• #BostonMarathon2018 Race Report


    Boston Marathon 2018, an adventure to remember for a lifetime. A special memory with my soulmate and and according to a summary from a news anchor – “not a race, but an epic test of wills in frigid temps.” A friend of mine shared that statement with me, and it pretty much hit the nail on the head.

    The conditions for the race couldn’t have been worse. They say it was the worst in 30 years. Just my luck right? And coming off running the Crown King 50k three weeks earlier I hadn’t gotten much road running in, so I knew I was in for a tough run.

    But I looked at it as an adventure. The worse the conditions the better the story right?

    From the start I looked like a maniac covered in trash bags to keep the heat in and rain off me. Mainly my head and my core.

    The bus ride to the start was just over an hour, but I was glad. Less time sitting in the cold rain and wind.

    Charlie started about 40 minutes before me so I had to say goodbye to him and hang out in the tent by myself. I was just thankful there was a tent to keep the rain off me for a while. Still cold, but tons of people in there kept it a little warmer than I’d expected.

    Usually on my trail runs, I encounter mountains. Climbing steep slopes, rocks and things like that. But here in Boston on Marathon Monday, the mountain was the weather. I had to tap into the ultra runner in me and square off with Mother Nature.

    At the start, a funny thing happened, I didn’t realize I’d crossed the start line. **DUH**

    I was a little confused on the waves vs corrals, thinking, “Oh, wave three is next, I’m wave seven, so I have time.” But… I was wave three, corral seven, which meant, when wave three started, we all started.

    Sooo….I stepped over the start line, then stopped and spent about six or so minutes taking off most of my six layers.

    The first 10k was pretty fast. I had to keep my pace for sure, slowing myself down a few times. Lots of people around me, too, which is strange for me since I’m usually out on the trails alone or with a couple of people. Not thousands.

    One thing I’m really sad about was that I didn’t get to take pictures and videos like I’d hoped. Just too stinking wet. And my fingers were so cold, I couldn’t use them very well. So, I just hunkered down and ran.

    I’d kept hearing about the Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill. Wasn’t too worried about them since I’d just climbed 6500 feet in Crown King, but they were on my radar.

    Or at least I thought. I got to the top of a hill and saw I sign that read, “You made it up heartbreak hill!”

    I was like, “Really?” But I was glad. Because now it was “downhill” except a few minor inclines. I started thinking, “Wow, this might be over soon.” And boy was I ready. The wind had me leaning forward several times. And the fat drops of rain stinging my skin…Jeepers! I’d never run in conditions so horrible.

    Heat, yes. But this cold, rain, and wind…that’s a whole ‘nother beast. One I hope to NOT face again any time soon. LOL.

    As far as figuring out what to wear for the race: Predicted 30 degree weather, rain, sleet, and wind, I stuck to my original clothing: Shorts and a tank with arm warmers. I did change to the tall compression socks, just to get more coverage. But as I thought more about it, I did end up wrapping a trash bag over my head, then putting my trusty Trail Sisters cap over it to keep it in place. I’m really glad I did that. Kept the heat it and water out. Keeping that noggin warm is key!

    I had another trash bag over my core, tight at the waist kind of like a skirt while I was waiting. But I ended up keeping that on the entire race. I’m glad I decided to that. I think it really helped.

    Overall, I was a little cold, but never started shivering during the race, which I was thankful for. Once you start shivering, it’s hard to come back from that.

    Now that it’s done, I probably would have worn a T-shirt instead of a tank, worn a poncho over that, and also worn those plastic gloves (the ones you wash dishes with).

    Back to the race:

    When I hit mile 24, I was about done. Felt very heavy and tired. My legs and toes were pretty much frozen, and that was a good thing, actually, because I could tell they were tightening up. They felt heavy, but I just kept telling myself, “Almost there. I’ve come this far. This is for you, Mary Sue.”

    Quite a few times during the race I glanced down at my shoes and smiled. You all were such an encouragement to me. Not just the names written on the shoes, but the fact that you came along side me and supported me this past year while I was running for Mary Sue. It was such an honor.

    The last mile….. This was when I really wished I could have had my phone out to record this. It was raining pretty hard, but the crowds still lined the streets. Sure, they weren’t ten deep like normal, but still four or five people deep, both sides. The Boston Fans are amazing.

    They energized my tired muscles, carrying me that entire last mile. Tears stung my eyes. I could see the finish, hear the loudspeaker. Goosebumps covered my skin, and not because I was freezing-which I was-but from the encouragement and support these guys were giving the runners.

    The police, volunteers, and fans, facing the elements to give us an amazing experience. I can’t put into words how amazing that was.

    Crossing the finish line, there was a girl beside me. She was alone, looking around. So was I, since Charlie had already finished and I couldn’t find him. So I patted her on the back and said good job. Then the tears came. She was just so happy! I had to give her a hug and we enjoyed the finish together.

    I never did get her name. But it didn’t matter. We’d done it. We’d finished the Boston Marathon in some of the most grueling weather in 30 years.

    It got comical after that as I wandered to the gear pick up, literally cuddling up next to anyone nearby to get warm as we waited for our bags.

    Oh, and then to find the hotel? I was shivering so badly I couldn’t hardly talk. And, I forgot the name of my hotel.

    I was so done. LOL!

    The hotel was a block or so from the finish, I just didn’t know which direction. HA! So, I wandered, kept asking people where the Copley Plaza Hotel was, and I eventually made it.

    Charlie was in the lobby waiting for me. He got me to the room and I pretty much went right into the shower to try and warm up.

    I was shivering pretty violently. It started about two minutes after the finish….And I still couldn’t feel my feet. So, I slowly warmed up and rested. Then it was off to Max Brenner for an adult beverage, burger, and chocolate!!

    We were able to meet up with several other runners, a mix of Cadence athletes and friends. It was a perfect end to an adventurous day!

    In the end, we raised more than $4,000.00 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and that makes all this worth while. I appreciate all your encouragement and support through all my adventures this past year. Running up Pikes Peak, Cave Creek Thriller 50k, the Crown King Scramble 50k and now this Boston Marathon. You guys are awesome!

    A huge thank you to the following people/companies for supporting my adventures and some directly involved in helping me raise money for the #IRun4MarySue.

    Tailwind Nutrition

    Cadence Physical Therapy &Performance Coaching

    XTreme Apparel

     

  • Get your name on my #Boston2018 Marathon shoe


    Here’s the shoe we filled up during the ultra marathon (31-mile) funding-raising push last month. Isn’t that awesome?

    Let’s fill the other one for the #Boston2018 marathon adventure!!

    Monday April 16th, I get the honor of running the historic Boston Marathon in Mary Sue Seymour’s name. It’s been a privilege this past year to have taken on many adventures in her name.

    Running up the side of Pikes Peak, running the Cave Creek Thriller 50k, and just last month running the Crown King Scramble 50k. You’ve all been with me the entire time, and I can’t thank you enough.

    One last adventure. Help me get to the $3,000.00 goal. A donation of 25-cents per mile for the Boston Marathon (26.2 miles) will get your name on my shoe. That’s $6.50 and you’ll be running that famous marathon with me!!

    Here’s the link to donate: http://giftfunds.stjude.org/IRun4MarySue Just click OTHER to input the amount you want to donate. Every penny helps!

    Sincerely,

    Lynn

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  • Sharing Locks-Will You Join Me?


    Cuttingmy hair forsomeonewho might need it for a wig because they’re facing hardship…it’s an honor.

    My mother-in-law didn’t quite lose all of her hair, but I’ve had friends faced with needing a wig, so I’m happy to cut a few inches to help those who might need one.

    Have you ever done it? If not, will you join me?

    Whether it’s Locks of Love, Wigs for Kids…whatever. I’d love to see your before and afters!

    I invite you to post your picturesto my FB Page, share a link here, or whatever works for you!

    Long Hair

    Short Hair

    Thanks to Great Clips who helped me with this!

    Sincerely,

    LynnTransparent

     

     

  • This is for you, Lynn


    Lynn 2Dear Mom II,

    Today, two years ago, you died. Finally went home to be with your heavenly father. Time has gone on since that day, though you were rarely far from thought. With every book I published, every award nomination, every sale made, you were remembered.

    You taught me strength. Passion. Determination. Not only from what you told me, but what you showed me. You were faithful throughout your struggle through treatment, right up until your death.

    Such a strong testimony.

    Saturday is my first ever marathon. I’m scared and excited all at once. Your name will be on my shoe, as with any endurance event I participate in to raise money for cancer. So you’re with me every step! Just like you are with every book I publish.

    Love and miss you, Mom II.

    Lynn 400x200

  • #CancerSucks Update


    Hey gang. It’s about that time again….#CancerSucks update.

    As you know a portion of all my sales benefit the American Cancer Society. Cancer hit my family hard and fast over the last two years, and I thank you for all the support you’ve shown.

    This update has both good and not so good news, so I ask you for your prayers.

    My Mum had another CLEAR blood scan this past week. This mountain climber and marathoner was reduced to a wheel chair at one point during her spinal surgery to remove her cancer. She’s back to walking just fine and had another clear blood scan. Next PET scan isn’t until January, so we’re praying for continued clear scans.

    My friend Sandy had another scan and a spot was detected, so now we’re in the waiting game again to find out what’s next. It was sad to hear this after she’d had good news the last one.

    My friend’s mother passed away a couple weeks ago. She’d only been diagnosed a month earlier. It happened so fast. My heart aches for the family.

    My dear friend, Frank, is still struggling through his chemo and radiation. Keep him in your thoughts as we continue to pray for healing for his brain tumor.

    CancerSucksNamesI’m running a race next week, and I’ve dedicated the race and my training to Lynn (my mother in law who passed away two years ago from cancer), Frank, Rachel and Linda. It’s the AZ Pain Train. CLICK HERE to get to the site.

    Spread the word, because you never know, it could be your dollar that helps find a cure. I’m ready to kick cancer’s butt. How ’bout you?

    If cancer is touching your life, feel free to leave a comment. I’ll add you to the cancer prayer wall I keep on my computer.

    Thanks for your support, my friends.

     

    Lynn 400x200