Next Stop: Chicago!

Finally I am doing a race in Chicago! This coming Saturday, May 23rd, I will be running in the Soldier Field 10-Mile. Since I am a self-proclaimed Gimmick Addict, this race is perfect. All finishers in the 10 mile get to finish on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field! Totally awesome. As someone who has only had the privilege of sitting in the nosebleeds, this is definitely going to be one for the books. I can't wait.

I'm not really going to race this one. In my natural progression to train for the North Shore Half, I am supposed to be doing a 10 miler over the weekend. I need to treat this like a training run, starting out slow. Basically I am looking to eliminate the mistakes that made me uncomfortable by mile 9 of the Wisconsin Marathon. Maybe I'll run the last 2 miles or so kind of fast... actually, I think that is inevitable, as we'll be able to see Soldier Field looming in the distance for pretty much half of the race. And, as always, I will finish strong.

Interesting fact: The course takes us on the lakefront paths south of Soldier Field. At 47th and Lake Shore Drive, my high school cross country conference had its championships there each year. I know that part of the course better than I know some of the trails by my house. I am too excited for that. :)

So how's the Chicago Marathon preparation going? So far, so good. I've almost finished reading Hal Higdon's latest edition of "Marathon," and I've picked up a lot of good tips to help me through the summer. I particularly like his chapter on August Injuries, since one nearly did me in back in 2003. I've also got "Marathoning for Mortals" on the shelf- I'll pick that one up as soon as I'm done with Hal's.

I've decided that slacking on training is not acceptable. I'm taking this race very seriously. I'm thinking about changing my diet, but I'm usually not very good at that one. It should be a goal.

Chicago Marathon Training Goals:
1. To complete 90% of all Saturday long runs. I think this is a realistic percentage, factoring in weather, illness, injury, races, and rest.
2. To eat more fruits, vegetables, and GOOD carbs.
3. Ab work for toning and to prevent lower back soreness, twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My ab workout incorporates crunches with some Pilates moves.
4. NO MORE BEER! (Except after running half marathons. At any other time, beer is my kryptonite.)
5. Above all, I have to make the commitment. No excuses. If I want this bad enough (and I do), I will set my mind on it. Remaining focused and motivated is certainly a challenge, but one I am fully prepared to meet head-on.