This entry is a day late because I was too shocked to come up with the right words yesterday.
Words cannot fully express the tradgedy of the bombings at the Boston Marathon. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims.
The Boston Marathon is more than just a race: it is the biggest of accomplishments, a lifelong goal, for runners all across the nation and even from other parts of the world. It is the ultimate symbol of dedication and achievement. Any finish line really is supposed to be (and usually is) the most joyful and triumphant place on Earth. And some sick **bad word** took that away from thousands of people. It just doesn't make sense. And I really don't think it ever will.
One thing that may come to mind is hatred towards whatever monster is responsible for this. But let's take this opportunity to instead be even more unified. Fight hateful acts like this with love. In spite of the terrible scenes in the news yesterday, as well as the shock, disgust, and terror that came with those images, it was heartwarming to see so many responders comforting and caring for both the physically and emotionally wounded.
Finishing races will not be the same. There will be anxiety, of course, especially for those who had to endure the tradgedy of April 15, 2013. But, we will all be stronger and more unified than ever. We will be even more grateful every time we cross that finish line and never take it for granted. We will hug our friends and family so much tighter upon finishing. We will have even more mutual respect for our fellow runners.
My message to whoever is responsible for what happened yesterday: we will never understand why you did this terrible thing, but you will not bring us down. You have only made us even stronger. Good always overcomes evil and always will.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Athens Marathon 2013 Race Recap
I've done this race before (the half in 2007 and the full in 2008) and have a love/hate relationship with it. I love that I know most of the volunteers, spectators, and a fair amount of the other racers. OU/Athens has a pretty tight-knit community and it's reflected in the race day atmosphere of the Athens Marathon. I also love the much more laid back feel of it and the fact that my fellow runners are generally much friendlier than many of those in my experience with city races. I've also always really enjoyed the finish: a lap and a half around OU's track with a bunch of spectators cheering you on. However, I hate that the race is almost entirely on the bike path: flat (in case you don't know, I really prefer hill running) and boring, with repetitive scenery and very few spectators for most of the way. And it's an out-and-back. Overall, though, it's a great, well-organized race with wonderful people.
I figured this race would be perfect timing this year in preparation for my ultra on May 11 (though a trail marathon would have been better preparation). It was also wonderful getting to sleep in my own bed, only having to walk right up the road from my apartment to the start line (no traffic or parking hassles), and not having to find the money for putting gas in my car or someplace to stay.
There couldn't have been much better weather! It was a cool temperature, but felt good once I started moving. The sun was shining bright all day. I actually managed to not even get much of a sunburn even though I totally forgot sunscreen: I'm terrible at remembering that.
I kept a slow, easy pace since this was preparation for another race rather than being my goal race. Unfortunately, I also had some hip pain and a really tight IT band. A physical therapist in the message area said it was a little swollen and I'll have to be careful over the next couple weeks and do extra icing and stretching over the next couple days.
Overall, the Athens Marathon was a pretty good experience: perfect weather, beautiful (even if repetitive) scenery, and some great people to talk to during the course.
Yay for finishing marathon #7! :-)
I figured this race would be perfect timing this year in preparation for my ultra on May 11 (though a trail marathon would have been better preparation). It was also wonderful getting to sleep in my own bed, only having to walk right up the road from my apartment to the start line (no traffic or parking hassles), and not having to find the money for putting gas in my car or someplace to stay.
There couldn't have been much better weather! It was a cool temperature, but felt good once I started moving. The sun was shining bright all day. I actually managed to not even get much of a sunburn even though I totally forgot sunscreen: I'm terrible at remembering that.
I kept a slow, easy pace since this was preparation for another race rather than being my goal race. Unfortunately, I also had some hip pain and a really tight IT band. A physical therapist in the message area said it was a little swollen and I'll have to be careful over the next couple weeks and do extra icing and stretching over the next couple days.
Overall, the Athens Marathon was a pretty good experience: perfect weather, beautiful (even if repetitive) scenery, and some great people to talk to during the course.
Yay for finishing marathon #7! :-)
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
A Barrier to Overcome
One major update I neglected to post...
When the weather started getting cold in November, I was having issues with breathing during and after my runs. I'd cough and wheeze like crazy. These issues have happened in years past with cold temperatures and stress during running, cycling, and swimming but it seemed to be getting even worse. Between this and my constant sinus infections over the past several years, I decided to see an allergist.
Dr. Clark was incredibly knowledgeable and approachable (one of those doctors who truly cares and goes above and beyond his duty). After a couple hours of tests, including allergy testing, he gave me some alarming news. I have severe allergies to just about every indoor allergen there is (dust, a couple types of mold, even cats and dogs), I have chronic sinusitis (not much of a surprise there), and I have asthma.
While this was shocking and unpleasant news, I've come to view finding out as a blessing. I'm getting treated for all of these things now, and the improvement in my training and overall quality of life are amazing!
There are still bad days, though, and today has been one of them. I've been trying to clean up my apartment yesterday and earlier today, plus we were visiting my fiance's family for Easter. His dad smokes. A lot. So, the combination of these things probably has caused my respiratory system to go into freakout mode. I had to cut my run short because I was hacking to the point of almost gagging at the top of a couple of the hills. Later, I was planning on going to both Mixed Martial Arts and Taekwondo club, but my sinuses started acting up and my airways started feeling a bit tight.
As the type of person who always wants to be invincible and strong, and to do everything, this is extremely frustrating. I hate being slowed down.
Hopefully I'm not developing another sinus infection (which almost always happens during a change of seasons). And hopefully tomorrow will be better.
When the weather started getting cold in November, I was having issues with breathing during and after my runs. I'd cough and wheeze like crazy. These issues have happened in years past with cold temperatures and stress during running, cycling, and swimming but it seemed to be getting even worse. Between this and my constant sinus infections over the past several years, I decided to see an allergist.
Dr. Clark was incredibly knowledgeable and approachable (one of those doctors who truly cares and goes above and beyond his duty). After a couple hours of tests, including allergy testing, he gave me some alarming news. I have severe allergies to just about every indoor allergen there is (dust, a couple types of mold, even cats and dogs), I have chronic sinusitis (not much of a surprise there), and I have asthma.
While this was shocking and unpleasant news, I've come to view finding out as a blessing. I'm getting treated for all of these things now, and the improvement in my training and overall quality of life are amazing!
There are still bad days, though, and today has been one of them. I've been trying to clean up my apartment yesterday and earlier today, plus we were visiting my fiance's family for Easter. His dad smokes. A lot. So, the combination of these things probably has caused my respiratory system to go into freakout mode. I had to cut my run short because I was hacking to the point of almost gagging at the top of a couple of the hills. Later, I was planning on going to both Mixed Martial Arts and Taekwondo club, but my sinuses started acting up and my airways started feeling a bit tight.
As the type of person who always wants to be invincible and strong, and to do everything, this is extremely frustrating. I hate being slowed down.
Hopefully I'm not developing another sinus infection (which almost always happens during a change of seasons). And hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Monday, April 1, 2013
A super crazy training run
On Tuesday I set out to run about 22-23 miles, including the Lakeview trail around Dow Lake in Athens, Ohio.
It started off as the perfect day to run: some sunshine, but a little bit of cloud cover and a pleasant temperature. The first hour went by with wonderful conditions. When I got about a mile into the trail, though, everything changed. The wind began to blow pretty hard and ice pellets (not just snow, but ice pellets) tumbled from the sky.
The trail itself was extremely muddy. It was like running through a creek at times. And the actual creek crossings were so large that I had to crawl across a log in 2 spots.
As soon as I got off of the trail, the ice pellets came down even harder, and giant snowflakes mixed in. The wind was going crazy. A couple groups of people packed up their stuff and zipped out of there as quick as possible. I was now officially the only crazy one in that park.
As I began the trek home, the precipitation died down a tad, but the wind was still relentless. As I started to make my way up a large hill, a rather large dog came barreling out of nowhere barking angrily. I picked up the pace a bit, thinking, 'Make it go away, make it go away.' I really need to start carrying that dog repellent stuff. Luckily, it lost interest.
A cyclist showed up when I was about halfway up the hill, also making his way up. "Great day to be outside huh?" "Sure is!" It's always comforting to know there are other insane people out there.
About an hour(ish) later, I finally arrived back home to my wonderful fiance, my favorite flavor of Greek yogurt, and a wonderful hot shower!
Yay distance running! :-)
It started off as the perfect day to run: some sunshine, but a little bit of cloud cover and a pleasant temperature. The first hour went by with wonderful conditions. When I got about a mile into the trail, though, everything changed. The wind began to blow pretty hard and ice pellets (not just snow, but ice pellets) tumbled from the sky.
The trail itself was extremely muddy. It was like running through a creek at times. And the actual creek crossings were so large that I had to crawl across a log in 2 spots.
As soon as I got off of the trail, the ice pellets came down even harder, and giant snowflakes mixed in. The wind was going crazy. A couple groups of people packed up their stuff and zipped out of there as quick as possible. I was now officially the only crazy one in that park.
As I began the trek home, the precipitation died down a tad, but the wind was still relentless. As I started to make my way up a large hill, a rather large dog came barreling out of nowhere barking angrily. I picked up the pace a bit, thinking, 'Make it go away, make it go away.' I really need to start carrying that dog repellent stuff. Luckily, it lost interest.
A cyclist showed up when I was about halfway up the hill, also making his way up. "Great day to be outside huh?" "Sure is!" It's always comforting to know there are other insane people out there.
About an hour(ish) later, I finally arrived back home to my wonderful fiance, my favorite flavor of Greek yogurt, and a wonderful hot shower!
Yay distance running! :-)
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| Running: you're doing it right! :-p |
Thursday, March 14, 2013
2013 Goals and Updates
Like last year, I've decided to make a list of goals/things to accomplish during the year instead of having a New Year's Resolution.
1) Read my Bible daily (following a plan in my Nook)
2) Complete my first ultramarathon.
3) Manage my finances better.
~Write down monthly budget/expenses.
~Find a way/ways to make more income.
4) Finish most of my wedding planning.
I also have a few updates since I haven't blogged in a while. I'm a slacker, I know. :-p I won't be anymore though, for real!
First, I've officially registered for my ultramarathon! It's a 50k in Nashville, Indiana called Dances with Dirt Gnaw Bone. It's part of a race series (Dances with Dirt). I'm super excited to take this next step in running and join the community of some of the most badass people ever: the ultrarunning community!
I didn't have luck with the process of getting into physical therapy school for next year, so I'll be taking a year off of school altogether. I'm actually kind of relieved: a year without the daily grind of studying, doing homework assignment after homework assignment may be exactly what I needed anyway. I am ridiculously burnt out on school and in need of time to regroup.
In August, I got another job within OU Outdoor Pursuits as the Rental Center Manager. Basically, I'm in charge of daily operations of the OUOP rental center where we rent out camping gear, I help training new employees, and attend weekly OUOP manager meetings. I'm still looking for a job as a personal trainer and currently working on a First Aid/CPR/AED instructor certifications. Yay for another certification!
I know it's already March, but I'm looking forward to the exciting opportunities that 2013 has yet to bring and hope that I can finally figure out what exactly I'm supposed to be doing with my life.
1) Read my Bible daily (following a plan in my Nook)
2) Complete my first ultramarathon.
3) Manage my finances better.
~Write down monthly budget/expenses.
~Find a way/ways to make more income.
4) Finish most of my wedding planning.
I also have a few updates since I haven't blogged in a while. I'm a slacker, I know. :-p I won't be anymore though, for real!
First, I've officially registered for my ultramarathon! It's a 50k in Nashville, Indiana called Dances with Dirt Gnaw Bone. It's part of a race series (Dances with Dirt). I'm super excited to take this next step in running and join the community of some of the most badass people ever: the ultrarunning community!
I didn't have luck with the process of getting into physical therapy school for next year, so I'll be taking a year off of school altogether. I'm actually kind of relieved: a year without the daily grind of studying, doing homework assignment after homework assignment may be exactly what I needed anyway. I am ridiculously burnt out on school and in need of time to regroup.
In August, I got another job within OU Outdoor Pursuits as the Rental Center Manager. Basically, I'm in charge of daily operations of the OUOP rental center where we rent out camping gear, I help training new employees, and attend weekly OUOP manager meetings. I'm still looking for a job as a personal trainer and currently working on a First Aid/CPR/AED instructor certifications. Yay for another certification!
I know it's already March, but I'm looking forward to the exciting opportunities that 2013 has yet to bring and hope that I can finally figure out what exactly I'm supposed to be doing with my life.
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| with my adorable kitty Twilight (NOT named after the movies or books) |
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Lots of Updates
(1) I'm engaged! :-D It happened at the finish line of my goal race (actually a weekend with multiple races). Ray gave me the proposal of my dreams! The story is on my wedding website: http://MathesAndSchumacher.ourwedding.com
(2) I've done my first half ironman as part of the American Triple T! :-)
(3) I quit my job at Baker Center. Long story short, I've been dissatisified all year and they tried to demote me. So instead of accepting the position of being a normal student employee, I read the long list of complaints I'd been making (the discussion took over an hour) and said I would not be returning to work the following week. It felt great!
(4) I got a promotion at my summer job. Instead of being a counselor at Camp Otterbein, I'll be the director of a program called Wilderness Adventures. It will involve rock climbing, kayaking, sleeping in a platform tent all summer, lots of outdoor cooking, lifeguarding, planning games/activities and tons of hiking. I'm excited and nervous! Oh yeah-and there's the added perk of a significant pay raise.
(5) I'm now a certified personal trainer! :-) I just need to get hired somewhere, or at least find the money to get the equiptment to start my own business.
(6) I'm now a certified lifeguard! :-)
(7) Only 2 more classes to take and I'll be done for my Physical Therapy school prerequisite classes!
Definitely will be updating this REGULARLY once summer is over! Would say sooner, but let's be honest: it's more than likely not happening with finals and camp approaching or during camp season.
(2) I've done my first half ironman as part of the American Triple T! :-)
(3) I quit my job at Baker Center. Long story short, I've been dissatisified all year and they tried to demote me. So instead of accepting the position of being a normal student employee, I read the long list of complaints I'd been making (the discussion took over an hour) and said I would not be returning to work the following week. It felt great!
(4) I got a promotion at my summer job. Instead of being a counselor at Camp Otterbein, I'll be the director of a program called Wilderness Adventures. It will involve rock climbing, kayaking, sleeping in a platform tent all summer, lots of outdoor cooking, lifeguarding, planning games/activities and tons of hiking. I'm excited and nervous! Oh yeah-and there's the added perk of a significant pay raise.
(5) I'm now a certified personal trainer! :-) I just need to get hired somewhere, or at least find the money to get the equiptment to start my own business.
(6) I'm now a certified lifeguard! :-)
(7) Only 2 more classes to take and I'll be done for my Physical Therapy school prerequisite classes!
Definitely will be updating this REGULARLY once summer is over! Would say sooner, but let's be honest: it's more than likely not happening with finals and camp approaching or during camp season.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Forget a New Years Resolution...I have a New Years To-Do List!
For 2012, I couldn't figure out just one thing I want to work on, improve or keep up. So instead of a New Years resolution, I have a 2012 To Do List. :-)
(1) Friends and Family: I need to do a better job of spending time with them.
(2) Finances: In 2011 my resolution was to get my finances under control, which I did. This year, I need to keep more written budgets and keep my debt from building back up.
(3) Focus: I need to learn to focus on one thing at a time instead of trying to do a zillion things at once. This will especially help with getting my homework and studying done. It will help me keep my apartment cleaner too :-p
(4) Fitness: I want to keep up my endurance, while improving upon my speed and strength (especially upper body strength).
(1) Friends and Family: I need to do a better job of spending time with them.
(2) Finances: In 2011 my resolution was to get my finances under control, which I did. This year, I need to keep more written budgets and keep my debt from building back up.
(3) Focus: I need to learn to focus on one thing at a time instead of trying to do a zillion things at once. This will especially help with getting my homework and studying done. It will help me keep my apartment cleaner too :-p
(4) Fitness: I want to keep up my endurance, while improving upon my speed and strength (especially upper body strength).
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