.  
He's was a sprinter [back in the "college days" or "previous life" as he put it].
was so great of him to come. . . . loved every minute.
 
And I keep on . . .
 
runnin'.
runnin'.
 

and
 
runnin'. runnin'
 
[Emz thinking . . . I hope I remember all of this.  I want to remember everything.  Every ache.  Every honk.  Every "you go girl".  Every person who shared their story with me. Every smile.  Every donation.  Every woman.  Every safe woman.  I don't want this feeling to ever end. . . . ]

"Time" - Hootie and The Blowfish

5:57am

Pita:  "Em, start it up, make sure it's all good to go."
[hit "on"]
[hit "off"]
Emz:  yep, we are good
Pita: [laughing] seriously?
Emz: you. bet. cha. holy. freaking. seriously.

[2.25 minutes pass]

Jay[camera guy]:  okay we are live in 45!
Emz:  [thinking that's nice].
Jay: ummmm...live in 30. [he winks at me.....]
[I'm a sucker for a wink]
Emz: I'm going Jay.  I'm going.  Get me one of those freaking muffins!

........ "And we are LIVE here on the plaza with mom, wife, blogger, marathon runner Emily ...... who has just taken the first steps in her 24 TWENTY-FOUR hour journey . . "

I. was. happy.

Like. smiling ear to ear. happy.
Like. wedding day. happy.
Like. Peanut's. "birth" day. happy.

No nerves.  truthfully.  none. 

this... coming from a girl who can send herself into a full blown panic attack just thinking about something random.  [ya, I've got some serious talents.]

Did I mention I totally dig this Scott Light guy?!  They do not come any nicer. 

The guy next to me running . . . is Aaron.  My 50 mile man vs. Horse .... Aaron.  Yes, the guy who called me "barbie" but he had 24 hours to make that up to me ---- and he totally did.

He was my pacer. 

He told "scotty" [sorry just wanted to say that all day] "I'm here to make sure she doesn't run too fast."  HA!  See, I had forgotten our Barbie incident within 30 seconds. ;)

Pretty sure that "too fast" thing never had a chance.
Speed = 5.6 [yes, I think I can walk that fast too]  BUT . . . this was a "marathon [x4], not a sprint" right?  right?

The interview went pretty well considering:

they kept it simple.
I was "running".
I hadn't planned any replies.

I got a great visit in with my friends at The Sojourner Center.

Awesome.

Scott came back out.
this time ........in his running kicks.  awwwwww yaaaaa.

So talk about multi-tasking.
running
interviewing
holding a microphone
steadying papers [notes]
and oh ya.....sorry Scott.....your treadmill is at a 0% incline but we are ramped up out here [not flat ground].....so you are actually running at a 3% incline....enjoy that!

Scott:  this is hard!
Emz: ummm weird, you out of shape? 

ok, I did not really say that.

but I also didn't tell him until he was done that he just ran 25 minutes at a 3% incline.  What?  I'm allowed to get a little chuckle at another's expense no?!

I was only thinking of him.

He jumped off.  Said he'd be back later 10pm news.

Emz [thinking]: OMGosh that's like *^%#@ hours from right now.

freaking. love. that.

Vemma/verve plug . . . . .seriously . . . . amazing company . . . . amazing product . . . . incredible staff.  Thank you so much Lynn!

7:15 - half bagel with PB [Dr. Dawn's orders] hee hee, one verve energy drink, one PoweradeZero, one awesome Peanut stopping by [at least] four times per hour asking me if I needed anything.  love my girl.

The pita kept sneaking by and lowering my speed. 

Yes, that's my grouchy face.

Tried to explain that sometimes slower is harder ......

[what?  he winked at me].

Ohhhhh and what does a 10.5 year old do when she gets "bored" at 8am?

Spi-belt has nothing on you kid.

We stayed out on the plaza until 8:20am or so......THEN......

hello AZ sunshine beating down on my backside.

Enter Treadmill Move #1.
So funny trying to explain to "movers" ........ "please don't unplug the treadmill."

them:  ummm why?
Emz:  because I'll lose my miles [have to start over]
them:  why does that matter?
Emz: well because I want to see 100.
them: really?
Emz: really.
them:  [eyeroll]
Emz:  all. smiles.

Enter Potty Break #1. [didn't need it but couldn't run while the Woodways were being moved sooooo....why not?]

Let me take this chance to show you my new favorite socks.

I. swear. by. them. now.
I had never run in them.  nope never. until Friday morning.

...shoot from the hip, what?

Successful TM move #1.
Time "lost" 15 minutes.

up. and. runnin'.

pretty non uneventful for the next hour.

Dr. DeRosa [the real Dr.] stayed by my side all 24.  Like all.  Watched my gait, my arms, my face . . . .anything for clues on my status/well being.  freaking awesome.

Here's a photo of her saying, "You better drink this by 10am".  Okay, she really said, "we need to get some protein in you, try sipping on this."

I'm not a fan of eating on long runs -- so I was just praying my body would take it.

I'm a good patient.  I'll do whatever she says.

Now this timing is super funny.
my phone just rang, yes, as I'm typing . . . .none other than Mr. Joe Dana himself.  Yes, Mom, he is going to get you a DVD with the video clips on it.

Now a little background here . . .

Joe.  We went to preschool though sophomore year in HS together!

and . .


he. was. my. first. super-serious 2nd grade boyfriend. 

which means . . . .  I made that huge commitment 27-something years ago and circled "yes" on that note his friend Arron Kellar handed me.

"will you be my girlfriend?  circle yes or no"

Hadn't seen him in about 17 years.  crazy.  Was great to see him.

Then next . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . .

KIM.

Kim came!
Kim came with a sign.

Kim also came with the best smile ever.

You bet I hit the "pause" button for her.  I needed a hug!
Yep - guess who she is cousins with . . . . Jen of M,M&M.  Their family "reunion" [coming up] has got to be a blast!

Thanks so much for coming Kim!

[enter Dawn text, tweet updates . . . . Caroline what?  Chris K huh? MCM is drinking what?]  a w e s o m e !

Enter food:  Jamba juice + protein like 74oz holy shnikes people. poweradeZero.  Pickle juice. yum. yum.

Enter my Peanut:

Yep, that's a "pit wash" you are viewing.

running with her "crazy" mom.

My favorite photo. below. [Thanks to Dawn, once again]

Up until then [about 10ish] I was doing pretty great on not crying.

Then these awesome people came.

Do I know them?  No
Should I have known them? No
Did they see me on TV and decide they wanted to meet me?  yes. [meant to get that in writing]
Did they donate all their coins [$100+] to Sojourner Center?  Yes.

Did I cry?  yes.  for a while after they left.  this just completely blew me away.  They saw me, went home, brought the coins back [together as a couple], oh and did I mention they had just come from another "charity" event.

my. heart. was. full.
and I wasn't getting a lot of air "in".

Enter Aaron, "So what was your favorite part of the Boston Marathon?"
Emz:  you are good, my friend.  Very good.

I wiped the tears away and chatted his ears off for the next 30 minutes.  I'm sure he wished he had never asked. ;)

He bounced off.  I looked up to see this.

awwww. ya.  sista's. fo. life.

Enter clothing change #1.
It's gettin' hot in here . . . I'm going to change my clothes . . .

.................you're coming back tomorrow right?