Rock Philly Rocky Style

For first-time visitors, I ran the Philadelphia Marathon this past weekend to celebrate turning 27. It's an unremarkable year -- unlike turning 18, 21, 30 or 40 -- but I wanted to make it memorable doing something I love: running.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate my birthday. To find out why, keep on reading.


Friday
I flew into Philadelphia Friday afternoon. My friend and host, Shruti, whisked me away from the airport and treated me to dinner at Dim Sum Garden downtown for my birthday. I will eat dumplings with her again any day. Yum! After dinner, we stopped at a charity event at Mad River. I drank water. We ended the night at Penn, where we watched undergrad and graduate students put on a swing dance show.

Ben, who had been in Minneapolis, got into town around 10:30 p.m. I knew I needed rest in preparation for the marathon, but Shruti, her husband Ravi, Ben and I stayed up until about midnight talking.

Saturday
I woke up to homemade Chai tea and broiled cinnamon and sugar toast, thanks to Shruti. This simple breakfast is a new favorite of mine.

Following breakfast, Ben and I made our way down to the Philadelphia Convention Center. It was within walking distance, but Shruti recommended Ben and I take the bus to save our legs for race day. She walked us to the bus stop (such a good host!). A few blocks into our ride, the bus died. We ended up hiking over to the convention center!

The expo was busy, but not crazy or overwhelming. We made our rounds and visited every both. Runners' World had set up a booth, and Bart Yasso, the magazine's chief running officer and author of "My Life on the Run", was there. Thanks to Ben's persistence, we got a photo with Bart!

Brady, Bart Yasso, Ben

Following the expo, we met up for lunch with about 18 people, many of whom I've connected with through Twitter. Many thanks to Erica Sara @ericasara for organizing lunch. I finally got to meet Joe Whelan @RgulrJoeRunning, who helped convince me to run Philadelphia Marathon with his detailed account of the race. I also got to see Sam Felsenfeld @operationjack again. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think about how Sam has run 56 marathons in 2010 and counting.

Ben and I spent the rest of the day relaxing. We saw the latest Harry Potter flick, and we enjoyed a home cooked meal before turning in for the night. 


Sunday
All week leading up to the race, I had giant butterflies in my stomach. I received a lot of love and support from Twitter friends. However, the more support I received, the more pressure I felt to perform well. While I went into the marathon hoping to PR (achieve a personal best), I didn't know if I could six weeks after a marathon. Ben had told me not to expect much.

Then, two days before the marathon, I received this message from a Twitter friend:

Just have fun... Soak in the moment...your birthday..the spirit of your dad...and the love of many...will be cheering for you!

I needed that. I recalled this message throughout the race, and it gave me such peace.

On race day morning, I felt calm.

Our friends with whom we were staying lived a few blocks from the race. The start time was 7 a.m., so Ben and I (did I mention he ran the marathon, too) left about 6:20 a.m. to make sure we'd have time to navigate the corrals and use the bathroom.

The gun went off at 7, but I didn't cross the line until about 7:20 a.m.I settled into nice, comfortable pace that I planned to hold for at least the first half. I didn't want to go out too fast because I knew I'd encounter several hills during the first half, and I hadn't trained much on hills.

Around mile 13, I slowly picked up the pace. The last 13 miles were out-and-back. Normally, I find this annoying on a race course. But I knew there would be no surprises during the last few miles, and I liked that. Going out, I saw fastest racers coming back into the city. They inspired me. I also saw @operationjack looking tough in his pink arm warmers.

By mile 20, I knew I'd have to pick it up even more to achieve a PR. My legs felt great, so I tried to run each of the last five to six miles faster than the other. Around mile 23 or 24, I let out my signature grunt and turned on the thrusters.

I finished in 4 hours, 7 minutes -- around four minutes faster than my previous PR. Yes!

Isn't she pretty?

I was ecstatic -- and still am -- over the PR. But (there's always a "but" with me), I know I have it in me to perform even better, break four hours and eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon. Sunday's race gave me that knowledge and confidence. I couldn't ask for a better birthday gift.

P.S. I need to add that Shruti and Ravi made our marathon experience even more memorable through their generosity. They provided us with a warm bed and hot shower, made sure we got to where we needed to be always, fed us yummy food and showed us around town. They both had to work Sunday, yet they came out and cheered for Ben and me at mile 13 with creative signs! Upon our return to their apartment after the marathon, they had chocolates and ibuprofen waiting for us.When I think of the Philadelphia Marathon, I will always think of them.

Feeling Restored

Some people celebrate their birthday going out on the town or throwing a party. Some take a vacation. Others might pamper themselves. Me? I'm running a marathon.

If this isn't your first time here, then you know I'm running the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday to celebrate turning 27. While it's not a milestone year, I want to honor it by doing something memorable. For me, the marathon is about as memorable as it gets.

Since running the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 10, my interest in running Philly has waned. I've had some serious mixed feelings about running this marathon. I felt emotionally spent after Chicago. I gave myself over to training and fund-raising for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. I found myself making deals with God over my once-fractured foot prior to the Chicago Marathon. Understandably I became more concerned about my body post marathon. I also questioned the point of running a second marathon this fall. While I'd like to snatch a PR (personal best) in Philly, I wondered if it was even possible.

Saturday brunch at Perennial with major runnerds.

All of my worries and self-doubt disappeared Saturday when I ran with friends I've made through Twitter. Kate @krzimmer and Michael @Bama26Point2 organized a run and brunch for about a dozen of us. During our 8-mile run and later over food, we talked about running, goals, life. As I ran with Alek @alekbabel, Sean @princess_sean and John @phampants, I felt restored as a runner. My anxiety over Philly was replaced with enthusiasm.

Because of Twitter, I've found a community of runners who love the sport just as much, if not more so, than I do. They are a driven, smart, entertaining and, most important, very supportive bunch of people. They hold me accountable. They make me want to be a better runner and human being. They motivate me.

Some friends and family have questioned my decision to run two marathons in six weeks. There are times when I, too, question my sanity. Then I think of these guys, whom I've come to know through Twitter:

Sam @operationjack: He is running 61 marathons this year in honor of his son, Jack, who has autism. He doesn't consider himself a hero, but he's one to me. Whenever I question pushing myself, I think of him.

Joe @RgulrJoeRunning: To date, he has run three marathons this year, and he is about to run Philly. He is the runner who convinced me to run this marathon. Had it not been for his incredibly detailed and thoughtful description of the race, I might not have signed up. His love for the sport is contagious, and he's one of the most supportive runners I know. I can't wait to meet him in real life on Saturday. He's also a gifted writer, so please check out his blog.

Dave @dp_turtle: Dave runs on behalf of DetermiNation and has raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society over the past several years. If I could raise half as much for the MMRF as he has for ACS, I would be a happy girl. He's also a crazy fast runner who is never short on encouragement for us slower folks.

To my runner friends, thank you. I'm ready for Philly.

20

That's the number of days until the Philadelphia Marathon.

When I signed up for the marathon this summer, I did it mostly on impulse. I knew:
a.) I would be depressed after completing the Chicago Marathon.
b.) I seldom do anything exciting to celebrate my birthday, and what better way to make memories than run a marathon in conjunction with blowing out another candle.
c.) it would be nice to have a worry-free marathon after being so emotionally invested in the Chicago Marathon.
d.) while six weeks separating two marathons wasn't ideal, my legs would be somewhat recovered.

Now, only 20 days away from the marathon, I'm ready for it to be here. My nervousness about my foot overshadows any excitement I have for the race. Either bone injuries are sensitive to the cold, or my foot is becoming re-injured. If I can just get through the marathon, I will scale back running in December and focus on mostly, if not exclusively, cross-training. I still want to run with Back on My Feet once a week.

My friend reminded me this weekend that if I want to get faster (and boy, do I ever feel ready mentally to get faster), then I have to let my body recover. I hate taking more than a day off from running. But I dislike even more having to constantly worry about a body part breaking. The stress fracture I suffered last Februrary had not only physical ramifications, but mental ones, as well.

I'm ready to run my heart out at the marathon on Nov. 21 and then take a nice, little break from the sport I love. By January, I hope I'm ready mentally and physically to pick up training again.

Final Update: Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Hello friends and family!

Brooke and I did it! We ran and finished the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. And, most importantly, we raised more than $5,000 for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Ninety-three percent of that money will go toward cancer research.

As all of you know, Brooke and I ran the marathon in memory of our dad, who died at the age of 46 of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. This was our way of honoring him 15 years after his death.

When we signed on to run the Chicago Marathon for the MMRF eight months ago, we didn’t know whether we’d get much support or enough donations. I recall my mom telling me that she’d write a check to make up the difference for whatever we couldn’t raise. But, within minutes of that first e-mail to friends and family, you responded!

Thank you for sharing in this cause with us. Thank you for supporting us with your donations and words. Thank you for spreading the word about our fund-raising efforts. We appreciate you and feel blessed to have you in our lives!

We want to extend a special thank-you to those who traveled to Chicago from Minnesota to cheer us on in your Team Gene shirts. You helped make the race unforgettable! 

Brooke’s Race Report

The dreadful marathon was............great!  I was my own tour guide for the city, and I saw so many neat locations:  Chinatown, the Pilsen neighborhood, Downtown and the Chicago River, and, my favorite, Boys Town! 

For those who know me...I love attention.  I put my name on the front of my MMRF jersey and ran on the far left side of the course so spectators could cheer me on as I passed them.  They were very inspirational.  I also think Brady and I had the best supporters: TEAM GENE.  I was greeted at almost every other mile by Mom, my husband Tony, Paula and Molly Mickelson, Megan and Eric Lund, the Hebig family and my friends Jackie and Alyssa.  They made me feel like a celebrity as I passed...cheering loudly and taking photos! I couldn't have done it with out them.

The run was not my best.  I was hot and miserable.  Although many of us trained throughout the summer, no one anticipated the weather would hit 80-plus degrees and conditions would become potentially dangerous.  My biggest mistake was taking my first walk break...I could feel the legs cramping up.  Each stride I took, the more pain I'd feel, but I kept going.  It wasn't until mile 25 where my body decided to call it quits.  My knee gave out...and I had to walk the last mile in...but I MADE IT!  The first thing I did when I crossed that finish line was head straight to the booth that was serving the beer. Ahhh, refreshing!

Despite the ups and downs of the race, I knew I had an angel, Dad, watching over me.  As many of you know, and for those of who don’t, our dad reminded us of Elvis Presley. There were two spots along the race course where Elvis tunes were blaring...there was also a stage where a man dressed up as Elvis sang his music. As I passed each Elvis, I had to laugh. I knew that was Dad's way of showing me he was right behind me.

Many friends and family members have asked will I do another marathon.  I thought someday I might...that is until this evening when I could feel a slight discomfort at the end of one of my toes. I decided to investigate and noticed I had one sorry looking blister.  I took care of it and started inspecting the rest of my toes...only to find yet another blister. I was mortified.  I don't think I'll be doing another marathon after seeing that.  My feet are WAY too pretty to be getting blisters!

Brady’s Race Report

I had never cried in the start corral, taken a sponge, *wet my shorts or walked during a marathon, until Sunday.

As I lined up for my fourth marathon, I shed tears. It was the culmination of training, being worried about my foot that I had fractured last winter, raising money, and the knowledge that I would be running for my dad.

During the first half of the marathon, I aimed for a personal record (PR). And I was on track to achieve just that, until I wasn’t. Around miles 12 or 13, I, along with all the other runners, was no longer protected by the shade. We were exposed, and there was no breeze to relieve us from the 80-plus degree heat. I slowed down. I walked at every water stop. I took advantage of the sponges and water hoses.

My friend Jacque joined me around mile 20 and, by then, I felt bad. My quads hurt, and I was hot. I wanted to throw up. I wanted to walk. I ended up walking for maybe a block or two (Jacque should correct me if I'm wrong!). And when I stopped at aid stations, I not only drank water and Gatorade, I poured cups of water on my head.

Before Jacque and I parted ways, I told her I wouldn't be PR’ing. She reminded me, “This is about your dad and your sister. You’re my hero.” Those words were just what I needed to hear for the final miles. As I crossed the finish line in 4 hours, 17 minutes, I cried again.

Like my sister, I knew someone was with me every step of the race. On Saturday night, Brooke gave me a charm that included a photo of our dad. I carried it in my pocket on race day. Every time I felt like walking or throwing in the towel, I touched the charm and thought of my dad.

I doubt any race will compare to how special the Chicago Marathon was for me. It’s my hope that I will be able to run on behalf of the MMRF again. I have such a deep appreciation for this organization and its efforts to fight multiple myeloma. I want to do everything I can to help find a cure for this destructive disease.

*Yes, that actually happened sometime during the final miles of the race.

Best,

Brady and Brooke

P.S. If you still want to donate, it’s not too late. Click here to make a donation before Oct. 24. 

Becky (Mom), Ben (Brady's husband), Brady, Eric Lund (friend), Brooke, Tony (Brooke's husband), Megan Lund (friend), Paula Mickelson (aunt and photographer), Molly Mickelson (cousin)

Motivation

Last night, my aunt sent me multiple texts of posters she is making for the Chicago Marathon. I counted five posters in all. She personalized one for Brooke, Ben (who's running the marathon but not for the MMRF) and me. She also made one that features Team Gene and another that includes our motto: "Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time."

My foot and hip are bothering me this week quite a bit, but I'm determined to make it across the finish line Sunday. These posters help.

Final Pre-Race Update: Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Brooke (on left) and Brady (on right)

 

 

Hello!

It’s hard to believe that this is the last update Brooke and I will send prior to the Chicago Marathon. This week we are making final preparations for the race—we’re thinking about getting sufficient sleep and eating properly. We’re setting aside our race outfits. We’re stocking up on energy gels and sports beans for the big day. We are getting ready for the marathon!

While Brooke and I look forward to crossing the finish line on Sunday, I, for one, will mourn the end of this journey. This race has dominated my thoughts and conversations for the past eight months. What will I talk about after 10.10.10?

We feel so humbled that we’ve had the opportunity to honor our dad by bringing awareness to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and raising money for research. Our part may be small, but we’re helping fight cancer. The money we’ve raised won’t bring our dad back, but it’s helping fund research that will prolong the lives of other dads and moms. We couldn’t be happier about that.

THANK YOU!
Our supporters – all of you – have made this journey memorable. Thank you for believing in us and the cause! As we run 26.2 miles on the streets of Chicago, we will think of you every step of the way.

We exceeded our goal and have raised $4,780. We’d love to reach $5,000! If you haven’t made a contribution but want to support the cause financially, it is not too late. You can donate by going here. We will continue accepting donations through Oct. 24. All of us have been impacted by cancer. Your dollars not only benefit multiple myeloma patients but have the potential to affect all cancer patients.

We want to say an extra thank-you to those who’ve committed to traveling to Chicago for the marathon. We look forward to sharing this experience with you! We understand getting in the car and driving to Chicago is impossible for most. We will still feel your love and support on race day!

I also want to thank Brooke for her courage to sign up for her first marathon. I know Sunday will be a challenge for her. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, marathons are hard (they’re fun, too!). But she’ll get to look back on 10.10.10 and know she did something very tough to achieve something very good. I’m so proud. I know our dad – wherever he is – couldn’t be prouder of his little blonde bomber.

RACE DAY
You don't have to be in Chicago to experience the marathon! Spectators -- on your couch or in downtown Chicago -- can electronically track multiple runners along the race course by receiving real-time updates via e-mail or text message throughout the race. Updates will be received as runners cross the 10K, halfway (13.1 miles) and 30K checkpoints, as well as the finish line. To sign up for alerts, go here.

You will need the following information for updates: Brady Gervais (Bib #42205), Brooke Ortmann (Bib #42207). My husband Ben (Bib #6739) will also be running the marathon.

Additional information for those who plan to attend the race and/or want to learn more about it can be found from the following sources:

Chicago Marathon
Timeout Chicago
Runners' World



Again, thank you! We hope to make you proud on Sunday!

“I can't wait until this time next week...that means I will have completed 26.2! Whoop! Whoop!” – Brooke

Best,

Brady and Brooke

Neglect

Brooke poses before a fun run (December 2009)

The Chicago Marathon is 12 days away. As it approaches, I've thought a lot about how running for charity has been a powerful experience -- for me. On the blog and in the monthly e-newsletters, I tend to write about how the past several months have transformed me. I've left out how the experience has affected my sister Brooke.

Honestly, I don't know how it's impacted her. What I do know is that I'm proud of my sister. She loathes running. Absolutely hates it. She doesn't spring out of bed in the morning to run. She waits until after work to do it. Training for her first full marathon is the equivalent of a chore.

Yet, she's about to run 26.2 miles because she wants to honor our dad's memory. She wants to bring attention to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and do whatever she can to end cancer.

I couldn't be more proud.