marvelous may

Miles run:  132.72

Miles biked:  10

Races run:  6

PRs at said races:  1

Medals earned:  7!  (I included my heavy medal from the RnR series.)

Age group awards:  2

New thing done:  Half marathons on back-to-back days.

Book read:  RUN!  By Dean Karnazes.  (Working on the review now!)

Biggest achievement:  Finishing the Rockford Half Marathon under 1:55.  It was so hard, and I was so miserable, and all I wanted to do was stop and walk the rest of the way, time be damned.  But I wanted to finish what I started in terms of my 2012 goals, and that got me through the last 2 miles.

Biggest disappointment:  Soldier Field 10 Mile t-shirts.  They are a nice Nike tech tee, but in Packers colors.  We are Bears fans.  FAIL.

Things I'm loving this month:  TYRANENA SCURVY IS BACK!!!, the new Sookie Stackhouse book, my CEP compression sleeves, when the parentals come to my race and then take me out for breakfast, planning adventures with Kelsey (what up, Ragnar Florida Keys!), Jeff Samardzija, the Sports Illustrated issue about Title IX, starting the #RWRunStreak.

Things I'm hating on:  TV reruns, and the fact that I have to wait until September for Revenge to come back... and then it's on the same time as football!  BOO!

Things (races) to look forward to in June:  United Run for the Zoo 10K, Ragnar Chicago, North Shore Pikermi, Woodstock Challenge 10K, Glo Run 6K, Summerfest Rock n Sole Pikermi... and maybe a midweek 5K... or two...

Where are we on the shoes?

Oh boy...

(not so) wordless wednesday

My new babies! <3

Remember that day last year when I beat all the females?  Well, I still had that gift certificate to the running store in Crystal Lake lying around.  Luckily, my cousin reminded me about it when we raced together a couple of weekends ago.  Last Thursday after work, off we went to the running store.  Then we ate burgers.  We are awesome.

I've had my heart set on a pair of Pure Flows for a good long while now.  They didn't have any other colors except for this one.  Since I only paid $20 for the shoes after the gift certificate, I wasn't going to complain about the color.  It must have been my lucky day - this was the last pair of Pure Flows in the store, and they were in my size.

The verdict? 

Once again, Brooks has hit a major home run.  I love them.  They are substantial enough for high mileage, but light enough for me to think I'm running on air.  I may never buy another pair of Ghosts again.  Go To Shoes (GTS), indeed.  Well done.

soldier field 10 mile RR

Let me just say, I LOVE this race.  This would be my 4th year running this, and I normally do very well here, despite the crowds.  It's just FUN!  Finishing on the 50 and getting a medal and stadium blanket for your efforts?  Consider it done!

The short version - I ran awesome, despite the nasty headwind for the final 5 miles. I got a new PR (1:18:56) and did my greatest Antonio Cromartie impression as I crossed the finish line. I had a ball.

The long version - I roped my parents into coming down and watching the race... and that means I didn't have to drive!  Yay!  I got up really early, parked at their house, and then headed downtown.  Traffic was nonexistent (everyone in their right mind was at home sleeping) and we got a great spot in the north parking garage.  We headed to the stadium to look at the finish line, and soon enough it was time to go to the start corrals!

I was in corral #2, so right near the front.  I was able to see the color guard and that stage for the anthem.  My mom took a bunch of pictures (but of course, has yet to send them to me), so I'll post as soon as I get them.

After a great pre-race ceremony honoring veterans and active duty military, and a call to the post from Arlington Park's bugler, we were OFF!

Mile 1:  Holy crow, it's crowded out here. I know that it was a record amount of people, but even with the wave start, it's packed.  Already, I'm finding it hard to settle into something resembling my pace.  Oh, and then we get to run under McCormick Place, where the road is unsteady and it smells. Awesome.  8:12

Mile 2:  FINALLY the crowd thins out a lot after the tunnel.  I'm pleasantly surprised by how great the weather is - I must admit, after last weekend's horribleness, I had considerably lower expectations.  I am most glad that there is no sun to beat down on me.  7:44

Mile 3:  The wind is at my back a little, which is going to kill me on the back half of the course, if I'm not too careful. I'm torn between wanting to bank as much time as possible in the first few miles and running an overall consistent pace.  7:41

Mile 4:  Had a terrible encounter with a rude runner.  I was running on the left side if the road, hugging the curb. For the most part, people who run here are staying out of the way of more competitive people. There's sewers to run over, which is going to slow you down a little bit.  So this guy comes up on my back, gives my shoulder a push, and says, "You need to move over... you're not the fastest person on the course."  Ummm, I'm well aware. And it's nice to know that I'm not the rudest!  Sheesh!  7:44

Mile 5:  I feel really great so far.  It reassures me that last weekend's races were just a fluke due to the hot weather, and not any indicator that something is wrong either with me physically or with my training.  At the turnaround point (on grass, blech), and so far, I'm having a great race.  7:36

Mile 6:  Immediately after turning around, I'm hit with a WALL of wind. Oh man, this is intense!  I walk through the aid station to get my bearings, and, as I usually do in crazy wind, I take it easy when it gusts and run like hell when it takes a break.  I'm looking for people I know on the other side if the course, and sure enough, I spot Kirk and Lindsay, and use a lot if lung power yelling for them to see me.  They do, and then I have to go up a hill. Uck.  7:56

Mile 7:  Killing it.  Just killing it today.  I feel terrific.  7:54

Mile 8:  I keep telling myself that I can do anything for 2 more miles.  And really, I can.  I feel as great as I did when I got my pikermi PR in New Orleans.  I'm even sporting that hat today, for good vibes, obviously.  7:46

Mile 9:  An aid station, a wall of wind, and people going slow.  COME ON!!!  WE'RE ALMOST DONE!!!  8:06

Mile 10:  Time to kick some butt.  I pick up my pace, and go off to the side of the street, so that I can go as fast as I want and not bump into people who slow down during the last mile.  (UGH!  Pet peeve!)  We make the turn into the tunnel, and holy cow, I am FLYING.  Today is going to be a PR day for sure. 

I pass a huge pack of people just before entering the field, and then I am alone.  Which is good.  I've had my touchdown dance planned for 10 miles!

I cross the Bears word in the end zone, glance behind me to make sure that I don't poke anyone, and yep, AIRPLANE ARMS!  I zoom zoom from end to end and that is my final kick.  I see myself on the Jumbotron, and cross the finish line with a HUGE smile on my face.  Oh man, I cannot WAIT to see those finisher photos!  7:32

FINAL TIME:  1:18:56
AVERAGE PACE:  7:49
LESSON LEARNED:  Read packet pickup stuff BEFORE signing up for races!  Also, bring your own snacks for this one.  The treat bag is super lame.
NEXT 10 MILE:  Chicago's Perfect 10, 11.10.2012

Celebrating my shiny new PR with a shiny new football helmet medal!

i'm going streaking!

You can probably file this under "dumb shit I decided to do today."

I was sitting in my bed this morning, hungover, wondering what the heck I was going to do all day today.  I came across someone's Twitter post about the Runner's World Summer Run Streak. Wouldn't you know, I have always wanted to do one of these. And since I haven't run since Saturday's race, I am feeling a little stir-crazy.

So starting today, I'm going streaking. I'm not going to run a whole lot today, 2 miles max.  I will definitely do this until the official end date of July 4th, but ideally I want to keep going for as long as my body will let me.

Stay tuned...

rockford half marathon RR

Hoo boy.  This was a toughie.

The short version: I (barely) accomplished my goal of going under 1:55.  It was touch-and-go there for awhile.  It was hot.  I bonked.  HARD.

The long version...

4:30am came wayyyy too quickly.  10 minutes later, and I was on the road to Rockford, in the dark.  Got there at 6am on the nose, and found my cousin and Kari at a parking garage on the other side of the start line.  We headed to the park to get our race packets (LOVE halfs with race day packet pickup!) and ran into my Fanatic/Maniac friend Kirk.  None of us is looking forward to the heat, but especially Kirk, since he is doing the full, and we are only doing the half.

Thinkin bout life... nah, probably sleeping with my eyes open again.

Us ladies found the indoor bathroom (haha suckers in the giant smelly poo house line) and sat down to get ready.  I checked Twitter real quick, and fired off a message to Tracey before she went dark.  I told her what I was wearing, and held out hope that she'd find us!

She did!  Huzzah!

L to R - Jill (2nd half today), Kari (1st), Me (48)

We headed to the start line, and then went our separate.  For the 2nd time this weekend, at 7am, I was OFF!

Mile 1:  I actually started this race with a cramp.  POOP.  GO AWAY, CRAMPS!  8:11

Mile 2:  It's hot.  And my legs are still tired from yesterday.  Crap on a cracker.  8:24

Mile 3:  The last time I did this race was in 2009.  The course is wayyyy different from then!  (In a good way, so far.)  Best mile of the day.  8:08

Mile 4:  Confession time - I didn't eat anything before the race.  I tried, but was still full from Saturday's dinner.  Also, I just didn't feel like it.  This becomes important later.  8:26

Mile 5:  Ah ok, back to a part I remember from last time... a sweet-ass downhill, but the sun is beating down on me.  I crank up my tunes (got a brand-new playlist for today) and just hope to slug through until we get some shade.  8:17

Mile 6:  Aid station in a toll booth.  For real!  I also manage to slosh red Gatorade down my front... it misses my shirt, but get the back of my bib number (?) and also my neck.  Greeeaaat.  8:21

Mile 7:  Halfway done.  Oh thank GOD.  8:46

Mile 8:  It's official - I don't want to do this at all.  When Kelsey and I did our double, we thought that if the hot race was on Sunday, we'd be in a lot worse shape.  I'm living the dream right now, and yes, it is SO MUCH WORSE.  8:41

Mile 9:  Just keep swimming, just keep swimming... ohhhh do I want to jump in the cold river water right about now!  8:36

Mile 10:  I don't remember much about the rest of the race.  Except that this was the mile where I stopped to stretch my quads, since the pounding is really getting to them.  My legs feel like they're made of cement.  This sucks.  9:05

Mile 11:  Not checking Garmin, just putting one foot in front of the other.  I stop to walk and feel sorry for myself.  And catch my breath.  My heart rate is way too high.  I'm tired.  Why can't a half marathon be done at 11 miles??? 8:54

Mile 12:  I don't remember the last time I've had to walk in a half marathon (oh wait - it was last summer in heat and rain).  I also don't remember the last time I've run such a slow mile on purpose, much less in a race.  I'm doing a lot of running and taking some walk breaks, so that I don't lose my shit.  9:32

"Don't take my picture, dude."

Mile 13:  I'm still on pace to break 1:55, but I want to look strong and confident doing so.  I take my last walk break for a full minute, and actually cover over .10 of a mile.  (I picked up the power walking gene from Dad.)  Once my little break is over, I'm ready to finish this beast.  9:34

Mile 13.18:  Turn the corner and there's a SWEET downhill, and then straight to the finish.  I'M DONE!  And even though this is my WORST time of 2012, it's still under 1:55!  I WIN!  1:23

"Well, that's over with."

FINAL TIME:  1:54:25
AVERAGE PACE:  8:41
LESSON LEARNED:  Eat before you run!
NEXT PIKERMI:  North Shore Half Marathon, 6.10.2012

I got my medal, some snacks and fluid and my bag, and found a shady spot in the grass to sit down, clean up, and wait for Jill and Kari. 

This is how I felt after the race.  Yeah.

Sweet medals this year!

I saw Jill as I was on the way to the finish line.  Poop!  I was hoping to get her picture.  She got her bag and we headed back to the finish when we saw Kari finish!  Her first one!  I just wish she had gotten a better day for it... Congrats, Kari :)

We hung around for awhile to cool down and feel better after all the running in the heat.  I went back to the finish line to see if I could see people cross.  I missed them.  But I did see this guy:

Poor 3:55 pace guy, he finished all alone :(

Even though it was hot and we all felt like death warmed over (haha), it was nothing that a great meal at McDonald's couldn't cure!  Can't wait to see my cousin again at North Shore, and Kari for double race day :)

This was 2012 Pikermi #10/Overall #48... getting close to #50!