Turning Philly TEAL this November

Since I became a runner almost 20 years ago, I have run many races including parochial and public school x-country and track races, and also some collegiate ones. And I have run numerous road races ranging from the distance of a 5K to a full marathon.

Each one has a memory. Each one has a “story” whether it’s about the weather, being sick, running with an injury or how awesome it was when I out-kicked someone after battling for a 3200-meter victory on the track.

Now, I am past the grade school, high school and brief collegiate racing days, and I have found that marathon running has brought me the most joy. Having mentioned that each race has a story ― you better believe that each marathon has a story ― a very, very long story! However, it’s that long story and those hours of running that have meant the most to me. I am out there against the elements, whatever they may be that day, but most importantly I am out there battling my own mental and physical strength.

In my very first blog post, I discussed my passion for helping spread ovarian cancer awareness. My drive and commitment for this awareness mission is only growing. Hope For Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness of CNY asked me to be their media spokeswoman this past April and since then, it has been an honor to carry out this mission. I wore the ovarian cancer awareness color, teal, during my first Marathon Mission that I led to San Diego. That marathon was my third full marathon overall, but it was my first marathon where I had a cause wrapped around my heart.

After crossing the line in San Diego, I knew that my next marathon would also need to be TEAL because the awareness is only beginning and the research is still underway. My next TEAL Marathon Mission will take place in Philadelphia this November.

In Philly, I will carry out my mission and work so that more women are aware, conversations with doctors are happening and that research is properly funded. Recently, I spoke to the Hope For Heather executive director, Frieda Weeks, and we decided that as a group we can complete this mission. We will help more women know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. We will spread educational material so that women are aware of testing they can request. And someday, we will find a cure and have a prevention tool for this “silent killer” of a disease. While running a marathon has its painful moments, it’s nothing like knowing that women are going up against chemotherapy, radiation and more…and they’re beating it.

That’s why I am starting my Philly TEAL Marathon Mission now… Because every woman’s life saved is another grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, niece or friend that is given the opportunity to embrace every day with her loved ones.

You can join this mission by sponsoring this next marathon in support of the cause or in honor of a survivor or an angel. No matter what, you are making a difference.

Until my next post, be beautiful and genuine ― in other words, be you! 

Part 2: Running a marathon while injured

After running my first marathon injured, I was grateful to have run my second one healthy. These first two marathons were both Chicago Marathons. This course is full of notable buildings and historical neighborhoods. Although I grew up outside of this beautiful city and spent many summers visiting and doing the occasional sightseeing, running down the middle of these streets is an entirely different experience.

Because I ran the first one with thousands of painful steps, the second one was actually enjoyable. I was able to see and hear everything and that in itself made it worth it to come back and conquer Chicago properly.

On my way to my third full marathon, the Rock ‘N’ Roll San Diego Marathon, I finally ran my first half marathon. Yes, I did things a little backward, but for some reason this never bothered me. Having been a lifelong runner, there were times in my life where I have run more than 20 miles for different training purposes or charity benefits. This time, of course, I was running a full 26.2 miles in order to master the marathon distance.

Believe it or not, running the shorter distance (13.1 miles) actually worried more than running my first full marathon. I’m still not entirely sure why I was overcome by that feeling, however, it was soon swept into my memory once I ran the inaugural Syracuse Half Marathon this past March. My training partner and I were both running full marathons during the first weekend of June, so running a half in March was right on track with our goals. We were both preparing for substantially hilly courses and unknown factors as I would be running on the West Coast for the first time and she would be running overseas in Sweden, also for the first time. We did hill workouts and some tempo to prepare for the Syracuse Half, but we actually didn’t reach any pace work at that point. With that in mind, we were somewhat apprehensive to say our goals out loud!

Turns out, we handled the hilly spots on the Syracuse course quite well and we used the flat areas and occasional downhill to our advantage. I ran a 1:39:30, which was well under my goal. My training partner also ran a PR, well under 1:46. With that half in my back pocket, I knew I was ready for San Diego.

However, the unfortunate happened, again, less than seven weeks out from this marathon. I endured a senseless injury while not running… I stress “again” because my first marathon’s pre-race injury also happened while not running. (See previous blog for that fun story!)

I was heading into work on a Wednesday morning in mid-April to find myself carrying a few too many things while someone insisted on walking out of the door I was barely hanging on to for support. I slammed a metal hand-truck into the top of my right. I iced the area and figured it was only going to be a bruise, but of course that would make for a less stressful few weeks leading into training, wouldn’t it?

That evening’s run went from OK to terrible in just a few miles. By the time I finished, my right big toe’s joint was swollen and hurt with every step. Plus, the outside area of my right leg was in excruciating pain. It felt like my ligament was coming off my bone. Sounds lovely, I know…

That weekend I had a 16-miler on the calendar in order to prepare for my marathon. Looking ahead, I knew the rest of my training would either be awful or I would have to throw in the towel. The pain in my toe and my right leg (fibularis longo) was constant. As a sworn in and certified stubborn runner, I also knew I would not go to the doctor because she would most likely tell me to back off and think long term for this injury and the worth of the marathon.

However, as many of you know, I was fundraising for Hope For Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness of CNY, as I will do for all future marathons. There was no way I was going to “back off” or quit. I was running for too many people beside myself. I have a great passion for the mission and I was running for the survivors, the supports and the angels. These injuries would not overcome any of this.

By the end of April, an option I would have never known about became the answer to my pain and my prayers. My friend and owner of Saunacuse, told me about infrared sauna therapy and how she had read many articles about how it is a great option for runners, especially marathon runners like me. I read the article she shared with me and I found others. I was so intrigued that I interviewed her for an article that we published in the magazine that I edit. It made for an excellent fit for our health and wellness issue. You can read that story here.

If you’ve never heard of infrared sauna therapy or are unsure of it, read up on it and try it. You have nothing to lose. And like me, I only gained back my strength and sanity to be sure I could run the marathon. Because of these results, I am there for a session at least every other week as I am in triathlon season now before I begin training for my next full marathon. (We’ll get into the cross-training benefits I enjoy from triathlons for my running on another day…)

With only three weeks left until my marathon, I did one 45-minute session each week before I left for California. After the first session, I had my final long run, a 22-miler. I ran the entire distance without an ounce of pain. How could this be?

It turns out the infrared sauna therapy was working. It was clearing my body of toxins and the light therapy also benefited my muscle tissues and my joints. (I use strong blue and strong yellow.)

I went into my final weeks of training pain-free and ran my best marathon yet. No matter the intense hills in San Diego and the unknown factors that awaited me, I ran it healthy and I enjoyed it. I led the TEAL mission for Hope For Heather with a crew cheering for me back in Syracuse and again, I enjoyed it! I crossed the line in 3:33:33. This time, I came to the line with the right speed training and with a healthy body. Once again, I PR’d from marathon to marathon.

This one is now the benchmark. It’s the benchmark for measuring my personal physical fitness and speed, and it’s the benchmark that I will use to help raise more money per mile for the next marathon.

Until my next post, be beautiful and genuine ― in other words, be you!

Part 1: Running a marathon while injured

Whether you’re training for something or not, enduring an injury is never fun. Unfortunately, I have had two experiences involving injury woes prior to running full marathons.

Photo: Farah Jadran in Chicago after completing her first full marathon.

On Oct. 9, 2011, I ran my first full marathon, the Chicago Marathon. While it was (and still is) a great experience because it was my first one, I ran it injured. Have you ever had someone step on your big toe’s nail with a high heel? I have… Twenty-two days out from my marathon the unthinkable happened. My nail on my left big toe was shattered. That was not even the worst part. 

The pain and constant bleeding of my left foot caused a compensation pain to move up my shin, to my knee and finally, my hip. I ran through the pain for the final weeks of training because I didn’t want to look back now, I was so close to the big day.

On the morning of the marathon, I woke up with a stiff left hip and shin, but also I was very fearful. Was I really going to run 26.2 miles when I could barely walk? Yes.

I had spent more than three months training for this race, so there was no way around it, but running through it. I managed to make it through every mile although the pain was increasing with every step. Each stride had a sharp pain and every foot strike was harder than the last. No matter what, I started to remember how I had not been able to run for years prior due to a bout with a cancer. Recovering from surgery and therapy was tough, but this was something that I had wanted for many years. And being in the moment, I was not going to let it pass me by.

I managed to run the entire marathon. I had not planned on walking but stopping had crossed my mind numerous times because of my injuries. However, I also knew that if I stopped, starting up again would be very painful!

I finished this marathon in 3:51:40. I finished 6,691 out of 35,755 runners and I was 1,463 out of 15,471 women. I was thrilled to finish in this fashion when I wasn't sure I would finish the entire time.

It’s a beautiful feeling to know that you can overcome something that seems cut and dry. In simple terms, I should not have been able to even complete half the marathon. And while it’s been said too many times and might sound overdone, your mind is stronger than your body, it is true. But in this case, my heart and soul also are stronger than my body. That strength is still true to this day.

The following year, I ran the 2012 Chicago Marathon and I ran it uninjured. I trained to run and finish comfortably, so there were no speed workouts or major training plans during my 17 weeks of training. No matter, I ran a 3:44:04. Any runner knows that running a PR without focused training means you’re capable of even faster times.

More on marathon No. 3 and running my first half-marathon are yet to come…

Until my next post, be beautiful and genuine ― in other words, be you!

Don't you dare 'Miss Represent' me

Almost a year ago, I joined the pledge to represent women and girls. With this movement, I was encouraged to represent the change I would like to see in the treatment of women and girls and how we’re regarded by society ― but most importantly, how we’re regarded by the media.

As a member of the media, I have taken it upon myself to fully represent women in a positive light because it shouldn't be any other way. It’s 2013 for God’s sake!

If you are serious about this international movement too, I highly suggest that you watch the documentary film, “Miss Representation,” because it will shock you, change you, teach you and inspire you. I have watched the film three times now and every time I take away something new. 

And although I get a little angrier at the negativity opposing women and the over-sexualization of women in our society ― it only motivates me to further my personal mission.

I take action daily by making simple choices on how I carry myself and how I represent women, no matter the occasion. This movement starts with me and it starts with every girl and woman in every country. If it’s a woman facing domestic abuse, sexual harassment in the workplace or a woman facing physical mutilation simply because she is a woman…it is all about how we come together and stand up for ourselves.

I have heard about and read too many stories about women being killed for sticking up for their natural human rights, not their gender, but their human rights!

For now, I ask you (women and men) to be conscious of your everyday decisions and actions. Women: Be conscious of your appearance and mannerisms, how do you want to be regarded? Men: Think about thoughts, comments or views you might have about women in general ― are they right or are they wrong?

I have stopped hoping and have started knowing that someday, sooner than later, we will live in a  world where a woman can hold any professional position without it being “the first” anymore and a world where scantily clad women are not shown running around on TV ads to sell products ranging from beer to potato chips to cars and men’s cologne.

You also can join the conversation on Twitter, just like I have. Take action daily and tweet with the hash tag: #MissRep. Follow the official Twitter handle for the documentary and the pledge at @RepresentPledge.

Until my next post, be beautiful and genuine ― in other words, be you!

Dreaming big because I can

Over the last few weeks, I have not only come across numerous incredible women of inspiration, but also I have picked up my own “big” ideas. It’s a wonderful feeling when you’re overcome by inspiration. When the fire inside me starts to get hot, I simply cannot contain a smile at times.

On Friday, June 14, I had the great pleasure of attending and speaking at the New York State ACE Women’s Network Conference at Cornell University. More than 100 women leaders in the state’s higher education system gathered. I met so many women that have now become new connections in my career. Plus, I was able to connect several women with other contacts. That feeling of accomplishment in your own network is great. And then helping another strong woman expand her network, well, that’s just a bonus!

During the conference I gave a presentation on “The Power of an Effective Network”― which turned out to be very useful and much-needed for several attendees. The presentation got women moving forward and expanding their own networks whether it was in a professional effort or to join a community movement. No matter what, it was a beautiful thing to see. Each woman realized what her main needs and goals are in her respected network. From there, everyone left the presentation with a new perspective on what she wanted out of her future networking efforts. After all, your network is what you make of it!

Lastly, I also was fortunate enough to hear some incredible speeches on the main floor. For those that know me, I love to dream big and I do this because there’s no time to waste.

With this most recent dream that I have formulating in my mind comes a lot of work and much motivation. The drive I feel for this dream is great. I feel so strongly about this adventure because I know it is needed in the Central New York community. However, on an even larger level of dreams, I know this movement is needed on a state level and a national level.

Someday, I am not sure when, this movement will become the norm. Because I want to bring this dream to life, I won’t divulge many more details. But know this, this dream is the beginning of furthering the advancement of women and empowering women in a way that needs to become an everyday circumstance.

Overall, this dream was sparked while at the NYS ACE Women’s Network Conference. What will spark your next dream?

Until my next post, be beautiful and genuine ― in other words, be you!

I saved his life, so he could save mine

This will be the first of many posts about my beloved dog, my late dog, Rock, a rescue pup I adopted with hope to give him a happy life from age 9 and so on.

Rock’s life ended the day he was sure mine would not end. He made sure I was protected at all times, but most of all he did not let anything or anyone hurt me the day he went down fighting.

Photo by Ami Olson

At approximately 4:40 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, Rock was attacked and killed by a large pit bull running loose on the Syracuse’s East Side. Rock, a Rottweiler, was 12 years old and already fighting age-related ailments in his back, a knee and a hip.

Rock was smelling some flower bushes in my next-door neighbor’s yard when the loose dog started a full-out brawl in the street that lasted for about 25 minutes. After lunging at me, the dog turned its attention to Rock, who, in his honor, risked his own life to save mine.

I never left Rock’s side once the fight began, which prohibited me from calling 911.

Numerous bystanders watched, but my neighbor Andy jumped in after a few minutes to help me. We tried using large pieces of wood to pry the dog’s jaw open to release Rock’s neck from its grip. Instead, the dog broke off two pieces of wood in its mouth ― nothing was working.

During this fight I noticed two bystanders dialing 911 and yelling to me to ask, “Do you know whose dog that is?” No one, among the dozen or more onlookers said they knew the dog’s owner.

Finally, Andy got the idea to use a golf club for the dog to bite down on. When he told me to get away, I was in shock ― the fight was actually over? I turned around and finally saw a black-and-white parked in front of my house.

I held Rock’s chest up as I ran away from the other dog and into my house. His legs were so badly mangled he couldn't walk. I rushed as the dog escaped Andy's efforts and chased me up my front stairs. I was trapped in my home until Syracuse Police deemed it safe enough for an officer to unlock my car for me and give me a green light on when it was safe to exit my home with Rock in my arms.

Because this was the first time someone has called 911 on my behalf, I was hoping to see a brigade arrive and put an end to the horror. I was disappointed. It felt like the response time was too long for the area of the city I reside in and once officers, EMS and fire personnel were on scene, I didn't see what I would consider a proactive response to the situation at hand.

About two weeks later, I sat down with Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler and Deputy Chief Rebecca Thompson, this is what I learned: The first 911 call was received by the county’s dispatcher at 4:50 p.m. (10 minutes into the fight) and there were three officers available, one of which was the Transport Vehicle, a car that patrols the entire city of Syracuse. The car was dispatched at 4:57 p.m. (17 minutes into the fight) and arrived at 5:02 p.m. (22 minutes into the fight). It is clear that every moment counted. 

Rock was so badly injured that I was left with few choices when I finally got him to the aid of emergency veterinary services… I laid him to rest.

I don't blame anyone who attempted to help us or even the dog that attacked us. I blame the owner of this dog ― someone who truly does not care about animals to bring them up in a loving way. I feel sorrow for animals that are abused, neglected or trained in a negative manner ― many suffer and never have peace in their lives.

This is not “the end” to this story as there were court hearings to follow, but I will share that on another day. This heartbreaking day has made me stronger, but also more grateful for what I have since I saved Rock’s life…so he could save mine. Not a day goes by that I don't think about this brave pup. He will forever be the Rock in my heart.

Until my next post, be beautiful and genuine ― in other words, be you.

The first day: Far, far away... By Farah

Photo: Cindy Bell/Styling: Antonietta Moritz

For my first post on my new blog, "Far, far away... By Farah" ― I want to share some thoughts about my most recent Marathon Mission experience ― the Rock 'N' Roll San Diego Marathon on June 2.

As you follow my blog and read along, you will notice that there will be writing many posts about running, but especially marathon running. I have developed a great respect for the distance (26.2 miles) through the training it requires. Also, the post-race feelings of accomplishment and euphoria have become two of my favorite things in the world.

During this quest to improve upon my two previous marathon times: Chicago 2011 - 3:51:40 and Chicago 2012 - 3:44:04; I had an added mission for this race. (I will get into those two other marathon experiences on another day.)

I was delighted by the community’s support. I ended up completing the San Diego Marathon (26.2 miles of hilly passion!) with a new personal best (3:33:33) and I reached a fundraising total of more than the original goal! Every time my legs wanted me to quit — I thought of all the sponsors, the survivors and the angels, in which I was running for.

Along the course, I was handing out some teal ribbons and awareness cards. Plus, some runners around me asked about the messages on my race bibs and my race top. I felt honored to share my knowledge on the disease so that others became aware. What you can cover in conversation over 26.2 miles will amaze any non-runner.

Channeling the strength of a woman who was fighting many rounds of chemotherapy made the long climb on some of those California hills seem like nothing compared to her battle. And it was nothing, my pain was fleeting and her strength is unending. I crossed the line with so much hope, pride and passion.

My next Marathon Mission will take place on Nov. 17 at the Philadelphia Marathon, where I will be spreading awareness, raising funds and turning Philly a bright shade of TEAL for ovarian cancer awareness!

Until my next post, be beautiful and genuine ― in other words, be you!