October 12, 2008

Ah, the Chicago Marathon. I was so pumped! It was hard to keep the first half slow and on pace...I kept being asked to slow down. For the first 7 miles or so, I had a Chicago Bears balloon. I lost that at some point. I kinda missed the "Go Bears" after it was gone. Here I am at Wells and Ohio with Alfredo. But then the humidity got to me and I just couldn't keep the pace or catch my breath. I really was struggling to breathe around the United Center and then again in Pilsen. It was so hot, I took my shirt off and ran the last 7 miles in my sports bra (and ya'll know, I don't do naked in public). Here are my splits. You can see I'm pretty well on for the first half...I started to tank in the second:

10k--1:14:56--12:03 pace

Half--2:41:15--12:08 pace

30k--3:57:00--12:42 pace

Then I decided just to have some fun (because isn't that what it's all about?). In Chinatown, some kind souls gave me a Budweiser, and that's when I discovered that the beer was much colder than the water or Gatorade! Then I found some guys South on Michigan Ave who were watching runners...they gave me 2 Miller Lites (one I drank with them, and one I took with me). And then some others on Michigan that traded out my empty Miller Lite for an Amstel Lite that made it across the finish. It was nice to hear people cheer "Yeah, Beer Girl!"

You can see, I did finish (5:48:11--13:18 av pace), with my medal and shiny milar blanket (I *heart* those things!)I'm so glad that I get a do-over next weekend...here's hoping for cooler weather!!

October 9, 2008

I made it out late today, but at least I made it out. I did 3 miles in 35:34, just below pace. In fact my first mile was 11:24.

What was the difference from yesterday? Well, I wanted to get this run done and over with. I also soaked last night after my run in an epsom salt bath. I don't know if it was the soaking or the salt or just a placebo, but it seemed to help. I tried it again today after the run, using the rest of the salt. I need to pick up some more...especially since it seems to be working, and with 3 days to to the marathon, I'll take what I can get.

I also read an article today about bouncing back from a bad race. It was interesting that they talked about positive self talk--definitely something I need to work on. Another thing was to draw a circle, and with in the circle, write bad things about the race you can control. Outside, things you can't. I was thinking about this in terms of Sunday--I can't control the weather and humidity. I can't control how my lungs or quad injury will feel or this darn cold. I can control how I choose to deal with these things. I can control, my internal monologue and self talk. And I think that based on what I can and cannot control--I choose to kick some ass!

October 8, 2008

I had a headache all day, but at least going for a run made it better. But my run time sucked--4 miles in 52:52 (13:13 pace). I suppose it could be worse, but I'd really like it not to be. Oh, and while we're wishing for things--the knot gone from my thigh.

October 7, 2008

I went to see Hector today. We did a core work out with lots of stretching...and by stretching I mean Hector beat on my thigh to try to break up that knot. I limped from the gym with out running.

October 4, 2008

It was the last Saturday morning long run (8 miles in 1:34:00-ish, my Garmin batter died). I seems like just last week we were still building mileage. This summer seemed to fly by. Everyone looked so good, it's wonderful that everyone has gotten to know each other so well! I'm super excited about the marathon!

October 2, 2008

Still a little crampy, but headed to the gym anyway. I did 2 miles at 12:30 pace and then worked with Hector. Mostly core, but a little legs and arms. I did my last mile at the same pace for a total run time of 37:30. I would like for my guts to get back in order with out the aid of Pepto, please!!

October 1, 2008

Due to being sick, I missed 150 miles by 3.7 miles. I'm so sad that I didn't make it. Grr. I guess I should be happy to be over 140...that's a new high for me.

Anywho, I took my tired self to the gym and did 4 on the elliptical in 51:00. Slow, at 12:45 pace, but done.