Overall a decent run today. Another 5 miles was on the schedule. I did an easy 5 1/4 mile with 1/2 mile cool down walk. I didn't even bother with the watch today. Just me, my ipod, and running shoes. And it was another beautiful day in the city. Had a close call on the running path. I wasn't paying attention, looking up ahead thinking about who knows what and I nearly tripped/twisted my ankle over a small piece of a broken tree. It woke me out of my running trance to remind me to be in the moment. Funny how most insignificant daily happenings have a larger effect on me.
Tonight I am headed out for dinner with my friend Jami. Yes, I have a friend with the same name and yes we very similar personalities. Weird I know. Plus, people who meet us together for the first time always think were messing with them. We are going to new bar - Fat Cat - in my hood. It has upscale bar food and a retro theme. I'm looking forward to a cold beer, good food, and good conversation with a friend I hardly see! Even though she is a non-runner she asks questions and lets me vent and talk about all things marathon. It is very nice of her and I am sure Jacob appreciates it! Plus, she is turning down a sort of family obligation to support me on race morning - so sweet! I am going to need all the help I can get.
Tomorrow is a rest day then Saturday morning is my second 20 mile run. I am getting knots in my stomach just thinking about it.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
best 5 mile run EVER
Holy crap what an awesome run for me today! Could it be the weather? I'm sure it had something to do with it. In the 60's just absolutely perfect running weather after the sweltering heat. Or maybe it was my new lighter haircut. I swear I lose 5 lbs everytime my hair gets thinned out. YES, my hair is so thick and unruly I have to thin it out every time I go. Otherwise I look like something between a shaggy dog and a lion's mane. It's not cute trust me.
It took me awhile to physically get my butt out the door but once I did everything felt right. I had a 5 miles to run today, 3 at 5k pace. I actually ended up doing over 5 b/c I had to go the grocery store which is further north... The run ended up looking like this and I'm now wondering if maybe the lakefront path mile markers aren't measured properly!
mile 1 - Not sure b/c they blocked my original entrance for construction so I had to do some manuvering. Once I got to the mile 1 mile marker my watch said 10:25. Thinking my run took me a bit over 1 mile
mile 2 - 7:56 (WHAT?!? I never run this fast)
mile 3 - 8:00 (Crap, I'm actually going too fast but it feels comfortable so I'll roll with it)
mile 4 - 7:58 (Again?!? Dang I rock)
mile 5 - 8:30 (That's more like it)
last 1/2 cool down run.
So yeah, I'm pretty happy right now - hang on - doing the happy dance right now!!!
It took me awhile to physically get my butt out the door but once I did everything felt right. I had a 5 miles to run today, 3 at 5k pace. I actually ended up doing over 5 b/c I had to go the grocery store which is further north... The run ended up looking like this and I'm now wondering if maybe the lakefront path mile markers aren't measured properly!
mile 1 - Not sure b/c they blocked my original entrance for construction so I had to do some manuvering. Once I got to the mile 1 mile marker my watch said 10:25. Thinking my run took me a bit over 1 mile
mile 2 - 7:56 (WHAT?!? I never run this fast)
mile 3 - 8:00 (Crap, I'm actually going too fast but it feels comfortable so I'll roll with it)
mile 4 - 7:58 (Again?!? Dang I rock)
mile 5 - 8:30 (That's more like it)
last 1/2 cool down run.
So yeah, I'm pretty happy right now - hang on - doing the happy dance right now!!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Lou Malnati's I luv you
Ohhhhhhhh....I am so full....why do I do this to myself?!? I love food that's why. And I haven't had Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza in such a long time! I rationalize it being okay for me because I get the "lou" which has spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. But then there's the ooey, gooey, cheese and the delicious buttery crust... And I almost forgot the dessert which is always good but never good for me. I love food. And beer. and more food. Good thing I run...
I thought this training for my first marathon might motivate me to eat healthier so I could lose weight. Not so folks, not so. I am prime example that exercise isn't enough. Calories in exceeds calories out on more days than it should out of the week. I'm not really sure why I tried to convince myself this time would be different from the half marathons I ran.
For all of you looking for a good place to eat after the marathon - Lou Malnati's is where it's at! It isn't the Chicago style stuffed/sauce on top but it is pretty damn good.
Oh yeah and I ran 5 miles this morning. Nothing eventful to report. I was tired and on a treadmill. And yes I know 5 miles doesn't even put a dent in what I just ate. But I don't care b/c I love food way too much :)
Monday, September 10, 2007
One thing after another
Today was just not a good day...In trying to help Maggie finagle something from behind the office door I nailed my forehead on the corner of a shelf on the wall. Not exactly sure how I did that but it hurt like hell. Now I can't look up or scrunch my forehead (which I tend to do a lot) without out shooting pain. Never mind the headache that won't go away.
Next, I had documents to ship priority mail on the way to the airport. But the post office decided to change the size of the package they accept in the parcel bins. I am so use to running in, using the automatic station which takes all of 3 minutes, dropping the large envelope, and going. As quick and painless as possible. Not so...no more packages accepted in the bins over 13 ounces due to security concerns. What?! Why Now?! So I had to wait in line...yeah that trip took longer than expected which in turn made me leave late for the airport.
Thirdly, Chicago traffic in the rain plus construction. Need I say more.
Finally, this morning a nice lady from United called saying that my flight was "on time but in an over sell situation so we are asking people to take the later flight with a confirmed upgrade, no cost to you". I thought why not, what's an hour or so later leaving. I don't want to go anyways. Bad idea. United made me use 2 of my precious upgrades and when I complained said there was nothing they could do. PLUS due to the rain that started immediately following the flight I was originally booked my new flight took off 2 hours late. I am finally in the hotel about 5 hours after I expected and I can't sleep. And I need to wake up in 6 hours to get my 5 mile run done. blah.
On the upside the Cubs beat the Cardinals 12-3. Go Cubs Go!
Next, I had documents to ship priority mail on the way to the airport. But the post office decided to change the size of the package they accept in the parcel bins. I am so use to running in, using the automatic station which takes all of 3 minutes, dropping the large envelope, and going. As quick and painless as possible. Not so...no more packages accepted in the bins over 13 ounces due to security concerns. What?! Why Now?! So I had to wait in line...yeah that trip took longer than expected which in turn made me leave late for the airport.
Thirdly, Chicago traffic in the rain plus construction. Need I say more.
Finally, this morning a nice lady from United called saying that my flight was "on time but in an over sell situation so we are asking people to take the later flight with a confirmed upgrade, no cost to you". I thought why not, what's an hour or so later leaving. I don't want to go anyways. Bad idea. United made me use 2 of my precious upgrades and when I complained said there was nothing they could do. PLUS due to the rain that started immediately following the flight I was originally booked my new flight took off 2 hours late. I am finally in the hotel about 5 hours after I expected and I can't sleep. And I need to wake up in 6 hours to get my 5 mile run done. blah.
On the upside the Cubs beat the Cardinals 12-3. Go Cubs Go!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Lung Run 5k
The alarm went off at 6:31 am for my run of 12 miles today. I finally made it out the door around 7:05 am. My legs weren't really having the early morning run this morning. It took about 8-10 min for them to catch up with the rest of my body. After that I felt good. The weather was gorgeous; it was clear and in the 60's this morning. It warmed up to the mid 70's by the time I got back home. If only it could be like this year round! I ran into a headwind around mile 4.5 but luckily was turning around for the tailwind in 1.5 miles. Then at mile 9 I ran into the Lung Run 5k so I decided to stop and sign up - why not something different to throw into the training mix. I had about 20 minutes to register and check my gear and then I was off. The race went well! Even after 9 miles of running I ran the 5k in about 25:40. It wasn't a chip timed so I was going off my watch (no garmin yet just a timex) and the course clock. I didn't know anyone there and no one was meeting me so I grabbed my gear after finishing and walked the rest of the way home. The walk ended up taking me about an hour. Yeah, I should have taken the cell to call J to pick my butt up. So after leaving my house at 7am or so I returned about 3 1/2 hours later. But it was quite a productive morning! Now I'm starving and need to find lunch!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Best Intentions
Today I meant to run, really I did. The greatest intentions somehow have a way of changing. And getting in the way of my good intentions was very busy / catch-up work day that kept me inside until the storm came through. Instead I did some cross training that included the elliptical, treadmill, and weights. I am finding it difficult to get my weight training in while training for the marathon. Not that I am some huge weight lifter - quite the opposite. BTS (before training started) I would lift weights twice a week. Now I'm lucky if I get it done once a week... and I have really been skimping on the leg weights and that's where I need it most b/c of my bum knee and foot from playing sports year round until high school. I'm not going to beat myself up about it I just wish I could figure out a better way to train. So 45 minutes at the gym not too bad. I would have liked to spend a little more time but J had to get home to get ready for steak night with the boys. I have to get ready for a night of catching up on the DVR with the cat :) (I think Maggie is really looking forward to it!)
"Shorter" run of 12 miles tomorrow. I may run 9 and then sign up for a 5k that will be happening on the running path. J thinks it's silly to do when training. I think it would be fun and a change. It's for a good cause (lung cancer) and I haven't run an organized race since April when I did the Run to Wrigley. We'll see how I'm feeling tomorrow.
"Shorter" run of 12 miles tomorrow. I may run 9 and then sign up for a 5k that will be happening on the running path. J thinks it's silly to do when training. I think it would be fun and a change. It's for a good cause (lung cancer) and I haven't run an organized race since April when I did the Run to Wrigley. We'll see how I'm feeling tomorrow.
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