This Race is About So Much More....

Happy Sunday everyone!!!

First of all thank you so much for the continual support of me throughout this extremely challenging and honestly life changing event that I am going through right now- every single day I think of how blessed I am to have been so fortunate to be able to live the life I lead.  To have the most amazing parents in the world who have supported my crazy endeavors from my swim meets when I was little where they would drive me for hours to be at a pool at 5am, to my lacrosse tournaments all around the Northeast and my world travels for lifesaving (that I know they had a really hard time sacrificing going with me on those :))  But more importantly not only were they able to help me financially pursue all of my dreams they were always at every game/meet/event to watch me and my teams no matter what.

Now, that I have started running this marathon I am now being given the opportunity to do something I have NEVER had the chance to do before, primarily because I did not have the courage or the desire, but to be honest I do not think that I would have been able to put myself to pay for a race that you are basically torturing yourself for 26.2miles lol.  So the fact that I have provided this chance to run the race without having to pay a thing is empowering me in ways not only in running but it has reopened my eyes into what else I can do.

One of these things is helping empower other people.  As a part of our commitment to running the 2012 LA Marathon our team has also committed to helping others through the organization OpUSA.  OpUSA is an organization that helps provide aid and relief to "overcome the effects of disasters, disease, and economic proverty."  This is a continuous effort that will always be a challenge for our world, but knowing that with the money I have saved from signing up for this marathon, I can donate it to a child who did not grow up with the same opportunities as myself just makes running the marathon even more meaningful.  As the marathon costs $150 I commit myself to donating that amount to OpUSA.  I hope that you all reading this, if able to, will also help me by donating too!  This is a rare chance to 1. see me run more than 100m and 2. to help other children and families have even a glimpse of how amazing we have it.  The website to help donate is http://www.crowdrise.com/csodlamarathonfundraiser . Any amount is greatly appreciated!!


Week 9 of training : 12 miles Playa del Rey to the Manhattan Beach Pier :)

Just Getting Miles In

So everyday I bike 2miles each way to and from work... really  not a lot when that is all that I am doing for the day.  But add on a 5 mile run and then a 3.5mile bike ride back home ... those 4 extra miles start to feel a little bit longer than before lol.

Todays run was all about getting the miles in.  We are starting to up the weekly runs a little bit more so this week we added 2 miles to the short runs and next week I believe we do 3miles extra on each of the short runs so either 5 or 6 miles... UGH ew! I love that the short runs are still more than I would ever had wanted to run before this training.  The only thing that gets me through these runs is knowing that each day I train, each day I put in the time, I am getting closer to our goal of finishing 26.2 miles.  It does not get any less crazy sounding the more I say it.... I am waiting for the day when I am like hmpf 26 miles- NO BIG DEAL!!! I am not sure if that moment actually comes but I am waiting for it haha.

One thing I was thinking about during my run today was a speech that was given back in the day at one of the Delaware All State Swimming Banquets... I can't remember who gave this speech but I can remember it being so spot on. It described how there are different types of athletes those who do it for the love of the sport and those who do it to get something out of it (ribbons, metals... and in my case tubs of powdered sugar doughnuts from Bjs lol) Now when I think about why I am doing this race there are obvious reasons such as Cornerstone is paying for it, I have nothing else to do and the time to do it... but what I have realized the true reason for me to do this is that I have always enjoyed pushing my body to oddly extreme levels aka Harrison and that darn "White Buffalo" that I always saw at the gym in Georgetown (gosh that place was so ghetto lol)  So I have already learned that I can dominate sprints but never have I pushed my body to a distance event... so giddy up lets see how this one goes :) who knows maybe Ill become a distance runner BAAAHAHAHAHAH I hope yall laughed out loud like I just did haha... lets be honest that is not going to happen but I may as well enjoy this ride :)

Love you all!!

Happy Thursday now time to prepare for our run on saturday oh you know its an easy one...12 miles :)

Can Life Get Any Better?? That Is The Real Question...

Every single day I go for a run after work it is as if it is the first time I see the ocean, santa monica, a palm tree... just everything SoCal has to offer.  I just can't get over the fact that I have NEVER been as happy as I am at this very moment.  To have amazing friends that i work with and get to run with every day who share so many of the same values as I do is rare.  I have a job that allows me to live the lifestyle that I belong in... work hard and play hard. But unlike previous jobs this "play hard" does not solely involve drinking... I know I know I am also a party animal :) My Scutter Ducks back home can attest to that haha but there is so much more I love in life than a fun happy hour.  And who would have thought that I needed marathon training to get back on track into what makes me happy.  I LOVE being outside and soaking up every single moment of sun that I can.

During our 4mile run today we were discussing about no matter what happened during our days it no longer matter when we were running along a cliff overlooking the palisades checking out the sun setting over the pacific on one side and the rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains on the other.  It just makes you put everything into perspective.... No matter how bad something is- we live in a place that people travel all over the world to just see.. and WE LIVE HERE ALL THE TIME!!! Gosh I am no joke the luckiest girl in the world!

I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point in my life at this moment the only thing that could make life complete would be to have my family with me- but since that is not possible knowing that they are reading this blog and supporting me to the fullest is the second best.  I love you all so much!

Wow What A Weekend!!!

So this may have been one of my most favorite/memorable weekends since I've been out here in California. Friday night was an oh so exciting one where I watched Bridesmaids... by myself lol... but gosh was it funny!!! It was one of those nights where I could have laughed if someone just looked at me (not that it isnt like that every day but you know what I mean :)) but had a big run in the am so had to get myself pumped so watched that and read a little bit of the book Born To Run.  This book is absolutely AMAZING if you have not read it I highly recommend it!!!

So I was thinking that saturday was going to be the major highlight of my weekend because we were preparing to run 18 miles... yep that is right 18 FREAKING MILES! The best part about this is growing up I got out of doing anything longer than a 100m swim/run/anything lol so the fact that I was exciting about running for 18 miles/3hours straight is a joke to anyone who knew me growing up.  So we start the run at 830am like usual run down along the beach then up San Vicente and back.  The only problem was that when we started we didnt think it was going to be so hot! I know this is horrible and all yall back home are hating me for saying this right now, but...  by the time noon hit and we were finishing our run it was so hot! I ran just about all of it! I had to walk about 1 mile of the 18.  What I am finding is that yea my knees ache throughout the whole thing but they ache when I do absolutely nothing so I just suck it up.  However, when I stop and then start up again my knees actually HURT.  Which makes it difficult because I need to walk part of the race but to stop running and to start again is so painful I would rather just go super super slow... So if anyone has any advice on that I would love to hear it!

So after the run Saturday I was so proud of my friends and myself for achieving such an amazing accomplishment I did not think that anything else I did all weekend would be able to top that feeling I had when I finished.  And I was right- nothing I have done since my Lifesaving World Championships has made me feel really accomplished as an athlete and running in this marathon is really putting me back in the drivers seat of my competitive spirit.  I can't wait for this summer to get into my triathalons again and get back on my bike!!!

Since I was so proud of myself after the run I thought you know what I deserve to treat myself to something amazing... So of course what do we do Sunday... another workout lol Blove has an amazing friend who volunteered to help us on our cross training!! Function Fitness on the Bluffs but basically its a cross fit type workout but better because it it OUTSIDE OVERLOOKING THE PACIFIC OCEAN :) Can that not describe my perfect workout?! Ruggie- you would absolutely die haha when you come visit next time I have to take you!!!  So yes I rewarded myself with running 18 miles by doing a workout lol and then Jess and I went down to the beach in Venice and what else did I reward myself with??...  A HULA HOOP!!

So I wake up today, Monday morning sooooo incredibly sore but cant figure out if its from my run, my workout, or maybe all that Hula Hooping I did :)

So 2 weeks away from my Half Marathon and 47 days until the 2012 LA MARATHON!!!!!

8 is GREAT!!!

Our Wednesday runs are by far my absolute favorite.  I don't know what it is about our 8mile runs but I truly think this is my strong point... it takes me about 3-4 miles to get into my stride and feeling good and then from there on its smoooooooth sailing.  Today at work I got a little Kooky towards the end of the day ... basically 3:30 McCreary is back in action lol. But the best part was this kooky Dana which really I just get super giggly when someone just makes eye contact and my eyes water so it looks like im crying.  Anyways its really weird and I have absolutely no control over it so I just have to let it happen... Mom and Dad know this side of me alllll too well- I used to get the same way when the new Backstreet Boy CD came out :) Gosh they are good lol.... anyways running... right... but so I was able to bring that energy to the run and boy did it help!!!! First of all it was freaking 75 degreeess holllaaaaaaaa aaaand I had my girls back to run with :) Oh and best part was that we had to run fast because we were meeting the other girls from work for happy hour at my favorite place La Sandia.  You know the only way to motivate me is food... this has not changed since my tub of powder sugar doughnuts back at GCIT days.  But yea so we dont know our time or anything today we just went with the feeling and today that feeeling was aweesomeeee! Potentially goin for a beach run tomorrow and then 18miles is gonna come fast!

FYI...52 DAYS TIL THE MARATHON!!!!!!!!!

Just Another Day in Paradise

So another one of our short runs- 4 miles woooo.  What I realized today is that it takes me about 3-4 miles to get my body up and running smoothly.  The first few miles are honestly a little painful.  Granted I probably should stretch more and blah blah blah (dougie fresh would hate me saying that lol).  While I was running today, i was by myself and pandora is starting to get a little repetitive, I just ran.  Did not think about anything and simply just went and accidently ran even more than 4 miles.  I just have come to the conclusion that I know I need to do it and it doesnt matter how long it takes me I just have to do it to get miles in.  What can I say, I am so excited to see how I do in my half marathon in a month and know that we are all gonna CRUSH this full marathon :)


FYI if any of you need a good inspiration check out the book titled "Born to Run" :)

16 FREAKING MILES?!!!! WTF!

So I'm sorry this is a little late but its just been a whirl wind lately.... now that the weather is nice again cough cough 75 degreeess :) But more importantly I want to tell yall about my INCREDIBLE weekend run!!!!

So I have decided that every run has to be started with the mindset that I am going to freaking crush it- because to be honest its how I try and approach every other challenge I face :) So I was looking forward slash TERRIFIED of running 16 miles but hey what the heck why can't I do it?! I have surprised myself each and every weekend with what my body will put up with.  I just want to take you back to when Britt first asked me if I wanted to run a marathon.  I laughed at her and said hell no lol... but crazy me after I chatted with my mom and Harrison I said ok I have two of my biggest supporters telling me my body will put up with this torture.  But to be honest I had no idea how my knees would feel about this decision I made for them.  Turns out THEY DONT HATE ME!!! YAAAAAY :)  I not only ran the ENTIRE 16 miles but we ran it in 9 1/2 min miles boooyaaaaaahhh.  Oh and not only did we run it in 91/2 min miles buuut it was also done in a freaking sandstorm.  Never (ok well maybe this is a complete lie) but never have I ever had so much sand in every crevice of my body! But hey we all now how much I absolutely love the sand :)

Lets just say I could not have done ANY of this without my training buddies... this weekend Mary Lynn literally saved me.  Around mile like ehh 10-12 it gets a little challenging my knees get tired and if I did not have her by my side I dont know what I would have done.  Again I do not know what I did to deserve such an amazing life but like I always have been taught things happen for a reason and right now I dont know why but I am completely ok with life and how it is just at this moment.

Bring it on 18miles I can't wait to take you on this coming Saturday!!!

3mile torture...

Most Amazing Power Yoga Studio In the Country- Bryan Kest Power Yoga

Who would have thought that these 3 miles would not get easier?! Is it super crazy and a little silly that I think the 7mile run tomorrow is going to be easier?!... seriously... WHO AM I?!!! because this is sure not Dana McCreary talking here lol!  Well today Lora and I did a nice little stroll down to Ocean Ave looped down to the pier and back up Washington.  Every single day that I go on these runs I think the same thing, Wow! How did I get so lucky as to land in this place... every single day!!! And every single day it surprises me, as if I did not have that exact same thought 24 hour previously lol.


So after my run I went and did yoga with my sudo family- even though only one wants to claim relationship right now lol (its just ask the fam its not that great :)... LOVE YOUUUU) anyways i get the same feeling after yoga as I do after each one of these runs- wow how am i so lucky as so be able to have such an amazing life that allows me to work hard, go for an incredible run, go do yoga and then have dinner with friends- that to me is preeetttty close to heave, all i need are the rest of my friends and family to join me... But all in due time right Lis?!!

I am so proud and so lucky to have such an amazing family to continue to encourage and support me while I am out here 3,000 miles away.  I would not be able to do any of this without you and I miss you so much.  Love you!!!!

Training Day... I seriously need to look tomorrow lol... But anyways Route: Washington- Ocean-the Pier-Idaho-9th.... 3miles done and done!!!

Running When You Can't Breathe Is Kinda Hard!

So the past few days have been rough for me... im congested and cant breathe through my nose.  But whatever its not as if I feel sick, I just simply cant breathe no big deal right?... Well today we had our long run- 12 miles.  After running the 14 miles last week I thought that this would be a little easier, but I guess I forgot to factor in the whole breathing thing lol.  It was WAAAAAY harder to finish than the 14miler last week.  But it happens, the sun was not as bright (ugh) lol and there were a lot of people around... maybe too many? Who knows- welp looks like its a complaining day haha  but im sure you are all like, Dana really? when arent you complaining lol....

On a side note- my knees are a little sore, I seriously need to start taking the advice of Maria and Marcus and just take an ice bath. Its just so hard when brunch is always right after our run :) mimosas vs. ice bath now come on!!!!

Well this run is over YAAAAAY!! One day closer to our marathon :)

12 Miles- The Strand, San Vicente -14th -Margarita-Ocean Ave :) heavenly

The best place to run to is....

The reason I love my training partners SOOOOOOO much is because we are all on the same page when it comes to run locations. Like today- none of us wanted to miss out on our work happy hour, so of course we focused our entire run to start and finish at the bar :) Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!!! We ran a womping 7miles and CRUUUUSHED it! I just love running with these girls we chat the entire way and just soak up the beautiful southern california sun.  We truly have the best schedule in the entire company to be able to train for this race.

So our race started and ended at South.... enough said haha just the way to meet new coworkers- nice and sweaty after a long ass run! But honestly I love this route... down San Vincente is the most beautiful run through Brentwood and basically all the way to my house and back.  I never would have thought I loved doing this so much but honestly I think i love it so much because of the people I am with...

It is now official too- we are (almost) all signed up and committed, signed with blood that we are doing this! AHHHHH!!! I AM RUNNING THE 2012 LA MARATHON :) welp guys nice knowin ya hahah just kiiiddddinnggg please if anyone can do this it is this team Im on thats for sure!  Well gotta go my bestie from forever and ever Rossy is here ... talk about loving life- it doesnt get any better than this I can promise you that!

Training ... Hmmm I cant remember now lol

So today was the hardest... and who would have thought that the 3miler would be one of the harder runs.  I think that now I have in my mind that 3miles is nothing!! ( I know, I know... who would ever thought I would be saying that!?) But the truth is the 3milers are the toughest because it is short and sweet so it doesnt seem worth it some times- but trust me that rest is surely needed!! I guess I keep digging myself in a ditch with not sleeping and going out and doing everything you arent supposed to be doing when training for a marathon.  BUT WHO CAN BLAME ME?! I LIVE IN HEAVEN!!! And lets be honest there is just simply too much to do here- no way im going to miss out on any of it! :) Sorry  mom love youuuu :) but hey ya only live once :) HAPPY 3 MILES!!!!

Training Day.. Hm... Well Lets Just Say I've Missed a Few :/

So it has been a few days... maybe a week lol since my last blog and for good reasons... the Wild Women of Wongo and the rest of the Dewey Beach Crew happened to be out here in Cali which just so happened to have take me out of commission for a week or so.

So I had my furthest and most challenging run to day on Saturday morning- 14 FREAKING MILES!!!! It was our first group run for Cornerstone and there were so many beautiful, positive people that showed up!! It was truly an amazing experience.  Every saturday I think of how lucky I am to be able to train in the most beautiful conditions with positive people :)  I ran about 10 min miles so not fast by any means but let me tell you... doing that 14 times is not easy!!!f

The run itself was fun actually listening to music and chatting with friends the entire way.  Now it wasnt until the last 2 miles that my body started to absolutely hate me.  My knees were so sore I could feel the fluid building up.... but I was so close to the end so I had to finish.  I think when I get to the 20 mile run I am going to have to walk some of it and stop being stubborn and listen to my body because today is Sunday night and I still am struggling to walk due to the soreness of my knees... I feel like an old woman!!!

But I am confident that tomorrow after I do a little bit of  Yoga and have another day of relaxing that by Tuesday afternoon I will be ready to go for our 4miler :)  Happy Sunday!!!

LA Marathon Training 2012- 78 Days and Counting :)