Aka 7 was NOT heaven...
I wasn't sure how things would play out, seeing as though I ended up going to the race by myself. Well that and the temps jumped 30+ degrees in less than 48 hours. I ended up finishing the race in 2:05:57... But it was ugly. I don't ever want to feel that way during a race ever again.
MILE 1:
Started off just fine. We left the brewery and headed down a country road into the town. And the town was so cute! Reminded me of Woodstock, IL. Mile split right at 9:00.
MILE 2:
End up racing next to 2 sisters. One had a deep voice and one had a voice that was too high. I wonder if there's another sister with a voice that's juuuust right.
MILE 3:
First aid station and I'm dying of thirst. Now I know why so many people are wearing fuel belts. I get a little splash of Gatorade and keep moving.
MILE 4:
Holy scary hill! I thought I was invincible after Little Rock. Not so. I run up it against my better judgement and press on.
MILE 5:
I don't want to do this anymore. Like, at all. I wonder if someone will take me back to my car?
MILE 6:
Where is the aid station??? I am desert thirsty. And we are running by a smelly farm. Yuck. Oh thank God, I can see the aid station. I have never been so happy to drink blue Gatorade!
MILE 7:
Suck, suck, suck. I hate this and I want to go back to Illinois.
MILE 8:
Pretty trail, but a long boring one with no turns. I'm near tears and freaking out. Next aid station comes, and I eat a Gu in the hopes of quelling the meltdown.
MILE 9:
My photo got taken while I was eating Gu. GREAT. I'll just tell my mom there was no photographer...
MILE 10:
Random links course at the side of the trail. Who would have thought you'd find one of those in small-town Wisconsin? Last aid station and still dying...
MILE 11:
I just did something I haven't done in a race since June... I walked. Worst feeling ever. Bye bye PR. Bye bye good time. I just want to make it to the end and go home.
MILE 12:
I feel like I've been out here for hours. Like, full marathon hours. Almost there. Walk, run. No more stopping!
MILE 13:
I spoke too soon. Walked once more and then kicked it into high gear. I can hear the announcer. I can see the turn. Almost there.
MILE 13.1:
Turn the corner and sprint towards the finish line. I'M FINALLY DONE! I'm ready to head home. I'm overjoyed that I have one more half before Vegas. I need redemption and a chance to get the rest of the junk out before Vegas.
If I have to pick a positive, I did finish. And for 2009, this race time ranks 3 out of 7. That says something. I'll get 'em next time!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
An Open Letter to RAM Racing...
Dear RAM Racing,
I have been an active member of the running community in Chicago for just about a decade now. I have done a number of 5 and 10Ks, put on by all sorts of organizations. I have completed 11 half marathons all over the city and beyond, and run in the Chicago Marathon 5 times (finished 3 times).
I love the Bucktown 5K. It's a race that some friends introduced me to, and it's now one that always has a place on my racing calendar. I love that I can drive from the NW suburbs, park at Cumberland, hop on the blue line to Damen, and walk to the store for packet pickup and then straight to the race. It's fabulous. And you do give the best goodie bags in the city, no one's denying that.
But... I do have some issues. First off, you took my favorite race in Illinois (North Shore Half) and... ruined it. I was hesitant about using "ruined." It's such a strong word. But that's what you did. You took what was a "neighborhood" half marathon and destroyed it. We have to take SHUTTLE BUSES to the start line??? You used to be able to park at Target and walk there! Much less hassle. Plus, my bus driver got lost. Luckily I got there early! Sheesh! Then you sold out to Hammer and served HEED grossness. And the finish line? Don't even get me started. Masses of people trying to fit through an itty bitty hole in the fence? I love my flip flops, but they weren't worth waiting for. I didn't even see the food- the line was so long and I was frustrated from trying to get the flip flops. So I hopped on the bus and left. Disaster. Don't worry about me- I'll be at 13.1 Chicago next year.
That's not even my main issue. We need to discuss the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K. I did this race last year, after my mom was handed a card at the Chicago Marathon. I thought, "Oh that sounds like fun! Plus you get a fleece jacket! Score!" I signed up with a friend, and it WAS fun. We drove to the race, got stuck in traffic on Montrose, and amazingly found a parking spot right on the street, less than a half mile from the start. When I read the details for this year's race, I was totally there. Looked the same and everything. So I signed up again. Right now, 3 days before the race, I think it was a mistake.
#1- Stop increasing the participant cap. Just stop it. Not everyone who wants to run the race NEEDS to be able to run it. There's a reason why NYCM, Houston, and Boston are so popular- they are hard to get into, and people covet their entrance. If some lazy bum didn't sign up far enough in advance, TFB! 12,000 people on the lakefront path may not sound like a lot, but it is. Last year (cap: 5,000) I was zooming around really slow people at the end, and it was annoying. I'm dreading Sunday. I wanted to PR, but that's probably out of the question. If you don't have a wave start, that number of people is just ridiculous.
#2- Expo. Since you bill this race as the "perfect post-marathon race," don't you think most people are kind of Expo'd out? I know I am. The LAST thing I want to do on Halloween is schlep over to the UIC Pavilion when the blue line is closed for construction. Thank God for Naperville. (Although I did wait for OVER AN HOUR in that crazy line.)
#3- PARKING. What a pain in the rear. As I understand it, you were allowed to park in the Montrose Harbor lot last year. And all of the other lots, for that matter. And they are huge. So as of right now I can a) take public transportation, b) ride my bicycle, or c) park at LP Zoo or Navy Pier for the regular rate and be shuttle bused over to the site? No thank you. But then again, I could have another travel advisory email in my inbox as we speak.
I understand that you're in it to make money. I get it, honestly I do. But take a page out of Fleet Feet's book- at least finalize your plans months in advance and act like you care about the runners in the race. Finally, I'm going to give you a piece of advice someone once told me... if you have a good experience, maybe you tell 2 or 3 people. But when you have a bad experience, you tell 10+ people. Well I'm telling the Internet... take that whichever way you choose.
I'll be there on Sunday, because I already paid and picked up my packet. But I won't be back. Goodbye Hot Chocolate 15K, you will be missed.
Respectfully,
Maureen
I have been an active member of the running community in Chicago for just about a decade now. I have done a number of 5 and 10Ks, put on by all sorts of organizations. I have completed 11 half marathons all over the city and beyond, and run in the Chicago Marathon 5 times (finished 3 times).
I love the Bucktown 5K. It's a race that some friends introduced me to, and it's now one that always has a place on my racing calendar. I love that I can drive from the NW suburbs, park at Cumberland, hop on the blue line to Damen, and walk to the store for packet pickup and then straight to the race. It's fabulous. And you do give the best goodie bags in the city, no one's denying that.
But... I do have some issues. First off, you took my favorite race in Illinois (North Shore Half) and... ruined it. I was hesitant about using "ruined." It's such a strong word. But that's what you did. You took what was a "neighborhood" half marathon and destroyed it. We have to take SHUTTLE BUSES to the start line??? You used to be able to park at Target and walk there! Much less hassle. Plus, my bus driver got lost. Luckily I got there early! Sheesh! Then you sold out to Hammer and served HEED grossness. And the finish line? Don't even get me started. Masses of people trying to fit through an itty bitty hole in the fence? I love my flip flops, but they weren't worth waiting for. I didn't even see the food- the line was so long and I was frustrated from trying to get the flip flops. So I hopped on the bus and left. Disaster. Don't worry about me- I'll be at 13.1 Chicago next year.
That's not even my main issue. We need to discuss the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K. I did this race last year, after my mom was handed a card at the Chicago Marathon. I thought, "Oh that sounds like fun! Plus you get a fleece jacket! Score!" I signed up with a friend, and it WAS fun. We drove to the race, got stuck in traffic on Montrose, and amazingly found a parking spot right on the street, less than a half mile from the start. When I read the details for this year's race, I was totally there. Looked the same and everything. So I signed up again. Right now, 3 days before the race, I think it was a mistake.
#1- Stop increasing the participant cap. Just stop it. Not everyone who wants to run the race NEEDS to be able to run it. There's a reason why NYCM, Houston, and Boston are so popular- they are hard to get into, and people covet their entrance. If some lazy bum didn't sign up far enough in advance, TFB! 12,000 people on the lakefront path may not sound like a lot, but it is. Last year (cap: 5,000) I was zooming around really slow people at the end, and it was annoying. I'm dreading Sunday. I wanted to PR, but that's probably out of the question. If you don't have a wave start, that number of people is just ridiculous.
#2- Expo. Since you bill this race as the "perfect post-marathon race," don't you think most people are kind of Expo'd out? I know I am. The LAST thing I want to do on Halloween is schlep over to the UIC Pavilion when the blue line is closed for construction. Thank God for Naperville. (Although I did wait for OVER AN HOUR in that crazy line.)
#3- PARKING. What a pain in the rear. As I understand it, you were allowed to park in the Montrose Harbor lot last year. And all of the other lots, for that matter. And they are huge. So as of right now I can a) take public transportation, b) ride my bicycle, or c) park at LP Zoo or Navy Pier for the regular rate and be shuttle bused over to the site? No thank you. But then again, I could have another travel advisory email in my inbox as we speak.
I understand that you're in it to make money. I get it, honestly I do. But take a page out of Fleet Feet's book- at least finalize your plans months in advance and act like you care about the runners in the race. Finally, I'm going to give you a piece of advice someone once told me... if you have a good experience, maybe you tell 2 or 3 people. But when you have a bad experience, you tell 10+ people. Well I'm telling the Internet... take that whichever way you choose.
I'll be there on Sunday, because I already paid and picked up my packet. But I won't be back. Goodbye Hot Chocolate 15K, you will be missed.
Respectfully,
Maureen
Friday, October 23, 2009
I Finally Have a Plan! A 2010 Race Calendar
Not only do I have a plan, but I had some time to sit down and think about training programs, and race focus, etc. I even came up with some goals!
2010 Goals:
-Run 10 half marathons
-Run 2 full marathons
-Log 1010 miles
-Break 1:45 in the half marathon
-Break 4:15 in the full marathon
-Set new 5 & 10K PRs
-Register for the 2011 Goofy Challenge
2010 Races:
1.23.2010 - InStep Icebreaker Indoor Half Marathon (Milwaukee, WI) - I already registered for this race. Never done an indoor one, so it might be kind of fun. Plus, I need some kind of motivator to get me through the long Chicago winters! Should be fun for the bf and the parentals to watch.
4.11.2010 - GO! St Louis Half Marathon (St Louis, MO) - Knocking another state off the list! I've never actually been to St Louis, so it'll be a fun weekend getaway. At first I wanted to do the full here, but then I remembered- I don't like to run super-long distances on the treadmill!
5.1.2010 - Wisconsin Marathon (Kenosha, WI) - I did the half in this race last year, and really have a lot of good things to say about it. Fast, flat course. I feel like the race directors actually read the surveys, and actually care about the participants. And of course, who doesn't like post-race beer and brats?!
5.16.2010 - Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon (Chicago, IL) - I looked into this race last year, but decided on the Soldier Field 10 Mile instead. I keep seeing the tech shirts EVERYWHERE and they are awesome! Definitely thinking about this one... (especially since the price is right!)
6.13.2010 - 13.1 Chicago (Chicago, IL) - I was trying to decide between this one and the North Shore Half. It came down to: 1) I've done the NS Half 3 times before, 2) 13.1 Chicago serves Gatorade and not HEED, and 3) I obtained a coupon code for 13.1 Chicago at the marathon expo and saved a bunch of money. SOLD!
July 2010 - Frontier Days Stampede Run 10K (Arlington Heights, IL) - My hometown race was a pleasant surprise last year. It's cheap (because it's not timed), but you get a lot for your money. I'm expecting hot weather, but that's ok. I loved this race and will do it again and again.
July 2010 - Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K (Chicago, IL) - Another race I had a lot of fun doing. It was a little crowded at the start, but otherwise it was a great race. I LOVE the shirts they gave away, and will do the race again basically for that reason.
8.1.2010 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon (Chicago, IL) - Definitely one of the best races I did last year. I can't say enough good things about it. And I was one of the first people to register for it! Soo exciting!
9.6.2010 - Oak Brook Half Marathon (Oak Brook, IL) - I loved the change of scenery and the trails we ran on. I set a PR on this hilly course, which was just crazy! But I loved it and can't wait to go back. (Of course, if I can convince the bf to go to Virginia Beach, we'll be going there instead!)
9.12.2010 - Chicago Half Marathon (Chicago, IL) - I got a half price entry, plus this is the course that owns my PR! How can I not go back there and challenge it?!
10.3.2010 - Bucktown 5K (Chicago, IL) - A pre-marathon favorite, it's the only 5K that I actually like to do. (Pretty much because the goody bags always ROCK!)
10.10.2010 - Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL) - I had such a blast doing Chicago this past year. Maybe because I trained for it, maybe because I have a ton more race experience now, but I loved every part of it. I wasn't going to do it in 2010, but I couldn't resist a race close to home on 10.10.10. A lot of people that I've met on RW are targeting Chicago for next year, and I would love to run it with them as teammates. When registration opens on 2/1, I'll be ready and waiting!
10.31.2010 - Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, DC) - I got a guaranteed entry into this race at the Chicago Marathon expo, and signed up right away. I am SO excited, and it's over a year away. I've never been to DC before, so this is definitely one of the most exciting things I will do next year. I can't wait to pass all of the sites! It's going to be so hard for me to save my vacation time for a whole year, but it'll totally be worth it.
I'll definitely do at least another half in November or December, just haven't picked one out yet. Might be RnR San Antonio, since the bf has never been there but always wanted to go.
2010 Goals:
-Run 10 half marathons
-Run 2 full marathons
-Log 1010 miles
-Break 1:45 in the half marathon
-Break 4:15 in the full marathon
-Set new 5 & 10K PRs
-Register for the 2011 Goofy Challenge
2010 Races:
1.23.2010 - InStep Icebreaker Indoor Half Marathon (Milwaukee, WI) - I already registered for this race. Never done an indoor one, so it might be kind of fun. Plus, I need some kind of motivator to get me through the long Chicago winters! Should be fun for the bf and the parentals to watch.
4.11.2010 - GO! St Louis Half Marathon (St Louis, MO) - Knocking another state off the list! I've never actually been to St Louis, so it'll be a fun weekend getaway. At first I wanted to do the full here, but then I remembered- I don't like to run super-long distances on the treadmill!
5.1.2010 - Wisconsin Marathon (Kenosha, WI) - I did the half in this race last year, and really have a lot of good things to say about it. Fast, flat course. I feel like the race directors actually read the surveys, and actually care about the participants. And of course, who doesn't like post-race beer and brats?!
5.16.2010 - Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon (Chicago, IL) - I looked into this race last year, but decided on the Soldier Field 10 Mile instead. I keep seeing the tech shirts EVERYWHERE and they are awesome! Definitely thinking about this one... (especially since the price is right!)
6.13.2010 - 13.1 Chicago (Chicago, IL) - I was trying to decide between this one and the North Shore Half. It came down to: 1) I've done the NS Half 3 times before, 2) 13.1 Chicago serves Gatorade and not HEED, and 3) I obtained a coupon code for 13.1 Chicago at the marathon expo and saved a bunch of money. SOLD!
July 2010 - Frontier Days Stampede Run 10K (Arlington Heights, IL) - My hometown race was a pleasant surprise last year. It's cheap (because it's not timed), but you get a lot for your money. I'm expecting hot weather, but that's ok. I loved this race and will do it again and again.
July 2010 - Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K (Chicago, IL) - Another race I had a lot of fun doing. It was a little crowded at the start, but otherwise it was a great race. I LOVE the shirts they gave away, and will do the race again basically for that reason.
8.1.2010 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon (Chicago, IL) - Definitely one of the best races I did last year. I can't say enough good things about it. And I was one of the first people to register for it! Soo exciting!
9.6.2010 - Oak Brook Half Marathon (Oak Brook, IL) - I loved the change of scenery and the trails we ran on. I set a PR on this hilly course, which was just crazy! But I loved it and can't wait to go back. (Of course, if I can convince the bf to go to Virginia Beach, we'll be going there instead!)
9.12.2010 - Chicago Half Marathon (Chicago, IL) - I got a half price entry, plus this is the course that owns my PR! How can I not go back there and challenge it?!
10.3.2010 - Bucktown 5K (Chicago, IL) - A pre-marathon favorite, it's the only 5K that I actually like to do. (Pretty much because the goody bags always ROCK!)
10.10.2010 - Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL) - I had such a blast doing Chicago this past year. Maybe because I trained for it, maybe because I have a ton more race experience now, but I loved every part of it. I wasn't going to do it in 2010, but I couldn't resist a race close to home on 10.10.10. A lot of people that I've met on RW are targeting Chicago for next year, and I would love to run it with them as teammates. When registration opens on 2/1, I'll be ready and waiting!
10.31.2010 - Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, DC) - I got a guaranteed entry into this race at the Chicago Marathon expo, and signed up right away. I am SO excited, and it's over a year away. I've never been to DC before, so this is definitely one of the most exciting things I will do next year. I can't wait to pass all of the sites! It's going to be so hard for me to save my vacation time for a whole year, but it'll totally be worth it.
I'll definitely do at least another half in November or December, just haven't picked one out yet. Might be RnR San Antonio, since the bf has never been there but always wanted to go.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I'm Better Than Oprah - Chicago Marathon RR (long one)
Well, I did it. It was so tough- easily one of the hardest races I have ever run. But I didn't quit, and I crossed the finish line with a runner's high that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, I did have to go back to work on Monday morning. LOTS of stretching and walking to break up the day a little bit- I am still a little bit stiff from the race!
I gave a lot of thought to my pre-race carbo dinner, and in the end I decided on pizza and beer. Lots of carbs, and the alcohol helped tremendously to calm the nerves. I went to my favorite thin crust pizza joint (Moretti's), and it was HEAVEN! Perfect meal. Before the race, I ate 3 Eggo waffles and washed it down with lemon lime Gatorade. Standard long run fuel for me.
We took public transportation to the race and arrived at about 7am. I immediately got into the start corral and hung out with the bf, who was on the other side of the fence. For the race, I decided to wear a blue long-sleeved Saucony shirt with long sports bra top underneath. At the last minute I decided on my bright yellow Hawaiian shorts. The shorts have seen better days, but they got me through the hills in Little Rock! I needed them! I also had throwaway gloves and a headband (which I ended up wearing the entire time) and a bright pink Under Armour cap. I was ready to rock.
Mile 1: I started about 10 minutes after the elites did. It was a long, slow walk to the start line that did nothing to calm my nerves. My stomach was doing somersaults. Once I started running I felt much better. I started slow but not too slow. My legs were rested and I felt fantastic.
Mile 2: The crowd support on this area of the course is fantastic! So far, we have crossed the Chicago River twice, and just seeing the people on the bridge going nuts for us is so much fun. Going down State St, passing the Chicago Theatre and Macy's. We turn just before my favorite building in the entire city- the Harold Washington Library. It's a big red building with huge iron gargoyles at the top. I LOVE it!
Mile 3: I'm running down LaSalle, passing the State of Illinois Building, when this guy runs by me and says, "Nice shorts! Too bad you didn't bring warm weather." I reply, "It's the power of positive thinking."
A note about the shorts: When I ran my first Chicago Marathon in 2003, I wore black shorts and an orange singlet, no hat. I did the same thing the following year, except my shirt was red. My dad was so frustrated at having missed me at several points on the course that he bought me bright yellow, multi-colored, obnoxious Hawaiian shorts for 2005. This is the first time the shorts have finished the full marathon.
Mile 4: My time for the 5K was a little slower than I would have liked (sorry Runopolis!), but I was still running the race the way I wanted to. One of my affirmations on the day- Run YOUR Race! Passed by Rock n Roll McDonalds and could practically taste the Chicken McNuggets. Sigh.
Mile 5: Still doing great, but oh God, I have never seen THIS many people run into the park to pee. And they clearly have no shame. That is one part of my running where I am kind of a wuss- I usually plan my running routes so that I am within a mile or two of my house in case the need arises. No bushes for this gal!
Mile 6: We've passed by the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of my other favorite places in the city. And let me tell you, that breeze off the lake is brutal. I'm freezing and I'm going to have windburn. A small price to pay!
Mile 7: Running right alongside Lake Shore Drive is awesome! There are tons of people out on the course cheering for us and holding up signs. My personal favorite is a giant cutout of Zac Efron wearing last year's bib number and medal. Why, I have no clue, but it's amusing all the same.
Mile 8: Still running a fast pace, but confident in my ability to maintain it. It's time for Boys Town, and the male cheerleaders and other characters who line the course. I can't help but smile as I take some Gatorade from a volunteer.
Mile 9: I thought about my mom and dad, who couldn't be at the race, as they are out of town. I am cruising down Clark Street, and I pass the place where they met. They met at a bar called Friar Tuck's (which is now a gay bar) on St Patrick's Day, and have been married for 35 years. I hope I have a good race report to pass along!
Mile 10: I am still feeling tremendous, and well on my way to a 2:10 half. I wanted to be pretty consistent and run 2 2:15 halfs, but I have gone out a little too fast and will definitely be right around 2:10. But I feel great, (the Elvis impersonator might have something to do with that!) so I'm going to go with it!
Mile 11, 12, 13: Back into downtown, and the cheers coming from people on the streets are awesome. Not awesome: crowd control. I've never had so many spectators try to run in front of me. It's HORRIBLE! I get to the halfway point at around 2:06, and I still feel great.
Mile 14: I GOT TRIPPED! Luckily I didn't fall down, but it was enough to knock the wind out of me and scare me half to death. And it happened right at the aid station where I had to drop out in 2005. My eyes fill with tears, but I shake it off. KEEP GOING, I tell myself.
Mile 15: We pass the United Center, and I am reminded of the AWESOME game by the Blackhawks on Saturday night. I had to stay up past my bedtime to ensure their victory! Damn it is cold out here!
Mile 16: My head is starting to break down. It keeps telling me that I can't do it, that I should just stop now. I'm tired and my feet hurt. But I push the voice aside and keep going. I see the bf and give him a HUGE hug. He asks, "Do you need anything?" I reply, "A ride home." This wasn't even the lowest point.
Mile 17, 18: Turns out all I needed was some FOOD! I inhaled a PowerGel (tangerine, yum!) while walking through the aid station. My body hurts, but it's single digits from here on out. I glance at my right wrist, where "I WILL FINISH" was written this morning. It's faded, but the message remains. I keep going.
Mile 19, 20, 21: I start to take it one mile at a time. "Just make it to 19," "Just make it to 20," "Just make it to 21." And you know what, I do. Although the universe didn't want me to, as I slipped on a banana peel at one of the aid stations and nearly broke my neck. I looked like a cartoon!
Mile 22: Longest mile of the day. I needed to make a pit stop at the aid station. It worked wonders, as I'm back to my old self and ready to rock!
Mile 23: I can see US Cellular Field, a jumbotron, and a crowd of people. I cannot feel my right baby toe. Uh oh. I keep moving, and then I feel a squish. Oh man... it would appear that a blister I didn't even know I had just popped. I should get it checked out, but I won't. If I stop, I won't start again. So I keep going.
Mile 24, 25: We're onto Michigan Ave now, and beautiful downtown Chicago looms in the distance. I stop at the next aid station and wolf down my gel. A man on the loudspeaker says, "Chicago is proud of you! You have 2.2 to go!" I delve into my old training mantra, which is, "You can do anything for 2.2 miles." And so I speed up. I count the blocks to pass the time. They seem to be whizzing by. I'm passing people left and right, for some of the fastest miles of the day. My quads are shot, but I am actually going to do this.
Mile 26: The crowd is unbelievable. I feel motivation from everywhere. I turn the corner onto Roosevelt, see Soldier Field, and really, that hill doesn't seem like anything. At this point, I will do anything. Like my About Me used to say, I will finish, even if I have to crawl.
Mile 26.2: I turn into Grant Park and see the finish line. I break into a sprint, desperate to beat 4:30. I cross the finish line, elated. Tired, with tears of joy welling up in my eyes. I did it. Final time: 4:28:09.
Thank you for reading... I hope you enjoyed reading about the race as much as I enjoyed running it. I love Chicago, but I am ready for a new destination. Next challenge: beat P. Diddy!
I gave a lot of thought to my pre-race carbo dinner, and in the end I decided on pizza and beer. Lots of carbs, and the alcohol helped tremendously to calm the nerves. I went to my favorite thin crust pizza joint (Moretti's), and it was HEAVEN! Perfect meal. Before the race, I ate 3 Eggo waffles and washed it down with lemon lime Gatorade. Standard long run fuel for me.
We took public transportation to the race and arrived at about 7am. I immediately got into the start corral and hung out with the bf, who was on the other side of the fence. For the race, I decided to wear a blue long-sleeved Saucony shirt with long sports bra top underneath. At the last minute I decided on my bright yellow Hawaiian shorts. The shorts have seen better days, but they got me through the hills in Little Rock! I needed them! I also had throwaway gloves and a headband (which I ended up wearing the entire time) and a bright pink Under Armour cap. I was ready to rock.
Mile 1: I started about 10 minutes after the elites did. It was a long, slow walk to the start line that did nothing to calm my nerves. My stomach was doing somersaults. Once I started running I felt much better. I started slow but not too slow. My legs were rested and I felt fantastic.
Mile 2: The crowd support on this area of the course is fantastic! So far, we have crossed the Chicago River twice, and just seeing the people on the bridge going nuts for us is so much fun. Going down State St, passing the Chicago Theatre and Macy's. We turn just before my favorite building in the entire city- the Harold Washington Library. It's a big red building with huge iron gargoyles at the top. I LOVE it!
Mile 3: I'm running down LaSalle, passing the State of Illinois Building, when this guy runs by me and says, "Nice shorts! Too bad you didn't bring warm weather." I reply, "It's the power of positive thinking."
A note about the shorts: When I ran my first Chicago Marathon in 2003, I wore black shorts and an orange singlet, no hat. I did the same thing the following year, except my shirt was red. My dad was so frustrated at having missed me at several points on the course that he bought me bright yellow, multi-colored, obnoxious Hawaiian shorts for 2005. This is the first time the shorts have finished the full marathon.
Mile 4: My time for the 5K was a little slower than I would have liked (sorry Runopolis!), but I was still running the race the way I wanted to. One of my affirmations on the day- Run YOUR Race! Passed by Rock n Roll McDonalds and could practically taste the Chicken McNuggets. Sigh.
Mile 5: Still doing great, but oh God, I have never seen THIS many people run into the park to pee. And they clearly have no shame. That is one part of my running where I am kind of a wuss- I usually plan my running routes so that I am within a mile or two of my house in case the need arises. No bushes for this gal!
Mile 6: We've passed by the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of my other favorite places in the city. And let me tell you, that breeze off the lake is brutal. I'm freezing and I'm going to have windburn. A small price to pay!
Mile 7: Running right alongside Lake Shore Drive is awesome! There are tons of people out on the course cheering for us and holding up signs. My personal favorite is a giant cutout of Zac Efron wearing last year's bib number and medal. Why, I have no clue, but it's amusing all the same.
Mile 8: Still running a fast pace, but confident in my ability to maintain it. It's time for Boys Town, and the male cheerleaders and other characters who line the course. I can't help but smile as I take some Gatorade from a volunteer.
Mile 9: I thought about my mom and dad, who couldn't be at the race, as they are out of town. I am cruising down Clark Street, and I pass the place where they met. They met at a bar called Friar Tuck's (which is now a gay bar) on St Patrick's Day, and have been married for 35 years. I hope I have a good race report to pass along!
Mile 10: I am still feeling tremendous, and well on my way to a 2:10 half. I wanted to be pretty consistent and run 2 2:15 halfs, but I have gone out a little too fast and will definitely be right around 2:10. But I feel great, (the Elvis impersonator might have something to do with that!) so I'm going to go with it!
Mile 11, 12, 13: Back into downtown, and the cheers coming from people on the streets are awesome. Not awesome: crowd control. I've never had so many spectators try to run in front of me. It's HORRIBLE! I get to the halfway point at around 2:06, and I still feel great.
Mile 14: I GOT TRIPPED! Luckily I didn't fall down, but it was enough to knock the wind out of me and scare me half to death. And it happened right at the aid station where I had to drop out in 2005. My eyes fill with tears, but I shake it off. KEEP GOING, I tell myself.
Mile 15: We pass the United Center, and I am reminded of the AWESOME game by the Blackhawks on Saturday night. I had to stay up past my bedtime to ensure their victory! Damn it is cold out here!
Mile 16: My head is starting to break down. It keeps telling me that I can't do it, that I should just stop now. I'm tired and my feet hurt. But I push the voice aside and keep going. I see the bf and give him a HUGE hug. He asks, "Do you need anything?" I reply, "A ride home." This wasn't even the lowest point.
Mile 17, 18: Turns out all I needed was some FOOD! I inhaled a PowerGel (tangerine, yum!) while walking through the aid station. My body hurts, but it's single digits from here on out. I glance at my right wrist, where "I WILL FINISH" was written this morning. It's faded, but the message remains. I keep going.
Mile 19, 20, 21: I start to take it one mile at a time. "Just make it to 19," "Just make it to 20," "Just make it to 21." And you know what, I do. Although the universe didn't want me to, as I slipped on a banana peel at one of the aid stations and nearly broke my neck. I looked like a cartoon!
Mile 22: Longest mile of the day. I needed to make a pit stop at the aid station. It worked wonders, as I'm back to my old self and ready to rock!
Mile 23: I can see US Cellular Field, a jumbotron, and a crowd of people. I cannot feel my right baby toe. Uh oh. I keep moving, and then I feel a squish. Oh man... it would appear that a blister I didn't even know I had just popped. I should get it checked out, but I won't. If I stop, I won't start again. So I keep going.
Mile 24, 25: We're onto Michigan Ave now, and beautiful downtown Chicago looms in the distance. I stop at the next aid station and wolf down my gel. A man on the loudspeaker says, "Chicago is proud of you! You have 2.2 to go!" I delve into my old training mantra, which is, "You can do anything for 2.2 miles." And so I speed up. I count the blocks to pass the time. They seem to be whizzing by. I'm passing people left and right, for some of the fastest miles of the day. My quads are shot, but I am actually going to do this.
Mile 26: The crowd is unbelievable. I feel motivation from everywhere. I turn the corner onto Roosevelt, see Soldier Field, and really, that hill doesn't seem like anything. At this point, I will do anything. Like my About Me used to say, I will finish, even if I have to crawl.
Mile 26.2: I turn into Grant Park and see the finish line. I break into a sprint, desperate to beat 4:30. I cross the finish line, elated. Tired, with tears of joy welling up in my eyes. I did it. Final time: 4:28:09.
Thank you for reading... I hope you enjoyed reading about the race as much as I enjoyed running it. I love Chicago, but I am ready for a new destination. Next challenge: beat P. Diddy!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Resting My Tired Toes & Finalizing My Chicago Goals!
I planned on having an off day yesterday the second I woke up and my feet were ACHING! (Or, as my dad would say, my "puppies were barking.") I spent all day yesterday with my shoes kicked off under my desk at work. I think 13+ weeks of marathon training have finally caught up to me! I got home after work and just had a relaxing afternoon on the couch watching everything that's backed up on my Tivo (namely, Gossip Girl and Greek). Then the bf called and we met up for cheeseburgers! Yum! There's a REALLY awesome place in my neighborhood- they have a HUGE menu, and I do like the chicken pita, but nothing beats the mushroom cheeseburger. It's THAT good.
Also yesterday, I finally sat down and read the confirmation booklet for Chicago. It's finally happening! Yay! All I have left to do is make the most of my remaining training runs and finalize my travel plans. (Oh how I hope the El does not have slow zones on race day...) Which brings us to the thoughts consuming me today... my race goals.
I swear I have a job and I'm sure I have better things to do (well... maybe not), but I can't help but think about what I want to accomplish on October 11th. (And, like zamgirl5, I am also planning for the "what comes next" races!) After a long day of thinking, I've come up with my ABC goals for the Chicago Marathon, based mainly on my half marathon time range (1:59-2:07) and the results of my 20 mile run while sick (3:30).
A- 4:15. This would be breaking my current PR by well over an hour. If everything is perfect and all the variables are in place, this is certainly doable, depending on when I run out of gas during the race!
B- 4:40. Based on my 20 mile training run time (3:30), and then adding on an additional 10K while tired, I came up with this number. Again, certainly doable if the conditions are right.
C- 4:59:59. Getting under that 5:00 mark is a huge psychological benefit for me, much like getting under 2:00 was in the half marathon. Even if I die at the end, I will crawl across the finish line under 5 hours!
I'm looking forward to my 8 mile run after work today... the sun finally came out, and I'm just DYING to ditch my cube and head off for the day. Enjoy your Wednesday!
Also yesterday, I finally sat down and read the confirmation booklet for Chicago. It's finally happening! Yay! All I have left to do is make the most of my remaining training runs and finalize my travel plans. (Oh how I hope the El does not have slow zones on race day...) Which brings us to the thoughts consuming me today... my race goals.
I swear I have a job and I'm sure I have better things to do (well... maybe not), but I can't help but think about what I want to accomplish on October 11th. (And, like zamgirl5, I am also planning for the "what comes next" races!) After a long day of thinking, I've come up with my ABC goals for the Chicago Marathon, based mainly on my half marathon time range (1:59-2:07) and the results of my 20 mile run while sick (3:30).
A- 4:15. This would be breaking my current PR by well over an hour. If everything is perfect and all the variables are in place, this is certainly doable, depending on when I run out of gas during the race!
B- 4:40. Based on my 20 mile training run time (3:30), and then adding on an additional 10K while tired, I came up with this number. Again, certainly doable if the conditions are right.
C- 4:59:59. Getting under that 5:00 mark is a huge psychological benefit for me, much like getting under 2:00 was in the half marathon. Even if I die at the end, I will crawl across the finish line under 5 hours!
I'm looking forward to my 8 mile run after work today... the sun finally came out, and I'm just DYING to ditch my cube and head off for the day. Enjoy your Wednesday!
Beginner's Luck
Easily the thing that pisses me off that most. (Warning: Rant ahead!) I'm happy that people who have just begun running can find so much success so quickly. But for someone who has been working their booty off for over a year now, it just plain sucks.
Example #1: "Jenny"
Ran her first half marathon in August on the most minimal of training, and managed to break 2 hours. By 3 minutes. It took yours truly 4 years and 11 half marathons to break 2 hours. By 40 seconds.
Example #2: "Steve"
Steve and I used to date. He had never run more than the length of a soccer field for an extended period of time. Enter yours truly, and he begins running. We break up (best day ever!), and I carry on with my running career. Finish my 20 mile run on Sunday, exhausted but (for the most part) right on pace. I spot him in the beer garden (if you know him at all, this is not a stretch by any means), wearing the free t-shirt we got at the end of the run, not even looking tired. Apparently he's running the marathon. I hope he bonks. Pick your own sport, dammit!
Example #3: "Sarah"
A sorority sister of mine. She's lost a ton of weight when she started running. I heard from another friend of ours that she was having trouble with training. As in, not doing it. Taking WEEKS off at a time. Find out through Facebook yesterday that in one of her random runs, she finished the 20 miler and is now "ready" for the marathon.
None of the above examples should make me mad. Nor should they make me feel bad. But they do. I can't explain it. It's great to work so hard and achieve the results you set out to do in the first place. But it's harder to feel good about your accomplishment when you see people not put in the kind of work that you did, and reap an even bigger reward. It makes me... well... bitter, I guess. And I know that I have no reason to be. It's pretty wrong, actually. One of the things I love about running the most is that anyone can do it, and it's totally inclusive. But aside from being book-smart, nothing comes easy to me. I've had to work hard for every medal on my shelf.
With that being said, I am proud of what I've accomplished. I've had a GREAT running year, and so far have achieved a few goals that I set out to do at the beginning of the year. I've come a long way since last year's failure at Chicago, and I need to focus on that come race day. The other people don't even matter. All that matters on October 11th is that I did the very best that I could, and left absolutely everything out on the roads of Chicago. (And if I beat everyone else? Well then, that's just gravy...)
UNTIL THEN... I need to stay away from the Internet. I need to watch excessive amounts of TV and beat Guitar Hero. I need to finish my remaining training runs and continue to work hard. I need to rest my feet and stretch my muscles. I need to stop pumping my tummy full of junk. I need to fix my ipod. And, most importantly... I need to not let Taper Madness take control of my head! No more negative thoughts!
Example #1: "Jenny"
Ran her first half marathon in August on the most minimal of training, and managed to break 2 hours. By 3 minutes. It took yours truly 4 years and 11 half marathons to break 2 hours. By 40 seconds.
Example #2: "Steve"
Steve and I used to date. He had never run more than the length of a soccer field for an extended period of time. Enter yours truly, and he begins running. We break up (best day ever!), and I carry on with my running career. Finish my 20 mile run on Sunday, exhausted but (for the most part) right on pace. I spot him in the beer garden (if you know him at all, this is not a stretch by any means), wearing the free t-shirt we got at the end of the run, not even looking tired. Apparently he's running the marathon. I hope he bonks. Pick your own sport, dammit!
Example #3: "Sarah"
A sorority sister of mine. She's lost a ton of weight when she started running. I heard from another friend of ours that she was having trouble with training. As in, not doing it. Taking WEEKS off at a time. Find out through Facebook yesterday that in one of her random runs, she finished the 20 miler and is now "ready" for the marathon.
None of the above examples should make me mad. Nor should they make me feel bad. But they do. I can't explain it. It's great to work so hard and achieve the results you set out to do in the first place. But it's harder to feel good about your accomplishment when you see people not put in the kind of work that you did, and reap an even bigger reward. It makes me... well... bitter, I guess. And I know that I have no reason to be. It's pretty wrong, actually. One of the things I love about running the most is that anyone can do it, and it's totally inclusive. But aside from being book-smart, nothing comes easy to me. I've had to work hard for every medal on my shelf.
With that being said, I am proud of what I've accomplished. I've had a GREAT running year, and so far have achieved a few goals that I set out to do at the beginning of the year. I've come a long way since last year's failure at Chicago, and I need to focus on that come race day. The other people don't even matter. All that matters on October 11th is that I did the very best that I could, and left absolutely everything out on the roads of Chicago. (And if I beat everyone else? Well then, that's just gravy...)
UNTIL THEN... I need to stay away from the Internet. I need to watch excessive amounts of TV and beat Guitar Hero. I need to finish my remaining training runs and continue to work hard. I need to rest my feet and stretch my muscles. I need to stop pumping my tummy full of junk. I need to fix my ipod. And, most importantly... I need to not let Taper Madness take control of my head! No more negative thoughts!
I'm Having A Full Moon Kind of Week...
I think Sick Brain and Taper Madness have merged to form a super insanity brain. I've done some pretty ditzy things this week, and that's saying a lot, even for me...
*I left my house Sunday morning before my 20 miler with NO GELS! I had NOTHING to eat the entire time on the run. I did, however, remember to bring a small hairbrush for after the run. I found myself wishing it was a Milky Way.
*I also forgot to wear sunscreen on Sunday, resulting in a LOVELY sunburn on half of my face- my forehead is still a pasty white, thanks to my running hat.
*I keep giving my ipod 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances to work properly after its trip through the washer/dryer. I need to stop doing that. It crapped out 3 miles into my 5 mile run on Monday, and hasn't done anything since. When I got home, I threw it straight into the trash. The bf rescued it, but at last count, still can't get it to work properly.
*I left my house Sunday morning before my 20 miler with NO GELS! I had NOTHING to eat the entire time on the run. I did, however, remember to bring a small hairbrush for after the run. I found myself wishing it was a Milky Way.
*I also forgot to wear sunscreen on Sunday, resulting in a LOVELY sunburn on half of my face- my forehead is still a pasty white, thanks to my running hat.
*I keep giving my ipod 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances to work properly after its trip through the washer/dryer. I need to stop doing that. It crapped out 3 miles into my 5 mile run on Monday, and hasn't done anything since. When I got home, I threw it straight into the trash. The bf rescued it, but at last count, still can't get it to work properly.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Week Ahead...
Fresh off 2 PRs in a row, and with sore muscles everywhere, I sit in this office cube with a terrible case of cabin fever, and a desire to go outside and run. However, with the marathon less than 4 weeks away (!!!), that would not be a smart option. I'm learning that resting is just as important as tempoing and long running.
This week is one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) of the whole training cycle. I have a 5,10,5 scheduled for Tues, Wed, & Thurs, respectively. Sunday is the mother of all marathon training races. The 20 miler. And let me tell you, I am scared straight about this one.
Back in July, I signed up for the CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler. It starts at the north end of the lakefront path and ends at the way southern end, at the South Shore Cultural Center. Ironically, it ends just south of the Chicago Half Marathon course. I figured that I would need the motivation, the new course, and the aid stations to get through the long run.
How well I know myself. My legs have been pretty dead for the last couple of weeks, and long runs, which satisfying, usually feel like crap for the first 4 or so. Like, the "What am I doing, I must be insane" kind of crap. The last long run I did that wasn't a race was 3 weeks ago, when I ran my 12 miles on a Friday after work, then went to Ohio and Michigan for the rest of the weekend. I am so tired of running in my neighborhood- and mapping out a course that either takes me back to my house or goes by a park with *working* drinking fountains is nearly impossible. I know that if I didn't pay money to do this, and you have to finish the course to get the t-shirt, that I would be pretty tempted to skip it and lay on the couch watching football.
With that being said, I am determined to finish this training run. I have been running pretty fast (for me) recently, even in training. I am signed up for the 10:00mm pace group, and I should be able to hang with them for the whole race (that's my goal, anyway). I am more worried about the logistical nature of the race- parking at the start, for example. Since we go the length of the path, there is a shuttle bus to take us back. So do I drive, or have the bf drop me off at the start, and pick me up at the end? To make matters worse, the Bears are in town on Sunday. A nightmare. Not sure what I am going to do.
Once Sunday is over, I will be a lot less tense, and overall a much better person to be around. Because after Sunday... it's taper time! My longest run will be the following weekend, and it's only a 12 miler. So then I will have more time to sit around and think about the race. Great. Tapers are evil.
I will do my best to survive taper madness, probably by excelling at Wii. At least I can get a good workout in from the comfort of my couch!
This week is one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) of the whole training cycle. I have a 5,10,5 scheduled for Tues, Wed, & Thurs, respectively. Sunday is the mother of all marathon training races. The 20 miler. And let me tell you, I am scared straight about this one.
Back in July, I signed up for the CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler. It starts at the north end of the lakefront path and ends at the way southern end, at the South Shore Cultural Center. Ironically, it ends just south of the Chicago Half Marathon course. I figured that I would need the motivation, the new course, and the aid stations to get through the long run.
How well I know myself. My legs have been pretty dead for the last couple of weeks, and long runs, which satisfying, usually feel like crap for the first 4 or so. Like, the "What am I doing, I must be insane" kind of crap. The last long run I did that wasn't a race was 3 weeks ago, when I ran my 12 miles on a Friday after work, then went to Ohio and Michigan for the rest of the weekend. I am so tired of running in my neighborhood- and mapping out a course that either takes me back to my house or goes by a park with *working* drinking fountains is nearly impossible. I know that if I didn't pay money to do this, and you have to finish the course to get the t-shirt, that I would be pretty tempted to skip it and lay on the couch watching football.
With that being said, I am determined to finish this training run. I have been running pretty fast (for me) recently, even in training. I am signed up for the 10:00mm pace group, and I should be able to hang with them for the whole race (that's my goal, anyway). I am more worried about the logistical nature of the race- parking at the start, for example. Since we go the length of the path, there is a shuttle bus to take us back. So do I drive, or have the bf drop me off at the start, and pick me up at the end? To make matters worse, the Bears are in town on Sunday. A nightmare. Not sure what I am going to do.
Once Sunday is over, I will be a lot less tense, and overall a much better person to be around. Because after Sunday... it's taper time! My longest run will be the following weekend, and it's only a 12 miler. So then I will have more time to sit around and think about the race. Great. Tapers are evil.
I will do my best to survive taper madness, probably by excelling at Wii. At least I can get a good workout in from the comfort of my couch!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Chicago Half Marathon - 9.13.2009
"A" goal achieved! I broke 2:00 and achieved my overall 2009 goal. I still thought that I was a couple of races away, seeing as though I took 4+ minutes off my time at Monday's race. It's hard to believe that I have taken 8 minutes off my previous time, in the span of a week. Has my training gotten that much better, or was I just slacking off before? Jury's still out on that one...
The weather was pretty good. 80 degrees, very humid at the start, good breeze coming off the lake, strong sunshine after the turn.
Mile 1: 9:38. By far the slowest mile of the day. I had to zoom zoom around walkers and people going way to slow to have lined up with the 1:50 pace groups. Argh. Rant over.
Mile 2: It's so freaking humid out here. My forearms are DRIPPING... and I still have 11+ miles to go!
Mile 3: The golfers waiting at the cart crossing do not look pleased to see 20,000 runners! Guess they'll have to add a little time onto their round...
Mile 4: The weirdest thing happened- instead of running down the road, everyone made a sharp right turn, stepped over a low guardrail, climbed a hill, and came down the other side onto the road. If I had known it was a cross country race, I would have worn my spikes!
Mile 5: There are so many people out here cheering for us! And bands! Ooh sensory overload...
Mile 6: The idea of running down Lake Shore Drive all the way to 31st street is slightly daunting. If there weren't so many other people out here, I doubt I'd have the motivation to do it. Seems endless.
Mile 7: Best sign- "6.55 and still alive." Yep, halfway there. I hit that point at almost exactly an hour. Now all I have to do is run negative splits to the finish. (Oh is that all?!)
Mile 8: Still moving, still grooving. The Michael Jackson tunes played by the DJ, coupled with the Britney Spears on my ipod, certainly has me running at a good clip.
Mile 9: Awkward turnaround, but we're in the home stretch now! This is the point where I am finally confident that I will finish the race. LOVE it.
Mile 10: A half marathon is just a 5K with a 10 mile warmup. I tell myself this every time, and it seems to work. Commence 5K tempo!
Mile 11: Where oh where can I find a gel? I would even take a bag of chips at this point. I am STARVING! My breakfast is officially gone...
Mile 12: The sun has mercifully disappeared. While it won't help the sunburn already present on half my neck, it will surely save me from melting like the Wicked Witch of the West.
Mile 13: Bon Jovi's "I Love This Town" takes me home, and I know that I am going to reach my 2009 PR. What a feeling!
Mile 13.1: Ditto. Job well done.
The weather was pretty good. 80 degrees, very humid at the start, good breeze coming off the lake, strong sunshine after the turn.
Mile 1: 9:38. By far the slowest mile of the day. I had to zoom zoom around walkers and people going way to slow to have lined up with the 1:50 pace groups. Argh. Rant over.
Mile 2: It's so freaking humid out here. My forearms are DRIPPING... and I still have 11+ miles to go!
Mile 3: The golfers waiting at the cart crossing do not look pleased to see 20,000 runners! Guess they'll have to add a little time onto their round...
Mile 4: The weirdest thing happened- instead of running down the road, everyone made a sharp right turn, stepped over a low guardrail, climbed a hill, and came down the other side onto the road. If I had known it was a cross country race, I would have worn my spikes!
Mile 5: There are so many people out here cheering for us! And bands! Ooh sensory overload...
Mile 6: The idea of running down Lake Shore Drive all the way to 31st street is slightly daunting. If there weren't so many other people out here, I doubt I'd have the motivation to do it. Seems endless.
Mile 7: Best sign- "6.55 and still alive." Yep, halfway there. I hit that point at almost exactly an hour. Now all I have to do is run negative splits to the finish. (Oh is that all?!)
Mile 8: Still moving, still grooving. The Michael Jackson tunes played by the DJ, coupled with the Britney Spears on my ipod, certainly has me running at a good clip.
Mile 9: Awkward turnaround, but we're in the home stretch now! This is the point where I am finally confident that I will finish the race. LOVE it.
Mile 10: A half marathon is just a 5K with a 10 mile warmup. I tell myself this every time, and it seems to work. Commence 5K tempo!
Mile 11: Where oh where can I find a gel? I would even take a bag of chips at this point. I am STARVING! My breakfast is officially gone...
Mile 12: The sun has mercifully disappeared. While it won't help the sunburn already present on half my neck, it will surely save me from melting like the Wicked Witch of the West.
Mile 13: Bon Jovi's "I Love This Town" takes me home, and I know that I am going to reach my 2009 PR. What a feeling!
Mile 13.1: Ditto. Job well done.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The ABCs of Goal Setting
I've never done this before- I've always listed my goals in numerical order, and just had random ones thrown here and there. BUT... now that I know that I can do better, my goal setting can become more advanced as well. I've borrowed this one from some pals at RW... the ABC goals for Sunday's race.
Originally I hadn't planned on doing the Chicago Half Marathon. But then I got a coupon code to save a ton of money and figured, why not. It fit in perfectly with my training plan. Plus it's somewhere in the city that I've never been before. I love exploring!
With that being said, here are my goals for Sunday's 13.1:
A- 1:59:59 (PR)
B- 2:00 to 2:03 (still a PR)
C- 2:03 to 2:07
Originally I hadn't planned on doing the Chicago Half Marathon. But then I got a coupon code to save a ton of money and figured, why not. It fit in perfectly with my training plan. Plus it's somewhere in the city that I've never been before. I love exploring!
With that being said, here are my goals for Sunday's 13.1:
A- 1:59:59 (PR)
B- 2:00 to 2:03 (still a PR)
C- 2:03 to 2:07
Revised Race Calendar
Really should be known as "Dynamic Race Calendar." Might be changed for next time. But I wanted to keep you updated with my crazy adventures! :)
3.15.2009 - Little Rock Half Marathon - DONE!
4.25.2009 - Race to Wrigley 5K - DONE!
5.2.2009 - Wisconsin Half Marathon - DONE!
5.23.2009 - Soldier Field 10 Mile - DONE!
6.14.2009 - North Shore Half Marathon - DONE!
6.28.2009 - Race to Taste 5K - DONE!
7.6.2009 - Frontier Days Stampede Run 10K - DONE!
7.19.2009 - Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K - DONE!
7.23.2009 - Terrapin 5K - Missed due to weather :(
8.2.2009 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon - DONE!
9.7.2009 - Oak Brook Half Marathon - DONE!
9.13.2009 - Chicago Half Marathon
9.20.2009 - CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler
9.26.2009 - Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 10K (?)
10.4.2009 - Bucktown 5K
10.11.2009 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon
10.24.2009 - Halloween Hustle 5K
11.1.2009 - Hot Chocolate 15K
11.7.2009 - Tyranena Beer Run Half Marathon
11.26.2009 - Edison Park Turkey Trot
12.6.2009 - Las Vegas Half Marathon
3.15.2009 - Little Rock Half Marathon - DONE!
4.25.2009 - Race to Wrigley 5K - DONE!
5.2.2009 - Wisconsin Half Marathon - DONE!
5.23.2009 - Soldier Field 10 Mile - DONE!
6.14.2009 - North Shore Half Marathon - DONE!
6.28.2009 - Race to Taste 5K - DONE!
7.6.2009 - Frontier Days Stampede Run 10K - DONE!
7.19.2009 - Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K - DONE!
7.23.2009 - Terrapin 5K - Missed due to weather :(
8.2.2009 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon - DONE!
9.7.2009 - Oak Brook Half Marathon - DONE!
9.13.2009 - Chicago Half Marathon
9.20.2009 - CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler
9.26.2009 - Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 10K (?)
10.4.2009 - Bucktown 5K
10.11.2009 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon
10.24.2009 - Halloween Hustle 5K
11.1.2009 - Hot Chocolate 15K
11.7.2009 - Tyranena Beer Run Half Marathon
11.26.2009 - Edison Park Turkey Trot
12.6.2009 - Las Vegas Half Marathon
Oak Brook Half Marathon
The weather was just about perfect- around 70 degrees at the start, a little humid, light hazy sunshine. I arrived early, like I always do. I was relaxing on a bench, talking to my parents, when they announced that the race would be starting a half hour late. WHAT?! If there's one thing that bothers me the most, it's lateness. Besides the fact that I woke up at 4:45 to get ready, and the food I ate that early won't really make a difference. What a bummer!
So I line up behind the start line at around 7:15. I was chatting with other runners who were just as irked as I was about the start time. I got my Garmin all set up, and then the people in front of me started moving. The gun went off, what?! It's time to go? I guess starting at 7:30 was just a ballpark, because the race actually started at 7:21. So weird.
Mile 1: Passed by in a total blur. Tons of spectators cheering us on. Flat roads so far!
Mile 2: Scariest bridge EVER! It started shaking with all the runners pounding on it. When I got off it, I still felt like I was running on shaky ground. Vertigo, anyone?
Mile 3: My Garmin is off by .07 as of right now. I hope it doesn't get any worse!
Mile 4: Yikes, my legs might be sore tomorrow from the rolling hills on gravel. Ooh and that Carb Boom drink tastes like fruit punch! Yum!
Mile 5: There's a guy in a yellow shirt that I desperately want to pass. For what reason, I don't know.
Mile 6: I passed him. But- Holy huge hill. It's one of those where you can see the people get to the top, and then they just disappear. Reminds me of some of the hills in Little Rock!
Mile 7: Survived the huge hill. Get to the entrance of the woods, and the volunteer says, "Highest point in the course! It's easy from here on out!"
Mile 8: He's a liar. There are STEEP hills in the woods. People are walking up them. But not me. I slow to a trot, but I'm still running.
Mile 9: There's a mill here?! And a dam?! Uh oh, the terrain changes to bricks- please God, don't let me face plant!
Mile 10: Crisis averted! And Carb Boom consumed!
Mile 11: A half marathon is just a 10 mile race and a 5K. Time to start the 5K! I'm going to tempo it and see how it goes.
Mile 12: Stupid Ipod! Just randomly stopped working. And I can't resurrect it. Dammit! And I was totally in the zone, argh!
Mile 13: Last mile was 8:55. Time to air it out now. I'm not going to break 2 hours, but I'm definitely going to PR today. Sooo exciting!
Mile 13.1: I wave at my parents and give a whoop. I cross the finish line, victorious. A new half marathon PR of 2:03:04. Hooray!
So I line up behind the start line at around 7:15. I was chatting with other runners who were just as irked as I was about the start time. I got my Garmin all set up, and then the people in front of me started moving. The gun went off, what?! It's time to go? I guess starting at 7:30 was just a ballpark, because the race actually started at 7:21. So weird.
Mile 1: Passed by in a total blur. Tons of spectators cheering us on. Flat roads so far!
Mile 2: Scariest bridge EVER! It started shaking with all the runners pounding on it. When I got off it, I still felt like I was running on shaky ground. Vertigo, anyone?
Mile 3: My Garmin is off by .07 as of right now. I hope it doesn't get any worse!
Mile 4: Yikes, my legs might be sore tomorrow from the rolling hills on gravel. Ooh and that Carb Boom drink tastes like fruit punch! Yum!
Mile 5: There's a guy in a yellow shirt that I desperately want to pass. For what reason, I don't know.
Mile 6: I passed him. But- Holy huge hill. It's one of those where you can see the people get to the top, and then they just disappear. Reminds me of some of the hills in Little Rock!
Mile 7: Survived the huge hill. Get to the entrance of the woods, and the volunteer says, "Highest point in the course! It's easy from here on out!"
Mile 8: He's a liar. There are STEEP hills in the woods. People are walking up them. But not me. I slow to a trot, but I'm still running.
Mile 9: There's a mill here?! And a dam?! Uh oh, the terrain changes to bricks- please God, don't let me face plant!
Mile 10: Crisis averted! And Carb Boom consumed!
Mile 11: A half marathon is just a 10 mile race and a 5K. Time to start the 5K! I'm going to tempo it and see how it goes.
Mile 12: Stupid Ipod! Just randomly stopped working. And I can't resurrect it. Dammit! And I was totally in the zone, argh!
Mile 13: Last mile was 8:55. Time to air it out now. I'm not going to break 2 hours, but I'm definitely going to PR today. Sooo exciting!
Mile 13.1: I wave at my parents and give a whoop. I cross the finish line, victorious. A new half marathon PR of 2:03:04. Hooray!
Friday, September 4, 2009
I Think...
10 things I'm thinking this afternoon... (day late and a dollar short, these are from yesterday and I forgot to post!):
1. I think I'm not surprised when Alfonso Soriano strikes out swinging at a terrible pitch in the dirt.
2. I think my feet sweat an ungodly amount. Oh, it's gross.
3. I think I'm afraid to pop the blister on my big toe... looks like a blood blister... might be messy.
4. I think I'm going to wear my tye dye running shirt for my tempo run today.
5. I think my bunions will never go away.
6. I think the city of Detroit needs the Tigers to do well in the postseason. And I'm going to root for them to do so!
7. I think my dress pants are too big. (Yay for marathon weight loss!)
8. I think I don't want to work anymore today.
9. I think the Cubs are officially out of it.
10. I think it's time to order some more Clif shots!
1. I think I'm not surprised when Alfonso Soriano strikes out swinging at a terrible pitch in the dirt.
2. I think my feet sweat an ungodly amount. Oh, it's gross.
3. I think I'm afraid to pop the blister on my big toe... looks like a blood blister... might be messy.
4. I think I'm going to wear my tye dye running shirt for my tempo run today.
5. I think my bunions will never go away.
6. I think the city of Detroit needs the Tigers to do well in the postseason. And I'm going to root for them to do so!
7. I think my dress pants are too big. (Yay for marathon weight loss!)
8. I think I don't want to work anymore today.
9. I think the Cubs are officially out of it.
10. I think it's time to order some more Clif shots!
Taxation Without Representation!
News preview last night: "Tomorrow Illinois residents will be paying more for beer, pop, and candy!"
My brain: "WTH?!"
My mouth, frantically: "BF, is there a new tax on candy tomorrow? Google it!"
Search results: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=317689&src=109
Bf's mouth, laughing: "Guess you won't be eating so much candy!"
It's called a "snack tax." I understand what Illinois lawmakers are getting at- kids in Illinois are fat. (Illinois is ranked #10). So take the vending machines out of schools! But I'm a 26 year old, college-educated professional. If I want to eat a Milky Way, drink a Gatorade (yes, Gatorade falls under the new tax... but a Starbucks frappaccino does not), and afterwards, shampoo my hair (oh yes, shampoo is overtaxed under the "clean tax"... hopefully this will not deter people from using shampoo... nasty), that's my God-given right. It's not cigarettes or porn or copious amounts of alcohol (I know that alcohol is severely taxed, it has been for years). What's the big deal?
Basically the deal aims at getting Illinois out of the debt Blago put us in. It'll earn the government an additional $377 million in revenue. But it sucks. I'll tell you this much- the next time I go up to Wisconsin, I'm coming back with a trunk full of candy, Diet Coke, and Gatorade. I'd rather spend the extra money in my gas tank than be a victim of the "snack tax."
My brain: "WTH?!"
My mouth, frantically: "BF, is there a new tax on candy tomorrow? Google it!"
Search results: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=317689&src=109
Bf's mouth, laughing: "Guess you won't be eating so much candy!"
It's called a "snack tax." I understand what Illinois lawmakers are getting at- kids in Illinois are fat. (Illinois is ranked #10). So take the vending machines out of schools! But I'm a 26 year old, college-educated professional. If I want to eat a Milky Way, drink a Gatorade (yes, Gatorade falls under the new tax... but a Starbucks frappaccino does not), and afterwards, shampoo my hair (oh yes, shampoo is overtaxed under the "clean tax"... hopefully this will not deter people from using shampoo... nasty), that's my God-given right. It's not cigarettes or porn or copious amounts of alcohol (I know that alcohol is severely taxed, it has been for years). What's the big deal?
Basically the deal aims at getting Illinois out of the debt Blago put us in. It'll earn the government an additional $377 million in revenue. But it sucks. I'll tell you this much- the next time I go up to Wisconsin, I'm coming back with a trunk full of candy, Diet Coke, and Gatorade. I'd rather spend the extra money in my gas tank than be a victim of the "snack tax."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
You Might Be a Running Nerd If...
I went out with a friend of mine from college this past Saturday. We went to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago for the Harry Potter exhibition. We arrived early and ate lunch at the museum. We somehow got to talking about running (probably because it's all I ever want to talk about, ha!), and I mentioned that I had run 16 miles that morning.
Friend: "Well, how do you know you actually ran that far?"
Me: "Oh, I have a Garmin. It's basically GPS and it calculates distance and pace and stuff like that."
Friend: "Oh God, that is the nerdiest thing I have ever heard!"
So I got to thinking, what makes a "running nerd?" Feel free to add your own!
You might be a running nerd if...
... you alternate (or rotate, depending on the number) your shoes,
... you track your runs with GPS, thus knowing precisely how far you have gone, and how long it took you to get there,
... you begin your sentences with "One time, when I was running,"
... you schedule the rest of your life around your runs,
... obsessively checking weather.com occupies some of your day,
... you keep your running shoes in carry-on in case the rest of your luggage gets lost,
... you scoff at people wearing old cotton shirts,
... you plan your vacations around what race you can do there,
... you have elaborate displays for all of your running momentos!
Friend: "Well, how do you know you actually ran that far?"
Me: "Oh, I have a Garmin. It's basically GPS and it calculates distance and pace and stuff like that."
Friend: "Oh God, that is the nerdiest thing I have ever heard!"
So I got to thinking, what makes a "running nerd?" Feel free to add your own!
You might be a running nerd if...
... you alternate (or rotate, depending on the number) your shoes,
... you track your runs with GPS, thus knowing precisely how far you have gone, and how long it took you to get there,
... you begin your sentences with "One time, when I was running,"
... you schedule the rest of your life around your runs,
... obsessively checking weather.com occupies some of your day,
... you keep your running shoes in carry-on in case the rest of your luggage gets lost,
... you scoff at people wearing old cotton shirts,
... you plan your vacations around what race you can do there,
... you have elaborate displays for all of your running momentos!
Monday, August 24, 2009
16 Miles! Longest Training Run EVER!
Weather: 60 degrees, overcast, and cool. There was a stiff W breeze throughout the run. I created a loop route on Google maps and decided to follow that. Incorporated a half marathon time trial (which I finished in 2:13:53!), thanks to some new friends on The Loop at runnersworld.com. Overall I finished the 16 miles in 2:45:13! I got up at 5:15am on Saturday, and was out the door by 5:30am. Here are some highlights...
Mile 1: I saw a baby fox! Right by Lake Arlington... he was so cute!
Mile 2: I think Garmin hates mornings as much as I do. He had my first mile at 10:40, yuck! I know I'm going faster than that. I hope he snaps out of it soon!
Mile 3: Ahhh that's more like it! Garmin is back on track. There aren't a whole lot of cars out at this hour, and the ones that are keep staring at me like I'm insane. Which I am. Not denying that one!
Mile 4: I like this route because it's quiet, and the neighborhood is just waking up. But I DO NOT like the cars that block the sidewalk! I swear I've added .10 to my total just for running around cars.
Mile 5: Easy easy. This is kind of fun! But I'm sure glad I brought my ipod... I'd be ridiculously bored right now without it. Ooh, shackers! HAHA
Mile 6: Park time! The sun is trying to peek through the clouds, but so far to no avail. And time for a snack, which tastes SO GOOD right now.
Mile 7: I really hope there's sidewalks on my new route...
Mile 8: I'm halfway done, and the library isn't even open yet. Hardly anything is open. Sweet :)
Mile 9: I don't think my tummy feels ok. Wait... tiny sips of water... all better.
Mile 10: I just finished 10?! Wow... that felt like nothing. How awesome is that?!
Mile 11: Going a little too fast right now. I'm struggling to figure out my pace. Either my Garmin or my legs are all over the place. Probably a little bit of both.
Mile 12: Got to the pavilion, refilled the water bottle, and wolfed down 2 snacks. God I hope my stomach settles down.
Mile 13: Getting a lot of curious stares from passers-by. Might be because I'm full-out sprinting because it's the end of my "half marathon" time trial. Might be because I have salt running down my arms and legs. Either way.
Mile 14: My stomach made the yucky noise. The "Bathroom. NOW!!!!!" noise. I made a deal with it- give me 25 more minutes, and I'll get you home safely. Also added a plea for no embarassing situations on the way home, since I have to cross 2 busy intersections. Thank you.
Mile 15: Holding up well. I'm still running under my goal pace, which is awesome. But my old nemesis Doubt came for a visit, and tried to tell me that I will fail at the marathon. Shut up, Doubt!
Mile 16: Less than a mile from home. My tummy welched on our deal. I am running down the bike path and whimpering aloud because it hurts so bad. I have to stop and walk, just because an accident is not outside the realm of possibility at this point. Thankfully, after crossing Schoenbeck and doing a couple of laps around the subdivision, I make it back in time.
2:45:13! Not too shabby! I figure that I could have gone to about 2:42 if my stomach wasn't doing somersaults. Add 105 minutes to that for the last 10 miles, and that's.... a 4:27 marathon?! Holy cow!
Mile 1: I saw a baby fox! Right by Lake Arlington... he was so cute!
Mile 2: I think Garmin hates mornings as much as I do. He had my first mile at 10:40, yuck! I know I'm going faster than that. I hope he snaps out of it soon!
Mile 3: Ahhh that's more like it! Garmin is back on track. There aren't a whole lot of cars out at this hour, and the ones that are keep staring at me like I'm insane. Which I am. Not denying that one!
Mile 4: I like this route because it's quiet, and the neighborhood is just waking up. But I DO NOT like the cars that block the sidewalk! I swear I've added .10 to my total just for running around cars.
Mile 5: Easy easy. This is kind of fun! But I'm sure glad I brought my ipod... I'd be ridiculously bored right now without it. Ooh, shackers! HAHA
Mile 6: Park time! The sun is trying to peek through the clouds, but so far to no avail. And time for a snack, which tastes SO GOOD right now.
Mile 7: I really hope there's sidewalks on my new route...
Mile 8: I'm halfway done, and the library isn't even open yet. Hardly anything is open. Sweet :)
Mile 9: I don't think my tummy feels ok. Wait... tiny sips of water... all better.
Mile 10: I just finished 10?! Wow... that felt like nothing. How awesome is that?!
Mile 11: Going a little too fast right now. I'm struggling to figure out my pace. Either my Garmin or my legs are all over the place. Probably a little bit of both.
Mile 12: Got to the pavilion, refilled the water bottle, and wolfed down 2 snacks. God I hope my stomach settles down.
Mile 13: Getting a lot of curious stares from passers-by. Might be because I'm full-out sprinting because it's the end of my "half marathon" time trial. Might be because I have salt running down my arms and legs. Either way.
Mile 14: My stomach made the yucky noise. The "Bathroom. NOW!!!!!" noise. I made a deal with it- give me 25 more minutes, and I'll get you home safely. Also added a plea for no embarassing situations on the way home, since I have to cross 2 busy intersections. Thank you.
Mile 15: Holding up well. I'm still running under my goal pace, which is awesome. But my old nemesis Doubt came for a visit, and tried to tell me that I will fail at the marathon. Shut up, Doubt!
Mile 16: Less than a mile from home. My tummy welched on our deal. I am running down the bike path and whimpering aloud because it hurts so bad. I have to stop and walk, just because an accident is not outside the realm of possibility at this point. Thankfully, after crossing Schoenbeck and doing a couple of laps around the subdivision, I make it back in time.
2:45:13! Not too shabby! I figure that I could have gone to about 2:42 if my stomach wasn't doing somersaults. Add 105 minutes to that for the last 10 miles, and that's.... a 4:27 marathon?! Holy cow!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Oak Brook Half is Rapidly Approaching!
I honestly can't believe how time has been flying lately. I seems like yesterday I was preparing for the expo and the RnR Chicago Half Marathon. Now we're nearing the end of August- the Cubs are slowly losing ground, my feet are achy all the time from all of my training, and the Oak Brook Half is almost here.
HUH?! You mean it's almost Labor Day ALREADY?! It doesn't really seem possible! But it is. I checked my calendar this morning- 18 more days until the race. I can say that I haven't given much thought about it. This past month my thoughts have been consumed with keeping up with my training schedule, blogging on RW, and completing my long runs. Check, check, and check. Time to focus on my next race!
I hate not racing. I was scouring the web earlier today looking for a 5K in my area over the weekend, just to have something to do. No such luck. Guess it'll be a long, lonely 16 miler around my neighborhood (Note to self: start mapping possible routes!)
As for the Oak Brook Half, I'm definitely looking forward to it. I love races, and this one is rated one of the best in Chicagoland. Plus a lot of it is run on limestone and wooded trails, so it'll be a little softer on my legs. I think there might be a hill or two, but I'm not worried. I say right now that I'm going to use it as a training run, but we both know that's not going to happen. I want to RACE! I want to lower my PR!
With that being said, here are my goals for the upcoming race:
1. To FINISH!
2. To lower my PR
3. To take water and/or Gatorade at every aid station
4. To run at a consistent 9:17 pace, picking it up near the end.
5. To finish with a KICK! (It kind of fell flat at RnR Chicago :( )
HUH?! You mean it's almost Labor Day ALREADY?! It doesn't really seem possible! But it is. I checked my calendar this morning- 18 more days until the race. I can say that I haven't given much thought about it. This past month my thoughts have been consumed with keeping up with my training schedule, blogging on RW, and completing my long runs. Check, check, and check. Time to focus on my next race!
I hate not racing. I was scouring the web earlier today looking for a 5K in my area over the weekend, just to have something to do. No such luck. Guess it'll be a long, lonely 16 miler around my neighborhood (Note to self: start mapping possible routes!)
As for the Oak Brook Half, I'm definitely looking forward to it. I love races, and this one is rated one of the best in Chicagoland. Plus a lot of it is run on limestone and wooded trails, so it'll be a little softer on my legs. I think there might be a hill or two, but I'm not worried. I say right now that I'm going to use it as a training run, but we both know that's not going to happen. I want to RACE! I want to lower my PR!
With that being said, here are my goals for the upcoming race:
1. To FINISH!
2. To lower my PR
3. To take water and/or Gatorade at every aid station
4. To run at a consistent 9:17 pace, picking it up near the end.
5. To finish with a KICK! (It kind of fell flat at RnR Chicago :( )
Weekend Goals
I kind of treat my long runs like I would a race. NOT to get my best time ever at that distance (although, that might make it more interesting... every run is a chance for a PR... hmmm...), but in terms of preparation. For Saturday long runs, I go to sleep early Friday night, wake up early Saturday morning. I eat a good dinner with lots of carbs (basically I shovel what I can into my mouth. Seems to work out better that way.) I bring my water bottle and my gels. I eat eggos for breakfast (Note to self: Buy more Eggos!) I wear a hat. I bring Body Glide. I tell you, I am awesome.
This weekend calls for a 16 miler, my longest training run EVER! (Beating out last week's 15 miler by one measly mile!) Some goals I had in mind:
1. To finish
2. To get up & out before 6am
3. To find enough places to rehydrate so that I'm not melting by the time I get home
4. To bring and eat 3 snacks along the way
5. To maintain an average pace of 10:14 (same as last week!)
This weekend calls for a 16 miler, my longest training run EVER! (Beating out last week's 15 miler by one measly mile!) Some goals I had in mind:
1. To finish
2. To get up & out before 6am
3. To find enough places to rehydrate so that I'm not melting by the time I get home
4. To bring and eat 3 snacks along the way
5. To maintain an average pace of 10:14 (same as last week!)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Mission Accomplished!
Longest training run to date: done! 15 miles on Saturday morning, slightly humid, but I got out and done before the sun became to strong and the temperature too intense. Here's a recap:
Mile 1: Humid already. Yuck. I don't think Garmin can see me... it says I'm running 11:02, but it's lying.
Mile 2: It's so quiet outside. And the sun is bright red, but juuuuust starting to wake up.
Mile 3: A man in a BMW beeped at me and gave me a thumbs-up. Not a bad way to start a long run!
Mile 4: Morning runners are so friendly! I passed 2 and they both waved!
Mile 5: I never knew there were so many condos back here...
Mile 6: There's a pool over here?! And sidewalks everywhere?! I wasn't expecting any of that...
Mile 7: Missed my turn, oops. Guess I'll just head towards the main road...
Mile 8: I'm dying for some water. Do you think the church will mind if I use its sprinkler to fill up my water bottle? Well, there's one way to find out...
Mile 9: More morning runners! Insane! I never knew there were this many runners in Arlington Heights!
Mile 10: Running around the pool. There HAS to be a drinking fountain somewhere in this park. Or not...
Mile 11: Ugh I HATE when people block the sidewalks!!!! Ooh and another runner...
Mile 12: Built-in rest break at the stoplight. Thanks, I needed that. But I'm not stopping. No quitting. I'm not even that tired anyway!
Mile 13: Yay FINALLY a drinking fountain! Time to fill up and finish strong! Wow there are a lot of shirtless old men playing tennis at this park... yikes.
Mile 14: I've finished a half marathon, woo hoo! Stop to stretch, and less than 2 miles to the end! Another built-in rest break, and onto Lake Arlington!
Mile 15: I can speed up. I don't have to run until Monday! Last mile: 9:50.
What a great run! Finished my 15 miles in 2:33 with gas left in the tank. I can and I WILL finish the marathon in less than 8 weeks. I'm so excited!!!
Mile 1: Humid already. Yuck. I don't think Garmin can see me... it says I'm running 11:02, but it's lying.
Mile 2: It's so quiet outside. And the sun is bright red, but juuuuust starting to wake up.
Mile 3: A man in a BMW beeped at me and gave me a thumbs-up. Not a bad way to start a long run!
Mile 4: Morning runners are so friendly! I passed 2 and they both waved!
Mile 5: I never knew there were so many condos back here...
Mile 6: There's a pool over here?! And sidewalks everywhere?! I wasn't expecting any of that...
Mile 7: Missed my turn, oops. Guess I'll just head towards the main road...
Mile 8: I'm dying for some water. Do you think the church will mind if I use its sprinkler to fill up my water bottle? Well, there's one way to find out...
Mile 9: More morning runners! Insane! I never knew there were this many runners in Arlington Heights!
Mile 10: Running around the pool. There HAS to be a drinking fountain somewhere in this park. Or not...
Mile 11: Ugh I HATE when people block the sidewalks!!!! Ooh and another runner...
Mile 12: Built-in rest break at the stoplight. Thanks, I needed that. But I'm not stopping. No quitting. I'm not even that tired anyway!
Mile 13: Yay FINALLY a drinking fountain! Time to fill up and finish strong! Wow there are a lot of shirtless old men playing tennis at this park... yikes.
Mile 14: I've finished a half marathon, woo hoo! Stop to stretch, and less than 2 miles to the end! Another built-in rest break, and onto Lake Arlington!
Mile 15: I can speed up. I don't have to run until Monday! Last mile: 9:50.
What a great run! Finished my 15 miles in 2:33 with gas left in the tank. I can and I WILL finish the marathon in less than 8 weeks. I'm so excited!!!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Running is a lot like being a Cubs Fan...
I'm sitting here in my cube listening to the Phillies play long ball and beat up my beloved Cubbies. And that got me thinking- my running life is remarkably similar to my Cub fan life...
- I'm antsy for my day to finish so that I can go home and run. I get the same kind of feelings in anticipation for the Cubs game. Each and every game, not just the playoffs.
- An off day from running is torture... so's a day without baseball in the summertime.
- When I have a bad run, I get really grumpy. Same with when the Cubs are on a losing streak. I'm really not a pleasant person to be around.
- I have days where my runs seem to take forever. Kind of like sitting through the game when Ted Lilly pitches.
- It's a MARATHON, not a sprint. It takes time. Like, months, to get a good base, complete a good training program, and run the race. Definitely like baseball.
- The wind is a factor. Always.
- I've had days where I run so fast and so far and feel so fabulous, but inevitably feel slow the next day and can barely haul myself out of bed. It's like when the Cubs score 10 runs against the opposition one day, then come back and can't buy a hit.
- Running can leave you in a kind of funk, where the routes you used to love seem boring and your training gets stale. Even the best hitters to ever play for the Cubs went through slumps.
- It's a t-shirt collector's dream!
- It can rain or snow or sleet or be hot and humid, but there's always tomorrow. You can always make up what you couldn't get in today. Same with baseball.
- Sometimes running leaves me bruised, beaten, and disheartened. But it's always going to be there. And I'll always be coming back for more. It's so frustrating, yet so rewarding at the same time. Kind of like being a Cubs fan.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tentative 2010
I like to plan ahead. Like, WAYYYY ahead. With races like Chicago, New York, and Houston closing out so far in advance, I feel it's my duty to be prepared. Here's what I'm thinking for next year. (So far.)
Jan & Feb - Nada. Cross training. Moderate mileage. Possibly purchasing a treadmill for the cold Chicago winters.
March - Little Rock Half Marathon (love LR... cannot resist another fabulous weekend!)
Shamrock Shuffle 8K (I've never actually done this race, might as well see what the fuss is all about!)
April - Martian Marathon (Potential to own the coolest t-shirt ever and earn a spaceship medal. Awesome.)
Go! St Louis OR Country Music Half Marathons (Depends on 2010 dates... and registration closeouts)
Ravenswood Run 5K (Depends on dates for the previous 2)
May - Chicago Spring Half Marathon (Cool t-shirts)
Soldier Field 10 Mile (Because who wouldn't like to finish on the 50?!)
June - United Run for the Zoo (Always wanted to do this one)
North Shore Half (It's my favorite race)
Race to Taste 5K (Because I had a blast this year, and the el is miraculously working during the Taste)
July - Frontier Days 10K (Other favorite race)
Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K (Had a blast at this one too, despite the slow runners on the course)
August - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon (Already signed up and saved megabucks!)
September - Oak Brook Half Marathon (Sooo close to home)
Air Force Half Marathon (ALWAYS wanted to do this one... maybe I can convince Marty... hmmm)
October - Bucktown 5K (Great race)
Steamtown Marathon (Because I just want to be Michael Scott for a day)
Lakefront Marathon (In case I can't convince Jay to go to Scranton!)
November - Hot Chocolate 15K (Another favorite race)
Edison Park Turkey Trot (9 years running...)
December - Las Vegas Half Marathon (If we don't go in 2009)
St Jude Memphis Marathon (If we make it to Vegas in December 2009)
Jan & Feb - Nada. Cross training. Moderate mileage. Possibly purchasing a treadmill for the cold Chicago winters.
March - Little Rock Half Marathon (love LR... cannot resist another fabulous weekend!)
Shamrock Shuffle 8K (I've never actually done this race, might as well see what the fuss is all about!)
April - Martian Marathon (Potential to own the coolest t-shirt ever and earn a spaceship medal. Awesome.)
Go! St Louis OR Country Music Half Marathons (Depends on 2010 dates... and registration closeouts)
Ravenswood Run 5K (Depends on dates for the previous 2)
May - Chicago Spring Half Marathon (Cool t-shirts)
Soldier Field 10 Mile (Because who wouldn't like to finish on the 50?!)
June - United Run for the Zoo (Always wanted to do this one)
North Shore Half (It's my favorite race)
Race to Taste 5K (Because I had a blast this year, and the el is miraculously working during the Taste)
July - Frontier Days 10K (Other favorite race)
Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K (Had a blast at this one too, despite the slow runners on the course)
August - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon (Already signed up and saved megabucks!)
September - Oak Brook Half Marathon (Sooo close to home)
Air Force Half Marathon (ALWAYS wanted to do this one... maybe I can convince Marty... hmmm)
October - Bucktown 5K (Great race)
Steamtown Marathon (Because I just want to be Michael Scott for a day)
Lakefront Marathon (In case I can't convince Jay to go to Scranton!)
November - Hot Chocolate 15K (Another favorite race)
Edison Park Turkey Trot (9 years running...)
December - Las Vegas Half Marathon (If we don't go in 2009)
St Jude Memphis Marathon (If we make it to Vegas in December 2009)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What I've Learned, Mid-2009 Edition
Since I'm not running today and thus have a lot of time on my hands, I thought about what running has taught me thus far in 2009. Check it out.
- Once you go technical, you don't go back. No more old-man cotton undershirts for me!
- No matter how great I think I look, Brightroom makes sure that these feelings of superiority don't last. (I usually end up looking deformed. No idea why that is, since when my bf takes pictures with my digital camera, I look perfectly normal. Or when Fotojack does the pictures, I look fine.)
- I can't live without Nike Tempo Shorts. Can't?! WON'T.
- You know the race is nearing the end when you can see the beer truck and smell the brats (thank you Wisconsin!)
- HEED is the most disgusting drink on the planet.
- The weatherman is only right when you don't want him to be.
- Going "unplugged" is not as scary as I thought it would be.
- Mapping new routes is the cure for stale training!
- Southern hospitality really IS all it's cracked up to be!
- Frosted Mini Wheats are probably the worst food to eat before running a half marathon. I would rather eat a spicy burrito from Taco Bell. Trust me.
Race Calendar Update
3.15.2009 - Little Rock Half Marathon - DONE!
4.25.2009 - Race to Wrigley 5K - DONE!
5.2.2009 - Wisconsin Half Marathon - DONE!
5.23.2009 - Soldier Field 10 Mile - DONE!
6.14.2009 - North Shore Half Marathon - DONE!
6.28.2009 - Race to Taste 5K - DONE!
7.6.2009 - Frontier Days Stampede Run 10K - DONE!
7.19.2009 - Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K - DONE!
7.23.2009 - Terrapin 5K - Missed due to weather
8.2.2009 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon - DONE!
9.7.2009 - Oak Brook Half Marathon
9.19.2009 - Chicago Beachathlon 4m
9.20.2009 - CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler
10.4.2009 - Bucktown 5K
10.11.2009 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon
10.24.2009 - Halloween Hustle 5K
11.1.2009 - Hot Chocolate 15K
11.26.2009 - Edison Park Turkey Trot
4.25.2009 - Race to Wrigley 5K - DONE!
5.2.2009 - Wisconsin Half Marathon - DONE!
5.23.2009 - Soldier Field 10 Mile - DONE!
6.14.2009 - North Shore Half Marathon - DONE!
6.28.2009 - Race to Taste 5K - DONE!
7.6.2009 - Frontier Days Stampede Run 10K - DONE!
7.19.2009 - Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K - DONE!
7.23.2009 - Terrapin 5K - Missed due to weather
8.2.2009 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon - DONE!
9.7.2009 - Oak Brook Half Marathon
9.19.2009 - Chicago Beachathlon 4m
9.20.2009 - CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler
10.4.2009 - Bucktown 5K
10.11.2009 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon
10.24.2009 - Halloween Hustle 5K
11.1.2009 - Hot Chocolate 15K
11.26.2009 - Edison Park Turkey Trot
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
How Did I Do?
I realize now that I made up my goals for this race WAAAAYYYYY far in advance. Partly because I was super-excited, and partly because I also write a blog on runnersworld.com and wasn't sure if I'd be able to post this one in time. So how did my goal pan out for RnR Chicago? Check it out...
1. To finish - DONE!
2. To take water and/or Gatorade at each aid station - DONE! But it was really hard to do. There were a couple stations where I couldn't stomach Cytomax, but I made myself take water and pour it over my head if I couldn't finish. I even took sponges at both stations! Didn't take Gu though...
3. To run negative splits - INCOMPLETE :( I think it's almost impossible to run negative splits AND run a consistent pace throughout. An oversight on my part. I will work harder next time at defining my goals a little more clearly.
4. To run a pretty consistent pace throughout - DONE! I was between 9-10 mm for the entire race, finishing ahead of the 10mm pace.
5. Start out slow!!!! - SO-SO I didn't start out SUPER slow, but slow enough where I wasn't uncomfortable and was able to maintain my pace throughout and complete goal #4. My first mile was 9:21, which is pretty good for me!
6. To get a PR - DONE! New PR: 2:07:28. Yay!
7. To break 2 hours - INCOMPLETE :( But getting there! To think that I started out this running year at 2:14:and change, and have already reduced my PR by 7 minutes. That's pretty darn impressive! I've shaved almost 2 minutes per race off my time. If I keep this up, I should reach my goal early next year. (I'm planning on training hard and running races even during the winter! Gives me an excuse to train better, get a treadmill, and go on vacation to somewhere warm for a race!)
1. To finish - DONE!
2. To take water and/or Gatorade at each aid station - DONE! But it was really hard to do. There were a couple stations where I couldn't stomach Cytomax, but I made myself take water and pour it over my head if I couldn't finish. I even took sponges at both stations! Didn't take Gu though...
3. To run negative splits - INCOMPLETE :( I think it's almost impossible to run negative splits AND run a consistent pace throughout. An oversight on my part. I will work harder next time at defining my goals a little more clearly.
4. To run a pretty consistent pace throughout - DONE! I was between 9-10 mm for the entire race, finishing ahead of the 10mm pace.
5. Start out slow!!!! - SO-SO I didn't start out SUPER slow, but slow enough where I wasn't uncomfortable and was able to maintain my pace throughout and complete goal #4. My first mile was 9:21, which is pretty good for me!
6. To get a PR - DONE! New PR: 2:07:28. Yay!
7. To break 2 hours - INCOMPLETE :( But getting there! To think that I started out this running year at 2:14:and change, and have already reduced my PR by 7 minutes. That's pretty darn impressive! I've shaved almost 2 minutes per race off my time. If I keep this up, I should reach my goal early next year. (I'm planning on training hard and running races even during the winter! Gives me an excuse to train better, get a treadmill, and go on vacation to somewhere warm for a race!)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon - 8.2.2009
So I had to get up at the earliest time EVER for this race - 4:10am. The alarm clock went off and I was so confused. "What's going on," my body said, "It's sleepy time! Turn that thing off!" Then my brain intervened and said, "Oh that's right, today is Rock n Roll Chicago! Must get up and out the door so that we're not late!"
I made it downtown at around 5:30, which was perfect. I always like arriving to races early so that I can walk around, find where everything is, and still have time to stretch and use the bathroom before the race.
The weather was just about PERFECT! Sunny, clear blue skies, no humidity, and mild temperatues. Perfect May... I mean August... day!
Mile 1: The race started in a wave start, which was a first for me. I was in corral 8 (out of 20+), and got moving about 10 minutes after the gun went off. Thank God for D-tag timing!
We started down Columbus, much the same way the Chicago Marathon begins. There weren't as many people on the Millennium Park bridge cheering us on; but then again, there weren't as many people running the race. The nice thing about the wave start is that you're not throwing elbows at your neighbor to keep pace. Everything is pretty spread out and you have room to settle into your pace and keep going.
The bridge over the Chicago River was a little rough- there were no carpets, and I thought for sure that I would slip or get my foot stuck in the grates. But I didn't, and I finished my first mile in 9:21. Not too shabby!
Mile 2: I'm running without headphones today and it's not too bad so far. I thought I would be a lot more bored than I actually am. But the day's still young, and there's a lot of race to go. I like seeing the sites, and right now we're getting a private tour of the city before it wakes up. The buildings provide shade, and it's nice and cool on the road. Over the river again and past the Chicago Theatre. There's a band playing "Sweet Home Chicago." Gotta love it. I find myself wondering if the bucket boys will manage to worm their way into the race. Sounds like an opportunity...
Mile 3: Just past the 2 mile mark at 19:00. I feel great. The pace isn't killing me at all, although my main goal is going to be finishing without walking and going at a consistent pace. Better to err on the side of caution in the early miles- I can always speed it up later.
As we turn the corner, I see a familiar face in the crowd. It's Jay! I wave excitedly and keep running. I'll see him at the end. Ooh and there's the "Whatcha talkin' 'bout" Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. I don't think locals will EVER call it the Willis Tower. It's been the Sears Tower for my entire life. Not gonna change now.
Mile 4: Good band this mile, I can hear them from a little way away. Right when I get up close, I realize that they are all dressed in PJs. How cute!
My pace is still excellent and I still feel great. Up ahead is the mile marker, and a guy with a cowbell. He's playing a familiar song, rapping his drumstick on the cowbell. It's "My Sharona." Didn't know it was such a popular cowbell song! (And boy I'm a nerd for being able to pick out what song it was!)
There's a spectator on the sidewalk that looks EXACTLY like Ben Stiller. Like, EXACTLY. He's wearing a Cubs hat. Is Ben Stiller a Cubs fan? Probably not, but stranger things have happened!
Mile 5: Now we're moving towards Grant Park again! Yay! That means that we'll soon be headed for the lakefront paths. I'm thinking I don't know if this race would be so pleasant if it were 100+ degrees and super-humid. I'm grateful for our mild summer and grateful that the heat has been kept at bay so that I can try for PRs in every race! I don't like humidity, so it doesn't bother me a bit.
Onto Michigan Ave and we're met with a wall of people! Fans! I saw the best sign ever "Mortuary Ahead, Look Alive." Don't know why that was funny, but it made me laugh. A lot.
Mile 6: We're on the west side of Soldier Field now, and it's almost exactly like the Race to Taste. I can't hear a band, and haven't heard one since Michigan Ave. The "Rock n Roll" part of the Half Marathon so far sucks. It seems like every time we pass the band, they're taking a break or something. Aren't they supposed to be playing songs?! Soo weird.
Parking garage to lakefront paths. I'm at around 55:00 at this point, and I'm craning my neck to the east, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elite runners. No dice. I reach mile 6 under 60:00. Much better than the 10K I ran a couple of weeks ago! ;)
Mile 7 & 8: We're going in the tunnel/service entrance to McCormick Place's Lakeside Center (the east building). I swear, this is the darkest tunnel I've ever been in. You almost need a headlamp to see where you're going. It wouldn't surprise me if I fell in a hole. I'm not even going to look at my feet, because I might bump into someone in front of me. I'm not fooling around when I say that this is the darkest tunnel ever.
Starting on the lakefront paths, the very path from the Soldier Field 10 Mile. It's so peaceful out here. Sure, they're are cars whizzing by on Lake Shore Dr., but I'm able to tune them out, focus on my pace, and continue to run my race.
Yay, sponges! I squeeze it out on top of my head. Feels good, but now I have goosebumps!
Mile 9: We pass 35th street, and I know that the turnaround is near. I can see people in front of me on the other side of the path. The elites have passed, the super-fast have passed, and now it's people that are more my speed passing through.
Reach the turnaround and run on some rocky gravel. That kinda sucked. Now my shoes are all dusty. Bummer!
Still can see people on the other side of the path, but this time we're the passers. They are eagerly anticipating the turnaround. Yikes, there are a lot of them. I definitely will see people all the way back to Soldier Field. I'm realizing right now how many people are in this race!
Mile 10: I made a bargain with myself. I'm still pretty far ahead of my 10:00/mile pace, but I don't want to keep pushing the pace to the point where I'm exhausted and I have to walk. So far, the only time I've walked is when I'm drinking Cytomax and water (I can't run and drink at the same time... I spill). And I haven't needed to stop and use the bathroom! Double awesome!
Ok, back to the bargain. I told myself that if I did this mile at "recovery pace," then I can go as fast as I like for the rest of the race, provided that I run the entire time. Sounds like a plan to me! I finish this mile in 9:58 (ok.... close enough) and now it's time to turn it up!
Mile 11: I can't wait for my Garmin to arrive. Like, CANNOT wait. I think it's not only going to be my new toy and my new obsession, but a really critical training tool. I need to learn how to judge my pace, and not use the "by feel" method. I need to remember that my theme for this year's training is "No Excuses." The Garmin is essential to my success. Stupid amazon hasn't shipped it yet, and I ordered it on Thursday. Grr.
Back to the race. I'm doing some pickups throughout this mile. The path is narrowing, but now by too much. It's absolutely gorgrous outside, and the city looks so pretty. From my vantage point right now, I can see boats on the lake, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, museums, and the Prudential building. (If it's still called that... it could be the Kraft Mac n Cheese Tower for all I know).
I've encountered so many helpful spectators, pointing out how long it is until the mile marker. This one is no exception. The girl clapping for us on the side of the path lets us know that the mile marker is only about 200 yards ahead. Sweet!
Mile 12: And here it is, just where she said it would be. Now the path is super narrow, which sucks. Both sides of the path and covered with low-hanging tree branches. To run in the grass is to risk decapitation.
I would kill to run in the grass right about now. For this entire mile, I was stuck by people who would just stop suddenly in front of me and start walking. Walking?! There's a half mile to go! RUN!!!!
So I'm weaving around and around people. There's a girl behind me from Chicago Endurance Sports. I've heard her name called by different team members throughout the race. Her name is Erin, and she must be a newb. Someone from her team who already finished has come to pace her through to the end. She tells her what to expect for the remainder of the race. I listen in. Maybe it's better to run without headphones? (Jury's still out on this one).
I turn the corner and...
Mile 13: I can see the finish line from here! Woo hoo! I get to the mile marker in 2:07:00 and sprint ahead to the finish. I have to run around 2 people who have decided to walk to the finish line (drrr... that makes me so mad! FINISH IT!), but I make it, and my PR is intact.
Mile 13.1: New PR: 2:07:28. And I couldn't be happier!
I made it downtown at around 5:30, which was perfect. I always like arriving to races early so that I can walk around, find where everything is, and still have time to stretch and use the bathroom before the race.
The weather was just about PERFECT! Sunny, clear blue skies, no humidity, and mild temperatues. Perfect May... I mean August... day!
Mile 1: The race started in a wave start, which was a first for me. I was in corral 8 (out of 20+), and got moving about 10 minutes after the gun went off. Thank God for D-tag timing!
We started down Columbus, much the same way the Chicago Marathon begins. There weren't as many people on the Millennium Park bridge cheering us on; but then again, there weren't as many people running the race. The nice thing about the wave start is that you're not throwing elbows at your neighbor to keep pace. Everything is pretty spread out and you have room to settle into your pace and keep going.
The bridge over the Chicago River was a little rough- there were no carpets, and I thought for sure that I would slip or get my foot stuck in the grates. But I didn't, and I finished my first mile in 9:21. Not too shabby!
Mile 2: I'm running without headphones today and it's not too bad so far. I thought I would be a lot more bored than I actually am. But the day's still young, and there's a lot of race to go. I like seeing the sites, and right now we're getting a private tour of the city before it wakes up. The buildings provide shade, and it's nice and cool on the road. Over the river again and past the Chicago Theatre. There's a band playing "Sweet Home Chicago." Gotta love it. I find myself wondering if the bucket boys will manage to worm their way into the race. Sounds like an opportunity...
Mile 3: Just past the 2 mile mark at 19:00. I feel great. The pace isn't killing me at all, although my main goal is going to be finishing without walking and going at a consistent pace. Better to err on the side of caution in the early miles- I can always speed it up later.
As we turn the corner, I see a familiar face in the crowd. It's Jay! I wave excitedly and keep running. I'll see him at the end. Ooh and there's the "Whatcha talkin' 'bout" Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. I don't think locals will EVER call it the Willis Tower. It's been the Sears Tower for my entire life. Not gonna change now.
Mile 4: Good band this mile, I can hear them from a little way away. Right when I get up close, I realize that they are all dressed in PJs. How cute!
My pace is still excellent and I still feel great. Up ahead is the mile marker, and a guy with a cowbell. He's playing a familiar song, rapping his drumstick on the cowbell. It's "My Sharona." Didn't know it was such a popular cowbell song! (And boy I'm a nerd for being able to pick out what song it was!)
There's a spectator on the sidewalk that looks EXACTLY like Ben Stiller. Like, EXACTLY. He's wearing a Cubs hat. Is Ben Stiller a Cubs fan? Probably not, but stranger things have happened!
Mile 5: Now we're moving towards Grant Park again! Yay! That means that we'll soon be headed for the lakefront paths. I'm thinking I don't know if this race would be so pleasant if it were 100+ degrees and super-humid. I'm grateful for our mild summer and grateful that the heat has been kept at bay so that I can try for PRs in every race! I don't like humidity, so it doesn't bother me a bit.
Onto Michigan Ave and we're met with a wall of people! Fans! I saw the best sign ever "Mortuary Ahead, Look Alive." Don't know why that was funny, but it made me laugh. A lot.
Mile 6: We're on the west side of Soldier Field now, and it's almost exactly like the Race to Taste. I can't hear a band, and haven't heard one since Michigan Ave. The "Rock n Roll" part of the Half Marathon so far sucks. It seems like every time we pass the band, they're taking a break or something. Aren't they supposed to be playing songs?! Soo weird.
Parking garage to lakefront paths. I'm at around 55:00 at this point, and I'm craning my neck to the east, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elite runners. No dice. I reach mile 6 under 60:00. Much better than the 10K I ran a couple of weeks ago! ;)
Mile 7 & 8: We're going in the tunnel/service entrance to McCormick Place's Lakeside Center (the east building). I swear, this is the darkest tunnel I've ever been in. You almost need a headlamp to see where you're going. It wouldn't surprise me if I fell in a hole. I'm not even going to look at my feet, because I might bump into someone in front of me. I'm not fooling around when I say that this is the darkest tunnel ever.
Starting on the lakefront paths, the very path from the Soldier Field 10 Mile. It's so peaceful out here. Sure, they're are cars whizzing by on Lake Shore Dr., but I'm able to tune them out, focus on my pace, and continue to run my race.
Yay, sponges! I squeeze it out on top of my head. Feels good, but now I have goosebumps!
Mile 9: We pass 35th street, and I know that the turnaround is near. I can see people in front of me on the other side of the path. The elites have passed, the super-fast have passed, and now it's people that are more my speed passing through.
Reach the turnaround and run on some rocky gravel. That kinda sucked. Now my shoes are all dusty. Bummer!
Still can see people on the other side of the path, but this time we're the passers. They are eagerly anticipating the turnaround. Yikes, there are a lot of them. I definitely will see people all the way back to Soldier Field. I'm realizing right now how many people are in this race!
Mile 10: I made a bargain with myself. I'm still pretty far ahead of my 10:00/mile pace, but I don't want to keep pushing the pace to the point where I'm exhausted and I have to walk. So far, the only time I've walked is when I'm drinking Cytomax and water (I can't run and drink at the same time... I spill). And I haven't needed to stop and use the bathroom! Double awesome!
Ok, back to the bargain. I told myself that if I did this mile at "recovery pace," then I can go as fast as I like for the rest of the race, provided that I run the entire time. Sounds like a plan to me! I finish this mile in 9:58 (ok.... close enough) and now it's time to turn it up!
Mile 11: I can't wait for my Garmin to arrive. Like, CANNOT wait. I think it's not only going to be my new toy and my new obsession, but a really critical training tool. I need to learn how to judge my pace, and not use the "by feel" method. I need to remember that my theme for this year's training is "No Excuses." The Garmin is essential to my success. Stupid amazon hasn't shipped it yet, and I ordered it on Thursday. Grr.
Back to the race. I'm doing some pickups throughout this mile. The path is narrowing, but now by too much. It's absolutely gorgrous outside, and the city looks so pretty. From my vantage point right now, I can see boats on the lake, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, museums, and the Prudential building. (If it's still called that... it could be the Kraft Mac n Cheese Tower for all I know).
I've encountered so many helpful spectators, pointing out how long it is until the mile marker. This one is no exception. The girl clapping for us on the side of the path lets us know that the mile marker is only about 200 yards ahead. Sweet!
Mile 12: And here it is, just where she said it would be. Now the path is super narrow, which sucks. Both sides of the path and covered with low-hanging tree branches. To run in the grass is to risk decapitation.
I would kill to run in the grass right about now. For this entire mile, I was stuck by people who would just stop suddenly in front of me and start walking. Walking?! There's a half mile to go! RUN!!!!
So I'm weaving around and around people. There's a girl behind me from Chicago Endurance Sports. I've heard her name called by different team members throughout the race. Her name is Erin, and she must be a newb. Someone from her team who already finished has come to pace her through to the end. She tells her what to expect for the remainder of the race. I listen in. Maybe it's better to run without headphones? (Jury's still out on this one).
I turn the corner and...
Mile 13: I can see the finish line from here! Woo hoo! I get to the mile marker in 2:07:00 and sprint ahead to the finish. I have to run around 2 people who have decided to walk to the finish line (drrr... that makes me so mad! FINISH IT!), but I make it, and my PR is intact.
Mile 13.1: New PR: 2:07:28. And I couldn't be happier!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
It's Getting Closer
Rock n Roll Chicago is almost here! I'm so excited for this race! Not only because it's the inaugural event and we'll be running through Grant Park and along the GORGEOUS lakefront paths, but because I haven't run a half marathon since June 14th. And since I'm just incorporating this race into my marathon training, I don't need to take a taper week. *Sigh* Life is good.
There are so many things that I love about racing. Yes, the goodie bag is definitely one of my favorites, but it's not the best. Not by a long shot. When I was in high school and my parents would come to watch my races, they were always so impressed with the way that the runners conducted themselves. They cheered loud for ALL participants, not just their teammates. They high-fived all competitors in their race. Sportsmanship is the best among runners.
It's nice to know that nothing has changed. This is most evident during the Chicago Marathon. There are some spectators that wait until every participant has passed them before moving on. They cheer so loud it's incredible. And trust me, it totally helps when you're running out of gas to hear someone tell you that you're doing great. I also love people with funny running signs.
I know that this race is supposed to be HUGE and that part has me a little worried. Plus there's a wave start, and I've never done anything like that before. I hope that I will have room to find my groove, and won't have to spend the 2nd half of the race playing catch-up if I fall behind my target pace. The biggest bummer is that the race STARTS at 6:30- it's horrifying to think about what time I need to get up Sunday morning, since I'm traveling from the northwest suburbs.
I always find that the night before the race is so hard for me to get to sleep. My body is tired, but my mind is completely awake. I'm trying to remember everything that I need to bring to the race. (Do I have band aids? Chafe gel? A towel?) I'm also so excited. Like, night-before-leaving-for-Vegas excited. That was how I felt the night before the Wisconsin Marathon, and look how well I did at that one.
I should think about some more things that I love about racing. The competition, besting myself against other midpackers. The sheer joy of crossing the finish line, elation at being done (hopefully) in a PR time. A nice tour of the city that I can get while the rest of it is still asleep (or stumbling home from the late-night bars). I love challenging other people in my head, saying, "Well before 9am I ran a half marathon. What did YOU do?" It makes me feel superior. And super-good about myself.
I'm most excited about the Runner's High. I don't believe it's a myth. I'm literally floating high above the clouds when I get done with a half marathon. Even though I still have miles (or city blocks... or El stops... or car rides) to go before I can get a shower and a nap, it doesn't matter. I'm happy regardless. Running gives me confidence. It gives me courage. It gives me freedom. And sometimes, it gives me a medal when I'm finished for the day...
There are so many things that I love about racing. Yes, the goodie bag is definitely one of my favorites, but it's not the best. Not by a long shot. When I was in high school and my parents would come to watch my races, they were always so impressed with the way that the runners conducted themselves. They cheered loud for ALL participants, not just their teammates. They high-fived all competitors in their race. Sportsmanship is the best among runners.
It's nice to know that nothing has changed. This is most evident during the Chicago Marathon. There are some spectators that wait until every participant has passed them before moving on. They cheer so loud it's incredible. And trust me, it totally helps when you're running out of gas to hear someone tell you that you're doing great. I also love people with funny running signs.
I know that this race is supposed to be HUGE and that part has me a little worried. Plus there's a wave start, and I've never done anything like that before. I hope that I will have room to find my groove, and won't have to spend the 2nd half of the race playing catch-up if I fall behind my target pace. The biggest bummer is that the race STARTS at 6:30- it's horrifying to think about what time I need to get up Sunday morning, since I'm traveling from the northwest suburbs.
I always find that the night before the race is so hard for me to get to sleep. My body is tired, but my mind is completely awake. I'm trying to remember everything that I need to bring to the race. (Do I have band aids? Chafe gel? A towel?) I'm also so excited. Like, night-before-leaving-for-Vegas excited. That was how I felt the night before the Wisconsin Marathon, and look how well I did at that one.
I should think about some more things that I love about racing. The competition, besting myself against other midpackers. The sheer joy of crossing the finish line, elation at being done (hopefully) in a PR time. A nice tour of the city that I can get while the rest of it is still asleep (or stumbling home from the late-night bars). I love challenging other people in my head, saying, "Well before 9am I ran a half marathon. What did YOU do?" It makes me feel superior. And super-good about myself.
I'm most excited about the Runner's High. I don't believe it's a myth. I'm literally floating high above the clouds when I get done with a half marathon. Even though I still have miles (or city blocks... or El stops... or car rides) to go before I can get a shower and a nap, it doesn't matter. I'm happy regardless. Running gives me confidence. It gives me courage. It gives me freedom. And sometimes, it gives me a medal when I'm finished for the day...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Race Calendar Wish List
Let me just preface this by stating that I have a lot of goals. Life goals, if you will. Not all of them are running-related. Some of them are silly. Some of them are actually completed. Plus I love to make lists. (Honestly, sometimes I feel like John Cusack's character from High Fidelity... all he does is make lists. But it helps him think. So true.) So one of the big ones on my list is running a half marathon or full marathon in all 50 states. I realize that this is a lofty goal, but it's one that is definitely achieveable. So far I only have 3 states done- Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arkansas. So I do have a long way to go. Which brings us to my wish list for my remaining states- the race I would love run most in order to complete that state. Wishful thinking, but you never know. Stranger things have happened...
Alabama: Rocket City Marathon - Huntsville
I had never heard of this until I Googled "Alabama marathons." I like the name of this one :)
Alaska: Mayor's Marathon - Anchorage
Even though Sarah Palin lives there, and according to Runners World she's a "runner," I would still do this one. Just to beat her!
Arizona: Rock n Roll Arizona Half Marathon - Phoenix
I love, love, LOVE Arizona. Beautiful course and a perfect time of the year... I will definitely add this one very soon!
California: Napa Valley Half Marathon - Calistoga
Even though they are adamant about no headphones, it would be cool to run in wine country.
Colorado: Steamboat Marathon - Steamboat Springs
I've heard so many good things about this one, I definitely had to pick it to knock off Colorado.
Connecticut: ING Hartford Marathon - Hartford
I've actually never been on the east coast, so I picked pretty much all big races for the support...
Delaware: Delaware Marathon - Wilmington
See above.
District of Columbia: Marine Corp Marathon - Washington DC
It sells out super-fast for a reason, right?
Florida: Disney Princess Half Marathon - Orlando
Because I'M a princess :)
Georgia: The Weather Channel Atlanta Marathon - Atlanta
I'm not a huge fan of Georgia, but I had to pick one...
Hawaii: Honolulu Marathon - Honolulu
Who wouldn't want to run a marathon in Hawaii in December???
Idaho: Famous Idaho Potato Marathon - Boise
I'm sorry, if I have to do Idaho, there'd better be potatoes involved!
Indiana: Indianapolis Mini Marathon - Indianapolis
You get to run around the Indy 500 track... oh how I love a Gimmick
Iowa: Marathon to Marathon - Storm Lake
I LOVE smaller races with awesome perks :)
Kansas: Eisenhower Marathon - Abilene
See above.
Kentucky: Kentucky Derby Festival Half Marathon - Louisville
Definitely one of my life goals is to attend the Kentucky Derby. Since I'm not made of money, this seems like the next best thing.
Louisiana: Mardi Gras Marathon - New Orleans
Now that RnR took it over, should be quite the party!
Maine: Mount Desert Island Marathon - Bar Harbor
My parents went to Bar Harbor and said it's beautiful... this one's for them
Maryland: Under Armour Baltimore Marathon - Baltimore
I would love a stereotypical tour of Baltimore... running past museums, stadiums, and hopefully Charm City Cakes!
Massachusetts: Boston Marathon (duh... it's every runner's dream!) - Hopkinton
A dream is a wish your heart makes...
Michigan: Martian Marathon - Novi
I was going to pick Bayshore, but if you saw how weird and awesome the t-shirts are for this race, you'd understand.
Minnesota: Grandma's Marathon - Duluth
It's one of the most popular for a reason, right? RIGHT???
Mississippi: Tupelo Marathon - Tupelo
It passes Elvis's birthplace. Need I say more?
Missouri: Go! St Louis Marathon - St Louis
Already on my 2010 calendar...
Montana: Grizzly Marathon - Choteau
Not gonna lie, I just liked the name
Nebraska: Omaha Marathon - Omaha
I didn't want to do a small race in Nebraska, for fear that I would just run around through cornfields.
Nevada: Rock n Roll Las Vegas Marathon - Las Vegas
You get to run on the strip. Sign me up!
New Hampshire: New Hampshire Marathon - Bristol
Random New Hampshire pick...
New Jersey: Atlantic City Marathon - Atlantic City
I <3 casinos :)
New Mexico: Bataan Memorial Death March - White Sands Missile Range
It's not so much a marathon as a really long hike. But I like a challenge...
New York: Hamptons Marathon - East Hampton
Even though I'd be sweaty and disgusting, I'd still feel posh and elite.
North Carolina: Outer Banks Marathon - Outer Banks
Dartboard pick...
North Dakota: Fargo Marathon - Fargo
Hopefully no one stuffs people into the woodchipper.
Ohio: United States Air Force Marathon - Dayton
My bro is in the Air Force. Plus it's cool to get access to the base, and then be able to run around it.
Oklahoma: Route 66 Marathon - Tulsa
I would love, love, LOVE to get my kicks here.
Oregon: Eugene Marathon - Eugene
To run where Pre ran is any running fanatic's dream.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Marathon - Philadelphia
Is the run up the Rocky steps included in the entry fee?
Rhode Island: Breakers Marathon - Newport
Never been to Rhode Island. This race seems like a reason to go.
South Carolina: BI-LO Myrtle Beach - Myrtle Beach
Always wanted to go to Myrtle Beach... for golf. But I'm sure running would be just as fun.
South Dakota: Leading Ladies Marathon - Lead-Spearfish
Who wouldn't want to run a race where you get shuttled back to your hotel in a limo? How cool.
Tennessee: Country Music Half Marathon - Nashville
Yee haw! Already on my calendar for next year...
Texas: Rock n Roll San Antonio - San Antonio
I <3 San Antonio! But I was only there for 3 days, and most of those were spent on the AFB. It would be nice to see the rest of the city.
Utah: Park City Marathon - Park City
Oooh will there be celebrities there?
Vermont: Green Mountain Marathon - South Hero
Dartboard...
Virginia: Yuengling Shamrock Marathon - Virginia Beach
Who doesn't love a race that serves beer and unlimited stew??? Heavenly.
Washington: North Olympic Discovery Marathon - Port Angeles
Edward Cullen hunting.
West Virginia: Marshall University Marathon - Huntington
Getting to see places where the movie was filmed + finishing on the football field = SOLD!
Wyoming: Wyoming Marathon - Laramie
There had better be cowboys involved...
Alabama: Rocket City Marathon - Huntsville
I had never heard of this until I Googled "Alabama marathons." I like the name of this one :)
Alaska: Mayor's Marathon - Anchorage
Even though Sarah Palin lives there, and according to Runners World she's a "runner," I would still do this one. Just to beat her!
Arizona: Rock n Roll Arizona Half Marathon - Phoenix
I love, love, LOVE Arizona. Beautiful course and a perfect time of the year... I will definitely add this one very soon!
California: Napa Valley Half Marathon - Calistoga
Even though they are adamant about no headphones, it would be cool to run in wine country.
Colorado: Steamboat Marathon - Steamboat Springs
I've heard so many good things about this one, I definitely had to pick it to knock off Colorado.
Connecticut: ING Hartford Marathon - Hartford
I've actually never been on the east coast, so I picked pretty much all big races for the support...
Delaware: Delaware Marathon - Wilmington
See above.
District of Columbia: Marine Corp Marathon - Washington DC
It sells out super-fast for a reason, right?
Florida: Disney Princess Half Marathon - Orlando
Because I'M a princess :)
Georgia: The Weather Channel Atlanta Marathon - Atlanta
I'm not a huge fan of Georgia, but I had to pick one...
Hawaii: Honolulu Marathon - Honolulu
Who wouldn't want to run a marathon in Hawaii in December???
Idaho: Famous Idaho Potato Marathon - Boise
I'm sorry, if I have to do Idaho, there'd better be potatoes involved!
Indiana: Indianapolis Mini Marathon - Indianapolis
You get to run around the Indy 500 track... oh how I love a Gimmick
Iowa: Marathon to Marathon - Storm Lake
I LOVE smaller races with awesome perks :)
Kansas: Eisenhower Marathon - Abilene
See above.
Kentucky: Kentucky Derby Festival Half Marathon - Louisville
Definitely one of my life goals is to attend the Kentucky Derby. Since I'm not made of money, this seems like the next best thing.
Louisiana: Mardi Gras Marathon - New Orleans
Now that RnR took it over, should be quite the party!
Maine: Mount Desert Island Marathon - Bar Harbor
My parents went to Bar Harbor and said it's beautiful... this one's for them
Maryland: Under Armour Baltimore Marathon - Baltimore
I would love a stereotypical tour of Baltimore... running past museums, stadiums, and hopefully Charm City Cakes!
Massachusetts: Boston Marathon (duh... it's every runner's dream!) - Hopkinton
A dream is a wish your heart makes...
Michigan: Martian Marathon - Novi
I was going to pick Bayshore, but if you saw how weird and awesome the t-shirts are for this race, you'd understand.
Minnesota: Grandma's Marathon - Duluth
It's one of the most popular for a reason, right? RIGHT???
Mississippi: Tupelo Marathon - Tupelo
It passes Elvis's birthplace. Need I say more?
Missouri: Go! St Louis Marathon - St Louis
Already on my 2010 calendar...
Montana: Grizzly Marathon - Choteau
Not gonna lie, I just liked the name
Nebraska: Omaha Marathon - Omaha
I didn't want to do a small race in Nebraska, for fear that I would just run around through cornfields.
Nevada: Rock n Roll Las Vegas Marathon - Las Vegas
You get to run on the strip. Sign me up!
New Hampshire: New Hampshire Marathon - Bristol
Random New Hampshire pick...
New Jersey: Atlantic City Marathon - Atlantic City
I <3 casinos :)
New Mexico: Bataan Memorial Death March - White Sands Missile Range
It's not so much a marathon as a really long hike. But I like a challenge...
New York: Hamptons Marathon - East Hampton
Even though I'd be sweaty and disgusting, I'd still feel posh and elite.
North Carolina: Outer Banks Marathon - Outer Banks
Dartboard pick...
North Dakota: Fargo Marathon - Fargo
Hopefully no one stuffs people into the woodchipper.
Ohio: United States Air Force Marathon - Dayton
My bro is in the Air Force. Plus it's cool to get access to the base, and then be able to run around it.
Oklahoma: Route 66 Marathon - Tulsa
I would love, love, LOVE to get my kicks here.
Oregon: Eugene Marathon - Eugene
To run where Pre ran is any running fanatic's dream.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Marathon - Philadelphia
Is the run up the Rocky steps included in the entry fee?
Rhode Island: Breakers Marathon - Newport
Never been to Rhode Island. This race seems like a reason to go.
South Carolina: BI-LO Myrtle Beach - Myrtle Beach
Always wanted to go to Myrtle Beach... for golf. But I'm sure running would be just as fun.
South Dakota: Leading Ladies Marathon - Lead-Spearfish
Who wouldn't want to run a race where you get shuttled back to your hotel in a limo? How cool.
Tennessee: Country Music Half Marathon - Nashville
Yee haw! Already on my calendar for next year...
Texas: Rock n Roll San Antonio - San Antonio
I <3 San Antonio! But I was only there for 3 days, and most of those were spent on the AFB. It would be nice to see the rest of the city.
Utah: Park City Marathon - Park City
Oooh will there be celebrities there?
Vermont: Green Mountain Marathon - South Hero
Dartboard...
Virginia: Yuengling Shamrock Marathon - Virginia Beach
Who doesn't love a race that serves beer and unlimited stew??? Heavenly.
Washington: North Olympic Discovery Marathon - Port Angeles
Edward Cullen hunting.
West Virginia: Marshall University Marathon - Huntington
Getting to see places where the movie was filmed + finishing on the football field = SOLD!
Wyoming: Wyoming Marathon - Laramie
There had better be cowboys involved...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Goals Up the Wazoo...
I have 2 races coming up in the couple of weeks (Terrapin 5K on 7/23/2009 and Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon on 8/2/2009). Time for some good old-fashioned goal setting.
Goals for Terrapin 5K:
1. To finish
2. To maintain a consistent pace throughout
3. To not really race so much as consider this a training run (i.e. no sprinting at the end and no picking people off!)
4. To break 30:00
Goals for Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon:
1. To finish
2. To take water and/or Gatorade at each aid station
3. To run negative splits
4. To run a pretty consistent pace throughout
5. Start out slow!!!!
6. To get a PR
7. To break 2 hours (my long-term goal... not really sure if it will be met, but might as well put it on the list anyway)
Goals for Terrapin 5K:
1. To finish
2. To maintain a consistent pace throughout
3. To not really race so much as consider this a training run (i.e. no sprinting at the end and no picking people off!)
4. To break 30:00
Goals for Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon:
1. To finish
2. To take water and/or Gatorade at each aid station
3. To run negative splits
4. To run a pretty consistent pace throughout
5. Start out slow!!!!
6. To get a PR
7. To break 2 hours (my long-term goal... not really sure if it will be met, but might as well put it on the list anyway)
Fleet Feet Women's Festival 10K, 7.19.2009
It was so hard for me to get up for this race. I had been in Rockford the night before at a minor league baseball. I drank a good amount of beer and then got to bed kinda late. Needless to say, the alarm clock ringing at 4:45 was not a welcome sound. I wanted nothing more than to go back to bed and sleep til noon. But I somehow dragged myself out of bed, got dressed, ate breakfast, and got into the car.
I drove down to Montrose Harbor, and parked my car by the Waveland golf course (where parking is FREE! heehee!) I had to walk about a mile to the start line, but it was no big deal. I was actually walking on the lakefront paths right on the actual course. So I got a preview before we got going.
The race started on time, which was AWESOME! And it being an all-women's race, there was considerably less jostling and shoving to get into the start corral. Only a minute or so to the start line, and away we go!
Mile 1: I feel like death. Why oh why did I drink beer last night? I am kicking myself for this one. To the point where I will never do something so stupid ever again. Like, EVER again. The start of the race is surprisingly slow. Well, not all that surprising, now that I think about it. I lined up right at the 10:00 per mile pace sign. But there are walkers in front of me, and it's CROWDED. Most of that is due to the fact that both the 5K and 10K start together.
Oh wow, we're already at Foster Beach. Time certainly flew. I'm right at a 10:00 mile pace, which is good. I didn't really want to race this one- just work on starting out slow and maintaining a consistent pace. So far, so good.
Mile 2: I'm starting to feel a little bit better. Slowly but surely, the breeze from the lake is cooling me off. It's amazing how running has a sobering effect. I am starting to get more focused.
I'm frustrated with all of the slow people though! Ugh! Not that I am lightning fast or anything, but I am running the entire race, not run/walking. And there is one lady with a baby jogger that keeps cutting me off. I move onto the grass, both to get away from the slowsies and for a little softer terrain. Mile 2 is up ahead, and I can actually see the finish line! How deceiving!
Mile 3: Ok, now I'm cured. I feel great. My pacing is awesome, I am so well-hydrated, the weather is perfect, my tunes are motivating. And what's that ahead? The 5K/10K split! Yay!
The course is considerably less crowded at this point. Which I like. It's kind of hard to have 3400 people running on a 2-lane bike path. Even though the lanes are wide, that's still hard to accommodate all of those people.
Mile 4: We're now running down the bike path that I had walked down after parking my car. For some bizarre reason, I feel better being on more familiar territory. I am in no way tired and I am still maintaining a consistent pace. However, I am still slightly frustrated because I keep having to adjust my pace to run around people. Definitely on the fence if I would ever do this one again.
It's seriously amazing to me how many people are on the path this morning. There are lots of marathon training groups, plus people just out for a Sunday jog with their training partner. Sometimes I think I'm missing out because I don't live in the city. Well that and I don't have a training partner. Usually I like running alone, but I'm kinda jealous that these people have someone to talk to the whole time.
We're able to see the leaders from here. Wow, they are fast. And they have killer abs! I'm so jealous...
Turnaround time! We're almost at Belmont Ave, so it's time to head back towards Montrose Harbor and the FINISH LINE! :)
Mile 5: I secretly love when there's a race that inconveniences drivers. Watching their reactions is hilarious. The people pulling out of the golf course parking lot have to wait for the runners to go by. And boy are they angry! Hee hee :)
We're still on the lakefront paths, weaving around the softball fields. Hey, I can see my car from here! And it's still there... that's a good sign!
This mile was a little slower because I'm still weaving around run/walkers. Blech. Need to pick it up, only 1.2 miles to go!
Mile 6: Lalala... I'm almost starting to get bored with this course, since we are back on the path that I walked this morning. But I'm feeling great and I'm proud of myself for NOT racing and for NOT straying from my pace. I understand that goals do change, sometimes midway through the race, but not for me, and not today. I'm going with consistency over pace, and I'm not wavering.
Ooh almost there! Last aid station! I gulp a cup of Gatorade and run under the tunnel. It always amazes me how much runners love tunnels. It just gives us an excuse to woop and holler and be loud. (Plus I think we love the echo!)
Home stretch, running through the park next to Montrose Harbor. We can see the astro turf soccer field (I've played there before and it rules), then the big hill, then the huge parking lot. All the while, the official photographers and snapping shots of us. I really hope I don't look like a retard like I did during the North Shore Half.
Mile 6.2: Right at the mile 6 mark there's a guy screaming his head off for the runners and yelling "Time to kick it in!" I decide to heed his advice, lengthen my stride, and do a quick pickup to the finish line. I finished right at my goal of 10:00 min per mile. I mean, it's exactly. Final time: 1:02:06. Not bad for someone who had to make deals with themselves just to enter the start corral. :)
I drove down to Montrose Harbor, and parked my car by the Waveland golf course (where parking is FREE! heehee!) I had to walk about a mile to the start line, but it was no big deal. I was actually walking on the lakefront paths right on the actual course. So I got a preview before we got going.
The race started on time, which was AWESOME! And it being an all-women's race, there was considerably less jostling and shoving to get into the start corral. Only a minute or so to the start line, and away we go!
Mile 1: I feel like death. Why oh why did I drink beer last night? I am kicking myself for this one. To the point where I will never do something so stupid ever again. Like, EVER again. The start of the race is surprisingly slow. Well, not all that surprising, now that I think about it. I lined up right at the 10:00 per mile pace sign. But there are walkers in front of me, and it's CROWDED. Most of that is due to the fact that both the 5K and 10K start together.
Oh wow, we're already at Foster Beach. Time certainly flew. I'm right at a 10:00 mile pace, which is good. I didn't really want to race this one- just work on starting out slow and maintaining a consistent pace. So far, so good.
Mile 2: I'm starting to feel a little bit better. Slowly but surely, the breeze from the lake is cooling me off. It's amazing how running has a sobering effect. I am starting to get more focused.
I'm frustrated with all of the slow people though! Ugh! Not that I am lightning fast or anything, but I am running the entire race, not run/walking. And there is one lady with a baby jogger that keeps cutting me off. I move onto the grass, both to get away from the slowsies and for a little softer terrain. Mile 2 is up ahead, and I can actually see the finish line! How deceiving!
Mile 3: Ok, now I'm cured. I feel great. My pacing is awesome, I am so well-hydrated, the weather is perfect, my tunes are motivating. And what's that ahead? The 5K/10K split! Yay!
The course is considerably less crowded at this point. Which I like. It's kind of hard to have 3400 people running on a 2-lane bike path. Even though the lanes are wide, that's still hard to accommodate all of those people.
Mile 4: We're now running down the bike path that I had walked down after parking my car. For some bizarre reason, I feel better being on more familiar territory. I am in no way tired and I am still maintaining a consistent pace. However, I am still slightly frustrated because I keep having to adjust my pace to run around people. Definitely on the fence if I would ever do this one again.
It's seriously amazing to me how many people are on the path this morning. There are lots of marathon training groups, plus people just out for a Sunday jog with their training partner. Sometimes I think I'm missing out because I don't live in the city. Well that and I don't have a training partner. Usually I like running alone, but I'm kinda jealous that these people have someone to talk to the whole time.
We're able to see the leaders from here. Wow, they are fast. And they have killer abs! I'm so jealous...
Turnaround time! We're almost at Belmont Ave, so it's time to head back towards Montrose Harbor and the FINISH LINE! :)
Mile 5: I secretly love when there's a race that inconveniences drivers. Watching their reactions is hilarious. The people pulling out of the golf course parking lot have to wait for the runners to go by. And boy are they angry! Hee hee :)
We're still on the lakefront paths, weaving around the softball fields. Hey, I can see my car from here! And it's still there... that's a good sign!
This mile was a little slower because I'm still weaving around run/walkers. Blech. Need to pick it up, only 1.2 miles to go!
Mile 6: Lalala... I'm almost starting to get bored with this course, since we are back on the path that I walked this morning. But I'm feeling great and I'm proud of myself for NOT racing and for NOT straying from my pace. I understand that goals do change, sometimes midway through the race, but not for me, and not today. I'm going with consistency over pace, and I'm not wavering.
Ooh almost there! Last aid station! I gulp a cup of Gatorade and run under the tunnel. It always amazes me how much runners love tunnels. It just gives us an excuse to woop and holler and be loud. (Plus I think we love the echo!)
Home stretch, running through the park next to Montrose Harbor. We can see the astro turf soccer field (I've played there before and it rules), then the big hill, then the huge parking lot. All the while, the official photographers and snapping shots of us. I really hope I don't look like a retard like I did during the North Shore Half.
Mile 6.2: Right at the mile 6 mark there's a guy screaming his head off for the runners and yelling "Time to kick it in!" I decide to heed his advice, lengthen my stride, and do a quick pickup to the finish line. I finished right at my goal of 10:00 min per mile. I mean, it's exactly. Final time: 1:02:06. Not bad for someone who had to make deals with themselves just to enter the start corral. :)
Friday, July 17, 2009
Frontier Days 10K, 7.6.2009
Move over, North Shore Half! I may have just found a better race. So many positives about this one. I'll just make a list :)
1. It was in town, downtown Arlington Heights. I parked in the parking garage near the Metra station and walked about a half mile to the start line.
2. Packet pickup was so easy, at our local running store. (Plus they didn't give you junk in your packet- it was a simple manila envelope with your tshirt, race number, and a brochure for a race in Palatine.)
3. The tech t-shirts, complete with women's sizes (!!!), are one of the best I've gotten so far this year. Plus they're not white!!
4. The course was well-managed and we didn't have to dodge cars.
5. The finish line refreshments were far and away the best EVER! (They even trump the Wacker Drive 5K in 2002 where the post-race party was in the Renaissance Hotel ballroom.) They had water, Gatorade, walnuts, grapes, watermelon, oranges, apples, bananas, chocolate chip cookies, granola bars, Jamba Juice and tons more. It was awesome.
Now onto the race :)
Mile 1: I start off well. Good, easy training pace, maybe a little too fast for my goals. I am passing a good number of walkers though, which is annoying. But I'm sure the crowd will definitely thin out when the 5K and 10K split. But that's over a mile away. Ugh. I have never really been through this part of town before, even though I have lived in Arlington Heights for almost 2 years. Nice residential homes, and there are a lot of people outside cheering for us. I heart fans :)
Wow, mile 1 is already here! Good pace, but too fast for my goal of 10:00 per mile no faster. Oh well, time to slow down a bit heading into mile 2.
Mile 2: I'm glad I wore a short-sleeved shirt, even though it was a little chilly first thing this morning. I'm also glad that I wore a hat. It's starting to get steamy out here- not dreadfully hot, but kinda humid and sticky.
I'm still maintaining a good pace and keeping up with everyone else. We are now passing Prospect High School. I never remember where this place is. But when I was a sophomore in high school, I went to a Boys track meet there. I remember that it was rainy and cold, even though it was mid-May. We pass an aid station, and I am grateful for the ice-cold Gatorade. Mile 2 is just ahead, and I'm well under my goal pace. Need to slow down a bit...
Mile 3: ...which, I might add, is pretty impossible to do when the 5K runners are racing with you. They are nearly done with the race and are starting to speed up. So, in turn, I am speeding up to keep up with everyone else. I have been having a hard time with pace as of late. It's something that does not come naturally to me, and clearly needs to be worked on more in training.
Time for the split. 5K runners go left, towards the cheering fans and the finish line. Us crazy 10K runners go straight and have half the race left. Wow, there were a TON of people in the 5K. I feel like I'm running practically alone.
We're approaching the 3 mile mark, and I can see runners about 2 blocks ahead of us, near mile 4. Just a little zig zag away from the home stretch!
Mile 4: Lalala. I'm kind of getting bored right now. My playlist is boring. I now realized that I selected the wrong one this morning and am just noticing now. Way to go. I get some Gatorade at the aid station and walk for a minute. I'm still just under my goal pace, so I've earned a little walk time. Plus, after the race I'm leaving for Las Vegas. No need to expend all of my energy right this second!
We are on the north end of the zig zag now. I glance to my left and still see people on the course. Some wagglers, no doubt. Good for them. A 10K is not the easiest race to do.
Mile 5: Roads, houses, fans. Roads, houses, fans. Roads, houses, chute?! That's right, we're approaching a school, and the volunteer tells us to go single-file through the chute and onto the dirt path. Not bad. Gives my legs a little bit of a break. There's a little boy in front of me running the race with his dog. The question is, who's running with whom? It looks like the dog might be in command...
Through the dirt path and back to the roads. My pace is still just under the 10:00 per mile mark. Aw, screw it. I'll keep up my pace and finish strong. It IS a race, after all.
Mile 6: Yay, water station. I am so thirsty at this point. And sweaty. I'm sure my face is as red as a tomato. This has to be, without a doubt, the best aid station on the course. There is a lady standing in the middle of the street handing out cups and screaming her lungs out for the runners. You'd think this was the Chicago Marathon or something. Just when I started to get tired. This was exactly the kind of pick-me-up I needed.
Time for a goofy turnaround. As we are running, we can see runners alongside us that are THIS much closer to the finish line. I hate turnarounds like this. Reminds me too much of the Wisconsin Marathon.
Almost to the finish line. The girl in front of me is wearing an awesome tech t-shirt from the Rockford Marathon. It's red, NOT white. Hmm... I will have to investigate that race further. But there's probably hills. The western part of the state is pretty hilly. Nevermind, after Little Rock I'm totally not scared of hills.
Mile 6.2: I'm running alongside a middle-age woman and an old man. Who will I beat on my final kick??? I'm sprinting, but not totally all-out. I'll admit, I held back a little bit. Gotta have a little bit of energy for my vacation :)
I finish the race in 56:39, right on the heels of the old man and yards ahead of the woman. I feel great, energized, relaxed, ready to start my vacation. Now, someone point me in the direction of that watermelon...
1. It was in town, downtown Arlington Heights. I parked in the parking garage near the Metra station and walked about a half mile to the start line.
2. Packet pickup was so easy, at our local running store. (Plus they didn't give you junk in your packet- it was a simple manila envelope with your tshirt, race number, and a brochure for a race in Palatine.)
3. The tech t-shirts, complete with women's sizes (!!!), are one of the best I've gotten so far this year. Plus they're not white!!
4. The course was well-managed and we didn't have to dodge cars.
5. The finish line refreshments were far and away the best EVER! (They even trump the Wacker Drive 5K in 2002 where the post-race party was in the Renaissance Hotel ballroom.) They had water, Gatorade, walnuts, grapes, watermelon, oranges, apples, bananas, chocolate chip cookies, granola bars, Jamba Juice and tons more. It was awesome.
Now onto the race :)
Mile 1: I start off well. Good, easy training pace, maybe a little too fast for my goals. I am passing a good number of walkers though, which is annoying. But I'm sure the crowd will definitely thin out when the 5K and 10K split. But that's over a mile away. Ugh. I have never really been through this part of town before, even though I have lived in Arlington Heights for almost 2 years. Nice residential homes, and there are a lot of people outside cheering for us. I heart fans :)
Wow, mile 1 is already here! Good pace, but too fast for my goal of 10:00 per mile no faster. Oh well, time to slow down a bit heading into mile 2.
Mile 2: I'm glad I wore a short-sleeved shirt, even though it was a little chilly first thing this morning. I'm also glad that I wore a hat. It's starting to get steamy out here- not dreadfully hot, but kinda humid and sticky.
I'm still maintaining a good pace and keeping up with everyone else. We are now passing Prospect High School. I never remember where this place is. But when I was a sophomore in high school, I went to a Boys track meet there. I remember that it was rainy and cold, even though it was mid-May. We pass an aid station, and I am grateful for the ice-cold Gatorade. Mile 2 is just ahead, and I'm well under my goal pace. Need to slow down a bit...
Mile 3: ...which, I might add, is pretty impossible to do when the 5K runners are racing with you. They are nearly done with the race and are starting to speed up. So, in turn, I am speeding up to keep up with everyone else. I have been having a hard time with pace as of late. It's something that does not come naturally to me, and clearly needs to be worked on more in training.
Time for the split. 5K runners go left, towards the cheering fans and the finish line. Us crazy 10K runners go straight and have half the race left. Wow, there were a TON of people in the 5K. I feel like I'm running practically alone.
We're approaching the 3 mile mark, and I can see runners about 2 blocks ahead of us, near mile 4. Just a little zig zag away from the home stretch!
Mile 4: Lalala. I'm kind of getting bored right now. My playlist is boring. I now realized that I selected the wrong one this morning and am just noticing now. Way to go. I get some Gatorade at the aid station and walk for a minute. I'm still just under my goal pace, so I've earned a little walk time. Plus, after the race I'm leaving for Las Vegas. No need to expend all of my energy right this second!
We are on the north end of the zig zag now. I glance to my left and still see people on the course. Some wagglers, no doubt. Good for them. A 10K is not the easiest race to do.
Mile 5: Roads, houses, fans. Roads, houses, fans. Roads, houses, chute?! That's right, we're approaching a school, and the volunteer tells us to go single-file through the chute and onto the dirt path. Not bad. Gives my legs a little bit of a break. There's a little boy in front of me running the race with his dog. The question is, who's running with whom? It looks like the dog might be in command...
Through the dirt path and back to the roads. My pace is still just under the 10:00 per mile mark. Aw, screw it. I'll keep up my pace and finish strong. It IS a race, after all.
Mile 6: Yay, water station. I am so thirsty at this point. And sweaty. I'm sure my face is as red as a tomato. This has to be, without a doubt, the best aid station on the course. There is a lady standing in the middle of the street handing out cups and screaming her lungs out for the runners. You'd think this was the Chicago Marathon or something. Just when I started to get tired. This was exactly the kind of pick-me-up I needed.
Time for a goofy turnaround. As we are running, we can see runners alongside us that are THIS much closer to the finish line. I hate turnarounds like this. Reminds me too much of the Wisconsin Marathon.
Almost to the finish line. The girl in front of me is wearing an awesome tech t-shirt from the Rockford Marathon. It's red, NOT white. Hmm... I will have to investigate that race further. But there's probably hills. The western part of the state is pretty hilly. Nevermind, after Little Rock I'm totally not scared of hills.
Mile 6.2: I'm running alongside a middle-age woman and an old man. Who will I beat on my final kick??? I'm sprinting, but not totally all-out. I'll admit, I held back a little bit. Gotta have a little bit of energy for my vacation :)
I finish the race in 56:39, right on the heels of the old man and yards ahead of the woman. I feel great, energized, relaxed, ready to start my vacation. Now, someone point me in the direction of that watermelon...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Revised Race Calendar...
I just can't seem to make up my mind. And I keep adding new and interesting races. I'm might be exhausted come October, but it will definitely be worth it.
3.15.2009 - Little Rock Half Marathon - DONE!
4.25.2009 - Race to Wrigley 5K - DONE!
5.2.2009 - Wisconsin Half Marathon - DONE!
5.23.2009 - Soldier Field 10 Mile - DONE!
6.14.2009 - North Shore Half Marathon - DONE!
6.28.2009 - Race to Taste 5K - DONE!
7.5.2009 - Frontier Days Stampede Run 10K - DONE!
7.19.2009 - Fleet Feet Sports Women's Festival 10K
7.23.2009 - Terrapin 5K
8.2.2009 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon
9.7.2009 - Oak Brook Half Marathon
10.4.2009 - Bucktown 5K
10.11.2009 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon
11.1.2009 - Hot Chocolate 15K
11.26.2009 - Edison Park Turkey Trot
3.15.2009 - Little Rock Half Marathon - DONE!
4.25.2009 - Race to Wrigley 5K - DONE!
5.2.2009 - Wisconsin Half Marathon - DONE!
5.23.2009 - Soldier Field 10 Mile - DONE!
6.14.2009 - North Shore Half Marathon - DONE!
6.28.2009 - Race to Taste 5K - DONE!
7.5.2009 - Frontier Days Stampede Run 10K - DONE!
7.19.2009 - Fleet Feet Sports Women's Festival 10K
7.23.2009 - Terrapin 5K
8.2.2009 - Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon
9.7.2009 - Oak Brook Half Marathon
10.4.2009 - Bucktown 5K
10.11.2009 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon
11.1.2009 - Hot Chocolate 15K
11.26.2009 - Edison Park Turkey Trot
Race to Taste 5K, 6.28.2009
I know I've been slacking on some blog posts for awhile, so let's get caught up with my running adventures of the last few weeks.
After all of the nasty, cold, rainy weather we've had all summer so far, today was a welcome change. What a gorgeous day! Honestly, it was one of the most perfect race days all season. Low 70s, sunny, not humid, but kinda windy coming off the lake. Oh well. What else is new in Chicago?
Mile 1: Started the race in exactly the perfect place. The nice thing about this one is that they keep the 5K on the small side, plus the fact that we run the majority of the race on wide city streets and lakefront paths built to accomodate heavy traffic. There is no comparison in terms of ease of movement.
We start the race on Balbo towards Michigan Ave. On a downhill. Not too bad. We turn onto Roosevelt and there's a slight uphill. I remark to Jay (who is actually running the race with me) that this is the end of the marathon. Yes, with an incline. He looks at me like I'm nuts. Which I guess I am.
I'm running a pretty good pace. Soldier Field is to my left and the finish line is behind me. Is there anything better than that?! We get to the mile marker at 9:25. Pretty quick. I might want to take it easy for mile 2.
Mile 2: This course is remarkably similar to the Soldier Field 10 Mile. So I've run this part before, but it's not boring. I know that when I did this race years ago, the course took us through more of downtown. Come to think of it, I don't think the museum campus paths were even finished then. God I'm dating myself!
We pass an aid station right next to one of the Soldier Field parking lots, where we turn and head north. I still feel great and I'm making excellent time, so I don't feel the need to stop for water. After all, it's only a 5K. I'm running on the gravel part on the side of the path, and it's awesome. I feel like my legs are getting a little break from the pounding.
More than halfway done! We're on the east side of Soldier Field, and here comes Mile 2, 18:37.
Mile 3: It's so pretty out here, running next to the lake. The water is clear blue and there isn't a cloud in the sky. We pass Soldier Field, and wind around the museum paths. I love what the city did with this, making it a "campus," making it beautiful and accessible to all. I feel lucky to live in a city so nice.
Funny Story: So we're turning the corner in front of the Field Museum, heading back towards Grant Park. There is a recreational runner, not part of the race, on the left side of the path. He's running towards us, but running on the retention wall next to the museum's lawn. All of a sudden, he tried to jump the stair path and get to the wall on the other side but misses, falls off the wall and face plants on the ground. It was hilarious. I shouldn't laugh. But he was trying to hot dog it and he got burned. Serves him right. :)
We're now nearing the end of the race, and running on paths in Grant Park that go underneath the road. I remember walking these paths the year I had to take the loser bus back to the start line of the Chicago Marathon. Not a good memory. I quicken my pace.
Onto Lake Shore Drive we go! I can see the stoplight at Balbo and know that the finish line is not far. Jay has been ahead of me since Mile 1, but I'm closing the gap. I just want to cross the finish line with him. I already beat him at the Race to Wrigley 5K earlier in the year.
Mile 3.1: Around the corner and down the road to the finish line we go! I extend my stride and decide not to sprint. I just don't feel like it today. I end up finishing just a hair behind Jay, in 27:14. My 2009 5K mark is getting smaller...
After all of the nasty, cold, rainy weather we've had all summer so far, today was a welcome change. What a gorgeous day! Honestly, it was one of the most perfect race days all season. Low 70s, sunny, not humid, but kinda windy coming off the lake. Oh well. What else is new in Chicago?
Mile 1: Started the race in exactly the perfect place. The nice thing about this one is that they keep the 5K on the small side, plus the fact that we run the majority of the race on wide city streets and lakefront paths built to accomodate heavy traffic. There is no comparison in terms of ease of movement.
We start the race on Balbo towards Michigan Ave. On a downhill. Not too bad. We turn onto Roosevelt and there's a slight uphill. I remark to Jay (who is actually running the race with me) that this is the end of the marathon. Yes, with an incline. He looks at me like I'm nuts. Which I guess I am.
I'm running a pretty good pace. Soldier Field is to my left and the finish line is behind me. Is there anything better than that?! We get to the mile marker at 9:25. Pretty quick. I might want to take it easy for mile 2.
Mile 2: This course is remarkably similar to the Soldier Field 10 Mile. So I've run this part before, but it's not boring. I know that when I did this race years ago, the course took us through more of downtown. Come to think of it, I don't think the museum campus paths were even finished then. God I'm dating myself!
We pass an aid station right next to one of the Soldier Field parking lots, where we turn and head north. I still feel great and I'm making excellent time, so I don't feel the need to stop for water. After all, it's only a 5K. I'm running on the gravel part on the side of the path, and it's awesome. I feel like my legs are getting a little break from the pounding.
More than halfway done! We're on the east side of Soldier Field, and here comes Mile 2, 18:37.
Mile 3: It's so pretty out here, running next to the lake. The water is clear blue and there isn't a cloud in the sky. We pass Soldier Field, and wind around the museum paths. I love what the city did with this, making it a "campus," making it beautiful and accessible to all. I feel lucky to live in a city so nice.
Funny Story: So we're turning the corner in front of the Field Museum, heading back towards Grant Park. There is a recreational runner, not part of the race, on the left side of the path. He's running towards us, but running on the retention wall next to the museum's lawn. All of a sudden, he tried to jump the stair path and get to the wall on the other side but misses, falls off the wall and face plants on the ground. It was hilarious. I shouldn't laugh. But he was trying to hot dog it and he got burned. Serves him right. :)
We're now nearing the end of the race, and running on paths in Grant Park that go underneath the road. I remember walking these paths the year I had to take the loser bus back to the start line of the Chicago Marathon. Not a good memory. I quicken my pace.
Onto Lake Shore Drive we go! I can see the stoplight at Balbo and know that the finish line is not far. Jay has been ahead of me since Mile 1, but I'm closing the gap. I just want to cross the finish line with him. I already beat him at the Race to Wrigley 5K earlier in the year.
Mile 3.1: Around the corner and down the road to the finish line we go! I extend my stride and decide not to sprint. I just don't feel like it today. I end up finishing just a hair behind Jay, in 27:14. My 2009 5K mark is getting smaller...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Goals and Such...
1. To finish - DONE!
2. To take water at every aid station (I may have to bring my own sports drink- they are serving HEED, gross) - DONE! I was even brave and took some HEED at the beginning and end of the race!
3. To run some more negative splits - :(
4. To not stop at all, except for during the aid stations - :(
5. To run, NOT WALK, up the big Park Avenue Hill (I can do it... I might hurt a lot on Monday, but it will have been worth it) - DONE!
6. To run negative splits - I attend the Redundant School of Redundancy
7. To run a PR - DONE!
8. To break 2 hours! (Yep, it's still a goal) - :( But I'm chipping away at the time. Slow and steady wins the race, my friends.
2. To take water at every aid station (I may have to bring my own sports drink- they are serving HEED, gross) - DONE! I was even brave and took some HEED at the beginning and end of the race!
3. To run some more negative splits - :(
4. To not stop at all, except for during the aid stations - :(
5. To run, NOT WALK, up the big Park Avenue Hill (I can do it... I might hurt a lot on Monday, but it will have been worth it) - DONE!
6. To run negative splits - I attend the Redundant School of Redundancy
7. To run a PR - DONE!
8. To break 2 hours! (Yep, it's still a goal) - :( But I'm chipping away at the time. Slow and steady wins the race, my friends.
Another PR... but was it REALLY a PR?
Another weekend passes, and with it, another race run. While I set a PR in this race of 2:08:52, I left feeling like I didn't give it everything and that it wasn't the best race I've run all year so far. I had a lot of gas left in the tank, and as I sprinted around the track, I felt like I could have done so much more. Like gone under 2:05. So I was kind of disappointed.
But on the other hand, I should be happy that I set a PR and wasn't tired at the end. That means that my conditioning is improving, and I am able to run these half marathons with little effort. Which SHOULD translate into a favorable result for the Big Race in October. Like actually making it past the halfway point and putting myself in a position to finish. So I guess it wasn't a totally wasted effort.
We couldn't have asked for a better day. The temps were warm, the breeze was light, and there was sunshine everywhere. I wore a light long-sleeved shirt, and regretted it around mile 7, when I had to take it off and wrap it around my waist.
Mile 1: Started out in a good position, despite the fact that there was no organization in the start corral whatsoever, AND the race didn't start on time. Oh well, what can you do. I've been training for the whole year at my own pace, why should that change now?
I'm glad that I wore my long-sleeved shirt, as there is a light breeze coming off the lake and my arms are a little chilly. We're running through a residential neighborhood. I don't remember there being that many cars on the street last year... a repeat of the Bucktown 5K, perhaps?
Now we're crossing Deerfield Road. I am always amazed at the amount of people stopped by the traffice who are so angry and yelling at the cops. The Village of Highland Park does a really great job in putting all the traffic closures on notice way, way, way in advance. I chuckle at these people as I pass. Wow, the mile marker already!
Mile 2: I'm running pretty good so far, a little bit faster than my target pace, but I should be ok.
I get to the aid station and there's HEED again. Hmm. Well, I'm going to try and get it down, otherwise I might lose too many electrolytes and pass out somewhere near the end. I take a sip, and it's still gross. Time for the old "medicine" method... I plug my nose and chug the HEED down. Much better. I got it down and didn't really have to taste it. Yuck.
Mile 3: Yay trail time! I think this might be one of the reasons why I love this race so much. We get to run on the bike trail that borders the Metra tracks and will eventually take us past Ravinia.
The one thing I do not like about the trail is that due to all of the rain we've had this spring (most rain in 89 years in the Chicagoland area), the trail is mud. I'm probably making the people running behind my a little bit mad, since I keep changing direction to avoid the mud holes. The last thing I want is to be covered in mud for the remaining 10+ miles of the race. I go to the right of a particularly scary-looking mud puddle, slip, and almost face-plant. Thank God for the "almost." I am definitely going to slow down a bit for the rest of the trails.
Mile 4: Still running on the trails. It's nice and cool in here. Another thing I like about this race is that they keep it small. Otherwise, running down this path would be a little too crowded.
We're approaching the festival grounds and another aid station. I think I'm going to skip the HEED this time around. I'll have to have water for awhile instead.
Ahhh Ravinia. Such a nice place. My mind wanders and I remember going to concerts here when I was a kid. And once when I was in college. I'm thinking with all the rain, the lawn seats are probably not the best idea. Hopefully the rain holds off when I go to Ravinia in August to see Carrie Underwood.
Mile 5, 6, 7: These miles honestly passed by in such a blur. Pretty houses to look at, a stone's throw from Lake Michigan. You can almost smell the lake from here. We're running down winding roads, and now the hills are coming. But they're rolling hills, and we are getting some downhills. And trust me, after Little Rock, I can handle any kind of hill thrown at me.
There aren't really a lot of people outside cheering the runners, compared to past years. Maybe the time change screwed them up? But it's ok, I have my ipod for company.
Someone's Garmin is beeping every 100 yards or so. Most annoying noise ever. I'm either going to slow down or speed up. Either way I have to lose this person before I lose my mind.
I am still running under my pace. In fact, I crossed the Mile 6 marker well under 60 minutes. Can I sustain this pace and achieve negative splits? Only time will tell.
Mile 8: Maybe I won't be able to run negative splits. I am getting tired. It's getting hotter outside, so I take off my long-sleeved shirt and wrap it around my waist. Not my favorite way to go, but desparate times and such. I am sweating around my elbows. So gross.
Now we're getting into the HUGE house territory. There are also Jewish temples here and there. I see a GORGEOUS Spanish-style home right on the lake. I kinda want to live there; it's absolutely stunning.
I also could really use a bathroom. I haven't seen any toilets aside from the start line. I look ahead and see a lady emerge from the bushes next to the forest. She must not have found one either.
Mile 9: Hardest part of the race. Here comes the wicked downhill. I am conscious of the fact that when I FLEW down the downhills in Little Rock, my quads were like rocks and I could barely walk the next day. I am taking small steps and working hard on maintaining my pace even though gravity is taking me for a ride.
We get to the bottom of the hill, and yes! A toilet! I have never been so happy to see one during a race! Not only will I feel better when I emerge, but it will give me a little break before challenging the *famous* Park Avenue Hill.
One of my race goals was to run this entire hill. And I'm doing it. Small, quick steps, and up I go. Damn this hill is long. Where is the top again?! I am determined to finish it. I can now see the top, and I'm swinging my arms to propel my up. I stick my tongue out, Michael Jordan style. All the champions do it.
And then... done! I'm a little winded, but I actually ran up the whole thing. I am awesome.
Mile 10: More winding roads, more huge houses. Still feeling good, still running a good pace. Just a little over a 5K to go. I can do this.
I approach another aid station. Hardly anyone is taking HEED. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks it sucks. The girl handing out water says, "Yeah I heard it's pretty bad." You have no idea...
I can see the lake again! And a park! And... clowns! Yikes! There is nothing more terrifying than a clown. I practically sprint to the other side of the street. No I do not want a balloon hat. I just want to get the hell away from here!
Mile 11: Ok, at this point, I'm pretty sure that my negative split idea went totally out the window. I am not feeling so good. My tummy aches. My legs fell like lead (damn hill). I'm hot. I really just want to be done. The important part is to keep my head together and not have a meltdown. I'm trying very, very hard to do this. I can do it.
I stop and walk for the first time all day, cursing myself, but knowing that I do need a little break and will reap the benefits with a strong finish.
We're up to Highland Park High School now, and I know that we're nearing the end.
Mile 12: Just after the high school there's a busy road. And at this road are 2 ways of traffic. And in front of the traffic are 2 cops. And running through it all are myself and 3 others. The cops clap for us as we approach. The motorists yell. The cop yells back. Curses them out, actually. We cheer.
We pass the Highland Park Hospital. I hope I don't end up THERE...
Almost through with the race. Honestly, I can't wait to be done. I'm starting to lose everything- form, sweat, motivation, my breakfast. I hope that I will be able to hang on and still get a PR.
Mile 13: Only 1+ miles to go! I am so excited! I take another quick walk break at the mile marker, and then again a little further on. I've fallen off my pace a little bit, but I think I can still salvage a 2:10 today. But we'll see. I'm not feeling so good.
We go through the hole in the fence (literally) and onto the athletic fields where we started. The grass beneath my feet is a welcome change from the hard roads and the hills. I am picking up speed at this point, knowing that it's almost through. I can see the finish line from here!
Mile 13.1: On the track now, it's just like a meet back in high school. I sprint to the finish as they call my name over the PR system. I believe the announcer comments on my "burst of speed." I cross the line in 2:08:52. Another PR. Apparently.
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