Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014

Thx a mint for the kind words, Chaitali - I'll check out your blog! :thumbsup2

Waiting2goback - hope to see you on the marathon thread & best wishes on everything getting settled as smoothly as possible. Small world aside...altho I've since moved from the area, I spent a couple of years in Tewksbury! :goodvibes

cheers,
:)
 
The deadline is quite a ways off (race is April 25th) so you have plenty of time, I am touched by your thoughts and every little bit helps as you know first hand. These boards are full of very supportive people. If you don't mind I will PM you my email address, please feel free to contact me when you start your fund raising for Boston (also very high on my list) My thoughts and prayers to your son and your family!

Not a problem. I love kids. So, whenever someone raises money for one of the elite hospitals that takes care of kids I have to donate because I know how much of a difference these hospitals make, not only for the kids but for the families.

I often say that Boston Children's is like the DisneyWorld of hospitals. People look at me like I am weird. But, they just don't miss a beat. The level of care and service you receive there is like being at Disney. Obviously its a hospital so its not Disney but when I go in there I just know they will take care of my son and I don't need to worry.

Not to bore you guys, hopefully I'm not. But my son was born with a birth defect of his bladder. (He has other issues now as well. He has 5 specialists there now). He spent 3 weeks there after he was born after they basically built his bladder. He went back for his annual check-up with his urologist on 10/9. During one of the routine (nothing is routine for him or his anatomy) tests they put a whole through his ureter (the tube that goes from the kidney to the bladder). He had to have emergency surgery to fix it and he spent 5 days there just last week.

The care he received is so top notch. I know St. Judes is on a similar level. Eventhough it is a lot of work for you to raise the money you are making a difference in some child's life. You are making that sick child's life just a little bit better. You are raising money that might be the difference in a piece of eqipment that keeps a child alive or not. I hope this not only keeps you motivated but helps sway some other Dis'ers into a small donation.

As a parent of one of these kids who benefit from donations and people like you, who put in the effort to raise money, I thank you for the family you are helping.

Thumbs up to you and all that donate to help you! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2
 
Thx a mint for the kind words, Chaitali - I'll check out your blog! :thumbsup2

Waiting2goback - hope to see you on the marathon thread & best wishes on everything getting settled as smoothly as possible. Small world aside...altho I've since moved from the area, I spent a couple of years in Tewksbury! :goodvibes

cheers,
:)


Sure is a small world. My marathon I am running tomorrow is right near there. I have to drive through Tewksbury to get to Lowell. :) I bet you miss winters here, don't you!!! :):)
 


I made it through my marathon alive. It didn't go as well as I wanted as far as time. It didn't even go as well as I hoped. I wanted to be under 4:00. I realized weeks ago that wouldn't happen but I'd try to get as close as I could. I just wanted to be under 5:00. I didn't even make that. Here is my description of my day. Hopefully it won't bore you all too much.


I needed to leave my house by 5:30 am at the latest to get there for packet pick-up and give myself plenty of time in case I got lost, hit traffic, or there were lines to get my bib. I woke up at 3:30 because I was so nervous. I got out of bed around 4:15 to start getting ready. Had to tape up my blisters, get dressed, make my breakfast. All that good stuff.

Made it out of the house on time. The closer I got the more nervous/scared I got. Came close to throwing up a few times. I wasn't nervous for the ToT really. I knew I could do 10 miles and still live. I had never run longer than 13 miles in training so I didn't know I could do this. I told myself I would do whatever it took but I still doubted it.

Got to the race. Had to pay for parking, had no money. I guess I thought every race was like Disney. Have fun, get on a bus, and they take care of everything. So, I was digging through my change bucket in my car. That's fun. And who doesn't take debit these days? Them, that's who.

Packet pick-up went smoothly. In and out in 5 minutes. Lines for the bathroom were huge so I was there early enough I chose a porta-potty, assuming they weren't too dirty yet. I was right, and that saved time.

It was about 50' so I sat in my car to keep warm til about 7:30. Then I made my way to the starting line, trying not to hurl on everyone around me. I knew once we started I'd be fine, and I was right.

The first 13.1 were GREAT. I was feeling perfect. No pain. Weather was cool so that couldn't have been any better. I did the 1/2 marathon in 2:01:35. A little slower than my ToT pace but I am thrilled with it.

Then, literally a 100 yards after the 1/2 way point I got stomach cramps. I thought I was going to have an accident and throw up at the same time. I got dizzy. Panic set in. How do I get back to the start? We were running through a neighborhood so I sat on a wall on someone's yard. I just tried to calm down. Wan't working.

Then, I remembered there was NO WAY I wasn't finishing. A few swear words toward the start line I was looking to find and I began running again. Mile 14 and the cramps to my hamstrings begin. GREAT. Pleasant feeling. Never got cramps in training. I remembered what I learned on a podcast on how to deal with cramps. Down a few salt packets. Perfect. Did I bring them? NOPE!!!! Why would I think I'd get dehydrated on a cloudy, breezy, 50' day? I had them at Disney, not for the freakin marathon. I strecthed and powered on. Run/walk/run was in full effect now. Up til then I was mostly running (probably caused the cramps but I was feeling good so I kept running).

Things were slowing now. I was getting tired because I was afraid to eat because of my stomach on top of the cramps in both legs. Then, mile 18. Full lock-up on the cramps. Like, rolling on the ground grabbing my leg. I tried strecthing but every time I went to walk it did it again. I was convinced I was done. Find the ambulance to get me to my car. :(:(

I strecthed more and decided if I could start walking again I would just walk the rest. I got up and was able to walk. So, I basically walked to rest of the way with frequent stretching stops as I felt them tighten. I ran occassionally but very slowly.

I was NOT giving up. Everytime I thought about quitting I would think of what my wife told me last year when she said I'd never amount of anything more than being a janitor. I also thought about what my oldest daughter told me last night when she came shopping with me. She randomly told me during a conversation, "Daddy, you are my role model. I want to be just like you." Are there any better words than something like that from one of your kids? I think not. So, I replayed that conversation in my mind. I cried a few times as the pain got worse. I counted down the mile markers. But I kept plugging away. I couldn't let me future ex-wife be right and I couldn't let my little girl down.

Finally, mile 25. I knew I made it at that point even if I had to crawl. I began running more to finish sooner. Then mile 26. I was running now. I wanted to run across the finishline. I turned the final corner and my hamstring locked up within a 100' of the finishline. I began crying, it hurt bad. I was stretching it. The people watching began calling my name (it's on the bib) and telling me I am almost there and I am going to make it. Crying continued and I limped across the finishline. I have a HUGE blister on my foot in the same place I got it from ToT. Feels really good and it isn't the size of Rhode Island or anything either.

The walk from the finishline was worse than the walk after the ToT which StayCool will understand.

My takeaways: I was mad at myself because my body didn't cooperate. I realized I didn't train properly. I have A LOT to learn. My time was disappointing. But, I decided I would finish and I did. It hurt. I'm tired. But, I accomplished my goal. And less than one year ago my wife told me she wanted a divorce and didn't love me because I was a fat, lazy slob. I was 250 lbs of unhealthy, no self-esteem and I had gone through periods over our marriage where I contemplated suicide. Now I am 217 lbs, healthy, more confident, finally proud of myself, and running has changed my life and how I look at myself. So, all of that negative stuff, that might have scared some off from ever running a marathon, disregard it. It was ALL WORTH IT. I feel like a million dollars mentally.

And, you all had a part in it and I thank you more than you could ever know. If you were here I'd give you a big fat hug. Thank you. I hope I can be a small part in helping you reach your goals as well.
 
Good luck at Baystate! You will be running right near my house!!


Thank you. There is a good chance I was walking, limping, or holding my hamstring near your house though if you read my race recap. :)

But, I coulda used a banana. Had I known I woulda rung your doorbell looking for one. :confused3

I can joke now because it is over. This one had me worried big time.
 
Waiting2goback, thank you for coming back to update us on your marathon. I'm sorry that it was so tough but it is amazing the way you powered through! You have a lot to be proud of and your paragraph about how running has changed your life is so inspirational. I hope that you keep going with your journey and running and I'm sure that everything you learned through this training cycle and this race will help with the next one.
 


I made it through my marathon alive. It didn't go as well as I wanted as far as time. It didn't even go as well as I hoped. I wanted to be under 4:00. I realized weeks ago that wouldn't happen but I'd try to get as close as I could. I just wanted to be under 5:00. I didn't even make that. Here is my description of my day. Hopefully it won't bore you all too much. I needed to leave my house by 5:30 am at the latest to get there for packet pick-up and give myself plenty of time in case I got lost, hit traffic, or there were lines to get my bib. I woke up at 3:30 because I was so nervous. I got out of bed around 4:15 to start getting ready. Had to tape up my blisters, get dressed, make my breakfast. All that good stuff. Made it out of the house on time. The closer I got the more nervous/scared I got. Came close to throwing up a few times. I wasn't nervous for the ToT really. I knew I could do 10 miles and still live. I had never run longer than 13 miles in training so I didn't know I could do this. I told myself I would do whatever it took but I still doubted it. Got to the race. Had to pay for parking, had no money. I guess I thought every race was like Disney. Have fun, get on a bus, and they take care of everything. So, I was digging through my change bucket in my car. That's fun. And who doesn't take debit these days? Them, that's who. Packet pick-up went smoothly. In and out in 5 minutes. Lines for the bathroom were huge so I was there early enough I chose a porta-potty, assuming they weren't too dirty yet. I was right, and that saved time. It was about 50' so I sat in my car to keep warm til about 7:30. Then I made my way to the starting line, trying not to hurl on everyone around me. I knew once we started I'd be fine, and I was right. The first 13.1 were GREAT. I was feeling perfect. No pain. Weather was cool so that couldn't have been any better. I did the 1/2 marathon in 2:01:35. A little slower than my ToT pace but I am thrilled with it. Then, literally a 100 yards after the 1/2 way point I got stomach cramps. I thought I was going to have an accident and throw up at the same time. I got dizzy. Panic set in. How do I get back to the start? We were running through a neighborhood so I sat on a wall on someone's yard. I just tried to calm down. Wan't working. Then, I remembered there was NO WAY I wasn't finishing. A few swear words toward the start line I was looking to find and I began running again. Mile 14 and the cramps to my hamstrings begin. GREAT. Pleasant feeling. Never got cramps in training. I remembered what I learned on a podcast on how to deal with cramps. Down a few salt packets. Perfect. Did I bring them? NOPE!!!! Why would I think I'd get dehydrated on a cloudy, breezy, 50' day? I had them at Disney, not for the freakin marathon. I strecthed and powered on. Run/walk/run was in full effect now. Up til then I was mostly running (probably caused the cramps but I was feeling good so I kept running). Things were slowing now. I was getting tired because I was afraid to eat because of my stomach on top of the cramps in both legs. Then, mile 18. Full lock-up on the cramps. Like, rolling on the ground grabbing my leg. I tried strecthing but every time I went to walk it did it again. I was convinced I was done. Find the ambulance to get me to my car. :(:( I strecthed more and decided if I could start walking again I would just walk the rest. I got up and was able to walk. So, I basically walked to rest of the way with frequent stretching stops as I felt them tighten. I ran occassionally but very slowly. I was NOT giving up. Everytime I thought about quitting I would think of what my wife told me last year when she said I'd never amount of anything more than being a janitor. I also thought about what my oldest daughter told me last night when she came shopping with me. She randomly told me during a conversation, "Daddy, you are my role model. I want to be just like you." Are there any better words than something like that from one of your kids? I think not. So, I replayed that conversation in my mind. I cried a few times as the pain got worse. I counted down the mile markers. But I kept plugging away. I couldn't let me future ex-wife be right and I couldn't let my little girl down. Finally, mile 25. I knew I made it at that point even if I had to crawl. I began running more to finish sooner. Then mile 26. I was running now. I wanted to run across the finishline. I turned the final corner and my hamstring locked up within a 100' of the finishline. I began crying, it hurt bad. I was stretching it. The people watching began calling my name (it's on the bib) and telling me I am almost there and I am going to make it. Crying continued and I limped across the finishline. I have a HUGE blister on my foot in the same place I got it from ToT. Feels really good and it isn't the size of Rhode Island or anything either. The walk from the finishline was worse than the walk after the ToT which StayCool will understand. My takeaways: I was mad at myself because my body didn't cooperate. I realized I didn't train properly. I have A LOT to learn. My time was disappointing. But, I decided I would finish and I did. It hurt. I'm tired. But, I accomplished my goal. And less than one year ago my wife told me she wanted a divorce and didn't love me because I was a fat, lazy slob. I was 250 lbs of unhealthy, no self-esteem and I had gone through periods over our marriage where I contemplated suicide. Now I am 217 lbs, healthy, more confident, finally proud of myself, and running has changed my life and how I look at myself. So, all of that negative stuff, that might have scared some off from ever running a marathon, disregard it. It was ALL WORTH IT. I feel like a million dollars mentally. And, you all had a part in it and I thank you more than you could ever know. If you were here I'd give you a big fat hug. Thank you. I hope I can be a small part in helping you reach your goals as well.

Congratulations!!!! Even though your disappointed and hurting, know you have done something a lot of people, including myself have never attempted to do.
 
Thank you. There is a good chance I was walking, limping, or holding my hamstring near your house though if you read my race recap. :) But, I coulda used a banana. Had I known I woulda rung your doorbell looking for one. :confused3 I can joke now because it is over. This one had me worried big time.

We often go cheer on the runners just before they pass over the giant bridge in Tyngsboro....next year I will make sure we have some salt and bananas for those that might have needed it!!

I am proud of you for finishing! That's a major accomplishment even if it wasn't the time you were hoping for!!
 
We often go cheer on the runners just before they pass over the giant bridge in Tyngsboro....next year I will make sure we have some salt and bananas for those that might have needed it!!

I am proud of you for finishing! That's a major accomplishment even if it wasn't the time you were hoping for!!



Now that's funny. Sadly, there were a lot of people who were in tough shape around me. We were all stopping and stretching, limping, walking, etc... I bet everyone was wishing for something.

Its a nice course. Running near the river and over the bridges was awesome. I love the water, is relaxing. And the falls at the end were cool too.

I did see one hypodermic needle on the street as I was running but we were in Lowell so not so surprising. :worried:
 
Thanks guys. I did learn a whole lot. I'm glad I did it. Nobody can ever take it away from me now. Considering I just began running in March if I could have done it over again I would have just done the 1/2. I jumped too quickly. I tend to do stuff like that. I was holding back on the first 1/2 trying to save something for the second 1/2. I could have easily finished the 1/2 in under 2 hours. I would have been happy with that.

I have heard many people say on the different podcasts I listen to that during their first marathon they say they will never do it again. While I was walking I was already planning on doing it again next year and just putting in more work to be ready for it.

I have a long way to go. I have 30 more lbs to lose. I would like to run the Boston Marathon in the future (hopefully qualifying for it) as well as Dopey.

One last thing. This was a well run race. Very organized. Excellent volunteers. Still nothing compared to a Disney race. No on course entertainment. No party before the race. No after party. I am spoiled now. :thumbsup2
 
Thanks guys. I did learn a whole lot. I'm glad I did it. Nobody can ever take it away from me now. Considering I just began running in March if I could have done it over again I would have just done the 1/2. I jumped too quickly. I tend to do stuff like that. I was holding back on the first 1/2 trying to save something for the second 1/2. I could have easily finished the 1/2 in under 2 hours. I would have been happy with that. I have heard many people say on the different podcasts I listen to that during their first marathon they say they will never do it again. While I was walking I was already planning on doing it again next year and just putting in more work to be ready for it. I have a long way to go. I have 30 more lbs to lose. I would like to run the Boston Marathon in the future (hopefully qualifying for it) as well as Dopey. One last thing. This was a well run race. Very organized. Excellent volunteers. Still nothing compared to a Disney race. No on course entertainment. No party before the race. No after party. I am spoiled now. :thumbsup2

Star Wars will be my first 1/2 Marathon, followed by the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. I also hope to one day do Boston Marathon and my plan now is to attempt Dopey at 2018 for the 5 year.
The no on course entertainment would bug me, esp if it was for a full marathon.
 
Waiting 2 Go Back,

I'm so impressed! Congratulations on finishing and your heathy lifestyle. I too just stated running a little over a year ago and just finished the SF Nike Half Marathon today. I have several friends who are serious runners and received some great tips. One tip: leg cramps sometimes can be fixed with calcium, like Tums. I personally chew on a Pepcid AC at the 3 mile mark when I feast myself on a Gu... It's help digest the Gu and Calcium to prevent leg cramps. Then, I eat a Gu on mile 6 and 9... Sometimes on mile 12. Also, I carry two small bottles of Nuun on my hydration belt and take small sips throughout the race. I happily accept water at most stations and refill my hydration bottles up with any leftover water. So far, this has worked well for me as I did have a very bad experience in bonking on my second half marathon. Good luck on your next race!
 
Hello all! I have decided to do a Pre-Trip Report for PHM in February. Link is in my signature. I'm sure craziness will ensue so come join the fun!
 
Star Wars will be my first 1/2 Marathon, followed by the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. I also hope to one day do Boston Marathon and my plan now is to attempt Dopey at 2018 for the 5 year.
The no on course entertainment would bug me, esp if it was for a full marathon.

I wish you all the luck in the world. I am sure you will do great. I am planning on Dopey for 2018 as well. If we both make it maybe we can meet up and put a face with the name. ;)

Waiting 2 Go Back,

I'm so impressed! Congratulations on finishing and your heathy lifestyle. I too just stated running a little over a year ago and just finished the SF Nike Half Marathon today. I have several friends who are serious runners and received some great tips. One tip: leg cramps sometimes can be fixed with calcium, like Tums. I personally chew on a Pepcid AC at the 3 mile mark when I feast myself on a Gu... It's help digest the Gu and Calcium to prevent leg cramps. Then, I eat a Gu on mile 6 and 9... Sometimes on mile 12. Also, I carry two small bottles of Nuun on my hydration belt and take small sips throughout the race. I happily accept water at most stations and refill my hydration bottles up with any leftover water. So far, this has worked well for me as I did have a very bad experience in bonking on my second half marathon. Good luck on your next race!

Thank you! I will certainly be more prepared for my next major race. I never had an issue during training so I guess I assumed I'd be fine. I had PLENTY of water so I was hydrated. I don't do the gels and gu's. So, I need to do some work on my nutrition as well. I wish you luck on your next race as well.

:thumbsup2 Exactly! CONGRATS!!!

Thank you!!!
 
I wish you all the luck in the world. I am sure you will do great. I am planning on Dopey for 2018 as well. If we both make it maybe we can meet up and put a face with the name.

Sounds great to me!! Sounds like we both got into running around the same time and for some of the same reasons.
Around Feb/Mar. My DD6 started calling me "Stinky" lol because I had been a smoker since roughly 15 years old. I promised myself I would quit smoking before she could really be vocal about it and I was a few months late.
I started running a few 5ks and did a 10k for time for ToT and really have enjoyed being able to breathe better but most of all hearing my DD say she was proud of me for quitting smoking and was in awe of my ToT medal.
 
Sounds great to me!! Sounds like we both got into running around the same time and for some of the same reasons.
Around Feb/Mar. My DD6 started calling me "Stinky" lol because I had been a smoker since roughly 15 years old. I promised myself I would quit smoking before she could really be vocal about it and I was a few months late.
I started running a few 5ks and did a 10k for time for ToT and really have enjoyed being able to breathe better but most of all hearing my DD say she was proud of me for quitting smoking and was in awe of my ToT medal.


I think it is awesome that you quit smoking. It sounds like it has been long enough and you have made enough changes that it might last? Isn't is amazing when you child tells you they are proud of you? As long as you don't fall off the wagon and start smoking again your daughter might have some memories of you smoking when she grows older but they will be nothing compared to daddy running, eating right, crossing finishlines, raising money for charity, and eventually crossing the finishline of the most prestigious marathon in the world, which is Boston of course. (I know some might argue that one but being from MA I am partial) And you can turn it into a positive by saying you know how bad you felt and how unhealthy you felt when you smoked and you know how good you feel and how healthy you feel now. You're doing something amazing for her. I'm proud of you.
 
I think it is awesome that you quit smoking. It sounds like it has been long enough and you have made enough changes that it might last? Isn't is amazing when you child tells you they are proud of you? As long as you don't fall off the wagon and start smoking again your daughter might have some memories of you smoking when she grows older but they will be nothing compared to daddy running, eating right, crossing finishlines, raising money for charity, and eventually crossing the finishline of the most prestigious marathon in the world, which is Boston of course. (I know some might argue that one but being from MA I am partial) And you can turn it into a positive by saying you know how bad you felt and how unhealthy you felt when you smoked and you know how good you feel and how healthy you feel now. You're doing something amazing for her. I'm proud of you.

Thank You, kids are the best motivation, without going into a long story, my DD saved my life when she was born so I figured how can I reject a loving request from her. I would never say it couldn't happen but I know how hard it is to quit and see the benefits of being a non smoker so I'll just say I see it as highly unlikely I'll start back up. I def love the idea of crossing the finish line at Boston, there are a lot of highly prestigious marathons. Going to get some 1/2s under my belt but my Marathon list is Boston, Nashville and WDW. I guess your home town marathon always holds a special place in your heart!
 

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