You see, right away I had lot of friends step up and say they would push me in a wheelchair on race day. And yea, at first I was okay with that. But then I realized, that's not me. That's not my competitive spirit. That's not me putting all my effort into this race that I have dedicated my life to for the past 7 years, 8 months of traveling and racing the states! I would push MYSELF in a wheelchair!
I looked up racing wheelchairs. My jaw hit the floor. Thousands of dollars to buy one, and not a single place to rent! My idea was shattered. Then I received that message. Amanda from the DONNA Foundation told me she reached out to Brooks Adaptive Sports and said they will provide me a chair and train me! For Free. WHAT?!
You see, the Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation program is a donation and sponsor based program where they help those with any physical disability to continue to live an active lifestyle! Besides all the different kinds of sports and events they host, they also have a cycling program where they meet once a week at the Baldwin Trail and then they race DONNA! To top that off, they come pick you up on a bus and transport you and your chair!
Literally my heart was so happy! How did I get so lucky to have this perfectly lined up? Because it was already the end of December, the Brooks ladies provided me a sports wheelchair to take home and cross train on my own to get my upper body built (OMG that chair is so hard!) and then they would bring the hand cycle trike to the Baldwin Trail every week for me to ride and that would be the one I raced for DONNA (SO much easier!)
First Coast News aired my story of 'Why I Run DONNA' but focusing on breaking my ankle and still never giving up! See the broadcast HERE.
Follow my journey of recovery and training HERE. (warning, its Raw and unedited!)
FRIDAY FEB 8-
DONNA SOCIAL SHAKEOUT
I've never been to the DONNA 'Social Shakeout' because I've always wanted to save my energy for Marathon day. A 'shakeout' is a casual jog to get your muscles moving and try to 'shakeout' the nerves right before race day. Not running this year, I thought it would help to go socialize with the runners and see how I am going to feel not running on marathon day and seeing everyone else run. I'm glad I went, but damn, why did I go?
Going into Friday, I knew I wanted to rest my foot as much as possible, but knew I had a lot of getting around to do, so I decided to pull out the knee scooter. I went to watch a gorgeous sunrise and then met with everyone at Southern Grounds Cafe. I had an awesome breakfast and coffee drink and chatted with a lot of people. It was a gorgeous morning so we sat outside for a while.
As I was leaving on my knee scooter, the wheel caught a rock and flipped me over, falling on the side of my new titanium ankle. THANK GOD the ankle was solid and not even a ding! But standing up I knew right away my big toe was not good. I could not walk on it. Instant dejavu. I cried out, 'Why?! I'm supposed to walk my first 5k tomorrow!!"
A wonderful group of people helped me up and back to the cafe to ice it. One of them was an actual PT Assistant and messed around with my foot making sure it wasn't broken. It was a stressful next 24 hours not knowing exactly what was wrong. No one really thought it was broken, but it was definitely banged up good. After I finally left, I called my PT girl and she didn't think it was broken either but told me repeatedly not to walk the 5k. I went home, took an Epsom salt bath, iced it, and tried to rest a bit before I had to go to the Expo.....on the knee scooter.
DONNA EXPO
The Expo was at the what everyone knows as 'the old Kmart' in Atlantic Beach. I thought it was perfect. Parking wasn't an issue and it was nice and spacious inside for all the vendors. There were a ton of photo opps and giveaways! I even got to be Queen Neptune, the symbol of strength of this years race!
Being registered for the Booby Trap Challenge and Fundraiser Experience, I got a shirt for the 5k and the marathon as well as a cup! Doing some shopping, I found someone selling Nail Stickers and got myself a manicure!
SAWGRASS VIP RECEPTION
After the Expo, I iced my toe some more, and then it was time for the VIP Reception at the Sawgrass Marriott. Super happy that Constance was going with me, as I needed someone to understand what I was going through and not BS any of it. I still used the knee scooter but was able to walk around some as well. It was such a gorgeous night out on the water and with the fire pits. It was good to kick back and relax.
I went to bed not knowing what will happen for the 5k in the morning. Everyone was telling me not to worry about doing the 5k at all and focus on the marathon. And I knew they were all right. But I couldn't help but want the 5k more than the marathon. Walking is getting me that much closer to running. Hand cycling isn't. Yea it will be a cool experience to still participate in the marathon on the hand cycle and not have to sit this one out, but I want to be back to ME. Me, the Runner. I even woke up feeling so good, realizing that 5k day was exactly 3 months from surgery. Which of course makes it all have meaning, and making me feel that much more that I can take on three miles! Its meant to be! It is time! I can do this! And then BAM! I fell off the knee scooter and hurt my toe! I went to bed with the back up plan of using the scooter the entire way. I needed to still participate in one way or another. But I really want to walk. I kept asking people if they believed in miracles. Maybe Ill wake up and be able to run!
SATURDAY FEB 9-
DONNA 5K
I woke up Saturday, the first day of the Booby Trap Challenge, the 5k, and instantly stepping out of bed, knew I could not walk. My toe was soooore. So disappointed, but still determined, I thought, 'That's it, Ill just knee scoot the whole thing. I'm still doing it!' But getting ready, walking around the house, it loosened up and I started thinking, 'well, maybe...' By the time we drove to the Start, I decided I'm going to walk as much as my toe/ankle would allow me and have the knee scooter waiting just in case. Leeann had a golf cart, so she would bring it to me if I needed it.
It was a very brisk and windy morning. We waited inside the Expo building for a little while since the parking was a piece of cake with no traffic. Then we waited in the Runners Village. Both places I managed to just sit and rest to the foot, preparing to tackle my furthest distance walking. It was a pretty long wait and I was nervous. Finally the 110 Ultra runners took off, and then finally so did we.
I wanted to wait to be last to start, but Julie had us go about mid distance back. People of course were running all passed us, but it was kind of cool because I wore a sign on my back saying 'no broken ankle can stop me.' So many people said things like they have been there before, and 'good job, and 'keep it up.' It was cool to have that pep talk in the beginning. We were going kinda fast at first, but instantly needed to slow down. Julie was the best in making sure people stayed away from bumping into me, and watched the ground to make sure I didn't loose my balance in any divot, rock, or curb.
At about half a mile in Roger and Norma started to pass me. Of course I called out to them and then they walked the rest of the way with us! It was absolutely perfect! I couldn't have asked for better company. Roger and Norma, a sweet and loving elderly couple, used to be my neighbors, who I instantly thought of as family. They took care of me and my pup all the time. Norma's brother also had breast cancer and now she is on a mission to raise awareness for male breast cancer. She is the cutest.
Before we even reached a mile, I was already the last person. Then we realized they had a police car following us the entire course! I just laughed. I didn't think they had that for this race, as there is no time limit and all the Donna people knew I may take 2 hours to finish. There were also cops on every single block at the intersections! Oh man, so many people waiting on me! I tried to just laugh it off and ignore it, but it actually helped me stay in the moment and remember that this IS a race! It is not just a casual walk. So push yourself, but mindfully push yourself. So that is what I did.
The first mile went by at 25 minutes....that was already my fastest mile, so I was okay with that even though I thought we went faster. Then I realized all the runners were already coming back. Oh man, this is embarrassing. Every single runner can see who is last. But instantly it changed as people were still motivating me by calling out 'keep going, you got this!' A couple friends gave a hug as they passed, and a complete strange came and gave high fives! It was pretty awesome. We got to mile 2 and it was 25 minutes again! WHAT?! That's awesome, I just did 2miles at the same PR time!
Roger is not a big distance walker and he usually stops and lets Norma continue on. I kept checking on him, and it was cool he was actually making it. So it was a little competition of who will make it the total 3 miles? It was super windy and cold with the head wind coming back, but i still had a smile on my face and laughing about the entire situation with the cop still on my tail! My toe was doing okay, as I was using more of the outside of my foot. My ankle was doing superb. Every now and again I had to just pause and raise the leg off the ground for a few seconds, but I never had to fully stop. The last mile was going to be the one in question, but it was good! The arch of my foot started getting really tired the last half mile and I really didn't want it to cramp up, so we slowed a little. But I guess we didn't slow that much, because the last mile was 26 minutes!
Coming into the final stretch, they had just started the Fun Mile, mainly little kids, but there were adults too. They were coming out and taking up the entire road, and we were weaving through going into the Finish so Julie made sure to be my body guard, so that they didn't bump me off the road! Then the winner of the Final Mile was coming in as I was finishing the 5k. How can you not laugh at that? I crossed the line almost wanting to cry, but really I just wanted to smile! I DID IT! And I did it so much faster than I thought! Amanda awarded me with my 5k medal and Donna handed me a Final Finisher plague! I actually won in something! It is my most prized possession ever!!! =)
Julie took me straight back to the Expo and we got a massage from Cura. It was absolutely perfect and exactly what I needed. The ladies there remembered my story from the day before at the Expo and was excited to hear how it went! She worked on my foot/ankle/leg and I am so thankful Julie had that idea! We celebrated afterwards with drinks and brunch and then I needed to rest/ice up and prepare for the VIPinks Happy Hour meetup and the Mayo Clinic Top Fundraiser Dinner.
VIPinks Happy Hour Meetup
VIPinks are basically the DONNA Ambassadors throughout the country and we share ideas to improve and promote The DONNA on a private Facebook page. They held a cocktail hour at Surfer the Bar which was right next to my house so I decided to make an appearance on the way to the DONNA Mayo Clinic Top Fundraiser dinner. Constance came with and it was a nice continuation of my 5k celebration with pink drinks and goodies!
DONNA Mayo Clinic Top Fundraiser Dinner
Every year I am invited to the Mayo Clinic dinner but I have only gone one time previously as I am usually more focused on PRing the full marathon the next morning, thus no wining and dining, and in bed before 8p! I decided this was a perfect opportunity to embrace all the events this year and I probably needed to hear some words of motivation from some great people anyways. A DONNA Foundation recipient spoke and really hit home with my ankle. Not that what I have been going through is nearly as rough as having breast cancer, but amazingly it has been much more rough than I ever imagined, especially doing it alone. The simple words of 'you have to be exposed to be blessed' is so very true. Every single thing I have done since my fall I have looked at in a different light. Every struggle as I recovered and now every thing I relearn to do with my 'bionic' ankle, its all different. Simple acts have now become huge triumphs as I conquer them one by one. None of it I can ever take for granted again.
Dinner was of course great, and I'm so happy Constance decided to be my guest! It was such a huge whirlwind of a day! Just not enough time for each of the events to soak in before moving on to the next. Looking back, we didn't even take pictures at dinner! I really wish they would move this Mayo Clinic Dinner to Thursday.
SUN FEB 10
DONNA MARATHON
How do you fully reap the benefits of participating in The DONNA??...Register as a Fundraiser Experience participant! Pledge to raise X amount of donations and the rewards are endless!
FUNDRAISER EXPERIENCE PARTICIPATE AMENITIES-
-VIP Parking at the Start! (NO Shuttle!)
-VIP area at Southern Grounds pre-race to relax (still waiting for them to make a VIP gear check)
-VIP Finish Area with Ruth Chris food and drink!-Can we say steak and shrimp and mimosa?!
-VIP Finish Line Viewing-Couches and swing to relax and watch the runners and a private clean bathroom trailer
This year with the new course there was a shuttle system to Start. Because I had VIP Parking at Start, I didnt have to wake up extra early for all that nonsense! I picked up a fellow VIPink who was staying at a hotel near me and we made our way, still probably a little too early, but I like to take my time on marathon day instead of wasting energy being rushed.
Our VIP experience also got us a separate area to relax pre-race at the Southern Grounds coffee shop. This was nice, but I felt it was a little too far away from any of the Runners Village, DJ music, other vendors, and excitement. As well as gear check. I've always said VIP should have their own Gear Check. Thankfully, Brooks had their own gear check this year. We socialized for a bit, then said our Good Lucks and headed our own ways. I had to get my hand cycle ready!
I was so excited yet so nervous as I met up with the other Brooks participates. Its like they all knew what they were in for, and I had no idea! I wasnt too worried about finishing, I had a game plan of just taking it easy and going nice and slow. As I was more worried about starting so early before the runners, and being so much faster than the runners, that there wouldnt be enough spectators out yet. And THAT is what makes The DONNA. 92 half marathons I have run all over the country and not a single race even comes close to the amount of neighborhood support that this race has! Not only do they just line the street, but they go all out on the decorations....banners that cross over the street, balloons that go for blocks, (this year endless pink palm trees and flamingos!), music blaring on their speakers or even musicians in their drive ways, and they set up their own support tables of runner fuel like bananas, oranges, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cupcakes, bacon, donuts, Popsicles, you name it! As well as the party tables of mimosas, beer, bloody marys. It really is one big party!
I got to my cycle and they introduced me to my 'guide.' I had no idea I was going to have a 'guide.' I didnt know what to think, except I had someone to express all my nerves and excitement to!...oh and take my picture! Basically Tyler would be on a regular bike and stay with me the entire course, I guess to make sure I dont have any issues along the way. As we lined up to Start (extra early), I told him my game plan of taking it nice and slow, and I was still worried about my ankle swelling and blood clots, so we might stop and stretch. He said that was a good idea and he had to pee anyways! I said I did too (but maybe it was the nerves!)
The countdown was quick and we were suddenly covered in an endless sea of pink confetti flying in the air! They had put me in the back, but I realized quickly I wanted to go faster and space out from the other cyclists. Within half a mile, I was probably one of the first few and I knew it. It felt good and I suddenly was thinking 'Wow, what if I could win one of the awards on this thing?' The first aid station was my fellow colleagues (we volunteer a station every year to collect a grant) but I flew right through there because I already felt in the zone. We were in a new part of the course which made things very interesting. And then some parts was like we were doing the previous years course backwards. I loved not knowing where I was going next. I quickly learned, to my surprise lots of spectators were already out. The cyclists spaced out so much, that I was basically alone the entire time until about M10 where I passed a cyclist, and then around M20 when we had the out and back.
I felt like every single one of the spectators cheered for me more than if I was just running. Real shout outs like "looking strong!" "Go get em!" "Wow, you are flying!" Shocked looks on their faces made me smile. Thats right, Im a powerful beautiful girl on a hand cycle kicking ass! No broken ankle is stopping me!
And he was definitely a life saver when it came to the aid stations! I carried my own water bottles but knew it was estimated Id finish under 3 hours, so I didnt carry any extra fuel. I tried to grab a few gatorades, but most of the volunteers were caught off guard when I would speed by. Or they didnt hear me or didnt realize I wanted a cup soon enough, and there was no way was I slowing down! Its too hard to get going again! Now, we did end up stopping for one.....the bacon and mimosa station! Now that was worth the slow down! Every time I tried to reach for something at a station and missed, Tyler would turn around and get off his bike and get it and cycle it to me. It was perfect team work! He even got me TWO cups of bacon! and a gianormous donut that we had to split!
Tyler absolutley made my race day! Nothing about it would have been the same without him. Just his presence made my anxiety of my first hand cycle race disappear! He made me smile. He made me stronger. He pushed me in ways he probably doesnt even know. To have the support of someone by my side was the absolute best feeling. Every single 91 half marathons and 9 marathons i have done , I have felt a guardian angel with me in one form or another...mostly butterfiles or heart shapes that remind me of ones passed....this time my guardian angle was Tyler!
The second half of the course was eerily quiet, the clouds and wind had rolled in, there were barely any spectators and it was a long straightaway. This was the most challenging part of the entire race, but still was one I played and laughed with. Then we got to the turn around point about M20, where they had to literally lift up my chair and turn me around because the street was so narrow. At that point, runners were finally starting to get close....well, they were heading out and we were heading in. It was really cool because a ton of the runners kept giving me thumbs up and 'good jobs.' Amazingly I was not missing running!
I was too happy to be! I definitely never smiled that much before during a marathon! I was so in the zone of happiness, I even almost missed seeing Constance videoing me at a couple of places! I crossed the finish line and literally fell out of my handcycle chair, my legs numb, arms jello, my body shaking, a huge smile on my face saying, "that was the FUNNEST marathon Ever!" We just sat there at the Finish Line amazed that that just happened. Then I found out I was the first hand cycle female to finish! And third overall!
With the VIP Fundraiser Experience, we got to celebrate at the Ruth Chris tent right at the Finish Line with steak, shrimp, mimosas, a swing, couches, and private bathroom! It was so early still and so many racers to watch coming in! We sat there for the longest time and everything from the entire weekend just soaked in. I did it! I did it all!
What was extra cool about this years race moving to the beach community was that a lot of the restaurants and shops gave away free goodiess (candle, bracelet, car coaster) as well as happy hour discount prices for food and drinks which me and another ViPink got to partake!
The entire weekend was so jammed packed of events, there was no moment to feel down on myself over a broken ankle and not being able to run! I am so blessed that together we were able to come up with a plan so I could still participate! It ended up being an experience of a lifetime! Thank you to everyone that has supported me along this crazy journey! I have a whole new love and appreciation of hand cyclists! It was so much fun, I literally said that evening, lets do it again! And then my shoulders started hurting so bad, I had to put lidocaine on that night! lol
Please show your support with a donation to The Donna Foundation HERE