Finishing with a savage kick- let’s finish this rainy parade of runners
On Saturday, February 10th, I completed my 17th marathon in 4:02:57 with a big kick and smile at the finish line.
I am very lucky when it comes to having good running weather, but on Saturday, the rain came down steadily for about three hours out of the four hours that I was running the marathon with zero stops for fear that I wouldn’t want to keep going.
My mantra during the entire race was to keep going and never stop, which I accomplished and felt good the entire time, but not as speedy as in other marathons. Yet, the farther I ran, the less interested I was in quitting, which reminded me of our teachers back in Romania, who used to repeat this phrase to us whenever they sensed that we were about to quit:
“You better keep going and not drown right when you’re about to reach the shore.”
As a child, I despised this expression, but as an adult, I appreciate it and practice it with my family, in my business, and in all the sports I do.
Why do I value this so much?
The answer is simple: “We don’t always see the shore, which is why we have to keep swimming, running, or whatever we’re doing.
A Short Course Analysis
My friend Youa absolutely loves this course, which is part of the Mesa-Phoenix Revel downhill course and is considered fast. She keeps hitting a PR every year that she runs this course, but she still needs to hit or break 3:30. Inspired by her and other runners, I signed up to run this marathon hoping to break 3:28:48, which is my PR at Mt. Charleston marathon, the fastest course I have ever run followed by Big Bear in Southern California.
Being a strong downhill runner, I figured that the PR could happen, even though I had a two-month training setback at the beginning of my marathon build-up due to my peroneal injury. However, January was a strong training month, so I was becoming even more hopeful until I got to run the course, and my inner monologue changed.
The start was delayed by 30 minutes, which meant standing in the rain and getting our shoes and clothes wet. After about 20 minutes into the delay, runners were allowed to start after about 20 minutes. I was still in the bathroom, so when I came out, I jumped to the start and started running with joy while trying not to run too fast my first mile. I only hit 7:59 pace in that first mile, after which I dropped in the low 8s.
The course was not crowded at all, which I liked. The course is supposed to be very fast in the beginning, after which there are two hilly miles from miles 5 to 7. During the course preview, we were promised all fast downhill after mile 7 till about 17, but I kept waiting for those downhills to appear and felt like Waiting for Godot, as all I got was a slight downhill and mainly flat course, which didn’t feel that fast to me.
I decided to settle at an easy pace and to take in all the spectators. To my great delight, I saw a family who held up signs written in Romanian just as I was thinking of my dear father who smiled and cried with joy through the raindrops that day.
I ran towards them and greeted them in Romanian, which made them cheer loudly for me. How awesome was that?
As I kept running in the cold rain, I tried to take in the scenery, but there was a long stretch of an industrial-type neighborhood – more than five miles, so I didn’t think the course was beautiful other than in the beginning with the saguaros dotting the road and looking eerie in the morning darkness. I always do better when the course is pretty like the London Marathon, which I consider the most beautiful marathon I have done so far with Big Sur following.
I didn’t know if it was me not feeling those downhills but at the end of the race, my good friend Tiffany Stratton Moreno and I found out from different runners that they also didn’t feel those fast downhills that were supposed to make this course speedy. Tiffany encouraged me to write a detailed race recap, as runners tend to perceive the course sometimes based on their PRs and not the true topography of the course.
Things that went well
My nutrition on the course was right on point. For this marathon, I followed the advice of many elite runners and took a Huma gel every 3 miles, which worked out very well, as I never hit the wall, but I also didn’t settle in my high 7s paces for whatever reason. It could have been running through the rain for so long, or simply not my day.
With the sparse scenery, I focused on the few but wonderful spectators, who were out there standing and cheering for us in the rain.
Every time, I shouted: “Like a savage,” they cheered loudly and laughed.
The fun interaction with the spectators kept me going – soaked with raindrops and the thrill of running another marathon – feeling good and even happy to welcome some fatigue but no real pain in my body due to my good training, a mixture of my own and coach Paul Carmona. I purchased his downhill advanced plan, which was very good and helped me run strong, although I will revert to my training plan next time and run a marathon six to seven weeks before running the marathon that I wish to PR.
Why? You might ask?
Because I am an advanced runner, know my body and all my three fastest marathons from 3:28 to 3:33 came six to seven weeks after I ran an easy marathon, except my first 3:30 Mountains to Beach marathon, which happened after I ran my first 50-mile race seven weeks prior. The marathon felt like a breeze!
Back to the Mesa-Phoenix marathon
As I ran in the rain that came down relentlessly and only stopped in the last mile of the marathon, I looked forward to inching closer to the finish line so that I could change clothes and celebrate another marathon.
The finish line of the marathon was slightly downhill, which helped me finish with my characteristic savage ninja kick and run at a 7:45 pace coming through the chute while shouting “like a savage.”
The spectators were having a blast and cheered me on as if I had won the marathon.
The marathon ended at Riverview Park, which is a large open space park with water features, playgrounds, and a stage, where they played music for us.
As soon as I crossed the finish line, my wonderful friend and Arete teammate Youa Xiong called me and we met up. To my great joy, she told me that she PRed for the fifth year in a row in this marathon, but due to the heavy rain we had, she didn’t hit 3:30 or faster, as she had hoped. She ran it in 3:33, which was so close.
“You seriously did amazing,” I told her while having someone take our picture.
Youa and I at the end of the marathon! Super proud of her! A shiny new medal and a PR!
My celebrations continued with my friend and wonderful roommate Tiffany. We even went on a short hike to see the Hole in the Rock by the Zoo, which was beautiful. My husband joked with me that apparently, I didn’t run hard enough if I was in the mood for hiking.
“It was just a short hike to get some blood flow into our legs,” I told Catalin, knowing that he liked to tease me.
Tiffany and I on our way to the Hole in the Rock- showing off our new shiny medals.
This marathon is still in the top 10 of fast marathons to run and it can be a good course on not such a rainy day.
A million thanks to the organizers of this Revel race for doing their best to make it a positive experience.
And when in doubt, remember that you’ve come so far, and quitting will feel like drowning by the shore, as my teachers back in Romania used to tell us. Let’s persevere!
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“Boston City and its people stole my heart, while Boston marathon stole my legs.” Carmen Micsa, aka ninja
Before Marathon – Exploring Boston
What I love most about out of state marathons is the exploration of the city. I feel that the energy, excitement, and the pure spiritual aura of a city unveils to us runners from all over the world in a unique light that shimmers inside our souls and sticks to our memories forever. However, after having run Chicago and New York City world marathons in 2018, which I totally relished and treasured, I feel that the Bostonians are the friendliest, the most invested in their marathon, and welcomed us runners with open arms and hearts.
The people of Boston were treating us runners like rock stars the entire marathon weekend. The locals cheer on us and talk to us everywhere we go, whenever they see us wearing our marathon jackets/clothes. Such an indelible feeling!
Little did I know that the course outline behind me was so accurate. My coach and my friends back home told me that the first 6 miles are downhill and that I need to hold back and not go too fast, but I would soon find out that the hills start cresting from the very first mile.
My first day in Boston was taken by the Expo and by exploring Boston Common, the oldest park in the United States dating back to 1634. The history, the brick buildings, the friendly people all welcomed me, making me grateful and honored to run my eighth marathon, but my very first Boston.
Boston Common Park and its gardens.
I even got to meet Blanca, the white albino squirrel that was as friendly and cheerful as the Bostonians.
On Sunday before the Boston marathon, which is the oldest continuously running marathon, I was excited to run down Boylston Street to the finish line to do my easy shakeout run. My Airbnb apartment was a little less than a mile away from the finish line and only a quarter mile from the buses taking us to the start line. My good friend Kaoru Cruz who had run Boston the previous year told me about the blessing of the athletes at the Old South Church, so I was excited to get my run in first and then go to church. To my great joy, many of my Sacramento runner friends were also by the finish line, strolling and taking pics.
With Kaoru Cruz and my awesome Sacramento runner friends at the finish line.
With Lisa Limcaco and Joanie Murakami.
Boston Strong, Sunday before the marathon.
Another finish pic with my awesome Arete team mates, Karen Kunz and Debbie Zakerski. To me, taking all the pics by the finish line meant that I had to finish the next day and be strong and ready for the real finish line pics.
Following my short run with a few strides, I had a bagel with hash brown potatoes. A few minutes before 11 a.m., when the second blessing of the athletes happened, I went to Old South Church – my soul already elated and humbled to be there.
Designed in the Gothic Revival style, the Old South Church is a historic United Church of Christ. Having a church by the finish line of the marathon is a 26.2 mile and beyond spiritual journey.
Before the service started, we were all given a palm leaf. In John 12:12, the crowds used palm leaves to greet and welcome Jesus as the king of Israel. I sat next to a lovely lady, who lived right outside of Boston on her own and who immediately started talking to me about the marathon and treated me like a celebrity. Once the service started, I felt the sacredness of Palm Sunday, surrounded by the people of Boston and other marathoners like me from all over the world. The service was touching with special prayers and wishes for us, such as “May you mount up with wings like eagles. May you run and not grow weary. May you walk and not faint,” but what got me was the special hymn for the runners entitled Guide My Feet.
As we all started to sing this hymn that went like this: “Guide my feet while I run this race, (yes, my Lord!) for I don’t want to race this race in vain! Hold my hand while I run this race, I’m your child while I run this race, Search my heart while I run this race,” I wept uncontrollably. I sang and cried. A purifying and cathartic sobbing and crying that percolated all the way to my runner’s core. My new friend consoled me and held me around the shoulders in a maternal embrace. At the time, I just thought I was emotional, but after the marathon, I interpreted my weeping as a foreboding sign to the tough marathon awaiting for me that would fully challenge my physical and mental abilities.
My new Boston friend from Old South Church, who consoled me when I cried filled with emotions before my first Boston marathon.
The Morning of the Race
On Patriots Day, the morning of the marathon, I woke up to a roaring thunder and stormy fickle New England weather. The dark clouds floating in the sky, reminded me of Haruki Muraki’s quote in his memoir What I Talk About When I talk About Running that clouds always come and go, but we can always count on the permanence and immanence of the sky. While I was getting dressed and prepared my bag with my good Nike Flyknit shoes, I checked the weather app. It looked that the rain would be over by the time I started at 10:50 a.m. wave 3, corral 2. Nonetheless, I wore my bad shoes that I was going to discard at the start line and a disposable weather poncho.
Before boarding on the bus to Hopkinton. Most runners were clad in garbage bags and old clothes to discard at the start line.
The ride to the start line took about an hour. Once we got to the Athletes Village, I lined up to use the porta potty. It was muddy, so I was glad I wore my bad shoes that I was going to discard right as we started to walk to the start line. After going to the bathroom twice, I ate half a bagel and then they called wave three, blue bibs to start walking. It was happening and I needed to go to the bathroom again, but I was told there were porta potties right before the start line, so I was relieved.
The Race
Before I knew it, I crossed the start line at Hopkinton to run my first Boston marathon. As my wonderful coach Jenny Hitchings, warned me, the first three miles of the marathon were quite busy and I was not able to hit even the 8-minute pace that she suggested for my race strategy, but I was around 8:10 minute pace. I refrained from weaving around people, as I wanted to conserve energy. I was also told that the first six miles were downhill, but I found out quite the opposite. After about half a mile, a long hill loomed in front of us. A gentleman running next to me joked and asked me: “Is this Heartbreak hill?” I laughed, but I was already put off by the early hills. I could also see runners in front of me trying to get into a rhythm and go around other runners. It was also hard for me to hit my 7:50 to 8 minute pace right from the start of the race, which never happens to me; quite the contrary, I have to hold myself back, because it feels so good to run. At the 5K point, I was only 1 minute off from what Jenny wanted me to hit, so I reassured myself that I would soon get into my groove and my 7:50 splits should come to me, as they always did in my training, which has been solid due to the outstanding guidance and support of my coach.
The spectators lined up on both sides of the rural towns we ran through from Hopkinton to Ahsland first. I high fived many kids cheering for us and thought to myself that by the 10K mark I should be on track. However, as we kept running through the next town of Framingham, I kept noticing more and more hills and hardly any downhill. My pace by the 10K mark deteriorated, but I kept on running and smiling. I was looking forward to hit the half marathon mark. I noticed quite a few churches on our way and the spectators who cheered on us from the side of the road, from balconies and anywhere they could find a spot to show their enthusiasm for us and supporting us the same way crowds in Chicago and New York City world marathons did.
The heat and humidity were a factor for us runners. I felt sluggish and knew I had to stay on top of my hydration and fueling. I took more Huma gels than I normally would to be strong and not get cramps. As soon as I hit the half marathon mark by Wellesley, I was 10 minutes off my recommended pace. I had to acquiesce that I would have to dig deep to finish my first Boston marathon and that it was not going to be a PR day for me. I was starting to feel my glutes lock up on me and not allowing me to run smoothly, which is why I almost missed the super enthusiastic and loud cheering from the Wellesley college students, but then I saw runners stopping for kisses and remembered my friends who told me about this incredible experience. I did not go for a kiss, but tried to use the crowds’ energy and good vibes to continue running and smiling.
Still smiling.
Digging deep on the hills.
Running by the famous Newton Fire Station on the infamous Newton hills.
My pace kept getting slower into the 9s. At this time, I only hit one GMP mile at 7:55 pace, which was unusual for me, as I perform much better in races than in training. My left calf muscle was tight and tense. My running felt labored. I even had to do a short walk on Heartbreak Hill. I ended up walking for a very short distance three times during this marathon, which had never happened to me in any other marathons I had previously run.
The crowds kept cheering for us loudly, but at this point, it wasn’t working for me, as I was in deep pain and mad on this crazy Boston marathon course. I told myself that I would never come back and that one time running this iconic race is more than enough. My emotions during the race matched the New England weather: I vacillated between joy, smiling, waving to the spectators to talking to myself, hating the course, and not understanding why runners keep coming back to run Boston marathon. Between miles 16 to 21, I was in a dark place, not enjoying the marathon and wishing this torture to be over. My left calf kept putting its brakes on my running, so I understood that I had to be gentle on my body, while trying to adjust my stride and just move along at whatever pace my body allowed me to run that day.
The Finish Line
From miles 22 to the finish I just willed myself to keep moving. The majority of the miles were on flat terrain, but I was still exhausted and stopped one last time. I walked and cried. A very nice lady told me that we are almost done and gave me her hand. We ran hand in had for just a little bit till I stopped crying. I often get emotional running marathons, or ultras. The crowds kept cheering for us to propel us to the finish line. I tried to absorb their energy, but it didn’t work the same way as it did for me at New York City marathon in 2018. However, once I saw the big Citgo sign, a landmark for the Boston people associated with Kenmore Square and the Red Sox in the distance, I knew I was getting close. I could taste my victory of completing a tough marathon under warm and humid conditions.
The turn on Boylston Street was incredible and so was the purifying and cooling rain that had started. Most runners felt cheerful and spread their arms widely to welcome the rain that never felt better. I felt rejuvenated and tried to do my kick at the finish line. I crossed over the mat, not realizing that the race was over. I did it!
The pure ecstasy of crossing the finish line and completing my toughest marathon so far in 4:10:22, which was my second slowest marathon since becoming a runner, but a finish in the iconic Boston marathon is a finish.
My rainy finish before getting the medal.
The Boston Medal! A race like no other!
Post Boston Celebration and New Perspective on the Marathon
Right after the marathon, I walked back to my apartment wrapped in the shiny, silver thermal marathon blanket. To my surprise, my calf felt great now that I stopped abusing it. I knew that I was not injured and I was happy. My post Boston celebration included meeting with my awesome Arete team mates and our coach Mary Wright, my wonderful friend Robin Miotke, who happened to be in Boston, and my speedy and amazing friend Karen Clark. As I heard more marathon stories and how mostly everybody struggled that day, although some of our team mates ran super strong races and even got a personal record, I became more and more content and grateful with my finish and accomplishment.
The Boston 26.2 beer sure tasted good with my Beyond meat burger dinner after the marathon at the Granary Tavern, where I met with my Arete team mates to celebrate and share our trials and tribulations.
With our awesome coach Mary Wright and my team mates from Arete’s different chapters.
With my amazing long-time friend Robin Miotke. I loved hanging out with Robin and her husband Rob and share lots of race details as well as my second dinner for the evening.
The following day, I woke up with hardly any soreness, or pain, so I joked with my hubby, friends, and coach telling them that I apparently did not run hard enough out there. On my way to the airport, I was super happy to connect with my wonderful friend Karen Clark, whom I had met during a 20-mile race in preparation for the CIM marathon in 2016 and we had stayed great friends.
Posing with my friend Karen Clark by the Boston marathon sign.
Appreciating my journey as a runner and grateful for having completed the Boston marathon.
Final Thoughts, Reflections, and Advice on the Boston Marathon from Carmen, aka Ninja
The hills are real and when I come back to run Boston, I will make sure to include a lot more hill training and even some close to GMP miles on hills. I had some great Boston simulation hilly long runs that my coach had me do and they were great. I also tried to do most of my easy runs on hills, but hitting long hills during a marathon between miles 16 to 21, when the body is already tired is tough.
Last year before I ran Mountains 2 Beach, which is a much easier marathon, but still had some hills after the half marathon mark, I had run two hilly 50K races and one 50-mile race. I will not run Boston without doing at least one 50k race on the trails about 4 to 6 weeks out. Doing a 50-mile race like I did last year is a little much, but the 50K races will prepare my body and mind for those steep and long Newton hills.
Doing more long runs on the trails will be ideal and key in my humble opinion, especially during January and February to build endurance and strength. This is especially important for me to do, as I constantly have glutes issues and experience pain during long runs and marathons.
Using the sauna at the gym more often, as early spring weather can bring heat and humidity that our bodies are not used to.
Doing two days of strength training, instead of one that I did this training cycle, two days of hot yoga/ Pilates a week on top of the regular running will make my body stronger and faster.
As this wonderful sign by the finish line of the Boston marathon says: “What gets you to the finish line?”
Great question! We all have different reasons and motivations. Let’s find them!
Once I had finished Boston Marathon, my gratitude level increased, and as this sign that I walked by on my way to the celebration dinner says, rebounding and resilience are one of the key lessons that we learn as runners and human beings. For these reasons I would like to dedicate this blog and the Boston marathon to my mom Cezarina Gramatic, who is quite resilient herself.
Life and marathons are about rebounding and resilience!
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“Hollywood is hype, New York is talk, Chicago is work.”
Actor Michael Douglas
Chicago marathon is a big deal for the windy city and the spectators were cheering for us despite the rain. The approximate number of spectators: more than 1.5 million.
Although Chicago marathon was my sixth marathon that I ran in the last three years since I became a runner, this was my first world marathon and I could only guess what to expect from it before I toed the start line on October 7th, 2018. Some things about Chicago marathon were pretty clear to me just by reading the official program and information on the website. For instance, I learned that the Chicago marathon uses 1.1 million Gatorade cups on race day and 1.3 million water cups. I also learned that the warmest race day was 89 degrees, coldest race was 21 degrees F, and the last time it snowed during the marathon was in 1993.
My goal was to try to break 3:30:59, which I had accomplished at Mountains 2 Beach Marathon held in Ventura, Southern California on May 27th this year. I put in the work, but I also had to ask my coach to redo my schedule in September, as my left calf muscle was constantly aggravated by all the mileage and long runs. Everybody told me how much they loved the flat and fast course at Chicago, but I had my doubts , since running on flat terrain is not my cup of tea. My neighborhood is surrounded by hills and I love the energy and bounce that I experience when running up and down the hills, but I tried to believe in the flat course.
BEFORE THE MARATHON – WALKING AND EXPLORING CHICAGO
Besides running my first world marathon, I was excited to travel with my awesome friend and best training partner Andrea Brizendine. We were going to stay with my good Romanian friends Magdalena and her wonderful family, which was another highlight of my trip. The Friday before our marathon was a little rainy and our plan was to go to the Expo to pick up our racing numbers and soak in the atmosphere of a world marathon, as well as explore Chicago. At the Expo, there were lines everywhere, but especially at the Nike store, where everyone wanted to buy the official merchandise, since Nike was the sponsor. Even trying to take pictures with iconic signs meant standing in long lines, but we were excited to be surrounded by runners from all over the world who had to travel so much farther that us. The energy flowed in waves through the large room filled with merchandise, vendors’ booths, and big Chicago marathon signs, which added to our excitement, emotions, and gratitude of having qualified and running a world marathon.
Our picture at the Expo right before entering the huge room, where we needed to pick up all our marathon goodies.
Wearing the Chicago marathon T-shirt at the Expo.
Around noon time, we made it to the Art Institute of Chicago located in Grant Park, which was also the start of our marathon. We loved exploring the museum and enjoyed the exquisite art exhibit.
Fiberglass dog statues like this one in Grant Park close to the start line are part of the campaign to pay tribute to the canine unit, honor fallen Chicago Police officers.
Andrea and I loved walking around Chicago and relished the unique and diverse architecture, as well as the Chicago River. By the end of the day on Friday, we had walked 10 miles, so we knew we had to stay off our feet on Saturday, the day before our marathon.
On Saturday, we had to say good bye to my wonderful friend Magdalena and her family, but not before they took us to Benedict’s, a neighborhood restaurant where everyone is familiar, as the advertising says. The warm family atmosphere, the fresh food, and the attention to details made our breakfast together special. I also had the best vegan Quinoa pancakes and gobbled up all three of them, since I needed my carbs for the next day’s marathon.
With my wonderful friend Magdalena the day before our marathon. Staying at her house was quite special and we felt at home.
We spent the rest of our Saturday taking the architectural river cruise, walking by the river, and learning about the unique and eclectic Chicago architecture. In the evening, we got our marathon clothes ready and we both created flat Carmen and flat Andrea, which is something we runners do, as we prepare our marathon clothes, shoes, gels, race number, etc. We also did our carb loading at the hotel’s restaurant and admired Chicago at night with its twinkling lights spreading shear magic across the Chicago River. The many bridges arched their backs across the water and filled my soul with infinite dreams. They also made me think of the transcendence nature of each bridge and how they connect us to the other side of what’s truly possible when we believe and put in the work. I felt peaceful and not nervous about the next day’s marathon, but I did not feel any strong vibes about my race, which meant surrendering to race day with the ever-changing weather prognosis that constantly turned rain to sun and sun to rain. We also got to talk to our wonderful coach Robert Ressl-Moyer who called my cell phone to wish both of us good luck and go over some strategy with us, such as tucking in behind other runners to shield ourselves from the rain and wind. We both found out that this was not easy to do on the course, but that’s what racing a world marathon means: adjusting and learning.
Chicago at night as viewed from our Holiday Inn newer hotel right by the water.
RACE DAY – SIXTH MARATHON AND FIRST WORLD MARATHON
Although Andrea and I had a large room with two spacious queen beds, we did not sleep very long or well, but we woke up ready to greet the cloudy, overcast marathon day that had a new weather forecast for us: rainy and temperatures in the low 60s. We both decided to call a Lyft due to the rain and not wanting to walk in the dark, even though our hotel was only 1.2 miles away from the start line. The Lyft took about 10 minutes to get to our hotel. Runners filled the hallways and the elevators. Most of them had their luggage ready and some had their children with them. We had decided to hold the hotel hostage, so to speak – ha!ha! and planned to return to our rooms right after the marathon to take our showers. Our Lyft driver was very nice and dropped us off right in front of Grant Park, where Police cars roamed around to direct traffic and oversee the security of the marathon and its participants.
Andrea and I before the race while waiting in long lines for the bathroom. It was raining lightly and it was overcast, but the temperature was in the low 60s, so not too bad.
At the start of the Chicago marathon before checking out my bag.
Andrea and I were both in the same coral, but had to walk/run all the way to the Buckingham Fountains to check in our marathon bags with our jackets and other things that we needed at the finish line. While Andrea was in line for the bathroom, I went to check in our marathon bags, after which I texted her to go to our coral, as it was getting close to 7:20 a.m., when we had to be in our coral before the marathon started. I ran for about half a mile to make it on time and to position myself to start with the 3:35 pacer group. Andrea and I were separated, but we knew we would find each other either on the course or at the finish line, since we both had different racing goals.
THE MARATHON, THE RAIN, THE CROWDS, AND THE ANGRY CALF MUSCLE
Before I had time to fully prepare, I started to run. The marathon had begun and I already had the sensation that I had to go the bathroom, but luckily, it was just a false alarm. I kept the pacers in front of me, as I tried to stick to my plan of running slower at about 7:55 pace for the first three miles. I held myself back as much as possible and in less than two miles I lost the 3:25 pacing group from sight. The crowds were cheering and braving the rain with colorful and large umbrellas. As I ran and came close to the white lines on the road, I had immediately realized that they were slippery and that I had to stay away from them by all means.
As soon as I hit my 5K time, I felt a little bit behind with my gross marathon time, but also knew that the clock was not accurate based on our start time. However, I also realized that my GPS watch was quite inaccurate, as many runner friends had warned me. At one point before I even hit six miles, my watch was showing that I was running a 5:40 pace mile, which happened to my friend Andrea as well. I panicked a little bit, after which I had decided to relax and feel the pace, while watching my feet and paying attention to the aid stations to get my water cup and avoid slipping and falling.
With over 45,000 runners and approximately 1,700,000 million spectators, the course at Chicago marathon was flat and varied, as we ran through 29 neighborhoods. I looked around me, trying to recognize various parks, such as Lincoln Park, where I visited their free zoo exactly 11 years ago, when I first visited Chicago with a friend of mine. The crowds were ecstatic and cheering loudly for us. I tried to smile as much as possible, while trying to run under 8 minute pace per mile, but I had a few miles that were 8:10 minute miles and was not quite feeling this race. Yet, I kept on smiling and telling myself that I always get a second wind and that during my second half of the race, I should be able to pick up my pace. Well, it didn’t quite happen that way, but let’s keep moving on through the half marathon point, where the rain started to come down a little harder and I encountered some wind – nothing too drastic.
Amidst the spectators cheering for various runners from Mexico, Italy, Japan, Germany, and so on, I could not find the pace I needed, but I stayed optimistic and kept running and splashing through the puddles, or trying not to. Around mile 14, my left calf started to tense up and hurt me. I had run on a tight calf muscle for the whole summer during my Chicago marathon training cycle, and although I took my homeopathic cramping pills and I had put a special muscle cream the morning of the marathon, the pain and struggle were real. I slowed down my pace and hoped that the pain would leave my body, but it continued to bother me, after which both my gluteal muscles started to hurt and be painful.
By the time I reached Chinatown, my pace was in the mid 9s, which was definitely not what I wanted, but I had to honor my body and the fact that I did not want to get injured, since I had to run my second world marathon, New York City, which is so hard to qualify for. As soon as I hit miles 20-21, I felt relieved knowing that it would be over soon. The energy of the crowds in China Town was inspiring and invigorating. I started to cry with joy and relief that my father was there with me in spirit. The sign “Welcome to China Town” gave me the reassurance that I would finish this marathon with a little bit of a struggle, no PR (personal record), but with a heart full of gratitude for being able to run with joy and love for my father who was always proud of me and had taught me to never quit and keep on going. The Biofreeze area was on the side and I was sure tempted to make a quick stop like other runners and get a little bit of pain relief from their quick spraying, but I wanted to keep on running, as I was still hoping to qualify for 2020 Boston marathon based on the new faster time, which needed to be 3:50.
The last six miles of the race were not memorable in terms of the surroundings, but for some reason, I managed to stay steady and run at around 9:15 pace, or a little faster. The rain had stopped, but the roads were still slick and I could feel the hat and clothes sticking on me and keeping me cool. As soon as I saw the tall skyscrapers and the crowds cheering even louder, I knew that I was getting close to the finish line, so I focused on my form and ran over the last hill that had 400 meter sign next to it at a decent pace. By now, I could hear the crowds and knew that the finish was in sight. In most of my past races, I had been able to finish with a strong sprint, but that day, my body gave me just a little faster pace and no sprint. I crossed the finish line in 3:49:35 just enough to qualify for Boston. I could tell that my body was exhausted from all the pushing and coaxing I did, so I walked slowly towards the volunteers with the marathon finisher ponchos they were handing out and got mine.
At the finish line before getting my finisher’s medal.
Trying to smile through the pain and rain. I was grateful for another finish and the fact that unlike other runners who had issues, I did not have to stop or walk. I still ran a decent race.
Within just a few minutes, my friend Andrea had appeared next to me after finishing a strong race with a 3:45:06 time, which made me very happy, knowing that her body stayed strong, after she had come back from injury. We hugged and celebrated. She saw that I could barely walk and that I looked a little lost, She told me to wait for her while she would get our bags from the check-in area. I needed to go to use the bathroom right away, after which I grabbed the special Goose Island beer they had for us and chugged it all down. I was drained, drenched from the rain and I was thirsty and hungry. Andrea also told me that as I took off my wet hat, my hair was a mess sticking out in all directions, as if I had little antennae, but I did not care about my hair at that moment. I hoped my calf muscle would recover and we both wanted to get to our hotel, to take our shower, and check out.
The roads were blocked, as many runners were still out on the course, so we started to walk to our hotel. Andrea felt much better after the race, so she was walking fast, whereas I could barely drag my feet. We made it to the hotel and I sure felt better after taking a hot shower and changing into dry and warm clothes. The hotel receptionist was nice to us, even though we checked out at 2:45 p.m.
What an adventure my first world marathon was and here are the 10 lessons I learned:
World marathons are unique, large, and unpredictable, because the logistics are more complex than smaller marathons.
Don’t despair if you don’t hit a personal best time at a world marathon and have a back-up plan for a smaller marathon, as running with thousands of people is fun and scary at the same time.
My friend Andrea loves to strength train and due to an injury, she had to run less miles, did no GMP training runs, and she did only a few longer runs, but not your typical five-six 20 and 22 milers. Thus, running more is not always better, but making sure you do specific strength training, which for me it is for my gluteal muscles, at least twice a week, is paramount to having a strong marathon and a happier body at the finish. Less is more sometimes, even though running more miles gets us better prepared for marathons, but not if it means having no time to devote to strength training the body to last the entire 26.2 miles.
Prepare for the goal you want to hit in the race during training, but also let the day of the race tell you how to run and whether plan A for the race is feasible, or whether you need to go to plan B, or even plan C.
Soak in the crowds and the surroundings to enjoy your special world marathon.
Smile big and run with JOY and GRATITUDE, as runners from all over the world had to work hard to qualify for a world marathon race and know that you already are making your country, your town, your family/friends, and your coach proud.
Be prepared to wait in long lines, so arrive early to navigate the crowds and check in your bags if you have any, or you will be like a runner I saw on the course running with his marathon bag on his shoulders.
Follow the blue line, which is the line drawn on the ground used to measure the course to avoid running extra. My friend Andrea did this, as she heard some runners talk about it, whereas I kept my eyes ahead to see if the runners were making a left or a right. I did not add too much to my marathon distance, but I had to stay focused and run the tangents.
Announce yourself when picking up the water cup, as it tends to be crowded and runners can trip over each other. Also watch your steps, as there are cups on the ground and it is slippery, especially on a rainy day.
And last, but not least don’t forget to cherish your finish no matter of the time and to celebrate with beer to replenish those muscles with good carbs and some B vitamins.
My pictures during the race and the plaque of my first World marathon. My goal is to run all six world marathon and to get a plaque and the big six star medal for all. Happy feet!
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
“During the first two rainy and muddy miles of the American River 50-mile Endurance race, I could tell my father was smiling upon me through the clouds and parting away my doubts.” Carmen Micsa
At the start line of the American River 50-mile race at Brown’s Ravine in El Dorado Hills, CA. The rain came hard and runners huddled under a few tents to stay dry. I had my bags packed, as I planned to change clothes half way, which was at Beal’s Point in Folsom, CA.
Are you one of those people who swears not to do something as crazy as running a 50-mile race, but then you end up doing it anyway? Yup! That’s me. I remember two years ago when I started trail running with my awesome and super upbeat Trail Mix runner friends and heard them talk about their upcoming American River 50-mile race. “That’s like running two marathons on top of each other,” one of my friends explained. “That’s crazy,” another guy replied. That day, I said to myself: “Yup, I will sure pass on running 50 miles. What’s the point anyway?”
Two years later the morning of my race, I got to hear my husband tell me a few times that I was crazy running in the rain and mud and doing my first 50-miles. “Are you sure you don’t want to give up the race this year and maybe do it next year when you’ll have better weather?” my husband asked me while driving me to Brown’s Ravine. “Of course I’m sure, honey!” I replied, pretending to laugh at my husband’s wimpy suggestion. “Ultra runners are not scared of mud and rain. On the contrary, they are like happy pigs rolling in the mud and gushing out with joy while splashing through water, dirt, and mud,” I clarified.
First 25-Miles of AR-50 Running Through Puddles – A Tale of Rain
After I sent my bags with dry clothes and shoes to wait for me at Beal’s Point and at the finish line, I used the restroom and went to huddle under the pop-up tents waiting for the race to start. The rain came down by the buckets, soaking the ground and my socks, but definitely not my spirit. For some reason, I kept smiling and telling myself that I was ready to run my first 50-mile race. Finally at 6 a.m., surrounded by my crazy ultra runner friends, the morning darkness, and lots of excitement, the race started. I wore my headlight and paid extra attention to my feet, trying to avoid the puddles and the poison oak that came on early. Unlike other races, my father watched over me from Heaven at around mile two when I could see the clouds scatter like bad dreams and my doubts parting. I was happy and felt good to run. I also chatted with different runners on the course and stayed between 9 minute pace and 10 minute depending on the hills, as I knew I had to conserve energy.
Running through cold puddles was pretty standard during my race.
A few miles into the race and I already hit the bike trail, which made it easier to keep my running smooth and more consistent. Around mile 5, or so, I came across Sara, who told me: “Hey, I know you! You passed me at the Chanoako 50K race and you were so fast on the flat portions.” “Yeah, I remember, “I replied and started to run with her, chatting about ultra running, races, nutrition, English, since she told me she was an English teacher, and so forth. Only in her late 20s, Sara impressed me with her maturity and determination to do well in life, teaching, and running. Unlike the last 50k race, when I finished ahead of her, this time she killed it and finished more than 2 hours ahead of me. I was proud and happy for her!
Sara and I ran together for about 4-5 miles, keeping each other company. I love making new friends everywhere I go!
To my great surprise, once I got to the top of the steep hill on the Pioneer Express trail by Hazel, which was the same spot I had done hill repeats with my awesome coach Robert Ressl-Moyer, who had to work hard on my schedule, and my teammate Genevieve, one of the volunteers told me that I was the 12th female. I felt encouraged to keep up my pace and hit the trails together with other runners. I was looking forward to getting to Beal’s Point, which was at mile 25 so that I could change my drenched clothes and shoes.
The lake enshrouded in grayness by Hazel as seen from the Pioneer Express Trail. All the climbing we do gets rewarded at the top.
After a few miles of running on trails with my Nile Pegasus road shoes, I hit the bike trail again and kept on going towards Beal’s Point. My plan to run at 9 minute pace was not easy to execute, since the hills kept coming at me. I decided to not worry if I hit 9:30 pace and just keep on running. Soon I could hear the cheering from Beal’s Point and knew that I was close. I picked up my pace and ran strong through the start line arch at Beal’s Point that showed my official time for the first part of my 50-mile race, which was 4:17. I was pleased and headed towards the aid station, where I ate bananas, pretzels, and chips. My first drop-off bag was waiting for me and I went to the bathroom to get rid of my wet clothes, or more precisely to wrangle them off of me. They stuck on my wet skin, making me lose momentum and precious time, but after about 10 minutes of pushing and pulling, I was dry and ready to run the trail portion all the way to the finish. I sent a quick text message to my husband and my awesome friends and racing teammates Andrea and Adam to let them know that I was leaving Beal’s Point and that I would see them soon. How soon would that be, you might ask? How long would it take me to run the next 16 miles till reaching Rattlesnake Bar, where my friend and pacer Adam Mclearan would pace me to the finish line? I had no idea what would come next!
Second Part of My 50-Mile Race – A tale of Mud and More Mud
As I ran around the lake to get onto the levy, I saw my good friend Tracy Bedwell run right ahead of me. She looked strong. I was happy for her and knew that she would most likely finish ahead of me. The first few miles on trail went pretty good, even though my pace dropped into the mid 10s. The sun was out shining by now, so I felt giddy and rejuvenated, as you can tell from my aid station stop.
Feeling pretty good, although the left calf muscle got pretty tight on me. Also big mistake at this aid station. I forgot to fill up my hydration pack, thinking I have enough water. Next miles will be thirsty, lonely, and muddy.
The steep hills kept coming, so I had to power hike a few of them while admiring the Folsom Lake to my right. The sun shone, making the trail glitter with gold. The clouds stopped frowning and being grumpy, so I felt encouraged and tried to push my pace, but my body was a little worn down, so I listened to it and ran slower.
The clouds dissipating, hanging over the Folsom Lake.
As I kept running, I soon got to stretches and stretches of mud that slowed me down to a walk. I kept thinking positively that it was just a short muddy section and that the trail would clear up soon. No chance!
Through the mud I walk. I saw a runner right in front of me lose his shoe in the mud and I wasn’t going to risk it. Many runners fell in the mud and I was just cautious and choosing to walk these super muddy sections called the “meat grinder.” Maybe they should change the name to the mud grinder, right?
Around mile 33, I realized that I was completely out of water, so I asked one of the runners when the next aid station was coming up. He said that the next one was at mile 38 at Horseshoe Bar. I gulped, feeling my dry throat and said to myself that I had practiced this in my last long 24-mile run with my friend Tracy, when we both were left without water and food. At least, this time I still had two Spring energy gels, my new favorite all natural and real food nutrition, which never made me feel sick at my stomach. I ate them slowly, squeezing the delicious contents with care and determination to get fuel in my body, since I was out of water. I wished I had turned into a camel and access fresh water from my hump, but no. I had to remain the thirsty ultra runner, plugging along.
The mud continued to wind down the meat grinder portion of the trail that not only grinded my feet, but also my spirit. I was disappointed at my pace, but at no time did I think of dropping out of this crazy 50-mile race. The next thing that kept me going was to run, walk, power hike to the next aid station at mile 38, and from there to mile 41, where my friends and pacer were waiting for me.
The love of running gives us hope, determination, creative resources to solve our physical and mental problems that arise during tough and long races. I was without water for about five miles and during that time, all runners passed me, even a few 70-year-olds who looked perky and happy, as opposed to me who kept getting slower and slower. Instead of getting mad for being passed by so many runners, I felt a huge surge of gratitude. On the one hand, I was grateful to be running my first 50-mile race. On the other hand, I was humbled to grasp the ultra runner’s philosophy of running, which is mainly finishing what you started whether you run, walk, hike, or crawl – that indomitable spirit. True grit!
While fighting to keep my shoes on my feet and not lose them to the voracious mud, my father watched over me again and sent me Dan to run with for a mile, or so. Dan was my father’s first name and I was running with Dan! The gentleman’s real name was Donnatti, which is Italian. He told me that when his parents came to America, they could not keep the Italian name, so they changed it to Dan. A tall, slender man in his mid 60s, Dan kept me company until his legs felt good and he took off. My legs did not feel that surge and my left calf muscle was super tight by now, which had caused my left knee to hurt and be in pain as well, but my soul and spirit had become unmoored – no mud could bring down my desire to finish this race. As I walked through mud, I talked to my father and felt the warm sun on my back. Before I knew it, I could hear loud screams and cheers and I found myself surrounded by my crazy awesome Trail Mix friends who were in charge of the Horseshoe Bar aid station.
“It’s so great to see you, guys!” I said as happy as a person walking days and days through the desert only to finally come across an oasis. “You’re like an oasis in the desert!” I told them. “I have been out of water for six miles (the five miles all of a sudden turned into six, or I was delirious) and my calf muscle is super tight.” “I got pickle juice for you, Carmen,” said my awesome friend Debbie Tavalero Pearson. “I’ll take it,” I replied while stuffing my face with potato chips, bananas, and oranges. While I was eating and telling my friends that I could not accept their fireball little alcohol shots, because I would get drunk and fall on the trails, Brad De Luchi was already refilling my water pack with a sense of duty and purpose that he is capable of out of dedication for his fellow runners. He is an amazing human being and a true ambassador of trail running. Thanks so much, Brad for replenishing my water and splashing some life into my stride to continue and eventually finish my longest and toughest race.
My awesome friend Brad De Luchi is refilling my water pack with such kindness and dedication. Truly blessed to have such wonderful friends who volunteered their time to take such good care of us all the runners.
The Last Nine Miles to the Finish Line
I had left the Horseshow Bar aid station with renewed energy and focused on running, walking, power hiking, or crawling to mile 41, where my pacer and all my other dear friends were waiting for me. The hills and mud fest continued, but I knew that once I reached Rattlesnake Bar, the next aid station, the running should be easier, as I had my awesome friend and pacer Adam Mclearan to run with me to the finish line. I was also looking forward to seeing my best friend and training partner Andrea Brizendine, who took the day off to come support and cheer on me, for which I was very grateful. My other friends Mark Riggle and Ron were volunteering at that aid station and they also made my day with their smiles and dedication to us “wretched” souls out there.
After imagining my arrival at mile 41, I finally got there. My friend Andrea sat on a folding chair right in the front. I was elated to see everyone and I pulled a Shalane Flanagan and said: “Fuck yeah!” My friends laughed, as I rarely say any bad words. Adam and Mark had me sit down and eat. I told Adam that I wanted to get going as soon as possible, so after hugs and another “Fuck yeah,” Adam and I took off on more runnable trails with the sun warming our backs.
Fueled by food and love from my friends Adam, Mark, Andrea, and Natalie. I never thought of quitting, as I knew they were waiting for me at mile 41 and they delivered!
Adam and I climbed a steep hill to get on the trails away from the aid station, after which I started to feel better and we had a great stretch of running fueled by jokes, as Adam is quite funny and smart, and a few more aid stations. The wild flowers spread joy and hope to the muddy trails, lifting up my mood, and infusing me with a stronger desire to keep on going and get to the finish line, where my sweet husband was waiting for me.
Photo credit to Adam Mclearan. I loved the poppies on the trail and asked him to take my picture. The rain and mud could not take away my joy of running and being surrounded by these beautiful wild flowers. I felt like running through Paradise as fast as I could to meet my dad and hug him.
After this good stretch of running and talking, the last four miles, which were all uphill came. My calf muscle was quite tight and I had no desire to try to run up those steep hills, so I told Adam that I was walking until I could run again. I also told him that this 50-mile race was the toughest thing I had done in my life, even tougher than giving birth. At least I felt that way. “I am not running another 50-mile race,” I told Adam, as the hills kept coming at us. “Not today,” he replied calmly. “Ha!Ha!”
The entire time Adam paced me, he let me lead, as he knew I was tired. Yet, on the last steep hills, his longer legs made his power hiking so much easier than mine. I so wanted longer legs! So unfair to have these short legs on the trails!
The sign with 2 miles to finish came up and I still had no desire to try to run up those steep hills, which is why we had more runners pass us. I just wanted to finish and eat some warm food. Even my walking up the hill was slow, but I kept at it and focused on keeping the left calf muscle and knee as comfortable as possible, if you can call running 50 miles a contentment. We were getting closer and closer and by now I knew I would finish. My coach Robert who had helped me so much with all my training called me. I answered my phone, since I was walking and told him that I would be done soon and that the mud had been crazy. Then we got disconnected.
With less than half a mile left, something miraculous happened. My pain lifted up like fog hanging over mountains. My body felt as fresh as if I had just started my day with a casual jog. My being rejoiced and tears came down my cheeks. I cried and ran. I ran and cried with Adam behind following me. I ran over the last hill, as if it were as flat as a pancake. I sprinted to the finish line and threw my arms up in the air with the clock behind me showing 12 hours and 2 minutes of running, walking, hiking, and crawling. Right after I crossed the finish line and saw my husband and my friend Andrea, I broke into tears and could not control myself. It was a cathartic cry. I could finally release all the emotions, hardship, bad weather, much slower pace than anticipated, and JUST CRY. After 12 hours of being out there, crying made me happy. It was a joyous ending! It was a 50-mile long cleansing of my soul through rain and mud. I did it, as you can see in this awesome video taken by my friend Andrea!
Adam is consoling me and acting like a big brother. I needed this cry and could not believe that I had just finished my first 50-mile race. It was epic!
My sweet husband Catalin is always waiting for me at the finish line of my long races. He also drops me off so that I can sleep longer and just race the next day. I love him so much!
Adam, Andrea, and I call ourselves the “three musketeers,” so we all did it, even though I had to take the tougher and more arduous mission that day! All for one, and one for all!
The vegetable soup and hummus vegetarian wrap sandwich wrapped it nicely for me. It felt good to sit down and joke with my friends who had already made bets that I would still run another 50-mile some day. Maybe not a 50-mile soon, but I might try the 100K race next year. Who knows? When we believe, it is all possible and attainable!
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
When it comes to running in the rain, there is no middle ground: runners either love it, or hate it! Unfortunately, I have been leaning towards the haters group and have stalled and waited around for the rain to stop. Today, I had no choice but to go out in the rain and wind, which makes it even harder. Yet, before leaving the house, I told myself that I needed to have fun with my 10-mile run, so I composed another rap song just like other times when I ran in the rain. Rain equates rap? You might ask. Yep! The tapping sound of rain inspires me to rap, for some odd reason.
Tips for Running in the Rain:
Do not overdress, as a matter of fact underdress!
Wear just shorts and T-shirt, if it’s not too cold, as clothes will get soggy and heavy.
Do not rely on those expensive water proof or water resistant jackets; you will still get wet, so why bother?
Apply glide, or Vaseline to toes, armpits, and other areas of your body that can get chaffed.
Be ready to run in wet shoes and socks, which you won’t bother you, once you settle into your comfortable pace.
Run at your comfortable pace, but allow yourself to be slower, especially if running in the wind and rain like I did today.
Allow yourself to notice nature, animals, and people you meet, and that way you can be creative, such as coming up with songs, poems, etc. to make the time go by faster and have something to amuse yourself with.
Watch the road and run in good traction shoes to avoid slipping and falling.
Pat yourself on the back for sticking to your running schedule and for toughening it out, as you never know what the weather will be like on race day.
Have fun during the run and relax with a hot soup, tea, or cocoa after the run. It will be all worth it!
American River flooding large portions of our Jedediah Smith Bike Trail.
Advantages of Running in the Rain:
I was alone on the bike trail today with wild geese who seemed confused to see the closed trail.
Wild Canada geese exploring the closed trail
Geese staying away from the wet trail.
2. I rejoiced in nature and all the bursting blossoms on the trees that reminded me that winter is almost over and spring is inching forward. I loved this blooming tree so much that I came up with a little poem:
Flurries
“Kissing the bike trail
the soft, delicate petals
are not crushed by pedals
on this rainy, windy day. ”
Blossoms kissing the trail. A flurry of white.
3. The wind and rain act like resistance bands, so running in the rain is fortifying for the body and mind.
I had the rain, wind, and the hills keeping me in tip top shape today. Happy and wet feet!
4. You get to inspire others to exercise rain, or shine.
The River is quite high at the Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge. Harold Richey was also known as Mr. Bike Trail.
Disadvantages: None.
Go out and run, bike, or walk! A little rain won’t melt your souls! On the contrary, it will fortify them.
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!
