My weekend...part 1.....Freedom's Run...for Kolo....

This past weekend I was embarked on new ground. I decided to run a double (running a marathon on Saturday and Sunday). I've only run one other double before, and that was last year when I wasn't having to maintain a weekly marathon streak. I had run that double as part of my training for a 24 hour race and it was definitely a learning experience. At the time I was really set on finishing both my marathons under 4:30, which I did, running a 4:22 on Saturday at the National Marathon in DC and then 4:21 at the Shamrock marathon on Sunday. I remember being elated with getting a "negative split" and accomplishing something new.

This time around, my approach would be very different, my drive and motivation for a completely different goal. This was also a chance to run two marathons close to home and give myself an open weekend for later in the year (most likely Christmas weekend).

This time around I wouldn't be focusing on a clock time, but just getting a finishing time. This time I'd be hyper-focused on proper nutrition per and post race, to aid recovery to it's max. I had held off on doing any doubles earlier this year because I didn't want to impose too much stress on my body and create any unnecessary issues that could possibly hinder my next marathon. After the injury issues I dealt with in May, that left me literally limping through my races, I've been very cautious to be overly confident in my running ability. But as things had been positively improving the past couple months, my body recovering better and faster, I felt like this was a chance, not a risk.

Knowing I had 54.2 miles to complete this weekend, I knew sleep was a factor as well. Just from my weekly marathons I've seen how much by body has craved sleep this year. Thursday and Friday nights I needed to get good sleep. So getting less than 5 hours of sleep on Friday night was by no means the smart move or a good way to start the weekend.

Saturday morning I made the short drive to West Virginia for the 2nd annual Freedom's Run Marathon. I usually pay no attention to course maps or descriptions, but knowing I had double this weekend, I checked to see what I was up against ahead of time and it looked like this race was going to bring some challenging hills in the second half.

Getting ready for the start I met several other ladies who were planning to run the same double. Freedom's run had a 7 hour course time limit and the YMCA Johnstown Marathon on Sunday had a 6 hour limit so it was perfect for that goal.

As we geared up for the starting line I was excited. It was looking to be a beautiful fall day with cool temps and beautiful scenery. There was no stress on my time, other than making sure I didn't run too fast and I was anticipating taking lots of pictures. Boy did I! I took almost 100 pictures on the course and I could have easily taken more. We were treated to wonderful views as we trekked through 4 National Parks. Course wise this wouldn't be my race pick if you are looking to get a personal best time or Boston qualify. But if you want to enjoy a beautiful 26.2 miles and especially if you are a history buff, this race is a must! Hands down one of the most scenic I've ever run, and if you like the peace of a small town race, this well organized event needs to be on your list!

I don't think my commentary can do any justice to the run so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. We started by running several miles through Harper's Ferry National Park and then a good 10 miles on the C&O Canal, which was shaded and flat. For me, the run was pure joy. I got caught up in all the beauty around.

The first few miles of the race I chatted with those around me, sharing stories and training ideas. Several people I spoke with were using this marathon as part of the training for the JFK 50 Miler that takes place nearby in November. As a matter of fact, part of that race is run right on the C&O.

As we exited the C&O and continued on country roads we'd already covered 16 miles or so and I knew what was up ahead, hills. As we headed up our first real hill, there was a group of girls along the street, cheering and yelling to help push us up the hill. As I passed them I told them, "you guys have the harder job, you have to cheer us up this hill for hours." I'm betting they had sore thoats the next day, but it was very uplifting to have them cheer us on. The winding country roads took us to Antietam Battlefield. We ran a good 5 miles through there, covering lots of hills. It was remarkable to run through and I felt like I was taken back in time.

For those of you who love history, you know that The Battle of Antietam, also called the Battle of Sharpsburg, took place September 17, 1862, and was a crucial event in the American Civil War. There were some 23,000 casualties suffered by the Union and Confederate forces that day. Antietam marked the end of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s first invasion of the North. The results of the Battle and the entire 1862 Maryland Campaign gave President Lincoln the Union victory he needed and eventually paved the way for him to issue the famous Emancipation Proclamation, a document that changed the whole nature of the Civil War and the history of our country. Running through the battlefields, you couldn't help but think about how much blood had been spilled on that ground.

At mile 21/22, as I was exiting the Battlefield, I happened to time my pace just perfect. Weekend tours were going on, and I got to see the reenactment soldiers cross right in front of me to the battlefield, with their drummer boy in tow.

The last few miles took us into Shepherdstown for the finish. Quaint little houses lined the streets and then I saw something I didn't expect, lamas. They were not roaming in a field, they were harnessed and when I stopped to take a picture of them, the handlers insisted that I be in the picture with the lamas. So i took the leash of the black one and stood next to the lamas for my photo.

I had taken it easy on the course, and I felt full of energy for the last couple miles. We crossed the Rumsey Bridge (picture below) and turned into the Sheperd University stadium to finish on the 50 yard line.  I crossed in 4:43 and headed straight to the food tent. The race had done a great job with well stocked aid stations all along the course (including homemade brownies at mile 21 that I wish I had taken a picture of!) and the finish line food was even better! There were orchard apples, fresh from the trees and hot pizza! I had 2 slices before making my way to back to my car.

All the magnificent views of the day were wonderful distractions, making the miles pass without notice. But still in the back of my mind was the reason I was there in the first place and that reason was Kolo. Kolo is 4 and part of a family of 9 children who have lost their parents. Orphaned and living in severe poverty in South Africa, she is cared for by her grandparents and her family is one of many that has been helped through 25:40's efforts. We are talking about the most basic and essential human needs, food, shelter, medicine, clothes.  During the race, I talked with one lady on the course who had run the Comrades Marathon in South Africa last year. If you are unfamiliar with the race, it's one of the world's top ultradistance races between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. It covers 56 miles and has a strict 12 hour limit. She shared that even while running the event, she saw the devastating poverty, and children that were so desperate for anything they could be given. She said as she went through aid stations, she would take extra food and pass it to the children along the road. As with most marathons, people often wear a "toss away" sweatshirt at the start to stay warm and eventaully throw it, not worrying about ever needing it again. These are clothes that we could care less about, and the children there asked and waited for people to drop them. It breaks my heart to know this is what so many children live through.

I wasn't born into poverty. I have never been starving. I have never gone without clothes. I didn't choose the upbringing I received or the parents I had. I realize no one gets to choose that, but no child deserves the life Kolo has. She didn't pick this life, just like I didn't pick mine. But together, we can change her future!  Running this year has been my attempt to use the blessings I have received from my upbringing, from my parents, for those that are not as fortunate.  With your help, your donations, we can literally save lives! Your donations go straight to help these children, meeting their most basic needs!

 Kolo

I ran through history at Freedom's Run, with high hopes that this journey will change history! Help me make a new beginning for these kids, one mile, one child at a time. PLEASE DONATE!   

Finish line

Final Race Stats:
4:43:42 - finishing time
359 out of 564 overall
101 out of 201 women
26 out of 38 in my age group (20-29)

Part 2, (YMCA Johnstown Marathon) of my weekend will be posted in a couple days!  

My medal