I Really Cannot #Race15Medal14 #ChallengeMedal3

It hurts. Everything about running, half ass stretching, attempting to clear TSA with a bag of medals, and eat all the pasta before 10:00pm hurts. I had to go through TSA twice. Oakland didn’t want me to leave, so I had to go back through. My medals were too blingy and kept making the sensors go off.

This cannot be the life Jesus wanted for me.

I have never been so anxious the night before and morning of a race this year. And well, Happy Hour happened the night before a few of them. I woke up Sunday morning legitimately afraid. Then Batman, Ariel and a gottdamn suc trojan were in the living room ready for picture time. I don’t know where I am right now, but Go Bruins! #BruinsBish #BruinRevolution #WeDemBruins

Well, Race 14 is in the books, now it’s time for Medal 14. And this one is brought to you by Halloween and the City of Angels. The final installment of the #IRunTheCoast is Rock n Roll Los Angeles. San Diego & San Jose are distant memories. 13.1 miles stand between me and The California Takeover.

Start: In & Out costume? Pretty damn creative. I'm hungry. Dammit......I haven’t eaten anything. This can’t be good. Maybe I can sneak a snack from the…oh, my Corral is leaving…Oh, nevermind.

Mile 1: Trust your body. Take it easy… Man, downtown LA is sure looking nice since I lived here. There was a time when I wasn’t a runner that I would have been running down these streets. Funny how life does this… #ComesFullCircle #SameRunDifferentReasons

Mile 2: We’re getting oddly close to that junior college of an alleged institution where they say learning takes place. I don’t know about this.

Mile 3: The gottdamn Coliseum. What a cruel joke…this was obviously the “trick” part of the Halloween season. You mean to tell me I went through ALL OF THIS to run a circle around this? I cannot. I really cannot. Worst part? My medals are literally on the other side of this damn contraption. Dear Life, I hate you.

Mile 4: Um, I don’t feel so good. Perhaps I should stop. I feel like Ezell right now. My neck and my back are killing me! This sports bra (bras) is struggle is real.

Mile 5: Oh, so we just did a circle. Like we’re going back towards the way we came. Isn’t. That. Awesome? I know one thing, if this lady dressed like a referee doesn’t stop sprinting, then walking in front of me, there will be a personal foul. #AintNobodyGotTimeForYou

Mile 6: I hate you all. Why must you be so mean Jesus? I mean, I pray. I help old ladies across streets. I fast (well, I don’t grocery shop, but….you know what I meant…I don’t eat!). I can literally, like LITERALLY see the finish line from here. Fck it. I’m crossing of this gate. I’m getting my medal. I’m tired. I’m hungry. It’s getting hot. I’m over it.

Mile 7: Why am I here? And why is she here? Are those ski poles she’s got? Is she ski-running? Is that a thing? Man, they come up with the craziest stuff. I wonder if you get a special medal for it. Imma look that up when I finish. Maybe EBoogie will do it with me. I’m sure I can convince CJC to do it.

Mile 8: I wonder if I’ll be able to wear my heels tomorrow. They’re so cute. And that dress tho? The color is everything. OMG, it’s going to make my medals pop! Oh yea! Heck yea! #GetIt #MedalMonday #MaybeIShouldFocusOnRunningRightNow #JustAThought

Mile 9: Is that a bridge? As in an elevated part of this route? As in, I am going to be running upward? Hell to the naw. I’m turning around. This can’t be right. *experiencing real defeat*

Mile 10: There are seriously like 3 more miles. Why do I do this to myself? Man, the downtown LA skyline is nice. Let me take a picture real quick *calf muscles start throbbin* Ugh…fine, no pictures. I didn’t forget about what you said yesterday.

Mile 11: Where is that chick with the baby oil? I mean lotion. I mean, damn…what is the name of that stuff? Vaseline!!! Yes! That’s it! I need some of that. I have no idea where this itch on my arm is coming from, but I just can’t deal right now.

Mile 12: I’m going to eat every damn thing in sight. I don’t care what it is or who’s holding it. I, in this moment, completely understand cannibalism.

Mile 13: *Mali Music, Walking Shoes comes on* Wow. This is exactly why I’m here. Damn.

Mile (13)0.1: I feel faint. Not fake faint. Actual faint. I swear, if you fall down right now, right at this finish, I will never forgive you. I might not actually remember who you are because concussions are totally a thing. Point is, I WILL hang on to the memory of never forgiving you…whoever I remember you to be. See, I am getting lost in my thoughts right now. Why is this tenth of a mile So Long! OMG! Save me!

Finish: I can’t believe it. It’s really finished. I really did it. Like, for real. What in the world am I going to do now? Wait...open your eyes...Your Baby Mama is about to cross the finish line! Yassssss!!!! You go girl!!!

I did not plan it this way. I mean I did, because I registered for these races months and months ago. But to have #14in2014 end this way? It took 2 races, 2 locations, 2 start lines, and 2 finish lines to get my 14^th race and my 14^th medal. I spent the entire weekend running with friends and loved ones. As I finished my last race of the #14in2014, my dear friend was completing her first half marathon! Which is really what this was all about, right?

I guess. I did not know the purpose other than the medals last Winter as we Facebook chatted our way into a year of running for bling. I spent much of my time en route to race locations reflecting on this very thought; the purpose finally revealed to me by a song on my playlist.

Anyone who really knows me knows that my collection of music is, well, eclectic. It’s really hard to describe and I don’t try to explain the seeming contradictions that make up my running playlist. One of which is Mali Music. A newer edition to the running playlist…as it has evolved over time. As I made it to Mile 13, Walking Shoes came on. And that’s when I figured it out. This whole year was about the time spent in my (walking)running shoes…

I got my running shoes on and I could not have told you where I was going, when I decided to do all of this. I’ve run down many lonely roads, trails, streets, inclining paths and hills, and thank God for the scenery. It was beautiful. And something has been telling me that I need to keep on running…

And as I was running, I was thinking, this dude is literally singing, my actual life, exactly as it is happening, in the very moment. How can that be?

Every word, every word he sang revealed to me new meaning. I haven’t had a clue about what I have been doing these 10 months. I have literally been registering for races, telling friends about them, showing up, and taking Medal Monday pictures. That has been the extent of my investment. I said I was going to do 14 medal races, and it just so happened that on October 26^th I completed what I set out to do. And I have been desperately trying to figure out the why. But, it’s not always about knowing why, sometimes it’s all about knowing what, and that's enough to keep you walking every day. #QuestionOneAnswered #ThanksMaliMusic

I have been so anxious this whole year. There were points that I attempted to figure out how I would spin my inevitable defeat. In the completely possible chance that I don’t get that 14^th medal and race, what would I say? What would be the title of that blog post? How would I hashtag it? 14 running events was totally possible, but for me, it was just a dream that I ain't seen yet, chasing a dream that I ain't dreamed yet, but I'mma meet it halfway if I keep on walking. And I did. I kept on running. And then walking…when it hurt to run. I never stopped. Not one time. I always wondered why I would not stop. My mind said quit, but my body would not stop moving – no matter the pace. What I’ve been after wasn’t at the finish line. That was just the halfway point. There are still miles ahead of me. And my body is well aware of it. #Epiphany #Mali…SirYouAreGood

There are two keepsakes from this running experience to date. I am certain that more will be revealed to me if I do what Daddie always says and keep on living, right? Right.

First, even though all my times aren’t happy times…I never let it slow my pace. Most of my times are pretty slow, and as I continue to beat that dead stopwatch to the ground, the reality is, I may never beat any of those times I think are socially acceptable among runners. If that’s even a thing. I was too prideful to see that no matter the time, I kept moving. I never stopped. Not once. Not even this time when the finish line tempted me so much. That angry ginger headed lady marveled at my pace.

And second, always waiting for something good to find you, but if it don’t come what are you going to do? I mean really. Patience is virtuous, and there are some things in life that are worth the wait. But everything is not. And this was not. Being a good person is awesome. Being a static person is not. I have been waiting so long for some real happiness. I thought that being patient and steadfast in that position I was always in, that it would find me. It never did.

So, I’m just going to keep on running.

This Race: Rock N Roll Los Angeles, Half Marathon, Los Angeles  CA
Medaled Miles to date: 86.77 miles

Total Raced Miles to date: 99.87 miles 

0 Medals To Go ǁ 100% Complete

(Challenge Medal 3, 17 Medals ǁ 121% Complete)

You see, 13.1 isn't actually a number – it's a symbol. It means a lot more than thirteen miles and one-tenth. It's more than 30 songs on an iPod or 52.4 laps around a standard track. For many, it represents the destruction of a fear. For others, it's the greatest liberation they've ever felt. For me, it meant breaking a lot of negative cycles in my life and turning my power toward something progressive.

#MilesOverMatter #fromFrederickLMayesFBPost

Pure Genius, #Race13Medal12 #ChallengeMedal1

I’m trying to get my Cali Combo Medal RnRSJ is soooo happening… That was me 22 weeks ago (says Instagram) when I was in #100DaysOfHappy mode. I’m certain Pharrell was not thinking about this when he was happy.

The night before a race is spent eating all the pasta in a 10 mile radius and resting. Because, miles and miles to go before I medal, right? Typically. But not this day. I ran a 5k. Then I went to a wedding. And it was homecoming at my place of employment. And because tailgating and tickets to the game are free, at 8:00pm the night before my race, I’m in the stands of Spartan Stadium with JRock.

See? Genius.

I know what you’re thinking, you went home right after that right? So you could get some rest, right? Wrong.

Good Idea: Staying on campus the night before so you can walk to downtown where the race begins and ends. This means you can sleep longer and not have to worry about parking.

Bad Idea: Realizing you left your iPod with your running playlist in your car parked at your Uncle’s place. He lives 20 or so minutes away. And you can’t get there – because your car is there. And you’re 20 or so miles away from it.

So you get out of the bed, wait for your Uncle – who will probably never do anything for you, like not even open a can of soda for you, because he hates everything you represent – to bring you to your iPod. And car. Because he’s not taking you back to campus. He doesn’t like you. At all.

Good Idea: Getting comfy in the bed to recoup the sleep and rest you did not get because you did the worst job planning your day and you don’t know how to deal with peer pressure very well.

Bad Idea: Deciding to stay on campus during Homecoming because students are so well behaved throughout the year, especially during Homecoming. Because nobody will pull the fire alarm in the building you’re staying in, which also activates the alarm in the parking garage making a normal fire alarm activation a 2+ hour ordeal, beginning at 3:00am.

Like I said, I am literally the smartest person you know. And yes, I signed up for 2 races. On the same weekend. #ThisChallengeIsSilly

Race Day: *fire alarm hangover* I could just stay in this bed all day.

Start Line: I don’t think I can do this. Like seriously. Unlike any other start line, in any other city, for any other race… I am literally in fear that I won’t make it. But I want that medal tho. #ChallengeBackOn

Mile 1: I need to use the bathroom. Dammit.

Mile 2: Awwww, lookie at one of my old student staff members volunteering at the race! That’s so cool. Now pass that water bruh, it’s hot out here. *sees bathroom* *Thank the Lord*

Mile 3: I wonder if JRock still out here? I might need somebody to come get me. #iHurt #ThatsNotAnApp #ThatsMeInPain

Mile 4: *wondering why I seem to be hurting this early in the race* Ooooh Yea. I ran a 5K yesterday. Then went to a wedding. And wore heels. Then a tailgate. And a football game. And a fire alarm. Oh, okay. Makes sense.

Mile 5: It’s 91 thousand damn degrees out here tho. #WeShouldaDelegatedTheTemperatureToMoses

Mile 6: I could almost be done right now. Like my friend I think I see passing me. You know, the smart one that’s doing to 10K.

Mile 7–9: Don’t ask.

Mile 10: Why do I make life so difficult for myself?

Mile 11: You couldn’t pay me to walk down this street. Ever. Wait… I’m actually paying to run down this street. #FacePalm

Mile 12: This isn’t Rock N Roll San Jose. This is Rock N Roll Hades. Who in the hell *literally* turned the heater on in the Bay Area?! It’s October. Ain’t nobody got time to sweat 2 week old braids out!

Mile 13: Hump. This looks familiar. *shrugs*

Mile 13(0.1): *realizes this was the same corner I was turning just a day ago* Yea, I’m not doing another remix challenge again. This is stupid and silly, and the people who organize events and challenges like these should have to appear before Congress. This may not be too hard for God, but this is extremely difficult for me.

Finish Line: *queues up choir* I just want to Thank…You…Lord…

The day prior, I thought to myself, I will live to regret this. And I did. Only it did not even take a full 24 hours. I was in pain most of the race. Between that and the sauna known as San Jose, I was miserable for the last half of the running. I feel like, if the race starts before the sun comes up, then it should stay where it is until I cross the finish line. #mannersSJ #manners

Though so many things connected to this experience pounding the pavement sucked (by my own design and piss poor planning/preparation), there were a few bright moments. One in particular that made me smile.

As I was stretching, convincing myself that this was totally a great idea and I was going to have the most amazing time ever, a woman got my attention. She asked if I was part of the Black Girls Run group. I responded No because I realized right before I answered that question, that I never actually “signed” up for it. A friend added me to the Facebook group, but aside from that, I did not complete my membership application or apply for my card. Hell, I don’t even have a Black Girls Run tee yet.

But I’m in the group. I’m connected to the community of black women who buy things at running stores. And she is too. She also did her first marathon in San Diego. You know, that place where I had an #EpicSummerRun and learned a lesson in chivalry? Yup, she was there. And, she’s going to be in Los Angeles when I do the ridiculous again and run in back to back events. Only this time, I was brilliant enough to put a flight and 340 miles in between them. Oh, and she is planning to rock the #StripAtNight too!

We took a picture and went to our separate corrals… #SheIsWayFasterThanMeTho #GoGirl #RunBlackGirlRun. And I thought, you were kinda creepy asking her all those questions…you really get real weird about this running stuff 'Teezy…you need to chill out. And after that I realized that she will probably run away from me in Los Angeles.

Eventually, I saw the novelty of it all. We all do this for our own reasons. We register ourselves. Commit to our training with varying levels of effort. Safety pin our bibs. Find our corrals. Start. And finish. And many of us never meet the thousands of people running past alongside us. But we are all there. All connected. All together. And we all get it. Unlike all the other people watching us run, cheering us on, or wondering why we would ruin a perfectly good weekend with a 20-mile training run, we understand it. It makes perfect sense.

Kind of like working in student development. It looks crazy from the outside.

From the inside, we know exactly what kind of crazy it is. And we show up again the next day. That’s the genius in all this. #LevelsAndLevelsAndLacesToThisBro #LevelsAndLaces

This Race: Rock N Roll San Jose, Half Marathon, San Jose CA
Medaled Miles to date: 67.47 miles

Total Raced Miles to date: 80.57 miles 

2 Medals To Go ǁ 86% Complete

(Challenge Medal 1, 13 Medals ǁ 93% Complete)

#EpicSummerRun, Race10Medal9

It. Was. Epic.

Unfortunately, it didn’t start out that way. Even back at the planning stages this wasn’t fun. It was a struggle to even decide if I was going to do this one. The year started out as me running alone for the most part. Now it’s almost June and I have tons of friends participating in running events. Like the Diva's Half Marathon & 5K  in San Francisco. Which just so happened to be the same day as the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in San Diego.

A very important strategic decision. Do I run with friends and be a Diva, and get a boa, and take a picture with a sexy fireman? Or, do I find my own way to #14in2014 and not only get my 9^th medal, but begin the #iRunTheCoast challenge #CaliCombo…which comes with an awesome challenge medal?

The answer is to always go your own way. Make your own path. Find your own self. #SanDiego

So, I found a couple of Southern California friends to meet me in San Diego for an #epicsummerweekendrunning. Only, one friend got stuck at the airport in the Bay Area for 3 hours, and the others couldn’t meet me until the next day.

But it got epic!! A wonderfully set up race expo. Free goodies – like always – Rock ‘n Roll folks never disappoint. Happy people everywhere. Literally everyone was happy about their decision to pay an obscene amount to run that next morning at an unholy hour. Hella Excited.

…and nervous. I was actually kind of afraid! It’s crazy when I think about it. I’ve clearly done these running events before…and survived them. But why now? Why the nerves? I suppose maybe I still don’t believe in the legend of me I am making through #14in2014. Guess I have to keep running until I’m convinced. There’s no one more committed to a cause than a convinced skeptic, right?

Well, it is the morning of the race. After a night of reunions, pasta, annoying singing at dinner, room service, lounging, laughter and swapping secrets, I rolled out of bed. My first words?

I’m too tired. I can’t do this. Please don’t make me go. …and that fool didn’t even respond. I think he grunted. I just shook my head and continued getting dressed. Before I left out, I had one request. When you guys wake up, bring my race bag. It’s right here – the room key is on top of it. Don’t forget it!

Okay. #LiesToldWhileSleeping

Hotel to Balboa Park: OMG! OMG! OMG! I have to get there! I have to see SPL before he takes off into greatness in the Marathon! OMG! He is going to KILL it!

Corral 3: OMG! OMG! OMG! We need to take a picture! Kisses! Good Luck! *he is soooo stinking cute in those running shorts*

Thirty Minute Wait to Half Marathon Corral opening: This was not a good idea. *text to #conferencehubby* Don’t forget my bag!

Start: Welp. I paid for this. Might as well…

Get thee behind satan! I'm running! *make mental note of the address*

Mile 1: This city is actually pretty nice. I could see myself living here.

Mile 2: The people are so nice! Awwww, lookie at the cheerleaders!

Mile 3: Really? Wings & Ribs joint? Are you kidding me? It smells good though. #IGotALittleTimeForThat #OhWaitImRunningAHalfMarathon #Dammit #TheSwindle #DontForgetTheAddress

Mile 4: Oh, no thank you sir, I don’t think I should have a Stoli Vodka and Cranberry. I have to run. You know, like all these other people out here. It’s kind of a thing. But your generosity will be remembered on this great day sir. #iwitnessedkindnessinSD #PayItForward #ARoundOnMeLater #ImightaHadaDrinkIfThatWasCirocTho

Mile 5: I wonder if that fool remembered my bag. I can’t wait for those recovery beans. They are soooooo good!

Mile 6: I signed up to do this 3 more times this year. That doesn’t seem like the smartest idea.

Mile 7: *reading the cool words in chalk on the pavement* Run like someone called you a jogger. I think that’s supposed to be an insult to make me run faster. It kinda feels like a compliment.

Mile 8: Only 4 more miles to go. I mean that’s not a lot. #LiesToldWhileRunning

Mile 9: I hope I don’t miss Aloe Blacc. I swear I’m moving so damn slow!

Mile 10: *sign* Half Marathon stay right. Marathon to the left. *drifts to the left running* Um…where in the entire HAYLE are you going? *drifts back right*

Mile 11: *text to #conferencehubby* Mile 11. It hurts.

Mile 12: I quit! I Quit! I QUIT!!! This is so stupid. My feet are killing me. I really wanted to wear my Steve Madden’s tonight!

Mile 13: I’m never going to run again. My circulatory system, my toenails, my braids and my hypothalamus all hate me.

Finish: OMG! There he is! Is. That. A. Sign. With. My. Name. On. It. OMG. Keep. Running. You’re. Not. Finished. Yet.

I have to find them! I have to find them! OMG! He told me he had a surprise for me, but there was no way I could have anticipated that! I have the sweetest #conferencehubby In. The. Entire. Galaxy! He was so excited to catch my gaze as I finished the longest 0.1 mile in my life.

I got my medal, my cold towel, took my finish line photo, and grabbed every piece of sustenance they handed me. Always moving forward, towards the exit, to get to my friends. To thank them. To hug them. To give them all this crap in my hands before my muscles gave out #thelacticacidstruggle.

And there they were waiting beyond the trolley crossing. So happy to see me. So ready to find the rest of our friends to congratulate them. So ready to have brunch. Sans my post-race bag. But how could I be upset. They just made my day!

We found our friend SPL who beasted the full marathon. Made it to the free beer station. And got to see Aloe Blacc #he’sthemanhe’sthemanhe’stheman in Petco Park do what he does sooo well. I felt like the woman! I was the woman. I am the woman.

Everything about Rock ‘n Roll San Diego was amazing! If you are looking for an awesome half marathon experience it comes with my highest recommendation. Unlike #StripAtNight, RnRSD has awesome weather, great location, beaches everywhere!, well mapped and marked race route, lots of entertainment along the course, the entire CITY of San Diego cheering you on, and is totally family friendly. Though you begin running before the sun, and before Jesus has a chance to wake up the rooster to crow at dawn, you won’t regret it! Oh, and bring your friends with you! It makes a great trip all the more fantastic.

I am the woman who set out January 1^st to earn 14 race medals. I am the woman who is at the middle of the year and more than halfway to 14. I am the woman becoming a legend. My skepticism is fading…

Word of advice though. After running 13.1 or 26.2 miles, maybe you should not go out dancing to semi-ratchet music that you #CCOD that you know most of the words to #ThatsMyJammmmm. I #cantconfirmordeny that this happened and that I maybe walking is a remarkably difficult thing to do, even days later. #CCOD

This Race: Half Marathon, Rock ‘n Roll San Diego, San Diego CA

Medaled Miles to date: 48.17 miles

Total Raced Miles to date: 61.27miles 

5 Medals To Go ǁ 64% Complete