MY MARATHON EXPERIENCE brought to you by Megan Luckie...

Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.
Napoleon Hill


I will begin by saying that I am thrilled. After five long, hard, yet wonderful months of training, I came, I ran, I survived and I conquered!



In my very first blog last January I said ...
I am doing this blog for me. A way to reflect back and for others to join me along on this journey. In the end, I hope that you will see a photo of me at the finish line hugging my family, smiling and upright!"
Well, mission accomplished and who says you can't finish smiling? Attached is a photo album for you follow along the before, during and after. As you can see it was quite a weekend!

Marathon weekend began at the Luckie house on Saturday night. Patrick and I packed up the kids at 8:00 at night, drove the route and posted the motivational signs. Patrick although not surprised that I would have created motivational signs, still wondered why I can't just be a spectator! Why? Well, why not I say. Then at home, I laid out my running gear on the table the table, charged all of the electronics, loaded the iPod and even put out the oatmeal, bowl and spoon for my breakfast ritual. Then I headed to bed at 10pm praying for a decent sleep but not, without putting on two alarm clocks first. One set for 4:45 and the other for 5:00AM. I was having visions of that Seinfeld episode where the runner sleeps in because Kramer is the wake up call. Anyways...

Sunday I woke up on time, called Ara, rolled my IT bands, ate breakfast and got dressed. Birds chirping and forecasting a beautiful day. Then I had a lovely surprise... Nicolas set his alarm too to wish me good luck. (Awh...he's proud of me!) Confirmed with a text on the way to the starting point. "GOOD LUCK MOM, I KNOW YOU WILL DO GREAT". Hey for those of you with a tween you know a text from a 12 year old is BIG!

So we arrive at the race with 1hr before race time. Lots of time to use the Port-a-potties (YUCK), take photos and attach the "First Marathon" balloons. WOW! We are getting a lot of looks. One girl say "See you need a balloon like that!" The girl responds "Ah NO I do not!" What?? Well, let me tell you after hitting numerous people with the balloons just waiting for the gun to go off. We decided we would each pull the emergency release cords right at the starting gates. Perfect photo opportunity and what a way to send us off right? (Even if Ara was concerned about the birds)

And...we were off!

The goal: To complete, smiling and under 5hrs.

0-30Km's: Running a steady pace with my RBC running pal, Mike Lin. So nice to have a buddy to share this with. We were chatting the whole way and I even let out a Homer Simpson "Woo Hoo" every Km. Mike said I was crazy and was surely annoying the other runners but secretly I think he enjoyed it. Mike's trusty GARMIN would tell us when we were running too fast or too slow but for the most part we were running at a 6:30 - 6:45/km. Strong and Steady.

30Km": Mike's legs started to hurt. Crap!! Mike is an amazing in line skater but training two sports at the same time tends to take its toll. Worried for Mike and sad that we wouldn't finish together I new he would push through and I just needed to get this done.

Oh I forgot to mention the signs for the Mississauga Luckie Shoe on a post. You are suppose to touch it for good luck. Come on! There's a lucky shoe. How perfect and how could I not.

Ok, time to call Patrick it's 31K. I know I know. Cell phone in a race. Who does that? Well, let me just tell you with over 12,000 runners at this event, and when your family is looking for one person, it wasn't just me. It is almost impossible to see and find your loved ones without giving them a heads up that you are coming.

35K: Left ankle starting to hurt. Oh man. Really? I just needed to call Patrick. He answers, thank god! And, wow it was exactly what I needed. Just hearing him say, "Your doing great babe. Running a good, steady pace and your almost there". Yup. I can do this. That and thank god for the spectators. Let me just put on record how much I love personalized bibs. There are complete strangers sitting on the sidelines for hours cheering on runners. Locals came out on their lawns with sprinklers, fruit, even a bag of pretzels. (Ok that was weird) But I did love it when they would call out my name and say I was amazing. Mike laughed at me when i asked him if he too pretend that they are relatives that came out to cheer us on. Doing good, holding strong.

40K: Ok just one more call. I just want to make sure they no I am almost there. By then, I know that they have been waiting for me to cross for over an hour. Patrick answers "Only 2K left. We are all waiting for you at the finish line!" Sweet.

With less than 2k to go : A sweet Police man pulls up beside me on his bike. We chat. I ask... "SO, are you going to pace me in?" "Why not! I paced in the elite winners, seems only fair" Awesome! Come on! How many people get a police escort for their first marathon?. So of course I had to gun it, finish line in sight...

I turn right to run down the chute and there's Dad and Nicolas with yellow happy balloons. Woo HOO! I am here and running on a complete runners high that or adrenaline. It could also be the caffeine in the five gels that I took but who cares. Honestly I felt like this the whole way. Finishing strong and in no real pain. I book it down the ramp. (See the money shot!) I see Patrick and Dave standing on rocks. I am here! I am here! I see Lys, Mom, Kristopher, Mara, Toby. Then ... Lys lifts Paige over the gates which I thought was for a big hug and kiss. No wait, she wants to run with me and she's been asking for an hour. Ok. Off we go! We run through the finish. Never seen a four year old run so fast. The announcer calls us in "Megan Luckie! 32 from Mississauga and look running with a little Luckie. And, what a Luckie day it is" WOO HOO!! What a perfect way to end.

I finished in 4hrs and 58 mins. Yes after Oprah (4:30, after Ben Mulroney who was at the event but before KATIE HOLMES! Woo Hoo. Exhausted. Maybe. But thrilled. Absolutely! We hug, cry, kiss, take photos and celebrate at CORA's. Couldn't have asked for a better first!

Now, what's next you ask?
One word. MICKEY!

Day before...

It is officially "Marathon Weekend" at the Luckie house. There are balloons, signs, crafts, markers, shoes and running gear spread all over the house. This marathon has taken over! Patrick thinks that I may be boarding on obsessive? Really?! Well, there is definitely a lot of energy in the air. Is it nerves, anticipation, fear or all of the above.

So, yesterday was the Running Expo. For those non-runners, an Expo is where you go to get your bib number, a free race tshirt, fill up on testers, free garb and my favorite part... LAST MINUTE SHOPPING! Which lead to the purchase of a new running top and hat. Yes I know, you aren't suppose to wear something new on race day but I just couldn't help myself. The big news is that I am runner BIB #494! We had to go to this wall to find our last name and corresponding bib number. The 5K list was huge, 10K similar, Half list was getting smaller and then the FULL list... very tiny. Although easy to find my name. Do they know something I don't?

The freebies were a bit disappointed mostly because I missed lunch and there wasn't a stitch of food in the race kit. Not even free peanuts! The vendors at the EXPO were not as impressive as Scotia's Waterfront but... I guess it will have to do. Probably much better for the pocket book anyways. But, the best part of the day with the exception of the cute shirt... was a good nights sleep! (hich is very important to me as most of you know.) Not expecting the same tonight.

Now that takes us to today. Today began with an 8am 3K run. Yes, I did say 3K. It was the taper run which is supposedly in the program to remind your legs how to work, but in my opinion I think its main purpose is to run off race day jitters. Which it did, sort of. (Except that I can hear my good friend JoAnne's voice in my head counting hours now.) JoAnne stop counting!

Oh and the much anticipated wind test? Well, wind trials took place this morning. It started with me getting out of the car with the balloons and getting violently whacked in the face. BUT! There was unusually strong winds today, no? We shall see tomorrow after a bit of re-engineering. Hoping that by changing the string and providing further support with safety pins may aid better results tomorrow. The safety pins better not wreck my new shirt! Lys did make me laugh when she said "Nice! The balloon says YES THIS IS MY FIRST MARATHON, like yes it's my first therefore I feel it justifies me making myself as annoying as possible"

Now, what's left on the agenda? It's 3:00. I have to go and pick up new contacts, the boys and I have to put up 9 signs with hope that 1.) No one takes them down 2.) Disfigures them or 3) That Kristopher and I don't get charged for putting up unregistered signs in a residential area. Then home for Lasagna dinner and a good nights sleep. 5:00 Wake up call.

Ipods loaded!
Till next time.
Meg

2 more sleeps...

Getting nervous. Enjoying the taper and had my first Jewish bakery bagel in a long time today. Mmm... carb loading. Right?

Marathon Signs

Tonight is "Craft" night at the Luckie house!
The kids made some adorable signs for me. Sniff sniff. We will also make seven motivational signs that will be posted every 6K. The signs are yellow to match our team colour and yes, to match the yellow :) balloon. See below.

Kristopher and I will drive the route on Saturday and stick the signs up, with hopes that they don't walk off on us over the night. If not, do keep your eye out for them and are on short little wooden sticks stuck into the ground. Like I said they will be located at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 40k. Still haven't 100% decided on what they will say but here some samples...

Funny Signs...

"In our minds, you're all Kenyans."
"Your feet hurt because you are kicking so much butt!"
"Your legs will forgive you...eventually."
"Don't stop -- people are watching." - MY #1 FAVORITE!!
"That's not sweat, it's your fat cells crying."
"If it was easy, I would do it."
"Run like you stole something."
"This is easier than labor and delivery."
"You're not slow. You're just enjoying the course." MY #2 FAVORITE!!
"Don't worry, toenails are overrated."
"Run like someones chasing you."
"It'll feel better when it stops hurting."
"Mortuary ahead....look alive!"
"If I ran it, by God, you can, too."

Motivation Signs...

"On this day, you're my hero."
"Pain is temporary, pride is forever."
"You've done harder things than this."
"You made it to the START, you will make it to the FINISH."
"Pain is just weakness leaving your body."
"Remember the reasons you are running."
"It's not 26.2 miles…it's 10 water stops."
"Last is just the slowest winner."
"My mommy is faster than your mommy."
"If it was easy, everyone would do it."
The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race." MY #3 FAVORITE
"This 26.2 is for all the girls picked last in gym class."

Paige's Sign - "Run FAST Mommy! Run FAST!"
Kristopher's Sign - "Run Mom Run! Mom, I love you! Go Team JAM'N"

Balloon...
And, yes I did by it. I purchased the race balloon! Now I just need to decide, do I run with it, or does Paige carry it? Either way, the yellow balloon will be making an appearance on Sunday.

Seven more sleeps!

My last and final week before "Marathon Day" Week 18. What a journey! Not even sure what to say tonight since there is so much going on in my head.

(Am I eating enough?, Am I eating too much?, Is it the right food?, Carb? Protein? I am so confused. I know that I should be drinking lots, water that is. Did I really only have to run 16k yesterday and 6k today? Am I tapering right? What about race day ... it's only 7 more days away. When do I have to get up - 4:00?, What will the weather be like? What will I wear? Will my family really come out and cheer me on? Will they see me in the sea of runners? Will my new shoes be broken in enough? How about my knee - will it hold out? It better! But mostly --- I REALLY HOPE I MAKE IT!! I am going to make it, right?"

Breathe...

The race is on Sunday and starts at Square One at 7:30am. I am anticipating to do it between 4:45-5:00hrs. Which would mean finishing after Oprah and Lance but before Katie Holmes. Either way I should be crossing the finish line around 12:15 - 12:30. The finish line is at the port credit park. (opposite side of the road to the lighthouse)

I have included some of the popular spectator spots, just in case any of you are thinking of come out to cheer us on! Mississauga Rd and Burnhamthorpe Rd. - you must approach from the west. (approx 4km mark)... I should be crossing around 755am, Orr Rd. and Southdown Rd. - approach from the west. (approx 22km mark)... 10am, Jack Darling Park, Waterfront Trail (approx 28km mark)... 10:40 Port Credit lighthouse (approx 32km mark & finish line) ...11:00 St. Lawrence Park (approx 37km mark) ... 11:40 Adamson Estate (39km mark)... 11:54am. Lots of road closures so take that in to account when planning out when to leave.

Plans for the rest of the week? Well, the kids and I will be busy working making some signs to support me and my running club! Sad, but runners really do get a kick out of a good sign. (Guess it's because there is nothing else to do when you are out running in the elements for over four hours!) Here are some of the examples: 'Suck it up princess', 'its rude to count the number of people your passing out loud', 'the pain is momentary the joy feeling of crossing the finish line is forever' .... Either way - as long as people are there and cheering, it doesn't really matter what the sign says.

I did try to convince the kids to carry balloons so that I can spot them easier, but I am starting to think that asking Patrick to transport three kids to a marathon on a Sunday morning, in search for parking when half of Mississauga's roads are closed, and locating me running all in black in a sea of 10,000 runners. Then to bring along balloons, noise makers and signs may be pushing my luck. I do keep saying that I am going to run with a balloon but the looks and reactions I receive when I tell people this ... well, lets just say that I am starting to second guess my decision.

So, that's all for now I guess. Now, I just have to push through and get through the week. Drink, eat, rest and enjoy that the hard part is over now. Now... I wait.

7 more sleeps and then I will join 5% of the population who have ever run and completed a marathon!

Ten More Sleeps...

With only ten more sleeps to go, I would be lying if I didn't say that I am starting to feel nervous. Don't get me wrong, I am still thinking positive and I know in my heart that I WILL cross that finish line. But, I am still a bit sceptical on how I will add an additional 10k on race day to my longest distance to date. Supposedly adrenaline will carry me through, that or that I will be so delirious that I will just keep going. Left, Right and Repeat!

So, it is now Week 17 of 18, I have technically begun my taper. For those who don't know ... Tapering is a term used in endurance sports and basically means to reduce an athlete's training load before a major race. Personal experience and scientific research have both come to the conclusion that a period of enforced rest before racing significantly increases the athlete's level of fitness and boosts his performance by an average of 3%. Reducing weekly and long run mileage during these final two weeks is vitally important so that you will be fully recovered from previous workouts while at the same time, be completely rested for the big event. For marathon runners three per cent boils down to being about 5-10 minutes faster over their racing distance.
TAPER = LESS RUNNING, LESS FOOD AND MORE WATER (One thing I learned from my last taper is if you don't watch how much you eat you can gain weight on your taper. ARGH!)


At 8:30pm tonight, it was still raining, the kids were in bed and I even had my pj's on but the guilt got the better of me. Tonight I am suppose to be running the last night of my speed work.
Ok. Ok. I am going. I got changed into my running clothes and shoes. I headed down to the dungeon to run on the treadmill. Treadmill really isn't that appealing anymore unless it is snowing outside. Plus there is no longer a TV downstairs and the playroom is in dire need of a good cleaning. (Don't look at the mess Megan - Just ignore the mess) I ran the first 3K warm up and was about to call it a night, just wasn't feeling it, but then I thought to myself what can I do to keep going hmm... NICOLAS!. So I paused the treadmill, ran up to Nicolas room and said "Wanna be my stop watch?" "sure?!?" he replied. It's amazing how much faster and determined you run when you have your 12yr old son sitting their counting down the minutes and seconds you have left to go. No slacking off with him around. Guess all that Cadet training is paying off. Long story short, I clocked 9K and ran the track 22 laps and 14 of them at 5.0min/km. My speed work is now done for the day HURRAY no guilt and to top it all off it was actually quite nice to do with Nicolas. I wish he would come for a run with me again. (Even if I can't keep up with him). :)

Guess it's time for bed.
Till next time,
Meg
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