RACE DAY!!

Hi Mickayla, Family, Friends & Sponsors,

As you all know The San Francisco Marathon was held Sunday the 31st of July and was a huge success.
Here is a recap of my day as it unfolded.... Enjoy!

The night before the big day, it was hard for me to sleep... at 4.30am my two alarms went off and it was time for me to get ready!  I was so excited it was not hard for me to get out of bed with only 4.5hrs sleep.  I could hardly wait to pin my runners bib (number) on my top, customized to read: M4MICKAYLA.....

For Breakfast I had:  1 bowl of Oatmeal, 2 tablespoons of Peanut Butter, Coffee & 1 packet of GU Energy Gel followed by a bottle of water as I walked out the door.  I was sure to put on my Arm Warmers as the temperature in the city was forecast to be 65 degrees F with fog cover. Arm Warmers are sensational as they keep you warm during the early to mid stages of your run, are easily removed and tucked in your shorts.  I also wore a SF Marathon sweatband on each wrist and packed two extra GU Energy Gels for the run.

Darius & his Mum, Rosemary were kind enough to get up that early to drive me to the city at 5am.  The sun was not yet up and I was beginning to get a little nervous for my first big race....

The City view from Bay Bridge

Darius and Rosemary dropped me off at Embarcadero and made their way to the finish line expecting my arrival approximately 2hrs later.  I arrived at the starting area at 5.45am with my wave (Wave 7) starting at 6.22am.  I figured it was enough time to go to the bathroom / Portaloo (A MUST) and do some warm up exercises before my race was due to start.......  I figured wrong.

Portaloo Line

The line for the toilets was HUGE!!  I took the photo above when I was half way up the line, there was an equal amount of people behind me.   As time ticked by and the line slowly got shorter, I realized that by the time I got to the toilets & out, that it would be very close to the start time. So I began to do my warm up exercises in the line to the Portaloo.

Unfortunately I was unable to make the 6.22am Wave 7 start time, however it was fine as I was able to start with the next wave of runners.  Note to self: Allow at least 1hr of 'waiting for the toilet time' before a race.


I was happy that I missed the Wave 7 start as Wave 8 began shortly after at 6.33am.  This allowed me to get some more warm up in, take a couple of pics & still be in the front portion of the pack of runners.  However in my next run, I will be sure to sign up to a wave more appropriate to my speed.
For example:

Wave 6 - for those expecting a finish time of =  2hrs 30mins

Wave 7 - for those expecting a finish time of =  2hrs 45mins

Wave 8 - for those expecting a finish time of =  3hrs 00mins

At the time of registration, I was unaware of my anticipated time so signed myself up for Wave 7.  Weeks later in my training schedule I ran Half Marathon distance in 2hr 2mins.  So I figured it would do no harm to stay in the wave I signed up for.    

The problem with doing this, is that you are constantly passing people who run at a slower pace than you which makes for lots of dodging & weaving.  I found I was passing people non stop the entire way,  as I wasn't in the appropriate wave of runners.  

Shortly before it got bright. 

BIG SMILE! Walking up to the staging area / start line.

As I moved with the massive crowd towards the start line I used the opportunity to take some pics as I knew we had a few mins to spare....

Everyone walking up to the staging area.

The front of my wave as we approached the start line as a moving mass.

The Bay Bridge - more info on bridge click here

This is how far back in the pack I was.  Start line only a few meters away.

Video I took moments before the start countdown.

6.33am - Race Start!

I pressed 'Start' on my Nike+GPS App as I crossed the start line and I was on my way!

Did you see me? Because I can't....but I am there somewhere.  (Change setting to 720p)

We ran along the road (closed off just for us) by Fisherman's Warf for the first 4 miles.  It was an incredible feeling running with such a large mass of people along the water front of San Francisco past landmarks such as Fisherman's Warf,  The Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory, Fort Mason, and along the Marina district making our way towards The Golden Gate Bridge.  .

Numbers represent miles (1mile = 1.61kms)

The first 4 miles seemed to go by so quick!  The beautiful views and the unreal vibe brought on by not only the mass of runners, but many cheer stations & bands playing along the way.  I couldn't help smiling from time to time as it was all so surreal.   We soon began to run uphill shortly after passing the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory....

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory

Thankfully my training schedule and running trails included hills and I seemed to motor up the hills on the day with ease.  I decided to stick to the outside of the pack as I could easily overtake people with room to run.  

As I approached one lady (I use that term loosely) I decided to run in between her & the vines / bushes on the outside (approximately 1 meter gap) ...... right as I came around the outside, she coughed up a big spit and hurled it towards the bushes right as I passed...  I quickly dodged the spit and ended up with a nasty set of scratches on my leg from the vines.  My leg started to bleed however I continued my pace & used one of my sweat bands to mop up the blood periodically...  Injury #1

After cleaning my leg at home after the event.

The scratches not taking the wind out of my sails in the least bit, I continued to power on past Fort Mason and along the waterfront through the Marina District.  There were two drink stations, several cheer stations, bands playing along the way and colorful mile markers before the Golden Gate Bridge,

Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge was all uphill for some time until we got to the bridge.  The excitement alone was enough to get a serious power boost and again I motored up the hills until finally I had reached the road crossing the GGB.

Photo from the other end of the bridge facing back toward GG Park

The SF Marathon had closed off two lanes of traffic which had turned into a constant stream of people running, the far right lane heading across for the first time and the lane next to it was people returning over the bridge on the way to Golden Gate Park.  This is where dodging & weaving was tricky, you had people running marathon pace, people walking & taking pics and people bumping into each other left and right.  I decided to stick to the inside of each lane so it was easier for me to overtake by skipping over into the other lane for a brief second & around the person in front.

The Golden Gate Bridge is really breathtaking.  I have been across it by car, motorcycle and have walked out onto it about 50 - 100 meters at most in the past, but never run across it, much less on the road.   Running across the GGB is something I have always wanted to do.  For more information on the Golden Gate Bridge click HERE.

Photo: Mila Kinova

Approaching the mighty bridge, I had a huge smile on my face and felt empowered, liberated and inspired. I was not feeling exhausted at all and had maintained a speed no slower than 8min 55sec / Mile the entire way. I had rolled my arm warmers down a little leading up to the bridge as I was starting to warm up, however it still wasn't warm enough to remove them completely (why I love arm warmers).

Running across the GGB - big smiles

I noticed others slowing down and taking pics of the bridge as they crossed, but I had only one thing in mind - beating my personal best training time so I could make the $2000 goal for Mickayla.  So I didnt want to risk not beating my time, and opted not to take a pic.  There was a Marathon photographer on the bridge who managed to get a pic of me smiling from ear to ear. 

The Nike+ App also plays music while recording your GPS location, time, speed & distance.  As I crossed the bridge a favorite song of mine began playing - Nine Inch Nails - Hand That Feeds  it pumped me up and kept me going for at least 1/2 a mile (approx 4 minutes).  Several other songs played while I crossed the bridge & back, a total of approx 4 miles (6.44kms).  Other songs that I can remember that played while I was on the bridge were Jay Z & Alicia Keyes - Empire State of Mind ,  Nicki Minaj - Moment 4 Life , Bliss N Eso - The Sea is Rising .

As I dodged and weaved my way through the sea of runners I finally made it over the bridge in one direction, we then looped around the parking lot of the observation area.  We were welcomed by more cheer stations, Water stations & people handing out GU ENERGY gel (which I couldn't resist).  

On the way back over the bridge, people were starting to wear out and the amount of passing I had to do suddenly increased.  Mid way across the bridge, I decided to pass someone on the inside of the lane (separated by cat's eye reflectors & painted lines) as I had the whole time.... THIS time however, someone behind me decided to do the same thing and ran into the back of me causing me to stumble over a cat's eye reflector and fall on my knee, hip & hands!!  Everyone around me asked if I was ok, which was nice.  I was fine, just a little bark off my knee however as quickly as I fell over, I was back up on my feet & continued running... I didn't want to lose time!!  I couldn't believe that I had fallen over and of all places - The Golden Gate Bridge!  I didn't mind, at least it made for a good story & funny memory.

My knee- Injury 2

After crossing Golden Gate Bridge, we continued into the gorgeous & hilly Presidio district. It was absolutely beautiful to run through Presidio, however as much as I wanted to take in the scenery, it was a constant mission of dodging, weaving and running up / down hills which had my focus.

After the awesome down hill portion of the run leaving Presidio, it wasn't long before we were running uphill again up El Camino Del Mar & left onto 27th street which leads all the way to Golden Gate Park.  As there was a lot of hills before Golden Gate Park, the last 2 miles were tough....

I just kept thinking of Mickayla and the extra money raised if I beat my personal best training time.   Mickayla  gave me the strength to pull through strong and continue towards Golden Gate Park without slowing down.

At the 12th mile marker approx 1/2 a mile before Golden Gate Park, 27th Street begins a downhill decent to Golden Gate Park, so I could see I was so close.

Knowing I still had approx 1/2 a mile to run once in Golden Gate Park, I maintained a steady pace until I reached the Park's entrance.....

I took a very quick glimpse at my Nike+ App time which I thought read 1:58 - Freaking out that I wasnt going to beat my time... I found some reserve energy & PUT THE POWER ON!!  I sprinted all the way to the finish line!  As soon as I step foot across the finish line I pushed 'stop' on my Nike+ App & it said: 1hr 55mins!!!  When I looked at the time coming into GG Park, I misread it!  I was SO HAPPY!!

The look of relief!  

My Nike+ Data

"Monica!!.... Monica!!"  I looked over to see Darius & Rosemary both with HUGE smiles standing about 15ft from the finish line.  It was one of the proudest moments of my life... I DID IT!!!

Walking towards D & Rosemary after grabbing a water.

After giving Darius & Rosemary a BIG sweaty hug, I made my way to the 'Finishers's Area'.  There I collected my medallion, a thermal sheet, some yummy coconut water, fruit & a muffin. (all  runner's registration benefits)   You couldn't wipe the smile off my face, I was already planning my next race - I'm hooked!

Big smiles as I receive my medallion & thermal sheet.

Exhausted!!

After collecting all my gear we walked through the beautiful Golden Gate Park, back to the car.  You couldnt shut me up the entire way home, I was SO happy and energized from the several packets of GU Energy I consumed throughout the morning.  I think I even slept with a smile on my face that night! 

THANK YOU So much to the generous people who sponsored my 1/2 Marathon 4 Mickayla!  I honestly cannot thank you enough for the support in reaching my fundraising goal of $2000 for Mickayla.  

Thank you The San Francisco Marathon event organizers for hosting a fantastic, memorable, successful event. 

10/10 for everything!

Thank you to Darius & Rosemary for getting up so early to come and support me, love you both xo.

Thank you Mum & Dad for encouraging, supporting & believing in me.  Although you weren't there, you were in my heart. Lots of love xo

BRING ON THE FULL MARATHON in 2012!!!

My finisher's medallion! 

My official placings - not bad for a 1st timer! 

My official race shirt.

Generosity - THANK YOU

THANK YOU so much to these fabulous people for their generous contributions. It is not too late to contribute.. List will be updated.

It's Almost Time!

So after months & months of training it is almost here!!  Only 1 more sleep until The San Francisco Marathon - 1/2 Marathon race.

Yesterday I attended the Runner's Expo and collected my official race shirt, runners bib & electronic shoe tag (to make sure no one is cheating).

I had my bib personalized  -

I am very excited and extremely OVERWHELMED by the amount of generous donations, sponsors & pledges that are coming in from friends, family & fans for Mickayla.  Another post to follow this one will include the names and amounts from those kind, generous people.  

I will be letting you know how I go & posting Nike+ information / data from my run on Monday after the race.

Thanks again to everyone for your support with this cause that is dear to my heart. xo

Marathon 4 Mickayla Video

I LOVE GU!

I LOVE GU!  

Earlier this year, a friend introduced me to GU at the racetrack which he uses to give him energy before a race on his motorcycle.  He assured me that this energy gel worked wonders within 15minutes and without any sluggish feeling afterwards.  So I tried some that day as I was feeling fatigued, recovering from an illness and could use the energy..... Then I fell in love!  This stuff really works & tastes fantastic!!

So with my 1/2 Marathon around the corner & training getting more intense, I started using GU before long runs to give me the energy I need (ok and the yummy taste is also a treat).

A runners blog I follow by a woman called Monika http://monikaruns.blogspot.com/ (Fantastic blog!) was running a competition where you could win 20 packs of GU & 2 SF Marathon Sweatbands - I WON!!!

I now have enough supply for the 1/2 Marathon & then some!!  Thanks Monika!  

For more information about GU Energy Gel - visit www.GUenergy.com

Music is life.....

I have had a couple of requests online from people wanting to know what music I listen to while I am training.  I find it extremely hard to train without music and never leave home without my iPhone / iPod.

When training for 13 miles, you go through quite a few tracks on your playlist over the period of 2hrs.  I have narrowed down the list to particular songs that drive me, motivate me & inspire me on my training runs.

My Running Playlist

'The Game' - Disturbed

'The Sea is Rising' - Bliss N Eso

'Down With the Sickness' - Disturbed

'The Hand That Feeds' - Nine Inch Nails

'Bring Me To Life' - Evanescence

'Lose Yourself' - Eminem

'Get In My Car' - 50 Cent

'I need a Doctor' - Eminem

'S&M' - Rihanna

'Extreme Ways' - Moby

'Just Doggin' - Tha Dogg Pound

'Recapturing the Vibe' - Hilltop Hoods

'Roll Wit Us' - Tha Dogg Pound

'Ryde or Die B**ch' - The Lox

'On My Level' - Wiz Khalifa ft Too Short

'Empire State of Mind' - Jay Z & Alicia Keys

'World Hold On' - Bob Sinclar

'B.O.B' - OutKast

'Chase The Sun' - Planet Funk

'I Like It' - Too Short ft Dolla Will

'Kush' - Snoop Dogg

'I'm in Motion' - Mac Dre

'Moment 4 Life' - Nicki Minaj

'Please Dont Stop The Music' - Rihanna

I listen to different music when I am in the gym and also when I am stretching & doing yoga.

ONLY 10 DAYS until the 1/2 Marathon!!!

xo Monica

Monica Lee Paige

My Knee Pain Miracle!

G'day folks!

Ever since I was 10 years old I have been very enthusiastic about sports.  Sports I participated in on a school & club level included Athletics (in particular running and Javelin), Soccer and Martial Arts.  It was these sports which were strenuous on my joints especially my knees.  Over training eventually led to a rather nasty knee injury (Patellar Dislocation) which slowed my participation, however didn't deter me from sports completely.   Since my Javelin days, my knees have continued to give me grief while training, whether simply at the gym or training for 1/2 Marathon.

As my distances started increasing in my training schedule for this 1/2 Marathon, my knee pain began to increase.  As per my previous post, I decided to experiment with my running shoes to see if a change in shoes would ease the pain.    My Brooks GTS11 running shoes certainly helped, however didn't eliminate the pain completely.

Aware that Glucosamine supplements are great for joint mobility and pain issues, I decided to research the best products for my knees. Then I found  Schiff MOVE FREE ADVANCED Plus MSM.

Schiff Move Free Adcanced Plus MSM Formula is fantastic for comforting sore joints in particular, the knees.   This Glucosamine, MSM  +  supplement truly is effective.

For the first two weeks as directed on the box, I took 3 tablets twice a day with food.  After the first two weeks I definitely noticed an improvement in my knees.  During my runs, I would usually get to the 4 mile mark and my knees would start to hurt.  By the end of the second week, my knees were pain free for approx 7-8 miles with only slight pain kicking in around the 7.5 mile mark.  Each day that I run, I find I can get a little further before the pain begins.  I now continue to take the directed amount of only 3 tablets per day and the pain relief continues!

I cant say enough good things about this product.  There are so many great reviews about it on the Internet and I for one am giving it 5/5!   For more information on this product and the active ingredients please visit the Move Free Advanced website link below.

You can purchase Move Free Advanced online through the likes of Amazon, or find it in a store near you by following this link.   WHERE TO BUY

I hope this review helps any of you who suffer joint pain.  This product is my little miracle and I will continue to take it for pain free training!

www.movefreeadvanced.com

My Favourite Runners: Nike Vs Brooks

I have been a Nike brand junkie since buying my first set of Nike runners when I was 16 years old. Nike joggers seem to always have the best looks, style and always fit well. 
When I started training for this 1/2 Marathon I wore both Nike Shox & Nike Air Max regularly. As the distances in my training schedule began to increase, I found my running shoes just weren't cutting it.

Nike Air Max (2010 Flywire & 2011 Air Max)-  Although comfortable with great ventilation and considerably light, the Air Max's just were not offering me the stability I needed. I often rolled my ankles in these especially if I was running off road trails. I now only wear my Air Max's to the gym to workout (not running).

Specs & More Info 

My Nike Air Max 2010 Flywire (black & red) & Air Max 2011 (purple & grey):

Nike Shox - These are runners I have owned several different pairs of over the years as the look & style had me hooked. The Shox are also very comfortable, however offer little ventilation and are heavy. My current pair of Nike Shox now serve as my walking & gym shoes. As a result of many childhood sports & injuries, my knees have always been a problem area. I also found the Shox to be too rigid which led to knee pain early in my training.

Specs & more info

My collection of Nike Shox:

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11's Limited Edition- I just can't say enough great things about these shoes.  My significant other, Darius purchased himself a pair of the Men's Adrenaline GTS11's and absolutely loved them.  After seeing how the Nike's were just not quite making the grade for my 1/2 Marathon training, Darius was kind enough to purchase me a pair of the Women's GTS11's.  My first run in these shoes - I was IN LOVE!!  Not only are they extremely comfortable, they offer great support and are extremely light (9.4oz or 266g).  I can run short distance sprints & up to 13 mile runs without rolling my ankles and with very little knee pain.  When I wear these runners training, shoes are no longer on my mind, they fit perfectly.

Specs & more info

My Brooks GTS 11 Limited Editions:

Verdict- The Brooks are my favourite shoe for training long distances.  I love the support & shock absorption they provide.  They are well ventilated, light & look great! 

I am still a huge Nike fan and will continue to purchase their shoes & running clothes, however the Brooks are my 1/2 Marathon shoe of choice.

Brooks Running Website
Nike Website

Training Update

G'day everyone!
It has been a little while since I last checked in, so here is an update on what I have been up to with training.

The SF Marathon date is only 5 weeks away so training has stepped up a notch. I am running 4-5 days per week and strength training at the gym at least twice per week. Although I have missed a couple of days of training here and there over the past couple of weeks, it is getting down to crucial timing and missing training is no longer an option.

My training program includes:

- Easy Pace Runs
- Race Pace Runs
- Long Distance Runs
- Stretching & Strength training
- Rest Days
- Walking
- Cross Training
- Tempo & Speed Training

The next 5 weeks are going to be quite intense so I will keep you all up to date on my progress.

More posts coming soon on topics including: Product Reviews, History of The SF Marathon, Sponsorship Information & more information on Mickayla & her rare illness.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by - Stay tuned....

xo Monica

View of the hill terrain running trails that I run.

'Coogee to Bondi - My favourite running trail.

On my last trip home to Australia in late 2010, I had the opportunity to run on THE MOST STUNNING running trail I have ever had the pleasure of treading.

Sydney Australia has some of the most picturesque beaches and stunning coastlines. It is no wonder the running trail which extends from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach is a popular one for locals and tourists alike.

During my time in Sydney, I stayed at my friend Amanda's place in Coogee. Unable to sleep the morning after arriving, I decided to put on my joggers before the sun came up and go see the sun rise over the ocean.

Feeling amazing on my run and being totally enchanted by the beach on sunrise, I decided to jog from Coogee to Bondi Beach via the stunning coastal trail.

Words and even photos cannot truely justify the beauty of this scenic trail. The run (Coogee, Bondi & back to Amanda's place) came to just over 15km (9.3 miles).

I took my iPhone on the run with me and captured some stunning images.
Here are some images from the run, enjoy! .........

In Action...

My two training parnters came along today.  One on a bicycle armed with a smart phone & the other with 4 legs & a huge amount of energy! Did 6 miles (9.65km) flat trail.

Welcome!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

I have created this blog to share with you over the next 4 months, my training & progress for the 1/2 Marathon.  I will also be keeping you updated with my fundraising efforts & sponsorship updates.

When I recently went home (Australia) for a visit in late 2010, my heart was touched by a story in a way that written text simply cannot justify.....

I was at a BBQ get-together with some great friends of mine, one of which was the amazing Jenn Patten.  Jenn is a wonderful soul who is constantly doing amazing work for charity along side Tex & his "worlds fastest dog on a motorcycle"  called Bundy.
We were all sitting around the table having a drink & catching up when Jenn receives a phone call & walks off to chat in private. 

When Jenn returned her usually smiling vibrant face looked troubled & sad and tears began to well in her eyes.  "Whats wrong?"  I asked.  Jenn responded with a smile under the tears,  "Mickayla is in hospital, but doing well..."  At this point I did not know who Mickayla was or her story.  I asked about Mickayla and listened attentively as she told me with such love and compassion, the story of the beautiful little Aussie battler - Mickayla.    To hear that such a dear little girl with such a strong spirit was battling the rare & fatal disease PPH, broke my heart. Jenn explained to me that Mickayla is on oxygen 24 hours a day, is housebound & taking several medications daily.  PPH is only treatable, there is no cure.  
Sadly, Mickayla's mother Kerry recently lost her son Benjamin to PPH.  Mickayla knows about her condition and her fate yet holds strong, brave composure & her spirit shines brightly.

I aim to raise money for Mickayla & Kerry to make Mickayla's life a little easier & bring some happiness into their lives.  Anything helps, I understand these are trying times, however your donations or sponsorship pledge would be greatly appreciated.

Please stay tuned & subscribe to this blog for updates, pics & great 1/2 Marathon & fitness tips!

Thanks for your support.

Monica Lee Paige

Bundy(front) Jenn, Mickayla, Tex

Jenn, Mickayla & Tex

Bundy, Tex, Mickayla, Jenn & Kerry