“God put me on Earth to accomplish a certain number of things”

That's it. Hunched over and completely out of it, I am seen here after completing 26.2 miles yesterday. This is the outcome of four months of training and enough for one more blog post about the whole running experience. I should probably mention the details from the start (not the starting line). My alarm buzzed in my ear at 5:45 in the morning and I hopped out of bed as I would any other day. I knew what the fateful morning had in store for me but I was not nervous. Surprised? I was. I thought I'd be shaking in my boots! (I mean, running shoes...) Au contraire! I made sure I had all the essentials: Bib with the number 9 (I wish I could say it was because they predicted me to finish in 9th place...but it's just random. Sorry to disappoint), IPod, Ellen t-shirt, running shorts, two pairs of socks, and a running chip for my shoes. I was all ready, set to go! As my parents drove with me to downtown, I was still not nervous but curious. I wasn't sure what to expect but as I saw people warming up with quick little sprints or jogs, I grew more and more eager. I didn't have much time to contemplate running back home before it was time to line up. Within moments the crowd of 1400 runners were counting down from ten.

Bam! We were off. The weather was perfect and even though my hands were frozen, they quickly warmed up. The beauty of the town surrounded me. I ran places I'd never seen in town that were simply charming. I was approaching mile six and greeted with some friendly faces. My aunt, uncle, and parents were smiling and cheering for me as I dashed past. I flew through the first ten miles. Honestly, I could feel my legs gliding. I flew through the first ten miles. Honestly, I could feel my legs gliding. I knew my spectators were waiting right before mile 17. I had something to look forward to and when I approached them, I couldn't help but smile wide. A lady with a very loud cheering voice was standing right next to them and my mom told her I was coming and said my name was Anne. All of a sudden, a friendly woman screamed "Go Anne!" louder than ever and rang her bells for a little background music. It's incredibly helpful when people are cheering for you. Unfortunately, they cheered for me thirty seconds before I was faced with the ultimate battle. Climbing a hill that was steeper than a wall (practically) knocked me right down. I was unable to run that wall because I knew I had nine miles to go and would lose my steam. I walked up and it cost me a few minutes. I only saw one person run up the hill at the time I approached it so that tells you something about this monster. Around mile 20 I was ready to cry. It felt good to know how close I was but 6 miles is only close when you think about the whole race, not after you've completed 20 miles. The final miles were brutal. That is the only word to describe it. Absolutely brutal. It hurt to run. It hurt to walk. It hurt to move any muscle whatsoever. I saw two signs toward the end. The first said "Pain is temporary" and the second said "Pride is forever". I kept repeating that to myself until I saw the finish line. People surrounded both sides of the shoot and holding back tears, I pushed myself through only to see familiar faces waiting for me. It was incredibly emotional to complete the marathon. Although, I was utterly out of it. I could not think or talk or express my immediate thoughts. Regardless, I was achingly magnificent in every way. 4 hours and 8 minutes later, I went home to rest for the day.

It's strange to think such a major feat could be over in a single morning. I will remember it forever. I like to run but I think I'll stick to casual jogs throughout the neighborhood. I also believe my knees are plotting revenge on me so they would not be thrilled if I tried another marathon. What's next? School. Life. Running may fall in there but only when I feel like it, not when I have to. It's been a great and grueling time in my life. I couldn't have done it without the support though. Alright, I sound like I am accepting an award now, but it's true. So many people have been nice with their positive thoughts and I thank you all. I'll be there to cheer for you when you run your marathons! Finally, it has been great to blog about the training experience. I was able to have a comical outlook on a long, hard process. It was worth it. I feel elated, but my legs would surely disagree...

Best,

Anne

These guys know what they're talking about...

Since I have so many thoughts before the big day tomorrow, I thought I'd simply post a few quotes about marathons with my thoughts. Surely I will have a nice, informative post regarding the experience tomorrow (maybe Monday if I simply cannot move a single muscle) but until then, I'll prepare with some wise words.

"Marathon running is a terrible experience: monotonous, heavy, and exhausting."
Veikko Karvonen, 1954 European and Boston Marathon Champ

-Thanks, Veikko. It must be awful to run such fast miles and be done within 2 and half hours or so.

"There is the truth about the marathon and very few of you have written the truth. Even if I explain to you, you'll never understand it, you're outside of it."
Douglas Wakiihuri speaking to journalists

-I can't wait to find out the truth!

"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs."

Jesse Owens

-This could be the best quote I've read so far. I have sought many "new sights just on the strength of [my] feet" and some have been beautiful, some might not have been as nice. Either way, I found out on my own two feet. It's a whole new ball game while running than driving around to scope out new places. Thrilling, I must say!

"It hurts up to a point and then it doesn't get any worse."
Ann Trason

-I understand.

"I cannot have survival as my only goal. That would be too boring. My goal is to come back in my best running form. It is good for me to have that goal; it will help me."
Ludmila Engquist (Olympic champion hurdler facing cancer and chemotherapy)

-Simply touching. Nothing else is more inspiring at this point.

"We can't all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
Will Rogers

-Those that clap and cheer are more than appreciated. Who else would make me want to continue?

"The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."
Robert Frost

-Robert Frost knows what he is talking about because in another case, he did come to two paths in the wood and ingeniously "took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." I will be running through some woody areas and will be thinking of Mr. Frost's wise poetic words. I'm sure he ran a bit in his day. Perhaps a head start on the untraveled path...

I will keep these in mind tomorrow. Until then, I better eat some pasta!

Best,

Anne

Fall! Fall! Fall!

Four months of summer have come to a much needed end. What a glorious summer it was! I've never had so much time, or should I say, so much free time. Although I did not have a job this summer, I was blessed with all the opportunities I had. Tomorrow is finally the first day of school. I'm glad that my last day of summer is on the first day of fall. It's definitely time to get going and fill my days with stressful studying, reading and homework. Well, I'm not pushing for it but unfortunately it is a given that I will receive these fortunes of education. Finally, when everyone asks me how school is going, I can now tell them how it actually is instead of explaining why Washington starts over a month after most schools! I can't complain. This place is worth every new change (so far!). Thankfully my mom is here for such a great week. I will just go ahead and assume tomorrow she'll put a bow in my hair, pack my PB&J lunch, and give me a sticker if I make it through the day. I certainly know what my first day of school outfit will be! Please see picture--------------------->

©2009 Anne Vurdelja

Using this image against me

is fashionably illegal and

strictly prohibited.( My dad is a lawyer.)

If I run faster, I'll be done faster.

Hopefully my nightmares will come to an end in one week. I have had countless dreams about the upcoming marathon. None of them have been to my liking, unfortunately. I have one week to prepare mentally and physically for the big day. As much as I am excited to run the race and be done with it, I bet you all cannot wait to stop hearing about it! Well, I will at least be excited to stop talking about it. I can't begin to describe the past four months of training. It has gone by so quickly but it has also lasted forever. The fact that I have to run three more times this week before the marathon boggles my mind. I don't remember how to run two or three miles. In fact, I predict those runs to be more challenging than running fifteen! I know that sounds rather ridiculous but sadly it is true. I am pleased with the timing of the marathon. It's happening just when I am getting bored of running around every day. I'm overjoyed that my parents will be there to see the race. So, just in case you don't believe me, there will be witnesses! I hope my legs don't give up on me in the next few days.

This week will undeniably be the best week of September. With all the busy events, I will have other things to focus on instead of focusing only on the marathon looming in the distance. For starters, I am waiting for my mom to land in less than an hour. It does not seem real to me that I'll see her since it has been four months, but it's true! I will! Then the week begins and in no time my dad will arrive! School starts Wednesday, and I'm halfway to the tremendous day! Enough about my weekly schedule though. I'm surprised you're still reading at this point! Turn the computer off, relax on this beautiful Sunday (I sure hope it's beautiful wherever you are), watch the Steelers game, take a walk, have a delicious meal, have a satisfying night of sleep, and enjoy your Monday. Please follow those directions to the best of your ability.
Happy Sunday, all.

Best,

Anne

Phew!

I was hit with a curve ball today. As I have been planning for an all-day orientation (Yes, another orientation) on Saturday I received an e-mail today about another job. First of all, why didn't anyone want to hire me for the past four months and now the Western Washington dining program and Rec Center are both calling out for a superb individual like myself to work for their team. I am only ONE person, folks! Well, as you can imagine, I had to pick a side. As absolutely thrilled as I was to be able to join the dining team at the Market and attend that exhilarating orientation, I have chosen to go with the Rec Center job. My IDEAL job at the Rec Center would have been working the front desk but I am a WWU rookie so I will settle with what I was given: Officiating volleyball games and possibly being a scorekeeper for flag football. What I am most worried about is that my dad will show up on Wednesday with his Officials Quarterly magazine, an extra black and white striped shirt, and his rule book in hopes of filling my head with pointers on how to ref. He is pretty much a pro at the job now so he may want to share his words of wisdom. I'd love to hear them, but I haven't seen him ref before, so how do I know the teams don't loathe his skills? Just kidding. Maybe. Either way, I'm delighted with the opportunity. I'll go out on a limb and say that I will probably have more fun working while watching sports and keeping score than washing dishes and serving people sandwiches. Unfortunately, with a job and an especially demanding school schedule, I will not have much empty time. I will try to set aside a few moments to get a blog post in nearly every day though because surely with the craziness I will have some entertaining stories to share.

Best,

Anne

Countdown Conundrum

I have a countdown problem. Each day I find myself anxiously scribbling down events or important dates to remember and look forward to in the upcoming weeks or months. I'd like to consider myself a countdown queen but they don't have royal titles for such character traits. There is nothing that excites me more than counting down the days until a television show, visit with a friend or family member, special day, marathon (don't worry, the countdown won't happen again for that one), breaks from school, and so much more! Although I am a countdown connoisseur, it does not mean that I don't doubt my passion for a ticking clock. I know there is a popular saying telling people to live for today and not look back and not look forward. That is not the actual phrase but you understand what I'm talking about. If I'm always counting down the days until something big happens in the next week or two, what am I doing today? I realize the skeptics point of view but am going to have to ask why I would countdown the days until I sat around, waited for the rain to slow down, walked outside, then ran to the grocery store? Nothing about that has the slightest ounce of exciting anticipation. I cannot even imagine picking up my calendar and counting out 3 days until I have a super boring day! My point would simply be that I find nothing wrong with always having something to look forward to and making it through days with that in the back of your head. I thoroughly enjoy filling my calendar with plans throughout the months so that I can cheerfully cross off the days until I reach the date. Never fear folks, I still have a fulfilled day to day life and enjoy every single day, not just the ones I look forward to. I have also been known to count the days until I have a day off or a day to just relax. Those are equally as significant as the days I eagerly await seeing a loved one. I live for a good countdown because they provide landmarks in a person's life. Countdowns change so frequently that everything is always fresh and new. As a countdown crony, I must condone such acceptable antics. If it helps the day pass a little faster, there is no harm in facing the future. Although the future possesses uncertainty, you can be certain of the joy a countdown will bring you. My current countdown: 15 minutes until I take the spaghetti squash out of the oven. See? "The Joy of Cooking"...........

See most of you in 3 months!

Best,

Anne

"These Lights will Inspire you, Let's Hear it for New York"

You have to be 16 to get a license, 18 to vote, 21 to drink, 25 to rent a car, and at least 35 to be the President of the United States. You do not have to be any certain age to succeed in the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Sadly, the last tournament of the year has come and gone in no time. Juan Martin del Potro (or as I like to call him, Benecio del Potro) battled his way back in the final match against Roger Federer. Not only was it another remarkable five set match, the outcome went to the twenty year old guy who's my age. So if I could muster up one word to describe the theme of the tournament this year, it would be: Underdogs. Sure, there were plenty of complaints and controversial calls, but it was more enjoyable to watch Melanie Oudin take down the some of the Russian population including Sharapova, Dementieva and Petrova. At seventeen years old, she gave us a taste of what will come. The whole fan section was rooting for her to upset everyone. She clearly upset the big names but could not upset her way to a championship. On the other hand, Kim Clijsters has always been an incredible player and although she wasn't ranked, she came back to the court after a hiatus of having a child. That must have been just what she needed. She won the tournament with her share of upsets as well. I think Mama Kim is going to show the youngins how capable she is to keep up with them next year. The excitement develops from the uncertainty. No matter the age, an upset is bound to happen. In the case of the U.S. Open, it happened plenty. Congrats to the mother and the twenty year old. Age is nothing in tennis. Well, actually, love is nothing but we don't have to be technical.

Best,

Anne

Vacation during Vacation

This summer/fall is full of first time experiences and travels. Last month I traveled to Montana and enjoyed every aspect of the beautiful scene. Up next? California! I am lucky enough to travel to another state that I have never been to. California is Washington's Florida to Illinois people. Does that make sense? If people aren't already retiring in the cool climate here, they head to California, just like people from Illinois would retire to Florida. Don't look up that statistic. During my classes I heard at least 7 people discuss how their grandparents moved to California. Naturally, I assume that's the case with the grandparents that make up part of the state's population of 6.5 million. Again, don't quote me on such demographics. My aunt Susan and I will be soaring to LA to visit my cousin Lisa and her husband Mike in Malibu! All I can expect is the sun, beaches, beautiful views, and lots of laughs. There is something so comforting and refreshing when you are with family. It's like hopping into another world apart from the norm that puts you at ease without a care in the world. Alright alright I know I don't have many cares right now because this is my vacation and I am going to California to go on another vacation BUT don't badger me, I will be full of cares and worries in a few weeks once I join the rest of the world and begin school. If that makes you feel better...

My dear friends, I will write again of my travels and stories when I return to this divine Evergreen State on Monday. Until then, my see-through skin and I will be in The Golden State, soaking in everything. Literally.

Take care.

Best,

Anne

Free Fallin'

Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham, WA taken by George and Rhonda Ostertag

As I headed for the coffee shop this morning I noticed something different. The air that I have been breathing in for nearly four months now had changed. Crisp, cool and refreshing. Ladies and gentlemen, Fall is upon us! The trees are beginning to change into their usual reds, oranges and yellows and I could not be more thrilled. Although the Western Washington Vikings football team is non-existent, I am looking forward to the new season of college football. That is another sure-fire sign that Fall is here! There is nothing worse than being miserably warm during some of the hottest summer days. Oh wait, there is something worse. Freezing during the bitter winter takes the cake. (It's reassuring to know that I will be spending the frost-bitingly frightful February away from the midwest this year) It is only natural that Cooking Light chose to inform me of the best Fall produce on this very exceptional day. Keep your eyes peeled (and your fruits and veggies!) for seasonal sweet potatoes, mushrooms, grapes, cranberries, pumpkins, leeks, butternut squash, fennel, walnuts, quince (If you don't know what quince is, i.e. me, it is simply a "romantically fragrant fruit that's equally at home in sweet and savory preparations". Well, how very special! In addition, "scholars speculate that quinces may have been the true forbidden fruit". Whoa! This changes all of my beliefs...) and last but very not least in this list of produce are the beets. I know it's a long list. Perhaps an acronym would help you remember at your local grocery store? Alright. Let's try: S.M.G.C.B.F.P.W.Q.B.L. Is that any easy acronym for you? Just use this trick; Some Meals Grow Casually But Farmers Pick With Quite Beautiful Love. Yes, I did just spend five minutes making that up....at least I had my brain working! On the topic of beets, Dwight Schrute and his hilarious gang of office employees will be back in no time for the season premiere of The Office. In addition to the football on tv, the best sitcoms are beginning their seasons this Fall! Most of them begin in September with a few exceptions. Either way, I'm ready to find out all the happenings at 30 Rockefeller Center and Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Get out the sweaters and prepare for another Fall bursting with cool weather, emulous football, and delicious meals on crisp autumn evenings.

Best,

Anne

The Pinnacle

All sickness aside, I woke up this morning to complete this very large run. The conditions could not have been better. The sun was shining with a cool breeze to greet me alongside the bay. Not only was this the longest run of the training program, it was the most boring run. No deer. No one almost hit me coming out of their driveway. No other wildlife spottings. Not even a lot of people out except for the occasional dog walker or construction worker. I find myself very jealous of the leisurely walkers who are with their friends taking part in an absolutely gorgeous morning stroll. What's their deal? Can't they wait until I am not around to painlessly parade about the town? I suppose I do not have to deal with their tomfoolery anymore but they are lucky to have gotten away with it.

Well that's it! Three weeks from Sunday I will be ending this four month long journey and boy am I thrilled. I look forward to the energy from every other marathoner to keep my motivation high and present throughout the grueling race. Unfortunately, I do not have anything more to say. My body is exhausted which makes my mind exhausted. It's hard to describe but you know when you run 20 miles and feel too tired to function? Yes! It's exactly like that. I'm glad we are on the same page.

Best,

Anne

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Living alone certainly has its good and bad aspects. My apartment was spotless over the weekend and now I don't know what happened to it. The good part about that is no one will see it in this unkempt state but the bad part is that I wish it would clean itself when I know that is quite impossible. My immune system has shut down on me and since I am not at home, I couldn't just go to the medicine cabinet to find the appropriate antidote or grab a cough drop from the telephone table drawer. Even though getting sick is a rarity for me, I speculate that I would not be able to make it through all the months away from home without acquiring the slightest sniffle here or there. This cold/cough/headache trio could not have dropped in at a more inconvenient time. I have a day before the ultimate peak run in my training. Friday is the 20 miler and the longest I will run before the marathon that I can see in the somewhat near future. Not only is it supposed to rain on Friday but it will be even more bothersome if I have to carry a box of Kleenex while my arms pendulate for over three hours. After a few restless nights and endless coughing and sneezing, I thought it was time give my immune system a pick me up. I headed to the store today to find anything that would cure me at this unfortunate time. Another good aspect: Not having to worry about seeing someone I know at the grocery store while under the weather . The bad aspect: Having a red nose that Rudolph would be ashamed to see, hair chaotically strewn about, and eyes that water nonstop. First, I saw the thermometers. I concluded that I would most likely benefit from having this in my apartment but I didn't feel like spending six dollars on the basic thermometer. Instead, I purchased the "Tiny Temp" Miniature thermometer at a "Tiny Price"! Who needs to buy the Not-So-Tiny Thermometer at a Not-So-Tiny price when you can snag this one that is "clinically accurate and easy to read"? Tossed that in my basket and continued down the aisle. I have heard many stories about Airborne and how it helps keep those immune systems in tip-top shape. I'd never personally tried it before but I saw it on the highest shelf, reached for the Pink Grapefruit flavor and kept going to find something for my scratchy throat and painful cough. I concluded the stuff that would make my throat numb would work just fine. I'd rather not feel it if at all possible. Okay, that's enough for now. I purchased the products and headed home in hopes that all of this combined would create a magical elixir to alleviate all of my symptoms at least until after my run on Friday. I tried out the bargain thermometer to start. 97.1 was my temperature. I'm going to infer that it could be off by one or two degrees. Hey, no fever for me! Next, I popped in a throat numb-er. I did not particularly care for the taste but it was not lying and my throat felt numb within a few moments. That stuff is genius! For the grand finale, the Airborne! I filled my water glass and dropped the pink tablet in as if I were performing a science experiment. The water fizzed and bubbles popped up every once in awhile. The water itself turned a light shade of pink but I was distracted by the yellowish bubbles that were forming a layer on top of the surface. I reluctantly took the glass in hand and tried not to think about the coating on top of this pink drink before taking a sip. Well, it wasn't a delicious glass of juice but it worked out alright. By the end of the glass, I think it was giving me more of a stomach ache than helping in my comeback to healthiness. Perhaps it isn't miraculous as to cure me of this rotten cold within a few hours but I will follow the same procedure tomorrow in order to be one hundred percent for that intimidating run on Friday! I'll fill you in Friday about how it went but mostly to let you know (cross your fingers) that my legs did not fall off!

Best,

Anne

Impossible!

I call for a re-count! I have had an entire day to ceaselessly comprehend why Ellen DeGeneres did not receive an Emmy for Best Daytime Talk Show. If there was another candidate that actually deserved the coveted crown, I suppose I could find it in my loyal Ellen-loving heart to be happy for this impostor, I mean, rookie. It's hard to be happy when that other candidate who stole the crown from Ellen after she wore it for three well-deserved years is none other than the ear-splitting Rachael Ray. "Yum-o"? More like "Yuck-o". I understand that she may have some good recipes but I find it difficult to truly believe that people enjoy listening to her voice. It's clear that people must find her funny or likeable since she has a talk show. Although I am strongly opposed (alright, completely biased) to her show, I am understanding and realize that I don't have to sit and listen to her. So I do not ever allow her orange lifestyle or raspy, boisterous voice into my daily schedule. Now, I can confirm that there is not a single episode of Ellen that does not get a laugh, cry, or conversation out of me. Her fan base grows by the second because of her hilarious quips. Not only is she good-humored, she is also good-hearted. I cannot add up the donations she gives to charities, the money she gives to those who have lost their jobs, the phone calls she makes to fans (still waiting...), the opportunities she creates for people, and the lasting impressions that are inflicted on our world. WORLD! Simply saying she only influences our country would not be truthful. Countries around the world are constantly sending their love to Ellen! That explains a lot about her impact on those around her and those continents away. I have been going on this rant about how unfair it is but I'm sure Ellen's attitude was a bit less wrathful. I suppose I'll put my thoughts at rest on the topic. I know who deserved it and that's enough for me. Was Rachael Ray ever asked to be featured on the Oprah magazine? I didn't think so. (Catch Ellen on the December 2009 Issue!) Until then, I am looking forward to the new season of Ellen and anxiously await the new guests, new laughs, new dances and new adventures. See you in six days, Ellen.

Best,

Anne