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!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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!
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