Here's the thing PBers...

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You are royalty this Saturday at the KC marathon. You are a princess, prince, queen or king for the day. It's your pick. This is your day. Go for it. Take your hard earned work and kick some major butt. I will try my best to get to that half marathon finish in time to cheer you on, but until then rest up, visualize your race and then ENJOY it. Oh and click here for some original and inspirational cheering.

I'll be thinking of all of you! Pat, Greg, Amy S., Allison P, Mo, Jamie, Mike B., Brett. Also Jack and Ashton running the kids mile. And my awesome patients who trust me with their precious legs: Carrie, Melody, Michael and his girl, Sara, Tanya, Stacie, Cynthia and Lisa.

Are you Ready for NYC 2015?

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Fall 2015? That is not a typo. Next fall, PB will raise money for charity and race NYC making this race event even more meaningful. Below are the details.
  • A charity bib will require a $3,500 commitment per individual. We are planning as a group to raise considerably more than that per person so you are also committing to investing some time to help as well! 
  • At this time, we do not know the exact charity. We must wait to see which ones are accepted by the race committee. This will happen in mid November. The Martin Richard Charitable foundation is one under consideration. 
  • There will be a limited number of bibs available and we have to be ready by mid November with the number of bibs we are requesting. Because we may be limited, this is first come first serve. Current PB members will have preference. RSVP ASAP at kcrunning@hotmail.com if you are ready to commit. 
  • Submit your ideas for group fundraising to kcrunning@hotmail.com. We may have one large event or a couple of smaller events over the course of the next year. Think of your contacts! 
  • If you are willing to lend your expertise and time to help behind the scenes with planning and organizing our PB fundraising team, please let us know at kcrunning@hotmail.com. 
Go TEAM PB!

RSVP Saturday Long Run

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With the KC marathon this weekend, we need a head count for the Saturday long run so we can plan the course and volunteers. Our plan is for a 10 mile run, but we may change start time and or distance to accomodate for cheering and supporting our racers. Please RSVP by Wed. evening and include the distance up to 10 miles that you are planning on running kcrunning@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Breaking through the Wall

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Lincoln Marathon 2008 - A congratulatory  hug from my oldest son, Parker.
Spencer is waiting his turn near the tent. 
No matter the amount of training, you are going to hit a wall if your are pushing your pace in a long distance race. Expecting it and having a plan that you have practiced will lead to a successful finish.

I hit a wall in my second marathon where I planned to qualify for Boston. My husband and our three young children accompanied me to Lincoln, NE. Little did I know that they would become my inspiration. It was mile 22 when I ran into a fortress set up right in the middle of the course. I came to a complete stop and told my running partner, Greg that I was done, that I didn’t want to qualify or finish. He told me we could walk for a little bit because I had plenty of time to spare.

During that short break, Greg gave me a golden nugget, a very powerful motivation. He said, “Imagine what a great example you are setting for your kids by finishing.” That was all it took. I burst through that imaginary wall like it was simply made of cardboard and finished under qualification time.

Inevitably, you will hit a wall. It is usually around mile 22 in a marathon. This stage is aptly named; you simply feel like you can’t take another step - that something is blocking your way. When you get that cue from your body, you need a process that will get you through it and to the finish line. For success, that process must be practiced.

Step 1: Take three blank pieces of paper and write this down at the top of each page, “When I hit the wall I plan to…”

Step 2: Choose three things that will help push you through the wall and fill in the blank on each page. These should be personal to you.
  • Include your motivation for racing - something other than your time goal. It may be to raise awareness for a charity or honor a lost friend. Maybe it’s to cross it off your bucket list. How does that accomplishment make you feel? Take that feeling and let it run through your whole body to energize you.
  • Include some steps for your body that you can chant in your head over and over until you get through the wall. For example, “run light, relax your shoulders” - choose something that works for you.
  • Include a visualization of your finish. What will it be like? What are you going to do? Are you going to raise your hands over your head, high five your running buddy, feel then weight of the medal, enjoy a beer?
Step 3: Practice your plan during challenging portions of your long runs. Sometimes you can have a really tough 4-5 mile run especially during your taper - practice it then too. Without practice, it will be too difficult to draw on it when you need it. This is the most important step.

In April of 2008, I was not ready for the wall; I had no plan. Thankfully, my running buddy came up with the right thing at the right time. I will forever be grateful to Greg. Expect the wall, practice your plan and break through it. Success will be yours!

Amy and Greg Lincoln Marathon 2008