A Woman's Determination - Part 2 of 5

The Determination of One Woman – Part 2 of 5

Part 2

Today, Peg is doing something entirely different. She is training for a marathon. A race she has never before attempted. In fact, she has never entered a race of any length prior to this. She will go from being a non-runner to running a marathon in 6 months time. To run for 26.2 miles in your first race is pretty amazing.

What thoughts were going through her mind when Jonathan told her he was running in the Marine Corps Marathon this October 2008? Mine would have been, are you crazy? Peg replied,

“Truthfully…my first response was….”You are in this race, not me…so you have to figure out your own training and meals, etc. I am not gonna do all that research for you.” Then….a few days passed….I did what I always do and started researching and getting information together about marathon training, nutrition, etc. Jonathan is a man after all….he won’t take the time to do all the research…at least not for this. If it were something for work…well…he would spend weeks getting the right intel, talking to the subject matter experts, ensuring personnel were “worked up”, etc….but this is just him doing something for him…so it gets little attention. That is when I always step in.”

Let’s look back at why Peg chose to join the Marines. I think that tells us a lot about her ability to succeed in her quest to raise funds for the Semper Fi Fund.

“Because they are the elite. You have to be a unique person to be a Marine. It takes a certain mindset…even before boot camp. There is something about being in a small group that not everyone can be in. Plus….my Dad said I would never make it! No one tells me that I can’t do something that I know I can do. I am very competitive and love challenges. I like to push the boundaries just a little. For example, I hope in my lifetime….I see a big ole 6 foot female on the Marine Corps silent drill team. It will take a certain type of female Marine to break into that group….but I would love to see it. Sometimes, things need a little shaking up. I like to travel the road less traveled or not traveled at all.”

If you stop and think about it, being a fit Marine doesn’t guarantee you to be able to run a marathon. Our bodies are just not made to run that far. There is a point in every marathoner’s run when they hit “the wall” so to speak. It usually occurs around mile 20 or 22. At that point in the race, it is sheer grit carrying you forward, step by step towards that finish line. A finish line that is still another 4 to 6 miles away! In some ways, Peg’s Marine Corps training has helped her though.

“My last day of service was 7 Jan 1994. I served my 4 year contract and then got out on my EAS (End of Active Service date).

I am training now far more than I ever did while on active duty. I have always been good at pushing myself. While on runs, I think about boot camp, force marches, etc….I remember well doing starjumps, pushups, etc because someone was too slow, or forgot something, or said the wrong thing…..then I am thankful that all I have to do is run….and I can run at my pace.

Of course, I think about my fallen friends who would run if they could. My brothers and sisters in the Corps who can’t….and then I dig deep and “get some”. I use the standards of the Corps to get an idea of how in shape I am….and I am doing pretty good. I ran 7 miles the other day….NO PROBLEM at all….easy day…..I haven’t ever RAN 7 miles straight even when I was on active duty. For the most part…it is the mental training that helps……I think when/if I “hit the wall” (runners term for the mental spot when you want to quit around 20-22 miles supposedly)…..that I have an advantage…..I have the “intestinal fortitude” to keep going! Boot camp is the first place that Marines do things that they “knew” they couldn’t do but amazingly are about to complete. Plus….with the help of a fellow Marine…NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE. In my case, I have Jonathan….no better Marine to get help from.”

Obviously, if you are running 7 miles a day, and working towards 26 miles, you are going to have to make some changes in your diet. Your body demands a few things to keep it happy and in good running order. Proper nutrition, proper shoes, clothing to run in all different types of weather, these are but a few of the things to consider. You need to set a schedule of how many miles to run each day, each week, and what about other types of exercise. Yes, you need to do more than just run. Peg and Jonathan spend time each week on weight training also.

Knowing there is a good fitness center nearby; you would think there surely would be some expert advice on prepping for a marathon. Peg found it is no different in the military as in civilian life with the quality of advice. “There are many fellow Marines that have run marathons and specifically this one…they have plenty of advise…some helpful and some NOT!”

As for words to the wise on eating, I do believe Peg has some very good advice. This advice works for anyone, whether they are in training for a race, or just going about their everyday life.

“ I love to cook and have always studied nutrition, etc. (I haven’t always applied my knowledge.) My family has a wide range of health issues which peaked my interest in better health. I read and read and read. When I did what physicians have been saying for years…the pounds came off and I felt better. When I changed…..the entire house changed. We eat 5-6 times a day and we watch our portion sizes. I have worked with all sorts of chefs and cooks as well as done my own research. That knowledge helps and will continue to help.”

“…....we drink more water for one….or at least I do. Complex carbs fuel our bodies……we need those complex carbs for the long haul. You need energy for right away…like Gatorade or Powerade (something with the electrolytes) then you need to have something that the body can use later…something that takes it a while to break down. We haven’t got it mastered but we are getting there. Jonathan is learning that I do know what I am talking about. This past week…..after tweaking the menu….he felt much better and ran faster. We have to learn how to drink and eat on the run, too. That is the part of our next phase. There is only so much you can “bulk” up on prior to a run so we have to figure out what power bars and drinks will work for us. We may have to have a fanny pack with goodies or hopefully….our bodies won’t be too particular and can adjust to a variety of brands. We have to work out the water to Gatorade ratio and what and when we need to eat. I have found out that I have to figure out when to drink because right now….I start running and after about thirty minutes…need to go potty! That won’t be so good during a race! I guess I am worried too much about being hydrated…that I over-hydrate.”

Yikes! It never even occurred to me that you might have to use the bathroom along the way! Here you are running and sweating like crazy, so you naturally are chugging fluids…… Perhaps this is where that “intestinal fortitude” comes into play. Good luck with that one Peg!!

In part 3 of the series, I will delve into the difficulties of getting the right shoes for the job and just exactly “why” she decided to run with Jonathan (is she?) rather than cheer and support him from the sidelines.

2010 LINK TO DONATION SITE

http://www.active.com/donate/SemperFiFund10/JandPWhite

Related Stories

The Determination of One Woman - Part 1 of 5 (Support Our Troops – Actively)

Running TO Live - Running for Others. (Support Our Troops – Actively)

The Opening Shock of Adversity: The Gratification of Perseverance (Hardened Warrior Series)

Team Semper Fi and the Semper Fi Fund (Support Our Troops - Actively, Veteran/Soldier Health)

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Part 2

Today, Peg is doing something entirely different. She is training for a marathon. A race she has never before attempted. In fact, she has never entered a race of any length prior to this. She will go from being a non-runner to running a marathon in 6 months time. To run for 26.2 miles in your first race is pretty amazing.

What thoughts were going through her mind when Jonathan told her he was running in the Marine Corps Marathon this October 2008? Mine would have been, are you crazy? Peg replied,

“Truthfully…my first response was….”You are in this race, not me…so you have to figure out your own training and meals, etc. I am not gonna do all that research for you.” Then….a few days passed….I did what I always do and started researching and getting information together about marathon training, nutrition, etc. Jonathan is a man after all….he won’t take the time to do all the research…at least not for this. If it were something for work…well…he would spend weeks getting the right intel, talking to the subject matter experts, ensuring personnel were “worked up”, etc….but this is just him doing something for him…so it gets little attention. That is when I always step in.”

Let’s look back at why Peg chose to join the Marines. I think that tells us a lot about her ability to succeed in her quest to raise funds for the Semper Fi Fund.

“Because they are the elite. You have to be a unique person to be a Marine. It takes a certain mindset…even before boot camp. There is something about being in a small group that not everyone can be in. Plus….my Dad said I would never make it! No one tells me that I can’t do something that I know I can do. I am very competitive and love challenges. I like to push the boundaries just a little. For example, I hope in my lifetime….I see a big ole 6 foot female on the Marine Corps silent drill team. It will take a certain type of female Marine to break into that group….but I would love to see it. Sometimes, things need a little shaking up. I like to travel the road less traveled or not traveled at all.”

If you stop and think about it, being a fit Marine doesn’t guarantee you to be able to run a marathon. Our bodies are just not made to run that far. There is a point in every marathoner’s run when they hit “the wall” so to speak. It usually occurs around mile 20 or 22. At that point in the race, it is sheer grit carrying you forward, step by step towards that finish line. A finish line that is still another 4 to 6 miles away! In some ways, Peg’s Marine Corps training has helped her though.

“My last day of service was 7 Jan 1994. I served my 4 year contract and then got out on my EAS (End of Active Service date).

I am training now far more than I ever did while on active duty. I have always been good at pushing myself. While on runs, I think about boot camp, force marches, etc….I remember well doing starjumps, pushups, etc because someone was too slow, or forgot something, or said the wrong thing…..then I am thankful that all I have to do is run….and I can run at my pace.

Of course, I think about my fallen friends who would run if they could. My brothers and sisters in the Corps who can’t….and then I dig deep and “get some”. I use the standards of the Corps to get an idea of how in shape I am….and I am doing pretty good. I ran 7 miles the other day….NO PROBLEM at all….easy day…..I haven’t ever RAN 7 miles straight even when I was on active duty. For the most part…it is the mental training that helps……I think when/if I “hit the wall” (runners term for the mental spot when you want to quit around 20-22 miles supposedly)…..that I have an advantage…..I have the “intestinal fortitude” to keep going! Boot camp is the first place that Marines do things that they “knew” they couldn’t do but amazingly are about to complete. Plus….with the help of a fellow Marine…NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE. In my case, I have Jonathan….no better Marine to get help from.”

Obviously, if you are running 7 miles a day, and working towards 26 miles, you are going to have to make some changes in your diet. Your body demands a few things to keep it happy and in good running order. Proper nutrition, proper shoes, clothing to run in all different types of weather, these are but a few of the things to consider. You need to set a schedule of how many miles to run each day, each week, and what about other types of exercise. Yes, you need to do more than just run. Peg and Jonathan spend time each week on weight training also.

Knowing there is a good fitness center nearby; you would think there surely would be some expert advice on prepping for a marathon. Peg found it is no different in the military as in civilian life with the quality of advice. “There are many fellow Marines that have run marathons and specifically this one…they have plenty of advise…some helpful and some NOT!”

As for words to the wise on eating, I do believe Peg has some very good advice. This advice works for anyone, whether they are in training for a race, or just going about their everyday life.

“ I love to cook and have always studied nutrition, etc. (I haven’t always applied my knowledge.) My family has a wide range of health issues which peaked my interest in better health. I read and read and read. When I did what physicians have been saying for years…the pounds came off and I felt better. When I changed…..the entire house changed. We eat 5-6 times a day and we watch our portion sizes. I have worked with all sorts of chefs and cooks as well as done my own research. That knowledge helps and will continue to help.”

“…....we drink more water for one….or at least I do. Complex carbs fuel our bodies……we need those complex carbs for the long haul. You need energy for right away…like Gatorade or Powerade (something with the electrolytes) then you need to have something that the body can use later…something that takes it a while to break down. We haven’t got it mastered but we are getting there. Jonathan is learning that I do know what I am talking about. This past week…..after tweaking the menu….he felt much better and ran faster. We have to learn how to drink and eat on the run, too. That is the part of our next phase. There is only so much you can “bulk” up on prior to a run so we have to figure out what power bars and drinks will work for us. We may have to have a fanny pack with goodies or hopefully….our bodies won’t be too particular and can adjust to a variety of brands. We have to work out the water to Gatorade ratio and what and when we need to eat. I have found out that I have to figure out when to drink because right now….I start running and after about thirty minutes…need to go potty! That won’t be so good during a race! I guess I am worried too much about being hydrated…that I over-hydrate.”

Yikes! It never even occurred to me that you might have to use the bathroom along the way! Here you are running and sweating like crazy, so you naturally are chugging fluids…… Perhaps this is where that “intestinal fortitude” comes into play. Good luck with that one Peg!!

In part 3 of the series, I will delve into the difficulties of getting the right shoes for the job and just exactly “why” she decided to run with Jonathan (is she?) rather than cheer and support him from the sidelines.

2010 LINK TO DONATION SITE

http://www.active.com/donate/SemperFiFund10/JandPWhite

Related Stories

The Determination of One Woman - Part 1 of 5 (Support Our Troops – Actively)

Running TO Live - Running for Others. (Support Our Troops – Actively)

The Opening Shock of Adversity: The Gratification of Perseverance (Hardened Warrior Series)

Team Semper Fi and the Semper Fi Fund (Support Our Troops - Actively, Veteran/Soldier Health)

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.