Day Before Marathon & Marathon "Eve"

Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Friday May 20th was a busy preparation day. Got up early and put the finishing touches on what I was going to take to the Ogden. Getting water and a few last minute items. Then it was off at 7am to Muscle Works in Highland to get a "performance enhancement" done by Chris. That always makes my legs feel lighter and more able to run.  Chris did a new fast twitch 3 phase rub on my legs he saw his partner Alex do on Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. If it's good enough for Tom Brady, it's good enough for Marsha Monson.
After that I headed to South Jordan to Bodyworks Chiropractic to see Dr. Hall. Just a little adjustment on my upper back, neck, and hips and some time on the roller table and I was good to go.
Finally headed to work to see where Mike was on the specifications manual we were putting together .... quite quickly at the last minute. Still some critical work to do on it and I couldn't stay long. Got it done.
Back home I poached 2 eggs + 1 egg white to take with me for Saturday morning. Put them on ice. Ready to go. Sat down at the piano to wait for Liz & Cyndie. Cyndie was early as always. I love that. We talked a few minutes and then loaded my stuff in her car. Then Liz pulled up and we loaded her stuff and headed off to the airport to pick up Suzi who was running the Ogden Half Marathon with Cyndie.
After picking up Suzi we headed toward Ogden. On the way up we stopped off at Subway to get lunch. We arrived in Ogden and went in to the expo to pick up our race bibs and shirts. Did a little shopping for some cute pink things at the expo, some arm warmers and a pink shirt which I decided to wear in the marathon. I know you shouldn't wear untested items, but I haven't had a chafing problem and could tell by the fit and cut I would be ok. It made it so I was totally decked out in hot pink.
During the expo Liz went to the "taping booth" sponsored by Intermountain Health Care. She was having a problem with a spot on her back that was hurting. Well Cyndie and I watched as she was taped, one strip and then an X at the bottom. The lady taping Liz took the time to teach us how to work with the tape.
After the expo Cyndie & Suzi dropped Liz and I off at the Ogden Marriott and went home to West Jordan. Liz invited me to stay in her room with Angie, with the 26.2 run in the morning I was happier being closer. We still had to get up at 4:15am to be at the bus by 5am. 
So Liz and I hung out in the room resting our legs and setting out our running clothes until 6:15 when we went for an all you can eat fresh pasta dinner with Liz's friends, some Marathon Maniacs. The dinner was really good, we choose the pasta and ingredients and the chef cooked it in front of us. The company was even better. We talked quite a while and then headed to bed early.

Ogden Well Wishes

Jan wrote: "Mile 17 Dedication - Thanks Marsha for doing this. I love You! You are my Blue Eyes!"

Karie Underwood wrote: "Good Luck at the Marathon, enjoy!"

Scott Hardy wrote: "Nicely done Marsha -- congrats!!!"

Marie Lister wrote: "That is great Marsha!"

Tawny Hawkins wrote: "Good luck, Marathon Woman! Here's hoping you have a dry, wonderful run!"

Mark wrote: "Yea mom!!"

Jeanmarie wrote: "Awesome job, TY for the dedication it was a great honor!"

Jeanette Bringhurst wrote: "I'm proud of you. good job."

Ellen Hoffman wrote: "Wow!"

Cyndie Nell wrote: "I can't wait to hear all about it. Nice job Marsha."

Skyla Canfield wrote: Good luck marathoner! You will do great."

Kelli Davey wrote: "Good job!!! That's amazing!!"

Karie Underwood wrote: "Great job!"

Ellen Ward wrote: "YES!!! Don't expect to sleep - you have all the time in the world to sleep, so don't sweat it. Run strong - you go girl!!!"

Marie Miles wrote: "Good Luck tomorrow Marsha!  I will be sending good "vibes" your way!"

Nancy wrote: "Mile 24 Dedication - Thank you!!   Of course I went out and read all 26.2 and of course had tears by the time I finished. I wish I could be standing at the finish line for you.  You are awesome! I love you, Nancy. Awesome! I love you!"

Hilary wrote: "You are one amazing gal! Marsha, thanks for mile 18. My heart warmed and my eyes welled. You inspire many, including me."

Stella wrote: "Good Job Marsha!"

Lorelei wrote: Mile 13 Dedication - Marsha!  What a beautiful thing to say...thank you so much! and I'll be thinking of you tomorrow....good good luck.  I want to hear all about it, blisters and all. You are such an inspiration! Love you, Lorelei.

Jerrie wrote: Mile 13 Dedication - SOOO very COOL!!!! What an honor! Have thought about you today.

Peggy Matheson wrote: "If I had tried to run a marathon I would be in the hospital. Way to go Marsha."

Tawny Hawkins wrote: "Wooo-hooo!"

Brittainy Luke wrote: "Thats awesome!"

Melanie Christopherson wrote: "Mile 18 Dedication - Thank you Marsha, I'm touched, and Mom would be honored, if not a little embarrassed! Much love to you and best of luck with your marathon. Well done! "

Julie Stokes wrote: "Awesome Marsha! Big Congrats!"

Kami Miller wrote: "Amazing!!! :-)"

Cindi Glenn wrote: "Good Luck Marathon Marsha! Wear pink and enjoy the day. I am so proud of how far you have come! Pink ROCKS and so will YOU! I have been thinking of you all week. Mile 22 Dedication - I keep remembering how far you have come and I am so proud of you, it makes me want to cry already!  Cry all you want, you worked hard.  As much I believe a marathon and a tri are individual sports, they ARE team sports and I am on your team.  From my favorite Ironman video "YOU WILL DO THIS!"  So go do it.  It's my guess that it will be the first of many for you.  I am so honored to be on your list.  My Birthday is on the 22nd, so perfect!  You will be in pain here, no way around it.  I ran SG one year and felt good still at mile 21, but by mile 22 I was in pain, enjoy it. I mean it!  turn off the music, hear the crowd, think of two Cindi's that love and believe in you and keep going!!!!! Good luck! Cindi Live! Love! Give! Swim! Bike! Run! Believe! Close or not doesn't matter, YOU DID IT! That does! And YOU DID DO IT!!!!!!!"

Franny Fenton wrote: "YOU GO GIRL...OH, YOU ALREADY HAVE!!!"

Jerrie Gathe wrote: "You are awesome!!! What is next?"

Steve Avery wrote: "WTG Marsha!!! You did it!! Proud of you. :)"

Liz Gotter wrote: "I was one lucky girl to run the first 10 miles with you!"

Kirstin Spencer wrote: "Yes, thank you so much. And thank you for mile 18!! Have a great run!!"

Lesia Davis wrote: "Oh my goodness, I am touched Marsha. I only wished I felt like I have lived up to those inspiring words. I had no idea I had touched a persons life like that. Thank you again. My dream is to be able to run even if it's just three feet. I admire you Marsha in so many ways. I love you and your family. And I am so blessed to have you as a friend. Thank you again. I hope to see you next week to make jewelry. Love always."

Steve Avery wrote: "Good luck, Marsha!! I know you'll rock it!!!"

Cindi Glenn wrote: "Pink ROCKS and so will YOU!"

Retta wrote: " Mile 7 Dedication: Thank you, my precious friend. That is all so sweet! I am rediscovering / reconstructing me right now, and this is just what I needed to hear. I love you very dearly, and YES! I want to cheer you on. Love, Retta"

Christa wrote: "Hi Marsha, Been thinking a lot about you lately, knowing that the big day is almost here!  Thank you so much for including me in your inspiration list. It's really an honor be among such awesome folks....especially. I'm inspired by all the hard work you've put into your running and dedication. Your inspiration to Jeanmarie made me cry. Annie and I are "Strutting Our Mutt" tomorrow and we'll keep you in our prayers during your 26 mile journey. Love ya, Christa."
Evan Matheson wrote: "Awesome job."
Franny Fenton wrote: "Well done. Congrats."
Karen Haymond wrote: "Well done. You rock. Wanna be like you."
Sandy Rutledge wrote: "Like"
Ron Brown wrote: "Atta Girl."
Carin Paul wrote: "You rock girl."
Ammon Monson wrote: "Like." 

The 26.2 Mile Inspiration List

A marathon suggestion from my Shark friend Cindi Glenn:
"Just a thought, something to do...I assign a person to each one of my 26 miles that have inspired me. I think of them as I run their mile. It helps me."

Ok Cindi, here I go, hopefully I will not become dehydrated during the marathon from shedding tears.

Here are my 26+ inspiring friends and family to help with my mental race success, mile by mile by mile, and a few of the reasons why I admire or am inspired by them. Most of these things I've never told these people, and some I will not have a chance to in this life. In no specific order, some are by their favorite numbers, birth dates, anniversary, or color or just because.... love to all.

1. Lesia > Admire long fight against MS. She never gives up, explores every avenue and option to help herself. Attitude always bounces back to positive. Lesia goes after life. Makes lemonade from lemons. Creative. Not afraid to ask for help. Conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Passionate. Go Utes! 

  

2. Grandma Colvin & Grandma Gathe > Unconditional love. My grandma's were patient, fun to be with, kind. Played. Independent. Examples of wholesome living.

3. Kameron, Ammon, & Karlie > Kameron - Biking ability, college education, good employee, works hard, cartoonist, quiet independence. Ammon - Graduating high school, joining the United States Army, temple marriage, hard worker for his family, great dad. Karlie - Exchange student to Germany, serving a full-time mission, temple marriage, BYU graduate.

4. Alicia > Loving - reaching out to everyone, digging in and graduating from high school, homeschooling, becoming a doula, pursuing her dream of a nurse-midwife and getting an apprenticeship. Going to the temple, being a great mother and wife, college classes, and pursuing better health and weight loss. Makes life work. A best friend. Truly cares.

5. Ginger & Pam > Always admired their athletic ability, unconditional friendship, going to college after having a family and earning degrees, wonderful loving mothers and grandmothers.

6. Christa > Awesome agility accomplishments with Sadie and Charlie, driving us all over the western US, getting all my stuff in the car, learning to handle Annie a very FAST dog, for filing her intent to be on the agility world team in 2012 and a special friend.

7. Retta > A forever friend, so creative, so generous. She always feeds people temporally and spiritually. Very talented in the art of listening. And also of hearing what is not said. Beautiful jewelry designer. The amazing idea woman. Very crafty. She overcomes each adversity she is faced with. Her laugh warms me, comforts me. A dedicated loving and caring mother and grandmother.

8. Grandchildren > Mile 8 is for my 8 grandchildren, I love you all. Aspen, Violet, Emma, Genni, Marley, Cami, Bryson, Zeke.

9. Mark > Being a loving son, graduating from seminary for me, exceptional dog whisperer skills, joining the United States Coast Guard, amazing accomplishments in the gym and Lindy dance floor. Financial smarts, jumping out of an airplane, graduating from AMT school.

10. Jordan River Temple Friends > New to my life are the wonderful sisters I have made friends with at the temple. I draw strength from their faith, testimonies, smiles and friendship. Admire their devotion to Jesus Christ.

11. Agility Friends > More than I can list here, this mile will be for all you who I spent many hours training with, traveling with, competing with, working with, having fun with, crying with and celebrating with.

12. Desert Sharks > Amazing athletes who are out to have fun and challenge themselves- they make me want to be like them - normal people accomplishing extraordinary things. They love and support each other, teach and friendship newbie people.

13. Lorelei & Jerrie > I recently reconnected with both. It was like we were never apart. Lorelei > We click, we always did. Love of family, devotion and love for her sister. Caring. Genuine. A most infectious beautiful laugh. Jerrie > Breadmaking. Becoming a nurse. Studying and teaching Dahn Yoga. Healing herself. Giving back. Inner peace rolls off her and touches you.

14. Mom Mestas > Being one of my forever friends, an amazing mother-in-law and mother-in-love, a thoughtful grandmother, love and concern for family. Wonderful to talk to. Beautiful cross-stitching.

15. Mony > Her knowledge of genealogy, the amazing books she's produced, her beautiful artwork in books. Editing, writing and English skills. Her happy attitude, her energy, love of family. Her long walking stride.

16. Jeanmarie > For choosing life, believing in herself and doing what it takes to loose over 200 lbs. How can I not be awestruck at the determination and intense commitment it takes to do that.

17. Jan > Loving me for almost 40 years, sharing the gospel with me, baptizing me, being a great husband, father, and son. Serving in the temple, supporting me through ALL my hobbies. Patient. Generous. Kind. Pursuing music, choir director and chorister. Teaching guitar, taking care of parents, loving my kids, loving our dogs.

18. Colleen Anderson > Her valiant fight of breast cancer, her beautiful daughters - they are a testament about how she lived her life and what kind of mother she was. Her delicious Thanksgiving dinners. Cauliflower. Generous personality, her love for life and family, just for being Colleen, she was amazing.

19. Mom & Dad Monson> For loving me like a daughter, loving my children, for their love of the gospel, thoughtfulness, for raising such a wonderful son for me to love.

20. Neal > Such a fun son and blankie boy, graduating seminary, serving a mission to Germany, being a great dad and Mr. Mom, going to college and now working towards a 4 year degree and nursing school. Telling me I could do a triathlon, getting back in shape, a talented salesman, Scout Master, and climbing Mt. Whitney.

21. Paula > Her energy! Cake decorating, cooking & catering, sewing and costume design. Amazing party planner. She gets it done - fast. Genealogy accomplishments. High school stage manager, wonderful mom and grandmother, compassionate. Close family. Talented.   

22. My two Cindys > Shark Cindi - Her Ironman accomplishment! I just love reading her narative of the day she became an Ironman. Her story inspired me to try something hard - this marathon. I began to believe the seemingly impossible could be possible - she told me I could do it. Her belief started me on my path. Tinker Cyndie > Her trust and willingness to be my friend. Her strength inspires me. Her finish line push. She taught me to enjoy all of the small successes and PR's met along my journey to 26.2. She has gone the "extra mile" and helped me get to an easy 10. She is funny. Always early. Awesome coach.  

23. Dad > Love of America, the flag. Service in United States Navy Seabees. Supported me in my religious choices, temple marriage, everything I cared to do. Helped with family history, obedience trial equipment and attendance at my events. Excellence in business. Way he loved people. Friendships. His deep love of family and friends. Honesty. Just a great dad.

24. Nancy > Being the Best sister, a breast cancer survivor, patience in dog training. NATCH & V-NATCH agility achievements, supports me in everything I do, hard worker, agility teacher, gives time to NorCal Sheltie Rescue and adopts rescued Shelties.

25. Nick > Always doing his best for me, his unconditional love and his desire to be with me and do whatever I wanted to do - in sickness and in health, best friend, he was agility to me.

26. Mom > Supported everything I did. A best friend, she was funny and fun to be with. Wonderful, wonderful mother. Admired her talent for building doll houses and being organized. Always ready to go. Her computer abilities, internet abilities and especially her independence. Her driving. Her inventions. Her courage.  

.2 Me > I am known to pick a goal and accomplish it even if it takes me years. I don't lose sight; I just do what it takes to accomplish what I set out to do. 

Can the Garmin be wrong?

got sprinkles? Last training run before Ogden Marathon. Was lightly raining and 50 degrees. Long sleeve tech shirt, long pants. Of course I got hot. When its wet ya just want to bundle up. Just a short 2 miles before going to the temple. Mile1 9:33 Mile2 10:27. Now you see why I think that the Garmin is wrong. 9:33. And I just don't know, could it have been the clouds, does that make it measure distance incorrectly? Usually a mile ends in a different spot on the trail than it did today. Very strange.


I made my 20 minutes. This gives me a perfect run training record for my entire 25 weeks of marathon training. That is quite an accomplishment in itself. There has been foul weather, trips, scheduling nightmares, sickness, pain and the training went on anyway. I am proud of that. Now comes the fun marathon day. I am excited. 


And I am excited for the weeks ahead and all the fun events I am in shape for. 

Marathon Pace Plan by Cyndie

Estimated Finish Time (EFT) 6 hours or under.


"If you keep a 13:44 for all 26 miles you will finish in the 6 hours. I think if you keep a 12:10 for the first 6 miles then move down to a 13:44 for the next 15 miles. You can have your last 5 miles in the 14 minute mile pace."
Coach Cyndie

Little Red Riding Hood

It's official. I AM riding in Little Red Riding Hood on June 4, 2011. It is SOLD OUT. I missed getting in by a couple of hours, it sold out in 23 hours! In 2010 it sold out in 29 days. I never thought of trying to buy a registration from someone who finds out now they can't go. This is what Cyndie did. She bought an entry from a girl on Little Red Riding Hood FB page. So I put a post with a plea for an entry. I got two responses! Bought mine from a girl in Salt Lake. I believe that Liz was also able to get an entry, so the 3 Musketeers are riding in Little Red. And from what I understand from Coach Cyndie, we are doing the 50 miles. I am very excited.

I know, it is my anniversary. I will be back in the evening. I am trying to feel bad but I really wanted to ride this really bad so it is hard. Maybe Jan and I could celebrate a few days early.... or that evening or a day late?

One More Practice Run Before Marathon

Today was a short run. 2 miles. Me and Chip. Nice 55 degrees and sunny, but windy. I am in the final stretch, goal in site. Even got my heart rate up in Zone 4 for 13% of the run. Zone 3 for 24% and then there is that annoying Zone 2 - 49%. Had the really nice higher heart rate when I wasn't headed into the wind. My stats for today: Mile1 10:29 & Mile2 11:56. And I burned a whopping 108 calories! 
If the predicted rain doesn't come tomorrow morning I will be rewarding myself with a bike ride with Cyndie and the ladies bike group from Canyon Bicycles. I worked over 3 hours today at BHDA just so I could take off for the ride. Fingers crossed.

Running Free Report - Marathon Week 24

Groovy marathongrandma!
Here's your report from last week on runningfreeonline.

Good luck and best wishes.
Stuart@runsaturday.

Last week you completed: Sport # Distance Time Run 3 10.6 mi 2:09:55 Bike 1 13.8 mi 1:38:31 Walk 1 1.6 mi 0:34:52 Total 5 26.0 mi 4:23:18

Race Week Plans - Can I get it all done?

I like to make a To Do list or checklist of what I am planning on doing so I don't forget anything. I write more plans down the older my memory gets. Here are my success plans for this next week. I usually do them on an excel spreadsheet but I thought I'd type it here today (I know I will probably still need to print it out so I can check off).

Now you may think some of these things aren't related to race day, but consider me being not stressed about needing to be somewhat packed and ready for a vacation. I am leaving a couple of days after the race and being prepared will help me relax and Enjoy my race day to the fullest.

Saturday May 14:

Ride bike - don't get tired and don't fall over.

Buy water, EAS drinks, new visor, dog food, old jacket at DI (to wear & toss).

Organize my side of our garage (gathering stuff 4 AZ).

Vacuum van and take out crates.

Load van with items brought from mom's for Alicia in Arizona (I know it is early but I don't want to miss anything.)

Write posts.

Work on list.

Watch movies. (The 3 W's)

Sunday May 15

Write posts.

Church & sing choir number.

Choir practice.
Practice Can You Find It In Your Heart?
Practice piano hymns.
The 3 W's.

Monday May 16
Run 15 - 30 minutes (2 miles).
Work
Type & laminate inspiration list
Practice Can You Find It In Your Heart?
Practice piano.
VT report.

FHE

Tuesday May 17
Walk/XT 15 - 30 minutes.
Work
Change battery GYMBOSS.
Practice Can You Find It In Your Heart?
Practice piano.
Choose IPOD play list.
Pack for 26.2
Go to bed on time.

Wednesday May 18
Run 15 - 30 minutes (2 miles).
Work
Type & laminate inspiration list.
Piano lessons.
Temple
Practice Can You Find It In Your Heart?
Practice piano.
Charge Garmin & IPOD.
Go to bed on time.

Thursday May 19
Off/Stretch
Work
Practice Can You Find It In Your Heart?
Practice piano.

Last minute packing.
Go to bed early.

Friday May 20

7:30am Muscle Works for performance enhancement w/Hayden.

Work 

Liz arrives at house.

Picked up by Cyndie.

Airport run to pick up Suzi.

Out to lunch with the girls.

Ogden Marathon Expo.

Overnight at Marriott.
Go to bed early. Remember to sleep.

Saturday May 21
Run 26.2 miles

Fuel & Hydration Plan

I am planning my fuel for at the start line before the race if hungry (Blasts), then every 30 minutes after the race begins. So figuring 6 hours the plan is 12 servings. Now the race does provide GU at some stations, but carrying my own assures me that I will a. have something I like b. have something I know my stomach will tolerate. I am taking two water bottles with Prolytes. I will also take Prolytes with me to add to water as I refill at aid stations.

(1) Bonk Breaker Almond Butter & Honey 
(1) PowerBar Energy Blasts Raspberry
(2) Clif Cran-Razz Shot Bloks
(these provide two servings each)
(2) Hammer Gel Raspberry
(2) Hammer Gel Montana Huckleberry
(2) PowerBar Energy Vanilla