I arrived early for work this morning, so I was perusing some Chicago Tribune headlines when I found this.
Apparently someone was blocking the sidewalk, the runner got angry, and punched the van so hard it made a huge dent. Understandable, from both perspectives.
But why was the jogger so angry?
Was it because the douche blocked the sidewalk? Or was it because he knew that inevitably the Tribune would refer to him as a jogger?
Tough call.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
close encounters with non-runners, part 3
Sunday while I was doing my long run, just after my halfway point Gatorade and Gu break, it hit me.
The uh-oh-gotta-go-now tummy feeling.
I hadn't experienced this in a LONG time. It must have been the after-effects of the Spicy Garlic wings and Bud Lights I consumed the night before at Buffalo Wild Wings. Yep, I know better than that. But I was hungry after playing golf and the Blackhawks were playing the Red Wings!
So I'm frantically looking for a place to do my business. 2 parks, 1 on either side of the road, and... no smelly poo house. Oh wait, my brain says, there's high school athletic fields up ahead, surely they have one. This is literally my last shot before I have to run 5 miles home. (Once little league season ends around here, they remove the smelly poo houses from all the parks. Weird, I know.)
They do. On the other side of a padlocked chain-link fence. Crap.
There's a cop parked halfway on the sidewalk next to the fence. I motion to him to roll down his window, and say...
"Excuse me, sir. I am having a bathroom emergency. Would it be all right for me to hop the fence and use the smelly poo house [I said porta potty]?"
He replies...
"No. There's No Trespassing. And I don't want to see you run into that McDonald's, either."
Crap. That was my next option. I shoulda just gone there first!
I give him the stink eye and finish my run, ending at my house in the nick of time. I was fuming. I thought about this all day. And then I realized- he wasn't a runner. A true runner would have understood.
The uh-oh-gotta-go-now tummy feeling.
I hadn't experienced this in a LONG time. It must have been the after-effects of the Spicy Garlic wings and Bud Lights I consumed the night before at Buffalo Wild Wings. Yep, I know better than that. But I was hungry after playing golf and the Blackhawks were playing the Red Wings!
So I'm frantically looking for a place to do my business. 2 parks, 1 on either side of the road, and... no smelly poo house. Oh wait, my brain says, there's high school athletic fields up ahead, surely they have one. This is literally my last shot before I have to run 5 miles home. (Once little league season ends around here, they remove the smelly poo houses from all the parks. Weird, I know.)
They do. On the other side of a padlocked chain-link fence. Crap.
There's a cop parked halfway on the sidewalk next to the fence. I motion to him to roll down his window, and say...
"Excuse me, sir. I am having a bathroom emergency. Would it be all right for me to hop the fence and use the smelly poo house [I said porta potty]?"
He replies...
"No. There's No Trespassing. And I don't want to see you run into that McDonald's, either."
Crap. That was my next option. I shoulda just gone there first!
I give him the stink eye and finish my run, ending at my house in the nick of time. I was fuming. I thought about this all day. And then I realized- he wasn't a runner. A true runner would have understood.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
rock n roll milwaukee? HELL YEAH!
I found this link through one of the Runner's World blogs the other day. Chris Ponteri is the race director of the InStep Icebreaker Indoor Marathon, and he does a phenomenal job. I respect his opinion, and am grateful that he reached out to RnR about hosting a race in Milwaukee. I would LOVE RnR to come to Milwaukee. Here's why...
*It's close to my home.
*Milwaukee has a BEAUTIFUL lakefront.
*I think they could make it a fast, flat course similar to Chicago.
*Downtown Milwaukee has a cool river, lots of neat buildings, clean hotels, great restaurants, great GERMAN restaurants, I could go on.
*Can you say Indian casino?
*The entire city smells like beer.
*Marquette's campus cannot be excluded from a race... it's stunning.
*Real Chili is there. So is the place that serves free bacon on Sunday nights.
*It just screams oompah band post-race party. With brats. And cheese. And of course, beer.
So consider this the official RnR Milwaukee bandwagon. Feel free to jump on it!
*It's close to my home.
*Milwaukee has a BEAUTIFUL lakefront.
*I think they could make it a fast, flat course similar to Chicago.
*Downtown Milwaukee has a cool river, lots of neat buildings, clean hotels, great restaurants, great GERMAN restaurants, I could go on.
*Can you say Indian casino?
*The entire city smells like beer.
*Marquette's campus cannot be excluded from a race... it's stunning.
*Real Chili is there. So is the place that serves free bacon on Sunday nights.
*It just screams oompah band post-race party. With brats. And cheese. And of course, beer.
So consider this the official RnR Milwaukee bandwagon. Feel free to jump on it!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
the sweet tart strategy
The other night while I was getting ready for bed, I thought way back to my first marathon (Chicago 2003). I'll admit it- I had no freaking idea what I was doing. I just decided one that day I wanted to run a marathon before I turned 21. I turned 21 in November 2003, so Chicago was my last chance. I bought Hal Higdon's book, read it cover-to-cover, and followed its training program... sorta. My longest run was 15 miles. But before I toed the line that October day, the longest race I had ever been in was a 5K! Whoa! Talk about jumping in with both feet!
I was completely gassed by mile 16, when my family was waiting for me by UIC. My mom took some unflattering photos of me (I told you she was a crazy paparazzo!), and I soldiered on. If it weren't for the angel I met in Chinatown, I never would have finished the race.
I think I was starting to hit the dreaded wall. I didn't really know much about this wall, but from what I gathered, this was uh-oh time. I started walking, because EVERYTHING hurt. (To be fair, everything hurt way back on Taylor Street, but I was just giving into it now.) I had blisters everywhere inside my new Mizuno kicks, I was chafing in my armpits, and I just felt awful.
This girl comes up alongside me and says, "Can I run with you for a bit?" I nod and start running again. We start chatting. It turns out we have the same last name (Smith), went to the same college (Northern Illinois University), had the same major (Kinesiology), and even had similar professors in common. How weird is that?!
She saw that I was struggling, and salting, and looking disgusting. In her hand was a roll of... Sweet Tarts? She broke off a chunk, handed it to me, and said, "These are easy to digest. Plus they taste good." They remain, to this day, the one thing I can eat without breaking my running stride. It's a mystery to me why this is.
Friends of hers kept running alongside us as well, and before I knew it, I was at U.S. Cellular field (mile 23ish), and was now a part of a much bigger entourage. We got to Michigan Avenue, for what I still feel is the most horrible part of this course. The only spectators are hobos. It's straight down for 2 miles, no hills, no turns. The buildings get bigger and bigger, but they still seem so far away. (I always count the blocks to kill some time.) It was at this point that I had nothing left in the tank, and resigned myself to walking.
My Smith friend kept on going... with a cheerful smile and a wave, she said, "See you at the finish line!"
It's funny to look back at that race, 7 years ago, and think that even though I was dead and everything hurt, I never once thought of quitting. That's the lesson that I carry with me. I'm glad I have this memory.
The bf's friend asked me if I did anything special for races, like if I had a lucky shirt or something. I didn't think I had anything, until I remembered this story. It doesn't matter if it's in the pocket of my shorts, or if my dad is holding them for me somewhere on the course, but...
Each time I run Chicago, I carry a little chunk of Sweet Tarts. Find me, and I'll share some with you... and we'll cross that finish line together.
I was completely gassed by mile 16, when my family was waiting for me by UIC. My mom took some unflattering photos of me (I told you she was a crazy paparazzo!), and I soldiered on. If it weren't for the angel I met in Chinatown, I never would have finished the race.
I think I was starting to hit the dreaded wall. I didn't really know much about this wall, but from what I gathered, this was uh-oh time. I started walking, because EVERYTHING hurt. (To be fair, everything hurt way back on Taylor Street, but I was just giving into it now.) I had blisters everywhere inside my new Mizuno kicks, I was chafing in my armpits, and I just felt awful.
This girl comes up alongside me and says, "Can I run with you for a bit?" I nod and start running again. We start chatting. It turns out we have the same last name (Smith), went to the same college (Northern Illinois University), had the same major (Kinesiology), and even had similar professors in common. How weird is that?!
She saw that I was struggling, and salting, and looking disgusting. In her hand was a roll of... Sweet Tarts? She broke off a chunk, handed it to me, and said, "These are easy to digest. Plus they taste good." They remain, to this day, the one thing I can eat without breaking my running stride. It's a mystery to me why this is.
Friends of hers kept running alongside us as well, and before I knew it, I was at U.S. Cellular field (mile 23ish), and was now a part of a much bigger entourage. We got to Michigan Avenue, for what I still feel is the most horrible part of this course. The only spectators are hobos. It's straight down for 2 miles, no hills, no turns. The buildings get bigger and bigger, but they still seem so far away. (I always count the blocks to kill some time.) It was at this point that I had nothing left in the tank, and resigned myself to walking.
My Smith friend kept on going... with a cheerful smile and a wave, she said, "See you at the finish line!"
It's funny to look back at that race, 7 years ago, and think that even though I was dead and everything hurt, I never once thought of quitting. That's the lesson that I carry with me. I'm glad I have this memory.
The bf's friend asked me if I did anything special for races, like if I had a lucky shirt or something. I didn't think I had anything, until I remembered this story. It doesn't matter if it's in the pocket of my shorts, or if my dad is holding them for me somewhere on the course, but...
Each time I run Chicago, I carry a little chunk of Sweet Tarts. Find me, and I'll share some with you... and we'll cross that finish line together.
Monday, September 27, 2010
last double digit run? CHECK!
My last "long" run of this training cycle occurred this past weekend. I wanted to do it on Saturday, since I had a late tee-off time, but that didn't happen. I didn't set the alarm and didn't end up waking up until after 10! It's the first time I've done that, oh, since I went to Punta Cana for a week back in May. The weather was perfect this weekend, and sleeping in was so nice.
I still probably had time to run before I played golf, but instead I used my Gap Groupon and had lunch with the bf at Biaggi's. Then we went to play golf. It was, in a word, adventurous.
At the beginning of the summer, our local golf course offered a Groupon for 18 holes with a cart for $39. Not bad, considering their weekend rates are $72 for the same package. We both jumped on it... but then it was hot, and it rained pretty much every weekend, so we didn't use it. And with the expiration date quickly approaching (Thursday!), this was our last chance.
Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea. You know in Caddyshack, when they let the caddies use the pool for a half hour? It was kinda like that, but on the golf course. I was just as terrible as the other people on the course. I think I had 3 nice shots in 11 holes (it got dark and we couldn't see anymore). Then we had to walk 2 miles home because the bf locked his keys in the car. Fun!
FINALLY I was able to get my long run in yesterday morning. I set out around 7:30 with my ipod, 2 Gu's, and my debit card in the Spibelt. I was just going to wing in in terms of a route. It ended up being a good thing, as I found a great new route that I can use for the next cycle. I stopped at the evil empire (CVS) at the halfway point for something to drink, and then headed back home. I made it home in plenty of time for Sunday NFL Countdown.
My first mile was slow (9:25), but that's because I hadn't run since Friday, and it was cold outside. I wore my Nike capri pants, and they are a definitely go for the marathon if it's colder. I would finish the entire 12 miles in 1:46:53, good enough for an 8:55 average pace.
And the best part? I coulda run forever.
I can't believe I'm sitting here 13 days away from the marathon. I'm excited, I'm nervous, but most importantly, I'M READY!
TRUST THE TAPER! :)
I still probably had time to run before I played golf, but instead I used my Gap Groupon and had lunch with the bf at Biaggi's. Then we went to play golf. It was, in a word, adventurous.
At the beginning of the summer, our local golf course offered a Groupon for 18 holes with a cart for $39. Not bad, considering their weekend rates are $72 for the same package. We both jumped on it... but then it was hot, and it rained pretty much every weekend, so we didn't use it. And with the expiration date quickly approaching (Thursday!), this was our last chance.
Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea. You know in Caddyshack, when they let the caddies use the pool for a half hour? It was kinda like that, but on the golf course. I was just as terrible as the other people on the course. I think I had 3 nice shots in 11 holes (it got dark and we couldn't see anymore). Then we had to walk 2 miles home because the bf locked his keys in the car. Fun!
FINALLY I was able to get my long run in yesterday morning. I set out around 7:30 with my ipod, 2 Gu's, and my debit card in the Spibelt. I was just going to wing in in terms of a route. It ended up being a good thing, as I found a great new route that I can use for the next cycle. I stopped at the evil empire (CVS) at the halfway point for something to drink, and then headed back home. I made it home in plenty of time for Sunday NFL Countdown.
My first mile was slow (9:25), but that's because I hadn't run since Friday, and it was cold outside. I wore my Nike capri pants, and they are a definitely go for the marathon if it's colder. I would finish the entire 12 miles in 1:46:53, good enough for an 8:55 average pace.
And the best part? I coulda run forever.
I can't believe I'm sitting here 13 days away from the marathon. I'm excited, I'm nervous, but most importantly, I'M READY!
TRUST THE TAPER! :)
Friday, September 24, 2010
pics from the mad dash to madison 5K!
FINALLY my phone cooperated and let me email these pictures! I've been waiting long enough!
Yay training camp festival!
This guy ran the ENTIRE 5K holding an inflatable Stanley Cup over his head. How awesome is that?!
My cousin (in blue shirt) kicking in to the finish:
My cousin crossing the finish line. She rocks!
STANLEY CUP!!!!
Blackhawks warming up:
Team meeting @ center ice. It's gonna be another FANTASTIC year!
Blackhawks statue outside the United Center:
Yay training camp festival! This guy ran the ENTIRE 5K holding an inflatable Stanley Cup over his head. How awesome is that?!My cousin (in blue shirt) kicking in to the finish:
My cousin crossing the finish line. She rocks!STANLEY CUP!!!!Blackhawks warming up:Team meeting @ center ice. It's gonna be another FANTASTIC year!Thursday, September 23, 2010
worst. race. photo. ever.
I pride myself on being photogenic. My mother has been a crazy paparazzo for the majority of my life, so my bro and I learned to adapt, smile politely for the camera, and generally look good doing so. Hell, my race photos from the Madison Mini Marathon (when it was HOT!) were pretty good. I loved the way my form looked when I crossed the finish line. I was smiling. I actually ordered those.
But my pictures from the Fox Valley Final Fall 20 this past Sunday... that's another story.
To be fair, the majority of them are good. My form looks good, I don't look exhausted, or hurt, or sweaty. I cross the finish line with my arms raised overhead and a smile on my face. But getting to the finish line, the final kick? WORST PHOTO EVER.
I look like I can't breathe or I'm yawning. Why do my eyes look so tiny?! The guy next to me looks amused, like, how many miles did THIS girl run.
It all makes sense now why 4 or 5 people in the finish chute kept asking me if I was SURE I was okay... huh.
But my pictures from the Fox Valley Final Fall 20 this past Sunday... that's another story.
To be fair, the majority of them are good. My form looks good, I don't look exhausted, or hurt, or sweaty. I cross the finish line with my arms raised overhead and a smile on my face. But getting to the finish line, the final kick? WORST PHOTO EVER.
I look like I can't breathe or I'm yawning. Why do my eyes look so tiny?! The guy next to me looks amused, like, how many miles did THIS girl run.
It all makes sense now why 4 or 5 people in the finish chute kept asking me if I was SURE I was okay... huh.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
happy 1st day of fall!
Fall is my favorite season, hands down. I do like Spring, because it means baseball is just beginning, and the Cubbies aren't completely out of it just yet. But you can't beat fall. Cooler temps, leaves, PANTS! Ever since I was a kid, I've loved my fall clothes more than my summer ones. Yeah, that hasn't changed.
Fall things to look forward to:
*MARATHONS! Summer can suck it... it's way too hoomid in the Midwest for long runs.
*LEAVES CHANGING! I love seeing the pretty colors on my commute to work.
*APPLES! Another Midwestern thing, I guess. When I ran cross country in high school, my favorite meet was in Libertyville on some limestone paths... and at the end, each finisher would get an apple. Best post-run snack ever. (Well, 2nd best. Beer is food.)
*COOLER TEMPS! No more worrying about getting dehydrated during the first mile of your long run, kids. Plus you get to wear JACKETS! I have a ridiculous amount of Nike jackets in my closet... and not gonna lie, can't wait to go home and scour the online clearance rack for some more.
*NEVER-ENDING PASTA BOWL @ OLIVE GARDEN! Perfect for carbo-loading... or if you're really, really hungry.
*SOUP! Nothing satisfies these colder days like a nice big bowl of soup.
*SLEEPING WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN! Saves on my electric bill too.
*FOOTBALL WEEKENDS! Nothing makes me happier... well... if the Cubs could ever get to...
*PLAYOFF BASEBALL! It's called the "Fall Classic" for a reason.
*HOT CIDER! Best when washed down with an..
.
*APPLE CIDER DONUT! My most favorite treat ever. And yes, it does taste as good as it sounds. Ahhhh gotta head up to Long Grove and get me some of those!
It's here! Enjoy it!
Fall things to look forward to:
*MARATHONS! Summer can suck it... it's way too hoomid in the Midwest for long runs.
*LEAVES CHANGING! I love seeing the pretty colors on my commute to work.
*APPLES! Another Midwestern thing, I guess. When I ran cross country in high school, my favorite meet was in Libertyville on some limestone paths... and at the end, each finisher would get an apple. Best post-run snack ever. (Well, 2nd best. Beer is food.)
*COOLER TEMPS! No more worrying about getting dehydrated during the first mile of your long run, kids. Plus you get to wear JACKETS! I have a ridiculous amount of Nike jackets in my closet... and not gonna lie, can't wait to go home and scour the online clearance rack for some more.
*NEVER-ENDING PASTA BOWL @ OLIVE GARDEN! Perfect for carbo-loading... or if you're really, really hungry.
*SOUP! Nothing satisfies these colder days like a nice big bowl of soup.
*SLEEPING WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN! Saves on my electric bill too.
*FOOTBALL WEEKENDS! Nothing makes me happier... well... if the Cubs could ever get to...
*PLAYOFF BASEBALL! It's called the "Fall Classic" for a reason.
*HOT CIDER! Best when washed down with an..
.
*APPLE CIDER DONUT! My most favorite treat ever. And yes, it does taste as good as it sounds. Ahhhh gotta head up to Long Grove and get me some of those!
It's here! Enjoy it!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
rock n roll st louis... who's in?
I don't know if you all heard the good news yesterday...
St Louis is getting a Rock n Roll event! It will be held on October 23, 2011 and they have a half and full marathon. Yours truly is already registered for the half.
C'mon... join me! We'll go out for the best ribs I've ever eaten in my life! And watch Cubs playoff baseball on TV while the townies boo and hiss at us!
(Ok, I made that last part up.)
St Louis is getting a Rock n Roll event! It will be held on October 23, 2011 and they have a half and full marathon. Yours truly is already registered for the half.
C'mon... join me! We'll go out for the best ribs I've ever eaten in my life! And watch Cubs playoff baseball on TV while the townies boo and hiss at us!
(Ok, I made that last part up.)
i shouldn't be upset, right?
I read a thread on the Runners World forums Sunday afternoon about the confirmation booklets starting to arrive for the Chicago Marathon. I immediately went outside to my mailbox (I hadn't checked the mail since Thursday), and lo and behold, there it was, the only thing in the mailbox. I think the heavens were shining down on it as I took it out... but that might have just been the headlights from my neighbor's car.
I flipped to the back cover...
Maureen Smith. (Yes, that's me!)
Female. (Yup.)
Age 27. (Damn I'm getting old!)
Corral D. (I puffed my chest out a bit when I read that, not gonna lie.)
Bib #49685. (WHAT?! Wasn't the cap for this race at 45000?!)
I registered for this race at 12:01am the day it opened. I stayed up late and everything (on a non-football SUNDAY), just so that I could get a low bib number. At first I thought, maybe it's because I'm a charity runner. But then someone else on the forums is a charity runner in Corral D, and he has a 98XX bib #. Is it because I qualified for Corral D after I registered? The same person from the forums did the same thing, and got a 98XX bib. I am SO disappointed.
Is it weird to be disappointed? I thought the since I registered first, and signed up with a charity right away, and got my corral moved in mid-May, that I would still hang on to the low bib number. It looks like I waited until the last minute to register. What if I'm the last number? It sucks. I'm so sad. :(
On the bright side, I downloaded my e-confirmation card for MCM, where I registered early as well. For that one I'm bib #1860. So maybe I'm only meant to feel important at one of my marathons this fall.
Either that or taper madness has hit me like a Mack truck...
I flipped to the back cover...
Maureen Smith. (Yes, that's me!)
Female. (Yup.)
Age 27. (Damn I'm getting old!)
Corral D. (I puffed my chest out a bit when I read that, not gonna lie.)
Bib #49685. (WHAT?! Wasn't the cap for this race at 45000?!)
I registered for this race at 12:01am the day it opened. I stayed up late and everything (on a non-football SUNDAY), just so that I could get a low bib number. At first I thought, maybe it's because I'm a charity runner. But then someone else on the forums is a charity runner in Corral D, and he has a 98XX bib #. Is it because I qualified for Corral D after I registered? The same person from the forums did the same thing, and got a 98XX bib. I am SO disappointed.
Is it weird to be disappointed? I thought the since I registered first, and signed up with a charity right away, and got my corral moved in mid-May, that I would still hang on to the low bib number. It looks like I waited until the last minute to register. What if I'm the last number? It sucks. I'm so sad. :(
On the bright side, I downloaded my e-confirmation card for MCM, where I registered early as well. For that one I'm bib #1860. So maybe I'm only meant to feel important at one of my marathons this fall.
Either that or taper madness has hit me like a Mack truck...
Monday, September 20, 2010
fox valley final fall 20 "RR" (kinda long)
I hesitate to call this a RR, because I did the 20 miler as a training run, and didn't really prep for it as a race. So it's a "RR."
In fact, I probably did the opposite of preparing for it. I went to bed late the night before, had a caesar salad instead of carbo-loading, and drank a couple of Bud Lights. I blame Notre Dame. They drive me to drink.
I arrived at the race site about 45 minutes before the gun went off. I got one of the last parking spaces in the garage across the street from the race... which was good, since I am not familiar with this area (St Charles, IL) at all. I had more than enough time to stretch, use the smelly poo house, and check my bag.
A cool thing about this race... there were 3 races, and each race had different color bibs. Blue for the marathon, Orange for the 20 miler, and Green for the half marathon. Each race packet had a color-coded drawstring bag that served as your gear check bag. Retrieving my bag was a breeze! They looked at my orange bib, found the pile of orange bags, and then found my number. SO clever and such a nice touch.
At 7:00 on the button, the race started! It was a pseudo-wave start, so I think I actually got going around 7:03. There was a light drizzle, but the sun was trying to peek though. Maybe the rain is going to hold off!
Mile 1: I amused myself during this one by reliving the pain of an OT Notre Dame defeat with some fellow runners. Also talked Big Ten realignment, and how it's totally set up for football, but come basketball, MSU has an easy road to a championship.
It also lead to my Notre Dame Theory: People either love them or hate them. It's the same with the Cowboys. And the Yankees. You don't root for the other team so much as you root for Notre Dame (Dallas/New York) to lose. Personally, I feel the same way about any team with Sidney Crosby on it. But it's not ready for the Notre Dame Theory just yet.
Mile 2: I'm mentally patting myself on the back for bringing Garmin on this run. I figured, if it's TRULY a training run, Garmin gets to come. It'll stop me from killing myself and running it blind with Timex.
Mile 3: That being said, Garmin is an excellent pacer when I treat him as a pacer and not as the Running God. Just sayin'.
Mile 4: The most horrible thing in the history of my road racing career happened during this mile. I've been running in races since 1998 and have NEVER come across bad sportsmanship from a runner like this.
Aid station up ahead. I stayed to the right side of the path, so that I could get a cup of Gatorade from the last volunteer, and then walk and finish my drink. (I can't drink on the run... I usually spill it down the front of my shirt.) I was on the grass, got my drink and started to raise it to my mouth when I got TRUCKED from behind by another runner. His hand was on the middle of my back and he PUSHED me! My drink fell on the ground and I stumbled a couple of steps. It quite literally knocked the wind out of me. I was so surprised, and I couldn't really breathe, so I had a mini panic attack right then and there. I started to cry, big alligator tears. And I'm also yelling at myself in my head- "Maureen, it's WAY too early for a meltdown!"
A nice volunteer came over with another cup of Gatorade, which I downed immediately. It was still hard to breathe, but I was here, so I resolved to keep going.
Mile 5: Still slightly winded. Sweet downhill from town to the river-level bike path. It's gonna suck to have to come back up this. Because...
Mile 6: ...that's right, I JUST realized that this course is an out-and-back! I saw the mile markers going the other way and was confused for a second. I guess I should read the course map.
Mile 7: Yeah remember the guy who trucked me? I just caught up to him. I'm minding my own business, listening to music and wishing that he would fall into the river, and he decides to talk to me. And give me a lecture on "aid station etiquette." Um, I WAS IN THE GRASS!
I zoom zoomed ahead of him. I don't want to be near him.
(I felt like George Costanza... I WAS IN THE POOL!)
Mile 8: I definitely need to use the bathroom soon, but there was a line at the last aid station. I don't wait in line. The first finishers from the marathon/20 miler are starting to come our way. Including TERA MOODY! Damn she is fast! She is oh, 5 miles ahead of me. It's a privilege to see her run up close and personal. I wish her the very best @ Chicago.
Mile 9: Bathroom break + Gu break = very happy Maureen! I can't believe I'm almost halfway done!
Mile 10: I don't think I could tell you a single song that played on my ipod during this run. I just RAN.
Mile 11: I see someone I know from Half Fanatics coming towards me... I waved and waved and waved, but he was in the zone. I understand completely. 95% of the time I'm a total ditz and fail to pay attention.
Mile 12: I start talking to someone from my neck of the woods! All the way out here! This is her main fall marathon... Chicago being MUCH too crowded.
Mile 13: I must say, this race has had the BEST volunteers. There are 2 girls standing at one of the turns, and they are shouting stuff at EVERY runner who passes. It sounds annoying, but with 7 miles still left, it's as uplifting as it could possibly be.
Mile 14: Lalalalala
Mile 15: Off this path and onto the other side of the river. There's a race photog snapping pics of me as I cross the bridge. I hope it turns out awesome so that I can frame it! I was literally the only person on the bridge!
Mile 16: Oof. There's that big hill again. Yeah, it's not as much fun this time around.
Mile 17: Last bathroom break. I'm motivating myself by marking and then passing people in front of me. And by telling myself I only have a 5K left. So far it's working.
Mile 18: So I get to the aid station, right, and grab a cup of Gatorade. Just beyond the path is a GIANT windmill. Yeah, we were on this path before. HOW DID I NOT NOTICE A GIANT WINDMILL??? I start laughing hysterically... out loud, of course. I'm sure the volunteers think I need medical attention. Nope, I'm just a flake.
Mile 19: I took kind of an extended Gu break here. My mile split for this one was HORRIBLE, in the 10s. I was putting one foot in front of the other. I can't believe I'm nearly done! I feel good... nothing hurts except for my feet.
Mile 20: I was so nervous before I started today. I had butterflies, and I almost vomited because of nerves, so it's hard to believe that I did this. Moreover, I finally feel ready for my fall marathons. I CAN DO THIS!
We got off the bike path, went over the bridge, and the finish line was right there. I finished all alone, and the wonderful spectators cheered for me as I went down the homestretch. I crossed the line with my arms raised overhead and a huge smile on my face. I got my medal and headed to the food tent. Not too shabby for a training run.
BRING IT ON, CHICAGO!
FINAL TIME: 3:04:46
AVERAGE PACE: 9:14
NEXT 20 MILER: Hahahahahahaha
LESSON LEARNED: Always read the course map before the race! If nothing else, just to see what kind of route you are taking!
In fact, I probably did the opposite of preparing for it. I went to bed late the night before, had a caesar salad instead of carbo-loading, and drank a couple of Bud Lights. I blame Notre Dame. They drive me to drink.
I arrived at the race site about 45 minutes before the gun went off. I got one of the last parking spaces in the garage across the street from the race... which was good, since I am not familiar with this area (St Charles, IL) at all. I had more than enough time to stretch, use the smelly poo house, and check my bag.
A cool thing about this race... there were 3 races, and each race had different color bibs. Blue for the marathon, Orange for the 20 miler, and Green for the half marathon. Each race packet had a color-coded drawstring bag that served as your gear check bag. Retrieving my bag was a breeze! They looked at my orange bib, found the pile of orange bags, and then found my number. SO clever and such a nice touch.
At 7:00 on the button, the race started! It was a pseudo-wave start, so I think I actually got going around 7:03. There was a light drizzle, but the sun was trying to peek though. Maybe the rain is going to hold off!
Mile 1: I amused myself during this one by reliving the pain of an OT Notre Dame defeat with some fellow runners. Also talked Big Ten realignment, and how it's totally set up for football, but come basketball, MSU has an easy road to a championship.
It also lead to my Notre Dame Theory: People either love them or hate them. It's the same with the Cowboys. And the Yankees. You don't root for the other team so much as you root for Notre Dame (Dallas/New York) to lose. Personally, I feel the same way about any team with Sidney Crosby on it. But it's not ready for the Notre Dame Theory just yet.
Mile 2: I'm mentally patting myself on the back for bringing Garmin on this run. I figured, if it's TRULY a training run, Garmin gets to come. It'll stop me from killing myself and running it blind with Timex.
Mile 3: That being said, Garmin is an excellent pacer when I treat him as a pacer and not as the Running God. Just sayin'.
Mile 4: The most horrible thing in the history of my road racing career happened during this mile. I've been running in races since 1998 and have NEVER come across bad sportsmanship from a runner like this.
Aid station up ahead. I stayed to the right side of the path, so that I could get a cup of Gatorade from the last volunteer, and then walk and finish my drink. (I can't drink on the run... I usually spill it down the front of my shirt.) I was on the grass, got my drink and started to raise it to my mouth when I got TRUCKED from behind by another runner. His hand was on the middle of my back and he PUSHED me! My drink fell on the ground and I stumbled a couple of steps. It quite literally knocked the wind out of me. I was so surprised, and I couldn't really breathe, so I had a mini panic attack right then and there. I started to cry, big alligator tears. And I'm also yelling at myself in my head- "Maureen, it's WAY too early for a meltdown!"
A nice volunteer came over with another cup of Gatorade, which I downed immediately. It was still hard to breathe, but I was here, so I resolved to keep going.
Mile 5: Still slightly winded. Sweet downhill from town to the river-level bike path. It's gonna suck to have to come back up this. Because...
Mile 6: ...that's right, I JUST realized that this course is an out-and-back! I saw the mile markers going the other way and was confused for a second. I guess I should read the course map.
Mile 7: Yeah remember the guy who trucked me? I just caught up to him. I'm minding my own business, listening to music and wishing that he would fall into the river, and he decides to talk to me. And give me a lecture on "aid station etiquette." Um, I WAS IN THE GRASS!
I zoom zoomed ahead of him. I don't want to be near him.
(I felt like George Costanza... I WAS IN THE POOL!)
Mile 8: I definitely need to use the bathroom soon, but there was a line at the last aid station. I don't wait in line. The first finishers from the marathon/20 miler are starting to come our way. Including TERA MOODY! Damn she is fast! She is oh, 5 miles ahead of me. It's a privilege to see her run up close and personal. I wish her the very best @ Chicago.
Mile 9: Bathroom break + Gu break = very happy Maureen! I can't believe I'm almost halfway done!
Mile 10: I don't think I could tell you a single song that played on my ipod during this run. I just RAN.
Mile 11: I see someone I know from Half Fanatics coming towards me... I waved and waved and waved, but he was in the zone. I understand completely. 95% of the time I'm a total ditz and fail to pay attention.
Mile 12: I start talking to someone from my neck of the woods! All the way out here! This is her main fall marathon... Chicago being MUCH too crowded.
Mile 13: I must say, this race has had the BEST volunteers. There are 2 girls standing at one of the turns, and they are shouting stuff at EVERY runner who passes. It sounds annoying, but with 7 miles still left, it's as uplifting as it could possibly be.
Mile 14: Lalalalala
Mile 15: Off this path and onto the other side of the river. There's a race photog snapping pics of me as I cross the bridge. I hope it turns out awesome so that I can frame it! I was literally the only person on the bridge!
Mile 16: Oof. There's that big hill again. Yeah, it's not as much fun this time around.
Mile 17: Last bathroom break. I'm motivating myself by marking and then passing people in front of me. And by telling myself I only have a 5K left. So far it's working.
Mile 18: So I get to the aid station, right, and grab a cup of Gatorade. Just beyond the path is a GIANT windmill. Yeah, we were on this path before. HOW DID I NOT NOTICE A GIANT WINDMILL??? I start laughing hysterically... out loud, of course. I'm sure the volunteers think I need medical attention. Nope, I'm just a flake.
Mile 19: I took kind of an extended Gu break here. My mile split for this one was HORRIBLE, in the 10s. I was putting one foot in front of the other. I can't believe I'm nearly done! I feel good... nothing hurts except for my feet.
Mile 20: I was so nervous before I started today. I had butterflies, and I almost vomited because of nerves, so it's hard to believe that I did this. Moreover, I finally feel ready for my fall marathons. I CAN DO THIS!
We got off the bike path, went over the bridge, and the finish line was right there. I finished all alone, and the wonderful spectators cheered for me as I went down the homestretch. I crossed the line with my arms raised overhead and a huge smile on my face. I got my medal and headed to the food tent. Not too shabby for a training run.
BRING IT ON, CHICAGO!
FINAL TIME: 3:04:46
AVERAGE PACE: 9:14
NEXT 20 MILER: Hahahahahahaha
LESSON LEARNED: Always read the course map before the race! If nothing else, just to see what kind of route you are taking!
chicago blackhawks mad dash to madison 5K RR
I had been looking forward to this race for MONTHS.
Back story... awhile back, I was running in a race, and I saw someone wearing a Mad Dash to Madison t-shirt from last year. (Sometimes, I do races just for the t-shirt.) So I Googled the race, and then stalked its website until registration opened. THEN I shared it on Facebook, prompting my cousin, her husband, & her friend to sign up for it as well.
We left the 'burbs early, hoping that the flashes of lightning off in the distance wouldn't hurt our chances of running an awesome race!
The race was PACKED. Blackhawks legends Stan Mikita and Denis Savard blew the air horn to signal the start of the race, and we were all still standing on the sidewalk with nowhere to go! FINALLY we got an opening, and we started the race!
Mile 1: Roger (cousin's husband) and I decided to run together. He was gunning for a sub-24, and I was just running for fun. I'm a pretty good pacer (even without Garmin), so he thought he'd stick with me. We passed A TON of people during this mile, and did a lot of weaving in and out of slower folks. It would have been nice to have pace per mile signs at the start of the race! I wasn't even breathing hard when we crossed the first mile marker in... 7:36
Mile 2: HUGE straightaway on Lake Street. The L train passed overhead, and boy was it LOUD! We're in a good position right now... still doing a lot of passing, but the street is clearer so we're not running in circles around them. We both skip the aid station and can't believe our good fortune at our pace. At one point, Roger looked at his Nike + and it said we were running at 6:50 pace! Whoa! Needless to say, we couldn't sustain that. But at least we're consistent... 7:38 (15:15)
Mile 3: Ok, now I'm excited. I'm more than on PR pace, and I've still got so much gas in the tank. My legs want to RUN! Roger stays behind with a side stitch, so I take off. This course isn't scenic by any means, but I'm still enjoying myself. I'm FLYING and I feel like the race should definitely be done soon. But it takes forever for the 3 mile marker to come, and I'm not going to get a PR, since I hit it at... 23:00?!
Mile 3.1: Sprinting to the finish, disappointed in my legs for not carrying me to a new PR. I cross the finish line in 24:43, which is my 2nd best 5K ever, but exactly a minute slower than my PR. HOW is this POSSIBLE, when my mile times are faster today than they were in my June PR??? Last mile.1: 9:28 :(
Roger finishes about a minute later, checks his Nike + and... 3.68?! WTH?! We'll wait for my cousin (Jill) to cross the finish line and see what her Nike+ says. We both think the course is long... we started out fast, got faster, and didn't reach our goals. Baffling. Jill was aiming for a sub-30 but...
...we see her coming down the street and she is FLYING. I wish I had gotten the sprinting gene! She doesn't get the sub-30, and she thinks the course is long too. We talk to a couple of other people on the sidewalk, and they think the same thing. Ok, we aren't nuts. But it still stinks.
A couple of minutes later, I see Kari FLYING down the street. Damn, she can sprint too!
We all finish the race and then head inside the United Center to see the STANLEY CUP! And our race shirts? Yep, they are awesome... red with a Stanley Cup logo on the left chest.
Running an extra quarter mile... another 2 minutes on your feet. Seeing the Stanley Cup... PRICELESS!
FINAL TIME: 24:43
AVERAGE PACE: 7:59
NEXT 5K: Itasca Oktoberfast, 10.2.2010
LESSON LEARNED: Garmin left at home = easier to get over the fact that the course was a tad long. (I think I was the only one who wasn't overly bothered by it!)
Back story... awhile back, I was running in a race, and I saw someone wearing a Mad Dash to Madison t-shirt from last year. (Sometimes, I do races just for the t-shirt.) So I Googled the race, and then stalked its website until registration opened. THEN I shared it on Facebook, prompting my cousin, her husband, & her friend to sign up for it as well.
We left the 'burbs early, hoping that the flashes of lightning off in the distance wouldn't hurt our chances of running an awesome race!
The race was PACKED. Blackhawks legends Stan Mikita and Denis Savard blew the air horn to signal the start of the race, and we were all still standing on the sidewalk with nowhere to go! FINALLY we got an opening, and we started the race!
Mile 1: Roger (cousin's husband) and I decided to run together. He was gunning for a sub-24, and I was just running for fun. I'm a pretty good pacer (even without Garmin), so he thought he'd stick with me. We passed A TON of people during this mile, and did a lot of weaving in and out of slower folks. It would have been nice to have pace per mile signs at the start of the race! I wasn't even breathing hard when we crossed the first mile marker in... 7:36
Mile 2: HUGE straightaway on Lake Street. The L train passed overhead, and boy was it LOUD! We're in a good position right now... still doing a lot of passing, but the street is clearer so we're not running in circles around them. We both skip the aid station and can't believe our good fortune at our pace. At one point, Roger looked at his Nike + and it said we were running at 6:50 pace! Whoa! Needless to say, we couldn't sustain that. But at least we're consistent... 7:38 (15:15)
Mile 3: Ok, now I'm excited. I'm more than on PR pace, and I've still got so much gas in the tank. My legs want to RUN! Roger stays behind with a side stitch, so I take off. This course isn't scenic by any means, but I'm still enjoying myself. I'm FLYING and I feel like the race should definitely be done soon. But it takes forever for the 3 mile marker to come, and I'm not going to get a PR, since I hit it at... 23:00?!
Mile 3.1: Sprinting to the finish, disappointed in my legs for not carrying me to a new PR. I cross the finish line in 24:43, which is my 2nd best 5K ever, but exactly a minute slower than my PR. HOW is this POSSIBLE, when my mile times are faster today than they were in my June PR??? Last mile.1: 9:28 :(
Roger finishes about a minute later, checks his Nike + and... 3.68?! WTH?! We'll wait for my cousin (Jill) to cross the finish line and see what her Nike+ says. We both think the course is long... we started out fast, got faster, and didn't reach our goals. Baffling. Jill was aiming for a sub-30 but...
...we see her coming down the street and she is FLYING. I wish I had gotten the sprinting gene! She doesn't get the sub-30, and she thinks the course is long too. We talk to a couple of other people on the sidewalk, and they think the same thing. Ok, we aren't nuts. But it still stinks.
A couple of minutes later, I see Kari FLYING down the street. Damn, she can sprint too!
We all finish the race and then head inside the United Center to see the STANLEY CUP! And our race shirts? Yep, they are awesome... red with a Stanley Cup logo on the left chest.
Running an extra quarter mile... another 2 minutes on your feet. Seeing the Stanley Cup... PRICELESS!
FINAL TIME: 24:43
AVERAGE PACE: 7:59
NEXT 5K: Itasca Oktoberfast, 10.2.2010
LESSON LEARNED: Garmin left at home = easier to get over the fact that the course was a tad long. (I think I was the only one who wasn't overly bothered by it!)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
am i crazy???
I'm running the Hot Chocolate 15K once again this year. It's on a Saturday, which is different, and I'm glad I've been paying attention to the emails, because I thought the race was on a Sunday. Whoops!
But I found an 8 mile race for that Sunday that I'm thinking of doing. It's at the same Forest Preserve as the Windrunner 10K, and I LOVED it there. I think I put in my race report that if I found another race there, I would jump on it. Or maybe I tweeted that. Either way. I've never run an 8 mile race before, so instant PR! The bf might kill me for adding ANOTHER race to my already ridiculous schedule, but oh well. With a cap of 750 people, maybe I'd have a shot at an age group trophy???
Did I mention that this all takes place the week after Marine Corps... which is also the weekend before the Veterans Marathon?
I think I need to have my head examined...
...after I finish filling out this registration form :)
But I found an 8 mile race for that Sunday that I'm thinking of doing. It's at the same Forest Preserve as the Windrunner 10K, and I LOVED it there. I think I put in my race report that if I found another race there, I would jump on it. Or maybe I tweeted that. Either way. I've never run an 8 mile race before, so instant PR! The bf might kill me for adding ANOTHER race to my already ridiculous schedule, but oh well. With a cap of 750 people, maybe I'd have a shot at an age group trophy???
Did I mention that this all takes place the week after Marine Corps... which is also the weekend before the Veterans Marathon?
I think I need to have my head examined...
...after I finish filling out this registration form :)
it started with a shirt
I know, I know, it sounds like the beginning of an episode of How I Met Your Mother. But it's true... my story starts with a shirt. And ends with a shirt. It's about a shirt, ok?
My RnR Vegas Half Marathon shirt, to be exact.
I have this goofy tradition before a big race. Every day starting 1 week before said race, I wear at least 1 race t-shirt per day (to work out in, sleep in, etc) from a race where I totally rocked. Well, that's not true. Sometimes I wear the shirt from a DNF, or a PW, just because I like the shirt. (That would be Chicago 2005 and North Shore Half 2008, respectively.)
So far this week I've worn shirts from: Madison Mini Marathon, Chicago Marathon 2009, & Shamrock Shuffle 2009.
Yesterday I really wanted to wear my RnR Vegas shirt, which is black and matches everything, with my loud obnoxious purple shorts.
I looked on top of the dresser, which is where I thought I had seen it last. Not there. Ditto for my race t-shirt drawer. And the all the other drawers in my dresser. And under the bed. And in the laundry basket. And in the CLEAN laundry pile. And every single other conceivable place I could think of (i.e. the bathroom, the closet, the bf's dirty laundry). I literally checked everywhere and couldn't find it.
So I put on a training shirt from last year's Chicago Marathon and got all set to go for my 5 miles. But by this point, I'm really upset. I love that shirt. I traveled all the way to Vegas for a race, and I ran well, despite drinking like a fish the previous 2 days I was there before the race. DAMMIT where did I put my shirt?!
I go downstairs, chug half a cup of Gatorade, and am halfway out the door when I see something out of the corner of my eye... my windbreaker from the Hot Chocolate 15K is hanging on the back of a chair, and there's a lump underneath it.
My RnR Vegas shirt.
It just goes to show you... it's ALWAYS in the last place you look.
My RnR Vegas Half Marathon shirt, to be exact.
I have this goofy tradition before a big race. Every day starting 1 week before said race, I wear at least 1 race t-shirt per day (to work out in, sleep in, etc) from a race where I totally rocked. Well, that's not true. Sometimes I wear the shirt from a DNF, or a PW, just because I like the shirt. (That would be Chicago 2005 and North Shore Half 2008, respectively.)
So far this week I've worn shirts from: Madison Mini Marathon, Chicago Marathon 2009, & Shamrock Shuffle 2009.
Yesterday I really wanted to wear my RnR Vegas shirt, which is black and matches everything, with my loud obnoxious purple shorts.
I looked on top of the dresser, which is where I thought I had seen it last. Not there. Ditto for my race t-shirt drawer. And the all the other drawers in my dresser. And under the bed. And in the laundry basket. And in the CLEAN laundry pile. And every single other conceivable place I could think of (i.e. the bathroom, the closet, the bf's dirty laundry). I literally checked everywhere and couldn't find it.
So I put on a training shirt from last year's Chicago Marathon and got all set to go for my 5 miles. But by this point, I'm really upset. I love that shirt. I traveled all the way to Vegas for a race, and I ran well, despite drinking like a fish the previous 2 days I was there before the race. DAMMIT where did I put my shirt?!
I go downstairs, chug half a cup of Gatorade, and am halfway out the door when I see something out of the corner of my eye... my windbreaker from the Hot Chocolate 15K is hanging on the back of a chair, and there's a lump underneath it.
My RnR Vegas shirt.
It just goes to show you... it's ALWAYS in the last place you look.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
pics from the chicago half!
Just crossed the finish line... I love my medal!
Don't worry, I passed her:
I look kinda chunky in this one:
Can you tell my quads were tight?
I swear, MarathonFoto makes it their mission to make my legs look ginormous:
Hamming it up for the camera just before mile 3:
*Official* finisher photo :)
Don't worry, I passed her:
I look kinda chunky in this one:
Can you tell my quads were tight?
I swear, MarathonFoto makes it their mission to make my legs look ginormous:
Hamming it up for the camera just before mile 3:
*Official* finisher photo :)week 1 nfl thoughts (NRR)
I love the NFL. It's what makes Sundays great. (Well, that and RACES!) Plus now I have the NFL Redzone channel... if you don't have it and love the NFL, GET IT NOW! You get to see EVERY score on Sundays. It did make my head spin and was kind of overwhelming, but it'll be better. I just need to get used to it. But it's totally awesome.
So anyway, now I feel like I can have a valid opinion on every NFL team... lucky YOU.
Shall we see what I think? Yes indeed!
NFC:
Arizona - I think they are backed into a corner without Matt Leinart. Yes, I think Matt Leinart stinks. But Derek Anderson was awful, and your backup is some rookie named Max Hall? I don't even know where he went to college!
Atlanta - I think I'm a little worried that their offense didn't get a TD.
Carolina - I think Jimmy Clausen should start warming up.
Chicago - I think the Mike Martz offense will work, so long as they stop turning the ball over. Oh, and it would be nice if you had a TE who could block. (Hello??? Where was Desmond Clark???)
Dallas - Yikes. I think I would be concerned about my offensive line. Julius Peppers is going to cream Tony Romo next week.
Detroit - I think the defense played really well, but the loss of Matthew Stafford is going to be brutal.
Green Bay - I think they need to find a permanent replacement for Ryan Grant- his constant injuries make him too unreliable.
Minnesota - I think Brett Favre showed his age and his lack of training camp.
New Orleans - I think, after week 1, that this is the best team in the NFC.
New York - I think Hakeem Nicks is going to have a monster season.
Philadelphia - I think Kevin Kolb sucks. And I don't think it will be long before Philly fans are calling for Michael Vick.
San Francisco - I don't think Alex Smith is the answer.
Seattle - I think Deion Branch has still got it!
St Louis - I think Sam Bradford is going to be a good QB in the NFL.
Tampa Bay - I think I'm surprised that Ronde Barber can still bring it.
Washington - Hooboy. I think the defense was awesome and the offense terrible. If Dallas doesn't make a bad decision to not take a knee at the end of the 1st half, Washington loses this game. I think that I'd demand at least a TD from such a "high profile" QB as Donovan McNabb.
AFC:
Baltimore - I think Anquan Boldin was the pickup of the offseason. He is EXACTLY what Joe Flacco needs.
Buffalo - I think it's going to be a long year for the Bills.
Cincinnati - I think Carson Palmer looks old.
Cleveland - I think Eric Mangini is a crappy coach.
Denver - I think Josh McDaniels addressed his fantasies instead of his needs in the dream. I don't agree with getting Tim Tebow and not getting help in the secondary. It's going to bite them in the ass all season long.
Houston - I think Arian Foster is the Ray Rice of 2010. And I think this might finally be the year for playoff football in Houston.
Indianapolis - I think the Bob Sanders fan club needs to disband. Other than that, I don't have any answers as to their poor performance on Sunday.
Jacksonville - I think I'm happy Mercedes Lewis is my TE in fantasy.
Kansas City - I think I like the Charlie Weis offense in KC... although not as much as I like the Romeo Crennel defense!
Miami - I think they got lucky with a safety. And where the heck was Brandon Marshall???
New England - I think Wes Welker is back. And on pace for a MONSTER year.
New York - I think losing Kris Jenkins for any amount of time is going to significantly hurt this defense.
Oakland - I still think the best player on this team is Sebastian Janikowski.
Pittsburgh - I think I like what Dennis Dixon brings to the table. I hope he gives Roethlisberger a serious run for his money for the starting job.
San Diego - I think I'd be worried when you can't beat the Chiefs.
Tennessee - I think they need to play a real team before I jump on any bandwagons.
So anyway, now I feel like I can have a valid opinion on every NFL team... lucky YOU.
Shall we see what I think? Yes indeed!
NFC:
Arizona - I think they are backed into a corner without Matt Leinart. Yes, I think Matt Leinart stinks. But Derek Anderson was awful, and your backup is some rookie named Max Hall? I don't even know where he went to college!
Atlanta - I think I'm a little worried that their offense didn't get a TD.
Carolina - I think Jimmy Clausen should start warming up.
Chicago - I think the Mike Martz offense will work, so long as they stop turning the ball over. Oh, and it would be nice if you had a TE who could block. (Hello??? Where was Desmond Clark???)
Dallas - Yikes. I think I would be concerned about my offensive line. Julius Peppers is going to cream Tony Romo next week.
Detroit - I think the defense played really well, but the loss of Matthew Stafford is going to be brutal.
Green Bay - I think they need to find a permanent replacement for Ryan Grant- his constant injuries make him too unreliable.
Minnesota - I think Brett Favre showed his age and his lack of training camp.
New Orleans - I think, after week 1, that this is the best team in the NFC.
New York - I think Hakeem Nicks is going to have a monster season.
Philadelphia - I think Kevin Kolb sucks. And I don't think it will be long before Philly fans are calling for Michael Vick.
San Francisco - I don't think Alex Smith is the answer.
Seattle - I think Deion Branch has still got it!
St Louis - I think Sam Bradford is going to be a good QB in the NFL.
Tampa Bay - I think I'm surprised that Ronde Barber can still bring it.
Washington - Hooboy. I think the defense was awesome and the offense terrible. If Dallas doesn't make a bad decision to not take a knee at the end of the 1st half, Washington loses this game. I think that I'd demand at least a TD from such a "high profile" QB as Donovan McNabb.
AFC:
Baltimore - I think Anquan Boldin was the pickup of the offseason. He is EXACTLY what Joe Flacco needs.
Buffalo - I think it's going to be a long year for the Bills.
Cincinnati - I think Carson Palmer looks old.
Cleveland - I think Eric Mangini is a crappy coach.
Denver - I think Josh McDaniels addressed his fantasies instead of his needs in the dream. I don't agree with getting Tim Tebow and not getting help in the secondary. It's going to bite them in the ass all season long.
Houston - I think Arian Foster is the Ray Rice of 2010. And I think this might finally be the year for playoff football in Houston.
Indianapolis - I think the Bob Sanders fan club needs to disband. Other than that, I don't have any answers as to their poor performance on Sunday.
Jacksonville - I think I'm happy Mercedes Lewis is my TE in fantasy.
Kansas City - I think I like the Charlie Weis offense in KC... although not as much as I like the Romeo Crennel defense!
Miami - I think they got lucky with a safety. And where the heck was Brandon Marshall???
New England - I think Wes Welker is back. And on pace for a MONSTER year.
New York - I think losing Kris Jenkins for any amount of time is going to significantly hurt this defense.
Oakland - I still think the best player on this team is Sebastian Janikowski.
Pittsburgh - I think I like what Dennis Dixon brings to the table. I hope he gives Roethlisberger a serious run for his money for the starting job.
San Diego - I think I'd be worried when you can't beat the Chiefs.
Tennessee - I think they need to play a real team before I jump on any bandwagons.
Monday, September 13, 2010
chicago half marathon RR
I'll end the suspense right now. I didn't get a PR. But I got close. 2nd best time EVER, and the 2nd time I've totally rocked this course. I love this race! It's quickly becoming my favorite half marathon in the Chicago area.
I left a little after 4am for a 7am race start, since I wanted to ensure a parking spot in the garage at the Museum of Science & Industry. Yes, it costs $16 to park there. But I'm very unfamiliar with the area and can't parallel park my car worth a crap, so there ya go. I arrived just after 5, got a money spot right by the exit, and settled into my backseat for a quick nap. (Yes, like a hobo. Don't judge me.)
6:15 came and I decided to venture over to the race start. Had a quick visit to the smelly poo house and went straight to the start corral. The weather was PERFECT. High 50s at the start. Sun just starting to peek through. Not humid. Little wind. I tried to remember the last time I ran a pikermi in perfect conditions like this... yep that would be Rockford, way back in the middle of May!
7am rolled around and, right on time, we're OFF!
Mile 1: Most crowded part of the course, as the streets are a bit narrow, and people are jockeying for position. And what do I see up ahead? WALKERS. C'mon man! I lined up between the 1:45 and 1:50 signs! Geez. Weirdest thing about this race: there's actually an aid station before the first mile mark. That sh!t is bananas... 8:29
Mile 2: Still crowded, but there are beautiful parks and golf courses to keep me entertained. As well as trying to figure out the race shirts of fellow participants! None have caught my eye quite yet... 8:11
Mile 3: Actually got to run on the road this time instead of cutting a corner on a grassy knoll like we did last year. I wonder if people wearing Garmins will have the course measure long... 8:04
Mile 4: ...or too short? I breezed through this mile faster than I would in a 5K. Have I mentioned yet that I'm running on super-tight quads? How weird. 7:24
Mile 5: Cheerleaders & DJs on the course are totally making my day! I've been gaping at this lady in a Nathan fuel belt who saw her hubby on the side of the course, and exchanged her empty bottles for full ones from his cooler. Sheesh. It's not THAT hot! She must have a hollow leg for water. 8:11
Mile 6: Oh yeah, I got a new 5 mile PR! Been trying to break that one since the Soldier Field race at the end of May... 8:49
Mile 7: Ugh. Quads hurty. 8:32
Mile 8: Um, I have to pee. Get to the aid station and there's a huge line. I don't have to go THAT badly. Going to try and tough it out for awhile. 8:35
Mile 9: TURNAROUND POINT! Over the highway and down the other side. There's an aid station on the uphill, so you don't notice it, and then the downhill feels AMAZING. We've had great views of the city this way, and I will be sad to leave them behind. 8:16
Mile 10: Just annihilated my 15K PR! Could a pikermi PR be far behind? Yes. Now I have to pee for real. I feel like I have a giant watermelon in my stomach. 9:39
Mile 11: Happy I went, as now I can rock it out for the last 3 miles! Slight incline @ 47th street, then a sweet downhill, and the course is totally flat and easy from here on out! 7:52
Mile 12: You can do anything for 2 more miles... worst case scenario, it's 20 minutes. Try reasoning with my quads! 8:37
Mile 13.1: Favorite part of the race so far: the sign that says 1/2 mi to go! Why don't more races do that? Pretty boats in Jackson Harbor, then we turn the corner and head to the park. There's a giant gold status that I don't remember seeing last year. Was I just not paying attention? Probably. I haul ass to the finish, sprinting until my quads and hammys ache. I cannot wait to get home and have a beer!
FINAL TIME: 1:49:36
AVERAGE PACE: 8:22
LESSON LEARNED: Want to avoid the expo crowd at Navy Pier? Leave in the early AM hours and arrive just as they pull up the doors. No lines, no crowds, tons of awesome.
NEXT PIKERMI: Schaumburg Turkey Trot, 11.27.2010
Official photos coming soon!
I left a little after 4am for a 7am race start, since I wanted to ensure a parking spot in the garage at the Museum of Science & Industry. Yes, it costs $16 to park there. But I'm very unfamiliar with the area and can't parallel park my car worth a crap, so there ya go. I arrived just after 5, got a money spot right by the exit, and settled into my backseat for a quick nap. (Yes, like a hobo. Don't judge me.)
6:15 came and I decided to venture over to the race start. Had a quick visit to the smelly poo house and went straight to the start corral. The weather was PERFECT. High 50s at the start. Sun just starting to peek through. Not humid. Little wind. I tried to remember the last time I ran a pikermi in perfect conditions like this... yep that would be Rockford, way back in the middle of May!
7am rolled around and, right on time, we're OFF!
Mile 1: Most crowded part of the course, as the streets are a bit narrow, and people are jockeying for position. And what do I see up ahead? WALKERS. C'mon man! I lined up between the 1:45 and 1:50 signs! Geez. Weirdest thing about this race: there's actually an aid station before the first mile mark. That sh!t is bananas... 8:29
Mile 2: Still crowded, but there are beautiful parks and golf courses to keep me entertained. As well as trying to figure out the race shirts of fellow participants! None have caught my eye quite yet... 8:11
Mile 3: Actually got to run on the road this time instead of cutting a corner on a grassy knoll like we did last year. I wonder if people wearing Garmins will have the course measure long... 8:04
Mile 4: ...or too short? I breezed through this mile faster than I would in a 5K. Have I mentioned yet that I'm running on super-tight quads? How weird. 7:24
Mile 5: Cheerleaders & DJs on the course are totally making my day! I've been gaping at this lady in a Nathan fuel belt who saw her hubby on the side of the course, and exchanged her empty bottles for full ones from his cooler. Sheesh. It's not THAT hot! She must have a hollow leg for water. 8:11
Mile 6: Oh yeah, I got a new 5 mile PR! Been trying to break that one since the Soldier Field race at the end of May... 8:49
Mile 7: Ugh. Quads hurty. 8:32
Mile 8: Um, I have to pee. Get to the aid station and there's a huge line. I don't have to go THAT badly. Going to try and tough it out for awhile. 8:35
Mile 9: TURNAROUND POINT! Over the highway and down the other side. There's an aid station on the uphill, so you don't notice it, and then the downhill feels AMAZING. We've had great views of the city this way, and I will be sad to leave them behind. 8:16
Mile 10: Just annihilated my 15K PR! Could a pikermi PR be far behind? Yes. Now I have to pee for real. I feel like I have a giant watermelon in my stomach. 9:39
Mile 11: Happy I went, as now I can rock it out for the last 3 miles! Slight incline @ 47th street, then a sweet downhill, and the course is totally flat and easy from here on out! 7:52
Mile 12: You can do anything for 2 more miles... worst case scenario, it's 20 minutes. Try reasoning with my quads! 8:37
Mile 13.1: Favorite part of the race so far: the sign that says 1/2 mi to go! Why don't more races do that? Pretty boats in Jackson Harbor, then we turn the corner and head to the park. There's a giant gold status that I don't remember seeing last year. Was I just not paying attention? Probably. I haul ass to the finish, sprinting until my quads and hammys ache. I cannot wait to get home and have a beer!
FINAL TIME: 1:49:36
AVERAGE PACE: 8:22
LESSON LEARNED: Want to avoid the expo crowd at Navy Pier? Leave in the early AM hours and arrive just as they pull up the doors. No lines, no crowds, tons of awesome.
NEXT PIKERMI: Schaumburg Turkey Trot, 11.27.2010
Official photos coming soon!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
august in review
Miles run: 184.4... a personal best by far!
Total for the year: 1102.2
Longest run: 17
Races run: 3
Races run in crazy humidity: 3
PRs @ said races: 0 :(
Days of training missed: 3! (7 mi, 5 mi, & 8 mi, respectively). Also cut short an 8 miler due to heat/humidity yesterday. FAIL!
Days since I last rode my awesome bike: Unfortunately, I cannot count that high.
New favorites: NFL Network, Laughing Cow cheese w/ Triscuits, Walmart brand mac n cheese, buying size 4 pants and having them be slightly too big, race t-shirts that look like the label of a beer bottle ("13.1 fluid miles"... har de har har).
Things that suck: Da Bears offensive line, humidity, summer colds
Weeks to go until Chicago/Marine Corps/Veterans/Houston: 6/9/11/22
Things (races) to look forward to in September: Chicago Pikermi (9.12.2010), Chicago Blackhawks Mad Dash to Madison 5K (9.18.2010), Fox Valley Final Fall 20 Miler (9.19.2010)
Other things to look forward to in September: VEGAS on Saturday, taper madness
Total for the year: 1102.2
Longest run: 17
Races run: 3
Races run in crazy humidity: 3
PRs @ said races: 0 :(
Days of training missed: 3! (7 mi, 5 mi, & 8 mi, respectively). Also cut short an 8 miler due to heat/humidity yesterday. FAIL!
Days since I last rode my awesome bike: Unfortunately, I cannot count that high.
New favorites: NFL Network, Laughing Cow cheese w/ Triscuits, Walmart brand mac n cheese, buying size 4 pants and having them be slightly too big, race t-shirts that look like the label of a beer bottle ("13.1 fluid miles"... har de har har).
Things that suck: Da Bears offensive line, humidity, summer colds
Weeks to go until Chicago/Marine Corps/Veterans/Houston: 6/9/11/22
Things (races) to look forward to in September: Chicago Pikermi (9.12.2010), Chicago Blackhawks Mad Dash to Madison 5K (9.18.2010), Fox Valley Final Fall 20 Miler (9.19.2010)
Other things to look forward to in September: VEGAS on Saturday, taper madness
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