A funny thing happened on my way down.........

A pretty funny thing (now it's funny) happened to me today. I went out to lunch with some co-workers and was walking with them out of the restaurant. I was going over to another state office building and getting a flu shot before my meeting. I was saying how great it was to get a flu shot, especially with two kids and one in kindergarten bringing home all manner of delightful viruses. I had a flu shot last year and didn't get too sick. I definitely didn't get the flu.

So we parted and I headed over to the state office tower. The flu shots were on the 18th floor. I filled out the paperwork, read the obligatory information sheet, and walked right up to the nurse. I rolled up my sleeve and she said "this will pinch a little....ok you are done."

At that very moment I looked over at my arm as she pulled out the needle. She watched my arm to see if I needed a bandaid and then she decided I did. I watched this and felt a little uncomfortable. I've had shots before, and blood drawn, and it hasn't bothered me too much. I usually just look away and I'm fine.

Right afterwards, I left. I made it to the elevator and the woman next to me was talking about how much her arm hurt after getting the shot. I felt fine. The doors to the elevator closed.

Wait a minute. I started to feel dizzy. I looked at the control panel for the elevator. I decided when we got to the lobby I'd find a seat and take a break before heading to my meeting on the 31st floor. But then I realized there were too many stops along the way; I wasn't sure I would make it --

And then I was having the most delightful dream.

And then I woke up on the floor of the elevator with people talking to me.

"Are you ok?"

"Let's get her to the lobby - call the nurse!"

I opened my eyes and realized I had fainted. People were scrambling to figure out who to call and what do to. I said, "I'm ok," but I was all sweaty and a little disoriented. The elevator doors opened to the first floor and I was able to walk, with someone holding onto me, over to a bench. A security guard came rushing over and starting taking down information. I was actually very coherent, but tired. Another security guard brought a wheelchair. I wondered where they were wheeling me to? I explained I had just gotten a flu shot. They asked if I had eaten, and I had, right before the flu shot (and actually several times that morning).

They took me to the basement to the state employee health services. It was basically a nurse's office, with three beds and a few nurses hanging around. They let me lie down and then took my blood pressure, my pulse and temperature. Everything was normal. They were really nice about the whole thing.

After about 20 minutes I thought I was fine. I left for a meeting. When I got to the elevator, I looked down for a moment and felt just the slightest bit dizzy. There was no way I was getting back on that elevator! I decided to skip the meeting and sit down for a while until the next meeting, which was about 30 minutes later. This one was on the first floor so I thought I would be ok.

I called my husband and let him know what happened. As I was talking to him, I felt a little fuzzy again. I hung up and headed back downstairs to the nurses' office and asked if I could lie down again. I stayed there about an hour, resting and reading my emails on my Blackberry. I wasn't sure what had happened. I explained to a nurse that I had to be healthy. I just ran 13.1 miles with no problem last week! At least no problem other than shin splints.

Nevertheless, I didn't want to overreact, but I just didn't feel back to normal. I was even worried about walking back to my office and driving home. One of my co-workers and friend offered to come get me, and she drove me home.

I called my family doctor's office to see if I had anything serious like an allergic reaction and shouldn't I come in for tests or something???? Anyway, a nurse called me back and said that fainting is a quite common response for a flu shot. She mentioned a vaso-vagal response. I've only fainted two other times, both when I had just given birth. Then, it was understandable. This time was weird.

There's even a whole phobia just for this situation: trypanophobia. I didn't really think I had this, but I do try to avoid looking at needles being stuck in me. The pain isn't the problem, it's just the needles. And it's not needles that bother me. It's needles stuck in me that bother me.

I also think I might be coming down with a sinus infection or a cold so maybe that contributed to the situation. In any case, I really am relieved I fainted in the elevator with some really great people who helped me, and that I was in a building that was well equipped with caring, understanding staff.

Don't worry Mom and Dad - I'm fine now, just drained. A good night sleep should fix everything.

But first, I had to leave my car downtown, so now I have to find out when the COTA bus stops near my house. I hope I don't faint at the bus stop!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 36th birthday, Matt! My little brother was born on Halloween and he's still a little devil! I am, of course, still a princess....

Matt is a pretty worldly fellow. He's ventured far from Canfield, Ohio into the world and hasn't looked back.

He's now entering unexplored territory, however - parenthood! Parenthood is fraught with sleepless nights, anxiety, frustration, calls/trips to the doctor, all varieties of flus and colds, and things you swore you would never say to YOUR kids. But it's also full of fun, love, joy, discovery. So happy birthday, little brother, and just wait until you can take pictures of your kids like this one:

KISS ROCKS!

Marathon Winner

I didn't realize that the winner of the marathon is an MIT (Marathoners in Training) coach! That's my training group. Here's an interview he did with a local TV station.

There will be an informal run this weekend but I think I'm going to give myself a few weeks to let my shin splints heal. They still hurt, but day by day they are getting better. I plan to start going back to the gym next week and riding the bike and doing core exercises. I can't keep eating as much as I am without some exercise!!!! I was used to carb loading, and now I have to back off again.

My husband's race report is posted on the Running Times forum. He half-jokingly mentioned to me he was thinking of doing the West Virginia marathon next weekend. I told him I'd hide the car keys if he was serious. Now he's backed off and is thinking of the half marathon. I still think he's crazy.

Race Recap - What a Blast!

Runners post race reports on forums and blogs, so here's what I remember.

Pre-race prep

My husband woke us up at 4:50 am. I actually slept through the night, which is extremely unusual for me. I took my time getting ready but couldn't eat much. Had my coffee and half a bagel. You are supposed to eat early so your food digests before you run, and you want to drink, but not too close to race time or you'll spend the rest of the morning before the race in the portapotty line. I was pretty nervous so I stayed away from everyone. My in-laws woke up and started to get ready. My father in law was dropping us off at the hotel where my running group was meeting us.

We both had a few trips to the bathroom and then we were ready to go. No, wait, my husband ran back to the bathroom and we waited. And waited. I started to get really anxious. I wanted to meet my running group and find my running partner. Finally he got out and I said let's go! I thought he'd be in there forever!

We got downtown and hopped out of the car. Then we noticed that the directions we gave my father in law to get back home would not be helpful at all as they were routing cars directly away from the roads he needed. My husband ran back to the car and tried to give him some new directions but we were pretty sure he'd get lost. No matter, we had a race to run.

We parted at the doors to the hotel and my husband went to his swanky pre-race meeting place with his runner forum buddies. I went inside and upstairs to where my team was meeting and found about 40 people milling about and stretching and lining up for the bathroom. I found one of my running friends and we talked. I stood in line for the bathroom. Then I finally found my running partner.

This is a pretty funny story. I have been running with this particular woman for at least two months, and I didn't remember her name. By race time it was too late to ask her name - that would be even more embarassing. Anyway, I found her and we went over to her husband. She introduces me - "This is the person I've been running with." That's it! She didn't know my name either. I held out my hand and said, "I'm Beth, nice to meet you."

We eventually got outside where it was a little chilly. I had on a singlet (no sleeves) and shorts but I knew it would serve me well when the sun came up. We handed our bags over to be put in a truck that our running group had made available. This was a really nice thing to have - they took our bags to the finish line so I had my things right after I finished.

We then made our way through the THRONG of runners and discovered we could stay warm amongst all the bodies. It got chillier as we made our way to the back of the line and fewer people were there. The walkers started an hour earlier so those of us in the back were it - the slow people. The penguins. Helicopters flew overhead. The mayor made a speech. Then we were off. We jogged a foot, and then stopped. We jogged again. Then we walked. It actually took a few minutes before we made it to the start. We finally got to the starting line and we were ready to roll!

The race

We kept a steady 11-12 minute/mile pace, stopping at water stations to rehydrate, take a break, and down some Gu (espresso love is my fav). I felt so good, I was giddy. The pain in my legs was nothing like it had been last week. I felt a mild burn in my shins but nothing I couldn't handle. I clapped and cheered with the crowd, and danced past the bands and the music. I gave a whoohoo to the kids who were cheering. I guess it was the endorphins and just being part of such an incredible experience that made me so happy and acting so crazy.

We ran right past the Governor's mansion and there he was, Governor Strickland, cheering us on. I told my running partner - that's my boss! I had to explain he's my ultimate boss, but there are lots of bosses between him and me. Still, it was cool.

I was careful to space out my Gu and my Gatorade so I wouldn't get sick. I felt really queasy at the end of my last half marathon, and I knew it was partly due to all the sugar I had had. So this time I was smarter about it. Training with the running team really helped. I learned a lot about how to keep yourself hydrated and keep your energy.

At some point in the race I finally found out the name of my partner - she was telling me some story about someone cheering her on and she said her name - "Alright Nancy!" Aha! Nancy!

Nancy told me around mile 8 she didn't feel like talking because she was tired. She didn't mind me talking but I wasn't supposed to expect her to answer. I was feeling great. I was tired, and my legs hurt a little more, but I knew I could keep going. I just kept chatting and chatting. I was probably pretty annoying.

Around mile 10 or 11 we came up to a water stop and Nancy said she was going to walk through and take a break. I knew the end was in sight, and although I was tired, my legs were numb and I still had the crazy endorphin buzz. In April, I hadn't felt nearly as good as this. I think the steady pace, and my training, really helped this time. I also had in the back of my mind my previous time and although my ultimate goal was to finish and feel good, I really really wanted to beat my time. So I told Nancy I was going to take off after the water stop - I hope she realized I meant to leave her, cause that's what I did. Apparently the "race tracker" online was predicting a 2:37 finish, but I picked up my pace at the end after I left Nancy. I knew I was almost done. I saw the Riffe Tower - a very tall building downtown that is right next to my office, and I knew I just had to run up High Street and turn the corner and I would be at the finish. I was in familiar territory and the end was in sight.

The only problem I had was dodging walkers. Not just walkers, but run/walkers. These people run and then stop and walk for a minute then run again. I am totally in support of this approach but not when they stop in front of me and I have to run past them only to have them catch up and do it again.

As I turned the corner from High to Nationwide, and the finish line was in sight at the bottom of the hill, I was weaving back and forth past weary runners and a lot of walkers. I even ran into the "Couch Potatoes". I was quite annoyed with it all. I kept thinking, "There's the finish line, people! Can't you move yourselves a little faster, downhill, with the finish line a few feet away????" I broke free and had a wide open space to the finish line. Right before I crossed I heard shouts - "Beth! Beth!" It was my inlaws, and my kids, cheering me on. (my father in law made it home, and back downtown!) I raised my arms in a victory cheer and said "whoohoo!" across the finish line. Then I quickly regrouped and found the photographer. I stared at the camera with the biggest smile and my best running pose. Then I headed for the medals! I picked up a bagel and some water and just moved in slow motion through the crowd. A friend called out to me from the fence and I yelled, "I did it!" and she gave me a hug.

Later, my in-laws just shook their heads as they waited patiently for my husband and me to catch up to them in the parking lot. We were really far behind and were just starting to tighten up. It was a long walk to the car.

What a rush! I remember why I love running so much. I had the best time and I did great. My shin hurt more than ever before, and it still does, but it doesn't matter. It was worth it. And the HUGE banana split I tried to finish last night was the best treat ever.

Today right next to my office door someone put up my race stats and had written on the paper, "Congrats, Beth!" I hobbled into my office, sat down and smiled. I kept my tennis shoes on all day but managed to get around pretty well. I showed off my medal and shared my stories.

I'm sure my euphoria is nothing compared to my husband's. A BQ is a huge deal. But that's his story to tell. We are all very proud of him.

A few weeks off and it will be time to train for the spring half marathon. And maybe, just maybe, there's a marathon in my future in October. Just don't tell my shins!

Columbus marathon slideshow

Some race pictures

13.1

I finished, and got a PR (personal record): 2:33:26 !

My husband qualified for Boston at 3:19!

What a rush. I had a blast. More to come. I have to hobble over to the bathroom and shower.

Just Do Your Best

Less than 12 hours before the race! I have all these funny pains in my legs which are making me panic. My husband had to go out and run two miles just to calm down. The kids got to race today and had a blast. I'm terribly nervous.

I told my six year old I was very nervous. "About what?" he asked. "About whether I can finish the race," I explained. He said "It's not important whether you finish the race, Mommy. You just need to do your best."

That's my goal - to do my best.

Let the Music Move You

I finally read the "final" race instructions and it states unequivocally that no IPods or MP3 players are permitted during the race. I'm a little distressed about this as I was planning on using my music player during the race. I use it all the time for my treadmill runs (I would be very bored otherwise) and the music really helps me keep moving. I haven't used the music player as much for my long runs because I can't hear people talking to me (huh, that could be why they don't want us to use them during the race....). We actually have conversations on the long runs on the trail and it makes the run go by much easier.

So I really hope that I have someone to talk to during the race. I have one woman that I have been running with lately and she and I have a pretty good pace going. She teaches middle school Spanish. Doesn't have kids. I keep her amused with my family stories about excrement (hey, when you have a 6 year old that thinks the word "poopyhead" is the funniest thing ever, and a 2 year old who really wants to be like his big brother and use the potty, but isn't quite there yet, you can't help but get caught up in the poopy madness of it all.)

It's too bad, 'cause I just downloaded some more music for my music player from Amazon, and I'm really enjoying it. Amazon's MP3 download service is great. It uses existing account information, and you can play the music in windows media player and add the songs to playlists - which is important for those of us that did not jump on the Apple bandwagon but bought a practical, inexpensive music player instead. I only downloaded 2 songs: Intergalactic and Sabatoge from the Beastie Boys. I also added from our existing CD catalogue what I think is by far the best running song - Running Down a Dream by Tom Petty. Other songs I enjoy while running include:

• It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine) - R.E.M.
• Paint it Black - Rolling Stones
• Respect - Aretha Franklin
• Body Movin' - Beastie Boys
• Blitzkrieg Bop & Rock -n- Roll High School - Ramones
• My Generation - The Who
• ReHumanize Yourself - The Police
• Welcome to the Jungle - Guns n Roses
• Good Pain - Live

I guess I'll have to keep the music in my head since I won't be able to use the music player at the race. As long as I don't start singing out loud, I think I'll be fine!

Taper Madness and Gurgles

Six days and counting until the race. It's taper time. And time for taper madness. That's what happens when you slow down your training to store up energy for the race, you are eager and ready to race, and you are on edge. I'm not so bad - my husband has taper madness way worse than me. It's his PMS.

After 4 days of rest, I ran 2 miles today. My legs were very tight. Mile 1 was really hard. Unfortunately I have some sort of minor stomach thing that makes you nauseous and run to the bathroom a few times a day so I didn't feel like drinking water, even while I was running. My stomach was not happy about all the jostling, either. My husband is just getting over the same thing and it looks like it lasts 2 or 3 days, tops. I think I'm on day 2. Unfortunately, my 2 year old is on day 1, so we might have some sleepless nights and yucky diapers ahead of us. Just when we need sleep!

Still, I got a pre-race email from my training group that has me psyched. While I'm really nervous and feel as though I haven't trained enough (and I'm sure my legs will hurt more than ever), I'm also excited to get out there and give it all I have.

Despite the pain and the gurgly stomach, I still felt some euphoria today from running. Even 2 miles, especially after a few days hiatus, felt awesome. I felt strong, happy and ready to conquer all.

Then I had to run for the border. Ugh.

Taking it Easy

It's 8:06 am and my fellow runners are lined up at the school for their last long run before the race. It's something like 35 degrees - a little chilly but perfect once you get going.

I am not running this morning. My legs hurt a little more than usual, and my coach (my husband) and I agreed that skipping the last long run was better than doing it and being in pain again all next week. I will run some short (SLOW) runs this coming week and then save up the pain for Sunday's 13.1 miles.

So I'm trying to get my son moving so we can get to his last soccer game before it starts; we've already missed practice! But who wants to get out of bed when it's so cold?

Miles and Miles

10 miles, baby! That's what I did this morning. It was HOT (isn't it October????) and my legs were hurting from the 3 miles I ran on Thursday during which I did two 10 minute miles. DUMB!

Only one more week with 11 miles on Saturday and then it's taper time until the race!

I was so sweaty this morning after the run that when I walked into the air conditioned house I was FREEZING. Hence, the sweatshirt....

Some spaghetti (carbs!), two advil, a cold bath and ice massage and now I'm ready for some cappucino and Target.

Poop Happens

So I managed a 5 mile run at lunch today, even though my legs hurt like hell. Small price to pay, right?

But the big news is my baby pooped in the little potty. I was so excited. He really seemed to get it.

And then he pooped on the floor.

I don't know what it is with this kid and pooping but it cannot be my genes. It has to be his dad's. :-)