Saturday
November 29, 2008
Today was an awful run. I just couldn't catch my breath. Danielle and I met on the Lakefront to do 12...it turned out to be just 5. I made it about 1.25 miles before I started to wheeze. Then I pushed myself to 2.5. Bless Danielle's heart, she walk/ran it back with me. I felt bad about my sucky run. But we still made it 5 in 1:03:05. (And yes, I made an appointment for the doctor)
Thursday
Novmeber 27, 2008
Today Melissa and I went out to the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in DuPage County. It was really pretty, but very hilly. I think it's the closest you'll get to trail running in the Chicagoland area. We did 5 miles in just under an hour.
Wednesday
November 26, 2008
I made it to the gym this morning again. I do feel much more perky in the morning after the gym (if that's even possible). I ran 3 miles in 30:33 on the treadmill.
Monday
November 24, 2008
Well, I finally did it. I dragged my butt out of bed and got to the gym for an early morning workout before work. I have to admit, it wasn't on my own, rather to meet Hector for cross training. I really liked being there early, the gym wasn't crowded and it's definitely a great way to start the day! Here's hoping it works to keep it up!
It was an arm work out day and my chest was still hurting. We did pull ups and as I was hanging there, I found that my breathing was extremely labored. I think that Hector took it easy on me after that. I can't believe my chest still hurts. I'd really like this taken care of before the 1/2 marathon.
It was an arm work out day and my chest was still hurting. We did pull ups and as I was hanging there, I found that my breathing was extremely labored. I think that Hector took it easy on me after that. I can't believe my chest still hurts. I'd really like this taken care of before the 1/2 marathon.
Sunday
November 23, 2008
Ya know how yesterday was the worst 10 miles ever? Yeah, clearly I'm still having issues, because this 10k sucked big fat donkey balls. (Maybe it should be turkey balls this close to Thanksgiving, but I digress.)
This morning was the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot. I met Danielle and Dan. I was truckin' with Danielle at about I 10:00 pace. Then my lungs got tight. I was running with Dan for a few blocks at an 11:00 when my lungs began to hate me. And my hate me, I mean close. Dan could hear my wheezing. I went to the side walk and stopped. It was the first time I seriously considered a DNF. I decided that I would go to the 5k turnaround and see how I felt. At that point I talked myself into finishing, but I felt like I was trying to breathe through a coffee stirrer.
It pretty much sucked ass. Danielle jumped in with me at the end, she even said I didn't sound good, and Dan was pretty worried. Danielle told Dan that she was certain I'd finish, even if I had to crawl... clearly my stubbornness is well known. My Garmin said I had a 1:16:21 finish.I hope my lungs clear up before the 1/2 Marathon in a few weeks.
This morning was the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot. I met Danielle and Dan. I was truckin' with Danielle at about I 10:00 pace. Then my lungs got tight. I was running with Dan for a few blocks at an 11:00 when my lungs began to hate me. And my hate me, I mean close. Dan could hear my wheezing. I went to the side walk and stopped. It was the first time I seriously considered a DNF. I decided that I would go to the 5k turnaround and see how I felt. At that point I talked myself into finishing, but I felt like I was trying to breathe through a coffee stirrer.
It pretty much sucked ass. Danielle jumped in with me at the end, she even said I didn't sound good, and Dan was pretty worried. Danielle told Dan that she was certain I'd finish, even if I had to crawl... clearly my stubbornness is well known. My Garmin said I had a 1:16:21 finish.I hope my lungs clear up before the 1/2 Marathon in a few weeks.
Saturday
November 22, 2008
Ugh. Worst. Ten Miles. EVER!
I went to the gym this morning so that Hector could weigh me. I started an hour before I was supposed to meet him. I did a couple of miles on the treadmill. Then I got off and went to an elliptical. Then I saw Hector at 8:00, got weighed (175.7) and then got back on the elliptical. Was loathing the whole process, so I got off again and stretched. I was supposed to do 11, but only could talk myself into 10 in 2 hours. My chest hurts, my legs hurt, and I hate treadmills.
The End.
I went to the gym this morning so that Hector could weigh me. I started an hour before I was supposed to meet him. I did a couple of miles on the treadmill. Then I got off and went to an elliptical. Then I saw Hector at 8:00, got weighed (175.7) and then got back on the elliptical. Was loathing the whole process, so I got off again and stretched. I was supposed to do 11, but only could talk myself into 10 in 2 hours. My chest hurts, my legs hurt, and I hate treadmills.
The End.
Friday
November 21, 2008
Today I hauled balls at the gym. I did 2 miles on the treadmill in 22:22, and then Christine from work got there, and I switched to the elliptical for the last 3 miles with her in 33:33. I'm pretty excited about maintaining an 11:11 pace for 5 miles.
Thursday
November 20, 2008
Today was a long day at the gym. I did a mile on the treadmill, in 10:00 and then Hector kicked my but for an hour. Then another mile on the treadmill in 10:00 and then I got off to stretch and get a drink. I rode one of the bikes with Christine for 20:00 and did 7.2 miles. I finished with 2 more miles on the elliptical.
Tuesday
November 18, 2008
I told Hector to kill me today...he tried. He had me do a side plank while using the pull machine with my spare arm. I think I looked like a badass. He also had me on my hands and tip toes and I had to touch my opposite elbow to the opposite knee. I was afraid I was going to face plant. I didn't, but I definitely looked like a deranged mountain climber or something having a spastic seizure in the weight room.
I didn't run today, most of the treadmills were taken and I didn't want do wait...besides, I had a bunch of crap to do with my car. I HAVE to do 5 miles tomorrow. I just wish I could motivate myself to drag my butt out of bed to run in the mornings.
I didn't run today, most of the treadmills were taken and I didn't want do wait...besides, I had a bunch of crap to do with my car. I HAVE to do 5 miles tomorrow. I just wish I could motivate myself to drag my butt out of bed to run in the mornings.
Friday
November 14, 2008
I was motivated to get to the gym today because one of the other teachers from work joined my gym. I almost never go to the gym on Fridays, but when she said she wanted to go every week day, I figured, what could hurt adding an extra day?
I did 4 miles (52:00) on the elliptical while finishing a book (I borrowed it over the summer and it wanted to go home!) Then I biked another 4 miles (12:00) with Christine. I'm glad she's a biker, because it's always been hard to get myself on a stationary bike. Having someone at the gym to do it with will definitely help for tri training!
I did 4 miles (52:00) on the elliptical while finishing a book (I borrowed it over the summer and it wanted to go home!) Then I biked another 4 miles (12:00) with Christine. I'm glad she's a biker, because it's always been hard to get myself on a stationary bike. Having someone at the gym to do it with will definitely help for tri training!
Thursday
November 13, 2008
I was motivated to run fast today because I was meeting Melissa and 'Toya for Pho. I did 3 miles in 34:00.
Wednesday
November 12, 2008
I went to the gym after report card pick up and hit the elliptical. I was thinking I was going to run 5, but I just wasn't terribly motivated. I did 4 miles in 53:00.
I'm hoping it's the cold, but I haven't been motivated to go balls out since the 50k. Maybe it's just my body's way of saying "I'm tired!!" I'm thinking of signing up for one of the Turkey Trots...Lincolnwood has a medal... But Fleet Feet is on Thanksgiving... Any one want to run one of the two with me? It might motivate me and help me get back in to the groove. After all, that 1/2 Marathon won't run itself.
I'm hoping it's the cold, but I haven't been motivated to go balls out since the 50k. Maybe it's just my body's way of saying "I'm tired!!" I'm thinking of signing up for one of the Turkey Trots...Lincolnwood has a medal... But Fleet Feet is on Thanksgiving... Any one want to run one of the two with me? It might motivate me and help me get back in to the groove. After all, that 1/2 Marathon won't run itself.
Tuesday
November 11, 2008
I'm still congested, coughing, with a little red nose; but I went to the gym anyway. I did 3 miles on the elliptical and lifted with Hector.
I'd like to kick this cold so I can feel better and get outside for running!
I'd like to kick this cold so I can feel better and get outside for running!
Sunday
November 9, 2008
Go Vertical!
Today was the go Vertical Challenge. I still have that chest cold, but I decided that I'm climbing for people with cancer, I can suck it up and get it done. And that's exactly what happened, I sucked. I was slow, I felt like crap, but I finished--I guess that's what matters. Final time 47:19--10 minutes slower than last year, but then again last year I didn't feel like OIA. Here's a pic of me at the top when I finished.
I also saw Peter at the climb (Thanks for the pic!)! He's totally my stair climbing buddy...We always see each other at these climbs. We're thinking of starting a team for the Aon Climb benefiting Children's Memorial. If you're interested in being on our team, let me know!!
Today was the go Vertical Challenge. I still have that chest cold, but I decided that I'm climbing for people with cancer, I can suck it up and get it done. And that's exactly what happened, I sucked. I was slow, I felt like crap, but I finished--I guess that's what matters. Final time 47:19--10 minutes slower than last year, but then again last year I didn't feel like OIA. Here's a pic of me at the top when I finished.
I also saw Peter at the climb (Thanks for the pic!)! He's totally my stair climbing buddy...We always see each other at these climbs. We're thinking of starting a team for the Aon Climb benefiting Children's Memorial. If you're interested in being on our team, let me know!!
Thursday
November 6, 2008
I did go the gym yesterday, but really, it was just Hector helping me to stretch and foam roller for an hour. Definitely much needed.
Today I went and there was a little more stretching (my calves are all sorts of knotted!) And lots of core. I do love my core work outs. I had been practicing some of the moves (because I really do love core work that much). I even impressed Hector by being in push up position with my legs on a ball and rolling that ball in combo-ed with a push up.
I'm concerned about the Sears Tower Climb on Sunday... I'm starting to get a chest cold. I have a cough and I'm quite congested. Here's hoping I feel better soon!
Today I went and there was a little more stretching (my calves are all sorts of knotted!) And lots of core. I do love my core work outs. I had been practicing some of the moves (because I really do love core work that much). I even impressed Hector by being in push up position with my legs on a ball and rolling that ball in combo-ed with a push up.
I'm concerned about the Sears Tower Climb on Sunday... I'm starting to get a chest cold. I have a cough and I'm quite congested. Here's hoping I feel better soon!
Saturday
November 1, 2008
Holy Crap! I have just one word to describe this race: AWESOME!!
Today was the Chicago Lakefront 50/50. This race had a 50k (31 miles) and a 50 miler (I'm not that crazy...yet!) I have to admit that I was nervous about this race. Sure, I've run a marathon before, but who knows what could happen in those extra 5 miles? Fortunately, Danielle was running with me and Melissa had planned to run the last 10 miles with me. Even so, I was praying that God would send me an angel to run with me. He most certainly did, because Julia surprised me on Saturday morning by being there on her bike!! Here's the pre-race photo:
The race started with out fanfare. Seriously, we crowded around, and the race director said "Ok, go!" And we were off. I'm not kidding when I say that Ultra's are the Anti-marathon. It's so laid back! Here's Danielle, myself and Tom about a mile in (only 30 more to go!)
I managed to stay with Danielle for most of the first loop. Here's fellow Marathon Maniac, John, myself and Danielle.
And the uneventful turnaround point. Yep, that's it! 
While the turnaround was uneventful, the water stops were amazing! Not only did they have water and Gatorade, but they also had coke, chips, cookies, candy and all sorts of other goodies!! I have to admit, I probably didn't eat enough. I didn't take a single gu through the whole race (BIG MISTAKE!!). The coke worked surprisingly well, and the 1/2 of a sandwich that Julia had in her pack was the filet mignon of peanut butter and honey sandwiches. I'm just not used to eating and running.
Will I run another Ultra? Hell yeah!! Will I be smarter about it--OMG yes!! Now, I think it's time for a rest...
Today was the Chicago Lakefront 50/50. This race had a 50k (31 miles) and a 50 miler (I'm not that crazy...yet!) I have to admit that I was nervous about this race. Sure, I've run a marathon before, but who knows what could happen in those extra 5 miles? Fortunately, Danielle was running with me and Melissa had planned to run the last 10 miles with me. Even so, I was praying that God would send me an angel to run with me. He most certainly did, because Julia surprised me on Saturday morning by being there on her bike!! Here's the pre-race photo:
The race started with out fanfare. Seriously, we crowded around, and the race director said "Ok, go!" And we were off. I'm not kidding when I say that Ultra's are the Anti-marathon. It's so laid back! Here's Danielle, myself and Tom about a mile in (only 30 more to go!)
I managed to stay with Danielle for most of the first loop. Here's fellow Marathon Maniac, John, myself and Danielle.
And the uneventful turnaround point. Yep, that's it! While the turnaround was uneventful, the water stops were amazing! Not only did they have water and Gatorade, but they also had coke, chips, cookies, candy and all sorts of other goodies!! I have to admit, I probably didn't eat enough. I didn't take a single gu through the whole race (BIG MISTAKE!!). The coke worked surprisingly well, and the 1/2 of a sandwich that Julia had in her pack was the filet mignon of peanut butter and honey sandwiches. I'm just not used to eating and running. Julia, the angel that she is, rode her bike with me all day. She really is my hero. It was cold and windy and she stuck by me. I don't know if I can express how grateful I am that she was there. I was clearly having a bad running day, and having her there made this race so much fun!
Here's me at my last of 3 turnarounds.
Julia and I spent the last 8 miles singing--fittingly it started with Eye of the Tiger and ended with Green Day's Time of Your Life. I think it was my way of disassociating for the run. I had 3 inch blister on my arch and another the size of a quarter on the ball of the same foot that had started sometime in the first loop. I was having a bad running day. And it was about 40 degrees and windy. And let's face it, this was my 3rd marathon in 3 days and Dean Karnazes I am not. By the time I got to my last loop, I was slow and hurtin'. I knew going into it that this race was probably going to be painful . But I realized as I was running that I had a choice as to if I was going to suffer or not. I figured, I chose to do this, and I always believe that runs should be fun. There was no way I was going to let myself be miserable. It was much easier to not be miserable with Julia riding along next to me! But the 8 miles of singing worked and you can see, I finished with a smile on my face!
Here's me at my last of 3 turnarounds.
Julia and I spent the last 8 miles singing--fittingly it started with Eye of the Tiger and ended with Green Day's Time of Your Life. I think it was my way of disassociating for the run. I had 3 inch blister on my arch and another the size of a quarter on the ball of the same foot that had started sometime in the first loop. I was having a bad running day. And it was about 40 degrees and windy. And let's face it, this was my 3rd marathon in 3 days and Dean Karnazes I am not. By the time I got to my last loop, I was slow and hurtin'. I knew going into it that this race was probably going to be painful . But I realized as I was running that I had a choice as to if I was going to suffer or not. I figured, I chose to do this, and I always believe that runs should be fun. There was no way I was going to let myself be miserable. It was much easier to not be miserable with Julia riding along next to me! But the 8 miles of singing worked and you can see, I finished with a smile on my face!With my medal, and officially and Ultra marathoner!
Danielle and Bethie--Chicago's Newest Ultramarathoners!
And of course, me with the Official Support Crew! (You know it's Bethie's official support crew by the Bear's hat!!) Julia--YOU'RE AWESOME!!!!
Danielle and Bethie--Chicago's Newest Ultramarathoners!
And of course, me with the Official Support Crew! (You know it's Bethie's official support crew by the Bear's hat!!) Julia--YOU'RE AWESOME!!!!
Will I run another Ultra? Hell yeah!! Will I be smarter about it--OMG yes!! Now, I think it's time for a rest...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)