What An Experience… #14in2014

You got that right Janelle. I can feel it…feel it…feel it.

At the start of this, it was about fun with my friends, and revenge against people who thought I couldn’t do it. Who looked me in my eyes with so much judgment and disgust, that I really started off in the worst place. Not doing this for the most important person on the planet. Me.

But that soon dissipated. Running does that. You lose more than just that stuff they care about at medical doctor’s visits. You loose the stuff that weighing you down to that couch at the therapist’s office. Sure your skin is darker because you’ve been running in the sun. But you are so much lighter, and that’s a mixture that’s always attractive.

In January, I had million trillion races to do. Because I mean, if you have shoes and feet, you can actually do that many. I mean, it’s just running, jeez. Anyone can do it. And that’s right, anyone can do it. If they want to. I read a most inspiring story about Antoine Craig, after losing his sight, found his way running - to the finish line. I’ve seen the finish clearly, on multiple occasions, and had my doubts #LikeAMirageInTheSahara.

Well, what was #14in2014?

RECAP: I took down a 4K and unknown amount of beer in the Tap N Run. There were 4 5K’s. One lonely 8K with a Mariachi Mile! A 5 miler the homeys soul’d and stroll’d with me. Five 10Ks. The time I #RanLikeHella with #TeamTallsAndSmalls in the Oakland Marathon Relay! #Leg2Small1 #6.6milesGoingUpYonder. Then that 12K that I just um…if I could forget some of the sights on my way to the Breakers, I wouldn’t need as much therapy as I’m getting now. And finally, 4 half marathons that were all so amazing…so much so! Seriously, each one was packed with so much unexpected emotion…things I never thought I would feel. I medaled 99.17 miles, and raced 122.27 miles. Not bad for 18 races and 17 medals.

 

That wasn’t all the medal’ing though! Two remix challenges – San Jose & Las Vegas. Two Cali challenges which I have dubbed #TheCaliforniaTakeover #IOwnCalifornia – I Run The Bay, I Run The Coast – 408K-415K-510K & RnR SD-SJ-LA! And because I’m a heavy medalist, I’m down with the Rock Encore, Triple Crown, and Grand Slam Crews! #ImSuchAGroupie #24MedalsTotal #MedalsMotivateMe #AllAboutThatBling

What goals do you strive to achieve?

My goals are (were) fairly abstract. I want to be healthier, sure. But I’ve been focusing my energy on running. This year, I challenged myself to #14in2014… I’ve spent the year running and blogging about the experience.

How long have you been running?

Running in organized events? Since 2010. However, it’s only been this year that I have seriously committed to running.

Most have not come as far as you in terms of your level and commitment. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m not sure I’d call it commitment or success. Or even say that I made it that far. I’m very goal oriented/driven so if there’s a challenge I tend to do whatever it takes... I’m not sure what I’m most proud of honestly. I’ll have to think on that one. But, one of the amazing and beautiful things about this year is all the people in my life (and around it) who have been influenced by what I’ve done. I’ve convinced quite a few skeptics to take a chance on running. And many have created challenges of their own. You really never know who is watching you. For everyone who doesn’t believe/wants to see you fail (they are there), there is someone who’s inspired and waiting on you to win (there’s totally way more of these people).

Is there a favorite medal? Or race?

I’m not sure there is a favorite. But when I think of that question, Rock n Roll San Diego comes to mind. Though it wasn’t the first “flight to race” of the year, it was the first half marathon of the year. I was so anxious! But it was perfect. Everything about that race experience. Good meal the night before. Yapping and catching up with #ConferenceHubby. Running a great race – which didn’t feel great at all doing it. Getting to the finish line and seeing my friends there, excited, with sign just for me! Up to that point, nobody had ever been at the finish line waiting for me to arrive. Even my best friend went into the casinos to gamble. I had to call him when I got close. And if the experience could not have gotten any better, my Foster parents came to see me post-race! I have never felt so loved at a running experience than I did in that moment. It’s not often that a day, an experience, and event is all about me, the whole time. But it was. A group of people, some I had only known months were there, to celebrate me. More so than anything, I felt like I had truly accomplished something.

Then days later, I found out that I PR’d that race.

Is there a least favorite medal? Or race?

Um, love all my medals. But race…that’s easy. Rock n Roll Los Angeles. Pretty sure I’ll never do that one again Hated it. I take that back, I hated the race, loved running with my Baby Mama. If it wasn’t for her, it would be a complete thumbs-down. It’s like 5% thumb up.

What’s the craziest/funniest/weirdest thing you seen in this #14in2014 experience?

That’s always going to be Bay to Breakers. I mean, it just started off all kinds of wrong. From the Caltrain ride to the city, to the walk to the start line. Fix it Jesus! Mend it Moses! I was not ready Father God for the things I saw on that day. I should have been up in Church instead of stomping on tortilla shells #DeathOfTacoTuesday and seeing old white men sans clothing. Poor little wieners flopping around. I’m sure someone’s testes have arthritis now. How in the world do you explain that to a 10 year old? As in, the many 10 year olds I saw at the race.

Which race had the best swag?

OMG! This is a great question! I am always partial to Rock n Roll Las Vegas! I think the nostalgia more than anything, makes it the best everything in my mind. But, to be honest, a little ole race I did in Nashville, comparatively speaking had the best swag! That’s right…the Tap N Run gets the medal, for having an awesome medal that doubles as a bottle opener…hanging from a purple ribbon…my favorite color. Multi-function medals are always a plus! As a beer run, not only did you get an awesome shirt (it was cotton, but c’mon, it wasn’t even 3 miles, they get a pass for that). You were able to customize your bib with any name you wanted #nateezy. I got a beer koozie, a car decal, sunglasses, a free Uber ride we didn’t need, and unlimited beer. Sure I’m not a beer drinker, point is, the beer was free and plentiful. Because at heart, we’re all beer drinkers with running problems.

Definitely a great running and drinking experience with awesome swag, for a very reasonable price!

What’s the best/funniest cheering sign you’ve seen at any race in 2014?

The funniest I’ve seen actually being in a race is probably long gone. I got out of the habit of taking pictures of the signs because, well, my feet be hurting…and I get hungry and confused and ish. The funniest in any race I’ve seen (‘cause someone else was there and took the picture) was the Baltimore Marathon this year. Someone had a sign that said Run Faster, Omar Coming #TheWireForYouSlowFolks. Literary genius! I definitely want to add Baltimore to my 2015!

The Smile If You’re Not Wearing Underwear and Run Like Someone Called You A Jogger are in the running! After Omar, of course.

If you could create your own medal, what would it look like?

Now this is something that will haunt me for my running life. I always seem to have something profound to say about medals once I get them, but I’m not sure I could create one of my own! It would have to be for a themed race, for sure. For instance…I plan on finally doing one of these bacon races because bacon is life, more abundantly. An awesome bacon medal would be a black skillet like your grandma got in her cabinet right now. Four slices of thick cut applewood bacon frying on it. With sparkling grease pops on the skillet. Bacon all glistening and ish.

You hella hungry right now, hunh? Right.

Basically, I have no idea what the medal would look like. That’s what I really meant to say.

What’s on your running playlist?

That’s a loaded question. As in loaded with about 300 or so songs! I keep a ton of them on there because my music tastes are eccentric, and I get moody when I run. Sometimes I need that upbeat workout music. Other times, I need my jazzy/blues-y tunes, and Gregory Porter will always get me there. Panic At The Disco! Usually has me feeling some kind of great way, and doggone if I don’t need to feel like I’m back in Tennessee every now and then. If I’m running on Sundays, listening to Joint Heirs makes me feel better about not being in Church #IKnowImWrong #YouDontEvenHaveToSayIt. I still haven’t answered your question. Since this was about 14, I’ll give you 14 of them…

     1) Check Out Time – Tupac

     2) Victory – Janelle Monaé

     3) Walking Shoes – Mali Music

4) You & I Both – Jason Mraz

5) Double Heart – The Band Perry

6) Move Along – The All American Rejects

7) Gone Under – Snarky Puppy w/ Shayna Steele

8) Let Her Dance – Stephen Marley

9) Oye Como Va – Santana

10) Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse

11) Favorite Star – Quadron

12) Undertow – Goapele

13) Speak Low – Dianne Reeves

14) Best of Me, Part 2 – DJ Clue, Jay Z, Mya

Is there a favorite or memorable #MedalMonday?

Oh, you mean the one where I wanted to fire one of my staff? Sure is! So, about the aftermath of Bay to Breakers… I got sick. Somewhere between the race and the next day. Isn’t hard to believe since people were outside running all nekkid and whatnot #cooties. I mean, I am really sick, but we have our staff meeting. I still have my medal on because by this point, it’s May and I’ve indoctrinated my staff to not ask how I’m doing, but instead ask where’s your medal? Anyway, we’ve taken the #MedalMonday picture, and now we’re in the meeting and my entire sinus cavity is in cahoots with my respiratory system, and I just can’t get an inch of relief. Anyway, enter the #MedalMonday photo that will never be topped. At least I don’t see how. #IHateRocco #ItsSoFunnyTho #ButUgh lol

What was the hardest part of #14in2014?

Aside from my calf muscles conspiring against my greatness every single 10K and longer, the hardest part was finishing. Not just finishing, but finishing well. I mean, I knew I could always do it. I would have run injured before finishing this year without 14 medals. (I know better than to do that now). But I am so focused that it is rare that I don’t achieve a goal, especially one I have been so vocal about. Finishing well though? I didn’t believe I’d look better at the end of this. I assumed I’d be tired, exhausted, and that I probably would burn every running everything I’ve bought and collected on this endeavor. Staying encouraged on the journey. Having faith that something greater is in this, even if I don’t know where to look. Being hopeful that I could become a better something. And you know what made that difficult? Comparison. I spent a great deal of the year comparing my run and all the things about it to what I thought was the standard, or to the people around me. You know, what was socially acceptable among runners. It was so hard to focus. Even at the end.

After all of this, who are you now?

I don’t know exactly who I am. I do know that I am less confused. And I’m not so eager to find out. I’ve oscillated back and forth about being a runner. Or being a writer. Just like I worry about whether or not I’m a good person, or if my parents are proud of me. I could work to figure out the answer to that, or I could just live in the gray. I may not know with great certainty if I’m a runner. But, I do run. I also write. I sometimes do good things. And there have been occasions where I made my parents proud. That just has to be okay. Besides, my best friend knows me better than I ever could. So that’s enough.

Well, #14in2014 is done. What’s up for 2015?

          Check back tomorrow. You’ll see the next hashtag.