Just did it

Thank you Team Tuason*!
I appreciate the emotional and monetary support. Your contributions helped me get through the last few miles of the race and so much more. I am very grateful for all of your donations (I raised more than $1,000)! Thanks, again!

The aftermath of 26.2 miles:
- No runner's trots
- No IT Band issues
- Chafing on my lower back from the garter on my shorts (yes, there was blood on my shorts)
- Two large painful blisters on my toes
- Extremely sore thighs and knee joints
- One gorgeous Tiffany's necklace!

Am I addicted? Yes. What's next? SF Half Marathon on July 25, 2010 http://www.runsfm.com/#

*Team Tuason: Sean, Amanda, Steven, Prelita, Linda, Sephanie, Danielle, Chris, Monique, Rick, Helen, Birgit, Ali, Genevieve, Daniel, Justin, Duer, Ricardo, Laline, Bhoumik, Elaine, Jon, Sylvia, Kathy, Amy P., Maura, Greg, Alex, Maria T., Maria M., Diane, Tarek, Jessica, Tina, Mike, Omar, Nicole, Marc, Ray, Bryan, and Kim D.

four hours, eleven minutes, twelve seconds

This post is dedicated to Prelita.

Mile 0: ::tickling in my stomach - not butterflies...I'm vegetarian :) ::

Mile 1: "8:10! Awesome! I got this"

Mile 2: "Run happy" ::smiling::

Mile 5: ::see the hill ahead of me:: "Shit, that is one steep hill. I have to climb that for one mile!?"

Mile 6: ::climb 300 feet over the next mile...not much thinking going on at this point::

Mile 6.1: ::cheers from Sean, Amanda, and Steven when I need it most"GO JACKIE GO!"::

Mile 7: "Up and OVER!! Wow, this view is breathtaking!"

Mile 8: "Another hill?!"

Mile 10: ::downhill:: "Weeeeeeee"

Mile 11: "This whole hill thing is getting old."

Mile 12: "I gave up sleeping in on weekends"

Mile 13: "Oh please, please please no runner's trots"

Mile 14: "If I'm running at this pace and there are 12.2 miles left, then..." ::to take my mind off the pain, I try to do math when I run::

Mile 16: "I can do this! I can finish in 4 hours!!"

Mile 16.5: ::greeted by Sean, Amanda and Steven with posters and cameras::

My right knee

Photographed by Sean

Mile 18: ::coming downhill:: "Fuck, my right knee hurts. What is this!? Just slow down and it'll go away"

Mile 19: "First Aid Station! Should I take ibuprofen? But I don't have anything in my stomach...ugh, just push through"

Mile 20: "I trained four months for this day"

Mile 22: "Every step after this mile is the farthest I have every ran in my life" "Whoa"

Mile 23: "I guess I'll be enduring this pain for the rest of the run"

Mile 24 to Mile 25: "This is the LONGEST mile ever!"

Mile 26: "Ibuprofen is just on the other side! KICK IT!"

I crossed the finish line onto red carpet, a fireman dressed in a tuxedo holding a silver platter with Tiffany boxes neatly stacked on top, smiles at me and hands me my Finisher's medal.

Two minutes after I cross the finish line: ::Prelita calls Sean, "How's Jackie doing?"::

His 1st Time

My brother, Chris, ran his first marathon yesterday at the 25th Long Beach International Marathon. He completed the course in 4:03 - way to go, brother!
I had a little dilemma on the day of his marathon. I wanted to be there to cheer him on, but I also needed to do my training run for that day (12 miles). Then I realized that Long Beach also had a half marathon. So three days before the race, I signed up for the Long Beach Half-Marathon. This worked out great - I tested the gear I plan on wearing the day of my marathon, what to eat the night before and the morning of, and what snacks to eat during the run.

I ran the first 10 miles with Chris and his buddy, Lito. At mile 8 we were greeted with our friends (Jay, Sean, and Gilbert) holding these signs:

"Your feet are hurting because you are kicking so much ass"

"Finishing is your only fucking option"

"We are proud of you, Chris & Lito...take a dump in your pants if you need to"

The split was at mile 11. As I ran the last two miles by myself, I started to realize that 26.2 miles is a very long distance. I'm both excited and anxious about the marathon next Sunday. Excited to cross the finish line and anxious about getting runner's trots during the race.

By the way, I finished the race :30 seconds per mile faster than my last half-marathon!

11 days to go

The Nike Women's Marathon is just around the corner! Over the past four months, I've ran a total of 456 miles and raised $418 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I'm still short of my fundraising goal and I'm hoping, with your help, I can raise the remaining amount over the next 11 days! The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Please join me in the fight to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Donate $.25 - $1.00 for every mile I run until race day. Here is the breakdown as of today (10/7):

Donation per mile:
$0.25 - $115
$0.50 - $230
$0.75 - $340
$1.00 - $456
*as of 10/7, I've ran 456 miles

Your contribution is 100% tax deductible!

Please visit http://mch.nikewm.llsevent.org/TeamTuason to make your monetary donation.

"YOUR MESSAGE HERE"

I will be one of 20,000 participants in the Nike Women's Marathon. How will I stand out?

After reading a Runner's World article, "Your Message Here," I'm motivated to create a personalized shirt to wear on a race day. But what should my shirt say?

Here's what I've come up with...
"First and Last"
"Eat your veggies!"
"Throw like a girl. Run like a girl. Win like a girl."
"Runners just do it - they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first"
"My first time!"

I invite you to comment on the sayings above or post your own. I may just wear your message!

One month to go

I've been lagging on the blogging these past couple of weeks, so here's a quick update.

Last week, I ran my fastest mile: 8:31 for 8 miles.

On Sunday, I ran the farthest distance: 20 miles. During this run, I was delirious; the most random thought came to my head "I DON'T WANT TO BE VEGETARIAN ANYMORE!" That thought lasted for a very brief moment (No need to worry, Patrick!)

I bought a water belt; it has four 10oz bottles (like the one shown below). I tried to avoid buying one, but I was annoyed with carrying a water bottle during my long runs. I figure, buy it now so by the time race day arrives the belt will feel natural. But as of today, I still haven't used it and after talking with Sean, I don't think I will. It looks pretty ridiculous. Do marathoners wear water belts during the race?

Today, runner's trots: the aftermath of 8 miles.

I haven't reached my fundraising goal ($1,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society). Only 36% raised. Just in case you forgot the link --> http://mch.nikewm.llsevent.org/pledge/index.cfm?mid=TEAMTUASON

Your monetary donation is 100% tax deductible!

To don a water belt or not

Do marathoners use water belts on race day?

8/30 - 18 miles

Many runners listen to music when they run. It is a source of motivation and can act as a distraction when your mind is telling you that you are tired. A study showed that individuals who listen to music workout longer than those who don't.

Well, I am not one of those people. I do not listen to music when I run. I guess I never wanted to become dependent on music. Sometimes, it is nice not having noise blaring into your ears. This way, running becomes therapeutic. You have the next couple of hours all to yourself, just you and that little voice in your head. But at the same time, this means that long runs can become such an emotional rollercoaster. You start thinking about anything and everything. Last night, I ran 18 miles. Here’s what was going on in my head throughout the run. (This post is dedicated to Sephanie a.k.a. “East”).

Mile 1: "Hmm...maybe I should've waited more than 30 minutes to let my food digest."

Mile 1.25: "Definitely should not have eaten spicy indian food for dinner. At least the pain in my stomach is keeping my mind occupied from other pain that is happening throughout the rest of my body"

Mile 2.5: "Weeeeee!!! I love down hills!" ::witness a cyclist struggling in the opposite direction:: "Hahahahah"

Mile 4: "Night running isn't too bad. Dehydration isn't an issue, I get to watch the sunset...bonfires!? …and I get to inhale some smoke for the next 2 miles."

Mile 5: "When does this runner's high kick in? I definitely could use some of it right now."

Mile 5.25: ::pass up a runner:: "Hahaha"

Mile 5.5: ::almost got hit by a bicyclist who tells me that I should be wearing a light:: "Where the heck is your light?! And how about riding on the right side of the road!"

Mile 6: "Next time, I should safety pin these snacks to my top or shorts. Yeah...LIKE A BOSS"

Mile 6.25: "What do I want to eat when I get home? Oh, I know. Chocolate ice cream with strawberries and ibuprofen. Mmmmmm. I think I'll call this a runner's sundae!"

Mile 9: "Road closed!? Dammit Gmap-Pedometer.com!"

Mile 10.25: "A shooting star!! Oh, I wish I was at mile 17......dammit shooting star!"

Mile 11.5: "Totally take back dehydration not being an issue! I'm so thirsty. I need water. I need water!!"

Mile 12: "Ooh, Target! They'll have a water fountain." ::Target hours on Sunday 8AM-9PM – CLOSED:: "Dammit Target!"

Mile 12.25: "Thank you, Starbucks!" ::chug down 4oz:: "I can't run with a 12oz Starbucks cup in my hand. Or can I? I can!" ::within the next mile, I consume the entire cup of water:: “Methinks I was bit dehydrated.”

Mile 15.75: "No chafing! Oh no, why did I say that? I hope I didn't jinx myself."

Mile 16: "Where did this extra energy come from? I am definitely running faster. I wonder if it was the Shot Blok I took 3 miles ago, or maybe it is because I'm a little scared of running down this dimly lit street."

Mile 16.75: "You can do this. Almost there. Define yourself. Define yourself. Define yourself."

Mile 18: "Runner's Sundae....weeeeee!"

I finished at a 10:23 minute pace. No chafing. No blisters. No runner's trots. :)

8/16 - 16 miles

Today was full of first times. I ran 16 miles for the first time and I experienced chafing for the first time. Fortunately, it happened around mile 14. It was mild; no bleeding or raw nipples. However, I'll definitely be using Vaseline or BodyGlide on my next long run. For those of you who have trained for a marathon before or are currently training, is there anything else I should expect? And yes, I already know of runner's trots.

My new best friend, Vaseline.

Also, Tyra's best friend

Click here-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOR4qekHWlA

Define Yourself

An article on Active.com discusses the power our mind can have over the way our body reacts. For example, Tuesdays are hill training days. I dread Tuesdays; the night before I'm already thinking "I'm not looking forward to tomorrow. It's going to be so difficult." And during the run, I'm thinking "I hate hills, I hate hills, I hate hills." These thoughts that run through my mind create negative physiological responses in my body. I run at a slower pace and I take unnecessary breaks. I believe half the battle in marathon training is keeping a focused, positive mindset.

If we can train ourselves to think in a way that produce positive physiological responses, we could drastically improve our performance. The article refers to this as self-talk - using phrases or statements that relate to effort and morale. During my long runs, I found that repeating "Define Yourself" motivates me to keep on running, and to run faster. What words or things do you think about that keep you motivated?

"Show Me the Money!"

Its been three weeks since I started this blog and I've raised $91 (9% of my goal). Not exactly where I thought I'd be at this point -- I didn't think it'd be that difficult to raise money, but I realized during these times people aren't as willing to part with their money unless they receive something in return. So this past weekend, a few close friends came over for dinner. I baked banana muffins and placed a sign next to them reading "Muffin? Help me fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society." From that night I raised $35!!


Since the muffins were a hit, I decided to do a bake sale. I haven't ironed out all the details, but it will be soon. Expect a post in a couple weeks with the details. If you have any special requests, please let me know!


Do you have any fundraising ideas to share?

RE: 8/2 - 13 miles (Half Marathon)

The weather this morning was perfect for a long run. Unfortunately, I did not beat my goal. In fact, my pace was a minute slower than my Surf City race pace. It is still the early stages of my training, so I won't let this get me down.

Next Sunday will be a much shorter run --only 6 miles. Hope you can join me!

8/2 - 13 miles (Half Marathon)

I won't be wearing knee pads, but I will avoid drinking, power hours, and century clubs the night before. The goal for Sunday's run is to beat my Surf City Half Marathon time (2:02).

Sunday @ 7AM - Victoria Street & College Avenue, Costa Mesa
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/ca/costa%20mesa/961124916926050056

RE: 7/26 - 10 miles

"Oh, FUCK! Shit, that hurts!!" is what I screamed as I tripped and fell on concrete. It happened around mile 4 on Bristol Avenue, no where near home. Luckily, I only got minor scrapes on my right knee. I sat on the sidewalk to clean out the debris and thought, "This is the first time I've ever fallen during a training run. What did I do differently this morning or the night before? Hmm, maybe it was the Power Hour that I did last night."

My dad suggested I wear knee pads on my future runs. Thanks for the advice, Dad!

What are your suggestions?

7/26 - 10 miles

I’m moving apartments this weekend, still in the same city just on the west side. I mapped the running route in the area that I’ll be moving to so I can explore the neighborhood.

Hope you can join me!

Sunday @ 7AM – Avocado Street & Fairview Road, Costa Mesa

Click here to view the route --> http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/ca/costa%20mesa/175124845729140380

RE: 7/19 - 12 Miles

Late start this morning, but overall, a better run than last week. I'm never sure what types of foods I should be eating before and during long runs like today. I typically eat something light like bread and cheese before my run, so I have fuel for my run. But is that enough? What about during the run?

"We do races"

A great way to liven up a marathon training program is to run races. Earlier today, my colleagues and I ran the OC Mud Run. The race course included tunnels, mud crawls, road blocks and tire obstacles. During the first mud pit, my foot got stuck in the mud. Sephanie attempted to pull me out, but I ended up taking her down too! Oops.

Here's a picture of Sephanie and I celebrating after completing 6.2 miles.

7/19 - 12 miles

This Sunday will be a long, slow run for 12 miles. We'll start in Costa Mesa, head down to Newport Beach, run to Main Street in Huntington Beach, then back. The route ends at 24hr Fitness near Triangle Square. Due to the hot weather, I plan to start at 7AM. It would be awesome if you could join me for all 12 miles. If not, a mile or two would be just as helpful!

Sunday @ 7AM - Santa Ana Avenue & 18th Street in Costa Mesa

Click here to view the route--> http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/ca/costa%20mesa/326124766995518615

Donation CHALLENGE

Donate Your MONEY

Donate $.25 - $1.00 for every mile I run until race day. The training program will have me running up to 562 miles over the course of 4 months. Here is the breakdown:

Donation per mile
$0.25 - $140.50
$0.50 - $281.00
$0.75 - $421.50
$1.00 - $562.00

*as of 8/31, I've ran 239 miles

Monetary donations are 100% tax deductible! Please visit http://mch.nikewm.llsevent.org/TeamTuason to make your monetary donation.

Donate Your TIME

Come run with me! I'll post maps of the courses I plan to run on the weekends.

Donate Your ADVICE
Any running tips you share will be much appreciated!

I'm running a marathon!!

A few months ago, I registered for the random drawing of the Nike Women's Marathon--due to the high demand for this marathon, a lottery entry process is used to make it fair for everybody. Weeks later, I received an e-mail with the subject reading "You're Registered for the Nike Women's Marathon!"

Today, I'm on the third week of a 16-week marathon training program. I decided to start this blog to (1) keep a record of what I'm about to experience over the next four months, (2) share it with you (my family & friends), and (3) and raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (http://mch.nikewm.llsevent.org/TeamTuason).