Coast to Coast Challenge: Complete!
Today was the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon! It actually was cool and over cast for the run...very nice running weather. We dressed as Minnie Mouse (so fun!) There was a lot of running on the streets of Anaheim. We ran around and through the parks, over to the Honda Center (home of the Ducks) and Angel Stadium then back to finish in Downtown Disney.
Unfortunately, my feet were killing me. My shoes were at about 275 miles, and I thought I could make them last...not so much. They also gave me awful blisters. The balls of my feet under the callouses and on my toes... the ones on my toes actually ripped open. I also have killer shin splints. Needless to say, my shoes are dead, I left them in California--I never wanted to see them again!
Barb and I also took pictures with the characters as we ran...(as soon as she sends them to me, I'll post them) and finished in 2:39:56 which works out to a 12:13 average mile pace. And at the finish, we got the HUGE castle medals and the Coast to Coast Challenge medal--Yeah Disney!!
Sunday
Saturday
August 30, 2008
DISNEYLAND!!
Today was the Disneyland 5k in Anaheim, CA. It wasn't quite as good as the Family 5k in Orlando...(Slightly annoying to be stuck with a 2XL, but that means Mom gets a cute race shirt!).
It was a nice easy run, not chipped. My Garmin time was 33:55...and I even got a cute medal!!
Today was the Disneyland 5k in Anaheim, CA. It wasn't quite as good as the Family 5k in Orlando...(Slightly annoying to be stuck with a 2XL, but that means Mom gets a cute race shirt!).
It was a nice easy run, not chipped. My Garmin time was 33:55...and I even got a cute medal!!
Tuesday
August 26, 2008
Another beautiful day! I ran 5 miles in 57:38. It felt really good, and I could have kept going! I really do need to stop wearing my old shoes, they're giving my blisters. I know that I should switch them out, but I'm trying to make them last to at least 300 miles. I'm almost there...
I also signed up for my 3rd marathon today. I'll be running Indianapolis on October 18th with Julia! I don't expect to run it very fast, just to finish. (Fortunately it is walker friendly.) I'll just play that race by ear. I think its an excellent excuse to make sure that I get a massage after the Chicago Marathon the weekend before!
I also signed up for my 3rd marathon today. I'll be running Indianapolis on October 18th with Julia! I don't expect to run it very fast, just to finish. (Fortunately it is walker friendly.) I'll just play that race by ear. I think its an excellent excuse to make sure that I get a massage after the Chicago Marathon the weekend before!
Monday
August 25, 2008
Yet another milestone...I officially ran over 100 miles this month! I will have an official number at the end of the month, butI think it will be the highest mileage month ever!
Today's run I took easy. I did it at the gym and hated every second. The reason that I did it there was because my water heater died and I can't take a hot shower at home. I did 7 miles on the elliptical in 1:30:00. I stretched, used the foam roller, hugged my trainer and got out of dodge!
I do not heart running inside!! (Especially since it's so nice outside!!)
Today's run I took easy. I did it at the gym and hated every second. The reason that I did it there was because my water heater died and I can't take a hot shower at home. I did 7 miles on the elliptical in 1:30:00. I stretched, used the foam roller, hugged my trainer and got out of dodge!
I do not heart running inside!! (Especially since it's so nice outside!!)
Sunday
August 24, 2008
I met Juila this morning for take 2 of the 16 mile run. It was a much better day to run. I started to feel like I was pushing myself around mile 14.5. In the last 1/2 mile I had to stop and walk for a tenth of a mile... but I finished in 3:17. Not too bad.
It was really nice to go for a 3 hour run with Julia. She really is fun to run with...I just hope that be becoming tired wasn't too annoying for her.
After the run, I biked down to Randolph (10 miles round trip) to watch the elites in Accenture. It really was a great morning and early afternoon!
It was really nice to go for a 3 hour run with Julia. She really is fun to run with...I just hope that be becoming tired wasn't too annoying for her.
After the run, I biked down to Randolph (10 miles round trip) to watch the elites in Accenture. It really was a great morning and early afternoon!
Saturday
August 23, 2008
Bad run.
Bad, bad run.
It was SUPPOSED to be 16 miles this morning. Due to the combination of the heat, humidity and my asthma; I only made it 6.5 miles. That's not ok. I walked the 1.5 miles back to my car.
The only thing is that my heart rate read out looks freaky and erratic. The bio-feedback is really helpful in reinforcing the fact that it was a good idea to stop.
Bad, bad run.
It was SUPPOSED to be 16 miles this morning. Due to the combination of the heat, humidity and my asthma; I only made it 6.5 miles. That's not ok. I walked the 1.5 miles back to my car.
The only thing is that my heart rate read out looks freaky and erratic. The bio-feedback is really helpful in reinforcing the fact that it was a good idea to stop.
Wednesday
August 20, 2008
There's nothing like running at an altitude that you're not used to to make you feel fat, flabby and out of shape. I guess I shouldn't complain...check out that view!!
Ok, so that isn't exactly where I ran this morning, but I could see the mountains as I was running! It was a bad running day. I think I'm fighting dehydration. I did 4 miles in 51:24 which is almost a 13 minute mile. I usually don't carry water on short runs, but today, I made myself drink all four flasks. I ran around a cemetery, it was very cool to see pioneer aged grave stones. After that, it was through a park and then back down main street.
An awesome view at least helps the run be a little less bad!
Ok, so that isn't exactly where I ran this morning, but I could see the mountains as I was running! It was a bad running day. I think I'm fighting dehydration. I did 4 miles in 51:24 which is almost a 13 minute mile. I usually don't carry water on short runs, but today, I made myself drink all four flasks. I ran around a cemetery, it was very cool to see pioneer aged grave stones. After that, it was through a park and then back down main street. An awesome view at least helps the run be a little less bad!
Tuesday
August 19, 2008
Trails, and horses, and mountains, oh my!
Today I did my 6 mile run at 5,400 feet in the mountains of Montana! It was absolutely gorgeous! Melissa and I ran down Main Street and then once the sidewalks got crappy, we went South to Oak Street. I was faster than Mel, so I kept going until I ran out of sidewalk. I completely got distracted by horses and a trail...and got a little lost. Fortunately I found a friendly runner guy with a dog that gave me directions back to Main. I did the six miles in 1:09:33.
Today I did my 6 mile run at 5,400 feet in the mountains of Montana! It was absolutely gorgeous! Melissa and I ran down Main Street and then once the sidewalks got crappy, we went South to Oak Street. I was faster than Mel, so I kept going until I ran out of sidewalk. I completely got distracted by horses and a trail...and got a little lost. Fortunately I found a friendly runner guy with a dog that gave me directions back to Main. I did the six miles in 1:09:33.
Saturday
August 16, 2008
I could not fall asleep last night! At 1:00 pm, I finally got up and took some Advil pm...After a groggy start, I have to say it really was a beautiful day for a run. At the risk of jinxing it, this has been a great training cycle. The heat and humidity have been kept at bay.
It was a crowded day on the path due to the Air and Water Show. Fortunately, we were able to detour North Ave. Beach on the way back. That combined with running North first really helped. Not that it was empty, but it really made things easier. We did our 15 miles in 3:03:02
Julia joined us today. She's such a strong runner! And I have to say she looked fabulous in my pants. I was worried they'd be to big for her...she's such a skinny minnie. Anywho, I think she'll be registering for Indianapolis soon...I'm really excited to see if I can run two marathons in back-to-back weekends. My only worry, is what if I can't keep up with her? I know I can finish both, I just don't want to let her down if I have to slow down!
It was a crowded day on the path due to the Air and Water Show. Fortunately, we were able to detour North Ave. Beach on the way back. That combined with running North first really helped. Not that it was empty, but it really made things easier. We did our 15 miles in 3:03:02
Julia joined us today. She's such a strong runner! And I have to say she looked fabulous in my pants. I was worried they'd be to big for her...she's such a skinny minnie. Anywho, I think she'll be registering for Indianapolis soon...I'm really excited to see if I can run two marathons in back-to-back weekends. My only worry, is what if I can't keep up with her? I know I can finish both, I just don't want to let her down if I have to slow down!
Thursday
August 14, 2008
I was out this very gorgeous afternoon for a 3 mile run (36:45--12:15 pace) when I ran in to a couple of interesting people.
The first was a random lady just east of Milwaukee sitting on a step, watering her lawn with a hose. She stopped me and asked me to take her garbage to the dumpster. Weird, but she was older so it was no biggie. She asked why I was running and I told her that I was training for the marathon. To which she replied "Well, you have the legs for it." I'll take that as a complement!
Then I happened to run past Mr. Grim, my High School track coach. We chatted for a second. I told him that I had a 9 minute PR on Sunday at the Chicago Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon. I also mentioned that Julia had also completed her first 1/2 Marathon and was thinking of running her first marathon this fall. He proceeded to tell me that we were getting a little crazy, complete with the finger twirl by the side of his head. I informed him that we blame him for it.
You know you're an insane runner person when your H.S. track coach tells you that you're crazy. :)
The first was a random lady just east of Milwaukee sitting on a step, watering her lawn with a hose. She stopped me and asked me to take her garbage to the dumpster. Weird, but she was older so it was no biggie. She asked why I was running and I told her that I was training for the marathon. To which she replied "Well, you have the legs for it." I'll take that as a complement!
Then I happened to run past Mr. Grim, my High School track coach. We chatted for a second. I told him that I had a 9 minute PR on Sunday at the Chicago Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon. I also mentioned that Julia had also completed her first 1/2 Marathon and was thinking of running her first marathon this fall. He proceeded to tell me that we were getting a little crazy, complete with the finger twirl by the side of his head. I informed him that we blame him for it.
You know you're an insane runner person when your H.S. track coach tells you that you're crazy. :)
Wednesday
August 13, 2008
I feel like I'm just not getting enough sleep! I can't shake this tiredness. Oh, and I have a crazy craving for twizzlers...
I went to the gym today, Hector worked my arms and some abs. He also streatched and foam rollered me...necessary, but not painful.
Melissa and I met at the Totem Pole to run our 6 miles. We headed South until the Lakefront Path was closed for the Air and Water Show at North Avenue and then headed back. After our little run, we met John for dollar burgers and three dollar drafts at McGee's. I'm thinking mid-week long run and McGee's needs to be a weekly thing!
I went to the gym today, Hector worked my arms and some abs. He also streatched and foam rollered me...necessary, but not painful.
Melissa and I met at the Totem Pole to run our 6 miles. We headed South until the Lakefront Path was closed for the Air and Water Show at North Avenue and then headed back. After our little run, we met John for dollar burgers and three dollar drafts at McGee's. I'm thinking mid-week long run and McGee's needs to be a weekly thing!
Tuesday
August 12, 2008
My quads were a little tight today...probably a combination of the race on Sunday and biking yesterday.
Anywho, I started out wanting to run my 4 miles at my race pace, but as usual my pace per mile on the GPS is a little slow (I really need to check the Garmin web site or take it to the store and figure it out) and I ended up running a 10:39 for my first mile. I felt good, so I tried to keep it up. It was difficult with the GPS not being accurate, but the fact that it was 'running slow' really helped me push myself. I did 4 one mile repeats.
I did my 4 miles in 42:13 which is a 10:34 average. I'm pumped that my last mile was the fastest; Mile 1--10:38, Mile 2--10:50, Mile 3--10:44, and Mile 4--9:57. I really need to push myself on these short runs more often!
Anywho, I started out wanting to run my 4 miles at my race pace, but as usual my pace per mile on the GPS is a little slow (I really need to check the Garmin web site or take it to the store and figure it out) and I ended up running a 10:39 for my first mile. I felt good, so I tried to keep it up. It was difficult with the GPS not being accurate, but the fact that it was 'running slow' really helped me push myself. I did 4 one mile repeats.
I did my 4 miles in 42:13 which is a 10:34 average. I'm pumped that my last mile was the fastest; Mile 1--10:38, Mile 2--10:50, Mile 3--10:44, and Mile 4--9:57. I really need to push myself on these short runs more often!
Monday
August 11, 2008
This morning, I was tired. I still went to the gym and ran a 9:31 mile in an effort to break up the lactic acid.
I did an hour of arms and core with Hector, he was trying to teach me to box. Seriously, I hit like a girl. In the event of a fight or flight option, I will simply run away! I also was bad about my eating and gained back two pounds :(
I'll be better this week. I've found that I really do need to keep a food log. It just keeps me from mindless snacking. It's not hard to eat healthy, it's hard to keep from snacking.
This afternoon, Judy and I went kayaking for an hour, and then we went biking (about 6 miles, round trip) from her house the Botanical Gardens. We walked around the gardens for an hour and then headed back.
I'm glad that I was active today, I think it helped...but then again, I'll know better tomorrow.
I did an hour of arms and core with Hector, he was trying to teach me to box. Seriously, I hit like a girl. In the event of a fight or flight option, I will simply run away! I also was bad about my eating and gained back two pounds :(
I'll be better this week. I've found that I really do need to keep a food log. It just keeps me from mindless snacking. It's not hard to eat healthy, it's hard to keep from snacking.
This afternoon, Judy and I went kayaking for an hour, and then we went biking (about 6 miles, round trip) from her house the Botanical Gardens. We walked around the gardens for an hour and then headed back.
I'm glad that I was active today, I think it helped...but then again, I'll know better tomorrow.
Sunday
August 10, 2008
My second running of the Chicago Distance Classic! I've come so far :)
First of all, I have to say, I'm so proud of Julia. It was her first 1/2 Marathon--She rocked it!! Her time was amazing! I'm convinced that her running helped me to do so well! Here we are after the race with our medals:
(Yes, my shirt says "Cheetah in Training") Today, I got a PR--by 9 minutes!!! My time was 2:29:56, which was a pace of 11:27 per mile. I'm sure it helped that it was a perfect day!! Look at that sky! (Daniel, Danielle, Julia, myself, Chris and John)
That pace even beats my 8k and 10k PR paces. And if we look at this years race to last year's race (even if the course was different--and a .4 GPS discrepency) you'll see a 2o minute improvement! Heck, from race to race I have a total of 12 medals between the two races (14 if you count the two CDC medals). While a year ago, I wanted to do this race again, I never thought I'd have run a marathon, be pacing for a 20 miler and have done triathlons.
Here are some members of my running group, Daniel, Danielle, John, Julie, Chris and Gabe:
I did have one issue, in a frenzy of getting ready, I forgot my underwear. I guess going commando helped, because I had an awesome race and a PR!!
First of all, I have to say, I'm so proud of Julia. It was her first 1/2 Marathon--She rocked it!! Her time was amazing! I'm convinced that her running helped me to do so well! Here we are after the race with our medals:
(Yes, my shirt says "Cheetah in Training") Today, I got a PR--by 9 minutes!!! My time was 2:29:56, which was a pace of 11:27 per mile. I'm sure it helped that it was a perfect day!! Look at that sky! (Daniel, Danielle, Julia, myself, Chris and John)That pace even beats my 8k and 10k PR paces. And if we look at this years race to last year's race (even if the course was different--and a .4 GPS discrepency) you'll see a 2o minute improvement! Heck, from race to race I have a total of 12 medals between the two races (14 if you count the two CDC medals). While a year ago, I wanted to do this race again, I never thought I'd have run a marathon, be pacing for a 20 miler and have done triathlons.Here are some members of my running group, Daniel, Danielle, John, Julie, Chris and Gabe:
I did have one issue, in a frenzy of getting ready, I forgot my underwear. I guess going commando helped, because I had an awesome race and a PR!!
Thursday
August 7, 2008
I wasn't feelin' it today. I don't know why. I think it's because I did my 3 miles on the elliptical at the gym (39:00). I much rather being outside. I just wanted to get in a swim. The problem with my swim was that I was wearing the cheep-ass free goggles I got at the triathalon. They kept either fogging, leaking or falling off when I pushed off the wall. Halfway through my my swim, I just gave up, only doing 500 yards (about 15:00).
Wednesday
Tuesday
August 5, 2008
Melissa and I were going to go biking and running. However, we forgot the bike locks and just biked. She was working on shifting and stuff. We did about 6 miles on the Lakefront Path.
Monday
August 4, 2008
I LOVE running in the rain. I love the way it feels. The way it smells. It's much cooler. There's less people to bother you. I can breathe easier.
I do not love crazy, insane lightning. I was out running and I was going for 5 miles. Nature, however, had other plans. I was just shy of 3 when it began to drizzle. I was thinking "Woo-Hoo! I heart rain!!"
Until the crazy, insane lightning started. And trees started bending and breaking. That's when I decided to go home. I was out. Turns out, that there was Tornado Warnings and such all over the Chicagoland area. I got my 4 mile run (51:47) in for the day. I guess it's better than no run! I was a little sore from yesterday, so I took it easy. It's starting to piss me off that my watch is a little off. I think that I need to stop by the store and see what they say about it.
I do not love crazy, insane lightning. I was out running and I was going for 5 miles. Nature, however, had other plans. I was just shy of 3 when it began to drizzle. I was thinking "Woo-Hoo! I heart rain!!"
Until the crazy, insane lightning started. And trees started bending and breaking. That's when I decided to go home. I was out. Turns out, that there was Tornado Warnings and such all over the Chicagoland area. I got my 4 mile run (51:47) in for the day. I guess it's better than no run! I was a little sore from yesterday, so I took it easy. It's starting to piss me off that my watch is a little off. I think that I need to stop by the store and see what they say about it.
Sunday
August 3, 2008
Cross-training day! I went to the gym and swam 1000 yards or .6 miles or about a kilometer--Victoria, aren't you proud??
Then after I attended an Ultramarathon lecture (yes, I'm very seriously considering it), Jack and I went for a buggy 18.5 mile bike ride. I think I may be a little sore tomorrow!
Then after I attended an Ultramarathon lecture (yes, I'm very seriously considering it), Jack and I went for a buggy 18.5 mile bike ride. I think I may be a little sore tomorrow!
Saturday
August 2, 2008
Today's training run was absolutely perfect. It was just one of those days where I felt I could have run for hours. It was only 13 miles, but I found myself wishing it was more. (My training group probably would have said otherwise...) I even finished by running over Cricket Hill. It really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. We finished our 13 in 2:37:04.
Julia joined me for my run this morning. She's much faster than our group...I'm so proud of her, she's really going to have no problem next weekend and for the marathon. Maria also set up a foam roller clinic. It was really good, and I'm so happy that I finally got my own roller.
Julia joined me for my run this morning. She's much faster than our group...I'm so proud of her, she's really going to have no problem next weekend and for the marathon. Maria also set up a foam roller clinic. It was really good, and I'm so happy that I finally got my own roller.
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