My 89 year old Grandma has pretty bad Alzheimer's and was just recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Ug. An even more recent trip to the hospital with severe bleeding made it pretty clear that we needed to see her again soon! Mom coordinated the weekend in which my Gram's Brother and his kids would drive down (note: Video is family stuff - definately NOT triathlon or running related - most will find it boring...)
from Ohio, while TriSherpaDi and I would drive up from Tampa. We met at the Nursing Home for lunch with that whole crew and my Uncle and his wife - the time we spent was really fantastic. I think Gram was "with us" for a good majority of the time we were there; she seemed to know everyone, and although she was typically quite, her eyes were following the conversation around the table. That time alone was worth 22 hrs in the car over the weekend.
from Ohio, while TriSherpaDi and I would drive up from Tampa. We met at the Nursing Home for lunch with that whole crew and my Uncle and his wife - the time we spent was really fantastic. I think Gram was "with us" for a good majority of the time we were there; she seemed to know everyone, and although she was typically quite, her eyes were following the conversation around the table. That time alone was worth 22 hrs in the car over the weekend.
So before the main event...lunch with Gram...TriSherpaDi, Me, Big Bob and Moms got up at 5am for the start of a long day: The inaugural Greensboro Marathon/Half Marathon. Mom's goal was 
to finish under 2:30, but she really didn't count on the relentless hills. Crimeny! Motion Based has the course pegged at 1050 feet of elevation in 13.6 miles - yes, the course was long - this sucker was never, ever flat.
to finish under 2:30, but she really didn't count on the relentless hills. Crimeny! Motion Based has the course pegged at 1050 feet of elevation in 13.6 miles - yes, the course was long - this sucker was never, ever flat.Disappointingly, the aid stations were few and far between. At least 2.5 miles separated the start and the first two aid stations, and it wasn't until the middle and end of the course until they started to space them a mile apart. By mile 5 we were ready for some fluids...luckily it wasn't hot out, or we would have been in a world of hurt. The extra half mile or so at the end, with an up-hill finish, really let some of the wind out of Moms' sails - but she finished strong and coming in 8 min over her goal on that course was a real accomplishment.
I got in a nice long run for the week at what I can only hope would be my Ironman pace and heart rate. I averaged 135bpm at our pace of 11:40 per mile.
After the race we did the lunch with Gram and then went to my Sister's house for some awesome dinner. The whole darn family was there again - kids included this time. (Again, family video...b.o.r.i.n.g.)
I'll admit that the beer and the great chow helped the time pass; I fell off that wagon before I even got on it! It was dark before we got back to my Mom's, and it was about 10 seconds before our heads hit the pillow. Mom cooked up some awesome pancakes in the morning, and at 10am, we said our goodbyes for the 11 hr trip back home.
I'll admit that the beer and the great chow helped the time pass; I fell off that wagon before I even got on it! It was dark before we got back to my Mom's, and it was about 10 seconds before our heads hit the pillow. Mom cooked up some awesome pancakes in the morning, and at 10am, we said our goodbyes for the 11 hr trip back home.
Driving still sucks. Just in case you were wondering.
16 comments:
It sounds like a weekend of considerable accomplishments--good work on all fronts, and best wishes for health & prosperity in the extended Bigun clan!...
Ouch, defintely very up and down.
Its great that you got to run the half with your mom...even if it is under sad circumstances. That was one heck of a hilly course
When the water stations are completely insufficient I always have to wonder "did a non-runner plan this course?" Because seriously! Well yay for your mom for beating her goal despite all that!
Great job to you and your mom. I also ran the half in Greensboro on Saturday. Those hills really just kept appearing. Who would have thought that you needed to hit the finish line before you were done with them. Well done!
Whirlwind indeed...and important family stuff.
Congrats to your mom-she did well in spite of nasty conditions!
And I agree...driving sucks.
We drove a whole couple hours up to Phoenix for a conference and I can't stand THAT, so I can't imagine what 22 hours feels like. Ouch.
I managed a dementia unit (within the building I managed) for several years. one of the things I learned from them was that even if the patient lost the ability to recall names or identify people specifically, they don't lose the ability to recognize feelings and caring, and appreciate the efforts even if they can't really tell you so.
Glad you enjoyed some family time and got in a race to boot! Those Carolina hills are a bear!
Great race, good job to you and your mom.
You did have quite the weekend. I wish your family nothing but the best!
GEZZ that elevation profile looks like a an EKG heart profile.. up and down! Nice job and time on the run though.. and awesome to run with your mom.
Glad you were able to get some family time in as well.
rockon`
Good family time, good training race!
11 hours Ouch...
Looks like good family time though.
what a great family weekend!
You are a GOOD son and grandson Bigun! BRUTALLY hilly! The Eugene half had ONE hill! I'm a big pansy.
Uh... I'm sorry for texting with your wife. I can't help it. She's rad. She completes me. She's the peanut butter to my Spam. She's the diet to my soda. She's the applesauce in my MRE.
Breathe...
Good use of 22 hours car time!
I'll keep Gram in my prayers. See you Saturday.
That's so sad about your G'ma. But so cool that you are running with your mom.
Really, really cool.
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