Monday
September 29, 2008
Ugh, I don't feel well. My guts are churny and I'm feeling queasy. I made it through 6 miles on the ellitpical in 1:14:31 (because I'm just that stubborn.) I hope I feel better tomorrow.
Sunday
September 28, 2008
I headed to the gym this morning to make up my 8 miles that I didn't do earlier in the week. Again, my thigh was sore; and again, it took 4 miles to warm up. I ended up running about a 12:30 pace, but sometimes you just need an easy day. I don't know what's the deal with my leg. I'm hoping the taper will help it to rest and recover before the marathon.
As I'm talking about rest (ha ha) I realized that I was so close to the 150 mile mark for the month. I've never run 150 miles in a month! I looked at the remaining training runs, I had today's 8 miler, and the runs for next week, the highest being a 6 and a 4. I was one mile short of 150!! (Actually .7, but close enough!!). What's a girl to do? Just be content with 149 miles? Not this chickie--I made today 9 miles (in 1:52:45), and then I plan to do the 6 and the 4 Monday and Tuesday and make it happen--150 for September, here I come!!
As I'm talking about rest (ha ha) I realized that I was so close to the 150 mile mark for the month. I've never run 150 miles in a month! I looked at the remaining training runs, I had today's 8 miler, and the runs for next week, the highest being a 6 and a 4. I was one mile short of 150!! (Actually .7, but close enough!!). What's a girl to do? Just be content with 149 miles? Not this chickie--I made today 9 miles (in 1:52:45), and then I plan to do the 6 and the 4 Monday and Tuesday and make it happen--150 for September, here I come!!
Saturday
September 27, 2008
I totally over slept this morning, but I made it in time because Ryan Hall was speaking to our running group. It was a little disheartening when he said that he can't imagine running for four hours (grrr!). He did go for a run....and passed us on the path. Twice. But at least I can say I high fived and then got my ass kicked by an Olympian.
I was super sore when the run started, but about 4 or 5 miles in my quad started to loosen up. I was hurting at first, but fortunately, it worked itself out. I felt fine by the end of the run. We did 12 miles in 2:23:25. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. It's encouraging for me to make up my 8 miles!
I also saw Big John running in a race in Lincoln Park. I stopped to cheer him on and then caught my group just as they were leaving the water stop. I hope he's ready for the marathon, I haven't heard from him lately.
I was super sore when the run started, but about 4 or 5 miles in my quad started to loosen up. I was hurting at first, but fortunately, it worked itself out. I felt fine by the end of the run. We did 12 miles in 2:23:25. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. It's encouraging for me to make up my 8 miles!
I also saw Big John running in a race in Lincoln Park. I stopped to cheer him on and then caught my group just as they were leaving the water stop. I hope he's ready for the marathon, I haven't heard from him lately.
Thursday
September 25, 2008
Today wasn't a shitty day...just long. I did my 4 miles on the elliptical. My legs are still sore and tired. I'm supposed to like the taper, right? Let me know when it kicks in.
Wednesday
September 24, 2008
I had a shitty day at work. So I headed to the gym and got a much needed hug and a little bit of venting. I did 5 miles on the elliptical due to my blistered toes. Is it possible that my feet grew in the past month?
I need to head to Fleet Feet ASAP!
I also need to get caught up on this weeks training runs...I feel like I've been running around but not actually running!
I need to head to Fleet Feet ASAP!
I also need to get caught up on this weeks training runs...I feel like I've been running around but not actually running!
Sunday
September 21, 2008
Today was the R2R 20 miler! For those of you not familiar with the route, it starts at Foster, heads up to Hollywood and then down to the South Shore Cultural Center at 71st Street. It began with some warnings (yellow/moderate), but my runners were ready to go (or at least they pretended they were)!
Aside from the massive amounts of time in the ER, the nasty blisters (seriously, I'm never buying those shoes again!!) and missing the Bears game it wasn't too bad of a day, it certainly was a memorable! I'm pretty proud of how well I ran, it really gives me more confidence for the major races I have planned this fall.
I of course felt the need to practice actual marathon conditions. And as you all know, this means finding beer along the course! You can see that some tailgaters gave me one... 
That's right, 11.5, with Soldier Field in the back ground, and wearing a pacer's shirt...I stopped with some tailgaters to have a beer. I'm sure someone in the CARA office is very proud.Sometime after 10:30 the flags were changed to red/high risk level. 
I slowed my pace down about a minute per mile for the last 5 miles, but I still finished in about 4:07. I'm so proud of all the runners in my group! They all did so well--especially in this heat!
We did have one runner go down...Melissa finished and headed straight to the medical tent. She was suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration. We got her to the ER and 3 liters of fluid later she started to feel better.
While I was pretty much useless in the medical capacity (Let's face it, I was trying not to puke every time she was stuck for an IV), I did try to entertain her by singing her songs and trying to find all the possible impressions I could do with the mylar blanket. (You'd be surprised how many you can do with that thing...Elvis, Chipotle Burrito, Batman and my personal favorite Jiffy Pop!)
That's right, 11.5, with Soldier Field in the back ground, and wearing a pacer's shirt...I stopped with some tailgaters to have a beer. I'm sure someone in the CARA office is very proud.Sometime after 10:30 the flags were changed to red/high risk level. 
I slowed my pace down about a minute per mile for the last 5 miles, but I still finished in about 4:07. I'm so proud of all the runners in my group! They all did so well--especially in this heat!We did have one runner go down...Melissa finished and headed straight to the medical tent. She was suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration. We got her to the ER and 3 liters of fluid later she started to feel better.
While I was pretty much useless in the medical capacity (Let's face it, I was trying not to puke every time she was stuck for an IV), I did try to entertain her by singing her songs and trying to find all the possible impressions I could do with the mylar blanket. (You'd be surprised how many you can do with that thing...Elvis, Chipotle Burrito, Batman and my personal favorite Jiffy Pop!) Aside from the massive amounts of time in the ER, the nasty blisters (seriously, I'm never buying those shoes again!!) and missing the Bears game it wasn't too bad of a day, it certainly was a memorable! I'm pretty proud of how well I ran, it really gives me more confidence for the major races I have planned this fall.
Saturday
September 20, 2008
Mad Dash to Madison 5K--2008 Blackhawks Training Camp
Fun race. I really took it easy--no need to burn out my legs for tomorrow. I finished in about 37:00 (I'll update when I see the official time). I got a Blackhawks tech shirt and 2 tickets to Tuesday's game. I think I'd do this one again...especially if I got faster--the winners got custom jerseys!
Fun race. I really took it easy--no need to burn out my legs for tomorrow. I finished in about 37:00 (I'll update when I see the official time). I got a Blackhawks tech shirt and 2 tickets to Tuesday's game. I think I'd do this one again...especially if I got faster--the winners got custom jerseys!
Friday
September 19, 2008
This morning I got up and did my Body Flex tape. It was only 15 minutes long, but I haven't done it in a while. I was thinking, it's really gimicky, but then again I think that with regular use it could help my core.
I'd also like to point out that at the third week in September I have the same amount of work out entries for all of 2007. There are days when I can't believe how much I've changed in a year. If you had told me that I'd be doing marathons and triathlons...or even leading a pace group for 20 miles (I mean really, who does that!?) I never would have taken that seriously.
I'd also like to point out that at the third week in September I have the same amount of work out entries for all of 2007. There are days when I can't believe how much I've changed in a year. If you had told me that I'd be doing marathons and triathlons...or even leading a pace group for 20 miles (I mean really, who does that!?) I never would have taken that seriously.
Thursday
September 18, 2008
Soreness.
I ran 2.18 miles with the kids at Cross-Country. It was slow, limpy going. That lactic acid bubble now feels like a piece of rebar along my thigh. It's both icky and painful. And it's making me a little crabby. Then, after picking up my packets for Saturday and Sunday, I did another 2 miles. It was in the second run, that I hit my watch, turning the timer off and had no idea what distance I ran. I mapped it out and had run 2 miles. I had intended 5, but two sets of 2 miles is better than no miles. I'm still kicking myself for not getting that last mile in...but I need to let it go. I got in the run, and one less mile isn't going to kill me.
Here's hoping Sunday goes well. Looking like the worst pacer ever is not high on my to-do list.
I ran 2.18 miles with the kids at Cross-Country. It was slow, limpy going. That lactic acid bubble now feels like a piece of rebar along my thigh. It's both icky and painful. And it's making me a little crabby. Then, after picking up my packets for Saturday and Sunday, I did another 2 miles. It was in the second run, that I hit my watch, turning the timer off and had no idea what distance I ran. I mapped it out and had run 2 miles. I had intended 5, but two sets of 2 miles is better than no miles. I'm still kicking myself for not getting that last mile in...but I need to let it go. I got in the run, and one less mile isn't going to kill me.
Here's hoping Sunday goes well. Looking like the worst pacer ever is not high on my to-do list.
Wednesday
September 17, 2008
Getting motivated wasn't easy this afternoon. John was supposed to run with me, but he bailed (seems to be par for the course--he's a Cross Country coach, how could he have a 'football emergency'?!). I still also have that big ol' knot in my thigh. Starting out with a limp doesn't help things. I found it difficult to stay on a 12:00 pace. I ended upi getting a late start this afternoon.
But get out your maps for this route: I ran west to Narragansett, then back to Melvina. I headed south to Riis park and ran around it (FYI--it's 1.2 miles around) and then continued down Wrightwood to Austin and turned south to Fullerton. I ran east along Fullerton to Menard turning left and staying on Menard until I got to Lawrence. Once I got to Lawrence, I headed east again to Milwaukee and turned south to Sunnyside where I cut over to Laramie. Finally I took Laramie to Berteau and then ran home.
Total 10 miles in 2:03:12 (12:20/mile pace). I guess it's not too bad considering my massive knots!
But get out your maps for this route: I ran west to Narragansett, then back to Melvina. I headed south to Riis park and ran around it (FYI--it's 1.2 miles around) and then continued down Wrightwood to Austin and turned south to Fullerton. I ran east along Fullerton to Menard turning left and staying on Menard until I got to Lawrence. Once I got to Lawrence, I headed east again to Milwaukee and turned south to Sunnyside where I cut over to Laramie. Finally I took Laramie to Berteau and then ran home.
Total 10 miles in 2:03:12 (12:20/mile pace). I guess it's not too bad considering my massive knots!
Tuesday
September 16, 2008
Ok, so I know I did really well on Saturday, but that damn lactic acid bubble/knot is driving me nuts!! I tried to push myself to do a faster 5 miles, but that did not happen--the best I could do was on pace. Hector and I did arms and abs...I love the core work outs, they're definitely my fave!
Saturday
September 13, 2008
It was a rainy day for a long run. I was sorta hoping that it would be called off, I wanted to be inside on an elliptical. But I guess I was ready to hit the road, because God kept the lightning at bay. I had four of my regular runners show up, and one who usually runs on Sundays. The rain wasn't awful for most of it. There were some bursts of major down pour.
Crystal, Jill and Colleen turned back at mile 5. I stopped to check on them and it's a good thing that I did because Danielle (from the 11:00 intermediate) caught us. The two of us caught up to Melissa and Lois with in a mile. Then Melissa and Danielle turned around at mile 6 and Lois and I ran to 8.5 at the turn around. My Garmin was telling me that I was short on mileage, but it was rainy, and I trust the Lakefront Path markers. 1.5 to 8.5 is seven miles, no matter what Garmin says :)
I had to stop at Navy Pier to go to the bathroom, so Lois continued on so she wouldn't cool off waiting for me. Now, I have to warn you, dear readers, POSSIBLE TOO MUCH INFORMATION AHEAD!! I was in the bathroom at Navy Pier and I realized that I needed a tampon. Obviously, I have none with me...definitely not something I pack for a run. I also have no change to get one from a machine. This is sooooo not good. I left the stall hoping I'd bump into some woman who might take pity on me in a very empty Navy Pier...when I see two ladies who where cleaning the restroom. I asked them if they had any from the machines...they took me to the supply closet and tried to give me whole box! Not that I wasn't grateful, but the whole box was not necessary. They kept encouraging me to take a few, but really even if it wasn't monsooning outside, how would I carry a few 'to go'? I just took one and thanked them---And I have to say, if they some how stumble upon my blog--THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You ladies are my heroes of the day!!
OK, IT'S SAFE TO READ AGAIN!!
After my stop, I didn't think I'd catch Lois, but I really did want to be done, so I pushed myself for the rest of the run. I actually caught her at Belmont! We finished the run in 2:38:14 and I even ran over Cricket Hill. That's an 11:19 average pace! I'm certain that I ran a mostly negative split for the second half. This was a huge improvement from the elliptical and laying on someones lawn!
After the run, I met Laura, Chad, Nancy and Christina for the ALS Walk 4 Life, which was a quick 2 miles. It was a nice cool down and it was great to support Laura's walk in her mother's honor.
On another note, I really want to do the Race to Madison next weekend. It's a 5k, and I know it's the day before the 20 miler...but I really want the Blackhawks tickets and the tech shirt! If someone wants to walk/run a 5k next Saturday morning. I'm talkin' super easy style, let me know--I'm in!!
Crystal, Jill and Colleen turned back at mile 5. I stopped to check on them and it's a good thing that I did because Danielle (from the 11:00 intermediate) caught us. The two of us caught up to Melissa and Lois with in a mile. Then Melissa and Danielle turned around at mile 6 and Lois and I ran to 8.5 at the turn around. My Garmin was telling me that I was short on mileage, but it was rainy, and I trust the Lakefront Path markers. 1.5 to 8.5 is seven miles, no matter what Garmin says :)
I had to stop at Navy Pier to go to the bathroom, so Lois continued on so she wouldn't cool off waiting for me. Now, I have to warn you, dear readers, POSSIBLE TOO MUCH INFORMATION AHEAD!! I was in the bathroom at Navy Pier and I realized that I needed a tampon. Obviously, I have none with me...definitely not something I pack for a run. I also have no change to get one from a machine. This is sooooo not good. I left the stall hoping I'd bump into some woman who might take pity on me in a very empty Navy Pier...when I see two ladies who where cleaning the restroom. I asked them if they had any from the machines...they took me to the supply closet and tried to give me whole box! Not that I wasn't grateful, but the whole box was not necessary. They kept encouraging me to take a few, but really even if it wasn't monsooning outside, how would I carry a few 'to go'? I just took one and thanked them---And I have to say, if they some how stumble upon my blog--THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You ladies are my heroes of the day!!
OK, IT'S SAFE TO READ AGAIN!!
After my stop, I didn't think I'd catch Lois, but I really did want to be done, so I pushed myself for the rest of the run. I actually caught her at Belmont! We finished the run in 2:38:14 and I even ran over Cricket Hill. That's an 11:19 average pace! I'm certain that I ran a mostly negative split for the second half. This was a huge improvement from the elliptical and laying on someones lawn!
After the run, I met Laura, Chad, Nancy and Christina for the ALS Walk 4 Life, which was a quick 2 miles. It was a nice cool down and it was great to support Laura's walk in her mother's honor.
On another note, I really want to do the Race to Madison next weekend. It's a 5k, and I know it's the day before the 20 miler...but I really want the Blackhawks tickets and the tech shirt! If someone wants to walk/run a 5k next Saturday morning. I'm talkin' super easy style, let me know--I'm in!!
Thursday
September 11, 2008
My thigh hurts so much that I want to jam my car key in to the knot of lactic acid that resides within it's depths. I've tried the foam roller and stick. I've tried cramming my elbow into it. I'm just not strong enough at the right angle to do it myself.
I did my 8 miles today. I probably shouldn't have. I probably should have rested. I did 15 minute miles...so it took 2 frickin' hours on the elliptical. But my stubborn self would not let me miss a training run. I haven't missed one yet and I wasn't about to start. Maybe I'll try to actually run it on Sunday if I'm feeling better.
I did my 8 miles today. I probably shouldn't have. I probably should have rested. I did 15 minute miles...so it took 2 frickin' hours on the elliptical. But my stubborn self would not let me miss a training run. I haven't missed one yet and I wasn't about to start. Maybe I'll try to actually run it on Sunday if I'm feeling better.
Wednesday
September 10, 2008
Worst.
Five Miles.
EVER!
I felt awful today. I just couldn't get a stride. My legs felt like concrete. My left quad was cramped up and both of my calf's felt like lead. Seriously, it was bad.
I was going to run my 8 miles today, and I was ready to cry after 2 miles. I was hoping when I started that I'd warm up and it would be fine. Not so much. Just short of four, I lay down on someones lawn at the corner between Henderson and School on Menard. I'm not kidding. Melissa even called and I had a conversation before continuing on.
5 miles in 1:06:48, not including the lawn time.
Five Miles.
EVER!
I felt awful today. I just couldn't get a stride. My legs felt like concrete. My left quad was cramped up and both of my calf's felt like lead. Seriously, it was bad.
I was going to run my 8 miles today, and I was ready to cry after 2 miles. I was hoping when I started that I'd warm up and it would be fine. Not so much. Just short of four, I lay down on someones lawn at the corner between Henderson and School on Menard. I'm not kidding. Melissa even called and I had a conversation before continuing on.
5 miles in 1:06:48, not including the lawn time.
Tuesday
September 9, 2008
I really did want to go for a run yesterday, but it didn't happen. When you get the call to celebrate your birthday with beer, hot wings and football--really, who can resist? I'm paying for the birthday fun...I'm up 9lbs (yep, I'm a Tubby McFatty). I'm guessing it's a birthday/pms combo, but it doesn't make me feel better. Grrr... Looks like I've' got some work to do.
Anywho, I went to the gym and did 3.5 miles on the elliptical, did core work with Hector and then finished the last 1.5 miles after. The 5 miles were at an 11:00 pace, so I was done in just under 55:00.
Anywho, I went to the gym and did 3.5 miles on the elliptical, did core work with Hector and then finished the last 1.5 miles after. The 5 miles were at an 11:00 pace, so I was done in just under 55:00.
Saturday
September 6, 2008
Today's long run was much needed. After a completely heinous Friday, the 18 miles felt really good. All of the runners had a pretty good day. All of them stayed together for the first 14, and I was so proud of how well everyone ran! Julia and I even tackled Cricket Hill at the end.
I finished in 3:35:58 and found Melissa with bagels and cupcakes! In fact the rest was so good--I ran the last 2 miles to make it an even 20 miles (total running time in 3:59:59).
I finished in 3:35:58 and found Melissa with bagels and cupcakes! In fact the rest was so good--I ran the last 2 miles to make it an even 20 miles (total running time in 3:59:59).
Wednesday
September 3, 2008
I made it out for my 4 miler in 44:24 which is an 11:06 pace. Not too bad considering I'm still stiff and achy. I think going to bed freakishly early last night helped. Now if only I could find someone to foam roller me (I'm thinking that someone's going to get sick of reading about it and do something about it!)
Tuesday
September 2, 2008
Feet=Still Blistery
Body=Sore
Sinuses=Stuffy
Weather=Hot and Humid
Irregardless, I went to the gym. I knew I needed to power through my work out. I reasoned that the faster I got it done, the faster I could go home. I did the first mile easy, then played a game with myself on the elliptical; keep the strides per minute above 180 and try to stay on your heels (to avoid 'running' on my blisters).
It worked. I did my 5 miles in 53:44 which breaks down to a 10:45 average mile.
(PS, I still could use a volunteer to foam roller me!)
Body=Sore
Sinuses=Stuffy
Weather=Hot and Humid
Irregardless, I went to the gym. I knew I needed to power through my work out. I reasoned that the faster I got it done, the faster I could go home. I did the first mile easy, then played a game with myself on the elliptical; keep the strides per minute above 180 and try to stay on your heels (to avoid 'running' on my blisters).
It worked. I did my 5 miles in 53:44 which breaks down to a 10:45 average mile.
(PS, I still could use a volunteer to foam roller me!)
Monday
September 1, 2008
Even though I was sore, I headed to the gym. Hector stretched me and worked my core and arms. I did my 7 miles on the elliptical...my feet are still tender and I couldn't imagine trying to run on them. I just really wanted to get my long run in since I didn't have to work today. I hate long-ish runs on the elliptical.
I think I need to have a date with the stick...any volunteers to foam roller me? Pretty please?
I think I need to have a date with the stick...any volunteers to foam roller me? Pretty please?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)