Feb 29, 2008 11:26 am US/Pacific
LA Marathon: Does Vera Jimenez Have Legs?
Our own Vera Jimenez will be joining thousands of runners this Sunday in the L.A. Marathon. Vera is running to support the American Stroke Association's fight to reduce stroke and risks of stroke. Here are Vera's final thoughts heading to the starting line. I think I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want to start by thanking everyone who's logged on to read about my journey and for your generous support. ASA is a great organization that works tirelessly to educate us about making healthier choices.
My goal is to raise $20,000. I'm still working on it, and am really close. Part of the money will be used in part for education and research, which makes me very happy! Thanks to all who have so generously donated to a great cause! I couldn't have done it without you.
It's difficult to imagine that I'm done. I don't see myself doing another marathon, but as I look back, I'm thankful for the opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. The training has been painful, joyful, grueling, educational and inspirational. Trust me when I say that there were many mornings when my alarm clock went off and all I wanted to do was stay in bed, especially when I got in my car and the thermostat read 38 degrees. At times I just wanted to cry and sometimes, I just did. I'd get a little bitter, but I'd keep driving to Griffith Park.
Then I'd get there and see the group talking, moving from side to side to keep warm, while others curled into themselves to preserve warmth. It's then that I'd realize, I was in good company and somehow, it didn't hurt so much. It didn't stop hurting, it just became bearable.
The first three miles were always the toughest, as I imagine they will be on Sunday. Fortunately there is always a distraction at Griffith Park, a scrawny coyote, the smell of skunk or eucalyptus, the big cotton balls in the sky, the mountains, the other athletes feeling the same pain and determination as I felt. These little things caught my attention long enough to give me a respite from the long miles ahead. On Sunday, I'm hoping to enjoy the run as much as I did at the park.
The lessons have been painful, but I've been told I'm a quick study, so I won't be making the same mistakes. I will not take off my white gloves. I will drink water, and take electrolytes.
I've started drinking more water than I usually do, muscle cramps to due dehydration are deadly. I'm taking electrolytes just incase. I'll get a really solid night of sleep on Friday night in case I can't sleep on Saturday.
On Saturday, I'll pick up my bib and my timing chip, and then I'll get together with my team for a little carbo-loading at a pasta party. I'll lay everything out the night before so I don't forget anything and then head for the metro for my ride to the start.
Everyone talks about the runner's high. I unfortunately, have no idea what that is, I've ran 20 miles and have prayed that I experience the runner's high, but it never seems to knock on my door. I have one more chance. I'll let you know if it pays me a visit on Sunday.
Marathoning is supposed to be addicting, I'm not sure about that, perhaps if you're a masochist. I have no idea what Sunday will bring. Maybe I will fall in love and continue with the crazy sport, maybe I won't.
What I do know is that one day when some snot nosed kid is huffing and puffing behind me because I'm 80 and walking too slow, I'm going to smile at him or her and ask them if they've ever run a marathon!
Thanks again, and if you're running too, ready or not, baby, here we come!
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