Tuesday, April 19, 2011

On This Date: Past, Present and Future

A year ago today...

I was in Boston, Massachusetts.

I woke up in my la-tee-da hotel and got a balloon from my bloggie roomie.

Ryan Hall walked right by me in the hotel lobby, actually looked at me, smiled, and nodded (I was drooling).

I met these A-MAZ-ING blog ladies in line to catch a bus to Hopkinton:

Elaine (e's thinking and running); Marcia (the studly runner); MOI;
Katie (one run at a time)
I was running my 2nd Boston Marathon.


At mile 2 in the race, I felt this shooting pain in my heel and I could barely run; I hobbled as best I could on my forefoot for 24.2 more miles.

This fabulous woman stuck by my side for most of the race and sang Happy Birthday to me about 20 times during those long, painful miles.

Finished my 2nd Boston Marathon with the worst time ever in a marathon; yet one of the most memorable by the special friendships forged.

Had an awesome blogger birthday party thrown to me by my roomie, and met some of the best bloggers ever.
Jenn!!!!!  (Running Sane)

Meg (meg runs a lot); Katie (one run at a time); Jenn (running sane);
ME :); Bethany and Ryan (our love on the run)
I opened all my bloggie birthday cards.

I hobbled to Walgreens and bought a pair of flip flops so I didn't have to put my heel in that painful shoe.  Ever again!

I went to sleep in my heavenly bed.

I woke up.... and I never ran again without some degree of agonizing pain since that infamous Boston mile 2, 2010.

Today...

I got up and ate a bowl of oatmeal and a banana.  No balloon.

I'm way over last year's weight, and lost almost all my muscle tone - which just really irks me (but I'm working on it!).

I wrote this blog.

I'm headed off to work.

I will read blogs about Boston and running.  Happily.

I will yell at kids all day at school to "Pull up your pants" and "Those shorts are too short."

I might do some work.

I'll do my PT exercises.

I will probably email Tara about 5 times venting about my heel.

I get to go to physical therapy at 3:30 and have needles stuck in my leg and ask my PT another two thousand questions.  Of which he'll give me some answer that leaves me with more questions and not actually understanding the original.

I may stop at Whole Foods on the way home and spend an hour picking just ONE of these:


I'll then get to see my family and have dinner with them.

I'll try to ride my bike trainer while watching Cupcake Wars.

I'll go to bed and try to be thankful I don't have some sort of terminal disease.

Happy Anniversary, stupid heel!

Next year on this date....

I'm throwing a damn I'm Healed and can run again celebration party!

And best of all:

Who's in?  I need to start prepping now - it's going to be the biggest backyard gala you've ever seen!  Bring your running shoes!

In other news...
- Congrats to all the Boston Marathoners out there; I stalked most of you all morning and got very little actual work done.  It was so hard not to be there but I am so happy for every one of you - truly I am!!!  And to BDD who ran his first half marathon and Andrew who smashed his sub-30 5K goal!  So proud of all you guys.

- Thanks to all who voted for my awesome physical therapy dance video - this may be hard to believe but I WON!!  Matty said I squeaked by with a mere 3 votes - so I thank you dearly.  I now own a Matty clam shell flamingo canvass - how cool is that!?!?  I'll be sure to take a pic when it arrives.

- My son, Ryan, is finishing up his freshman year of track and so far his PR in the mile is 5:28 and 12:01 for the 2-miler (both in very fierce winds).  Very proud - I think he's going to shine next year when he adds a little meat to his scrawny body.  It's been a blast working with him and all the track kids this season.

Last week:
Monday: 33.27 miles biking
Tuesday: 10 miles bike; core work
Wed: 12 miles biking; 50 minutes core work and weight training
Thursday: 30 minutes stairmaster; core work
Friday: Nothing
Sat: 9 miles biking; 50 minutes core work and weight training
Sun: 51.17 miles biking (That's a biking PR!)

That's all I got.

Run Strong, friends!

78 comments:

C2Iowa said...

With a resounding voice -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

There is a lot to take in an process in your post. At the moment there isnt much more I can say - in addition to what we discussed via texts.

51.17mi on a bike? Holy crap; you rock.

I will be sending you an email this am.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!! I'm now hungry for cupcakes (all of them).

Anne said...

Happy Birthday Jill! Can't wait for the party next year :)

Tara said...

Oh my, can't believe you won that very lovely poster. I'm so happy you did though, I voted for you three times on three different computers/laptops! Congrats to you!

And Happy Birthday my dear friends. HUGS and yes, you go get you one of those cupcakes today, you deserve it.

Will there be beer at your party? If so, count me in. :)

We need to add some swimming on that training chart.

ajh said...

Happy Birthday!

Have two cupcakes!

I didn't know that was when your heel started hurting. I bet you've relived that moment 100 times. I am so in for your I'm Healed party!

And mine was one of the three votes that put you over the top, I just know it!

KC (my 140 point 6 mile journey) said...

A biking PR! I love it! I am RSVP'ing right now for your comeback party. I'm so there!
I'll bring the cupcakes!

Coy Martinez said...

I envy anyone that has qualified for Boston, it's such an accomplishment and something I'm really working hard for. I can imagine how frustrating it had to have been to have to hop along through the actual race BUT YOU MADE IT! That's what counts!

Happy Birthday!!

Karen said...

Happy Birthday! I can't wait for the "i am healed" party. Will there be cupcakes? :)

Christi said...

Happy Birthday Jill! You had a great week of riding!

I have Friday off and was thinking about doing my long ride then because we are having Easter Dinner at our house on Sunday. Are you working on Friday?

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

Happy Birthday Jill! that cupcake pic gave me a craving....doesn't take much for me.

Julie said...

Happy Birthday!!!! And I'd like to RSVP now for next years party!

Jenn said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILL!!!! Hard to believe a year has past! So many memories, like how I ate so much crap that week and ended up with that massive crater on my face-ha!! Seriously though, it was such an awesome experience, so great to meet everyone, I was seriously bummed out to miss it this year! I'm smiling just looking at those pictures! Bittersweet for you with the heel. I didn't realize it was way back at mile 2. I really think the celebration party is going to be even WAY MORE fun! I was too tired to get all tuned up last year and on a good heel I bet you could break out some serious dance moves-ha!!

I know, you should have a b-day party in Boston again next year!!! Even if you couldn't do the marathon you could do the 5K and we could cheer and make signs and stuff! Lots of great bloggers planning on being there!!

A song came on the Disney channel (don't make fun of me) and I immediately thought of you. Breakthrough by Lemonade mouth. Google it and listen to it. The lyric, "It's gonna be your turn to play"

Keep working at bettering the things you can Jill!! The mind is such a crazy thing. Sometimes if one thing really starts going right, other things follow. Love you, Happy Birthday. Wishing you the best year ever!!

Sorry for the SUPER long comment:)

Ewa said...

I am in for the party but I don't want to wait that long.
Can we celebrate that you are on the way to be well soon?
Happy Birthday and big, big hugs to you.

Evolving Through Running said...

Happy Birthday Jill!! Didn't know that the heel saga began at Boston. I'll be first in line for the healed-heel party. Hoping it's coming far sooner than a year from now. Enjoy your day.

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

Happy Birthday, Jill! Count me in for that celebratory run :)

Christy Ashley said...

Happy Birthday Jill! Missed you in Boston this year but great post! Here's to birthday wishes of you getting better! (Oh and it's your birthday, do yourself a favor and have 2 of those delicious looking cupcakes!)

Teamarcia said...

Happy Birthday Jill!!
I am so there for the party next year!
I love seeing those pics and remembering you and that balloon! What the hell is under my jacket? I look 5 months preggo.
This WILL be the year of the HEALED HEEL! You're going to build back to your awesome, super-sonic self (sorry not buying one iota of the the no-muscle tone claim)and the marathon world will be at your feet.
Choose a cupcake wisely (red velvet perhaps?) or WTH get a bunch!
Enjoy your special day dear friend!

The Turtle said...

Happy birthday! I think your well healed and happy party sounds fantastic.

A Prelude To... said...

Most Happiest Of Birthdays To You!!

That cupcake wars is always on in the locker room when I get out of the pool. I just sit there on the bench dripping pool water everywhere with my tongue hanging out and drooling over the cupcakes that I NEED.RIGHT.NOW. I wonder why swimming makes me so hungry??

Big Daddy Diesel said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! See, I ran my half mary as my bday present to you, I hope you like it

Sincerely
The Biker

funderson said...

wow! Your boy is speedy fast!
Happy Birthday, young lady!! I can't wait for next year's party. I'll be there with bells on.
Stupid heel...how's the swear therapy going????

Marlene said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILL!

My gosh, has it been a year already? Here's to FIGHTING BACK this year. I'll be at the party with cupcakes!

Jill@Run for the Hills said...

Happy Birthday Jill!!

I thought of you yesterday, as I got up in the morning and had a heel pain of my own for the first time ever. :(
I hope you continue to improve and I'm looking forward to your comeback!

Heather said...

Happy Birthday. I am looking forward to following your comeback this year!

Amanda@runninghood said...

What a lovely recap. Sounds like an awesome Boston experience without the heel. So great to have all these people come together to celebrate with you. Happy Birthday Jill!! Pick out a good cupcake...red velvet maybe? And hopefully those kids will treat you extra special and pull their pants up like good boys and girls just for you!

I hope this next year is full of new and positive things for you JIll. So many different ways your life can go from here...excited to see where all this is leading you!

Oh, and thanks for your comment on my blog yesterday...I tried to reply on my phone (we are traveling) but I can't for the life of me type well on that thing...I need buttons and it is only screen typing...I feel so gimpy on it. xo

Johann said...

Happy Birthday Jill! I'll have to make a plan. There is no way I can miss the party next year!

Jennifer said...

Happy birthday again chica! If it's a party I'll be there! Over 51miles on the bike, yikes, my butt gets sore just thinking about that! Love you sweetie!

ShutUpandRun said...

Happiest of birthdays today and fun to read your sentiments about a year ago today. Thanks for all of your support along this journey. That heel will improve by your next bday, I know it.

juanitagf said...

I would like to RSVP for your party. I am praying that it is not ony a "Heel Healed" party, but an "I've been running for months" party!

Jason said...

Happy Birthday To You!!!!

Put my wife and I down on the RSVP list b/c after getting up there in June of this year I will certainly want to come back so that would cement it for us.

Paul said...

Happy Birthday!

I will come to your party...heck..I will run to your party! 8)

-p

Lindsay said...

Happy Birthday! I want to know who came in 2nd cause none of the other videos were any good... ;)

Umm you also met me last year duh. Thanks for the non-shout-out. Gee.

Liz said...

That's a lot of biking! Happy Birthday, and good luck with the continuing heel problems... Have a great day anyway!

Kate Geisen said...

Happy birthday, my friend! I can't wait to be at your party. What a special time you had last year, other than the heel, of course. I guess if nothing else you'll never again run without REALLY appreciating the ability to do so. I just know all of this is going to make you stronger, inside and outside.

Michelle said...

Happy Birthday! Wishing you a healed heel and many running memories to come.

Velma said...

Happy Birthday awesome lady. I want to come to the party next year. I WILL RUN next year. We will!!!! Enjoy your bad self today :)

Bethany + Ryan said...

happy birthday!! It was so nice meeting you last year! Your goals for next year sound great. I love your header pictures, are you supposed to get that close to the edge?? looks scary!

Aimee said...

Happy Birthday Jill!!! I am sending you more healing vibes your way! I love your idea of a HEALED b-day party next year, b/c we all know you WILL be running! I'll totally be there! :)

Caroline said...

Happy birthday to you Jill!
Bonne Fete!
I wish you nothing but the best and to be back 100% ASAP..does not have to take a whole year right?!! hope the cupcake was delicious!!!

Deb said...

Happy Birthday Jill! I am a new follower to your blog, but look forward to your journey to return to Boston.

trailturtle said...

Happy Birthday, Jill.
I do hope that the heel heals enough for you to do PPA. If so, I'll get you one of those cupcakes and carry it to the top to give to you (if you can wait long enough--LOL). Better yet, I'll have my Hubby carry a dozen of them up there (the extra weight won't phase him a bit) and we'll have a party on the top! Wishing you a great day and rest of the year. And congrats on the cycling--that's one thing that I CAN do reasonably well on the endurance end.

bobbi said...

Happy happy birthday Jill!!! Here's to a fantastic year to come!

Jamie said...

Happy Birthday! Pick yourself up a couple of those delicious cupcakes!

Adrienne said...

I'm RSVP'ing for your party as well.! Happy Birthday. If you see my kid at school please tell him to pull his pants up and zip his zipper!

Char said...

Happy Birthday Jill. I'm hoping your next year will be amazing. Will involve much less pain, much less frustration and lots of running.

DRog said...

nice work getting on those kiddos to get the pants up! those darn kids!!!

good outlook and attitude way to go

and

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Run Jess Run said...

Huh...pull up your pants? I think I said that to someone today...

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

I want to attend this party Jill!!

I know you are healing mentally and physically and on your way back--thinking of you always! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL--I'm gonna virtual punch you if you get down on yo'self!

I love your Boston pics from '10 and see so many familar faces! What an experience!

Suzy said...

OMG, is your butt numb from all the bike riding??? Gah. I hope you had time to enjoy the day and had some fun celebrating your birthday. A big Happy Birthday to you!!!! (and an icky anniversary of the heel incident.)

See.Kate.Run said...

Have a happy happy birthday!! :D

Chris K said...

Bonne anniversaire mon amie.

Can't wait for your party next year.

Man, your son is a freaking fast. Holy Cow. He must have good running genes. From his Mom's side.

Bubble Boy said...

I may just attend that party next year!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Sherri said...

Whoo Hoo!!! Happy Birthday!!!
I love birthdays...and cakes...better yet..cupcakes!!
I need to like veggies better though!
Your training is always top notch!

Mikey B said...

Happy Birthday! My daughter LOVES cupcake wars and records the show on the DVR.

Mikey B

Matthew Bradford said...

55 comments. How friggin' loved are you, seriously? You're an awesome, awesome woman, Jill, and I feel so lucky to have made your acquaintance digitally and soon in real life (or IRL as the kids say).

I never knew that you hobbled to finish the race. Just amazing.

Keep that head up. Someday I hope that the lack of running in your life will be a distant memory. If anything, think of this as a time to focus on other things that you haven't previously taken the time to focus on (though I know that doesn't make anything feel better, I've just found when one convenience store is closed maybe the Kroger down the street is open). BIG HUGS!

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

56 commnets later ..... geez you are loved! Happy Birthday Jill.

Glenn Jones said...

Well, you know how much things can change in a year! I'll be making my flight reservations in a couple of days for next Year's party. Woo hoo!

AM! said...

Hey!

Happy Birthday!!!

and I am IN for your 'HEEL'ED 'HEALD' party next year!!!!!!!! (I can't do enough explanation points for this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RunToTheFinish said...

let's party like rockstars!!!! heal foot, heal!!!!

Ulyana said...

WOW! Time flies fast!!! I didn't realize it's been so long, and I'm sorry it's been such a tough journey. Here's to healing!!! Happy Birthday! Oh, and I LOVE THE COLOR OF YOUR HAIR!!!! :-D

Andrew Opala said...

Thanks Coach! Happy Birthday!

Katie A. said...

That day is my most memorable marathon ever - and it's all thanks to you! I wish I was there to sing happy birthday to you a million times! Miss you bunches! Hope all is well! We need to chat! Love you!!!

2 Slow 4 Boston said...

I wasn't aware of of the origins of your foot pain till now. You have to get that taken care of by Pikes Peak time! I'm looking forward to (hoping to) meet you then.

Sounds like a great trip to Boston last year except for the above mentioned issue. I was like you, spent almost all Monday morning tracking Boston marathoners.

Happy Belated Birthday.

Anne said...

What a difference a year makes. You'll be back in Boston shape more quickly than you now realize if you follow the laws of nature and let things run their course. I'll bring blintzes to the party!

Molly said...

hope your day was lovely, and no surprise that you won the video contest!

I would love to run with you on your birthday next year!

: )

Irene said...

Oh, a "save the date" a year in advance! That would be one huge party, I must say!

I already wished you a happy birthday on Facebook, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It's worth celebrating again!

I really want a cupcake... NOW. I love cupcakes... (That's either PMS or the onset of menopause talking - I'm not quite sure yet.)

Have a great year!

Anonymous said...

I am totally coming to the party!!!

Raina said...

You are one heck of a strong lady, Jill. I can imagine the pain of running that race with the heel. I had forgotten just how long it really is...
Your Boston hotel experiences look like a real riot =D. What crazy people to be there with!! LOL and Ryan hall did NOT see me in Boston. Boo!

Your son is going to smash those times without wind. Wow!!

Happy Birthday to you!

Running and living said...

Happy Belated Bday! Like Jenn said, you should come next year to celebrate. I truly hope your heel will get better - my husband has PF and I had him watch your video so now he does those exercises himself, except he uses a can of tomato sauce instead of a weight. Anyhow, hope you are well, and chin up, "it's always sunshine after rain", or something like this as Dire Straits say:)

Black Knight said...

Happy birthday!!!
Congrats on the dance video contest!
You are working hard on that bike.
Vai Ryan!!!!!!
Have a good Easter.

XLMIC said...

First, I must congratulate you on your video contest WIN!!!! Score! I voted for you :)

Next, happy birthday to YOU!!!!! I hope you had an awesome cupcake that made the day for you! If I had your number, I'd have called and sung to you... so consider yourself SUPER lucky ;-)

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday!! Get 2 cupcakes :D

Laura said...

Happy belated! I had 1.5 cupcakes on my bday...they rocked. Heal up stupid heel....

Ulyana said...

When I was writing my post about 5 mins of writing, I was totally thinking about YOU! I'm hoping your recovery is going well. It's gonna be a while until we do those five milers, but IT WILL HAPPEN!!!!

Julie said...

Hi Jill,
Happy belated birthday to you!!! I have missed you Jill! Things are going to be great for you....you have an amazing attitude and kind spirit! I hope that you are recovering and on the way to pain free running. I am going to send you an e-mail one of these days when I have time. We should plan a time when we can talk of the phone too. Take care of yourself! Hugs and love:)

Julie D. said...

Happy Belated Birthday! The "I'm healed" party is the biggest party out there. I'm there!! Cheers to grit and determination!! You've got it all!

Average Woman Runner said...

Happy birthday!

RunToTheFinish said...

pSSSSSt you win my book giveaway for running on empty. email me your address...i probably have it already but that would take effort to find :)
amandacbrooks at yahoo