Chicago Marathon In The Books!

my victory !

After months of training and fundraising I finally  ran in the 2013 Chicago Marathon. With the help of many supporters I was able to raise over $3600 to help fund research in the fight against blood cancers. I am extremely proud of myself for these two accomplishments and wouldn't have passed up the opportunity to join in the cause I so dearly care about. 

Next let me tell you how the race went.  first of all traveling with a baby and a hubby is an adventure in it self.  I had never traveled by airplane with a baby and it was not easy.  There is so much stuff to carry and bring.  Its enough to stress you out and it DID!  anyhow we made it to the hotel in one piece and settled in.  We then got to the race expo which was well organized and huge! I was in race over load and bought what I could and left with a tired hungry hubby and baby.  Once we left the expo of course we had Chicago style pizza and wish we ordered more. after the pizza we went to bed and had another day to go before race day, since we arrived on Friday and the race wasn't until Sunday. Anyhow Sunday came and went and we enjoyed the day and sight seen and I rested for most of it.  

The evening before the race we attended an inspiration dinner where all the participants in Sunday's race who fundraised for the leukemia and lymphoma society attended. We were reminded why we were there and are purpose for running.  To raise funds for research and now that we did our part it was time to enjoy our race on Sunday.  After dinner I prepared my gear I was to wear for race day and set out my food I would eat.  my daughter continued to be a curious little thing and was grabbing all my stuff and eating my food and I started to panic . I freaked out a bit but in the end nothing was really non replaceable before the race.   all the while restrictions of what we can and can not bring into the race was running in my mind and I was going nuts on what ifs.  I needed to just go to bed. 

Ok race day arrives and me and two of my buddies set out to race a great race. we meet up in the lobby and I pray with my buddies because I needed Jesus to be with me.  we then got to the race entry and waited in the super long lines for the bathrooms.  we made it to our corral and said if ether of us has to stop we wont wait but it was up to ourselves to catch up.  this was each others individual race.  I had a feeling we wouldn't be together for very long and I was right.

At the beginning of the race we three (Leah Ledesma, me and Jennifer Ibarra) were running great. we saw our loved ones at the 1 mile marker and were moving well.  but at 3 miles we started to spread out and by 6 miles we all were on our own. I knew this was going to happen so I was mentally prepared.  I was on par to finish at 4hrs and 40min if I stuck to my pace. come mile 12-15 I was feeling a little tired and needed a friendly face and that's when I saw my team manager Simone who cheered me on and gave me hug. that was enough to get me to keep going. 

At mile 18 I saw my coach (Tim) I was feeling awful and really was hating life.  Tim reminded me what I had on my shirt and why I was running this distance.  those words kept me going for a few more miles until the wheels came off at mile 22!  I thought I'm going to finish this under 5 hours and get a PR (personal record) then a major debilitating cramp hit on my right side and I had to sit on the side walk.  BAD IDEA apparently every runner passing me shouted "get up" patting me on the back and telling me to get up. another coach from a different organization even said "its all mental now get up!" I was in pain but forced my self up.  I saw the 4:40 pacer in eye sight and pushed forward. I kept up the pace and pushed through the wall.  I ate a small banana on the course that was offered along with a few pretzels. one coach came up to me and asked how I was and I said I need another gu, I ran out . The coach finishing up a gu in his hand says "oh I am all out"  I was ready to punch him in the face. this is now when  I had a few emotional out bursts too. so much so I cried out so loud with sobs I scared a few people and some older men came over and hugged me and said "you can do this!"another man shoved gu in my face and I took it. I thought this marathon would never end. 

By mile 24 I still was on par for a 4:40ish finish even with all the sobbing and cramping. but then boom another cramp and I was done!!! I cried out and sobbed and prayed for this to be over.  so I dug deep down and ran and stopped, walked , ran walked and so on I kept pushing myself to finish. the crowds never ended on this race, so they saw all of me crying and sobbing and yelling in pain. the crowds saw my name on my shirt and shouted " Victoria your so close" Victoria you can do this" Victoria we are so proud of you" each time they shouted out I denied it all.  I was so angry but the crowd cheered louder.  at mile 26 I had meters to go and I could barely run let alone walk and this was on a hill! my PR gone. passed the 5 hour mark for sure so I ripped off the picture I had of my sister on my shoulder and I said " Alex this is all for you baby sister.  I need to finish this. lets do this. I gave the picture a kiss and cried as I pushed forward to the finish line. I knew I needed something a little more.  As I turned the 2nd to last corner I hear "Victoria, over here!" it was scott and my baby ALEX!! I cried out wanting so badly to hug them but there was police blocking the crowd and I couldn't get too close.  but I saw them and scott said " Victoria I love you, you can do this"  I said  " I dont know how but I will" (or something its all a daze now"  then as I turned away from them a police officer looks me in the eye and says "victoria your doing great your almost there" I finally got to the final turn and see the finish . I lift my arms and with a shout " Alex this is for you"  I kiss her picture once more and move to the finish.  I didn't care what the clock said I finished and that's more then many could do.  

The race was big and filled with so many people and expectations.  I had an expectation to finish with a faster time but didn't .  What I did finish with was a spirit of accomplishment and a victory no one could take away.  Someday these stories will be told to my daughter and I don't want to have regrets or tell her I want to forget that race ever happened because it wasn't my best, when in reality it was my best at that time.  I left all I had out there on that race course and I tried and I won because I did what I said I would do. Raise money for cancer and run the Chicago marathon and I did.  

thank you for cheering me on !  until the next one which probably wont be for a while.  

race buddies

mile 13

so happy to be done! 

Double Digit miles!

Wow its been a while huh? I have been hearing from many of my friends about previous blogs I wrote and how inspiring they are. Really? well I guess I better get blogging....

This past weekend I finished a 10 mile run with my run buddy Jen Ibarra who is a great partner.  She listens to me complain and whine about whatever comes to me.  Since it has been two years I am a little rusty at preparing for long runs.  sure I have done a few half marathons since I had my baby, but nothing can compare to full marathon training.  Even though its 10 miles which I have done before for my half's, this ten miles doesn't mean my taper (slowing down before your race day) is near, it means the big long, time consuming miles, 14, 16, 18, 20!!! miles are coming.  Now I have to think twice about what I eat,what I drink before training, and during the week. 

Not only is the training tough at times so is the fundraising. I raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I have to raise $3500 in order to get to my marathon in Chicago.  Sure I could have gone on my own but that's not the point.  The point is while I run its my time to reflect on the world around me and how I can make it better and for me its funding cancer research.  Everyone has their call in life, some go to the far ends of the earth and preach the Gospel, others manage big businesses, while others stay at home and raise their babies.  I am a teacher and love it, I am a wife and blessed with a baby but all this can vanish in a day when cancer comes calling. I lost my sister to cancer and know the pain it has on a family.  

So I run! I run long distances and think happy thoughts and PRAY. Oh yes I pray! Some times for myself but mostly for all the people I know and have heard about. I ask God to help me be the light and today that light is directed on the ugly cancer that is in the waiting for its next victim, but I will not let it have a chance. I want to fundraise as much as I can to help those researching and making great leaps and bounds to find the best treatments and ultimately the cure. 

I look at my family and thank God for them every single day because each day is a gift.  I run for them and I run for YOU! please consider donating to my efforts.  if you have thank you, and if you could pray for the needed funding that would be great too! Click on the link to donate today. 
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/chicago13/vpon

We Are Blessed 

One more Season!!!!

Yes you heard it right I signed up for another TNT season because Cancer isn't Cured yet! 

After having my daughter and figuring out motherhood I wanted to get back to my running and I did. As I was running again with my buddies from Team In Training I missed joining the fight against cancer.  I kept thinking have I done enough? can I do more ? and I can do more, I can do one more season.  There have been one too many deaths from cancer in the past year of people I know and just today I learned another friend has been diagnosed with cancer.  Why is this happening ? The year is 2013!! haven't we progressed enough in science to find a cure yet??? 

Everyday I look at my daughter and think will she have to deal with a loved one with cancer? Will she get cancer? since the lost of my sister Alexandria I fear this and want to do everything in my ability to not have to fear it.  Which is why I run with Team In Training to support an organization that does research to find a cure. This season I will be training for the Chicago Full marathon in October and hope to raise a lot of money and see friends win their battle with cancer.

Please consider joining me in this fight,  donate today and stop this horrible disease from taking another loved one.http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/chicago13/vpon

She has arrived!!! welcome to the world Alexandria Meilin Pon

Alexandria Meilin Pon
born April 10, 2012 at 11:29 am
6lbs 13oz 18 inch long 

It has been a while since I have written a blog and since I have a moment while my little one sleeps I figured time to write.  My last blog was about my final race before I took a sabbatical but then got a chance to run in the Nike Women Marathon a few weeks later I ran that and then stopped racing.  All through out my pregnancy I continued to run until about 6 months and after I couldn't run anymore I continued to go to the gym and work out all the way up until Alexandria was born.  I think because of my exercise and staying  on track with what the doctors asked and watching as much as I could what went in my mouth I had a pretty good pregnancy.  

daddy, mommy and baby!


The road to giving birth to Alexandria didn't have many bumps but the major one was Alexandria being in the breech position at 36 weeks and because of this a natural labor was out of the question and a c-section was needed.  many advised me to have her turned by doctors or try alternative medicine.  I opted not to have baby turned by doctors due to high risks and it didn't sound right.  I did try alternative medicine such as chiropractic care and muscle and pressure point therapy.  Of course nothing worked and Alexandria stayed breech and the c-section was scheduled for April 10th 2012.  

Me, Alex and Dr. Kimberly Lee

                                              


I was  blessed to have my doctor perform the surgery and it to go so smoothly.  I was told by so many people how rough c-sections could be and what will happen.  I was very thankful to know all this and mentally prepare for the c-section.  I prayed for comfort and the strength to do this and God truly answered.  My c-section was to me easy! no vomiting, no allergic reaction to the epidural, and it was only 1hr and 15 mins total.  My husband was by my side and together we waited to hear our baby cry.  as we waited for Alex to come to this world Scott talked to me to get my mind off the surgery (since I was awake for the c-section) we talked about the races I would do, and where I will run next.  while we talked Alex was born at 11:29am on April 10th 2012 and came out with her arms in the air as if she finished a race, just like her mommy would do after all her races.  Alex weighted in at 6lbs 13oz and 18 inch long.  


we stayed at the hospital for about four days and then took our baby home.  since I had a c-section my recover is a little longer then a normal labor would be.  since our home is two stories I am to stay downstairs and not climb them until about 2 weeks after the c-section.  so we moved downstairs and are learning how to care for a infant.  It continues to be a learning curve but my natural instincts as a mother has kicked in and moving right along.  Scott as well is learning but so happy to be a daddy and I have enjoyed watching him love on our daughter.  
while we learned how to care for our infant my grandmother Elida Yebra (my mom's mom) discovered an infection and kidney stones and along with that had a mild stroke the day after Alex was born.  So many family members ran to grandma's side and I was stuck and couldn't share my blessing with her until grandma got better.  after much prayer and a long hospital stay for grandma she was released to go home and return for potential surgery for the kidney stone removal possibly later this week.  needless to stay grandma is getting better and staying strong and she will get to see her great grand baby!

Great Grandma Yebra finally meets Alex

Alexandria Meilin is a blessing from above and has been prayed for before conception and is loved.  God is good and with out Him none of this would come to be.  Thank you family and friends for your support, love and care.  

Psalm 139:14

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.wonderful are your works; my soul knows it well."

The Pon Family 

Yes I am OK! Just taking a walk break

just before we started our race 

Robin and Mary our tag buddies 

Today I ran rock and Roll half in San Jose and it was a blast. my goal was to listen to my body and not over do it and to stick to my run walk system of 2 mins run and 2 mins walk. My friend Maria from work also ran with me and it was her first 1/2 marathon . I knew if I ran with Maria who was a newbie at this would keep me at a good pace. Not once during this race did I feel out of breath or extremely tired. I did start to feel sore in my legs and butt (why who knows) and Maria and I stopped a few times to stretch. The whole time I keep thinking wow this is easy I love this pace and I dont care if people pass me. I did see many friends on the side lines and in the race that I got to thank and cheer on. Around mile 2 or so we ran into my friend Robin and Mary and played tag with them until mile 8 or so. The best part was the cheering from my friends on the sidelines such as Stan who was one of my coaches two years back who cheered me on. The next cheer group was my awesome TNT peeps who were loud and crazy with their cow bells which were at mile 5 or so and they just gave me energy to keep going and to keep my friend Maria going to.

cow bell crew Jen janine and leah but many others not here

approaching mile 12 

As we continued on I started to see more TNT peeps and they looked at me with this strange look and with out words asking "why are you way back here? and why are you walking so much?' finally a good TNT friend Sue ran by my side and said "hi Victoria how are you ? are you doing alright?" with such concern I couldnt hold my secret anymore I shared with her "well I am taking it easy because I am 12 weeks pregnant!!!" I got this big hug from Sue and yet again great support from my awesome friends. I loved sharing my friends with Maria and showing her what it means to run in a race with great support. The next funny look I got was from my friend Mike Z who asked "are you OK?" I laughed and said "yes I am just taking a walk break" I was so surprised with myself and how well I was feeling and good thing too because my friend Maria needed all the support I could give to push her to finish.

mile 10 looking strong 

Around mile 10 my running buddy Maria was feeling the miles and was falling behind but I kept our pace and cheered her on to keep it up. I was so proud of Maria and her will power to keep going. Once I reached close to mile 12 I saw my crazy friends again , the cow bell team and they gave me that boost of energy I needed to keep going. My friend Sue who was out supporting joined me for the next mile or so and ran with me while I cheered every so often to Maria who was falling behind to keep going. Finally we got to the last mile and I was met with my good luck charm Coach Tim who has been there for almost all of my races and once again I shared my secret with him since he knew of Scott and I's struggle to get pregnant. I got a great big hug and encouragement to finish. I Told Maria to run a bit more and she did until we hit the alameda and Maria looked as if she was done. I could have kept running but I wanted to run Maria into her first 1/2 marathon finish so I made a deal with her. The deal was we can walk until we get to the left turn to the finish and then we are going to run in and finish strong. Maria was not looking like she wanted to run when we got to the turn. I grabed her hand and said lets go! I cheered her into the finish shouting " you got this Maria, your a strong mama you can do this, reach deep and push forward almost there" needless to say we finished strong and we celebrated Maria's first Half with a big hug . It was the best moment to be at and I was so proud of my friend Maria and myself.

we finished

Our time wasnt my personal best but its a record to break for Maria and I am proud of that. we finished in 3 hours and 17 min and 10 sec. Now its time for me to slow done hang up my race shoes and pick up some baby booties and grow my baby. until next season run buddies I will see you on the sidelines cheering you on.

Trail to Remember

This past Saturday marked the 12 years my sister closed her eyes to this world and opened them in heaven. Many things have come to pass during these years and I still miss her which will never change. A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to join her with a few others to the Angle Island 12 k run on August 6th. I thought to my self "well that's a day I usually stay away from other people and just sit in solace" I decided to join them and change the trail race into a run to remember.

I haven't been training hard core like many of my friends since I decided to take a break from full marathons this year. But I have been training lightly by running shorter distances and walking up hills rather then charging them. This type of training I thought would not help me for this Angel Island run but it did!

As we all lined up and waited for the count down to hit the trail I reminded myself to enjoy this and take breaks whenever I felt like it. Once we started my friends were off and I trailed in the back of the pack with a smile. I smiled because the Island was soooo beautiful and because I didn't need to prove anything. I was simply here to take time and enjoy the trail and take the needed breaks I longed for when I was training for full marathons. I must say the trail didn't seem super tough. Yes there was hills big ones! but I walked them and looked around thinking of my sister and forgetting the stresses that wait for me in my daily life. I talked to people along the way and took pictures when I remembered to.

The last two miles I flew down the trail since it was down hill and it was a blast. The girl in front of me asked if I wanted to pass and I said "no your doing fine, I like this pace" I followed that girl all the way to the end. usually I want to pass people on the trail but this time I didn't I was ok being at the back of the pack. Alex I am sure was smiling along with me as I ran and hiked this Angel Island trial . It was a great day to remember her and I had her picture pinned to my water pack and a few times I looked down to see her smile in the picture just so I felt like she was

really there. I know she was.

me and friends at lunch

A Runner's Journal entry

Lets do this!

Its been a while since I last wrote here but here I am. A lot has happened since my last race as well. This recent race I ran , The Jungle Run in Los Gatos was suppose to be a great run full of fun. Well let me just say it wasn't.

Lets back up a bit into the reason why I chose to run this Jungle Run. A few months back I experienced some personal set backs and it truly rocked me emotionally and physically to the point I didn't want to run. I love to run and when I stop running and wanting to, there is a problem. I wasn't in the right frame of mind and was struggling. Struggling to find myself again and have faith God can move mountains and me. There were people there who pulled me along and encouraged me during this struggle but it was me and only me who was going to push myself forward. It took courage to say I need help and my loving husband was there to ask me "what do you want to do?" my reply "I want to run and do a race" Scott "then run, race, sign up for what ever you need to get back to yourself".

I knew I needed time to just sit and wait and once I was done feeling sorry for myself I got off the couch and ran. I picked the Jungle Run because it was the only one where I had to quickly ramp up my miles and run to prepare for a half marathon in a few short months from May. I trained and prepared for this suppose easy run. Little did I know it would be an up hill battle the whole way just like my personal struggle.

I will wave hi now cuz im finishing.

Focus....

When race day arrived I felt unsure but ready to run. I chose to do a run walk ratio of 4minute run and 1 min walk . The first Hill I took easy and it felt great but come mile 6.5 I saw how much slower I got and how heavy my legs felt; I knew this was gonna hurt. The race was quiet and everyone seemed focused. There was no crowds to cheer you on and all I had was my own demons discouraging me.

Once I realized this race is not going to be a personal record for me I changed focus and pulled from deep inside of me to push me forward. I felt alone and then told myself you are not, there are people waiting for me to finish, people running cheering me on, and God is there with me the whole way. My angles in Heaven were there too whispering "GO we are here". So I kept going all the way to the finish. clocked in at 2hrs and 20min, not my fastest time nor my slowest but its completed and now on to the next thing. Rest :) and then more running :)

This race was about healing for me and pushing away myself doubt and greatest fears. At my last church service we attended I took away one thing "GOD IS GREATER THEN MY BIGGEST FEAR" Whatever is next for me I know I need not to fear for God is there with me.

Im carrying my medal because I am

too tired to put it on.

Oh the joy of an ice bath :(

Running races is an addiction I need a Meeting

Hello my name is Victoria Pon and my last race was on Dec.11th 2010. Its been one day since I last ran in a race. ok all kidding a side I swear this was a tough race for it only being a half marathon. let me say I decided to sign up for the Summit Rock race in San Born Park right after a run with friends when we were all feeling a natural high after a great trail run. Some one threw out the idea of running this race and we all said ok! to my own surprise I said ok to Janine's suggestion to run the half. only four of us out of 10 or so people did the half portion where the others signed up for the 10k.

All smiles before we start

On the race course I truly had no real understanding how hilly this race would be. It was all up hill until the turn around and all down hill except for mile 8 which was up hill on the way back. There was many moments I questioned my own ability to run or walk. There was one moment I remember when I was coming back down and I had mentally quick this race and stopped on the trail where the sun was breaking through and I was alone because my running buddies had ran a head. I stood still in the sun light to feel the warmth of the sun and said a small prayer to finish. It was a moment I wont forget because I truly was exhausted and ready to just quit. I found it so hard to believe I wanted to quit because it was a half but it felt like I was doing a full marathon. Once I opened my eyes I started to run and find my friends.

When I found my buddies we made a pack to finish together and spit out all our curses before we crossed the finish line. we were soooo tired and ready to finish. when we finally reached the finish line, Janine, Cortney, Ilya and I held hands high and crossed with the crowed cheering us on. It was a rewarding finish for sure and I am so glad I finished and with my friends.

Many are saying they are done with trail racing because of this one. For me I am not but I will say I probably wont sign up for the Summit Half marathon any time soon. It was hard but because I finished and survived with out a fall like many of my friends I am less scared and busied. So heres to the future trail blazers!

Beautiful trail we ran through.

Nike Dance to the Finish!

Super women who run AKA: me and my run buddy Pim

To wrap up this crazy running season I ran one more race a week after my full marathon. Yes I am crazy I know this but being ordinary isn’t my cup of tea. I like to be extraordinary! The night before my ½ marathon I attended an inspiration dinner where I sat among thousands of women and men who were running the Nike race for a great cause. That evening a woman gave a story about her sister Nancy who was brave and fought cancer but cancer won. I was in tears yet again but so encouraged to see her and her family running this race for others and to bring honor to her sister Nancy. After the dinner and speech I caught up with a high school buddy named Claire who I haven’t seen since high school. Clare and I chatted quickly but before we said good bye she pulled out her race jersey and I thought “cool shirt “Claire pointed to a special name on the back of her shirt and it had my Sister Alex’s name on it. I nearly fell in to tears with such honor. Claire smiled and said “of course I would put her name on it” I hugged Claire and thanked her for her efforts towards this great cause and we parted ways to get much needed sleep for our race.

me running with a great view of the ocean

The next morning I laced up my shoes and prepared for my race. This time I was calm and ready to just have some fun. I had a friend along with me named Pim who had just run not only a marathon last week, but a half marathon the week before her marathon. So Pim was as we sports fan say performing a hat trick and running a third race within 3 weeks. Yes we runners are nuts but we love why we do it.

It took us a while to even cross the start due to the fact this Nike race in San Francisco is so crowded with over 28,000 people running in it. We ran and walked with a run 4 min and walk 1 min routine. We took pictures and laughed and danced the whole way to the finish. At Mile 6 or so I was surprised to see my dad on the side lines. Before I started the race my brother texted me “dad is coming to see you race” I thought “ok where?” Needless to say I saw my dad and it was so cool sense I had no idea where I would see him. I happen to scan the side lines after this hill we just climbed and I saw my sister Shelia and then my dad followed by my brother Jared. I gave them all hugs and thanked them for coming out. Seeing them helped me climb the rest of those hills for miles.

After passing certain miles I saw faces of the people who have helped me along the way. Staff such as coach Kris, coach Tim, Captain Jessi , my Friend Janine and many more. It was so great to hear them say “you’re looking strong !” “Keep it up”. What an inspiration for me to have such great people encouraging me along the whole way.

When mile 11 came there was a sign separating the full and half marathon part of this race. As I passed this sign I shouted “after 3 times running this race I finally got smart and chose to do the half whoo hoo” When mile 12 came around I looked one last time at my watch and told Pim “lets run this last mile in” Pim quietly agreed and off we went. We ran quickly passing people left and right. As we turned the corner I saw the finish and we ran for it. I thought to myself “I don’t know when I will return to this race so enjoy it”. I looked in the crowd for my brother Jerry and Husband . I looked at my watch and saw I had a few seconds before 2 hrs and 30min pass which was kinda what I wanted to clock in at. So I took the last seconds to DANCE! That’s right I danced to the finish and then I heard my name “VICTORIA!!!” there they were Jerry and Scott smiling away! I waved to them and turned to finish with a big skip across the finish and a look to the sky thanking God for this victory and a wave to my Sister Alex from heaven.

Thank you all for such a great season of encouragement and love and support without each of you I couldn’t cross that finish line. I am not sure when I will run a marathon again but when I do decide you can bet I will take you all with me again for another great ride!

Me celebrating my victory of a great race with some more dancing on stage with my amazing Team! (im the one in the pink shirt )

Victoria Marathon

Costal view while I ran in Victoria

This marathon was number 4 for me and I was determined to beat my personal record of 4:45min. The date of the marathon 10-10-10 had all the potential to be the race I would break my record. But before I go in to detail about my race let me back up a day before. We arrived in Victoria British Columbia Saturday before the race and settled in nicely at our hotel. After our inspirational dinner we all sat around at the hotel Bar drinking our waters. A question was asked to us all running the marathon as to how we are feeling. My reply was “nauseous” yes that’s right I felt sick for reasons unknown to me which carried all the way to through the race. I went to bed that night praying for great weather, rest and a good day for all.

The Marathon Team with me in the middle with a black hat on

Race day finally arrived and I lined up with my Friend Pim and her Boyfriend Ron who were running the full as well. I kissed Scott as he wished me good luck and then the gun goes off and away I went. I was running this marathon by myself with no partner to run with so I had to play a mental game the whole race. For miles 1-20 I hit all my race goals making time fly and I kept telling myself I am going to crush my record at this pace if only this stupid stomach would work with me. Yes my nauseous feeling never went away. I was drinking plenty of water but I think the pressure I put on myself to finish in record time got to me and I couldn’t push pass myself. At Mile 10 or so Coach Stacy saw me and gave me salt to help my stomach but that didn’t help me. As I ran I saw fellow runners I have trained with on the other side pass me with coaches and mentors encouraging them along. The coaches said to me from the other side “I will catch you on the turn-around.” So I figured great I will get help when I turn around. Well I never saw anyone again after mile 15 or so. I kept looking for encouragement and people to cheer me on but none to be had. I prayed “God please let me finish this I hurt so bad.” Each time I prayed a person running would say a word of encouragement to help me to keep going. One man who was running near me read the back of my shirt. While I was talking to myself the man asked “who is Alex to you?” I said “What? Oh she is my sister who passed away I run for her” the man replies “That’s a strong name. I am sure with that name you will get strength. I have a brother named Alex. Such a strong name. Keep going.” I replied with a thank you and ran ahead.

This race I thought I would finish it strong and amazing but to my surprise I finished it differently. At mile 20, I hit my time goal of 3hrs and 30+ min right on target for my goal. All I had to do was finish 6 more miles. Easier said than done. Mile 21 came and all my strength and will power was gone and so was my goal to finish at 4hrs and 30min. As I got to mile 25 I took one last look at my watch and it read 4hrs and 28 min. No way would I finish 1.2 miles in two minutes. I wanted to cry, I wanted to lay down on the floor and sleep; I wanted to drink lots of water but most of all I wanted to STOP! There was no one there to support me, until I saw Mike Z, one of the captains on our team. He ran with me and I told him to tell me to keep going and that I can do this. He did and then he passed me on to my Coach Tim, who has ran me in, in all of my marathon finishes and this one too. Tim saw me and I started to cry a lot! He asked “why are you so upset? Were you trying for a PR (Personal record)?” I replied with a big cry “yes! But it doesn’t matter, that’s not why I run” He took my head and then rubbed my back and said “you run for all these names on your back you have all these angles to push you across the finish line” As I sobbed in my arm and Tim holding my hand pushing me on I mustered up the last bit of strength to finish my 400 meters I had to go. Coach Tim let go of my hand and I had to finish on my own. I screamed as I ran pushing my body to the limit and as I saw the finish line I thanked God as I reached for the sky and pointed while thinking “another race complete for you Alex” As I ran into the finish I nearly fell over in pain. The medics told me to not stop and keep moving. I moved with the Medic helping me until my team manager Simone came to take over and then I totally lost it. I cried like a baby in my manager’s arms, and again my manager asks “What’s wrong?” I said while I sobbed “I hurt so bad, why the hell did I do this, this sucks. I am soooo tired.” Simone then asked “ do you want to take a picture with your medal? “ I said “no, wait, I don’t know?” she said “yes you do, let’s take your picture, now pretend to be happy and smile” I smiled and proceeded to walk to Scott and kissed him through the fence and then walked to my snacks the race provided.

My dramatic finish

Proud Coach Tim and I

Scott helped me walk back to the hotel and then the ritual of an ice bath came followed by a long awaited Nap. I rested a bit and then I celebrated with my team later that night. It wasn’t until I was dancing with my Team (yes dancing, it helps recovery) I realized I just did a marathon. The whole time after I finished my race I was so angry with myself for not reaching my time goal and only clocking in at 4hrs and 46 min. I failed to realize what a big accomplishment I had completed today. Not only did I raise over $3000 for this great cause I ran my 4th marathon!
I want to thank all of you my supporters for your help and encouragement to reach my goals of raising money and running this marathon. I have a half marathon still to go this coming weekend at the Nike race but without all of you I couldn’t do any of this. Stay tuned for my final update on my Nike race this weekend on Oct 17th.

Me and I biggest supporter my husband Scott

Go Team!

Final Thoughts Before My Races

Well I just have a few days before I start my marathon in Canada. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. Nervous about the weather, my running pace , and running 26.2 miles without a person to speak too for a good long time. I know I am going to finish it but I wanted to stop and take a moment and thank each of you who have continued to encourage and support me. I only have a few names on my shirt of people who survived cancer or are no longer with us because of it. I could have filled up my shirt with names but I still wouldn’t have enough room to put all the names. So the names I choose were names some of you sent in and some I have prayed for and kept in mind while training. The list is this:

Alex (my sister who passed away 11 years ago)
Siobhan (passed away 6 months ago)
Cece Bell (passed away)
Kitty Pon (survivor)
Evan (currently battling)
Erik

Howard Harris (passed away)

Mario (battling)

Alex Solis (battling)

Grace Collins ( passed away)

Sandi Cuddie (battling)

My verse for these races is this from Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afarid, or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go".

Please keep me and my team in your thoughts and prayers as we race these next two weekends. My marathon is this Sunday Oct 10th and I run another race Oct 17th a half marathon in san Francisco. Until the finish line see ya later!

My final run along California coast

What a beautiful place to run along the coast in Monterey! I was so blessed to have great friends at my back and a scenic route before me. Each step I took along this 13 mile training run was a reflection of how far I have come from day one of ever running. I glared at the ocean which went on for miles and back at my friends as they laughed and cheered me on ward. I had the best time on this run and I must say it was by far the most fun I have had on a run in a long time. I must mention my husband was there to support me and my team by helping at a water stop and his support always means a lot to me on these runs.

Fun group of buddies at my back

This will be my second to last post before I Toe the line at the Royal Victoria race in Canada and would like to ask you all to please send names of loved ones you would like me to run for. Every year I ask because these names bring me inspiration and strength when I run my marathons. Even if its the same name form last year send it in.

I want to thank all of you who have given to my fundraising efforts this year and if you haven't and would like to please do so today! I am soooo close to my personal goal of $3000 I need a near $100 to reach it!!!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/RoyalVic10/pon

Until next time ; Go Team!

Look at the view!

20 miles at Natural Bridges

Wow I am so glad I have finished my 20 mile training and now my mileage will go down as I prep for my marathon in October. Today going into this run I had nothing on my mind just "lets get this over with". Sue Funk joined me again for this run and it was great to have a partner for half of the run. I say half because Sue wasn't feeling well and had to turn around at mile ten. I on the other hand was feeling great and running strong until I got to mile 13. once I reached mile 13 I knew I have another 7 miles to go. I had no idea how I was going to finish this and continued my running pace I needed to meet my time goal of 3hrs and 30mins.

As I pushed myself I dug deep with in as I usually do and again I laughed because the last time I was at Santa Cruz with my sister she didn't have fun. My sister Alex had such an attitude at times and would let you know it if she didn't want to do something. so reaching into my memory bank I remembered when Alex wasn't so happy with our trip to the beach one time and as I was running today I could hear my sister saying "your on your own with this run, I didn't like it here before and now look at you running 20 miles and hating it good luck with that" I smiled and thought yeah she would say that. I ignored the thought and looked at what I loved! This run is mine today, I love the beach but my sister didnt love it like I do. In a way my sister told me to run this 20 miles for myself because I have come to love running.

Needless to say I finished my 20 miles with in 3hrs and 35mins.! and if I consider the marathon distance I just might make my goal of 4hrs and 30 something minutes with 26.2 miles. whoo hoo 4 more weeks before race day!

(The trail I ran along for about 8 miles)

Thanks again for all your support in this I am just $600 away from my goal of $3000. Together we can make a difference and stop cancer donate today !

click here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/RoyalVic10/pon

My running buddy sue on the right and friends along the way on the left!

18 miles and still going!

This past Saturday in San Francisco I ran with my Team In Training Group 18 miles. My last blog I posted how lonely I was and of course people read this and replied with "what ?? you should run with us" I felt so loved to have such a great team that not only cares about my training and fundraising but about my enjoyment too.

When I began my run Sue Funk said to join her and Lydia Sanchez since we all were running 5minutes and walking a minute. So I joined them and had a great run all the while talking about life and whatever came to mind. Sometime during the run Lydia had to make a bathroom break and was falling behind just a bit so told us to keep going since we were moving faster. We thought should we wait? we made the choice to go ahead not knowing Lydia would soon get lost on the trail. Off we went Sue and I and we did rather well but when we got to our turn around water station we checked to see if Lydia checked in and no she hadn't. We knew we had a lot of people out and our Team Manager was looking for her on her bike so we continued on our run.

At mile 16 Sue and I were feeling like crap and hating the run around Lake Merced. I wanted to be done with this run and was finding it hard to keep going. As soon as I was beginning to hate this run I ran past a shooting range. I heard the guns shooting and it triggered a memory of my sister Alex. I remembered when my dad took me and my sister to the shooting range and with every target that was put in front of my sister she was hitting them. We had a blast that day and the memory of it made me smile. I soon realized it was a reminder why I run and to keep going and finish strong and on target like my sister would want.

At Mile 17 Sue decided to walk the rest in and I said good bye and finished my 18 mile run. As I waved good bye I stepped up my pace so I could finish this run soon. As I got closer to 18 miles I realized the course was marked longer then it should be and in fact this 18 mile course is more then 18 miles it was more like 18.5 miles. Once my watch told me I completed 18 miles I slowed my run down and I started my cool down. I finished my run strong and with a smile and enjoyed a great accomplishment with some amazing friends.

By the way Lydia was later found by our Team Manager Simone and was escorted the rest of the way :)

Thanks again to all who have donated to my cause and just as a reminder to those who still plan to donate please do so soon so I can make my deadline of Sept. 20th and my goal of $3000. Click here to donate: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/RoyalVic10/pon

Me and my friends enjoying our much deserved rest.