Lindsey Mastis

On October 30, 2011, I ran 26.2 miles in 5 hours and 27 minutes. I did it because I wanted to. I did it because it would inspire others. I did it because it would help fight cancer. Thanks to the generous donations and unwavering support from family, friends, and even Twitter followers, I raised $1,526 for the American Cancer Society. Personally, I’m deeply touched by the outpouring of support and people’s willingness to share intimate details about how cancer affected their loved ones. I want to say “Thank You” with all my heart.

The following is a list of people that sponsored a mile (each mile equals a $50 donation):

Mile 1: Vic (Breast Cancer Survivor) & Rocky Mastis

Mile 2: Elizabeth Turrell

Mile 3: Michael Lehn (His wife is a Breast Cancer & Melanoma Survivor. His father died of Pancreatic Cancer)

Mile 4: Jeff Watson (in honor of his mother. She lost her battle with Leukemia)

Mile 5: Jeff Watson (in honor of his mother. She lost her battle with Leukemia)

Mile 6: Craig Luecke

Mile 7: Craig Luecke

Mile 8: Leonard & Carol Weddle (in honor of their fathers. William Weddle lost his battle with lung cancer and John Howard lost his battle with throat cancer. Carol’s mother Nancy Howard survived throat cancer)

Mile 9: Duane Maddy (In honor of his sister, Kathleen Maddy. She lost her battle with cancer)

Mile 10: Duane Maddy (In honor of his sister, Kathleen Maddy. She lost her battle with cancer)

Mile 11: Duane Maddy (In honor of his sister, Kathleen Maddy. She lost her battle with cancer)

Mile 12: Duane Maddy (In honor of his sister, Kathleen Maddy. She lost her battle with cancer)

Mile 13: Duane Maddy (In honor of his sister, Kathleen Maddy. She lost her battle with cancer)

Mile 14: Duane Maddy (In honor of his sister, Kathleen Maddy. She lost her battle with cancer)

Mile 15: Duane Maddy (In honor of his sister, Kathleen Maddy. She lost her battle with cancer)

Mile 16: Duane Maddy (In honor of his sister, Kathleen Maddy. She lost her battle with cancer)

Mile 17: Janice Lynch (In honor of her husband, Robbie (survivor of Colin Cancer), and mother Florence (survivor of Lung Cancer)

Mile 18: Bernie Wimmers and wife Ann (Lost her battle with Breast Cancer July 2011)

Mile 19: Neil McNearey (In Memory of his sister Susan McNearey)

Mile 20: Dan Rennels (His Father lost his battle against Lung Cancer)

Mile 21: Dan Rennels (His Father lost his battle against Lung Cancer)

Mile 22: Dan Rennels (His Father lost his battle against Lung Cancer)

Mile 23: Dan Rennels (His Father lost his battle against Lung Cancer)

Mile 24: Kim Oser

Mile 25: Scott Roewer

Mile 26.2: Santa & Mrs. Claus

I woke up before the alarm went off. I was so excited. I spent the night before attaching stars to my costume. Each represents a $50 donation to the American Cancer Society. And many people dedicated their stars to loved ones affected by cancer.

Why run a marathon? It was on my bucket list (as is a triathlon). I wasn’t sure whether I’d run one again and I wanted to make sure it meant something. (My husband Patrick ran his first marathon in Alaska and raised more than $4,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. I got the idea to sell mile sponsorships from him). I chose the Marine Corps Marathon because it’s one of the largest (The 5th largest in the US), and because I would be able to practice along the course. I researched charities for days and decided the American Cancer Society was a perfect fit.

My mom survived breast cancer twice. My Yia Yia (Greek for Grandma) survived lung and brain cancer. My husband’s father died of esophageal cancer 15 years ago. I have many more families members and friends that have survived, died, or are battling cancer now. I signed up for the American Cancer Society’s Determination team.

I started training with them on Saturdays, and doing some shorter runs during the week. I also ran a couple half marathons during my training (including Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago and the Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Louis Half).

By the time race day arrived, I raised more than $1,500 and every mile was sponsored. For every mile, there was a star– and an additional three stars for my mom, Yia Yia, and Patrick’s dad, Eugene “Gene” OBrien.

At 4:30 a.m., I was already up getting ready. The temperature was 32 degrees and when we left the house, there was ice on the car. We drove to the station (we both work at WUSA 9– although it’s Patrick’s last week before he moves over to Gannett Corporate). We parked in the garage, and walked to the Metro.

We headed over to “Charity Village.” I thought I would be able to meet up with our team. I didn’t recognize anyone. People from all over the country that were running for ACS were there. It was amazing. Unfortunately, the weather from the day before (rain and some snow) left the ground soaked. My shoes were muddy.

I was bundled up with nylons, shorts, two pairs of workout pants, and a running jacket. Just before going to the starting line– I shed my warm clothes so everyone could see my outfit. Surprisingly, I wasn’t cold. I was warm on the inside and extremely excited. As soon as a group of Marines saw that I was wearing a very patriotic “Aunt Samantha” outfit they were elated! Their excitement gave me energy. Soon, there were military aircraft flying overhead and a canon went off. The race began.

There was still some time before the runners would take off. I found a couple of people from Determination and we stood together in the corral. Two other women used their gloves to try to warm my arms. I was thankful because it was getting a tad cold when the wind blew.

A group from South Africa wanted to take a picture with me. They crowded around and were so excited. I guess my outfit was a perfect way to show that they were running a marathon in the United States. So neat!

Finally, we were off. There was a line of Marines with flags. I shouted out to them “Thank you!” and “Good morning.” They had to be serious, but I was trying to get them to crack a smile.

On the sides of the road were hundreds of jackets, gloves, and hats. People were shedding the clothes they didn’t need for the run. And soon, I was warm all over. It only took two miles.

My mom sponsored the first mile. My good friend Liz sponsored the second. Getting through the first couple miles is important because this is often the time I start thinking “Why did I sign up for this?” But this time, I didn’t think that. Running seemed easy. There was so much encouragement from the crowds and other runners.

People kept running up to me telling me they liked my outfit. Some asked me about the stars and I was so happy to share those stories. A lot of people asked if I was cold. But I wasn’t. The best part: my outfit got people to smile.

I also saw a friend– Anthony Diaz. It’s his first marathon too. We ran through Rosslyn together. This first part of the race was a breeze. I couldn’t tell how fast or slow I was going. There was too much excitement to think about pacing. Thanks to our American Cancer Society Determination trainer, George, I knew what to expect. We ran the first part of the race before during a training run. I knew there would be a steep hill– one that could seem endless if you weren’t prepared. I planned to walk a portion of the hill so I could conserve my energy for later. By the end of miles three, four, and five, I was right on track, going about a 10:30 mile pace. Amazing! (These miles were sponsored by Michael Lehn in honor of his wife, and in memory of his father. And Jeff Watson, in memory of his mother).

Miles 6 – 8 were uphill. But it was a familiar uphill. It’s the area I drive so often during work: Canal Road. It runs along the C & O Canal (BTW– there’s an amazing story about the Supreme Court Justice that saved the canal). It’s a beautiful place to run, and there were a few bands playing– including a bluegrass band. I was first introduced to bluegrass by my Grandma and Grandpa and I love it!

There were Marines with bullhorns shouting words of encouragement. The sun was coming out and it was getting warm. I was wishing I had sunglasses. We rounded a corner (the one that you take to turn around and get into Fletcher’s Cove) and into a neighborhood. There were people giving out Halloween candy. There was a water stop. There were so many funny signs:

Miles 6 & 7 were sponsored by Craig Luecke. Mile 8 was sponsored by Leonard & Carol Weddle, in memory of their fathers: William Weddle lost his battle with lung cancer and John Howard lost his battle with throat cancer. And in honor of Carol’s mother, Nancy Howard, who survived throat cancer.

These miles were inspiring. The sun was so hot and it felt so good. It’s like the heavens opened up just for this race. Everyone around me was energetic. I even saw an “Uncle Sam” rooting us all on.

Finally, I got back into the Georgetown area. There was a bagpipe band playing and so much energy! It was again uphill, but I didn’t notice at the time. I took a video as I approached mile 9:

There were so many water cups on the ground. I noticed because I had to keep looking down since the sun was so bright. It seemed like there were hundreds of people in Georgetown giving out candy, cheering us on, and giving out high fives. The course took us under the Whitehurst Freeway and in front of the Watergate. Marines gave us oranges to eat in the first “Food Stop.”

I started looking for my friend Kim. She said she wanted to run 8 miles with me and that she’d meet me in front of the Kennedy Center. I was happy– because I was feeling a bit fatigued. When I found her, she was full of energy. And she came prepared. She brought me a protein bar cut into little bite sized pieces. She had tissues, hand sanitizer, gum, and music. I used everything but the gum.

The next few miles were pure fun. Miles 9-16 were sponsored by Duane Maddy in memory of his sister Kathy. She lost her battle with cervical cancer. Right after mile 9, I saw Duane and Valerie Maddy. I was able to stop for a moment and show them the stars I made for Kathy. I was so happy I could see them along the course. It was near the Lincoln Memorial and the energy was high. It was just what I needed before going to Hains Point– one of the hardest stretches of the race.

I was starting to cramp up in the Hains Point area. I took some walking breaks which allowed me to see different people along the course. I saw this guy named Will dressed as a Wheaties Box. He was running the race (and probably wondering why he didn’t pick a more aerodynamic costume. I pretended to take a bite out of him– like I had my Wheaties for breakfast (even thought I don’t think I’ve ever even tried the cereal before).

There were quite a few crowds and it kept me going. After Hains point, we ran through the Tidal Basin, past the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (which looked amazing with the sun shining through the cut out part of the stone), and rounding back toward the WWII Memorial.

This was a special moment because I got to see Patrick along the course. He ran with me for a few moments. He was so excited! He kept encouraging me to run– even though my body was telling me to walk. Patrick was on my right, Kim was on my left. I was able to find the energy I needed to keep going.

Kim left right before I ran the National Mall. This is inspiring in itself. It’s a place that I love to run. This portion was sponsored by my Aunt Janie in honor of my Uncle Robbie and Yia Yia. They are all people that would enjoy going to the Smithsonian Museums. I hope they can visit and see them. I looked ahead and hoped that we wouldn’t run around the Capitol Building. There’s a reason they call it “The Hill.” We rounded a corner right in front of the building which meant it was flat. Thank goodness– because running was getting tough.

The rest of the mall was a joy. Mile 18 was sponsored by Bernie Wimmers in memory of his wife Ann (she just lost her battle with Breast Cancer in July). And Mile 19 was sponsored by Neil McNearey in memory of his sister Susan. I was able to look down at my skirt for inspiration any time I needed it. Ann’s picture was on her star and it was easy for me to look down and press on. I’m sure she’s been looking down on all of us.

I saw one runner hit the wall. She was young– probably in her early 20s. She found her family and it was obvious she didn’t feel she could go on. They were encouraging her to keep walking, and try to keep going. I hope she was able to make it to the end. This was my first marathon– but my 11th race. I know what it’s like to think it won’t end– that the end won’t come. But it does. It’s okay to take walking breaks. It’s okay to stop and get water and food. But I didn’t learn that until I had done it before. I don’t know whether it was this woman’s first race. But I couldn’t imagine running the Marine Corps Marathon as a first race. It’s tough. Truly, truly tough.

And if you think I’m kidding– just imagine running across what the race organizers call “Beat The Bridge.” Mile 20 to 22 takes runners across the 14th Street Bridge and back into Virginia. We ran in the variable HOV lanes in middle of the highway. There was a guy with a Ham radio– and it occurred to me that this guy was probably a runner’s only hope if something happened out there.

There weren’t very many people cheering us on (because the sidelines was the highway). It was hot. It was hard. It’s one of those stretches where you see thousands of runners in front of you and it looks like you’ll never get there. But you can’t quit. There’s no way out– so it seems.

This part of the run was sponsored by Dan Rennels in memory of his father that lost his battle with Lung Cancer. Dan also sponsored mile 23– and I’m so glad he did. This was when I felt like there was civilization again. It felt like a party. Marines were giving out donut holes. I saw the Wheaties guy again. I even got beer (thank you, thank you, thank you!). Yes, there were some trying inclines. But I couldn’t walk for long– there were too many people calling out for me.

When I began the race– I learned people had come up with different names for me. My costume was “Aunt Samantha,” but most people called me “Miss America.” I thought the real Miss America was out there and I kept looking around. It took a few minutes to realize they were talking about me. It was great– and I didn’t even have to put on a swimming suit to get the title!

As I ran past people they cheered. They loved my costume and their excitement kept me running. Mile 24 was sponsored by my friend Kim. It’s the mile that took me in front of the Pentagon. There were a lot of people cheering us on. Those people were sitting in lawn chairs. No fair! But I was extremely proud. The band there was playing “Brown Eyed Girl” and I pretended the song was just for me (I have very dark, brown eyes). Then there was an incline. I attacked it. I was running through areas that I normally drive and I thought that was kind of weird. Usually I’d never imagine getting out of my car in those areas.

Miel 25– sponsored by Scott Roewer– was a long stretch. I knew I was getting close to the end, and I started walking so I could save energy for the finish line. But then Anthony Diaz caught back up with me. I had to run. And soon, he was behind me. I passed the area where we began the race and I knew I was getting close. But it also dawned on me why the .2 in 26.2 is so significant.

I reached mile 26– sponsored by Santa and Mrs. Claus. I wanted the race to be over, but it wasn’t. Not yet. There were probably thousands of people cheering us on. I couldn’t stop. I started to take longer strides and ran faster. When I felt like I couldn’t continue, I’d talk to myself: “This one is for Santa.” And I tried to remember each and every person affected by cancer.

I remembered that there were Marines overseas, in Afghanistan, Iraq and the USS Bush that were running the race with us. Some were running outside their bases– and others on treadmills in middle of the sea. I attended a news conference at the National Press Club the Friday before and on a video, a Marine said when it gets tough, think about the men and women putting their lives in danger and yet they are continuing to challenge themselves even more by running a marathon with us.

The .2 then seemed easy. I saw Patrick. I wanted to stop but he yelled for me to keep going. I was passing people and it felt easy. Then… the hill. It’s a steep incline. One that would be hard to even walk up. I ran as fast as I could. I didn’t take my time. I smiled and shouted “Oo-Rah” to myself. After hearing it so much along the course, I started to feel like a Marine myself. It wouldn’t be the Marine Corps Marathon if there wasn’t a seemingly impossible challenge at the end. I got up the hill and saw an inflated arch. That was the end.

I ran across– I think I put my arms in the air. I could have kept going. I didn’t hit the wall. I still had energy. I had a lot of energy. I was so proud. For a moment I thought I’d cry. But I didn’t. I got my medal and I stretched for a few minutes.

I live tweeted the race. Uploaded pictures to Instagram. Checked in on Foursquare. And updated my Facebook status. I’ve done this before, and I enjoy it. Here’s a sample of the rundown (Unfortunately, many of the posts never made it to FB even though they should have):

7:46 AM:

I’m so excited! Lindsey just checked in @ Marine Corps Marathon (w/ Patrick O’Brien) (Arlington, VA)

9:10 am:

Passing then for 1st time. Will pass again going uphill. Running strong! The Exorcist Steps

Lindsey just checked in @ The Exorcist Steps (Washington, DC)

9:54 AM:

The Metro line was worse than after a Nationals game. The taxi line was worse than a race packet pickup line. I had to keep moving or I’d cramp up bad. So I decided to walk back to Washington.

We walked over the Key Bridge into Georgetown. A lot of other people had the same idea. I told Patrick to follow me up a hill. I knew we had to find a taxi that was heading toward Rosslyn– not away. There were two other women coming down the hill saying it was so hard to find a taxi they were walking back to Virginia to stand in line.

I’m not deterred easily. I was confident we’d find a taxi and in a few moments we did. I waved him down (I was hard to miss because I was still wearing my outfit). He took us back to the station and I went home from there. That night, WUSA 9 NEWS NOW played a portion of the video I took of myself during the race. I haven’t had a chance to see it yet, because I got to bed early and my TiVo missed it because the news went on late.

I hope to see it soon. After my victory meal (ribs, pulled pork, corn bread, and cole slaw at Red, Hot & Blue), I read all the messages on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and Instagram. I used these social networking programs during the race to keep everyone informed. It was wonderful.

Before the day was over, I was already talking about running the marathon next year. I don’t know if I will, but I’m leaning toward yes.

“Go Guitar!” That was my name while I ran the Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Louis Half Marathon. I wanted to run this race because it’s in my hometown, and so many people I know were running it with me: Andrea (sister), Patrick (husband), Devin (cousin), Amy (friend), Delaney (family friend). My parents were there to cheer us all on with cow bells.

We got down to the race early (for once!) and were able to get some great pictures together. I heard the mayor (Francis Slay) over the loud speaker, so when I got up to the starting line I got my picture taken with him. (I’m sure he was thinking ‘am I really getting my picture taken with a human guitar!?!?)

I decided to dress up as a pink guitar for this race to keep with the Rock ‘n’ Roll theme. Because it was an inaugural race, I figured people would respond well to a rock instrument. Well… I was right! The whole way people cheered me on. And as always, I took time to thank the families that came out early, as well as the first responders that were blocking the streets and on standby for medical emergencies. I wanted to let each of them know how thankful all of us 21,000 runners are for their work. We couldn’t do something is incredible without them.

As soon as we crossed the starting line, my younger sister took off. She’s an extremely fast runner and I couldn’t keep up. I ran with my husband for a few miles which was wonderful. We both had a hard time pacing ourselves because we were so excited. Then, my foot fell asleep.

I’ve been having this problem for a long time. But I didn’t want to stop. It was too early in the race. At one point I couldn’t feel either of my feet at all. I stopped and retied my shoes. I stretched my foot, but in a minute or two I was going full speed again. I dealt with this problem for a couple miles and then all the feeling came back and I was fine.
One of the reasons I didn’t want to stop is because there were so many crowds. Usually there’s a huge crowd at the beginning and end of a race and smaller crowds near some of the bands. In St. Louis– it was like the entire town came out to watch, give us water (and beer– thanks guys!), and cheer us on. I’ve never seen so many people during a race. They even beat Chicago crowds!

Every time I decided to take a break, someone would yell “Don’t give up guitar! Don’t fret!” I had to keep running.

Next thing I knew I was at the end of the race. It seemed like it went by so fast. I crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 24 minutes– only 5 minutes slower than my Chicago Half. That sounds great– but let me explain why it’s alarming.

I’m running a full marathon next Sunday– the Marine Corps Marathon. That’s 26.2 miles. According to my coach and all the training literature I have, I should have only ran 8 miles max. I ran 13.1 and on top of that, I ran it fast. There’s some concern about running again in a week. Some people say I’m crazy. I say I’m “determined.”

After the race, I stretched and stretched and stretched. Monday, I stretched and stretched and stretched. Tuesday, I felt normal again. That’s a great sign. Ultimately, I think this half marathon is helping me prepare for the full. And I’ll really have to focus on pacing myself.

I plan to dress up again next weekend. But it will be close to Halloween, so I’ll be in good company. I can’t wait!

My fifth race of 2009 is less than a week away and what better place for my finale run than Vegas?!?!? And I’ll be running as Elvis along with (likely) hundreds of runners. Together, we’ll make up the “running Elvi.” Here’s some questions I answered while entering the Running Elvi Group:

Name:
Lindsey Mastis

Day job:

Television Reporter

How many races have you run as Elvis and where?
0

What inspired you to run as Elvis?
I’ve wanted to run the Vegas strip for a few years, and every time I see pictures of the Running Elvi—I get inspired. I can’t wait to join the group!

Are you running the full or half marathon?
I’m signed up for the full, but I will be running the half and enjoying every moment!

Will you be wearing an Elvis wig or are you already blessed with the look?
I am blessed with the look! Even though I’m a girl with fairly long hair, I’ve been able to create an Elvis up-do—complete with the little curl that falls down on the forehead. But again—I’m a girl—so I won’t be doing the whole side-burn thing.

Have you taken your costume for a test run yet? If so, where?
I’ve run around my apartment, jumping up and down, excited to be a she-Elvis!

If “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” what will you tell your family and friends about running down the Las Vegas Strip dressed as Elvis?
I won’t say anything, unless the picture escape…

We already have the “Spaghetti Elvis” and the “Ugly Elvis.” What is your Elvis alias?
I’m just going to go with my name: Lindsey Elvis

What are your three favorite Elvis tunes to run to?
I love the club version of “Little More Conversation.” But I also like to run to other Vegas-inspired tunes and bands like Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas,” and anything by The Killers.

Will you be running as the “skinny” Elvis or the “fat” Elvis?
I’ll be running as skinny Elvis, until I hit the buffets!

Do you have family, friends and/or co-workers who will be running as Elvis with you?  If so, how many, what are their names and how are they related to you?
I am running with a group of people, but none of them are brave enough to become a running Elvis.

Will you also be renewing your vows or getting married at our Run-Thru Wedding Chapel?
I will not be getting married, even though my fiancé (who is running the race) and I just got engaged a few weeks ago. Please don’t temp us!