My First 26.2 Experience.

      I did it. I completed a full marathon yesterday at the 14^th Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. We ‘Run to Remember’ those lives that were lost on April 19, 1995 and it will be one I will never forget. When I first registered, it was for the half. Then I spoke with some friends and was finally persuaded by my new found running buddy, Kasi, to switch the full. They assured me that I was good enough and would be fine if I clocked the miles during training over the next three weeks.  Yes, three weeks to prepare for going double the distance I originally intended to run.


      The week prior I remember being super nervous, more than I was about anything currently in my life. As the week flew by I gained more and more excitement. Seeing all my friends posting about the race to come got me pumped. Friday came, which kick started marathon weekend. Never have I felt such energy as I did those two days prior. Friday I picked up my packet at the expo, now it just got seriously exciting. Saturday I went back to the expo to acquire a couple more pieces to my running get-up, because every first needs something special. And it was a reason to buy new running cloths and accessories. That evening a small group of us went out to dinner, which just rounded off a journey before the race kick-started the next day.


      I had every intention of going to sleep early, but the jitters and thrill got the better of me. Roughly five hours before one of my three alarms would go off I finally forced myself to bed. I slipped on my compression sleeves to sleep in at the suggestion of my friend Cory and dozed off. My first alarm went off at 4:16 and within a split second I set up and was reared with new found life. My legs felt great, my energy levels charged, my mind was clear, my feet laced with intent, my soul and heart were ready.


      Parking was easy when I arrived around 5:15. I met up with Kasi and Matt before walking to the OKC Landrunners tent. My new friend Nicole, a representative for a company at the expo, showed up for support since she was in town until the afternoon. Kasi and I were ready to go along with the other 26,000 full, half, 5k, kids, and relay participants. Then it came, lightening delayed the race. The storm that was to hit the night prior reared its head at us. Originally it was 30 minutes and then hail was coming so we were told to take shelter-which we were already doing to avoid the slightly cool rain. Glad I had excellent company to pass the time.


      Race on! After the 168 seconds of silence we started running. The crowd and their support were unmatched. Kasi had to keep me in check several times, I like to go fast and lose pace. The energy always gets to me during a race. She held up decently through the hills. I could tell around mile 10 (I think) her hip was giving her problems. I tried to support the best ways I could, but I was drawing blanks and my support was lacking. I felt bad. I could tell she was getting worse as we trudged through the hills. Finally that moment came; she had to stop shortly after mile 14. I looked back and could just tell it got the better part of her. I wanted to stop, but I knew I would be done if I did. She waved me on and said, “Go, this is your race now” I turned and shouted, “Please don’t be mad at me”. To which she responded, “I won’t, just don’t stop”. I turned around, looked ahead, and pushed forward.


      I felt bad leaving her, but knew this was something I definitely had to do now on my own. Not just for me, but for Kasi as well. She believed in me and I still had to prove to myself I could complete this. I still had 12 miles to run on the course and the worst was yet to come. I had to focus. Lake Hefner is never forgiving with its wind. Once I rounded onto Grand a giant wave of support gave me another energy boost. My speed was averaging a 9:20 pace per mile and I still felt great. Got to Nichols Hills and was on familiar territory, but the Classen Death Stretch was still ahead. It is a 3+ mile stretch that is slightly inclined the whole way. To top it off there were winds coming from the South (the direction we had to run) and it was blazing hot.


      They say the last 10k is the worst part of a marathon. I found it to be the last 5k. Right at the end of the Classen Death Stretch I was worn down. I still had about 27-30 more minutes if I kept at my current pace. The wind slowed me down a little when it gusted. I knew this route; I have ran this route twice during training. It was the homestretch of winding up, around, and down to the finish line on Broadway. The showers and hoses people had out felt amazing, just as the sponges felt on Classen. When I saw the flag marking mile 25 I got excited as my body started feeling extra exhausted. I was 1.2 miles from the finish and I sure wasn’t going to quit now.


      I turned onto Broadway from 13^th. This is it. I picked up the pace and my right calf started pulsing with cramps. I pushed through as it kept throbbing with pain. The encouragement from people on the sidelines distracted me and kept me propelling forward. I see it, there it is, the finish. As I approach the last 15-20 feet they called out my name, wow what a feeling that was to hear. Boom! I was done. I just did 26.2 miles. Holy cow, I wanted to cry. I didn’t have anything left in me. I was slightly delirious. I hurt, but I felt amazing. I just completed my first marathon: in full and without stopping. My official time was 4:32:10.


      I took my phone off airplane mode and the overwhelming followers I had commenting and texting me was truly spectacular. It is such a warm, comforting feeling to know that I have such support from all over the country. Last year I ran my first half at the OCKMM and now I can saw the OKCMM was my first full. It was the best decision to make and I couldn’t imagine having my first marathon experience being any different. It was my first 26.2 and it surely won’t be my last 26.2.

Runners Are a Different Breed - Kasi

I write this with a heavy heart today. When I say that runners are a different breed, I truly mean that. As most of you know, or have heard through the grapevine, I have had a pretty rough week. I have lost yet again someone who has had a ridiculously large impact on my entire being. I don’t write this today though to make anyone sad, but rather to encourage and inspire.

Bill Corporon, as long as I can remember has been one of my biggest fans. I’m talking, through broken bones, weight gain, weight loss, depression, sickness, lungs collapsing, mental breakdowns, singing, dancing, fishing, you name it; he has been there all along.

When I was younger I was a chubby ole gal. Kara( my sister) was always the top of the pyramid type cheerleader/bootlegger(pom squad, no she wasn’t a smuggler of alcohol), straight A student, and absolutely gorgeous. I was just your B average chubby kid, friends with more boys( some things do not change) , tomboy. I always compared myself to my sister. Bill would always tell me “ one day you’re not going to be the chubby girl, Kasi you’re going to be great.” I would always shake my head in disbelief and move on about my day. He taught me how to be on stage, and how to present myself whilst his wife helped me be a lady even when my tomboyish ways were telling me to resist…(little does she know I was always scared of her) and run down to the pond. Had it not been for Bill and Melinda, and of course my own mother, who knows how I would have turned out…I’m getting a little off track, stay with me.

People say very rarely do tigers change their stripes, however I am a tiger that most definitely changed hers. Bill knew that I would. I’ve changed my entire world, and a lot of that came from running. It has taught me discipline. It’s taught me the mind is a powerful thing. It’s taught me that no matter how hard I work ( at anything) sometimes disappointments will happen. It has taught me to enjoy the silence( although my running partner, Stephen would probably scratch his head in disbelief at that comment). Running has taught me not to give up even when it feels impossible. It’s taught me that rest days are absolutely needed and well lets just say there are numerous things I’ve learned , trust me I can go on. But as I think about this list of things, I think about how I have applied it to life outside of running.

This week, has definitely proven to be a difficult one for me. Between trying to get ready for a marathon in what, like, 9 or so days….and work, and funerals, and games, and life in general….I have barely had time to think straight let alone, take a shower, feed my dogs, and clean my house for guests at the end of the week….but then…I start thinking about running. Oh how I love to run. I start thinking about everything. And I realize, through this entire last few weeks….my best friend, has been with me all along.. the pavement, and my shoes, the wind and the sun… and I remember how blessed I am. Bill was so proud when he saw me last. He was proud of how I had grown as a person, and at what I had accomplished. He always knew I would make more of myself, it just took me a while to see it.

At this point I cannot even imagine my life without running. It’s way cheaper than therapy…and what I can’t beat out on the road, I have amazing people to listen along the way.That being said, I also can’t imagine my life without knowing the Corporons. The love from other runners I have received via text, calls, hugs, dinners, and runs this week is overwhelming and I am ridiculously appreciative of everything and everyone. Like I said..runners are a different breed, and they definitely take care of their own. In the last couple of years I have realized I am much stronger than I thought I was…I just have to pace myself…in everything… There is no finish line in life. When it’s done its done. What legacy you leave behind is up to you. Bill and Reat both had such an impact on everyone they were around. If you knew them, you absolutely know what I am talking about. Bill taught me to be proud of myself, and to keep working towards my goal…encourage others, and to spread kindness. It makes EVERYONE feel better, including myself. Tomorrow are the services for these 2 wonderful wonderful men that were taken way too soon by an act of ignorant violence…and whilst I could sit and muddle in sadness and anger, I don’t feel that’s what either of them would want. So I will put on my running shoes, I will put on my smile, I will lean on my friends and the road when things get too heavy…and maybe just maybe…I can leave the type of legacy that Bill and Reat did.

Much love- Kasi Rae.

My First Marathon - Stephen

Here it is, less than six days before I start my first marathon. Twenty-six-point-two miles of foot meeting road, mental barriers being pushed to the maximum, my body physically breaking down, sweat like I have never seen, and an empowerment that I have never experienced. I never would have dreamed when I signed up for my first trail run 5k three and a half years ago I would be here today. It has been a roller coaster of mega-fun proportions.

I have so many emotions: excitement, anxiety, nervousness, thrill, worry. Up until a few weeks ago I was only running the OKCMM half. I had the thought to switch to the full for a few weeks prior to that. After talking with a few friends that said I was a good enough runner and as long as I got my miles in I would be all right it was set. I have my running partner to really thank. Kasi pushed me. Okay, maybe not pushed, but insisted. She has the utmost confidence that I will do fine. Then it finally happened, I switched.

A click of a couple a mouse and the push of a couple buttons are easy, it was getting on a good even keel with the training that has been the difficult part. I did not push it to extravagant lengths, I just jumped on the full marathon training schedule with runs in-between. Had I not had my amazing running partner at my side I would not feel as ready as I do. Kasi has been a huge influence, inspiration, and friend these past few weeks. We have definitely kept one another on track. The Saturday we ran 20 miles I proved to myself I could actually do this, even if it hurt; especially after running 17.5 miles without anything to drink due to a misread on the Landrunner’s schedule. As a whole, that run showed me what pain was real, what pain was my mind playing trick on me, what pain I could push through, and what pain had to be immediately worked out. It is also the only 20 miler I got in for training and if I did not complete it I would not seem as prepared as I currently feel.

I am sitting here trying to work, but my attention is focused on the Boston Marathon. Watching these runners has me emotionally baffled and in awe of everything they are mentally and physically putting their bodies through: the pain, the glory, the pride, the achievement. I could not imagine being that fast. I am not built for that speed. That does not mean I am going to quit. That means I am going to push myself physically and push myself mentally until I know for an absolute, 100% fact that, THAT is my limit. The power of the brain is an astounding force and the intense will-power you put into a passion the higher the bar is going to be set and keep rising.

Here I am, at the cusp of a hill pondering what the next view will be. What will I try to conquer once I have 26.2 under my belt: ultra-marathon, triathlon…? Whatever it is, I know I will have the most amazing support. That is one thing moving to Oklahoma City has provided the best group family-like friends a runner could ever ask for. Seriously, I would not be where I am without the encouragement and strength they provide/show through their own life and racing accomplishments.

Why I run - Jessie Lawson

 I wanted to teach myself about myself. To learn my breaking point & if I had one. Kasi, you're right about the pump, too! Running with or without the pump, running has become an alternate insulin. It's like my sugar just stays below 120! Unless I have a few cupcakes. ; > 

I'm a psychologist at heart. So my mind is always on the go. Always racing, trying to figure something out that doesn't need figured out. The biggest benefit & joy I get from running is a clear mind. To collect my thoughts, decompress, & calm my brain. It's like when my feet are moving my brain is at rest. 

Although I've always been athletic, my athleticism was a natural blessing I had. Last January I could barely fathom running over a mile, much less over 26. It's given me a tremendous appreciation for not only life, but MY life. It really is astonishing what you can accomplish if you just do it. Running has given me the discipline to get my diabetic, 28 year old body baby ready! Taught me self control, will power, & that a little sacrifice can give you what you thought at one point was merely a dream. And all because I just wanted to say I ran a marathon. 

That was the first reason I chose to run & it turned into so much more.

Work in Progress - M.G.

Hi friends.

Just as we are a work in progress, getting healthier and more active in the area.  We are a work in progress with the blog.  If you have any suggestions, feel free to let us know.  

First of all, members of this group blog will be writing up a short bio so you will get to know us a little better.  Those will be on the Runners page.  Events that we will be participating in will be on the Events page (I know, we are creative).   

I am really excited about the Run for Lungs coming up next weekend.  Come join us and run, jog or walk swiftly to the finish line and support a great cause.  It will be my first 5k!

I don't have much time to write today.  I hope all of you are keeping pace with your goals and in the right direction.  

Have a great day friends!

M.G.

Why we run - M.G.

Running.  Everyone does it.  I ran to the bathroom this morning.  I ran to the store.  I ran errands all day.  See, I run.

Outside of those various activities, my running has been limited to just around the bases during a weekly game of kickball.   I love kickball, the community and all my friends I have made playing.  Although it is great fun, it isn't much of a cardio workout.

This last weekend I took on a challenge.  The Fight for Air Climb to raise funds and awareness for the American Lung Association.   Simply put, I take on the challenge to climb and descend 35 floors of stairs, and let others know about it so we can raise money.   It was a great event and got to meet some cool people.

The big day came, and I did in fact, accomplish the goal.  I completed the stairs in 26 minutes.  (I was among the last to finish in my age group, but I did finish)   As I was coming down the last of the steps, I made the realization that I shouldn't have worn sweat pants.  Also, I decided I needed to be healthier.  

When I look at myself in the mirror, I don't think to myself - I am fat, old, outta shape, or anything else negative.  Honestly I am pretty happy with what I see.   Until you challenge yourself, you don't realize what you are capable of, or in some cases incapable to do.

So this is the beginning a new outlook.  I have done team sports all my life, and my performance affects the teams play.  This is the first time I am doing something just for myself, to push myself to run further, faster, and in some stylish shoes that your mom loves.  

So wish me luck, I will be writing a lot as I go.

Why We Run - Stephen

A brief history of running to me and more about why I choose to run. 

I didn't like it at first. I started off with a Trail Run 5k with a friend, who was much slower than me, but I kept pace. Don't know why I signed up for a race. I did it and afterwards I wanted to see if I could run it at my speed. I signed up for another one and nearly vomited at the end. I bounced around from 5k to 5k for a little while without training. Still hated running. I think I did it to change things up. Started eating healthier around that time frame, Oct 2010. Then I started to research and based off my research. To see what worked and what didn't and what I could tweak to fit me, same as my diet. Once I did that and got a pair of shoes fit to my style I started to enjoy myself. Flash forward to July 2012 and I move here. I didn't have a push in MN to do more than a 5k. Then I met an amazing group of people in the running community and set out to do my first half. It hurt at the end and I couldn't walk correctly for a couple days. I loved it. I signed up for my second half that was only a week after my first. Now I am on sights to complete my first full in October, maybe sooner. I like it because it is a stress reliever. It puts things in focus and allows me to see what really matters and what is piddly. Which is most of life's crap. Allows me to push myself mentally and physically and makes me feel amazing in the end. It is a true sense of accomplishment when I reach the end and I thirst for more. I can get lost in my head or in conversation. 

Why We Run - Kasi

Sooo....I have some things on my brain and I am spilling them here... I know, I know, what is this some kind of open blog forum??? Ha.. but seriously.. Lots of people may or may not know that I use to be huge....I'm talking 220...I'm not ashamed to tell you I weigh 140-145 now...(give or take a few pounds given that chicken pot pie I had last night )...though I'd like to be smaller...my weight is not what this post is about...It's about why I run...why it sets me apart from others. A few years back people would have thought I was crazy to say " I'm going to run a full marathon" .....and then I did it... I remember taking that first step across the finish line and thinking "holy crap I'm gonna collapse"...I wanted to cry, but I couldn't...it was crazy....last year I did every step for myself, and to prove that I could. Now that being said my mentality has changed quite a bit...a lot has happened in my world....and I once again feel like I have a whole new purpose for it/health in general( although don't judge me by the pot pie and the cupcakes I can devour,few actually realize how much I actually enjoy cupcakes)....... (reason number 137)My Pops( grandpa/bestfriend) ...he's one of the most amazing people in the world ...no kidding...he can have a conversation with anyone( you wonder where I get it from) ... he's a diabetic...and up until yesterday the doctors told us that they were going to have to amputate his foot because there was no blood flow .... and it was always cold...just a dead foot...it was killing me...for a year and a half now he has gone everyday to lay in one of those oxygen chamber things for 4 hours a day, to see if they could get it to heal...too often I think we forget things like this actually exist ...so this year I wanted to run for him...because I was afraid that he wouldn't be able to walk on "his own 2 feet".....ohhh but yesterday....yesterday was huge news for us. and praise God for it..the doctors couldn't believe it...they got his foot to bleed(lots) and it was warm to the touch! SOOOO yet again I am faced with a another reason to run... because if a 75 year old veteran, can overcome obstacles like he has faced...I'm pretty sure I can make it thru a 26.2 mile run, and look like a bad ass for doing it  

All of these ramblings lead me to ask...why do you run? Is it so for that 2 hours you're hitting the pavement you don't have to be hooked up to your insulin pump? My amazing friend Jessie Lawson can tell you about that..Or is it simply to stay in shape? Or maybe because it's cheaper than therapy( this is my motto for sure)...think about it seriously though....why do you do it? Remind yourself this week why you fell in love with ( insert activity here. Running,rowing,climbing,etc) ...and then fall in love all over again. I was reminded yesterday when I found out the news about my Pops...and then completely remembered it when I went for a run downtown with my good friend Stephen....(by the way if you haven't ran with him yet,you totally should...talk about motivational coaching)....last night I posted that picture of the Memorial all lit up...it was peaceful and exactly what I needed...sometimes it's the little things that can change your entire outlook...so should you find yourself in a rut....remind yourself WHY you do what you do...and why it feels good to be called crazy for the grueling work you're doing.

Lots of love and toast!