It's over. It was INCREDIBLE.
Pictures and stories to come.
Can't stop smiling!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Two Days To Go.
It's been a busy, productive day. All the better to keep my mind occupied!
Friday update: I just got back from a really fun run with my husband...
Michael... RUNNING???
Well, no. He rode his bike, and I ran. It was very pleasant, though. Nice to have some company, and a gorgeous fall evening, the sun beginning to go down over the Lake, the moon rising over the trees, a small wedding ceremony by the Bil Mar. Just a short run, but so full.
And... as Michael put it at the end of my run... "Now, just do that 5 1/2 more times. Right?"
Right. No problem.
It's all how you look at it!
Friday update: I just got back from a really fun run with my husband...
Michael... RUNNING???
Well, no. He rode his bike, and I ran. It was very pleasant, though. Nice to have some company, and a gorgeous fall evening, the sun beginning to go down over the Lake, the moon rising over the trees, a small wedding ceremony by the Bil Mar. Just a short run, but so full.
And... as Michael put it at the end of my run... "Now, just do that 5 1/2 more times. Right?"
Right. No problem.
It's all how you look at it!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
THANK YOU.
I'm filled with gratitude, can't help but let a few tears fall. I sent out one last beseeching email this afternoon, hoping for a few more dollars to trickle in. God is great, and you are all SO good! I've just surpassed my fundraising goal, thanks to the kind and generous donations from all of YOU... so many people I respect and love.
I'm speechless.
Thank you.
Humbly,
Natasha
I'm speechless.
Thank you.
Humbly,
Natasha
Three Days To Go.
Thursday update: No run today. Decided it was better to rest the ol' legs... kind of nice to do it purposefully. Lots of thinking about the Big Day. Lots of thinking.
I'm trying to wrap my brain around the course. You can click HERE to see a map of the full layout.
Why 26.2 miles? According to Greek legend, a herald named Pheidippides ran 240 km (150 miles) in two days from the town of Marathon to Sparta to request help against the invading Persians... and upon conclusion of the battle then ran 42 km (26.2 miles) from Marathon to Athens. He announced the Greek victory... and promptly DIED. Historically, it is improbable. Poetically...
Pheidippides, by Robert Browning, immortalizes his feat thus:
So, when Persia was dust, all cried, "To Acropolis!
Run, Pheidippides, one race more! the meed is thy due!
Athens is saved, thank Pan, go shout!" He flung down his shield
Ran like fire once more: and the space 'twixt the fennel-field
And Athens was stubble again, a field which a fire runs through,
Till in he broke: "Rejoice, we conquer!" Like wine through clay,
Joy in his blood bursting his heart, - the bliss!
You can learn more about the marathon's history HERE, including its evolution and inclusion in the Olympic Games, beginning in 1896.
Did anyone else watch the Olympic marathons this year? It was the first time I've been interested... for obvious reasons. I watched, riveted, as Constantina Dita-Tomescu blew away the rest of the competition in the Women's Marathon in Beijing. And I learned from one of the marathon updates, she's going to be running in Chicago! Miles ahead of me, but still...
The Chicago Marathon has been an institution in the Windy City since 1977. You can find a fascinating slide show (check out the Fun Fact on each slide) featuring 30 years of pictures celebrating its history HERE. In 1977, there were 4200 participants and the entrance fee was $5. This year, the cap for registrants was set at 45,000, and the entrance fee was... more than $5. Ha ha! How the times change.
So much to think about.
I'm trying to wrap my brain around the course. You can click HERE to see a map of the full layout.
Why 26.2 miles? According to Greek legend, a herald named Pheidippides ran 240 km (150 miles) in two days from the town of Marathon to Sparta to request help against the invading Persians... and upon conclusion of the battle then ran 42 km (26.2 miles) from Marathon to Athens. He announced the Greek victory... and promptly DIED. Historically, it is improbable. Poetically...
Pheidippides, by Robert Browning, immortalizes his feat thus:
So, when Persia was dust, all cried, "To Acropolis!
Run, Pheidippides, one race more! the meed is thy due!
Athens is saved, thank Pan, go shout!" He flung down his shield
Ran like fire once more: and the space 'twixt the fennel-field
And Athens was stubble again, a field which a fire runs through,
Till in he broke: "Rejoice, we conquer!" Like wine through clay,
Joy in his blood bursting his heart, - the bliss!
You can learn more about the marathon's history HERE, including its evolution and inclusion in the Olympic Games, beginning in 1896.
Did anyone else watch the Olympic marathons this year? It was the first time I've been interested... for obvious reasons. I watched, riveted, as Constantina Dita-Tomescu blew away the rest of the competition in the Women's Marathon in Beijing. And I learned from one of the marathon updates, she's going to be running in Chicago! Miles ahead of me, but still...
The Chicago Marathon has been an institution in the Windy City since 1977. You can find a fascinating slide show (check out the Fun Fact on each slide) featuring 30 years of pictures celebrating its history HERE. In 1977, there were 4200 participants and the entrance fee was $5. This year, the cap for registrants was set at 45,000, and the entrance fee was... more than $5. Ha ha! How the times change.
So much to think about.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Four Days To Go.
And I feel like I have so much to do.
That's kind of an illusion, though. I was going through my insurmountable mental checklist of tasks to complete before we leave on Saturday... but in reality, all the most important preparation is done. I haven't packed, I still need to finish cleaning the house, I've got e-mails to send and people to call.
In spite of it all, I am ready.
16 weeks ready.
$1,010 raised so far for Team World Vision (THANK YOU!).
14 long runs done.
Countless shorter runs, speed workouts and intervals logged.
Hotel booked.
Dozens of articles and newsletters read.
Marathon clothing purchased, broken in.
Shoes laced.
Mental readiness complete.
I think I'm as ready as possible! Since the River Bank Run in May, I've logged 764.10 miles with my Nike+ chip. Some of them are triumphant, others painful. I suspect that's a bit what the marathon will feel like. Again, I remind myself: Have fun!
Wednesday update: My run today was damp.
I decided to see how my iPod and gels fit into my new race belt. They fit well, and I can put my chapstick in there, too. My race bib will attach to loops on the belt as well, so that I don't have to worry about pinning it to the outermost shirt or changing it when I shed a layer of clothing. It bounces around quite a bit, but I think it'll be better once I use up the first gel or two. Since I was running with the iPod in the belt, I didn't wear the headphones. It was a nice time to think about what it will be like, running without music during the race. I'm sure the experience will be very different, running with thousands of on-lookers, but I still enjoyed the preparation.
In the damp, grey day, I almost had the pier and boardwalk to myself. It was intriguing to hear the wind and the waves over the sound of my own breathing. The wind was coming from the northwest, and the waves in the channel were gulping hungrily at the edge of the pier, while the waves on the Lake side were menacing, deadly, as they rolled silently toward the shore. The water was a dark, murky grey. It was beautiful.
Very different experiences await me in Chicago. I can't wait!
That's kind of an illusion, though. I was going through my insurmountable mental checklist of tasks to complete before we leave on Saturday... but in reality, all the most important preparation is done. I haven't packed, I still need to finish cleaning the house, I've got e-mails to send and people to call.
In spite of it all, I am ready.
16 weeks ready.
$1,010 raised so far for Team World Vision (THANK YOU!).
14 long runs done.
Countless shorter runs, speed workouts and intervals logged.
Hotel booked.
Dozens of articles and newsletters read.
Marathon clothing purchased, broken in.
Shoes laced.
Mental readiness complete.
I think I'm as ready as possible! Since the River Bank Run in May, I've logged 764.10 miles with my Nike+ chip. Some of them are triumphant, others painful. I suspect that's a bit what the marathon will feel like. Again, I remind myself: Have fun!
Wednesday update: My run today was damp.
I decided to see how my iPod and gels fit into my new race belt. They fit well, and I can put my chapstick in there, too. My race bib will attach to loops on the belt as well, so that I don't have to worry about pinning it to the outermost shirt or changing it when I shed a layer of clothing. It bounces around quite a bit, but I think it'll be better once I use up the first gel or two. Since I was running with the iPod in the belt, I didn't wear the headphones. It was a nice time to think about what it will be like, running without music during the race. I'm sure the experience will be very different, running with thousands of on-lookers, but I still enjoyed the preparation.
In the damp, grey day, I almost had the pier and boardwalk to myself. It was intriguing to hear the wind and the waves over the sound of my own breathing. The wind was coming from the northwest, and the waves in the channel were gulping hungrily at the edge of the pier, while the waves on the Lake side were menacing, deadly, as they rolled silently toward the shore. The water was a dark, murky grey. It was beautiful.
Very different experiences await me in Chicago. I can't wait!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Five Days To Go.
This is really going to happen.
Tuesday update: I didn't make it out for a run yesterday. I took a day of recuperation. No particular reason or strategy behind it, but I hope it all adds up to success in the end!
I ran into The Rollerblader again today. It was a sign of the times (or perhaps just the weather)... he was bundled in full pants, a jacket, a hat, gloves, in addition to his normal protective gear. We exchanged greetings and I shared with him that "my" marathon is this weekend... when we passed each other again later, each going in the opposite direction, he offered some sage advice, "Whatever you do in your marathon, HAVE FUN!"
I'll have to remember that when I reach the point that each step becomes difficult. Have fun. I hope to try!
In preparation for the chilly morning we'll have before the start, I purchased some gloves and a head band this afternoon. The gloves are cheap, and I will most likely just toss them when I start to heat up. The head band was not... I'm hoping I can pull it down around my neck and that it won't be too irritating. Otherwise, I might not wear it at all. I'll be sporting my World Vision racing shirt... so proud to have been supporting a great cause all along. My new shoes are feeling great. Stopped at Running Circles for a couple more gels. So many last minutes preparations... but it's all coming together!
Tuesday update: I didn't make it out for a run yesterday. I took a day of recuperation. No particular reason or strategy behind it, but I hope it all adds up to success in the end!
I ran into The Rollerblader again today. It was a sign of the times (or perhaps just the weather)... he was bundled in full pants, a jacket, a hat, gloves, in addition to his normal protective gear. We exchanged greetings and I shared with him that "my" marathon is this weekend... when we passed each other again later, each going in the opposite direction, he offered some sage advice, "Whatever you do in your marathon, HAVE FUN!"
I'll have to remember that when I reach the point that each step becomes difficult. Have fun. I hope to try!
In preparation for the chilly morning we'll have before the start, I purchased some gloves and a head band this afternoon. The gloves are cheap, and I will most likely just toss them when I start to heat up. The head band was not... I'm hoping I can pull it down around my neck and that it won't be too irritating. Otherwise, I might not wear it at all. I'll be sporting my World Vision racing shirt... so proud to have been supporting a great cause all along. My new shoes are feeling great. Stopped at Running Circles for a couple more gels. So many last minutes preparations... but it's all coming together!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
One Week from Today.
Oh my. The nervous jitters don't even begin to describe it.
Sunday update: No running today. Instead, my family joined the celebration of Nana's birthday with an open house at Aunt Greta's. What a nice gathering in honor of an astounding life. It was so nice to see the people who love her. Thank you for hosting a lovely party, Greta!
Nana, on the beach with Dad, 1944
Nana with her daughters (in law), Mom (R) and GretaSaturday, October 04, 2008
Time is Short.
Saturday update: Quick little run, quick little update.
Glad to see the sun today. It was a frigid 31 degrees on my drive home from work this morning. The temperature was up in the 50's when I made it out for a run this afternoon, which makes it... better.
8 Days Until Race Day!
Wow.
Glad to see the sun today. It was a frigid 31 degrees on my drive home from work this morning. The temperature was up in the 50's when I made it out for a run this afternoon, which makes it... better.
8 Days Until Race Day!
Wow.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Happy Birthday Jacob!
I've been slacking on the updates. I think the "taper" mentality has transferred to my blogging efforts as well. I have been very thoughtful with my runs, and trying to gradually decrease mileage to allow my body to be in tip-top shape for the race. The chill in the air makes it more difficult to take that first step outside anyhow...
BUT... today has BIGGER, MORE IMPORTANT happenings anyway:
At 1:31pm on October 3, 1997, weighing 7 lbs 15 oz, Jacob Michael Peoples came blasting into the world... he hasn't stopped moving since! What a bright and vibrant personality. We LOVE you so much, Jacob!
Jacob will spend most of today with his classmates, celebrating with chocolate chip cookies and fun Friday activities. His chosen birthday plans for tonight with Grandma include a trip to Crazy Bounce and the premiere of Star Wars: the Clone Wars on Cartoon Network (his choice). Happy Birthday!!!
And we can't forget Jacob's (almost) birthday buddy and great-grandmother, Nana:
On October 2, 1918, Joan Rodenhouse was born. Yesterday, Joan (Nana) Hoekstra turned an outstanding 90 years old. What a life she has lived... she was born at the end of World War I into a loving family in Grand Rapids, MI. She has lived through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II (during which her 1st son, my dad, was born, and she watched her husband, brother and many other loved ones go off to war), the 50's, Women's Lib, the Cultural Revolution of the 60's, the birth of her seven grandchildren, beginning in 1974, the death of her beloved daughter, Christy, and cherished husband, Rich (Bops), and now the birth of (so far) four great-grandchildren, with another on the way! Difficult to comprehend the enormity of these years and the impact she has had on all our lives. Easy to see why they call her a part of the "Greatest Generation."
Happy Birthday, Nana! We LOVE you... God bless you!
Friday update: I'm not sure I'll have time to make it out for a run today, but I've managed a few good runs so far, including my intended long run for the week.
It has been mostly cold and cloudy with lots of rain. I wished I had my camera with me a couple of times... on Tuesday, there was a strong northeast wind and I watched 8 or 9 parasurfers on the south side of the South Pier... so close I felt like I could touch them! They skim across the water at incredible speeds, and I saw one of them leap from a wave and rise at least 30 feet up into the air. What a thrill! The waves are enormous when the wind is strong like that, and there were a couple of days that I couldn't make it to the end of the pier, as the waves were washing right OVER it. I didn't have a camera with me, but it looked a lot like this picture from a year or two ago:
The countdown continues. Only 9 days until Race Day. I still welcome anyone who hasn't taken a look at my fundraising page to consider a donation toward my efforts for Team World Vision. You can find all the details HERE. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged their support... it means so much to me!
I still have lots of last minute preparations to make to ensure that we are ready and everything goes smoothly. Otherwise, since I'm not supposed to do much running, it's kind of a waiting game now. (And a little gut-churning to go along with that.) Chicago, here I come!
BUT... today has BIGGER, MORE IMPORTANT happenings anyway:
Jacob is 11!!!
At 1:31pm on October 3, 1997, weighing 7 lbs 15 oz, Jacob Michael Peoples came blasting into the world... he hasn't stopped moving since! What a bright and vibrant personality. We LOVE you so much, Jacob!
Jacob will spend most of today with his classmates, celebrating with chocolate chip cookies and fun Friday activities. His chosen birthday plans for tonight with Grandma include a trip to Crazy Bounce and the premiere of Star Wars: the Clone Wars on Cartoon Network (his choice). Happy Birthday!!!
And we can't forget Jacob's (almost) birthday buddy and great-grandmother, Nana:
On October 2, 1918, Joan Rodenhouse was born. Yesterday, Joan (Nana) Hoekstra turned an outstanding 90 years old. What a life she has lived... she was born at the end of World War I into a loving family in Grand Rapids, MI. She has lived through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II (during which her 1st son, my dad, was born, and she watched her husband, brother and many other loved ones go off to war), the 50's, Women's Lib, the Cultural Revolution of the 60's, the birth of her seven grandchildren, beginning in 1974, the death of her beloved daughter, Christy, and cherished husband, Rich (Bops), and now the birth of (so far) four great-grandchildren, with another on the way! Difficult to comprehend the enormity of these years and the impact she has had on all our lives. Easy to see why they call her a part of the "Greatest Generation."
Happy Birthday, Nana! We LOVE you... God bless you!
Friday update: I'm not sure I'll have time to make it out for a run today, but I've managed a few good runs so far, including my intended long run for the week.
It has been mostly cold and cloudy with lots of rain. I wished I had my camera with me a couple of times... on Tuesday, there was a strong northeast wind and I watched 8 or 9 parasurfers on the south side of the South Pier... so close I felt like I could touch them! They skim across the water at incredible speeds, and I saw one of them leap from a wave and rise at least 30 feet up into the air. What a thrill! The waves are enormous when the wind is strong like that, and there were a couple of days that I couldn't make it to the end of the pier, as the waves were washing right OVER it. I didn't have a camera with me, but it looked a lot like this picture from a year or two ago:
The countdown continues. Only 9 days until Race Day. I still welcome anyone who hasn't taken a look at my fundraising page to consider a donation toward my efforts for Team World Vision. You can find all the details HERE. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged their support... it means so much to me!
I still have lots of last minute preparations to make to ensure that we are ready and everything goes smoothly. Otherwise, since I'm not supposed to do much running, it's kind of a waiting game now. (And a little gut-churning to go along with that.) Chicago, here I come!
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