Rome is over, on to London

I apologize that it has taken me almost 2 weeks to post the Rome Marathon results, but life and work sometimes get prioritized in front of the blog. Better later than never.

The good news is that I completed marathon #3 in a time of 5:31:26; the bad news is that I completed marathon #3 in a time of 5:31:26. I know, I know.... I will be mightily chastised by friends and family who are following the "12 in 12 in 2012" marathon journey race by race; the goal for this year should simply be to finish each race. Still, that "type-A" in me rears its ugly head from time to time. I just keep telling myself that a finish of 12 events should be achievement enough.

And so, I can report that I am now 25% complete of the marathon events for this year, and I have achieved 53% of my fundraising status. Onwards and upwards.

First step of the weekend was to pick up my marathon number at the Rome Marathon Expo. A wonderful event, great marathon gift (back-pack) and a fabulous atmosphere. Entering into the race hall on Saturday morning!


In my dreams.....



Hachie Gal and "Romeo" the Rome Marathon mascot. Kinda looks like he is giving me the Hawaiian hand signal "Mahalo" which means "greetings" or "take care". Fingers crossed the race would indeed turn out that way.



I had also decided early on that the race colors for the weekend would be "green and gold", as I would be definitely be "flinging my green and gold afar" on this day. Given Baylor's outstanding sports achievements in the last year, this bear donned her BU colors for pre-race/race events in honor of the "March madness" of Baylor's basketball teams.



Race morning found me literally a 5 minute walk from the start (and finish) at the Roman Coliseum. Does it get much better than that?



The course was basically a flat one, but the cobblestones for the first 4 miles and last 4 miles were "killers" on my the soles of my feet.  I never wanted to finish a race more.  On the other hand, it was as if the Rome tourist board had designed the course, because I ran past all the famous sights:  The Colieum, St. Peters' Square, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Plaza Navona, the Forum, Circus Maximus, etc.  Nothing quite prepared me for the moment when I entered St. Peters Square and the eruption of noise from the crowd that ensued.  It was truly amazing.

My recap would not be complete without a BIG thank you to the road crew for the day, lovingly dubbed the "Three Amigos":  Budman, Mike and Matt.  Thanks guys - I owe you!



Finally, I met for the first time one of my Italian work colleagues who I have only spoken to on the phone.  Thanks, Flavio for coming out to say "hey" and congratulate me on the race.



Next up:  Virgin London Marathon on Sunday, April 22nd!

Last post before Rome!

Before I sign off for the weekend run, thought I would answer a few questions I've received from folks who want to follow the weekend run:

Q:  Where is the start and finish of the race?
A:  The Coliseum...does not get better than that.

Q:  What is the course like?
A:   The course is basically flat, but the cobblestones at the start and end of the race are killers. I am told to watch for the occasional "bump" and be prepared for some additional unfamiliar soreness after the race. Set out as if by the Rome tourist board, runners will see all the famous sights along the run.

Q:  What are the expected weather conditions on Sunday?
A:  Sunny, high of 67 degrees F.

Q:  Will the Rome Marathon be on TV?
A:  The Rome Marathon marathon will be broadcast live (9:00-12:00 CET) in more than 70 nations. The race will be broadcast, with a comment in English, on: Supersport South Africa (30 countries); Zuku Africa; Sport Plus France (France), EBU (all European countries), Band Sports Brazil (Brazil), VTR Vive Deportes Chile (Chile), Nova (Greece and Cyprus), KZ Sport 1 (Kazakhstan), Direct TV (Latin America).
Plus, on the Youtube channel of La7, official TV of the 18th Rome Marathon - http://www.youtube.com/la7intrattenimento

Q:  What if I want to come out and cheer you on along the course?
A:  Well, there will most likely not be too many of you out there besides the Three Amigos, but if you do come out, you can download the Rome Marathon Spectator Guide.  Designed to cheer runners on or entertain spectators before the race, as well provide finishers and friends alike with a celebration-concert or to warm them up before the start, they take place in more than 20 locations along the course and beyond.

http://www.maratonadiroma.it/public/upload/file/Guida_Spettatore_A4.pdf

Taking it one step at a time!

To tweet or not, that is the question

I remarked a while back to a work colleague/girlfriend/Texas co-hort (you know who you are) that I was a moderate user of social media. She laughed at me.  When I thought about it, I suppose daily postings to facebook, 2 blogs, linked in and work social media sites would indicate I am more than a moderate user. 

As I reflected on this, I thought "When is enough social media...enough?" (OK, that sounded seriously like something Carrie Bradshaw would pen).   Interesting question, though...

True, it is a great way to catch up with friends and family (whether separated by distance, timezone, or simply years).  It can be used for good in social change or to drive businesses forward.  It serves a myriad of communication purposes, too.  I could go on and on.

However, there are times when I wonder if I really need to know what is on someone's grocery list, or about someone's bad hair day. There is also an element of narcissism that springs to mind.  I am probably guilty of this offense at some point in time as well. Still, when I think about whether I need to actually jump on the "tweet" bandwagon, it is not for these reasons I delay.

Harking back to my MBA and citing the technology adoption lifecycle, I am not sure if I would typically be termed as an early adopter or late adopter...I am certainly no innovator or laggard (even that term sounds awful).  I'd probably settle on "early majority" accepter (more conservative but open to new ideas, active in community and influences others).  Still, tweeting has been around for a while and in the mainstream, so I would normally have taken tweeting on board by now....No, I don't think I can cite this as the reason for not tweeting either.

Truthfully...it just feels like one "more" thing to keep up with.  When coupled with work and personal email, multiple mobile phones, etc., can we possibly be "too plugged in"?  Did I just age myself with that question?

So far, I have resisted the need to tweet, how about you?

My "remembrance" team

As I near the day for marathon #3, I can't help but think of those friends and family members that have been touched by cancer in some way.  For many, they have personally endured the physical and emotional trauma that accompanies this disease; for these individuals, I raise a toast to their perseverance and determination and celebrate the victory achieved.

For others, they have "fought the good fight" and we can only remember them fondly in our hearts and minds as well as their determined struggles against cancer.

Today, I pause to thank those friends, family members, and work colleagues who have donated to Cancer Research UK in my "12 in 12 in 2012" marathon quest, and to recognize the people in which they have donated in honor or memory of.  I am conscious that there are many supporters who did not share their personal stories with me and this represents only a small sample but I thank you all on behalf of Cancer Research UK.

As is my practice, I take a small print-out of these names with me to the start of every marathon.  As I wait patiently at the starting line for the announcement that the race has commenced, I pause briefly and remember each person by name. It is an honor and privilege to run on their behalves and I feel their presence and encouragement throughout the day.  I won't let them down.

In some instances, I only know them as Susan's mother or John's friend.  For privacy reasons, I will not share the full name if I do know it, but I want each person to know they are  remembered today as well as on marathon days (you know who you are).  If you would like to add someone to my list, please let me know.

So, in no particular order, my "remembrance" team:

*  Memory of Nancy Sartain Robinson - died of breast, bone, brain cancer
*  Memory of Peggy Sartain - cancer survivor/pediatric oncologist
*  Memory/honor of all the Sartain women - tough old broads
*  Memory of Amy F., Holly Y.'s Chi-O Sister - breast cancer
*  Memory of Cris T.'s grandparents
*  Memory of Ken S.'s father 
*  Honor of Dena S. - cancer suvivor
*  Memory of Dena S.'s family member
*  Memory of Mihail T.'s mother - breast and lung cancer
*  Honor of Nicholas B. - cancer survivor
*  Memory of Andrew D.'s father
*  Memory of Ian R.'s mother
*  Memory of Nina C.'s mother - ovarian cancer
*  Memory of Simon S.'s friend, Okko M.
*  Memory of Kieran J.'s mother - breast cancer
*  Honor of Roelf B, currently battling cancer
*  Memory of Marilyn B.'s daughter, Linda - leukemia
*  Memory of several of Anastasia Z.'s family members touched by cancer
*  Memory of Yvonne B.'s father
*  Memory of Paul D.'s father (Martha's father in law)
*  Honor of Oana S.'s mother in law currently fighting breast cancer
*  Honor of Birgit vR's HP colleague battling brain and breast cancer
*  Memory of Hicks' family:  (1) RH's grandmother - breast cancer, (2) RH's aunt - breast cancer
*  Honor of Hicks' family: KH's grandmothers who are breast cancer survivors
*  Memory of Debi B.'s friend, Karen K.
*  Memory of Carolyn P.'s grandmother, mother (Corrine B.), aunt (Grace A.), sister (Grace Marian), and cousins (Nancy R. and Peggy S.)
*  Honor of Jim K., Waxahachie friend - prostate cancer survivor
*  Memory of Brian A.'s mother
*  Honor of Nancy A.'s good friend, Mary C., who is currently battling breast cancer
*  Memory of Christina T.'s parents
*  Memory of Cynthia and Paul D's Granddad Pye, and father-in-law, Ken
*  Honor of Cynthia and Paul D's Aunt C and Sister L
*  Memory of Peggy R.'s mother
*  Memory of Pallavi G.'s grandmother
*  Honor of Dee C. currently successfully fighting cancer
*  Honor of Fiona F.
*  Memory of Jennifer M.'s mom
*  Honor of Baylor boys Scott H. and Matt C. who both beat testicular cancer
*  Honor of Greg P. - testicular cancer survivor
*  Memory of Jerry E.'s brother
*  Memory of Jimmi P., Waxahachie buddy
*  Memory of Terry G., Waxahachie neighbor
*  Honor of Jan F., Waxahachie friend
*  Memory of Justin C.'s mother - breast cancer
*  Honor of Sue O.'s friend, Danielle H. battling brain and bone cancer

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.! - Confucious

Taking it one step at a time!

"12 in 12 in 2012" Tuesday Update

Can't wait to run Sunday!  Feeling so much more rested than last month, and quite a bit more pysched to run given the fact I feel energized. In the deep dark corners of my mind, I think I knew Seville was not going to be my best day.  Banish that thought now...on to Rome!

Besides rest, the small aches and pains, including that right two, third toe blood blister, are nicely healed.  Fundraising is continuing but has slowed in recent weeks; currently, I am sitting at 45% of target fundraising goal with 9 months left.  PLEASE consider sponsoring me with a donation for Cancer Research UK if you have not already done so:

http://www.justgiving.com/Holly-Young2012

The "consultant" in me has now taken to keeping a perpetual "marathon" suitcase packed, given I have a running event every 3-4 weeks.  Another slight process improvement in the overall "12 in 12 in 2012" marathon experience.

I have also found some really great articles by Hal Higdon on running multiple marathons...practical advice and a few sample training schedules for weeks "between" races.

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51153/Marathon-Multiple-Marathons-Training-Program

Finally, I will be well supported this coming Sunday with a FAB-U-LOUS road crew that I am dubbing the "Three Amigos"...husband and 2 bro-n-laws....

The biggest question is...do I don the Texas state flag running shorts this weekend or move on to a Baylor color theme?  thoughts?

Taking it one step at a time!

Viva Roma!

Maratona di Roma looms large on the horizon, Sunday, March 18th at 8:00 AM to be precise.  It is incredibly hard to believe that marathon #3 in the "12 in12 in 2012" is already here. 

This month, I find myself feeling slightly more rested (that is an understatement compared to February); the watch word for the last 4 weeks has been "sleep"!

I am looking forward to a small but mighty road crew for Sunday (Budman, Mike, Matt and perhaps an Italien work colleague) to cheer me along the race course.

Speaking of race courses, it is no doubt that the Rome Marathon has one of the world's most charming racecourses of all marathons. More than 500 landmarks enrich the 26 miles, with the start and the finish of the marathon being at THE Coliseum.  Could there be a more dramatic venue?  Let's hope I do not suffer the same fate as many of those who found themselves fighting for their lives in the coliseum though!

More on race day as the week progresses.

Taking it one step at a time!

Who is Rodney?

Technically, he is a 67 year old retired pharmacist from Manchester who I had the pleasure of getting to know during the last half of the Seville marathon. During those couple of hours, you can share your life story with people as a way to pass time, and vice versa. Trust me when I say, the pleasure was all mine!

I first encountered Rodney around mile 14. He had an unorthodox running style, and he was maybe running a 12 minute mile. He was struggling, or so I thought. I ran up alongside him and started to chat, "Hang in there, buddy" I said or some such expression. He raised his head and smiled a broad smile and I knew at that moment we'd be spending some time together during the day.

I learned that he was actually a veteran marathoner, having completed 37 previous races of the distance, and three times run the Seville marathon. He also explained that he had sustained a calf injury about 3 weeks before this race and decided to go ahead and run it just the same, even though his normal 4:30 finish time would not be achievable. We shared marathon stories...I asked "Have you run Rome?" ..."Yes, loved it! Watch out for those cobblestones at the end of the race", he replied. "Have you ever run NYC?” he queried. "Of course - fab experience - great crowds!" I said, and so the conversation went.

All along the last half of the race we ran together...he sped up a bit (and thanked me later for spurring him on), and then we paced ourselves against each other. He would run past me, then I past him, and so on. Always sharing words of encouragement to each other as we would run past.

I only know his first name; likewise, he only knows mine. But for 2 hours we shared a common goal: to finish the race. It would not matter at the end of the day who crossed the finish line first - we would celebrate each other's achievement equally.

At about km 38 (or about 4:45 into the race), the Seville race organizers started to pick up the km markers. I can only characterize my reaction to this activity as soul destroying. I still had 4 kilometers left - and the race course was no longer clearly marked. As if he knew I was starting to panic, a "calming", and almost parental voice came from behind me and said "Don't worry, I know the way home", or "the stadium is right around the corner!" He could tell today was not my best run, not my best day. In the final 400 meters, he shouted, "Come on Holly, let's finish this thing"! And we did, although the Hachie Gal was staring at Rodney's backside as he surged past me with a twinkle in his eye. Not that I cared.

Why am I relating this story? Well, running a marathon is a bit like living your life. We each go through peaks and valleys, good times and bad times, highs and lows. Being aware of those around us who are in the dark places, even if it is only a marathon, and sharing a word on encouragement can do wonders for the other person. Sometimes the encourager might not even know the impact his/her words make to the encouragee. Sometimes roles reverse and the encouragee becomes the encourager.

Distance running reminds me of life's lessons at many times....so, for those of you who are running life's race (literally or metaphorically speaking), remember to encourage others who need that extra support. You never know the power your words can have! And for those of you who need encouraging, remember to accept these offers of support and encouragement to help you through that dark place. You can pay it forward on another day.

Maraton dos is history

Marathon #2 is for the record books, albeit the slow record books.  I am happy to report a finish time of 5:06:23 for the Maraton Cuidad de Sevilla on Sunday, February 19th.  Truthfully, it is one of the races that one just says "I am glad I finished"!

Here I am at the start of the race. 





As we entered the stadium tunnel for the start,and with music a-blazing, I heard the strains of "Highway to Hell".  I only hoped it would not be prophetic on the day.



In a word, I was tired before I started.  Not the most encouraging prospect as I stood at the start line.  Firstly, although a flat urban route, it was low on spectators - thank heavens for my road crew of one, Budman!  He was prepared to run it in from mile 16 onwards but it did not come to that.  He was a bastion of encouragement on the day.

Secondly, current project work at the office and a couple of trips to Dubai in between the first and second marathons did not help me get that much needed rest I required in the three weeks time I had for recovery.  I knew well before the halfway mark of the race that it would be a long, hard slog.  Perseverance has never been in short supply for me and quitting was never an option so I plodded onwards.

Thirdly, this race is a race for speedy runners!  With a marathon field of over 5000 runners, most of the marathon finishers completed the course in times between 3:30 and 4:15.  So, early on, I resigned myself to the fact that this might be like a long run.  That said, you do meet the most lovely people at the "back of the pack" and Rodney, my new found Manchester friend was no exception.  More on him tomorrow!  Rodney and I jubilantly ran into the finish area inside the 1952 Seville Olympic Stadium in style...so what we finished in slightly over 5 hours?

Now, about that slight fine print about closing the race at the 5 hour mark.  Well, race organizers meant it!  The marathon car entrouage rolled past me at km 38 and proceeded to start picking up mile marker signs at aound 4:45 mark.  Which meant that I had to keep my eye firmly rooted to the runners ahead of me, of which there were not many, to ensure I made it back to the finish line.  Again, Rodney to the rescue, being a 3 time Seville marathon veteran, he alerted me that he could show me the "way home". 

Let's just say that with the 5 hour race closure looming, I stepped my running into overdrive.  Well, it felt like overdrive.  In reality, it was probably not, but it was just the ticket to get me into the stadium tunnel before the 5 hour mark.  As Buddy told me later, as he saw me head into the stadium entrance, literally 7-8 minutes after I entered, the course volunteers "shut" the stadium gate entrance on the remaining runners.  Can I just say, let all "boo" and "hiss" collectively?  Shame on you Seville Marathon.

Apart from the usual muscle soreness and fatigue, I am sporting a very bruised and blistered right third toe.  Looks a little bad, actually, so will keep an eye on it and read up on treatments.  Might be a question for my Waxahachie FB Running Club!  I now have four weeks to prepare for the Rome Marathon, to be held on Sunday, March 18th.  With a field of 36,000 runners, it should prove an exciting race and filled with good crowd support.

If you find yourself in Rome on the day...

Please remember to donate for my 12 in 12 in 2012 marathon cause!

Well, I’ve set an interesting running and fundraising challenge for myself: 12 marathons in 12 months in 2012! And all for fundraising for Cancer Research UK!

http://www.justgiving.com/Holly-Young2012

The two most important women in my life, the women who made the person I am today, were touched by cancer in significant ways. My mother, Nancy Sartain Robinson, lost her battle with breast, bone, and brain cancer at the early age of 48. My aunt, Dr. Peggy Sartain, who was like a second mother to me, successfully battled uterine cancer. More importantly, she served as Pediatric Oncologist at Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, Texas for 31 years, and touched the lives of thousands of children and their families who were affected by childhood cancer.

In memory of these remarkable women, I am running 12 marathons in 12 months in 2012. Basically, one marathon a month.  I have already completed Dubai International Marathon in January and Seville Marathon is THIS Sunday! I have 10 others sprinkled throughout the year as well.

I’ve set a massive fundraising goal for myself (£12,000) so please consider supporting my chosen charity, Cancer Research UK by donating through my JustGiving page. Donating this way is simple, fast and totally secure.

Please join me on my marathon journey and help to find a cure for this dreaded disease. Your support would be greatly appreciated!

Viva Sevilla!

Wow, those three weeks rolled by at warp speed....is it already time for another marathon?  Actually, yes!  Marathon Dos takes me to sunny Seville, Spain. 

What can I tell you about this race?  Sunday, the 19th, is race day with a not-so-early 9:30 AM start.  Temps at the race start should be 36 F with an expected temperature of  68 F at the finish line. An impressive start and finish at the Seville Olympic Stadium, with a winding urban circuit route. 

This weekend's road crew consists of the Budman! Thanks, sweetheart!

Bags are packed, running gear collected, and boarding passes in hand.  A couple of logistical challenges did surface in simply getting to Seville:  (1)  no direct flight from LHR, so flying to Madrid, and then on to Seville, which is about 6 hours of travel time, and (2)  we narrowly avoided the Iberia pilots strike (thankfully, am flying BA codeshare so my flight was NOT cancelled).  I was starting to get a visual of planes, trains, and automobiles.  Catastrophe averted.

Catch you on the flip side of 26.2 miles.

Marathon #2 - Seville

As I suspected, these marathons each month will start coming faster and faster!  Marathon #2 is a week from tomorrow.  Already getting a bit excited, so more on the actual race as it gets closer.

As I was out for my run yesterday, I was thinking about my next marathon outing and how I would love to have a really good run, perhaps even a super fast time (by my standards of course).  It's all relative, friends .

I was immediately struck by 2 of my favorite quotes; these quotes are from two different centuries, one a runnner/one probably not, but still have the same theme - it's the act of trying that is important.

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail" - Confucious

"The momentum of once step leading to another is more important than the pace!" - Jeff Galloway

A metaphor for life I think as well!  So, perhaps completion of each race is success enough and if that PB (personal best in runner's lingo) happens, that's a bonus!

Happy Birthday, Budman!

Happy birthday!  Join me in wishing Budman the happiest birthday yet.

Dubai marathon... the details

Morning dawned early..about 4 am for the start of the Dubai International Marathon on Friday, January 27th.  As some of you remember from previous posts, due to work committments, the Marrakech Marathon I was scheduled to run on 1/29 was "kaboshed". Given I was already in Dubai for 2+ weeks on business, I was able to enter that race and still get that January marathon completed.  Check!



The race was flat, well organized, with lots of water and gatorade stops, sadly SUPER low on crowd support, and essentially an out and back course. Mind numbingly boring under normal circumstances, but lucky for me, I had an HP UAE colleague runnning with me. Thanks Ajda!

Here we are moving to the start line for a 7:00 AM start.








The temperature at the start of race was about 64 degrees F, but overhead sun (no cloud cover) and rising temperatures throughout the morning meant that the high during the run was 78 degrees F. OK, I know for you Texas running buddies that does not sound too bad, but when you have not trained in Texas heat for 10+ years, you lose that conditioning.

Suffice to say, by mile 13, dehyrdation and nausea had settled in and kept me company for about 7 miles. At each water stop, I not only drank gatorade and water, but usually poured 2 bottled of water over my head. After 5 or 6 times of this repeated action, I actually began to feel human at mile 20-21.

Here are some "action shots" from along the course.







A final run time of 5:08 was not ideal but I had gone into the race with the mindset that this was just another long run.





What I can say is that I had a FAN-TAS-TIC road crew, led by the Budman, and supported by Faz, G, and Rambo!  Thanks guys...for making the effort!  Your presence warmed my heart.

Happy 200th Birthday, Charlie

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens (February 7, 1812 – June 9, 1870), the English novelist known for such favorites as A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities, Pickwick Papers, and Little Dorrit...just to name a few.

What many people do not know is that Dickens chose to write about the disenfranchised, the physically disabled, the poor, the infirmed....in other words, he wrote about the challeneges of everyday people. Perhaps that is why his books still resonate so well today.


What is your favorite Dickens book or short story?

Dubai International Marathon: 1 done, 11 to go

The January marathon is history.  Finish time:  5:08
Details to follow.