I Did It!

Well I've reached the finish line! I finally have enough energy to write my final blog! First and foremost another "Thank You!!" The support and love I felt since November has been incomparable.

Despite the wintry NY weather I got to New Orleans, LA Friday night as planned. I went straight to bed as directed by my coach. My heart beat was racing because I was there, and now it was real!

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early for a light team run to shake out the nerves and to get to know my team! We went out for breakfast and had the rest of the day to pick up our racing bibs and be tourists in the magical city that is NOLA! I loved it, from the historical antique shops, to the art, to the jazz music everywhere it was great. My first day I didn't spend much time tasting the spicy foods just to be safe for my race.

Saturday night was the Team in Training Inspirational dinner. I thought watching Rocky and Miracle were inspiring but after listening to the real motivation behind why I was running opened my eyes exponentially and I was READY TO GO! We heard from a survivor who was now walking in the half marathon as well as other stories of how people were touched by this disease. With over 400 Team and Training participants at The New Orleans Rock n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon, collectively we raised over 1.2 million dollars!!!!! AMAZING!!

Trying to fall asleep was the hardest thing to do Saturday night, but at 4:15 when the alarm sounded I bounced out of bed called Boyfriend for some last words of wisdom and met my team for the walk to the start line.

7:00 and a brisk but tolerable 40-45 degrees we were waiting to approach the start line. Over 16,000 participants ran in this event!! Finally around 7:30am we crossed the start and my heart was beating out of my chest!! I ran with my friend Meach and new teammate, Danielle that we met. We finished our first mile in 11 minutes and 24 seconds and were pretty consistent the whole way through.

About 2 hours and 26 minutes later we were half way done! Running beside the street cars on St. Charles street, passing the cafes on Decatur, and through most of the French Quarter. We got to view the beautiful houses along St. Charles and Chartres St and passing the BEAUTIFUL St. Louis Cathedral and Mausoleum. Everything was gorgeous and and I was really able to take it all in.

We ran though Audubon Park where Drew Brees, the infamous Saint's Quarterback takes his morning jogs and through City Park where we saw Pelicans and lot of fluffy white ibis birds perched in the trees!

It seems like miles 1-17 flew by....then we started running down a road behind City Park that seemed to go on forever. There were no bands, no spectators, no trees, nothing and that is where I wanted the run to be over. However we didn't stop. I was in my most positive state of mind and nothing was getting in between me and the finish line. Also, Thank goodness for my strong running partner Meach because her ability to stay strong from miles 18-24 kept me going!

Still consistent with our 11:20 miles we kept on trucking! Mile 24 came I saw the final turn into City Park...it was here, 2.2 more miles! At mile 25 my coach began to run with me and although Mile 25-26.2 was the longest mile of my life, I DID IT.

Meach and I crossed the finish line hand in hand, in what felt like slow motion but WE DID IT! We were crying, we were laughing, and it felt like each of my feelings were on steroids. Once in a lifetime is an understatement. My mentor quickly ran up to me "You're a hero" and honestly I felt like one! I was able to push myself through 4 hours and 58 minutes of running for a great cause and I felt incredible, yet in the worst pain of my life...but thankful that I can experience that pain! I completed my goal to finish running, not walking at all and I broke 5 hours in doing so!

3 days later I still feel very sore and I'm slowly gaining more energy - I am ready to take on what life hands me - Not sure what my next goal will be but I am so proud of myself and thankful for everyone who was there for me!!

So with that, Thank you!
Respectfully yours,
Lindsay :)

Fundraising Down, Marathon To Go!

I have reached my fundraising goal for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.I could not have done this without your help and I give a sincere and wholehearted thank you!!

With only days left till my marathon I can only let you know that it has been quite the journey. Training in the cold weather and in the gym has prepared me for what I'm about to accomplish. Leaning on my friends and family, and the support of my Virtual Team in Training teammates has also helped immensely. Conference calls for nutrition, stretching techniques, marathon visualization techniques, inspirational movies (Rudy, Rocky, Miracle, etc) and lots of self discipline has physically and emotionally prepared me for Sunday.

26.2 miles ain't got nothin' on me ;)

The weather in New Orleans will be in the mid- 60s and Sunny, since the last time I checked. There is a chance of rain on Friday but hopefully that will take care of any humidity. The course is flat (woo!) with elevation peaking at a whopping 35 feet!! I've got my sneakers, TNT pinny, Nathan pouch, my power bars and sports beans all packed. My flight is tomorrow evening, pending weather! Fingers crossed.

Saturday night we have a Team in Training inspiration dinner where I will get to meet my teammates as well as survivors who will share their story of how The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has touched there lives.I will keep you posted after my race with my results. My goal is to finish running and to HAVE FUN. I can now go into my race with a HUGE feeling of accomplishment because of the support you have provided me with throughout my fundraising efforts.

Thank you and Happy Running!!!!

Lindsay Pirozzi

In case you were wondering...

Hi All!

As the days wind down, with just over a week to go...I thought you may be interested in what a Marathon trainee does the week before! My friend from High School, Rory, just completed his first marathon in Phoenix, within the past month. This was his first endurance event and he also completed it with Team in Training's support. Since finding out about his accomplishment we have been connecting, aka I'm trying to get every possible detail out of him in order to be completely prepared. So take a look at the upcoming week in the life of a marathon trainee!! Thank you again, Rory!!

Lindsay,

You're almost there...Hope you're getting excited! Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster of a week coming up. As you are tapering and exercising less, your body is in the process of repairing itself. This will undoubtedly cause various aches and pains. Don't be alarmed by these, as they are completely normal. At the same time, mentally, you're going to be up and down battling excitement, nervousness, anxiousness, fear, confidence, and about 1,000 other emotions. All I can tell you is that you're not alone, and it's completely normal.

I spent the entire week before the marathon on my couch resting up, when all I wanted to do was go outside an run. You are prepared enough, and any additional running will not make a difference for race day. You're better off resting up and keeping your mind focused on other things.

Here is a bit of advice on "the week before" preparation from a good friend of mine who has run several marathons and was kind enough to pass along to me:

With regard to this week, here’s my approach and my suggested approach:
1. HYDRATE
2. EAT
3. REST
It’s really that simple.

Starting today drink as much water as you possibly can. Try to get down 3-4 liters each day of this week. You’ll be peeing every 15 minutes earlier in the week but you’ll be saturated later in the week and your bladder will be able to handle it better. You’ll want your body to be as hydrated as possible and you’ll want to be able to absorb a lot of water on race morning … the only way to do that is to start drinking yourself silly now. (of course don’t drown yourself … really no need to consume much more than a gallon or so in a day).

Start eating a LOT … but in the right way (of course this may be a bit different for me and my extreme metabolism). BUT, the key is to eat VERY well this week. Basically try to avoid any crap that could seemingly slow you down. Avoid: grease, trans fat, sweets (including soda), creams, etc. Consume: lots of lean meats, lots of pasta (especially at lunches so you process it all), lots of vegetables, sauces, oatmeal, etc. Mainly looking for a lot of complex carbohydrates and lots of proteins … and not a whole lot else.

The key will be Thursday and Friday … you’ll want a lot of carbs those two days and nights. It’s a bit of a myth that you should pound pasta the night before the race … at that point you really need proteins more (though I always have pasta WITH it because I figure it can’t hurt).

Oh, and consume lots of salt. Put it on everything. Forget about cholesterol for this one week … you need the salt in your body (again, especially the nights before the race) to help you absorb all the water and stay hydrated. (new information to me!)

Get as much sleep as you can. Don’t stress your body more than you have to. Don’t go to the gym this week … except if you want to do a stretching session.

Follow the running plan for the week and only that. Give your muscles (all of them) the whole week to recover so you are primed for the weekend. If you workout you’ll fatigue your CORE and you will need that tip-top more than any other part of your body for the race … trust me, your core is what carries you through the last 10K. With regard to sleep, try to get to bed early on Thursday and then on Friday. The sleep you get Saturday night (which won’t be much if you’re like 95% of the population) is farrrr less important than the sleep you get on Friday night. Thursday is straight butter.

Other things to do this week:- Pack before Thursday so you don’t have much to do and can go to sleep early.
For the plane: make SURE that everything you need for the marathon itself (aside from GU) … shoes, shorts, socks, singlet, etc … are either in your carry-on or on your body. Dress comfortably for the flight.
Stretch … but nothing you wouldn’t do normally or haven’t done recently … and make sure your muscles are warm as not to strain anything at this point.
Wear your marathon running shoes when you’re just hanging out/ lounging around/ going out to meet people. Just to make sure that they are broken in and settled around your foot. Do everything you can to avoid potential blisters … do not wear flip-flops, until the race is done. You don’t want to get weird chafing on your feet. Treat your feet like gods this week – you need them.

Mainly, have fun. You don’t need to be home, alone, bored and asleep at 7pm every day or anything. Not bad to throw in a bunch of movies this week, though … I always tend to watch: Rocky, Miracle, Hoosiers and maybe others in the week leading up. Figure it can’t hurt. I make my play list for race morning, too. Something to listen to early in the morning before the race and while killing time before the run. I do not run the race with headphones, though … I’ve never understood that … you’re surrounded by people cheering you on and often calling you by name (oh, yeah, put your name on the front of your race shirt with marker) and why would you want to zone that out?"

Get ready for one of the most exciting weekends of your life.Good luck, and be sure to check in with me next week!


With that said....
I-CAN'T-WAIT!!!!

10 days away!

Hi Everyone

As I "run" down the final stretch of training I want to just give my warmest, most appreciated, THANK YOU! Everyone who has been following this blog, emailed me with tips, donated, asked your friends to donate, and trained with me...you have in turn made me work harder and put forth the positive energy I need to complete, what will be, my most significant accomplishment to date. All while raising money for an amazing organization!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training has been true to their words that they WILL get you ready come race day. Last night we had our last conference call before we depart for New Orleans next week.
All the Virtual Team in Trainer's processed questions, nerves, concerns and walked away with a great excitement for what's to come!!

I have my last "long" run this weekend...it will be 8 miles. This week I have completed 4 miles....6 today and 4 more tomorrow. I will do the 8 on Saturday! I have been keeping tabs on my nutrition even though Valentine's Day Candy is everywhere! I am trying my hardest to stay away so that I conserve every bit of energy. From here on I am vowing to get my 7-8 hours of sleep each night too! Boyfriend gave me a useful tip and I have been drinking Pedialyte each day, on top of my regular water consumption, to restore my electrolytes and stay as hydrated as possible!

I received my TNT singlet in the mail and plan to rock it with pride come race day!! My flight and hotel are booked, New Orleans better be prepared for me!! After all is said and done my ultimate goal is to finish running, i have been less concerned with pace as of late because I find, for me, I am stronger when I start off slowly. I have more endurance, energy and feel a lot better than giving it my all within the first half of the run.

I have been thinking a lot about positive mantras that I can repeat when I feel myself starting to get tired. Mine, so far, include: 'You're well prepared" "I am a strong healthy woman" "STRENGTH, COURAGE, POWER" and lastly "smileeeee and dance to the music"
I believe that if I don't let negative thoughts creep in then I can conquer! I am aware of my energy levels at each mile mark from training so I know when to start implementing these mantras.

I CAN DO IT!!

I have not reached my entire goal yet so please continue to donate to my fundraising efforts as I have been devoting my effort to training for my endurance event that will bring hope to those affected by blood cancers.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/mardigra10/lpirozzi


Happy Running
LP

Tapering feels like heaven...

Hi Everyone - just a quick training update! I have entered the "tapering" phase of training! What is tapering you ask?

"Tapering is just what it sounds like, a gradual decrease in weekly mileage. The purpose is to let your body recover completely from any fatigue or minor injuries that may exist. It also allows your body to build and store glycogen. This is important fuel for your muscles come event day. However the workouts that you still need to do during this time are very important. You still need to stress your body but just not as much as during the buildup period. By the time the event comes around you will be all charged up and ready to go.

It is tempting to want to continue to increase the mileage right up to the event. Do not make this mistake. The taper period is very important to your achieving a successful finish."

I disagree with the last sentence, I am not tempted at all to continue to increase miles - hehe - i am fine with waiting till race day!

With that said, this weekend I have a 15 mile run ahead of me. Luckily, for the sake of my run, upstate NY did not get more than a dusting of snow.

I hope that everyone is enjoying there snows days, if you are so lucky, and if not I hope you all have fabulous Valentine's Day weekends spent with friends, family and loved ones!

I am counting down till the big day and I could not be more excited!!

Please continue to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to wipe out blood cancers and bring hope to those who are touched with it.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/mardigra10/lpirozzi

Happy Running!

LP

The New Orleans Saints!

How fitting!! I am thrilled The Saints won the Superbowl - in 3 short weeks I'll be in New Orleans running my first marathon and celebrating the first Superbowl win!!

The winners of the Team In Training Superbowl Pool were:

Nikki Peterson at halftime with the lucky box #34 that represented Saints 6, Colts 0!
Congratulations Nikki, $100 dollars!

and

Ali Meacham for the final score winner with the lucky box #92 that represented Saints 1 and Colts 7!
Congratulations Meach, $400 dollars!


Over all this was fundraiser added $150 dollars to my Team in Training event!! Thanks to everyone who participated!

Please continue to donate at
http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/mardigra10/lpirozzi

Happy Running!

20 miles, Surprises and Superbowl!

Hi everyone, long time no post. My apologies!

The past couple of weeks I've been busy with work, training and most importantly birthday celebrations! Mine, my boyfriends and my boyfriend's roommate's! The past 2 weeks have been full of FUN!

Training updates: The past 2 weeks I have been consistent with my weekly miles. Logging about 4 to 5 miles average 3 x per week with my long run and a quick mile or two the day following my long run to keep me loose.

This past weekend I completed my 20 mile run. The longest distance I'll have to complete until my race, which by the way is 21 days away, 21 DAYS!!! I was nervous preparing for it because the previous 18 miles left a lot to be desired.

I hit the pavement early morning because I had a good 4 hours ahead of me. I felt good for the first 10 miles and took a 10 minute break in between to change my clothes. It was a chilly 29 degrees and after the first 10 miles the sweat was making me chilly, hence the change of clothes. I felt fresh heading out on the next time, I refueled during the break with powerbar/powerade (blue) combo - and trailed along. I felt strong and happy, and I think the later of the two feelings is most important. I had a much better week going into my 20 miles in comparison to the 18 miler. But hey...Any Given Sunday, right? I ran all the way to mile 18, where I needed to walk a little because I was frozen and also a little dehydrated as I was envisioning crystal pools of water pouring into my mouth.

I walked about 50 yards, then picked up the pace because IT WAS COLD...and I was hungry, thirsty and tired of running ...I ran all the way to 19.75 miles and walked the last quarter mile. I finished. THRILLED! Chugged some chocolate milk and fell asleep in a matter of minutes, pleased as could be.

The following three weeks consists of the regular weekly miles but instead of increasing the mileage on the long runs I only have to complete a 15 miler and an 8 miler! THEN RACE TIME!

The rest of the weekend was spent surprising boyfriend with a small party for his 25th! Got in touch with a bunch of his friends from school and Saturday night we all got him good! He loved it, and seemed as if he had one of the best nights of his 25 year long existence. I loved seeing him laughing with all his friends, cheesy, but it really makes me happy to see him so happy ...awww :)

This evening we're laying low, Superbowl Sunday in pajama's and dozing off in between plays! Which is fine by me, 20 miles make a girl pretty tired...how am I going to be able to sustain the post-race festivities in NOLA come February 28th!??? I'm rooting for the Saints as I'll be in their lovely home town in 3 weeks and I think it will be very uplifting and an experience to remember to run my first marathon in the town of a first time Superbowl champions!

Winners of my Superbowl Pool for Team in Training will be posted tomorrow!

Til next time...

Happy Running!

LP