Running????

Yep, go ahead and ask, "are you doing it?" Nope. Well, not really. I ran 3 miles outside Tuesday morning. I did this figuring I'd get an outside run in before the sweltering heat set in. It was hot Wednesday, but not sweltering (insert 8 zillion excuses here as to why I did nothing on Wednesday). And today, it was really nice. Of course, there will be no running today either.

Between Dave's work schedule, my work and football practice, there's barely time to eat. I should be getting ready to hit the treadmill. What did I do instead, you ask? Ate McDonalds after football practice, checked email and am waiting for B to get out of the shower so we can finish off the Portillo's chocolate cake (this is Dave's fault, he bought it, can't let it go to waste!!)

I will run tomorrow, not sure how far, but it will happen. I'm still not sure what the weekend holds, but if the sweltering heat hits then, I'll be hitting the treadmill. This will not be fun, but necessary. Be sure to check back to find out how THAT goes!

12er

12 miles today. I'm not sure why 12 seems so much harder than the 10 a couple weeks ago, but it did. Here's a summary of how it went:

Miles 0-2: Feelin' good. No traffic on the street I run on and a decent pace. I stop at mile 2, turn off the GPS, stretch & drink water.

Miles 2-4: Still good, I pass 4 other runners and 1 walker. Everyone waves, I'm guessing because we're all still in a good mood and don't want to die yet.

Miles 4-5: Another short break at 4. Part of this leg is uphill on the side of a busy road. I stopped for a few seconds a couple times, but the run is still going well.

Mile 5 (up to 6, the halfway point): Who the heck knew Libertyville was so hilly? I've driven the damn road a zillion times, why did I never notice? Uphill sucks. I forget to turn the GPS on again at one point, but I didn't go too far before I figured that out, so whatever. And, I realize the OTHER side of the street is shadier. I cross. I have to run PAST the gas station to get to 6 miles, then come back before I can stop for a bit. The mileage when I stop is 6.13. Oh, and I have a blister. Yipee. However, 6.13 miles in 1 hr, 8 minutes.

I hang out at the gas station - restroom break, refill the water bottle & buy bandaids. I sit outside for awhile, take a GU and rebandage my blister. For those of you who aren't familiar with GU, it's a small packet of just that, goo..sort of a honey consistency. You rip off the top of the package and suck it out & down with water. It comes in various flavors, but I like vanilla and chocolate. The fruity ones make me gag. It gives you energy for the long haul.

Miles 6 - 7.5: Not so bad since the hell hills are on the way out, the way back isn't so horrible. I stop around 7.5 to toss the water bottle, and will defer to the Gatorade in my hydration belt for the rest of the run. I should note, I hate running while holding the damn water bottle, but when it's warm, it's nice to have it to dump over my head.

Miles 7.5 - 9.56: Mostly downhill, but I'm tired and my legs are getting heavy. I stop at mile 9 and figure I'll walk for 1/2 mile. Normally, when I stop running, I turn off the GPS. I kept it on this time, so I know how far I'm walking. I actually stop running at mile 9.06, and figure I'll walk until 9.56. When the GPS hits 9.56, I start running again.

Miles 9.56 - 10: Yes, not quite a half mile, but I stopped at 10 because the next 2 are the final stretch. I stretch my legs a bit and keep going.

Miles 10 - 11: I take a detour through a neighborhood. I do this because if I can tack on a half mile or so of flat running through said neighborhood, I can (hopefully) finish before the damn hill at the very end. I am also hoping maybe I can find a sprinkler to wet my hat again. Not so. Doesn't anyone water their lawn or wash their cars on a lovely Sunday morning? Isn't this suburbia? I walk for maybe .3 of this mile, but leave the GPS on.

The last mile felt good and horrible at the same time. I walked again for maybe .3 of that mile and that was up the hill. The good news is I finished before my starting point, so I was able to walk for a bit. Total running time, 2 hrs, 20 minutes. Yahoo!

I got home & was tired and hungry, but felt good and was thrilled that the 12 miles were behind me. The GPS I wear on my wrist keeps up to 2 yrs of data. Last years long runs were a good 1.5 - 2.4 minutes per mile slower. I'm all about not getting caught up in the numbers, but I am also happy to see I've made progress! So, yah for me!

GOAL!!!!!

I've reached my American Cancer Society fundraising goal! I think I'm around $1030 today ($850 was the goal). So, THANK YOU to everyone who donated, it means the world to me & my fellow ACS runners.

Everyone should come out on marathon day to watch. Its such a great time, and so inspiring!

Again, thanks to everyone for their support!

Nutrition

Now, I realize eating right equals better performance. I also realize I only ran 3 miles today. However, considering what I've eaten since last night, that might explain the sluggishness.

My intake consisted of a half hot dog, because I got up to answer the phone & my dog ate the other half, a handful of Sun Chips and an ice cream sandwich - all last night. This morning was coffe, half a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat & a banana. That wasn't so bad. At work, maybe a few handfuls of popcorn.

I eat that, get home at noon and expect to run, or do anything, well? Nope. So, 3 miles in about 32:30, which isn't bad either, but it felt like forever.

Anyway, I'm done and can now sit and do nothing!

11:41 PM

Yep, that's what time it is now. And I just finished 7 miles. On the treadmill. It wasn't pretty, but its done.

I decided to do this for a few reasons:
1. I'm much more of a night person. Unfortunately, the lack of decent streetlights and sidewalks around here doesn't really lend itself to nighttime running.
2. Everything was all warmed up from moving around all day, so no need for a big warm-up.
3. Iffy weather on Sunday. Possible storms & humidity.
4. Now, when I get up tomorrow morning, I can drink coffee & watch the news instead of fretting over when said run would take place.

I realize running on the treadmill will likely happen again during marathon training, but I think I'll try to keep it to runs under 5 miles.

Back to the sidewalk thing. I grew up on the northwest side of Chicago. There were sidewalks on both sides of the street, everywhere. It's not like that in the 'burbs, and it makes me crazy, because it really messes with my running routes (as well as walking & bicycle riding routes). Add to that the lack of decent streetlights. Sure, they're around, but not well-placed. Maybe this is part of the suburban charm, you know, being less like the city, but given the suburban sprawl, it really doesn't make any sense.

Okay, now its 12:02. I'm going to stretch, shower and go to bed. Sweet dreams!

Thanks..

to everyone who has donated to my ACS fundraiser! Currently, I'm at $730, and the goal is $850. I'd love to raise more, but I truly appreciate everyone who has supported me through this - in every way.

It means alot to me, and I will be thinking of all of you & all our loved ones affected by cancer, during the run.

I've volunteered for the Chicago Distance Classic half marathon for August 10th, to help out at an aid station on behalf of the ACS, so that should be fun. A very early day, but fun nonetheless. It'll be nice to support my fellow ACS crew that day.

I haven't run much this week, and I have no good reason - maybe it was the ridiculously hot weather or maybe I was just lazy. Tomorrow, I'm definitely doing the 7 scheduled for this weekend. I'll get back in the swing next week, so stay tuned!

The Baby Borrowers

Is this the best show on TV or what?? If you haven't seen it, it's several teenage couples who think they are ready for kids. Each couple gets a baby, then a toddler, preteen, teenager and elderly person - not all at the same time, but in 3 day stints.

The parents are nearby watching everything and can intervene if they think it's necessary. There is also a professional nanny in each house, watching just in case, but it's the couples responsibility to take care of the children.

If this isn't the best form of birth control, I don't know what is.

Watching these couples try and handle a toddler is priceless. This show should be shown in high schools around the country.

Another Random Thoughts Post

I did run 3 miles this morning, but this has nothing to do with that.

1. The Marine who killed his Army wife...at what point in ones relationship does that become a way out? And why the hell didn't someone slap him around and tell him it's a really bad idea. Same with the psycho guy who stabbed his wife in the hotel parking lot a week or so ago. My god, if she doesn't want to be with you, deal with it and move on, or take yourself out. Let her be....

2. Have you seen Kerry Wood from the Cubs lately? He has that too-skinny-Hollywood look going. I've never thought he was exceptionally attractive, but he just looks bad.

3. Brad & Angelina - I don't care what Brad said in the delivery room, I don't care what Angelina said. I don't care what the kids names are and I don't care who gets the damn pictures. Take the zillion dollars some magazine is going to pay and use it for something worthwhile.

Okay, I've vented. I feel better.

TEN!

This weeks long run was 10 miles. I got up around 7, it was really nice out - low humidity, breezy and a decent temp. I ran a new route today, and it went really well. 10 miles in 1 hr, 52 minutes, 42 seconds.

This is good for various reasons. First, I completed the run and didn't want to die. That's always a huge plus. Second, last year after the plantar faciitis bout, my first long training run was 10 miles. I ran it with one of the running clubs in the area, and it was ugly. The first 5 were okay, but I basically walked the last half. And, that same day, I was going for bridesmaid dresses for my sisters wedding. I had to come home, shower, drop B off at a friends and head out. I wanted to die. I was tired and everything hurt - my knees, my feet and my legs.

Fast forward a month or so later. I'm running longer training runs and feeling good. This is progress.

During the run today, my route had 1 traffic light. My old route has alot more, which gives me more chances to stop. Today, my goal was to run 2 miles, stop for a few, and keep going. That's pretty much how it went. I stopped at a gas station at mile 5.33 for Gu and took a longer break there. The last 2 miles were hard - it was windy and partially uphill, but I stayed at a consistent pace throughout the run and was happy with the results.

I iced my knees when I got home, but I feel really good. The other good news is my pace. I'm a firm believer of not getting caught up in the numbers. Today's pace was 11:16ish. Last year, my long runs were 13:00 and over. I still won't get caught up in the numbers game, but my 11:16ish pace today blows away my long run pace last year, and that sign of progress makes me very happy.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Go Cubbies!

We went to the Cubs game today. It was B's first trip to Wrigley and his first train ride. He loved the train. We get to Wrigley, he's all excited. Our seats were in the upper deck, so we had to walk up the ramp. B was having none of that. None at all. He didn't want to be that high up - he cried, he protested and we almost left. We tried to bribe him with everything we could think of...after a very long time & a hot pretzel (he later declared part of his crying was due the absence of said pretzel. Mmmhmm, sure it was), he decided he was ready. We got to our seats, and he then decided that it wasn't so bad afterall and he had nothing to worry about.

Yes, it was the very game where the Cubs blew a 7 point lead and ended up tied in the bottom of the 9th. We left, mostly to catch the train before the crowds. They did end up winning, but come on, they blew a SEVEN point lead. The good news is B's first trip to Wrigley ended in a win, and he thought that was very cool. It bears mentioning that it was visor day at Wrigley, we don't regularly walk around in matching Cubs visors...

Being at Wrigley was great, it was a beautiful day. However, to me, baseball has always been 4 innings too long. Most baseball games are moments of exhilaration, followed by periods of boredom. I did have a great time, but give me a football game over a baseball game anyday!!!

Here we are:

My New Idol

Have you seen the 41 yr old mother who made the US Olympic team for swimming? Amazing. While I realize she has an entire posse for her training, she's still 41. She looks awesome and managed to kick some serious butt at the trials.

So cool.

Sittin' Around

Tonight I'm doing nothing. Nada. And really happy about that.

Ran 4 miles last night. I had planned on 5, but it was late and well, I just didn't want to eek out another mile. So, 4 at about a 10:27 pace.

Looks like tomorrow will be 3 miles on the treadmill, since its supposed to be hot and gross, but I think I can handle 3 miles on the tread.

Saw another crazy runner jogging in place this morning. Except it almost appeared she was sprinting in place, which frankly, was hilarious. And she kept checking her watch. Really? The light is what, 2 minutes long?? I'll never stop finding that funny...

Complete Mindlessness

No workout today, I'll get back to that tomorrow.

I'm watching The Bachlorette. I love this show, much more than The Bachelor. This is because it's way more fun to watch a bunch of guys fall over some chick than watch a bunch of crazy women fall all over some guy.

Additionally, I love cheesy reality tv. Not all of it, stuff like The Bachlorette, Real Housewives of Orange County, Workout, Keeping Up With the Kardashian's, The Girls Next Door and even less cheesy stuff like Deadliest Catch. I think it's because I'm really nosey & just love knowing how other people live (if you can call it that!!)

Back to The Bachlorette....psycho stalker Jeremy shows up AGAIN. Get over it, she clearly can see the crazy side of you. Heaven knows we all can. She tells him she has enough respect for him to not lead him on. Then FINALLY tells him she's not in love with him. Dude, do you realize how pathetic you look on national tv? Enough of the deep crap. Granted, she's all weepy & stuff. What I'd really love is for the camera to cut to her making the crazy sign next to her head, but that would kill the moment.

Crazy Jeremy has been dumped again. And he just can't understand why.....(insert sobs here).....Gotta love this stuff!!

A Third of the Way

Well, so to speak & if you round up. 9 miles today, about 11 min per mile, which is about a third of the marathon. Actually, the Garmin only read 8.70, but that's because for some reason, it didn't feel the need to count the first .30 miles. So, I reset it started it over. Damn technology.

I was up early, around 6:40, due to the impending heat & humidity. It was nicer out that I expected, so that was a huge plus. As much as I hate getting up early, I really do like running at that time of day, especially on the weekends. There is very little traffic & not many people out. I pass the occasional fellow runners and maybe a bike rider or two, but that's pretty much it.

I walked a few times, but ran most of it. I feel good - knees are a little sore, but since it's really the first long run of the season, that's okay. I feel alot better than I did last year after my first long run, post-PF, so that's improvement, right?

I realize Gurnee is mostly flat & I won't disrespect the hills of American by calling Gurnee hilly, but they are definite inclines. Heading west on Grand Avenue, they may as well be Mt. Everest. Trust me. I think being able to conquer these is good, helps with the training and that god-forsaken hill at the end of the marathon course. The hills were good to me today. The better news is that on the way back, it's mostly downhill, right up until I hit the incline on O'Plaine, which is near the end of my run and isn't any fun. But even that was doable today.

Just over 3 months to go!

Ignorance vs Knowledge

The weather here in northern IL was perfect today. Low 70's, maybe even high 60's, no wind & sunny. Glorious. I need it to stay this way all summer.

Ran 4 miles today in 41:19. I walked a couple times, but overall, it went really well. Lately, my runs average 10:30 - 10:45 min per mile pace. I'm happy with that because it's way better than this time last year.

I've been reading other blogs & the Chicago Marathon website and there's alot of talk about cross training. I did none of that last year, but have adopted it for this year. My cross training mostly consists of riding the bike in my family room. I like to think it's helping, but I guess that remains to be seen. I feel stronger or maybe I'm just more knowledgeable about what it takes this year.

Last year, a few people suggested the "ignorance is bliss" theory when it comes to marathon training - that it's better to not know what you're getting yourself into. This may work for some, but if you've read the first post from today, you know I'm a control freak. For me, it's better this year because I know exactly what it takes, and what to expect on October 12th (well, at least through mile 16).

This year, I'm going with "knowledge is power".

Tagged!

By Jenn, so here goes...I'm supposed to list 6 things about me, then tag 6 people, but I don't know if I can come up with 6, so we'll see!

1. I have my own song. My Dad wrote songs for me, my sister & my Mom when I was a kid. Back around 2000/2001, he cut a CD & my song is on it. The CD is "Once Again for the First Time", and my song is "Theme for Karin". All 3 songs are instrumental, jazzy songs. I have the first line of music tattooed around my left ankle.

2. I'm a major control freak, and its getting worse as I get older.

3. I, like Jenn, have never been out of the U.S. I'd love to get to Italy, Australia and Ireland...someday!

4. At age 38, I can still do the splits 3 ways....left leg in front, right leg in front and both legs out to the sides.

5. I'm slightly OCD (not diagnosed, but I know I have issues). For example, my radio stations have to be in numerical order, I can't eat regular food with a dessert fork and I have to clean out my email inbox, both at work at home, until its empty. I know, crazy.

6. I learned how to ride a motorcycle last year & now ride a 2007 Harley Davidson Deluxe. I love, love it!

Ok, I have to tag 6 people, but can only come up with one...another Jen

Here are the rules:

- Link to the person who tagged you.
- Post the rules on your blog.
- Write six random things about yourself.
- Tag six people at the end of your post.
- Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
- Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

My New Favorite Song

Is "Sacrifice" by Theory of a Deadman. You may recognize it from the Olympics commercials currently running. You've gotta love the internet & Itunes and the ability to find a song in like, 3 seconds with minimal information.

I like their sound, its got that Nickelback, Hinder, Linkin Park sound that I love. So, added a few of their songs to my current playlist, along with 2 Quiet Riot songs and a Rainbow song. The mp3 player is the best thing ever.

Bikin'

Not on the motorcycle, no. Going to ride the bike for an hour tonite. No running today, but tomorrow I'm in for 4 miles. It's supposed to be hot & rain, so it should be interesting. There's always the treadmill, which I dread....

Here's my observation for today....ran out at lunch today and on my way back, there's some guy waiting to cross the street. He was jogging in place while waiting for the light. I realize there are varying opinions on this, but really, it just looks hilarious. Dude, you're waiting for what, 2 minutes? You're not losing any fitness or anything else during that time. Just stop, wait for the light to change, then go.

I also realize this is coming from the girl who thinks she looks like Phoebe when she runs sometimes, but I do stop at lights.