Not that you were ever really welcome in the first place. But still. I'm tired of this.
Yesterday it was disgusting when I left work. And the sun was beating down on me as I drove my car home. I wanted nothing more than to relax on the couch with a tall glass of lemonade. But since I hadn't done laundry in, oh, 2.5 weeks, I figured I should take care of that first!
Suddenly 5pm rolled around and I still hadn't made it out the door! At this point I was at least wearing running clothes, sans socks. That's progress, folks. I figured, it's now or never. So I went to the bathroom...
...came out of the bathroom and it was POURING outside! Wtf is with this weird weather?!
Back to the couch. Luckily The Proposal was just starting on Starz. Gosh, I love Sandra Bullock.
Finally I was able to get out at around 5:45. And you know what?
It sucked. Just sucked. I hate you, humidity.
The 5 miles I had planned, I wanted to go slow. At recovery pace. But since I felt like I was running in an oven, it was better to run as fast as possible to get home quicker. After 2 miles, my neck and chest had left a big ol' wet spot down the front of my shirt. Attractive, I know. My hat was dripping. My hair was hot. I think even my sweat beads had sweat beads. Gross.
But I kept going. This cold is still lingering, but I only stopped twice to stretch, and then one additional time for water. So I finished my run (in 42:18), but it definitely wasn't pretty. I have 8 miles today, in more of the same weather. Or I could wait until the thunderstorm starts. Is it weird that this is a hard decision for me?
On a positive note: Under Armour "HeatGear" is everything it's cracked up to be. You should definitely purchase some for days like yesterday.
As for you, humidity... I think it's about time you packed your bags and left town.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
windrunner 10K RR
I found this race via the CARA website, primarily because I wanted to race one more time before I head off to Vegas and don't run for 5 days. I was intrigued by the discount for being a CARA member, the course start and finish (on an equestrian track? really?), and, let's be honest... I checked the previous year's results and knew that if I ran my tail off, I had a good chance of getting an age group award.
You know what they say about the best laid plans.
I didn't count on having this cold that is STILL HERE. I was able to run 5 easy miles on Friday, and finish my long run on Saturday, but I was exhausted Saturday night. I feel asleep during the Bears game! (Well... maybe that's not ENTIRELY my cold's fault...)
I arrived at the race site early Sunday morning (I was the first person to pull into the parking lot!), got my packet (REALLY nice gold tech shirt), then had some time to relax in my car and listen to Ryan Seacrest. I found a sweet INDOOR bathroom to take care of business, and then I was on my way to the start line. The whole race area was this BEAUTIFUL equestrian track... you know, a giant grass ring for racehorses... literally. The packet pickup and food and awards was on the infield, and at 8:00 exactly, we started off on the actual grass!
Just before the race started, there was this girl in front of me sizing up the competition. She was one of those hot women who knows they're hot. To be quite honest, she looked like a bimbo. So she turns around to look at me (in Nike shorts, my RnR Chicago 2010 shirt, and ugly hat), sneers at me, and goes, "What age group are you in?" I replied, somewhat nervously, "25-29." She sneered again and said, "So am I." I swear, I have never, ever been asked that question before! I'm so not a competitive person like that!
Anyway, off we go...
Mile 1: I feel pretty good so far. It's humid, but at least the sun is hiding. Boy, have I gotten lucky with that aspect of racing in the heat! 8:09
Mile 2: I skip the first aid station, since I drank a bunch of Gatorade before the race started. This is either going to save me some precious seconds, or bite me in the butt. I love the crushed limestone on this trail... it is so nice and cushy and definitely doesn't make my legs hurt! Best mile of the day... 7:59
Mile 3: I see a girl in red shorts about 200 yards ahead of me, and I make it my goal to catch her during this mile. I actually finish the 3 miles in 24:something, which is the fastest I've done that in a LONG time, and I do indeed catch the girl in the red shorts! Success! 8:19
Mile 4: It's still so nice and shady, but at this point, I'm REALLY thirsty. Luckily there is a water station, and I tell you, between my extreme thirst and the snot rockets that I'm blowing every 2 seconds, I am definitely still not over this cold. 8:21
Mile 5: The sun is making an appearance now, and I am not so happy to see it. It's going to be a hot one today! The course is basically an out-and-back, but since I've never been here before, I'm not entirely sure where we are. But I'm totally having a blast. This is the first race in a long time where I feel fantastic, like I could run forever, and yet am still kicking some major tail! 8:10
Mile 6: A little over a mile to go, and I must say, I'm definitely ready to be done. I don't know if a PR is doable today, but I'm sure gonna try, since I still feel good... except I keep sneezing. Stupid plants. STUPID COLD! I have no idea how this mile was so fast... the downhills, maybe? 8:01
Mile 6.2: I flip the switch and off I go, motoring towards the finish. I'm not going to PR, but I'm definitely going to get my 2nd best time ever! Woo hoo! Well, so long as I don't face-plant on the grass, which is where the race finishes. I outkick one lady and then cross the finish line. In 4th place in my age division. By 11 seconds. DAMN. 1:31
It's ok though. I am SO happy with how I ran the race today, and I wouldn't change a thing about it, trophy or not. I know that next time I take on a 10K, without a cold, I will be able to smash my PR from last month. It's on!
Oh, and that bimbo? Yep, I zoom zoomed past her in THE FIRST MILE, and never saw her again!
FINAL TIME: 50:32
AVERAGE PACE: 8:10
NEXT 10K: sometime in 2011 :(
LESSON LEARNED: If you're well-hydrated before the race, skipping the first aid station doesn't make a difference.
You know what they say about the best laid plans.
I didn't count on having this cold that is STILL HERE. I was able to run 5 easy miles on Friday, and finish my long run on Saturday, but I was exhausted Saturday night. I feel asleep during the Bears game! (Well... maybe that's not ENTIRELY my cold's fault...)
I arrived at the race site early Sunday morning (I was the first person to pull into the parking lot!), got my packet (REALLY nice gold tech shirt), then had some time to relax in my car and listen to Ryan Seacrest. I found a sweet INDOOR bathroom to take care of business, and then I was on my way to the start line. The whole race area was this BEAUTIFUL equestrian track... you know, a giant grass ring for racehorses... literally. The packet pickup and food and awards was on the infield, and at 8:00 exactly, we started off on the actual grass!
Just before the race started, there was this girl in front of me sizing up the competition. She was one of those hot women who knows they're hot. To be quite honest, she looked like a bimbo. So she turns around to look at me (in Nike shorts, my RnR Chicago 2010 shirt, and ugly hat), sneers at me, and goes, "What age group are you in?" I replied, somewhat nervously, "25-29." She sneered again and said, "So am I." I swear, I have never, ever been asked that question before! I'm so not a competitive person like that!
Anyway, off we go...
Mile 1: I feel pretty good so far. It's humid, but at least the sun is hiding. Boy, have I gotten lucky with that aspect of racing in the heat! 8:09
Mile 2: I skip the first aid station, since I drank a bunch of Gatorade before the race started. This is either going to save me some precious seconds, or bite me in the butt. I love the crushed limestone on this trail... it is so nice and cushy and definitely doesn't make my legs hurt! Best mile of the day... 7:59
Mile 3: I see a girl in red shorts about 200 yards ahead of me, and I make it my goal to catch her during this mile. I actually finish the 3 miles in 24:something, which is the fastest I've done that in a LONG time, and I do indeed catch the girl in the red shorts! Success! 8:19
Mile 4: It's still so nice and shady, but at this point, I'm REALLY thirsty. Luckily there is a water station, and I tell you, between my extreme thirst and the snot rockets that I'm blowing every 2 seconds, I am definitely still not over this cold. 8:21
Mile 5: The sun is making an appearance now, and I am not so happy to see it. It's going to be a hot one today! The course is basically an out-and-back, but since I've never been here before, I'm not entirely sure where we are. But I'm totally having a blast. This is the first race in a long time where I feel fantastic, like I could run forever, and yet am still kicking some major tail! 8:10
Mile 6: A little over a mile to go, and I must say, I'm definitely ready to be done. I don't know if a PR is doable today, but I'm sure gonna try, since I still feel good... except I keep sneezing. Stupid plants. STUPID COLD! I have no idea how this mile was so fast... the downhills, maybe? 8:01
Mile 6.2: I flip the switch and off I go, motoring towards the finish. I'm not going to PR, but I'm definitely going to get my 2nd best time ever! Woo hoo! Well, so long as I don't face-plant on the grass, which is where the race finishes. I outkick one lady and then cross the finish line. In 4th place in my age division. By 11 seconds. DAMN. 1:31
It's ok though. I am SO happy with how I ran the race today, and I wouldn't change a thing about it, trophy or not. I know that next time I take on a 10K, without a cold, I will be able to smash my PR from last month. It's on!
Oh, and that bimbo? Yep, I zoom zoomed past her in THE FIRST MILE, and never saw her again!
FINAL TIME: 50:32
AVERAGE PACE: 8:10
NEXT 10K: sometime in 2011 :(
LESSON LEARNED: If you're well-hydrated before the race, skipping the first aid station doesn't make a difference.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
conquering the long run & they're UP!
Saturday morning, 5:45am...After a so/so 5 miler on Friday afternoon, I was determined to run well enough on Saturday to feel like I accomplished SOMETHING this week. 2 days off was a total bummer, and I felt like my legs had forgotten to work! Saturday would be different.
Mile 1: It's still dark outside, and kinda scary! At least there aren't any coyotes in these parts...
Mile 2: My legs feel surprisingly fresh. Maybe taking 2 days off was a good thing? Universe, please convince me.
Mile 3: I haven't needed to stop and stretch my calves yet... bonus! Determined to make it to my turnaround point before having to do so.
Mile 4: P-U, the sewers totally stink. SO GLAD I don't live around here!
Mile 5: Just blew the grossest snot rocket on record. And then wiped it on the sleeve of my shirt. Niiiiice.
Mile 6: @ the park, and damn, there is no one up this early.
Mile 7: FINALLY I see other runners! Crazy marathoners like myself, if their old race shirts and handheld water bottles have anything to say about that.
Mile 8: There's something SO amazing about running more than half of your workout before the streetlights have shut off for the day.
Mile 9: Happy that the sun is hiding behind a cloud...
Mile 10: The blister on the inside of my left big toe is back. And it's a doozy. It's rubbing against my sock, but if I stop now, I'll never finish.
Mile 11: Time to refill my bottle... amazing how the water I just put in tastes like orange Gatorade.
Mile 12: Ready to be done. And by that I mean, I'm ready for a sandwich and a nap. My legs aren't tired, and I probably could have run more miles, but I'm racing a 10K the next day and don't want to risk it.
Mile 13: Easiest (and fastest) mile of the bunch. I can get used to this early morning long run thing!
After kicking butt at my run, I DID go back to bed for a couple of hours, and then woke up to eat a big sandwich (and chips... and cookie) from Jimmy John's. Then I took my mom to see Shrek the Musical downtown. (It was AWESOME.)
We decided to get some dinner after the show, and headed to the legendary Walnut Room at Macy's, a personal favorite of ours. I feel like the food was even better than I remembered it! I left there absolutely stuffed... walked down State St. and saw this:
...which, while awesome, is not nearly as cool as THIS...
Yep, they're UP! Omg I can't believe it's almost here!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
blame it on the duck
I can't believe I forgot to blog about this! My only excuse is that I am suffering from Sick Brain, and haven't been good at remembering stuff this week.
So Monday I went out for a 5 miler after work. It was largely uneventful, and I was enjoying the plentiful sunshine and bearable temperatures. I was wearing the t-shirt from my town's 4th of July race, and I'm pretty proud of that one, so I was holding my head up a little higher than usual. I ran into my friend Ally after mile 1 and chatted with her for a bit, then headed up a giant hill just west of the park. I was cruising, listening to some Springsteen, and having a ball.
I hit my turnaround point under my goal time (lately my goal is to kill these 5 milers in 43 minutes or less), and headed back to the bike path. Just as I finished getting a drink of water, my stomach made an unpleasant noise. The uh-oh-gotta-go-now noise.
Crap.
So I started for home, telling myself that it was only 1.31 miles home from right where I first felt the noise. I feel ok, definitely like I can make it home, but not much farther after that. It's weird how I've been running so long that I know exactly what my body is going to do, and when.
I turn the corner just before the 1 mile to go mark, and the most beautiful man in the world is coming towards me. Shirtless. Nice abs. Oooh boy. I forget all about my tummy troubles and just stare at the hot man. Then...
PFFFFFTTTTT!
Yep, I farted. Really loud. I could hear it over my ipod, and I'm sure the lady with the giant fishing hat AND the hot man heard me. Probably the ginormous man on the bicycle behind me too.
I am mortified. But lucky for me, there's a bunch of ducks milling about. So I pass the hot guy, staring at the ducks, like they were quacking at me or something. I doubt it worked. I'm sure it was written all over my face, "I JUST FARTED AND I'M MONUMENTALLY EMBARASSED BY IT!"
Oh well. When all else fails, blame it on the duck.
*No ducks were harmed in the making of this blog*
So Monday I went out for a 5 miler after work. It was largely uneventful, and I was enjoying the plentiful sunshine and bearable temperatures. I was wearing the t-shirt from my town's 4th of July race, and I'm pretty proud of that one, so I was holding my head up a little higher than usual. I ran into my friend Ally after mile 1 and chatted with her for a bit, then headed up a giant hill just west of the park. I was cruising, listening to some Springsteen, and having a ball.
I hit my turnaround point under my goal time (lately my goal is to kill these 5 milers in 43 minutes or less), and headed back to the bike path. Just as I finished getting a drink of water, my stomach made an unpleasant noise. The uh-oh-gotta-go-now noise.
Crap.
So I started for home, telling myself that it was only 1.31 miles home from right where I first felt the noise. I feel ok, definitely like I can make it home, but not much farther after that. It's weird how I've been running so long that I know exactly what my body is going to do, and when.
I turn the corner just before the 1 mile to go mark, and the most beautiful man in the world is coming towards me. Shirtless. Nice abs. Oooh boy. I forget all about my tummy troubles and just stare at the hot man. Then...
PFFFFFTTTTT!
Yep, I farted. Really loud. I could hear it over my ipod, and I'm sure the lady with the giant fishing hat AND the hot man heard me. Probably the ginormous man on the bicycle behind me too.
I am mortified. But lucky for me, there's a bunch of ducks milling about. So I pass the hot guy, staring at the ducks, like they were quacking at me or something. I doubt it worked. I'm sure it was written all over my face, "I JUST FARTED AND I'M MONUMENTALLY EMBARASSED BY IT!"
Oh well. When all else fails, blame it on the duck.
*No ducks were harmed in the making of this blog*
the runner's stages of grief
If you have a really bad cold, like me, or (God forbid) an injury, you know how I feel. You've been there. I've got the can't run/wanna run/NEED to run blues.
I think we runners deserve our own stages of grief, screw those other ones. Those are for sick and dying people. We are polar opposites! And it's ok if you go through these Ryan Hall-fast, a la Homer Simpson when he eats the poisoned blowfish.
Never fear, I've mapped out the stages of grief for you to pinpoint your progress to acceptance.
Stage #1: ROD BLAGOJEVICH (aka DENIAL)
"I'm not sick, I'm just blowing snot rockets every 2 seconds because it's good PRACTICE."
Stage #2: LETHARGY
"I don't care about running. I don't wanna read about it/do it/blog about it. I just don't care."
Stage #3: CRAZY THOUGHTS (a sibling of ROD BLAGOJEVICH)
"I can't skip my run. My entire training cycle is thrown out of whack. Oh well, I'll just make it up with a zillion miler Friday after work. 12 hours before Saturday's long run."
Stage #4: STUPID, STUPID, STUPID
"Maybe I was stupid to take on this [run 3 marathons in 33 days] challenge. I should just quit now before I humiliate myself."
Stage #5: BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP
"It's ok to miss a day or 2 this week. You ran 52 miles last week, and are running every single day until you go to VEGAS on September 4th. You'll just come back for the weekend stronger than ever, and on the freshest legs in town!"
You're welcome.
I think we runners deserve our own stages of grief, screw those other ones. Those are for sick and dying people. We are polar opposites! And it's ok if you go through these Ryan Hall-fast, a la Homer Simpson when he eats the poisoned blowfish.
Never fear, I've mapped out the stages of grief for you to pinpoint your progress to acceptance.
Stage #1: ROD BLAGOJEVICH (aka DENIAL)
"I'm not sick, I'm just blowing snot rockets every 2 seconds because it's good PRACTICE."
Stage #2: LETHARGY
"I don't care about running. I don't wanna read about it/do it/blog about it. I just don't care."
Stage #3: CRAZY THOUGHTS (a sibling of ROD BLAGOJEVICH)
"I can't skip my run. My entire training cycle is thrown out of whack. Oh well, I'll just make it up with a zillion miler Friday after work. 12 hours before Saturday's long run."
Stage #4: STUPID, STUPID, STUPID
"Maybe I was stupid to take on this [run 3 marathons in 33 days] challenge. I should just quit now before I humiliate myself."
Stage #5: BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP
"It's ok to miss a day or 2 this week. You ran 52 miles last week, and are running every single day until you go to VEGAS on September 4th. You'll just come back for the weekend stronger than ever, and on the freshest legs in town!"
You're welcome.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
sweat killed my ipod, rice saved it
No, fellow Kinesiologists, Rest Ice Compression Elevation did not save my ipod, but plain ol' white rice did. Minute Rice, to be exact.
Let's backtrack...
Saturday, as you well know, I did the Madison Mini and it was humid outside. So much so that my shirt was COMPLETELY soaked through my mile 5. I had worn my ipod shuffle (new version) clipped to the band on my Spibelt. Needless to say, when I got through with the race, the ipod had a thin layer of sweat on it. No big deal, I said to myself, I'll just take it off the Spibelt and carry it in my hand through the finish chute and back to the hotel. When I got back to the hotel, I just wiped it off with a towel and tossed it into my gear bag to take home.
Sunday I went to Busse Woods with the bf, who rode his bike while I ran my 8 miles. I grabbed my ipod, "Battery Full," it said. Fabulous, I thought. A great way to help me get through these miles that I REALLY don't want to run. And is was good.
Until mile 3.5, when, right in the middle of the Jennifer Hudson song from the Sex and the City soundtrack (don't judge me), my ipod just shut off. Kaput. Dead. Done-zo.
I waited until the turnaround point to investigate further. GOD I'm dying and I really wish my ipod was working! But still no music coming from it, so I finish the last 4 miles with just my own (crazy) thoughts. Blech.
Sunday night I figured, why not try the urban legend everyone always talks about... you know it, when your ipod gets soaked, stick it in a baggie full of uncooked rice for a day. I thought, definitely worth a shot. I don't want to have killed ANOTHER one.
Next morning I wake up and...
It works. Good as new. Full battery and playing songs and everything. It even kindly restarted the Jennifer Hudson song for me.
Let this be a lesson to you: always keep Minute Rice in the pantry!
Let's backtrack...
Saturday, as you well know, I did the Madison Mini and it was humid outside. So much so that my shirt was COMPLETELY soaked through my mile 5. I had worn my ipod shuffle (new version) clipped to the band on my Spibelt. Needless to say, when I got through with the race, the ipod had a thin layer of sweat on it. No big deal, I said to myself, I'll just take it off the Spibelt and carry it in my hand through the finish chute and back to the hotel. When I got back to the hotel, I just wiped it off with a towel and tossed it into my gear bag to take home.
Sunday I went to Busse Woods with the bf, who rode his bike while I ran my 8 miles. I grabbed my ipod, "Battery Full," it said. Fabulous, I thought. A great way to help me get through these miles that I REALLY don't want to run. And is was good.
Until mile 3.5, when, right in the middle of the Jennifer Hudson song from the Sex and the City soundtrack (don't judge me), my ipod just shut off. Kaput. Dead. Done-zo.
I waited until the turnaround point to investigate further. GOD I'm dying and I really wish my ipod was working! But still no music coming from it, so I finish the last 4 miles with just my own (crazy) thoughts. Blech.
Sunday night I figured, why not try the urban legend everyone always talks about... you know it, when your ipod gets soaked, stick it in a baggie full of uncooked rice for a day. I thought, definitely worth a shot. I don't want to have killed ANOTHER one.
Next morning I wake up and...
It works. Good as new. Full battery and playing songs and everything. It even kindly restarted the Jennifer Hudson song for me.
Let this be a lesson to you: always keep Minute Rice in the pantry!
Monday, August 23, 2010
8 miles, each mile in 8 words or less
Sunday afternoon @ Busse Woods in Schaumburg, IL
Mile 1: Foot hurts. Too slow pace. Garmin lost?
Mile 2: Wind-y trail. Surprisingly humid. Garmin STILL lost???
Mile 3: Smelly elk. Huge bridge. Stop to stretch foot.
Mile 4: Ipod dies of sweat. No music is boring.
Mile 5: I am dying. How far to the car?
Mile 6: Big bridge, smelly elk, people who won't move.
Mile 7: No stopping til 7.25. I can do this.
Mile 8: Running with pacer. Wind whooshing in ears. FINISHED!
Mile 1: Foot hurts. Too slow pace. Garmin lost?
Mile 2: Wind-y trail. Surprisingly humid. Garmin STILL lost???
Mile 3: Smelly elk. Huge bridge. Stop to stretch foot.
Mile 4: Ipod dies of sweat. No music is boring.
Mile 5: I am dying. How far to the car?
Mile 6: Big bridge, smelly elk, people who won't move.
Mile 7: No stopping til 7.25. I can do this.
Mile 8: Running with pacer. Wind whooshing in ears. FINISHED!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
august 22nd...
STILL NO PAPER!!!
Checked the Groupon website with this deal, and it's not just me who's having a problem! Found a NEW contact to email, and sent the following email PLUS my email from last Sunday.
Cross your fingers for me!!
Good Evening,
I still have yet to receive my paper. I followed all procedures, and emailed the Tribune directly last week, but have yet to receive a reply or a paper. Below is a copy of the email I sent last Sunday morning. Please help!
Thank you in advance!
Maureen
Checked the Groupon website with this deal, and it's not just me who's having a problem! Found a NEW contact to email, and sent the following email PLUS my email from last Sunday.
Cross your fingers for me!!
Good Evening,
I still have yet to receive my paper. I followed all procedures, and emailed the Tribune directly last week, but have yet to receive a reply or a paper. Below is a copy of the email I sent last Sunday morning. Please help!
Thank you in advance!
Maureen
madison mini marathon RR
I arrived in Madison on Friday afternoon, checked into the host hotel (Doubletree... yay Hilton points!), and Google mapped our way to the expo. It was in a HUGE rec center next to the Kohl center (where the Badgers play basketball and hockey)... but it was in a non-a/c'd gym. It was sweltering. I was wearing shorts and my favorite shirt, "Runners have the best buns," and was SOOO hot and sticky that I just wanted to get my stuff and get the hell outta there. Which is sad, because I LOVE expos. I did stay long enough to get some free chips & salsa, though :)
So we walked around for a little bit, then went back to the room to drop off the stuff. Then it started POURING. Oh well, no walking around campus, I guess. So the bf and I decided to watch TV for a little bit. After an hour or so, I was mentally going through my bag, noting what I needed to lay out for Saturday morning. Oh no, I said to myself, I didn't do that. I didn't leave my sports bra at home.
Oh yes I did! Dang.
So we Google map our way to Target, where I snag the LAST bra in my size (and it's gray and not vomit green, BONUS!). Then we make a stop at the Trek store, drive another half mile around this mall, and spot a GIANT Dick's Sporting Goods. Figures. Have dinner at Texas Roadhouse, and then back to the hotel for some football before bed.
Wake up in the morning and it's hot and sticky. But overcast. And there's a nice breeze coming off Lake Mendota. We walk to the race course, at the Union. I love this campus. I kinda wish I had gone here! I get into the start corral at 6:50, see Bucky the Badger milling about, and at 7:00 sharp, we're OFF!
Low bib numbers rock:
I just don't LOOK like a morning person:
I do look awful cute though:
And so does the bf :) (despite the Tigers hat, haha!)
Mile 1: Up a huge hill and into Madison's Greek Row! I was Greek in college, so I had fun identifying the fraternity and sorority houses at UW-Madison. DOWN a huge hill (my quads are going to be SORE), and we can see the state capital! And there's a HUGE farmer's market! 8:17
Mile 2: Down the legendary State St, and we're entertained by the world famous UW pep band... too cool! Through some more of campus, and past the Kohl center and the SERF where packet pickup was yesterday. There is a girl in front of me who's annoying me because a) she is way too gross to be wearing only a sports bra, b) she's weaving like a drunkard on the path. Zoom zoom by her and yes, I feel better! 8:29
The bf took this photo on State St... you can kinda see me, behind the guy checking his watch. But right behind me is a fellow Team Pikermian! BONUS!
Mile 3: Dang it's humid out here. I was expecting it, but wishful thinking had me hoping I was wrong. How am I going so fast?! 7:49
Mile 4: Into the arboretum, which is beautiful. I think these hills are going to beat me up a bit. The course map said Henry Vilas Zoo. Where was the zoo??? 8:24
Mile 5: More hills, lots of shade, and my shirt is completely soaked. I still have 8 miles to go. Are these the worst conditions I've ever run in? Gonna be close... 8:27
Mile 6: Drip, drip, drip goes the sweat from my hat. I'm running a SMART race... conserving energy on the uphills, not destroying my legs on the downs, reassessing and letting up my pace when necessary. And boy am I thirsty! 9:01
Mile 7: More than halfway there! I'm proud of myself, because even though I don't feel that good, I have no more dry spots on my shirt to wipe my face off, but I've never thought of giving up. I'm just accepting that it won't be my best time. 8:08
Mile 8: We leave the arboretum and go into a neighborhood where there are TONS of people cheering! Waving signs, clapping, whooping, it's fantastic! At this point, I'm just enjoying the ride... 8:24
Mile 9: Wheeeeeeee downhills! Haha and I saw the best sign ever: You are hot. Yes I am. In more ways than 1 :) 8:29
Mile 10: The best invention EVER is names on bib numbers. Because I arrived at the aid station, and one of the volunteers yelled out, "Yeah Maureen!" It made me feel osom. 9:06
Mile 11: Ok, back to campus. I see athletic fields, and am looking around everywhere for Camp Randall Stadium (football). Finally I ask a fellow runner. Yeah, it's right in front of my face. Here's the kicker... I've been there before! 8:30
Mile 12: I have an uh-oh tummy feeling, and no smelly poo house in sight. Only 1 more aid station to the finish, and it's somewhere on this lakefront path. Can I poop in the lake? Will people notice? I decide to suck it up and wait for the cans at the finish. 8:23
Mile 13.1: I speed up and there are TONS of people cheering us on, letting us know that it's almost time to turn the corner and take the sweet downhill to the finish. My shoes are squishing with sweat right about now. Yuck!
Dear race directors, make your runs finish on a downhills. I felt like I was flying, and it made me love your race even more! 9:28
FINAL TIME: 1:50:59
AVERAGE PACE: 8:29
NEXT PIKERMI: Chicago Half Marathon, 9.12.2010
LESSON LEARNED: When traveling to an out-of-town race, do as Santa Claus would do - make yourself a list, and check it twice!
After the race, I got my picture taken on a giant chair (can't WAIT to see how that turns out!), drank a Bud Light, and made friends with a nice old man who laughed at me for being a Bears fan, and then told me if I must do something while running, it's get to Boston. Yeah, he ran NEGATIVE SPLITS at Boston. My new hero!
The insides of my Brooks Ghost shoes are red... and due to all the sweating my feet did, I now have pink socks:
Some pics I took of myself after the race (I lost the bf):
How awesome is that medal?! Even though next year's race is the day before RnR Chicago, I will be there! LOVED this one!
So we walked around for a little bit, then went back to the room to drop off the stuff. Then it started POURING. Oh well, no walking around campus, I guess. So the bf and I decided to watch TV for a little bit. After an hour or so, I was mentally going through my bag, noting what I needed to lay out for Saturday morning. Oh no, I said to myself, I didn't do that. I didn't leave my sports bra at home.
Oh yes I did! Dang.
So we Google map our way to Target, where I snag the LAST bra in my size (and it's gray and not vomit green, BONUS!). Then we make a stop at the Trek store, drive another half mile around this mall, and spot a GIANT Dick's Sporting Goods. Figures. Have dinner at Texas Roadhouse, and then back to the hotel for some football before bed.
Wake up in the morning and it's hot and sticky. But overcast. And there's a nice breeze coming off Lake Mendota. We walk to the race course, at the Union. I love this campus. I kinda wish I had gone here! I get into the start corral at 6:50, see Bucky the Badger milling about, and at 7:00 sharp, we're OFF!
Low bib numbers rock:
I just don't LOOK like a morning person:
I do look awful cute though:
And so does the bf :) (despite the Tigers hat, haha!)
Mile 1: Up a huge hill and into Madison's Greek Row! I was Greek in college, so I had fun identifying the fraternity and sorority houses at UW-Madison. DOWN a huge hill (my quads are going to be SORE), and we can see the state capital! And there's a HUGE farmer's market! 8:17Mile 2: Down the legendary State St, and we're entertained by the world famous UW pep band... too cool! Through some more of campus, and past the Kohl center and the SERF where packet pickup was yesterday. There is a girl in front of me who's annoying me because a) she is way too gross to be wearing only a sports bra, b) she's weaving like a drunkard on the path. Zoom zoom by her and yes, I feel better! 8:29
The bf took this photo on State St... you can kinda see me, behind the guy checking his watch. But right behind me is a fellow Team Pikermian! BONUS!
Mile 3: Dang it's humid out here. I was expecting it, but wishful thinking had me hoping I was wrong. How am I going so fast?! 7:49Mile 4: Into the arboretum, which is beautiful. I think these hills are going to beat me up a bit. The course map said Henry Vilas Zoo. Where was the zoo??? 8:24
Mile 5: More hills, lots of shade, and my shirt is completely soaked. I still have 8 miles to go. Are these the worst conditions I've ever run in? Gonna be close... 8:27
Mile 6: Drip, drip, drip goes the sweat from my hat. I'm running a SMART race... conserving energy on the uphills, not destroying my legs on the downs, reassessing and letting up my pace when necessary. And boy am I thirsty! 9:01
Mile 7: More than halfway there! I'm proud of myself, because even though I don't feel that good, I have no more dry spots on my shirt to wipe my face off, but I've never thought of giving up. I'm just accepting that it won't be my best time. 8:08
Mile 8: We leave the arboretum and go into a neighborhood where there are TONS of people cheering! Waving signs, clapping, whooping, it's fantastic! At this point, I'm just enjoying the ride... 8:24
Mile 9: Wheeeeeeee downhills! Haha and I saw the best sign ever: You are hot. Yes I am. In more ways than 1 :) 8:29
Mile 10: The best invention EVER is names on bib numbers. Because I arrived at the aid station, and one of the volunteers yelled out, "Yeah Maureen!" It made me feel osom. 9:06
Mile 11: Ok, back to campus. I see athletic fields, and am looking around everywhere for Camp Randall Stadium (football). Finally I ask a fellow runner. Yeah, it's right in front of my face. Here's the kicker... I've been there before! 8:30
Mile 12: I have an uh-oh tummy feeling, and no smelly poo house in sight. Only 1 more aid station to the finish, and it's somewhere on this lakefront path. Can I poop in the lake? Will people notice? I decide to suck it up and wait for the cans at the finish. 8:23
Mile 13.1: I speed up and there are TONS of people cheering us on, letting us know that it's almost time to turn the corner and take the sweet downhill to the finish. My shoes are squishing with sweat right about now. Yuck!
Dear race directors, make your runs finish on a downhills. I felt like I was flying, and it made me love your race even more! 9:28
FINAL TIME: 1:50:59
AVERAGE PACE: 8:29
NEXT PIKERMI: Chicago Half Marathon, 9.12.2010
LESSON LEARNED: When traveling to an out-of-town race, do as Santa Claus would do - make yourself a list, and check it twice!
After the race, I got my picture taken on a giant chair (can't WAIT to see how that turns out!), drank a Bud Light, and made friends with a nice old man who laughed at me for being a Bears fan, and then told me if I must do something while running, it's get to Boston. Yeah, he ran NEGATIVE SPLITS at Boston. My new hero!
The insides of my Brooks Ghost shoes are red... and due to all the sweating my feet did, I now have pink socks:
Some pics I took of myself after the race (I lost the bf):
How awesome is that medal?! Even though next year's race is the day before RnR Chicago, I will be there! LOVED this one!
Friday, August 20, 2010
badass running photos
Chicago Half Marathon 2009 - it was a hot one. And also the first time I broke 2 hours.
Chicago Marathon 2009, right before the finish. I was kicking it in to break 4:30, no matter what.
Bucktown 5K 2009 - I'm chugging along... my legs look awesome though. And that guy behind me is totally in awe of my awesomeness.
Hot Chocolate 15K 2009 - Man, I made that look EASY!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
no. restdays. til VEGAS!
I was trying to make the title sound like the Beastie Boys' No Sleep til Brooklyn. I doubt I was very successful. But I am mentally patting myself on the back for being so clever :P
So on September 4th, right smack in the middle of Monster Month, I'm going to Vegas for a 6 day/5 night vacation with the bf. We're staying at Aria, one of the new hotels in the CityCenter. I'm SO excited. I haven't been to Vegas since the half marathon last December, so it's about time I went back.
But...
That means no running.
It's not that I don't want to run while I'm there. But it's ridiculously hot outside, and crowded (being Labor Day weekend), and there's an extra charge for the fitness center at our hotel. Plus... the bf gets kinda annoyed when I go running on vacation. It's understandable, I guess. He's a non-runner. He wants to relax. I get it.
So instead of fighting, or taking a chance on possibly missing some runs that week, I'm making up for it now. As in, I'm doing all the extra runs that I will miss before I leave on my trip. Hence, No. Restdays. Til VEGAS!
Here's a peek at my training schedule from today on:
Today 8/19 - 5 miles
Friday 8/20 - 5 miles
Saturday 8/21 - Madison Mini Marathon
Sunday 8/22 - 8 miles
Monday 8/23 - 5 miles
Tuesday 8/24 - 8 miles
Wednesday 8/25 - 5 miles
Thursday 8/26 - 8 miles
Friday 8/27 - 5 miles
Saturday 8/28 - 13 miles
Sunday 8/29 - Windrunner 10K
Monday 8/30 - 5 miles
Tuesday 8/31 - 8 miles
Wednesday 9/1 - 5 miles
Thursday 9/2 - 5 miles
Friday 9/3 - 13 miles (I have 20 to do before I hop on that plane... ideally I'd like to do 15-16 this day, but it depends on weather/darkness)
Saturday 9/4 - 7 miles
One word. YIKES!
It's going to be mind over matter for the next 2 weeks. Each time I get tired, and want to stop, I'm just picturing comped Bud Lights and lazy mornings by the pool. Oh, and slot machines. And the buffet at Planet Hollywood. I could go on.
It's SO worth it.
So on September 4th, right smack in the middle of Monster Month, I'm going to Vegas for a 6 day/5 night vacation with the bf. We're staying at Aria, one of the new hotels in the CityCenter. I'm SO excited. I haven't been to Vegas since the half marathon last December, so it's about time I went back.
But...
That means no running.
It's not that I don't want to run while I'm there. But it's ridiculously hot outside, and crowded (being Labor Day weekend), and there's an extra charge for the fitness center at our hotel. Plus... the bf gets kinda annoyed when I go running on vacation. It's understandable, I guess. He's a non-runner. He wants to relax. I get it.
So instead of fighting, or taking a chance on possibly missing some runs that week, I'm making up for it now. As in, I'm doing all the extra runs that I will miss before I leave on my trip. Hence, No. Restdays. Til VEGAS!
Here's a peek at my training schedule from today on:
Today 8/19 - 5 miles
Friday 8/20 - 5 miles
Saturday 8/21 - Madison Mini Marathon
Sunday 8/22 - 8 miles
Monday 8/23 - 5 miles
Tuesday 8/24 - 8 miles
Wednesday 8/25 - 5 miles
Thursday 8/26 - 8 miles
Friday 8/27 - 5 miles
Saturday 8/28 - 13 miles
Sunday 8/29 - Windrunner 10K
Monday 8/30 - 5 miles
Tuesday 8/31 - 8 miles
Wednesday 9/1 - 5 miles
Thursday 9/2 - 5 miles
Friday 9/3 - 13 miles (I have 20 to do before I hop on that plane... ideally I'd like to do 15-16 this day, but it depends on weather/darkness)
Saturday 9/4 - 7 miles
One word. YIKES!
It's going to be mind over matter for the next 2 weeks. Each time I get tired, and want to stop, I'm just picturing comped Bud Lights and lazy mornings by the pool. Oh, and slot machines. And the buffet at Planet Hollywood. I could go on.
It's SO worth it.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
avoiding the creepy children
I don't know if there's something in the water here in the NW suburbs, or if the impending full moon has got everyone acting wacko, but kids around here are WEIRD! I've blogged before about the little boy on rollerblades perfecting his Evan Lysecek moves while his dad stands off to the side with a hockey stick and a pouty face. Hilarious.
On the SAME STREET yesterday, I was at about mile 3 of 8 when I came across another weird kid. I've seen him before, but he usually just stares at me and lets me pass. Not so yesterday.
3 strange things about that encounter:
1. He looks like the upside-down face kid from Family Guy, but with a right-side-up face. I know, abstract comparison. But seriously, it was the first thing that popped into my head when I saw him, and my brain could not shake that notion.
2. He chased me down the street. Shouting nonsense words. Now, I saw him chase a lady with a baby stroller down the street last week, so maybe this is normal behavior?
3. When I got to his driveway, I ran into the driveway to cross the street, because, you know, I'm being chased by a weird little boy. He starts screaming bloody murder, with more nonsense words, because I was on his property (that was the only word that made sense). No need for this family to get a pit bull for a pet... they already have one!
I did 3.5 more miles of my run (sticking to the other side of the street when I passed my upside-down face friend's house on the way back), and they were totally uneventful. Gorgeous weather yesterday, albeit cloudy. I thoroughly enjoyed my run.
Until...
An innocent family bike ride. Dad, 3 little girls, 2 little boys. All smiling, cute, happy people who moved to one side of the sidewalk to let me pass. We shared the road! Another block down, Mom and another boy are bringing up the rear. Let's call the boy...
Tryke Tyke Demon!
His mom sees me coming, and tells him to move to the right side of the sidewalk. Instead, he gets this maniacal look in his eyes and takes off after me, trying to run me off the road. I veer off into the grass just before he runs over my toes with his tricycle. Did I mention that I saw him on the bike path on Sunday, at mile 16 of 17, and he also tried to run me off the road then?
Creepy kids! I'm taking a different route today!
On the SAME STREET yesterday, I was at about mile 3 of 8 when I came across another weird kid. I've seen him before, but he usually just stares at me and lets me pass. Not so yesterday.
3 strange things about that encounter:
1. He looks like the upside-down face kid from Family Guy, but with a right-side-up face. I know, abstract comparison. But seriously, it was the first thing that popped into my head when I saw him, and my brain could not shake that notion.
2. He chased me down the street. Shouting nonsense words. Now, I saw him chase a lady with a baby stroller down the street last week, so maybe this is normal behavior?
3. When I got to his driveway, I ran into the driveway to cross the street, because, you know, I'm being chased by a weird little boy. He starts screaming bloody murder, with more nonsense words, because I was on his property (that was the only word that made sense). No need for this family to get a pit bull for a pet... they already have one!
I did 3.5 more miles of my run (sticking to the other side of the street when I passed my upside-down face friend's house on the way back), and they were totally uneventful. Gorgeous weather yesterday, albeit cloudy. I thoroughly enjoyed my run.
Until...
An innocent family bike ride. Dad, 3 little girls, 2 little boys. All smiling, cute, happy people who moved to one side of the sidewalk to let me pass. We shared the road! Another block down, Mom and another boy are bringing up the rear. Let's call the boy...
Tryke Tyke Demon!
His mom sees me coming, and tells him to move to the right side of the sidewalk. Instead, he gets this maniacal look in his eyes and takes off after me, trying to run me off the road. I veer off into the grass just before he runs over my toes with his tricycle. Did I mention that I saw him on the bike path on Sunday, at mile 16 of 17, and he also tried to run me off the road then?
Creepy kids! I'm taking a different route today!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
100 things for 100 posts
I stole this idea from C2Iowa. Enjoy reading 100 awesome things about me!
likes
1. Baseball
2. Running
3. Reading
4. Eating
5. Casinos
dislikes
6. Carrots
7. The Wave
8. Joe Morgan
9. Mosquitos
10. Winter
sports teams i root for
11. Chicago Cubs
12. Chicago Bears
13. Chicago Blackhawks
14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
15. Northern Illinois Huskies
guilty pleasures
16. Gossip Girl
17. Brownie batter
18. 80s movies on instant Netflix
19. Showtunes
20. Online shopping
places i've always wanted to visit
21. Germany
22. Greek Islands
23. Alaska
24. Catalina Island
25. London
best hotels i've stayed at
26. Westin Memphis
27. Xona Resort Suites, Scottsdale AZ
28. Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
29. La Mansion del Rio, San Antonio
30. Drury's at the Arch, St Louis (ok, so I'm a sucker for free happy hour)
favorite things visited
31. Blarney Castle, Ireland
32. Niagara Falls, US & Canada
33. Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown NY
34. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland
35. Grand Canyon
the best things i ever ate
36. Ribs from Pappy's Smokehouse, St Louis
37. Caprese sandwich from Earl of Sandwich, Las Vegas
38. Corn fritters from White Fence Farm, Joliet IL
39. Fried potato salad from Fatty's, DeKalb IL
40. Key lime pie from JR's Cheesecake, Chicago
most played in my ipod
41. "today was a fairytale" - Taylor Swift
42. "good girls go bad" - Cobra Starship
43. "monster" - Lady Gaga
44. "if you only knew" - Shinedown
45. "love this pain" - Lady Antebellum
running things i can't live without
46. Nike Tempo shorts
47. Garmin 305
48. Under Armour coldgear hoodies
49. New Balance thin tech socks
50. Spibelt
marathon bucket list
51. Boston
52. NYC
53. Big Sur
54. Bermuda Triangle Challenge
55. Pikes Peak
all-time favorite races (so far)
56. Chicago Marathon
57. Rock n Roll Chicago Pikermi
58. 26.2 with Donna
59. Frontier Days Stampede Run
60. Fleet Feet Women's Festival
wardrobe staples
61. Ripped jeans
62. Flip flops
63. Cubs shirts
64. Old Navy tank tops
65. Hoodies
stupid things i'm good at
66. Dr Mario
67. Fantasy Football
68. European history questions on Jeopardy
69. Quoting The Office
70. Reading a map
favorite movies
71. Bull Durham
72. When Harry Met Sally
73. Caddyshack
74. The Parent Trap (original, with Hayley Mills)
75. Rookie of the Year
favorite tv shows (all-time)
76. The Office
77. Seinfeld
78. Dawson's Creek
79. Sex and the City
80. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
favorite books
81. Circle of Friends
82. The Great Gatsby
83. Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire
84. The Chronicles of Narnia
85. Wuthering Heights
favorite race medals
86. 26.2 with Donna 2010
87. BoA Chicago Marathon 2009
88. RnR Las Vegas 2009
89. RnR Chicago 2010
90. Chicago Half Marathon 2009
states i've most recently visited
91. Indiana
92. Michigan
93. Wisconsin
94. Florida
95. Missouri
i am a/an...
96. Alumnus of Northern Illinois University
97. Sorority sister to the ladies of Sigma Lambda Sigma
98. Subscriber to Sports Illustrated since 1999
99. Member of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA)
100. RUNNER!
likes
1. Baseball
2. Running
3. Reading
4. Eating
5. Casinos
dislikes
6. Carrots
7. The Wave
8. Joe Morgan
9. Mosquitos
10. Winter
sports teams i root for
11. Chicago Cubs
12. Chicago Bears
13. Chicago Blackhawks
14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
15. Northern Illinois Huskies
guilty pleasures
16. Gossip Girl
17. Brownie batter
18. 80s movies on instant Netflix
19. Showtunes
20. Online shopping
places i've always wanted to visit
21. Germany
22. Greek Islands
23. Alaska
24. Catalina Island
25. London
best hotels i've stayed at
26. Westin Memphis
27. Xona Resort Suites, Scottsdale AZ
28. Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
29. La Mansion del Rio, San Antonio
30. Drury's at the Arch, St Louis (ok, so I'm a sucker for free happy hour)
favorite things visited
31. Blarney Castle, Ireland
32. Niagara Falls, US & Canada
33. Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown NY
34. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland
35. Grand Canyon
the best things i ever ate
36. Ribs from Pappy's Smokehouse, St Louis
37. Caprese sandwich from Earl of Sandwich, Las Vegas
38. Corn fritters from White Fence Farm, Joliet IL
39. Fried potato salad from Fatty's, DeKalb IL
40. Key lime pie from JR's Cheesecake, Chicago
most played in my ipod
41. "today was a fairytale" - Taylor Swift
42. "good girls go bad" - Cobra Starship
43. "monster" - Lady Gaga
44. "if you only knew" - Shinedown
45. "love this pain" - Lady Antebellum
running things i can't live without
46. Nike Tempo shorts
47. Garmin 305
48. Under Armour coldgear hoodies
49. New Balance thin tech socks
50. Spibelt
marathon bucket list
51. Boston
52. NYC
53. Big Sur
54. Bermuda Triangle Challenge
55. Pikes Peak
all-time favorite races (so far)
56. Chicago Marathon
57. Rock n Roll Chicago Pikermi
58. 26.2 with Donna
59. Frontier Days Stampede Run
60. Fleet Feet Women's Festival
wardrobe staples
61. Ripped jeans
62. Flip flops
63. Cubs shirts
64. Old Navy tank tops
65. Hoodies
stupid things i'm good at
66. Dr Mario
67. Fantasy Football
68. European history questions on Jeopardy
69. Quoting The Office
70. Reading a map
favorite movies
71. Bull Durham
72. When Harry Met Sally
73. Caddyshack
74. The Parent Trap (original, with Hayley Mills)
75. Rookie of the Year
favorite tv shows (all-time)
76. The Office
77. Seinfeld
78. Dawson's Creek
79. Sex and the City
80. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
favorite books
81. Circle of Friends
82. The Great Gatsby
83. Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire
84. The Chronicles of Narnia
85. Wuthering Heights
favorite race medals
86. 26.2 with Donna 2010
87. BoA Chicago Marathon 2009
88. RnR Las Vegas 2009
89. RnR Chicago 2010
90. Chicago Half Marathon 2009
states i've most recently visited
91. Indiana
92. Michigan
93. Wisconsin
94. Florida
95. Missouri
i am a/an...
96. Alumnus of Northern Illinois University
97. Sorority sister to the ladies of Sigma Lambda Sigma
98. Subscriber to Sports Illustrated since 1999
99. Member of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA)
100. RUNNER!
Monday, August 16, 2010
showing the long run who's boss
That would be me. Rocking the 17 miler yesterday.
I'll admit, I was a total chicken about this one. I didn't want to do it. I was SCARED of a long run! Crazy.
Normally I do my long runs on Saturdays, but it was supposed to rain (it didn't). But it was still hot outside, so I pushed it to Sunday. Had some Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza and watched the Bears on Saturday night in preparation. Oh and then my power went out just before halftime... grrr. So a quick trip to Meijer for some flashlights (and muffins... and cheese balls haha), got home, and the power was back on. I set my watch alarm in addition to the clock, just in case.
Woke up at 5:30 Sunday morning... got dressed, scarfed down half a muffin, and I was out the door by 5:50. My goal was to be done around 9:00, factoring in hydration/bathroom/stretching breaks, as well as traffic lights.
Mile 1: Horrible. Just horrible. My Spibelt is flopping all over the place, so I had to stop twice to fix it, and I just suck. Like upper 9s suck. I don't know how the wheels can fall off the bus when the bus hasn't even moved yet!
Mile 2 & 3: A little bit better, but still in the 9s. Just checked the humidity, and it's at 86%. WTF?! I thought the weather was supposed to improve. Oh, and there are still mosquitos out right now. And they are biting :(
Mile 4: Soaked completely through the back of my shirt. Boo.
Mile 5, 6, 7: My miles have gotten SO MUCH FASTER! Maybe all I needed was a warmup?
In past training cycles, I had gauged how ready I was for the longer distances by how long it took me to warm up and settle into my pace. The way I started out today? This is a good thing. I had forgotten all about that until now.
Mile 8, 9: Running through downtown Arlington Heights now, and I have only seen 1 other runner. Where is everybody? Oh wait... it's just 7:00 now. Maybe that has something to do with it!
I stopped at 7-Eleven just after the turnaround point... looks like I measured the distance wrong and I will have a bit of walking to do on the homestretch! I went inside to grab some blue Gatorade and a bottle of water (thank God for Spibelts to hold my debit card!)... I get outside, crack open the Gatorade and pour it into my handheld bottle, take a sip and... oh crap. It's not Frost blue, it's "Cool Blue," or as I refer to it, "Bug Spray Blue." YUCK! Oh well, no turning back now :(
Mile 10: Dark clouds overhead? I didn't think it was supposed to rain! Stop for a sec and check the weather on my phone (say it with me... yay for Spibelts), and sure enough, no rain in the forecast. Just clouds. Whew.
Mile 11, 12: Blah boring blah blah.
Mile 13: At LAST I see more runners! 2 of them! But they are way too fast for me to catch...
Mile 14: Longest training run this cycle, woo hoo. I'm not tired... but with every step I take, I am dripping sweat onto the sidewalk. Ewwwww.
Mile 15: And with that mile, dear reader, I have successfully completed 1,000 miles in 2010. (Yes I did count in anticipation :p)
Mile 16, 17: MY LEGS FEEL FINE!!! I did 17 miles like a champ!!! I am, however, in desperate need of a shower... so I take off my sweat-soaked t-shirt, revealing an equally sweat-soaked long sports bra, and walk the remaining distance from my long out-and-back home. I think my feet are going to hurt tomorrow, but no hot spots to speak of. The Ghost 2s are AMAZING! Thank you Brooks!
After a .25 mi walk, I decide that this is bogus and run the rest of the way home. Damn overachiever :)
it's official!
Marathon #8 is going to be in Houston, TX! Soooooo unbelievably excited! Gotta look into hotels/flights... er... maybe AFTER I book my flight for MCM, since I still haven't done that. Whoops.
On cloud nine right now... :) :) :)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
august 15th...
Still no paper. Just came back from a 17 mile run, and all the Chicago Tribunes in my neighborhood were delivered, but nothing for me. Accessed their "subscriber services" website, entered my info, and was told that no such subscription exists. Sent the following email to the Trib, guess we'll wait and see...
Good Morning,
I purchased the Groupon for the Sunday only delivery awhile back, and
I still have yet to receive my paper. I received an email from Jerry
Mara on August 2nd regarding my address. I replied to the email
immediately and sent back the information requested. I still have yet
to receive my paper.
I accessed the subscriber information page on your website, entered
the requested information, and was told that there is not a
subscription for me.
I really love the Sunday edition of your paper and am so far VERY
disappointed that I have yet to receive what I paid for. Please help
me to resolve this issue. I have provided the subscription
confirmation email that I received on July 26th at the bottom, and it
has all of my necessary information listed.
Thank you in advance for your quick resolution to my issue.
Maureen Smith
I think I'll take a nap instead of having breakfast and doing the Sunday crossword... :(
Good Morning,
I purchased the Groupon for the Sunday only delivery awhile back, and
I still have yet to receive my paper. I received an email from Jerry
Mara on August 2nd regarding my address. I replied to the email
immediately and sent back the information requested. I still have yet
to receive my paper.
I accessed the subscriber information page on your website, entered
the requested information, and was told that there is not a
subscription for me.
I really love the Sunday edition of your paper and am so far VERY
disappointed that I have yet to receive what I paid for. Please help
me to resolve this issue. I have provided the subscription
confirmation email that I received on July 26th at the bottom, and it
has all of my necessary information listed.
Thank you in advance for your quick resolution to my issue.
Maureen Smith
I think I'll take a nap instead of having breakfast and doing the Sunday crossword... :(
Thursday, August 12, 2010
does marathon training increase your pain threshold?
Have I mentioned yet this week that I have had a toothache since last Saturday?
The wisdom teeth on my bottom right are cutting through the skin this week, making my entire face/jaw swollen and painful. I can't touch my chin to my chest without discomfort. Oh, and I waived my dental insurance last year, so I have nothing until open enrollment, which I think is in October.
But pain? I don't really have any. Yes, it's annoying. But not painful.
At this time last year, a toothache would have knocked me out onto the couch, whimpering. This week I have yet to take any kind of medication for discomfort. It doesn't even bother me while I'm running.
Only one thing makes sense: Marathon training has made me invincible. I don't feel pain anymore.
At this point in my training, with just under 60 days to go, nothing is bothering me (knock on wood). If I HAD to pinpoint stuff, I'd say that my bunions are out-of-control, my heels scream everytime I put my running shoes on, my lower back is achy, my knees are tired, my calves are tight, and I have been getting really terrible stomach cramps in the heat. But none of that is enough to sideline me. Hell, it's not enough to even question the sidelines. I am going for it, despite the aches and pains, despite the weather that is trying to melt me, and despite a toothache that's made my face fat.
Of course, there is one more explanation...
...maybe marathon training merely increased my DENIAL threshold...
Either way, it works for me!
The wisdom teeth on my bottom right are cutting through the skin this week, making my entire face/jaw swollen and painful. I can't touch my chin to my chest without discomfort. Oh, and I waived my dental insurance last year, so I have nothing until open enrollment, which I think is in October.
But pain? I don't really have any. Yes, it's annoying. But not painful.
At this time last year, a toothache would have knocked me out onto the couch, whimpering. This week I have yet to take any kind of medication for discomfort. It doesn't even bother me while I'm running.
Only one thing makes sense: Marathon training has made me invincible. I don't feel pain anymore.
At this point in my training, with just under 60 days to go, nothing is bothering me (knock on wood). If I HAD to pinpoint stuff, I'd say that my bunions are out-of-control, my heels scream everytime I put my running shoes on, my lower back is achy, my knees are tired, my calves are tight, and I have been getting really terrible stomach cramps in the heat. But none of that is enough to sideline me. Hell, it's not enough to even question the sidelines. I am going for it, despite the aches and pains, despite the weather that is trying to melt me, and despite a toothache that's made my face fat.
Of course, there is one more explanation...
...maybe marathon training merely increased my DENIAL threshold...
Either way, it works for me!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
lessons from carrie underwood
Yesterday I had an 8 miler on the schedule. The weather here in Chicago has just been brutal lately- high temps and even higher humidity, with no break. And no end in sight.
My goal for yesterday? DON'T PUKE! I have never puked from running, and I don't intend to start.
I left the house at 5:30pm (any later and I risk getting eaten alive by mosquitos on the way back) and headed for my usual drinking fountain route. (Yep, I pass 4 each way, total of 8. Perfect for anyone who is too lazy to carry the handheld bottle, such as myself.)
The first part of the run was uneventful. Hot, but uneventful. There weren't a lot of other people out- just a couple of guys playing tennis when I arrived at the park. Oh, and I got a buttload of strange looks from cars. It's either a) because I was running in the heat, b) because my face turns beet red when I run in the heat, or c) all of the above.
I was almost at my turnaround point when the ipod shuffled away from Glee songs and put on an oldie by Carrie Underwood. It's at this point (mile 3.5 of 8) that my shirt is completely soaked through, and sweat is dripping off the bill of my hat onto the ground. I would also probably give my left arm for an ice cream truck right now.
"Never let a bad day be enough... to go and talk to you into giving up."
That's exactly what I needed to hear. The last 3 weeks of training have been rough. My mileage has gone up, and some of my runs have felt like they were ending in death marches. So I held my head up high and finished my run, stopping minimally (for traffic lights). I ended up finishing in 1:10:02, with every mile under 9:00. Epic success!
On my way back, I was lost in a Bruce Springsteen-induced reverie and ALMOST stepped in a huge pile of dog poo. I saw the lady with the 3 dogs who left the mess. People who don't clean up after their dogs are scum. What snapped me out of my trance? Spice Girls.
Music saved me TWICE yesterday!
My goal for yesterday? DON'T PUKE! I have never puked from running, and I don't intend to start.
I left the house at 5:30pm (any later and I risk getting eaten alive by mosquitos on the way back) and headed for my usual drinking fountain route. (Yep, I pass 4 each way, total of 8. Perfect for anyone who is too lazy to carry the handheld bottle, such as myself.)
The first part of the run was uneventful. Hot, but uneventful. There weren't a lot of other people out- just a couple of guys playing tennis when I arrived at the park. Oh, and I got a buttload of strange looks from cars. It's either a) because I was running in the heat, b) because my face turns beet red when I run in the heat, or c) all of the above.
I was almost at my turnaround point when the ipod shuffled away from Glee songs and put on an oldie by Carrie Underwood. It's at this point (mile 3.5 of 8) that my shirt is completely soaked through, and sweat is dripping off the bill of my hat onto the ground. I would also probably give my left arm for an ice cream truck right now.
"Never let a bad day be enough... to go and talk to you into giving up."
That's exactly what I needed to hear. The last 3 weeks of training have been rough. My mileage has gone up, and some of my runs have felt like they were ending in death marches. So I held my head up high and finished my run, stopping minimally (for traffic lights). I ended up finishing in 1:10:02, with every mile under 9:00. Epic success!
On my way back, I was lost in a Bruce Springsteen-induced reverie and ALMOST stepped in a huge pile of dog poo. I saw the lady with the 3 dogs who left the mess. People who don't clean up after their dogs are scum. What snapped me out of my trance? Spice Girls.
Music saved me TWICE yesterday!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
bacon makes everything better
Forecast this week: Hot. Humid. Rain. Yuck.
Yesterday when I left work it was 88 degrees with 70% humidity. I said no thank you to running after work, and stayed inside for some laundry and a nap. And maybe a snack while I watched Paula Deen. It's possible.
The bf came home from work and I still hadn't run. The sun was beating down on the ground, no thank you. At least I was wearing my running clothes at this point.
So we made dinner. Bacon mac n cheese. Yep, it's just what it sounds like. You cook off a bunch of bacon, and then stir it in the mac n cheese. A heart attack waiting to happen? Yes. Delicious? HELL YES!
Finally I felt good enough to run without melting- at about 7:30pm. Mind you, it was still 87 degrees with high humidity, but the sun was hiding behind some clouds, so I was ready to run. Not gonna lie, I was worried about my delicious dinner coming back up. But I shouldn't have worried at all!
I had no stomach issues.
I had no dehydration issues. In fact, I had to FORCE myself to stop back at the house after 2.3 miles to down some Gatorade. But I didn't really need it.
I had no excessive sweat issues. I wasn't salting!
Conclusion: bacon is magic food. Eat it and you will run better in the heat.
I finished my 4 miles with an average pace of 8:39. And I came home to the a/c blasting and the smell of bacon lingering in the kitchen.
Is this heaven? Or just the NW Chicago 'burbs?
Yesterday when I left work it was 88 degrees with 70% humidity. I said no thank you to running after work, and stayed inside for some laundry and a nap. And maybe a snack while I watched Paula Deen. It's possible.
The bf came home from work and I still hadn't run. The sun was beating down on the ground, no thank you. At least I was wearing my running clothes at this point.
So we made dinner. Bacon mac n cheese. Yep, it's just what it sounds like. You cook off a bunch of bacon, and then stir it in the mac n cheese. A heart attack waiting to happen? Yes. Delicious? HELL YES!
Finally I felt good enough to run without melting- at about 7:30pm. Mind you, it was still 87 degrees with high humidity, but the sun was hiding behind some clouds, so I was ready to run. Not gonna lie, I was worried about my delicious dinner coming back up. But I shouldn't have worried at all!
I had no stomach issues.
I had no dehydration issues. In fact, I had to FORCE myself to stop back at the house after 2.3 miles to down some Gatorade. But I didn't really need it.
I had no excessive sweat issues. I wasn't salting!
Conclusion: bacon is magic food. Eat it and you will run better in the heat.
I finished my 4 miles with an average pace of 8:39. And I came home to the a/c blasting and the smell of bacon lingering in the kitchen.
Is this heaven? Or just the NW Chicago 'burbs?
Monday, August 9, 2010
maureen v. chicago tribune: a rant
2 Mondays ago the Groupon for Chicago was $13 for a year of Sunday only delivery for the Chicago Tribune. The Sunday paper is one of my favorite things about living in a big city, and I love relaxing on my patio with a beer and the Sunday crossword. So I bought the Groupon, and filled out all of the necessary paperwork.
August 1st... no paper.
I figured because I was at RnR Chicago all morning that maybe someone had stolen it. Could happen. Until I get an email August 2nd from the Tribune, asking me to clarify my address. A fairly common thing, since I live in a townhome complex. I replied, and the email assured me that I would receive my paper the following Sunday.
August 8th... still no paper.
Now, I know I was in Michigan/Canada for the weekend. But I was home before 7pm, and my next door neighbor's Daily Herald was in her driveway. So what gives???
Another Monday yields ANOTHER email from the Trib... asking me to clarify my address! They can't find my house!
So dear, dear Tribune... I swear that I exist. I have a house. The numbers are ON my house. I get mail. I receive packages. You can find me on Google Earth. The pizza man can find my house. My neighbor gets the Sun-Times. GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER AND BRING ME MY PAPER!!!
August 1st... no paper.
I figured because I was at RnR Chicago all morning that maybe someone had stolen it. Could happen. Until I get an email August 2nd from the Tribune, asking me to clarify my address. A fairly common thing, since I live in a townhome complex. I replied, and the email assured me that I would receive my paper the following Sunday.
August 8th... still no paper.
Now, I know I was in Michigan/Canada for the weekend. But I was home before 7pm, and my next door neighbor's Daily Herald was in her driveway. So what gives???
Another Monday yields ANOTHER email from the Trib... asking me to clarify my address! They can't find my house!
So dear, dear Tribune... I swear that I exist. I have a house. The numbers are ON my house. I get mail. I receive packages. You can find me on Google Earth. The pizza man can find my house. My neighbor gets the Sun-Times. GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER AND BRING ME MY PAPER!!!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
my weekend in random pictures
In a nutshell... we left Friday after work. Got stuck in horrible traffic & it took almost 2 hours to get to Indiana. More construction in Indiana. Food stop at Culver's in bumbleton, MI (their chicken fingers are the BEST!). Got to Detroit at around 10:30, & it was super crowded downtown... found out later it was due to Ribs & Soul fest. Get to Canada around 11, check into Caeser's Palace... AWESOME hotel & fun, smoke-free casino. (I ended up losing $20 total for the whole weekend!) Saturday gambled there, went to Detroit & gambled at MGM Grand, then went to a Tigers game, too bad they sucked. More gambling. Found out it was Gay Pride weekend in Windsor. I've never seen so many ladies in cargo shorts in my entire life! Sunday checked out, more gambling, traded my monopoly money for US dollars, & drove back to the great state of Illinois. I'm exhaused but I had a blast.
Tunnel to Canada: I took it with my phone, so the quality isn't the best. Tried to get a picture of the actual border sign, but we were driving too fast!
Random distillery just outside of downtown Windsor. They make Canadian Club just down the road.
Going back to the USA for a Tigers game...
Seeing some sights in downtown Detroit- the Renaissance Center...
...and the Spirit of Detroit, which I think is weird looking!
Off to Comerica Park...
...quick pic with the Tiger...
...best. ballpark. dinner. ever. Yep, it's a giant taco salad, which we washed down with giant Bud Lights while watching kids on the carousel. I saw a lady eating a container of fried rice! Beats Wrigley hot dogs any day (well... maybe not).
The bf & I in our seats... (yes I'm wearing my Cubs hat)
...the Tigers bullpen phone! We could hear it ring in our seats! Too bad it kept ringing, haha.
So there you have it! Despite all the fun I had, I still managed to wake up at 9am on Saturday & Sunday to get all my weekend miles in. Happy cutback week to me! Too bad this next week is gonna be a weather doozy...
Tunnel to Canada: I took it with my phone, so the quality isn't the best. Tried to get a picture of the actual border sign, but we were driving too fast!
Random distillery just outside of downtown Windsor. They make Canadian Club just down the road.
Going back to the USA for a Tigers game...
Seeing some sights in downtown Detroit- the Renaissance Center...
...and the Spirit of Detroit, which I think is weird looking!
Off to Comerica Park...
...quick pic with the Tiger...
...best. ballpark. dinner. ever. Yep, it's a giant taco salad, which we washed down with giant Bud Lights while watching kids on the carousel. I saw a lady eating a container of fried rice! Beats Wrigley hot dogs any day (well... maybe not).
The bf & I in our seats... (yes I'm wearing my Cubs hat)
...the Tigers bullpen phone! We could hear it ring in our seats! Too bad it kept ringing, haha.
So there you have it! Despite all the fun I had, I still managed to wake up at 9am on Saturday & Sunday to get all my weekend miles in. Happy cutback week to me! Too bad this next week is gonna be a weather doozy...
Thursday, August 5, 2010
SAVANNAH anyone??? & encounters with the bird whisperer
I'm in.
Yesterday I was bored at work so I decided to check Twitter on my phone. @RunRocknRoll tweeted that registration for their 2 new 2011 races- RnR Providence & RnR Savannah- was now open, and at an extremely discounted rate. I checked it out, just to see what was happening. A quick look at Google maps told me that Savannah is right near Hilton Head, SC, where I've always wanted to go but never been to. There's also a Paula Deen restaurant in Savannah! SOLD!
So I registered. Over a year in advance! (The race takes place on November 5th, 2011.) I signed up for the full marathon and it only cost $65... I can't resist a good deal. Now to find another RnR race so that I can get the "Triple Crown" heavy medal... :)
Is that crazy? I think so. But I don't care. One of the things I love most about running is the places it takes me. I never thought I'd be interested in going to Georgia, but after visiting Savannah's travel website, I'm sold. I wish the race were THIS year!
Speaking of running travel, I still have yet to book my flight for Marine Corps. But I'm working on it, I SWEAR! I took a look at the course map yesterday, and I'm starting to get excited. I've never been to Washington DC (or Virginia, for that matter), and I can't wait to see the sights.
Training objective: Learn how to take pictures on the run!
So the bf and I were exiting our garage last night, heading for the car, when we saw a little parakeet in our driveway. He must have been someone's pet that had gotten away! After a quick check to make sure he was ok, the bf decided to play with him.
We didn't want to leave him, but we didn't see anyone looking for him. So the bf got the little birdie on his finger... 
...and left him on our front porch. He was contentedly sitting there when we drove away. We came back about 30 minutes later, and our birdie friend was gone. We'd like to think that his owners found him and brought him home!
Yesterday I was bored at work so I decided to check Twitter on my phone. @RunRocknRoll tweeted that registration for their 2 new 2011 races- RnR Providence & RnR Savannah- was now open, and at an extremely discounted rate. I checked it out, just to see what was happening. A quick look at Google maps told me that Savannah is right near Hilton Head, SC, where I've always wanted to go but never been to. There's also a Paula Deen restaurant in Savannah! SOLD!
So I registered. Over a year in advance! (The race takes place on November 5th, 2011.) I signed up for the full marathon and it only cost $65... I can't resist a good deal. Now to find another RnR race so that I can get the "Triple Crown" heavy medal... :)
Is that crazy? I think so. But I don't care. One of the things I love most about running is the places it takes me. I never thought I'd be interested in going to Georgia, but after visiting Savannah's travel website, I'm sold. I wish the race were THIS year!
Speaking of running travel, I still have yet to book my flight for Marine Corps. But I'm working on it, I SWEAR! I took a look at the course map yesterday, and I'm starting to get excited. I've never been to Washington DC (or Virginia, for that matter), and I can't wait to see the sights.
Training objective: Learn how to take pictures on the run!
So the bf and I were exiting our garage last night, heading for the car, when we saw a little parakeet in our driveway. He must have been someone's pet that had gotten away! After a quick check to make sure he was ok, the bf decided to play with him.
We didn't want to leave him, but we didn't see anyone looking for him. So the bf got the little birdie on his finger...
...and left him on our front porch. He was contentedly sitting there when we drove away. We came back about 30 minutes later, and our birdie friend was gone. We'd like to think that his owners found him and brought him home!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
proper usage of caddyshack nerdness
So Sunday during the RnR Chicago Pikermi, we had to run in a tunnel under McCormick Place. It was hot, dark, damp, smelled weird, and there were TONS of potholes. I'm lucky I didn't break my ankles! But after that little stretch, we came out of the tunnel and into the light... it actually felt cold!
Off to the side of the course, at the top of the bridge over Lake Shore Drive, a man was standing waving a sign that said something like, "You're anointed to finish." Anointed was spelled wrong, of course.
Call it dehydration-induced delirium, or just overall craziness, but I reached into my brain and, in my best Carl the Groundskeeper voice, thought of:
"So we finish the eighteenth hole, and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, 'Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know.' And he says, 'Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.' So I got that goin' for me, which is nice."
And then I laughed to myself.
I was thinking about how funny my brain was, when the guy running next to me started clapping, snapping me out of my reverie. Oh crap. That did not take place in my head, but OUT LOUD. While RUNNING. In a race with 25,000 people. How embarrassing! But then the guy said, "You had that PERFECT!" I do know my Caddyshack.
So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.
Off to the side of the course, at the top of the bridge over Lake Shore Drive, a man was standing waving a sign that said something like, "You're anointed to finish." Anointed was spelled wrong, of course.
Call it dehydration-induced delirium, or just overall craziness, but I reached into my brain and, in my best Carl the Groundskeeper voice, thought of:
"So we finish the eighteenth hole, and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, 'Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know.' And he says, 'Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.' So I got that goin' for me, which is nice."
And then I laughed to myself.
I was thinking about how funny my brain was, when the guy running next to me started clapping, snapping me out of my reverie. Oh crap. That did not take place in my head, but OUT LOUD. While RUNNING. In a race with 25,000 people. How embarrassing! But then the guy said, "You had that PERFECT!" I do know my Caddyshack.
So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
why i hate august...
...and also why I haven't ventured out to run yet. I kept busy by cleaning my house, doing 2 loads of laundry, & eating dinner. Maybe in another 30 minutes... but I'm so scared of MELTING!!! Ahhh!!!Look on the bright side... it hasn't snowed in the last 24 hrs ;)
i beat the celebrities & running in new shoes
Checking the results from RnR Chicago... not gonna lie, I stalked all the celebrities to see how they did, since all the media covered was Jake Pavelka running the half and NOT the other 18500 people who finished. Grrrrrr. Not to worry, I kicked all their butts, especially Al Roker, who finished as I was getting off the train and walking back to the parentals house. Seriously.
But at least he trained for it, not like these dum-dums who had a max run of 3 miles before the race!
Speaking of training for a half marathon, my favorite Sports Illustrated writer, Peter King, is running his first half marathon on October 2nd. (He said that if T.O. went to the Bengals, he'd run an ultra marathon... not being anywhere near ultra shape, he's going with a half.) I hope he takes the advice I gave him via Twitter seriously!
Yesterday I switched my shoes. Yes, I finally caved in and retired the New Balance 1063s, even though I REALLY didn't want to. But when you run a half marathon and come home with feet covered in blisters, one of which exploded inside your sock, have sore ankles, and feel like you're just been beaten repeatedly with a sack of oranges, it's time for a change.
So now I'm rocking out the Brooks Ghost 2s that I got on closeout from Running Warehouse a few months back. They are awesome. Nice and light, but with plenty of cushioning, especially in the heel. And mine are RED, which should automatically make me faster, right???
I did 4 miles in them yesterday, wearing my new t-shirt from RnR Chicago, and sweating like a pig. Oh, and it was raining. But I felt great, even though my pace was a little too fast for a recovery day! One of these days I'll slow down... hopefully not until after mid-November!
Hooray for new shoes!
But at least he trained for it, not like these dum-dums who had a max run of 3 miles before the race!
Speaking of training for a half marathon, my favorite Sports Illustrated writer, Peter King, is running his first half marathon on October 2nd. (He said that if T.O. went to the Bengals, he'd run an ultra marathon... not being anywhere near ultra shape, he's going with a half.) I hope he takes the advice I gave him via Twitter seriously!
Yesterday I switched my shoes. Yes, I finally caved in and retired the New Balance 1063s, even though I REALLY didn't want to. But when you run a half marathon and come home with feet covered in blisters, one of which exploded inside your sock, have sore ankles, and feel like you're just been beaten repeatedly with a sack of oranges, it's time for a change.
So now I'm rocking out the Brooks Ghost 2s that I got on closeout from Running Warehouse a few months back. They are awesome. Nice and light, but with plenty of cushioning, especially in the heel. And mine are RED, which should automatically make me faster, right???
I did 4 miles in them yesterday, wearing my new t-shirt from RnR Chicago, and sweating like a pig. Oh, and it was raining. But I felt great, even though my pace was a little too fast for a recovery day! One of these days I'll slow down... hopefully not until after mid-November!
Hooray for new shoes!
Monday, August 2, 2010
*official* rnr chicago pics...
...or the couple that they have available right now!
Crossing the finish line! Would be an even more awesome picture if I were wearing a longer shirt, haha. 
Posed finisher photo. Omg the wet towels at the finish line were the BEST!
Crossing the finish line! Would be an even more awesome picture if I were wearing a longer shirt, haha. Posed finisher photo. Omg the wet towels at the finish line were the BEST!Sunday, August 1, 2010
rock n roll chicago RR (long, but awesome)
Today was the big day! Rock n Roll Chicago! Yippee!
By far my most favorite race of 2009, and I was looking forward to it in a big way again.
Saturday I had made plans to get to the expo and meet up with some people from RW's The Loop. Sadly, that didn't happen. I got stuck in traffic on the way to the train... had to wait for the train... got delayed ON the train, and thus missed my connecting train. So I ate this instead...
...and then proceeded to get lost on the way to the Metra's Electric Line, and walked forever around Millennium Park before consulting a map and realizing that I had passed by the entrance twice. I'm an idiot sometimes, what can I say. So I got to the expo way later than I had planned... it was crowded, I was annoyed, and I got lost again trying to find the fountain (aka rendezvous point). At this point, I gave up and went home.
Good things about the expo: I heart the t-shirts in a major way! I bought a Brooks hat and it rocks. I convinced the bf to purchase a Spibelt, updating my Spibelt convert total to 3.
Got up at 4:30am today, was out the door by 4:45, and on the train by 5:05. I was grateful to be at the parentals house, despite my crappy night of sleep. I would have had to be up before 4am otherwise!
Walked to Grant Park once I got off the train, but was sidetracked by this:
Apparently this is "art." I think it's bizarre. But not bizarre enough that I didn't want my picture taken in front of it!
As I crossed Michigan Ave, who did I run into in a sea of 25,000+ people but Tony&Pamela! How exciting! We chatted for a bit and then 6:25 came around and I figured that I should find my start corral. But not before I took my picture in front of this:
Turns out I should have heeded its advice, but we'll get there. I was in corral 6, the gun went off at 6:30, and I was off by 6:36. My goal for the race? To have a ball.
Mile 1: I'm glad I got my corral switched yesterday! It's hella crowded, but at least I'm not weaving around walkers. 8:14
Mile 2: Running at MY pace and running MY race so far, even though I see someone that I wanna chase. And beat. Oh well, I'll get 'em later. 8:15
Mile 3: I actually have to pee. Like, right now. Immediately. Don't panic Maureen, an aid station will be here shortly. And it was. And I'm grateful I packed hand sani in my Spibelt. 9:13
Mile 4: My 5K time sucked. Ah well. Now there's an Irish band in front of Old St Pat's Church, complete with Irish dancers! (Flashback: I was an Irish dancer back in the day. I was good too.) I clap my hands along with the beat, pumped that the music doesn't suck. 8:07
Mile 5: Adams St seems to take forever... but at least it's a downhill. And we get to see the WhatchaTalkinBoutWillis Tower. That glass "walk out over the city while on top of the building" thing is terrifying. Mile marker is right at the Art Institute... I love the lions out front! 8:14
Mile 6: Now people are slowing down. The humidity is intense, but I won't let it beat me! 8:30
Mile 7: SOLDIER FIELD! I eavesdrop on the following conversation:
Guy- That's Soldier Field.
Girl- What's Soldier Field?
Guy- It's where the Bears play.
Girl- Who are the Bears?
Guy- Football. How have you lived here for 5 years and never seen Soldier Field?
Ooh ooh pick me! I think she might just live in a hole... 8:16
Mile 8: The guy in front of me just took off his shirt, wrung it out, and made a puddle on the ground. Yeah, it's THAT humid. I knew something was up this morning when the sky was leaking... not RAINING, just humid leaking. It's real. It's science. Time for a Gu, as my tummy is growling that it's time for a snack. 8:55
Mile 9: Almost to the turnaround point and I can't believe how this race is flying by! I'm having so much fun! And even though my ipod headphones bit the dust on Friday, the replacement ones I bought at Target yesterday totally ROCK! Hooray! 8:30
Mile 10: Anyone else find it weird that we just ran under a crotch of a big balloon guitar player? Looks kinda dirty... oh, and I smashed my 15K PR :) 8:20
Mile 11: The wheels are starting to fall off the bus a bit. I'm tired. Oh, and I have a huge blister on my left heel that just popped, and is probably oozing all over the place. And me without a gear check bag. Yuck. 8:41
Mile 12: THERE'S the fountain at McCormick place. I feel like a total idiot for not knowing where it was, seeing as though I've run races on these paths a million times. Also passed by far the WORST singer in the history of RnR bands. She was terrible! 8:32
Mile 13.1: Last mile.1. I'm ready to be done, and so are my shoes. At least they went out a pair o heroes. Get to run at my FAVORITE point of the city (where the Shedd meets Lake Michigan... I also saw a guy faceplant there last summer, haha) and I'm a half mile from the finish. Almost at the turn and I hear someone call my name... it's a girl I went to high school with! I smile and wave and sprint towards home. I'm either a) a really slow sprinter, or b) that .1 was endless, because... 9:45
FINAL TIME: 1:51:38
AVERAGE PACE: 8:32
LESSON LEARNED: Sounds pretty obvious, but always pee before the race, even if you don't think you have to.
NEXT PIKERMI: Madison Mini Marathon, 8.21.2010
How I celebrated my 4th best Pikermi time ever (out of 19)... I couldn't ask for anything more :)
By far my most favorite race of 2009, and I was looking forward to it in a big way again.
Saturday I had made plans to get to the expo and meet up with some people from RW's The Loop. Sadly, that didn't happen. I got stuck in traffic on the way to the train... had to wait for the train... got delayed ON the train, and thus missed my connecting train. So I ate this instead...
...and then proceeded to get lost on the way to the Metra's Electric Line, and walked forever around Millennium Park before consulting a map and realizing that I had passed by the entrance twice. I'm an idiot sometimes, what can I say. So I got to the expo way later than I had planned... it was crowded, I was annoyed, and I got lost again trying to find the fountain (aka rendezvous point). At this point, I gave up and went home.Good things about the expo: I heart the t-shirts in a major way! I bought a Brooks hat and it rocks. I convinced the bf to purchase a Spibelt, updating my Spibelt convert total to 3.
Got up at 4:30am today, was out the door by 4:45, and on the train by 5:05. I was grateful to be at the parentals house, despite my crappy night of sleep. I would have had to be up before 4am otherwise!
Walked to Grant Park once I got off the train, but was sidetracked by this:
Apparently this is "art." I think it's bizarre. But not bizarre enough that I didn't want my picture taken in front of it!
As I crossed Michigan Ave, who did I run into in a sea of 25,000+ people but Tony&Pamela! How exciting! We chatted for a bit and then 6:25 came around and I figured that I should find my start corral. But not before I took my picture in front of this:
Turns out I should have heeded its advice, but we'll get there. I was in corral 6, the gun went off at 6:30, and I was off by 6:36. My goal for the race? To have a ball.Mile 1: I'm glad I got my corral switched yesterday! It's hella crowded, but at least I'm not weaving around walkers. 8:14
Mile 2: Running at MY pace and running MY race so far, even though I see someone that I wanna chase. And beat. Oh well, I'll get 'em later. 8:15
Mile 3: I actually have to pee. Like, right now. Immediately. Don't panic Maureen, an aid station will be here shortly. And it was. And I'm grateful I packed hand sani in my Spibelt. 9:13
Mile 4: My 5K time sucked. Ah well. Now there's an Irish band in front of Old St Pat's Church, complete with Irish dancers! (Flashback: I was an Irish dancer back in the day. I was good too.) I clap my hands along with the beat, pumped that the music doesn't suck. 8:07
Mile 5: Adams St seems to take forever... but at least it's a downhill. And we get to see the WhatchaTalkinBoutWillis Tower. That glass "walk out over the city while on top of the building" thing is terrifying. Mile marker is right at the Art Institute... I love the lions out front! 8:14
Mile 6: Now people are slowing down. The humidity is intense, but I won't let it beat me! 8:30
Mile 7: SOLDIER FIELD! I eavesdrop on the following conversation:
Guy- That's Soldier Field.
Girl- What's Soldier Field?
Guy- It's where the Bears play.
Girl- Who are the Bears?
Guy- Football. How have you lived here for 5 years and never seen Soldier Field?
Ooh ooh pick me! I think she might just live in a hole... 8:16
Mile 8: The guy in front of me just took off his shirt, wrung it out, and made a puddle on the ground. Yeah, it's THAT humid. I knew something was up this morning when the sky was leaking... not RAINING, just humid leaking. It's real. It's science. Time for a Gu, as my tummy is growling that it's time for a snack. 8:55
Mile 9: Almost to the turnaround point and I can't believe how this race is flying by! I'm having so much fun! And even though my ipod headphones bit the dust on Friday, the replacement ones I bought at Target yesterday totally ROCK! Hooray! 8:30
Mile 10: Anyone else find it weird that we just ran under a crotch of a big balloon guitar player? Looks kinda dirty... oh, and I smashed my 15K PR :) 8:20
Mile 11: The wheels are starting to fall off the bus a bit. I'm tired. Oh, and I have a huge blister on my left heel that just popped, and is probably oozing all over the place. And me without a gear check bag. Yuck. 8:41
Mile 12: THERE'S the fountain at McCormick place. I feel like a total idiot for not knowing where it was, seeing as though I've run races on these paths a million times. Also passed by far the WORST singer in the history of RnR bands. She was terrible! 8:32
Mile 13.1: Last mile.1. I'm ready to be done, and so are my shoes. At least they went out a pair o heroes. Get to run at my FAVORITE point of the city (where the Shedd meets Lake Michigan... I also saw a guy faceplant there last summer, haha) and I'm a half mile from the finish. Almost at the turn and I hear someone call my name... it's a girl I went to high school with! I smile and wave and sprint towards home. I'm either a) a really slow sprinter, or b) that .1 was endless, because... 9:45
FINAL TIME: 1:51:38
AVERAGE PACE: 8:32
LESSON LEARNED: Sounds pretty obvious, but always pee before the race, even if you don't think you have to.
NEXT PIKERMI: Madison Mini Marathon, 8.21.2010
How I celebrated my 4th best Pikermi time ever (out of 19)... I couldn't ask for anything more :)
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