tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719988072750361882024-02-07T23:19:21.688-06:00Eri-thon: From 0 to 26.2 in 30...and whatever happens after that.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.comBlogger678125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-4322610003668963752012-08-22T07:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T19:52:49.159-05:00Eri-thon is now on ChicagoNow!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--F4FqviRvqs/UDPmhZTSSCI/AAAAAAAACHw/qPfk_htYC8M/s1600-h/chicago-now-syhag%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="chicago-now-syhag" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LNQRtW4aHyw/UDPmh5AchYI/AAAAAAAACH4/44FxdPfLhIY/chicago-now-syhag_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago-now-syhag" width="318" /></a><br />
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I recently got a great offer to blog for <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/">Chicago Now</a>, a platform for Chicago bloggers to share their thoughts, finds, and posts. My focus will be on Chicago fitness opportunities, unique running routes, Chicago races, and other healthy lifestyle options for Chicagoans.<br />
What does this mean for Eri-thon? It means that <b>most of my posts will now be over at my </b><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/eri-thon/">Chicago Now blog</a>. You can also like Eri-thon on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chicagoerithon">Facebook</a> for updates. There’s also the option to subscribe to my <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/eri-thon/">Chicago Now blog</a> via email so you’ll get an email every time I put up a new post.<br />
I’ve been blogging here since January 2009 and I love every single comment I’ve gotten, every single person I’ve met through my blog, and all the encouragement you’ve given me. So I’m hoping you don’t mind that my URL is changing a bit. <br />
So, follow me over to <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/eri-thon/">Chicago Now</a> and stay up-to-date with me as I explore what Chicago has to offer. Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-77138518493694263552012-08-21T11:22:00.001-05:002012-08-21T13:33:10.852-05:00Burgers & Beer 5K Race Report<img height="250" src="http://universalsole.com/uploads/images/Burgers_and_Beer_5K_logo_final.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /><br />
What’s the best way to end a Monday? How about with a 5K race?<br />
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To read the rest of this post, come on over to <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/eri-thon/2012/08/burgers-beer-5k-race-report/" target="_blank">Chicago Now!</a><br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-33523835199981949512012-08-13T12:02:00.001-05:002012-08-13T12:02:11.742-05:00Running Surprises<p>Things I discovered last week while working out:</p> <p><strong>1. How difficult it is to run an additional half mile after running 5.5 and then sitting on a train for 40 minutes.</strong>  </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://visualculture09.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/img-117945132-chicago-el-train-m-1.jpg" width="320" height="240" /></p> <p>Monday night I did 5.5 miles with my running club then ran home from the train station so I ended up with a total of just over 6 miles for the night.  But, ugh, let me tell you how difficult it is to run an extra half mile after sitting on a train for 40 minutes.  Embarrassingly difficult, actually.</p> <p><strong>2. The ease of grabbing a strength workout from a pile of options</strong>.  </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssrvVc6mVzCf_KdDAgBJVFfiuKVNZlXYxAAwV6hGabgPv7Pc8N_zdJ9FRfpYXNwEtrjv4vyDydLdV_uBEcYYXvfCmydXNdC8C6QfSfE9SMBGWhRhRdrU6ZfNLB_5QWlF4LB9QuZ7CtA/s1600/pile-of-papers2.jpg" width="241" height="241" /></p> <p>Tuesday I went down to the gym in my building and did some of my PT exercises and then did a strength workout.  I have a whole stack of workouts that I’ve built up by now so I just grab a paper out of the stack and do that one.  Easy.</p> <p><strong>3.  That sometimes you DO regret a workout.</strong>  </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pedal" alt="Broken Pedal" src="http://missfoureyes.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/pedal.jpg?w=343&h=190" width="276" height="153" /></p> <p>On Wednesday I was going to ride the upright stationary bike in my building’s gym but one of the pedals was broken.  Okay, irritating, but I’ll just switch to the recumbent bike.  Except for some reason the screen on that one wasn’t working so I had no way to adjust the resistance.  Still, I pedaled half-heartedly for the length of an episode of <em>Supernatural </em>on my iPhone via Netflix.  One of those workouts that left me more grumpy than refreshed.</p> <p><strong>4.  An idea for a weekend outing!</strong></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/373568_405139936175860_1583339080_n.jpg" src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/373568_405139936175860_1583339080_n.jpg" /></p> <p>Thursday morning I met up with <a href="http://emmers712.blogspot.com/">Emily</a> for another 5ish mile run before starting the rest of my day.  While running we discovered the <a href="http://www.chitownfestivals.com/taylor-street-festa-italiana/">Festa Italiana</a> was starting that evening!  I took advantage of this festival of food and drink on Saturday afternoon and it was wonderful. I highly recommend this neighborhood festival to my fellow Chicagoans!  </p> <p><strong>5.  Friday afternoons are busy gym times</strong>.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://fitnessclubconfidential.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/busy_fitness_center1.jpg" width="211" height="174" /></p> <p>At least, the gym in our building seems to get busy on Fridays!  Jason and I went down there on Friday when I got home from work and I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to get in my entire workout because someone was using the equipment I needed!  This is a new phenomenon.  Thankfully he finished and I was able to do the <a href="http://www.mensfitness.co.uk/exercise/other/7795/2596/little_weights_big_gains.html">YTWL exercise</a>.  Try it.  It will seriously challenge your shoulders and upper back.</p> <p><strong>6.</strong>  <a href="http://emmers712.blogspot.com/">Emily</a>!</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/health/images/slideshows/friends-running-400x400.jpg" width="197" height="197" /></p> <p>I thought the highlight of my Saturday morning run was going to be the cool weather.  And then I thought it was going to be that I ran past a <a href="http://www.leakycon.com/">Harry Potter convention playing Quidditch</a>.  But the biggest highlight was running to Emily on the lakefront path!  We ended up running together and, in the end, I ran 9.75 miles which is the most I’ve run since December 2011.  What a great morning!</p> <p><strong>7.  That it’s okay to skip exercises even if they’re on the list.</strong></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://richarddingwall.name/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/to-do-list-nothing.jpg" width="218" height="164" /></p> <p>On Sunday I grabbed a workout from the stack and went down to the gym.  I did my PT exercises and then started in on my workout.  But after doing the squat and push-press exercise with the barbell I realized my right wrist was bothering me.  So, I skipped the push-ups portion of my workout.  I also swapped out the step-ups for some more PT exercises.  It feels pretty good to know my body and when I should and shouldn’t push it.  Doesn’t mean I always listen, but I try.</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-54929584208736488742012-08-06T14:14:00.001-05:002012-08-06T14:14:54.028-05:00Runs and Slides<p>When I last left you I had spent my workout hours biking instead of running.</p> <p>Well, on Thursday I got in a run.  An almost 5 mile run.  Before work.</p> <p>Yeah, that is NOT my standard M.O.</p> <p>But <a href="http://emmers712.blogspot.com/">Emily</a> and I agreed to meet up before work to get in some miles.  </p> <p>So, at 6:00 AM we started out on what was originally going to be a 3 or 3.5 mile run.  But I think we just were enjoying ourselves so much that we extended it to almost 5!  </p> <p>The only time I can get up and run that early is if A. there’s a race or B. I’m meeting someone.  Otherwise it’s practically impossible to get myself up and out the door before work.  </p> <p>I hope I can run before work with Emily more often.  It was really nice to have my workout out of the way.  Even if I was pretty tired by the end of the day.</p> <p>And speaking of getting up early to run with friends, Kim and I ran together on Saturday morning.  We did 8 miles.  This is currently my 2012 distance record!  We were in Guttenberg, Iowa to play on the river.  But first we wanted to get in our run.  So, at 6:30 AM we stepped outside into cooler temps than I’d felt in a while.</p> <p>Our run went really well and I didn’t feel sore during or after.  And post-run there were drinks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FMYPe30Vm98/UCAXolwWZCI/AAAAAAAACFI/oywDzIDLvhE/s1600-h/iphone_pics%252520104%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pics 104" border="0" alt="iphone_pics 104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive4-di6PSj7QpA_g0Yja1ROc6QB55twhNPXpobTSqgnDP1IjX0MIxbIqVdgDaWGcG8TD7bC3wXnz2Xk3DjyAssrcMocPOmGN3m1f0uRK-9CNMdn9L-WmTd1fuH_Wte_hOrocFSkcVaqo/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/555680_10150977483198133_870651705_n.jpg" width="300" height="224" /></p> <p>Although, after trying 9 different kinds of bloody marys I have decided I’m not a fan.  Chocolate covered cake balls, though?  Those I like.  They make a pretty good bloody mary chaser. </p> <p>So while it was a pretty good day for running (and drinking) it wasn’t that great for playing in the water.  Luckily the rain that showed up post-party went away and we managed to get to the beach for a bit.</p> <p>Originally I wasn’t too gung-ho on the whole beach thing because it wasn’t that hot outside.  But then someone said there was a slide set-up on the beach.  Now THAT sounds like fun.</p> <p> </p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t3CjNFBsYms/UCAXpCsrNmI/AAAAAAAACFY/DhukjdU7dgo/s1600-h/iphone_pics%252520108%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pics 108" border="0" alt="iphone_pics 108" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22oB_ytQfes/UCAXpggT15I/AAAAAAAACFg/zS5x-hPc32c/iphone_pics%252520108_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="400" /></a>  <p>We then proceeded to spend the rest of our beach time in the water since the river was warmer than the air temperature!  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCdbhvjLrmFvjC74PKOEQj124nEY_PfZpL-SskRpUNBKDt-rtU9TfDaydgq9DAGbkFNu6OpGAFmC2iQBrhhNBF-LhjtaXtTsd2buwbppjMBeSmqIbc-1zP1Vr03S1UPTqOMc6fzjAlvM/s1600-h/iphone_pics%252520115%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pics 115" border="0" alt="iphone_pics 115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpZ7nnYKNNxdS3rLZLiI-5DOmOi7rv4S3aXY_kM6gatCHiS8BXLw4YCUu5VbSuEjVXfWYSvA7MoyshEu9b4ZrLkDXi4nkukD67Je8HHbAKJM6kq_SpwB3vwY4F0OlBZ1pp4TiaLk3RrQ/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5rRH6MkVTqT7yOzX81fzXUC3jVjBKdPLF4-M5c1woRMQkD_8Jsx0Pt0whUK6uwtrcmmfU3LYOJjbc4okX8CtIFu0C-glhgBp3QD0xBYz61Zrv14hZn8Xc90d2QMnbM8yQvcKOa3JYNY/s1600-h/iphone_pics%252520120%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pics 120" border="0" alt="iphone_pics 120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedjaGNLsWz2Gwp-u-EAi852kRCnQm564li6UrdraN1-ykReb6upWllxFdpkc86gPXKDIlZ0G8uE-abgrwQC33FdbnCY6QFnz_kxEzhrY-7lhfz7gx1nupeSnThL-wAsaAwcFaXVtF6NY/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>This week I’m going to focus on getting in three runs and more strength sessions than I have been doing lately.  And doing my PT exercises.  Can’t forget about those!</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-90905103887840984662012-08-01T14:45:00.001-05:002012-08-01T14:45:19.133-05:00I Would Ride 500 Miles<p>Okay, maybe not 500 miles.  But how about 126?  </p> <p>Yes, between Sunday morning and Tuesday evening I rode a bike 126 miles.  I did 61 miles on Sunday and 65 miles on Tuesday.</p> <p>Have I gone crazy?  Nope, I just like seeing what I can do.</p> <p>Sunday was the first ever <a href="http://illinois.venusdemiles.com/">Illinois Venus de Miles</a> bike ride.  I had SO MUCH FUN!</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/524031_847511248815_425324401_n.jpg" width="401" height="301" /></p> <p>Several other Chicago Running Bloggers decided to become Chicago Biking Bloggers for the day. Specifically (from left to right) <a href="http://laurenruns.com/2012/07/31/venus-de-miles-ride-recap/">Lauren</a>, me, <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2012/07/race-report-venus-de-miles-ride.html">Kelly</a>, MacKenna, and <a href="http://tootallfritz.com/2012/07/30/venus-de-miles-2012-no-redemption/">Amanda</a>.  Thanks to Kelly for the photo.</p> <p>I hung with Kelly and MacKenna for most of the ride and while both my Garmin and my bike computer tell me I averaged about 14.5 MPH, I think that must be because of slowing down for stop lights and rest stops.  Because every time I looked at my bike computer I was doing better than 16 MPH and even managed 20 MPH for some decent stretches.  </p> <p>Unless I was going up a hill.  Dang, hills are hard.  But flying on the downhills?  My favorite part.  Especially when I hit 30 MPH.  At one point I shouted, “I’m going faster than the speed limit!”  The speed limit was 25, by the way.</p> <p>The rest stops were well stocked with all sort of yummy food.  And there were a lot of rest stops.  Every 10-15 miles or so.  Perfect.  I’m still figuring out what and when to eat when I’m riding my bike.  Eating little bits of things every so often seemed to do the trick and I felt strong the entire ride.</p> <p>The course was gorgeous.  Full of trees and back roads and mansions.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/527037_10150935949632035_268494837_n.jpg" width="382" height="287" /></p> <p>I could have done with fewer traffic lights but the scenery mostly made up for it.  There was only one spot where we missed a turn and ended up on a really busy street, but there were enough of us that I didn’t feel too unsafe.</p> <p>I admit, I was a little hesitant to sign up for this ride because of my experience with how crowded the <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2012/07/late-ride-reportup-all-night.html">L.A.T.E. Ride</a> was.  Another “leisure” ride?  No, thanks.  But this wasn’t that way at all.  We had plenty of space and I was able to go as fast or as slow as I wanted.  </p> <p>When I turned the final corner I was actually a bit sad to be finished.  But, a wonderful post-ride party awaited.  A taco bar?  Free cocktails, wine and beer?  Gourmet ice cream sandwiches?</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/484577_847510879555_452003983_n.jpg" width="380" height="506" /></p> <p>Yes, please!  And, just like the course, it wasn’t too crowded.  Well, actually, there was a line for the free facials and mani-pedis but that was it.  I highly recommend this event and can’t wait for next year!</p> <p>So, that was the first 61 miles.  Tuesday I borrowed a mountain bike from a member of my running club and joined <a href="http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog/">Kim</a> for her birthday gift to herself: riding the entire <a href="http://www.lcfpd.org/preserves/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&object_id=160">Lake County Des Plaines River Trail</a>.  31ish miles from the Wisconsin border to the border of Lake County and Cook County.  All crushed limestone.  And hilly.  </p> <p>We rode the first 31 miles (plus a bit more) and then stopped for lunch at Red Robin.  The second 31 miles was a lot tougher.  My right knee was sore and my lady bits were REALLY tired of being on a bike seat.  Still we persevered and finished the entire ride.  </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/292442_10150940341297035_1689674615_n.jpg" width="376" height="376" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hl0E1I9TLWs/UBmHTGQNwkI/AAAAAAAACEg/b8CY3GGJ-yM/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HL622DjUjIo/UBmHTrKYiLI/AAAAAAAACEo/6ooTElFOddo/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="385" height="243" /></a></p> <p>However, I think I need to take a break from the bike for a bit to let certain parts of my anatomy recover.  Good thing I won an entry to the Chicago Half Marathon!  That will give me something to do!  </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-67893196503730812352012-07-27T11:17:00.001-05:002012-07-27T11:17:39.737-05:00Hubris<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C-4oOPOpISg/UBK_GWJThFI/AAAAAAAACD4/Lbp2YcVNoqc/s1600-h/hubris%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hubris" border="0" alt="hubris" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxgiITiyGHt5ZuIF8KUAJpwAeACHYTqSMnxuNHL9SG7FWK3L3_uR8dIIKvTZyRyUlen428_VyJIWUHw1ZzK0XswBqsEaG-Ez1CnloIioXRo0eaBg8Snf39_iMfD05dlZed1sy31wN-v0/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="296" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35699504@N00/5498060338/"><font size="1">Source</font></a></p> <p align="left">Or is it irony?  I admit, I’m not always clear on the definitions.</p> <p align="left">Regardless, here’s why it’s on my mind.</p> <p align="left">After reading lots of race reports and blogs about running and racing in the heat, I noticed a theme:  nausea.  Many runners report feeling nauseous when running in hot weather.</p> <p align="left">Ha! I thought.  That never happens to me!  Except at the finish line of races when I’m pushing it really hard.  </p> <p align="left">Well, I’m sure you know where this is going.</p> <p align="left">I ran on Monday night when it was in the mid-90s and incredibly humid.  Seriously, it felt totally disgusting outside. </p> <p align="left">I have no idea how fast we were running because my Garmin didn’t get a signal until a mile into our run and even then I’m a little suspect of its results.  I thought we were definitely running significantly under 10:00 minute miles although, perhaps in the heat, it just felt like it.</p> <p align="left">I managed 4 miles with my legs slowly feeling like lead.  And, strangely enough, even though I was sweating like crazy and taking sips of water from my water bottle, I still had to stop and pee at mile 4!  </p> <p align="left">The last 1.5 miles felt like a death march.  And we when had to stop at a red light at an intersection a quarter mile from the finish I had to double over and put my hands on my knees to calm down my stomach.</p> <p align="left">Yep, I felt nauseous.  I was so happy that run was over.  </p> <p align="left">I ran again on Thursday evening and just did 30 minutes around some nearby neighborhoods.  I explored some new streets and found a <a href="http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Arrigo-Park/">park with a statute of Christopher Columbus</a>.</p> <p align="left"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/40009935.jpg" src="http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/40009935.jpg" width="260" height="346" /></p> <p align="left">I ran through Little Italy and mile 18 of the Chicago Marathon.  I discovered a no-man’s land of empty lots and boarded up buildings somewhere in mile 2 which subsequently led to that mile being my fastest (sub 9:00!).  </p> <p align="left">I was dripping sweat and was hopeful that the sprinkle of rain would turn into a full-fledged downpour.  No such luck.  Instead I took a quick shower when I got home hoping to cool off.  It kind of worked.  </p> <p align="left">Last year I would have thought a 30 minute run wasn’t worth my time.  Now I know better.  All runs don’t need to be long to be useful.  </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-47028674106299374442012-07-24T12:46:00.001-05:002012-07-24T12:46:16.939-05:00Vacation Exploring<p>This past week I was on vacation in South Haven, Michigan.  If you haven’t been to any of the towns in southwest Michigan along the lake you are definitely missing out.  Normally when we go there we stay a little further north near Grand Haven.  But this time we enjoyed a house on the water that was awesomely enough also near some fun trails!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1rqj7PDq6d8/UA7fWBBbb-I/AAAAAAAACCg/lHnjlMcVmJA/s1600-h/photo%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyFlgYegM5eSDn7kprMKgNMACulh6ansRKT6NI7s9F9Tb6TI0cuQOV0AwaBznhFQrE_cZCCgaQwgHcrZwBBHkHcTiznwLjWk5NneX9VfS8COY47l8CJ-A8vyZ_84jDrYPhxB2EHhz1xw/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>The <a href="http://www.vbco.org/government286655.asp">Van Buren Trail</a>, a 14 mile long “unimproved” trail, was about 1 mile from where we were staying. And just what does unimproved mean?  Well, as you can see from the photos, it’s not paved or covered in crushed limestone.  Basically, they mow the grass.  There are some tracks from vehicles but basically you’re running on grass and dirt.  Considering I normally run on asphalt or crushed limestone, this was a fun experience for me!  </p> <p>I only did about 2 miles on the trail itself.  Considering it was mid-morning, the sun was out, and the trail isn’t very shaded I thought I did pretty well running almost 5 miles total.  </p> <p>Jason and I did a 2 mile run/walk together one day and explored the main road we were staying just off of.  It’s definitely a rural area but basically that means country roads with very little traffic.  Something I miss when it comes to running or biking in the city!</p> <p>And speaking of biking, my mom and I rented bikes and explored another trail in South Haven, the <a href="http://www.vbco.org/government364491.asp">Kal Haven Trail</a>.  This trail is 33.5 miles long and runs from South Haven to Kalamzoo, Michigan.  It’s mostly crushed limestone and varies from wooded areas to open fields (at least on the parts we rode on).  Since it’s a rail-to-trail trail it’s also nice and flat !  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-63_kRv4viHM/UA7fW4AsoCI/AAAAAAAACCw/nisF5fFsuCQ/s1600-h/photo%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKWzbHsbQAbrDRs8Mag69JPtyD4oPQ_sxrIErkZNdBlG-ayjAOLJsPTmRVl5nhMSYYtbhk-2dbDBmL4okAgFzQBByJKbHMISDaPESilUUNaRg1CqQtTekRURW8-1FcG9DuKKACzjKIGY/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404" /></a></p> <p>We did about 6 miles on the trail and then rode around downtown South Haven for a bit.  </p> <p>On my last full day of vacation I hit the Van Buren Trail one more time in the opposite direction.  I discovered a fork in the trail with a sign that indicated you could get to the Van Buren State Park.  I headed down that way but didn’t make it to the park.  And, now, looking at the map, this part of the trail isn’t even labeled.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGw7Yb1lvhvhML6xWQt9SDHbEfOjd78qDNxtGXg6EMsB2lvych75z362cOCc0E-q_2TFL9uCurlR0ekUrqR4ee08kPUAExZ3LUjOQcGczaKvtvPyEzJJleKMJSN7JKu8_voLI70bcqEc/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A_7HO91LDQ4/UA7fYIx9TVI/AAAAAAAACDI/PkAvYX7agh4/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="248" height="383" /></a></p> <p align="center">The highlighted route is the one I took</p> <p align="left">Regardless, even though it wasn’t a super long run (just under 4 miles) it was really fun to explore.  I took a slightly different route on the way back and ran some more country roads.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2f1M4uwAMsWFP0Idms6wi4gbTspHbwKnez5gveGIUdBXhJiMXsk3n63dtdj48rhL0DXFQHJZ7IJ065mnlZ6k9OFROTuuD1by0wt3CcNaeLYLp6yiIyHg_5EXlBqvKDJQjHhoW5CkEO4/s1600-h/photo%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenSzCNKmhTX1OG-YbEszl8qefyYMgLrt0amVpbpHqwyvmTkU-YdYLKT_nfzXtJkDIJbPTSmf4Qh0FiQIpR2eaFVgi_LhFqnqgsCgsD7unNnUkwP34yCe9Y0JeZMqG5nrv7g-zl8LntAI/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>And when I wasn’t exploring?  I was laying on the beach, watching the sunset, or trying my hand at kayaking.  Oh, I also attempted stand-up paddleboarding (being demonstrated by my nephew in the photo below).  How did I do?  Well, I learned my sense of balance isn’t as good as I thought.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-La8YVEy3XgM/UA7fZcW0DPI/AAAAAAAACDg/bi806Grc188/s1600-h/photo%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JzUvdHoNZ3A/UA7faEKHwQI/AAAAAAAACDo/lFKuhwIZMqY/photo_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404" /></a></p> <p>Overall it was a lovely vacation and I got in a great mix of active and inactive outings.  I’m really looking forward to going back next year and exploring some more!</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-31939360941286225322012-07-09T11:11:00.001-05:002012-07-09T11:11:31.233-05:00Well Balanced Week<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uo6DbUhmIfc/T_sCsVEW2hI/AAAAAAAACCE/9ylR-Z8ehz4/s1600-h/weighing_the_balance_%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="weighing_the_balance_" border="0" alt="weighing_the_balance_" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZfIWgEvGDV3mRBmwcWTMGe27O9G5PDmFWwVPW3yDDY-rfZ9eyrL58pQ2E7wwb9V-33VOX9KhiCCjUb1aZktDLuy8rQE8b7xBsyROLmT8Gi2SjCMjct4F3ol1WjCXP9sxJftKuAsNk4Q/?imgmax=800" width="315" height="170" /></a></p> <p>I stopped writing my <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/search/label/weekly%20summary">Weekly Workout Wround Up</a> posts after the <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2011/12/las-vegas-marathon-race-report.html">Las Vegas Marathon</a> last December.  At the time I was in a little bit of a funk and probably a bit depressed.  Post-marathon blues and injury aggravations didn’t trend toward wanting to keep track of my (lack of) physical activity week to week.</p> <p>But I feel like I need to document this past week.</p> <p>Monday night I ran 5.5 miles with my running club.  It was slow and I walked some due to the heat, but I got out there.  </p> <p>Tuesday I strength trained.</p> <p>Wednesday I <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2012/07/four-on-fourth-race-report.html">ran a race</a>.</p> <p>Thursday I did some more strength training.  I also did some Tabata intervals on the stationary bike and then did a mile on the treadmill in my minimalist shoes.  I didn’t do the whole mile straight, though.  I’d walk a quarter mile and then run a quarter mile.  My calves could really feel it during the run!</p> <p>Friday I swam some laps.  </p> <p>Saturday, though.  Oh, Saturday.  I went on possibly the most fun bike ride I’ve ever done.  <a href="http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog/2012/07/09/wannabe-cyclist/">Kim did an AWESOME write-up</a> so I won’t reinvent the wheel and instead just tell you to go read her post.  Long story short:  we rode from Libertyville, IL to the Chicago Botanical Gardens, wandered around the gardens for 3 hours (I’d never been there before), and then rode back to Libertyville.  </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295214_10150893054092035_1836268274_n.jpg" width="337" height="449" /></p> <p>Total distance?  41 miles.  This wasn’t a speed run.  It was a fun, exploration ride.  One of the things I love about the bike is that you don’t really care if you get a little lost.  Sometimes getting turned around leads you to some neat discoveries.  </p> <p>Like this beautiful view of Lake Michigan.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553187_10150896047487035_1497692360_n.jpg" width="400" height="300" /></p> <p>And then on Sunday I met up with <a href="http://emmers712.blogspot.com/">Emily</a> for our first run together!  She showed me her usual 6ish mile route and we chatted while running past the United Center (home of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks), through UIC, and around our neighborhood.  It was a good time and I’m looking forward to running with her more.</p> <p>So my week consisted of three runs, two strength training sessions, one bike ride, and one swimming workout.</p> <p>Which means I worked out seven days in a row.  But, balanced workouts.  </p> <p>One of my goals this year was to do something active every day that I can.  I think this past week definitely lived up to that goal!  </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-6170771541979896812012-07-06T17:48:00.001-05:002012-07-06T17:48:56.271-05:00Just Keep Swimming<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="http://www.runwalkcrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/original1.jpg" src="http://www.runwalkcrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/original1.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>For the past few Fridays I’ve been going to the gym to do 30 minutes of lap swimming.  I have a feeling only about 15 of that is actual swimming but as of last week I was resting less and moving more.  I only go on Fridays because I get off work at 3:00 PM and I’ve discovered that there are almost always empty lanes by the time I get in the pool around 4:00.</p> <p>Prior to today I’ve been coming home from work, jumping on my bike, and riding to the gym.  I realized this was silly, though, because the gym is on the way home from work.  So, today I decided I would take the bus from my office to the gym and then from the gym home.   It’s a total of 3 miles.  1.5 from my office to the gym and 1.5 from the gym to my apartment.</p> <p>So, I left work, walked to the bus stop, and waited.  I saw the bus I wanted coming so I got out my bus pass and stood at the curb.  The bus stopped a little further down the street than I was standing and let its passengers off, and closed the bus door.  I walked down the street, up to the bus door, and the driver totally ignored me.  Okay, I thought.  Maybe (s)he’s going to pull up closer to the actual stop.  I walked back up to the stop and the bus drove right on past.</p> <p>Um. Okay.  I guess I’ll walk?</p> <p>The 1.5 miles to the gym weren’t bad even though the air temperature is near 100.  Stay in the shade downtown and it’s tolerable.  </p> <p>I got an empty lane in the pool and started my workout.</p> <p>10 minutes with the kickboard to work on my breathing.  Still haven’t figured out how to exhale underwater and not get water bubbles up my nose or feel like I’m gasping for air when I turn my head for a breath.  </p> <p>10 minutes with the pull buoy.  Or, at least, that’s what I usually do.  Today I felt weak and flailing after about 5 so I switched to the backstroke.</p> <p>10 minutes of freestyle swimming.  Except I felt exhausted, bored, and frustrated after about 5 minutes so I called it quits.  I just can’t find my groove with swimming.   I know I won’t be great out of the gate, but it just feels so much more difficult than running or biking.  </p> <p>Anyway, I went back to the locker room, showered, changed, and decided to walk home.  I mean, I already walked there, I could certainly handle another 1.5 miles.</p> <p>Except, since I have ZERO sense of direction, I walked the wrong way for who knows how long until I realized I was actually going east instead of west.  Dammit.</p> <p>35 incredibly sunny and sweaty minutes later, I made it home.  </p> <p>Some days just aren’t the day, you know?  But I’ll just keep swimming.  Both literally and metaphorically.  </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-34658828664072043582012-07-05T14:47:00.001-05:002012-07-05T14:47:16.826-05:00Four on the Fourth Race Report<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oHOmGLWYpc4/T_XvPF8TkuI/AAAAAAAACBM/mI0tTpfGd38/s1600-h/four_fourth%25252003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="four_fourth 03" border="0" alt="four_fourth 03" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u3vOUdtrM-k/T_XvPT092_I/AAAAAAAACBU/EVzgR19QTic/four_fourth%25252003_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="179" /></a></p> <p>For the third year in a row I joined my running club at the Four on the Fourth four mile race in Elmhurst, IL.  This race has become an annual club event where we race and then pig out on goodies brought by the club members potluck-style.</p> <p>Last year I ran this race after <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2011/07/four-on-fourth-race-report.html">spending the evening in the E.R</a>. and still managed to beat <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2010/07/4-on-3rd-race-report.html">my time from 2010</a>.</p> <p>This year?  This year I had no real goals.  Wednesday morning, July 4th, dawned super hot and humid and ended up tying a 1911 temperature for the hottest Chicago area Fourth of July on record by the end of the day.  We hit 102<sup>o</sup>F Wednesday afternoon.  </p> <p>So, really, my main goal was to survive!  I wanted to run the whole thing without walking (I decided to walk some during my 5.5 mile Monday night run which was also done in some crazy heat), try to average 9:00 minute miles, and hopefully have even or negative splits.  </p> <p>Actually, my goal for this race is always to have negative splits, but since there’s some decent hills I don’t always manage to do it.</p> <p>I wore my headphones, something I haven’t done in a race in a long time.  I don’t know if they helped or not but I didn’t mind trying to take my mind off the heat and the fact that I haven’t be training for racing at all.</p> <p>Still, when the gun went off I settled into what felt like a nice pace.  I tried not to look at my Garmin and just run by feel.  Of course, I snuck a look here and there and it always showed me as hovering just around 9:00 minutes per mile.  Perfect.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V4EqF2BFM4bAhZw-p5NYhejKyAVb1b1RxhAnfgKF0WVKQHvaU-SGajSD9H2pQ3EBnkqvMpA048fc_q0YRDBwr5wnsCEeglD9mNvLHHLOy0XuNG7uvpNQg_iB_48LDVtru2zlYQi6Gwk/s1600-h/four_fourth%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="four_fourth" border="0" alt="four_fourth" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pwfEtKiNVDY/T_XvQFjbCeI/AAAAAAAACBk/Dp81f5fqx6Q/four_fourth_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="355" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>The hill up to the finish line</em></p> <p>The first two miles of this race aren’t bad.  More downhill, good distractions of seeing your friends and “teammates” running in the opposite direction on the out-and-back part of the course.  But once you turn around at mile 2 and start to head back, you’ve got to fight off the demons that tell you that all those hills you went down?  You have to go back up.  Those miles you just ran to get here?  You have to cover them again.</p> <p>Mile four of this race may be my least favorite mile of all time,</p> <p>I grabbed water at the aid station, drank some, splashed some on myself, and kept going.  The Garmin still showed I was on pace at around 9:00 so I decided not to push it.  Could I have dug deeper?  Sure.  But why?  </p> <p>I saw my friend John near the finish line with his camera and made a beeline for him.  He joked later that I’m good and knowing when to get out from behind other runners so I can get my picture taken.  The benefits to not being as concerned about your time, right?</p> <p>I crossed the finish line and immediately sweat began to roll down my bare skin.   Another club member who wasn’t running asked me, “Did you pour water on yourself?”</p> <p>Um, no.  This is all natural sweat, thank you very much.</p> <p>It was hot out.</p> <p>This race has a table at the finish line where you can punch your bib number into a machine and it will print out your finish time for you.  You don’t even have to wait to get home to look it up online!  But I didn’t bother.  I knew it wouldn’t be my fastest time and I’d already met most of my goals.  Now it was time for watching the kid’s 1K run, stuffing my face with fruit and baked goods, chugging a Gatorade, and hanging out with my club members.</p> <p>But, for posterity’s sake, I did look up my time online later.  Official finish time?  <strong>36:02.</strong>   My splits weren’t too bad according to my Garmin.  They were 8:56, 8:46, 8:59 and 9:09.  </p> <p>See, I told you I hate that last mile.  </p> <p>But I don’t hate this race.  I love hanging out with so many club members I don’t always get to see. I love the downhome feel of this race.  I love that it’s a great way to spend the first part of a holiday.  And I love that even if I’m not hitting a PR, I can still have a good time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FLGHeYlnvMU/T_XvQj3y3_I/AAAAAAAACBs/ukHfYpk0EAI/s1600-h/four_fourth%25252002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="four_fourth 02" border="0" alt="four_fourth 02" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d7f-41FpxO8/T_XvQ_v_evI/AAAAAAAACB0/0gqmg8xDipQ/four_fourth%25252002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="608" /></a></p> <p align="center">P.S.  Thanks to John and Robert for the photos!  </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-45998368618182135762012-07-02T11:46:00.001-05:002012-07-02T11:46:25.560-05:00L.A.T.E. Ride Report–Up All Night<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1l4WlxM8D7o/T_HQQHW4KkI/AAAAAAAAB94/JnO1C3zjDvI/s1600-h/late_ride%252520002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 002" border="0" alt="late_ride 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXygYAX70XwhDdC2T478fU-hal0l2m6ISfkppoya-hGR2dSPsWs3kQqulHdETHP1pjlOBzGeBWvevC5twDyD9ngq_brmC-mTMWJD3HS7c94i78nT0bLuuBncPu5qudIoQ0g-OfzCQyM4/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Have you heard of the <a href="http://www.lateride.org/event_info.php">Friends of the Park’s L.A.T.E. Ride</a>? It’s been taking place in Chicago for almost 25 years.  </p> <p>Up to 9,000 cyclists meet up at Buckingham Fountain at midnight and ride 25 miles through the City of Chicago.  The goal?  Get back to Buckingham Fountain before dawn so you can watch the sunrise over Lake Michigan.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7WMCSJs8xtc/T_HQRBrhGVI/AAAAAAAAB-I/7iDC7stRQoM/s1600-h/late_ride%252520017%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 017" border="0" alt="late_ride 017" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p-rOgayfn5k/T_HQRVmBg7I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/-XqSynumSFY/late_ride%252520017_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="214" /></a></p> <p>I was able to convince Jason to join me since this was a leisure ride event and not a race.  Take it slow, I said.  Don’t worry about pace, I said.</p> <p>So, we taped flashlights and headlamps to our bikes, strapped on our helmets and rode over to the Fountain.  A little after 1:15 AM we started on our ride.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHO70CkHcz8BLa8BPmPdreJgziSdYTBElZK6TlfrZiz6ZA_Sa961DPSFZaj-ZcUh7q1RgTjqdDaLreWJgRoSmBVGDH0MDdjsMonzFEA9eD7IeMqIwxsrttM5-zA1CtcrfJvF8wJzIVoI/s1600-h/late_ride%252520007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 007" border="0" alt="late_ride 007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HZbk5QfkZMs/T_HQR7oZ6FI/AAAAAAAAB-g/A3EhfaLMGTU/late_ride%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>In addition to the ride there are best lit bike and best decorated helmet contests and this year there was a costume parade.  We didn’t get to the Fountain in time for those but we did get to see a lot of craziness out on the roads.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557066_416544788384065_1130363669_n.jpg" width="400" height="267" /></p> <p align="center"><em>Photo from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LATERide">Facebook</a></em></p> <p>Like the Blues Brothers.  And people with radios attached to their bikes.  And lots and lots of glow sticks, flashing LEDs, and even one woman who turned her helmet into a bird’s nest….complete with actual, live birds.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZkq1D2Wwt5NjWVpkJ8lb3T0pEPEsmw6k6nLcyENYrv00iVhIc2vEWHckLs8b2-4rh3uNIcjNnAMZ6D1YcbSxT3ks0w6yIo2iub2ZvzpSujzP_DYf9BF4d331DT_x6j-xnExCRBpTpME/s1600-h/late_ride%252520009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 009" border="0" alt="late_ride 009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yqAaF3zKjLU/T_HQSsi-gPI/AAAAAAAAB-w/YGr6FI8Bz2c/late_ride%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>By the way, it’s really hard to take photos while riding your bike.  Especially when you’re biking in a crowd.  And that’s how you spend most of the ride.  In a crowd.  You also are expected to stop at right lights if the intersection isn’t being monitored by police.  This makes for some harrowing moments sometimes.  I got more comfortable riding in a crowd after awhile but for the first few miles I wasn’t particularly thrilled.</p> <p>I was perfectly content to ride along at a leisurely pace and enjoy seeing parts of Chicago I’d never seen before.  We rode through Chinatown (which still smelled of Chinese food at 2:00 AM), we rode through Greektown and Logan Square and entertained all the drunks standing outside the bars.  We rode through Humboldt Park which, unbeknownst to me, is bordered by two sculptures of the Puerto Rican flag.</p> <p><img alt="File:Paseo-1.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bd/Paseo-1.jpg" width="400" height="283" /></p> <p align="center"><em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paseo-1.jpg">Source</a></em></p> <p align="left">Jason, on the other hand, doesn’t have the bike butt callous that I do (nor does he own padded bike shorts) so he started to speed up and weave in and out of people in order to “get this thing over with.”</p> <p align="left">That made me sad.  </p> <p align="left">So, I let him go ahead and I puttered along.  We met back up at the rest stop at the halfway point where we chowed down on some bananas and Clif bars and remarked at how much the scene reminded us of <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2011/06/madison-to-chicago-ragnar-relay-race.html">Ragnar</a>…just with more bikes.  Jason assured me he was having fun, but that he just wanted to ride faster.  No sense of adventure or exploration, that one.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u26oPvSWnns/T_HQS6uZlKI/AAAAAAAAB-4/vPDtSP5IMqI/s1600-h/late_ride%252520012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 012" border="0" alt="late_ride 012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zDk2VGhosbs/T_HQTBO_0pI/AAAAAAAAB_A/9_0ttFM4QGI/late_ride%252520012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p align="left">Anyway, we stuck together for a few miles after that but then Jason pulled ahead and I tried to keep up.  I was trying to ride a little more aggressively but we passed the aftermath of a scary scene involving a participant and a car and it shook me up a bit.  So, I only sped up when I could find a good, clear space among the bikes.</p> <p align="left">When we reached the lakefront path I was able to up my speed and enjoy riding without having to dodge pedestrians.  In fact, if I didn’t love sleep so much, I would come ride the lakefront path at night more often!  I was having a blast during this part!</p> <p align="left">In fact, I was enjoying myself so much that I didn’t realize I actually passed Jason who was waiting for me.  We stayed together for the last few miles.  </p> <p align="left">26 miles, just over 4 hours.   Our reward?  </p> <p align="left"><img alt="And finished... 4:10 AM... 26 miles ridden in 3 hours for PANCAKES!!! " src="http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/609032082.jpg?key=32642448&Expires=1341247723&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=Ry2F5AJjTITt81CWL6qKPVRN0NOLD5afQnEOvENTOm3gj9amcDcWkWg4WCOqkteLUvGhMAcgWg40pjgZDXOCnSn35ND2lp4I98iBmzaxvsSG7%7EWHmSzRR4XpwPZBcvW%7ED6GVW5bpL7R5WqmBKVQBRWZgHvPnndKGnPZgfmAJgFs_" width="400" height="300" /></p> <p>Pancakes.</p> <p>And watching the sun rise.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EWSVBQaPgN4/T_HQTr7CONI/AAAAAAAAB_I/6X5-1yPy9dg/s1600-h/late_ride%252520026%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 026" border="0" alt="late_ride 026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwBhC6fB4vLe4LCeoI3G4zgpzPXKWzSdst83Vk9XYQNH9bRbcrqOvRbjtiXzeG11duQTHBmieDPU4v6TL0mWWMgYxmvNxSkhfdRpyL5Ozw1AJ8Jfc4tSouqJHi4zuyYfVpAoNixpo3TU/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rRJLUIscxlDslDGfF7H7bvewizBSglBkc4VDIEpRIp4_GBx3-FyKbFrHB2pRW6dve6CVEhjPD-SF8VGgaMNsOqybrFOl_9NPdG2MCQozi__5k-dhE9rwXSvS7V5F4WjVcmAeMAiCKUI/s1600-h/late_ride%252520031%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 031" border="0" alt="late_ride 031" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e4OWzDTTuzqxCTCzbPIPfWW1bE_-OjUGYCRwaQ3oFB0XP52E2L1gYRdpij0cNTrgHwtpmOEaojr9T8Pry3ORPeXvxR-hqCppeyvVJy0KeldZXNS5aIPtNopUzv5CC-TjQ2RxNMPYud0/?imgmax=800" width="195" height="152" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NhkwRkExbWw/T_HQU5XuTzI/AAAAAAAAB_o/sKGMT81na6s/s1600-h/late_ride%252520032%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 032" border="0" alt="late_ride 032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTxiv2OUNF-EW3CEhl3zZLRGJ-oQvrJtRf4cHk7-NoCbcL6wpaVrLvM7H7TDfCnD52AqtDbzKUo5MXahjy81OqKmLdOCTLCSBYj4C3fW_jPumdFlU1w7w4OHyFto_bQFsRDS_oeL_ZQ8/?imgmax=800" width="192" height="152" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeWWv6sJg_eDC2-vy3ZV3gEyS2D0Z0jxOIEs5P84vKsSu5egRFAduerrdpFmYUMrc4SXDXB39cg-I0-RPEWRVzIE2YXqks1aJNWnfeN-ORDg_uDgUfJ8EbD878B0935NrfxKID4YtfTs/s1600-h/late_ride%252520042%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 042" border="0" alt="late_ride 042" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UQgRuYj0Po0/T_HQV_DcZuI/AAAAAAAACAA/65jum7ppcUY/late_ride%252520042_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Dia8l7ynvw/T_HQWe30hhI/AAAAAAAACAM/zD5EdoahFfc/s1600-h/late_ride%252520044%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 044" border="0" alt="late_ride 044" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0f7A4nQaKWsSEP_bCp3rMnLEFCIWti7jM0gyzlfizp4SrSrP1QvcjJW4N7pgFhSgzIUJ3jpNS1-uk-2oIwlLyDsVBUJJ5Fdyjgsd4lNE8q8RYwN8gxnXL2CHqKUd366CKw4IjR-YwMU/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="176" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRE56VGO-6A7wyTZ7OdD62Pi-_Kn71CL5hv4G5eE-3dJkoJPxtHqzFv9aBayQcaPwbm2sH2qe-089GB-dozSQwpKedgrcaE6-Ma1wG2yyfroTGcCpS1EzxiMbT5DjVAdIKXsI-yDiN0g/s1600-h/late_ride%252520039%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 039" border="0" alt="late_ride 039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r49CiuVjFRU/T_HQXXN_ZBI/AAAAAAAACAk/6nwh5KvSF8Y/late_ride%252520039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="231" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Jason took a short nap while we waited for the sun</em></p> <p align="left">Post-sunrise we hopped back on our bikes, rode the 1.5 miles home, showered, and collapsed into bed a little after 6:00 AM.  We did it. We stayed up all night and rode almost 30 miles total.</p> <p align="left">I don’t think I’ve ever stayed up all night, including at Ragnar.  I knew I could ride the distance so the challenge for me was doing it on no sleep.</p> <p align="left">Amazingly, being surrounded by other people kept me going.  Well, that and I knew if I fell asleep I’d fall off my bike!</p> <p align="left">This event certainly was an adventure.  It was more crowded and more leisurely than I thought it would be (lots of people stop at 24 hour restaurants along the way) but it was definitely a unique way to see the city and feel like, as cyclists, we owned the road.</p> <p align="left">Would I do it again?  That’s a good question.  I think if I was with a group of people who had a more adventurous spirit it could make for quite the party atmosphere.  Lighting up our bikes, playing music, laughing, stopping to check out interesting things along the way.  </p> <p align="left">Still, I have a feeling there might be other events out there that are more my cup of tea.  But I’m glad I did this one and I would definitely recommend it as something you should try at least once!  At the very least, it gives you a reason to be standing on the lakeshore watching the sunrise.  </p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyvQSeEnCZK_4isf-qridPTKBgEqD3wA8A6x4jLOxgZ9X2g3-oKlpBcOJqj8upPTMsWVKda09i5DEu47gKSUvQ8ajocLaIteNeW6imxt7797l5YJ61w7-PDuVgISloDjl5VWQ5wxn40E/s1600-h/late_ride%252520041%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="late_ride 041" border="0" alt="late_ride 041" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDs8OPnCHYTuoa0YDTN-pfBfMPwCuLarZ1WCw7d90wOudRFUzpPqfRCdbsE8jwq839dXvgxSiLE_z4tLiYZIs1aPpC36uJUDya5NexVXBATYqQL-2w-9ft7LDXC4Uzm6wvL6loXE1PXBw/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-21653158239800097962012-06-25T13:37:00.001-05:002012-06-25T13:37:16.003-05:00Hidden Temple in the City<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohxCIiX10DuDNET6PvVi7VVaoBfVH65gAG0O0WiVDPpReT-rIGb2APqs0ZwYcZPUsahVOhzYsnnGrpYBQgwsnF-t_ZLkh4Vkhn4yxUCqUrIkKXstTjUIHCP02JyS1r2gpDpzO_OvRC6o/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520001%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 001" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cl3mzOZ2Mek/T-ivypc_QoI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/IifppaFH0UM/iphone_pictures%252520001_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="171" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Last Thursday I was riding my bike home from work and my ART appointment when I looked over the side of a bridge and saw what looked like a lovely park.  </p> <p>When I got home I looked on Google maps and realized I was riding right over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_Tom_Memorial_Park">Ping Tom Memorial Park</a>.  I’d recently read about it in the Chicago Tribune but I had no idea where it was.  Until now.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhg3yjVWm5yNZeoX5jNmXGwG6sC8HhHxFC5wUjmLTIqxNddDsAd61H0wRq0svCufDsleUHdKO8oSj89tmqIUI4GeI-BsFcikq7AXo10W9r0WlPyOGMWPvv7MrDGZuWHL9GV7FINdlKsA/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 008" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BcOXwFZs3YA/T-ivzWOy8BI/AAAAAAAAB8o/tN-dB3YC9Ks/iphone_pictures%252520008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Some quick calculations and I realized I could do an easy 5 mile run there and back from my apartment.  So, on Friday morning I headed out my front door with Ping Tom Park as my goal.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIGzzba9HNj21dXFEDGV9uwjHmzO0r5j1n3WMqFW6n5JcvpHqWzz5p1palbVg_07qZtGuBFXnffQK-5otFbAaG-BinkzMODTNRQGt0BwOhPJq-l4H1B1jGJUquSiM3RdGl4njkfiikq4/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 006" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0oVNNkkOzNcfsqdwq_jbTQ6RxLtyDOkgYV6U0T5Itv39iFgv3DCchQucrpdOfX0KA5bWDMc7IwNMn5RRKgJTyggV6nOTxNdJhxNhV2pRhB2PD0vevYGw4XG7NLi6fC8vPCyzOJf59KU/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>After several days of temperatures in the 90s the cooler morning air felt wonderful.  Running came easy even though I hadn’t been out on my feet like that in over a week.  </p> <p>Sure, I had to stop at some intersections and sure my Garmin wouldn’t find a signal for what felt like forever, but I had a goal and I was running and I loved it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L-d02BAbQLw/T-iv0nBey4I/AAAAAAAAB9A/NPiLLspcXsY/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520005%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 005" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5ltUi60evYw/T-iv1XA-2vI/AAAAAAAAB9I/4Uyh-6pGU0g/iphone_pictures%252520005_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="332" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dxEKwYfuuc4/T-iv1hFvWUI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/yTQdEHDuPN8/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 003" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3t1nwp-GLMo/T-iv2BhMOgI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/5Nki8G9CfeM/iphone_pictures%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>The park is set behind a housing complex in a rather industrial area of the city.  Unfortunately when I was running they were picking up trash from the apartment buildings to every so often you’d get a whiff of something unpleasant.  But the park was filled with people sitting in the sun, doing Tai Chi in the shade, or just walking along the paths.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1p8atiR7LiM/T-iv2VRb1sI/AAAAAAAAB9g/_WDCparxXJE/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 004" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YOvZyLk9_kE/T-iv234CJnI/AAAAAAAAB9o/mcF9hw2zcmI/iphone_pictures%252520004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>I didn’t have a much time as I wanted to explore so I’ll definitely be back.  It was an easy run from my apartment (although not the most scenic) and the park has a drinking fountain for that mid-run refreshment.  </p> <p>And the other best part?  My hip felt perfectly fine afterward.  Maybe all this PT and ART is finally doing something.  </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-54101126885994921552012-06-18T17:21:00.001-05:002012-06-18T17:21:49.802-05:00Weekend Wildness<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1MCkWyIeXUU/T9-p6cZLNbI/AAAAAAAAB6I/NQyaK6aWjqk/s1600-h/tan-lines-from-typical-summer-activities%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="tan-lines-from-typical-summer-activities" border="0" alt="tan-lines-from-typical-summer-activities" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8vxae6i9J10/T9-p6kLacvI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/YTR3LY3DuNo/tan-lines-from-typical-summer-activities_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="273" /></a> <p></p> <p>Ladies and Gentleman, let me introduce to you the Stupid Tan Lines: Summer 2012 Collection.</p> <p>Item #1 :</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uqnfT92JfkA/T9-p679b3jI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/WwcBBXtrff0/s1600-h/bike_ride%252520004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bike_ride 004" border="0" alt="bike_ride 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z31i_FZ-TUy6RFfpQVRj4cU08SUhqJiH1Ny8S60LtaI1bOvSwpddobaiFiijf4e21chyBp53pbRcuhP9vWxvRegnis2o7uifaexCY-6cDrtJAO7cnRkf3mfeAX5AxFp_yLUoGrMbKQI/?imgmax=800" width="216" height="244" /></a>Bike shorts tan line</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Item #2:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cv7hepylD_w/T9-p7pXkDtI/AAAAAAAAB6o/pTxjy0dM58M/s1600-h/bike_ride%252520006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bike_ride 006" border="0" alt="bike_ride 006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xk24CuCeTCk/T9-p7w2DruI/AAAAAAAAB6w/KbkX0CQVIfs/bike_ride%252520006_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="244" /></a>Bike jersey tan line</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Item #3:</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-caM_PK0d6s0/T9-p8DLJBvI/AAAAAAAAB64/eGdomtMFJms/s1600-h/bike_ride%252520005%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bike_ride 005" border="0" alt="bike_ride 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG57IHcKxIG93QmycMyeIPINLlwhf9oOhAH7DONXBb4Xjql9Axj9Yg5ANIzOUuc21vlfPwT_bDIoeK462vpnGRL1Et0TOs7megJZCMWAilX_Zoye5Tpcv9LSMAafri-VPkRwYTejY8L9w/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>Bike glove tan line</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">And just how, exactly, did I end up with this lovely collection of tan lines?</p> <p align="left">By parking my car here:</p> <p align="left"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sCMwER-7QKM/T9-p8hzVV5I/AAAAAAAAB7I/sLZkKYaiQMg/s1600-h/10_mile_run_part_2006%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="10_mile_run_part_2006" border="0" alt="10_mile_run_part_2006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNoKpWf_FE0Xp8vT0KiUtrfuus1RhdOjTd2c483lZTpmdT9ToDmdEgx3X51cNXWaVqA4lpOcwirIPtYEuFCOQUNmT1QCK2t3vzIgB21S_TdBVwRxFlUbj7gmYiI839IcduQy2R-jYjM0/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="left">And riding my bike to here:</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesK_1h-AU1O16Q4DG5k6Vxa-mX__QzDDigvjBH2PvdZkP-9BpQF9xnEuHFZN0WTBhylkZ6CwNBv3PZYRFGc6krN_edEO-xrkvDrBhVD18-lrs0L-EAzKHWxhnf5btQYeEa4dmJz3H6LQ/s1600-h/bike_ride%252520001%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bike_ride 001" border="0" alt="bike_ride 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B7P21ZCP-DQ/T9-p9zOrcoI/AAAAAAAAB7g/AV8y4sm3NGA/bike_ride%252520001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>And then 5 more miles to get lunch here:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4_scXmP9jIM/T9-p-HXLc4I/AAAAAAAAB7o/b8nMW1KSnq4/s1600-h/bike_ride%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bike_ride 002" border="0" alt="bike_ride 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfFmWEeuSsxMvNiGCP7I4w_81OynKccYHosZTNwaE23RifG12JILAnmt3lKaUU0NbHmWLmrsJXQCJ7byjZgIYziYzBmGu0wx7WLuRE8MxbMZaVlLB07qvuD1H8UgrQ17emBPVqkypw-8/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="171" /></a> </p> <p>And then turning around and doing it all again to get back to my car.  Plus a slight detour when I got a little lost.  Total mileage? </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAurEt5NxzUxzhcBP8_9PYfchDPUh7rYTe93ha6C3T1YaLJ478IL-h0W1reyL2DFqerYXDeA4XquDccwo6OZytMIE9ahJJp3t_IIy-1NB64DxkTApRpYsiGNELmqHFz8NjF5KKx3lP8g/s1600-h/bike_ride%252520003%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bike_ride 003" border="0" alt="bike_ride 003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MF5dHMtm3Ts/T9-p_OSIaoI/AAAAAAAAB8A/BOzj134n4mg/bike_ride%252520003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>64.22 miles.  Today my legs feel sore in all sorts of new places. </p> <p>I am not the world’s fastest cyclist so not counting stops for traffic or my stop for lunch I did those 64.22 miles in just shy of four and a half hours.  My Garmin died around mile 52 so, sadly, it didn’t catch the last four miles where I was pushing it really hard and probably averaging closer to 18 miles per hour (instead of the 14 for the rest of the trip).  </p> <p>I really just wanted to be done and, thankfully, an older gentleman on a bike behind me gave me the motivation to push harder.  </p> <p>But riding my bike my furthest distance ever (by a factor of 2) wasn’t the only wild and crazy thing I did this weekend.</p> <p>Oh, no.  On Friday afternoon I biked over to the nearest gym to which I still have a membership (until the end of July, anyway) I decided to swim some laps.  </p> <p>That went….let’s go with….well, at least I didn’t drown.  </p> <p>I have forgotten everything I learned from my lesson back in January.  I think I’ll be taking my work bonus and getting myself some swim lessons.  I felt awkward and ungangly in the water and I think I swallowed half the pool.  I was in the water for 30 minutes and I hope that at least half of that was swimming.  For the first 10 minutes I just did laps, for the next 10 I used a kick board to try and work on my breathing.  For the last 10 I used a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pull_buoy" target="_blank">pull buoy</a> so I could work on my arm movements.  </p> <p>I slept really well on Friday night.  </p> <p>Saturday I tried a new strength workout that left me feeling a bit sore.  <a href="http://peaceloveandoats.com/2012/06/15/friday-circuit-time/" target="_blank">Peace Love and Oats</a> posted a workout she recently tried and I thought, hey, why not?  I swapped out the cardio parts, though, for some deadlifts, dumbbell rows, and stability ball work.  </p> <p>And today?  Today I am taking a rest day.  I think I earned it.</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-1191026420719615652012-06-12T09:48:00.000-05:002012-06-12T09:48:37.247-05:00Medal Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Monday night's run was definitely not medal-worthy. I felt pretty good for the first two miles or so but then my legs turned into lead and my left quad started hurting and I just wanted to be done. Of course, my Garmin didn't catch a signal until after the first 1.5 miles so it didn't even record the parts where I felt strong. Blah. At least the company was good since I was running with my running club.<br />
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So, instead of focusing on runs that didn't garner any fruit, I'm sharing what I do with my race medals for <a href="http://www.magmilerunner.com/2012/06/runner-photo-challenge-seen-on-my-run.html" target="_blank">Mag Mile Runner's photo challenge</a>. <br />
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Above is the very first race medal holder I ever got. I showed the <a href="http://www.medalhangers.com/" target="_blank">website</a> to my mom shortly after the 2010 Chicago Marathon and she ended up buying me this medal hanger for Christmas. Until then my medals were just hanging on the door handle of my home office.<br />
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I very quickly outgrew this medal holder, though. Running <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/search/label/race%20report" target="_blank">30 races in one year</a> will do that to you.<br />
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So, towards the end of 2011 I was gifted with two more medal holders. My mom gave me this one:<br />
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And then Kim gave me this custom one:<br />
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<br />I now have all three hanging in my office at home.<br />
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The one on the far left has my half marathons and my marathons (other than Chicago). The next one has all my races that I ran in the actual city of Chicago (plus 2011 Ragnar that ended in Chicago). Then the next one has all my other race distances and age group place medals. <br />
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There is one other medal that isn't on my medal rack. And that's the medal from my very first half marathon.<br />
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The <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2009/04/illinois-half-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">2009 Illinois Half Marathon</a>. That one hangs in a shadow box in my office at work. It's also my first race medal ever (if you don't count my <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-favorite-beginning.html" target="_blank">keychain</a>) so it got some special treatment.<br />
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I haven't added any medals since December 2011. The marathon section of the one medal rack looks a little sparse. I'd like to add some more but until then it's one day at a time.<br />
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-54132250401697100532012-06-11T13:49:00.001-05:002012-06-11T13:49:08.874-05:00An Athlete and an Athletic Supporter<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/579521_10150837448007035_1108002703_n.jpg" width="340" height="340" /></p> <p>Right after I write about how I can’t get out of bed and workout before work I managed to get up and 3.2 miles on Thursday morning.  Of course, that’s partly because I didn’t have to be anywhere until 10:00 AM instead of 9:00 AM but still.  I ran.  In the morning.  On a weekday.  </p> <p>It was my first run in my neighborhood and I decided to meander through the university campus just south of us and see where that took me.</p> <p>Once you get past the university it’s not the most scenic route but the bits through the university were lovely and shaded. </p> <p>But you know what’s funny?  When I run by myself I run faster than when I run with people.  This used to be the complete opposite.  Not sure what’s happening there.</p> <p>After my run I showered and got ready for a day of work and errands.  But first I walked (!) to my doctor’s office for a hip check-up.  He ended up doing a technique called “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_needling">dry needling</a>” to loosen up some of my muscles.  Amazingly, it felt better almost immediately.  Not cured, but better.  He then referred me to another PT who will do some trigger point massage therapy.  This new PT is exactly one block from my apartment which I’m stupidly excited about.  </p> <p>Who knew I would love living in the city so much?</p> <p>Other benefits to living in the city?  Being able to go cheer at races!</p> <p>I rode my bike (thanks, REI, for the new tube!) to the half way point of the Allstate 13.1 Half Marathon on Saturday armed with a tub of Red Vines.  <a href="http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog">Kim</a> suggested I hand out treats and we picked up these puppies on Friday night.  The runners seemed to enjoy them greatly.  </p> <p>I had grand plans to do a strength training workout on Sunday after doing an abbreviated one on Thursday evening but ended up relaxing on the couch instead.  Hey, sometimes you need a day to sleep late, enjoy brunch, and read the paper.  Right?</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-89540878494388272392012-06-06T14:30:00.001-05:002012-06-06T15:12:45.118-05:00Goals Check-In<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YKfc7WW6PvM/T8-vuue_JhI/AAAAAAAAB24/nvGCobhnh48/s1600-h/2801.Goals%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2801.Goals" border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg7godK-71c8Ubo9SlzKpd-o9Rhfpc-XCxiAMtnJRQ_59AhE6i1eTG5xoI9eefKL6iwfJjjBNfCbCfQwQwCU_ZUDR935fhk0YvhjutEliR2CT13wKVW0WnYQ4Lu-SHDkCr31HZMdz_Zk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2801.Goals" width="304" /></a><br />
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My main goals for this year were to do something active every day that I can and figure out what to do about this stupid hip.<br />
And how’s that going six months into the year?<br />
Well, I’m definitely doing as much as possible. Although, this morning when I woke up before my alarm I thought, “If I’m going to keep waking up before I have to, maybe I should start working out before work.” <br />
And then promptly went back to sleep.<br />
Seriously, though, ever since we moved I’ve been waking up way before my alarm. I wish I could find some morning workout buddies to keep me accountable. Without them I’m much more inclined to roll over and go back to sleep.<br />
When I do manage to do things, it’s either a strength workout, a bike ride, or a run. I still haven’t managed to get to the pool. Still terrified of lane sharing. I’ve GOT to get over that. I wish I had some swim buddies, too. <br />
Anyway, I rode my bike downtown and back on Saturday to visit <a href="http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog">Kim</a> who was manning the <a href="http://www.fakemeats.com/Default.asp">Fake Meats</a> booth at the first ever Chicago Veggie Pride Parade. <br />
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However, my bike now has its first ever flat tire. Time to put my REI membership to good use and get a discount on a bike tune-up and flat fix. I’ve read too many horror stories of people trying to change their own bike tubes to try it myself! I’ll just pay someone to do it for now. <br />
On Sunday I didn’t get in a workout but I did promote running! It was a weekend of booths. Sunday I set-up and staffed the booth for my running club at a village event.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IrxfJfK_0wO6mwhMflmvmljkp3CoBM65uGzsd_m82jYsSgVvDk_NXVMdvxAXkaErUriHgXPQ89zToBsxL306euzDygjwHcOdZW8gwSSTBU9t1fexSmJTmFLEc1g59SYlCvTLCmKRIoE/s1600-h/oprc_booth%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="oprc_booth" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1tRSoKguqOa-BvpIF_Sk3bIVMZvkONYkEdojj6Lj82D5g4z0QxilH4k4GjfV6bh73bzkp4sK5hhTUZMY9jsVwqYa8SbeyjjXCNed108btTeGEBGTkPpksTWWASuoGSZIH5A3p9NeBsI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="oprc_booth" width="404" /></a><br />
We got some interest but also a lot of people who gave us the side eye and said “I don’t run!” or “I could never run!” Seriously? That may be true but don’t you think it’s weird you need to comment?<br />
Monday night I had to take all the stuff pictured above back to our storage area in Oak Park so I took the opportunity to run with the club. A nice, steady 5.5 miles. Although my hip was a tad sore afterward.<br />
And speaking of my hip, I have a follow-up appointment with the doc who recommended PT on Thursday. We’ll see what he has to say since PT didn’t seem to be making a HUGE difference. <br />
In the mean time, I’ve got an ART appointment tonight. Maybe some strength training or a quick run (it IS National Running Day, after all) afterward. We’ll see. Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-81816441336738300292012-05-31T11:44:00.001-05:002012-05-31T11:44:11.502-05:00Busy, Busy<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="http://rlv.zcache.com/busy_beaver_kids_incentive_stickers-p217399884608324553z85xz_400.jpg" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/busy_beaver_kids_incentive_stickers-p217399884608324553z85xz_400.jpg" width="300" height="300" /></p> <p>I’ve been pretty busy in the workout department since last Thursday.  Of course, now I’m paying for it as my left hip is KILLING me (or maybe that’s just a reaction to the ART session from last night).  </p> <p>But what was I doing until I decided to give my hip a break?</p> <p>Friday was my wedding anniversary so Jason and I walked to a nearby pub for dinner and drinks.  After I rode my bike to and from work.  Does commuting by bike count as a workout if it’s only a few miles total?  </p> <p>Saturday I did a <a href="http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2012/05/09/super-stability-ball-circuit/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SweetToothSweetLife+%28Sweet+Tooth+Sweet+Life%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">strength workout</a> but my stomach was upset so I didn’t push it very hard and had to rush out of the gym mid-set to use the bathroom.  I felt pretty out of it the rest of the day.</p> <p>Thankfully I felt better on Sunday, though, because I joined <a href="http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog">Kim</a> for some kayaking!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l3tfPOi66Xw/T8edcjq5M1I/AAAAAAAAB2A/K7CoP-Thd2E/s1600-h/120527%252520002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="120527 002" border="0" alt="120527 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkqeOgBJKihRN9v49IpdCv379I25VTytWJIRcVmJifjFpVmVj1LMz4j49V41RsEU8cF6Hh-AnbCWODvFrHRnpieLTilyDBrvBmW75LEq5j07SQdA3Bfm1LJrX7fbZXRAW9RZ-jEV92gY/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="228" /></a></p> <p>We kayaked around a lake for about an hour.  I could really feel it working my arms but, believe it or not, I wasn’t sore at all the next day!  I have a feeling that if I’d done this last year or the year before I would have felt it for a few days afterward.  Strength training for the win!</p> <p>Monday I took advantage of my day off and went for a long bike ride.  I rode from my apartment to Chicago’s lake front path and went south to where the path ends.  Then I turned around and headed back.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHj0RG50QSyJtaHJgMryQMWDHyFaYCGshlWU0JaWrbBmp4qLQfEyYZ-Hx-HLWE3zEupG4XUrgU3ZkXIhcn9tLl5q1oqlfFQhofTXPbIq8M1KQLIbEA9yBmUcgw1vri0apxEYaIQTiN2A/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 007" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8LUnHW9EzoSwNILGTpEEzL0r4PkHLs7yHcqdQilMxfF0zH61cgahsBpl_7fXd8pw_vvI28dZhDoqW3tUdsJ9uoL1rfcBPtITGXhX0F-oMAIBwUiG09nnYkEAe5bIeYk49_ocy-MYYRk/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p>Although the air temps were warm there was a strong breeze coming in off the lake that made it pretty nice outside.  Minus the fact that the wind felt like it was going to blow me over or backward most of the ride.  I also explored some alternate ways to get home and ended up riding just over 25 miles.  I’m still not very fast on my bike but I am really enjoying being out on it.</p> <p>And then Tuesday I went for a run all by my lonesome at lunch.  Been a LONG time since I’ve done that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TiMVyyjZHHs/T8edeGPcsTI/AAAAAAAAB2c/vHiqYk9Jmzc/s1600-h/iphone_picture%252520001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_picture 001" border="0" alt="iphone_picture 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYQoPOleUIMYsIe8m4ZFSl6_7vK5t5ygdULCnJGHFPFuj3gY9J7g9hDBe1RMmoH_62pmhZeUVM-G_BoRxRYpOM0KJ4Bd86SrX-ueKZ_7RFof4sknx8cLMUWCiD5qpZyBe1d8fPXjdEkY/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p>Funny how different the lake and the skyline can look from one day to the next, isn’t it?  I ran for 40 minutes and finished 4.5 miles.  And, even though it was straight-up sunny and warm I felt pretty good.  Racer back tan line, here I come!</p> <p>When I got home from work I hit up the apartment gym for a quick <a href="http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2012/02/23/full-body-superset-workout/">strength session</a>.</p> <p>Now I’m taking a few days off from running.  I might do a strength session tonight or I might just rest.  That ART session left me really sore! </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-86281548379871684642012-05-29T10:59:00.001-05:002012-05-29T10:59:31.599-05:00Chase Corporate Challenge Bandit (Race Report)<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e80rMj3DKvg/T8TyVUhU1ZI/AAAAAAAAB1c/ZVVW0dVKaPc/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 001" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEBVV7U5LUcYfF8V6pxO1AWb4rVxd1tvMI0a9ftHckUYwmOxk9MLnVGrhby5s-0pnOupudZnzyP5xjlb-pvJPn-kv6m55fyvHo8viGH0NfXL4ZFUHyK2FFXnXSuuTY6NmbtVLAy1rp1s/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a></p> <p><em>I totally brought scissors to our team tent and turned my t-shirt into a tank top.</em></p> <p>My employer pays for a large number of us to run the Chase Corporate Challenge.  However, you have to sign up in February.  Since at that time I didn’t know if I’d be able to run in May or not, I didn’t sign up.</p> <p>But I’ve run Chase every year since I started at my current employer so when I realized that I would be able to run I started sniffing around for a bib.</p> <p>Hey, it’s already paid for, right?  My work would just be wasting that money if I didn’t use an unused bib!</p> <p>Turns out my coworker got a migraine and went home to sit in a dark room.  Which left me her bib.  So, I used it.</p> <p>And promptly ran my slowest Chase Corporate Challenge ever.  31:30 for 3.5 miles.  On the plus side, I think that will go down as one of her fastest times.  Glad I could do that for her!</p> <p>They changed up the course this year and it was basically a lot of running through what are essentially tunnels.  Combined with the crowds, the temperature and the humidity I think everyone ran slower than they wanted.  Plus, since I didn’t bother to study the course map I didn’t know when to pick it up towards the end.  My Garmin was all messed up from the tunnels and then suddenly the finish line was right in front of me!</p> <p>Could I have run faster?  Maybe.  But I did tell myself to hold back a bit.  No point in running faster and aggravating my hip any more than I already did.  Yes, it was kind of sore and stiff afterward.  Bummer.</p> <p>Still, it was a gorgeous night to enjoy the city and I’m glad I got the chance to run.  It’s taken me a few days to come to terms with the fact that I’m not as fast as I was in the past two years but life is not always about the speed.  Sometimes it’s just about the opportunity.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zulFlGor5FM/T8TyYQQDOTI/AAAAAAAAB1o/9Xu-2XZCLvU/s1600-h/iphone_pictures%252520002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone_pictures 002" border="0" alt="iphone_pictures 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLjwt_9Hb6qOnprNZK1CktSoGN-rJJIR9Sk7CoVmTXd1Q61xgJBWXZB9wSDWacNBN96fzndjZ0U3pwFUUmTJCpAdVhKTCy-Dj1x1N8F7ND0XU226c4ClgXwuElkp4R5YFyuUp9XtCyXU/?imgmax=800" width="254" height="337" /></a></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-31990828033731063672012-05-24T15:34:00.001-05:002012-05-24T15:34:42.889-05:00Several Things Thursday<p>Whew.  Sorry for dropping off the planet there for a minute.  Where have I been?  Moving to my new apartment!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GHV8VKR7SCE/T76bW_7hjOI/AAAAAAAAB0o/drTmHI6plTQ/s1600-h/iphone%252520pictures%252520033%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone pictures 033" border="0" alt="iphone pictures 033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0CWgG7ng6tU/T76bXD3PrtI/AAAAAAAAB0w/5c0Ssfm6O2g/iphone%252520pictures%252520033_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>That’s our kitchen/living room/dining room/balcony</em></p> <p align="left">Finishing up packing, moving, unpacking, and getting settled took all of last week and the weekend.  Monday I was back at our previous abode finishing up a few things.  So, I didn’t get a workout until Tuesday.</p> <p align="left">What did I do Tuesday?  I went for a run at lunch.  Just 3ish miles.  I forgot my Garmin since I’m all out of sorts with the move.  The run felt strong, though, so I’d like to think it was a good pace. </p> <p align="left">On Wednesday I rode my bike to work.  It’s about 1.5 miles from my apartment to my office and it took me a little less than 15 minutes.  Of course, I had to dodge cabs and buses and now totally understand why drivers hate cyclists.  I’m TRYING to follow the rules but when buses and cabs cut me off or drive so close to the curb there’s no room for me I’m going to take some drastic maneuvers.</p> <p align="left">Riding home was a different story.  First I rode to my ART appointment and that was fine.  Easy, even.  But getting home meant trying to navigated super congested streets with very little room for cyclists.  I have a feeling I’ll be checking out some out-of-the way streets instead of taking the more direct route.  Riding my bike was exhilarating, though, when it wasn’t terrifying or irritating.  </p> <p align="left">And then Wednesday, after my adventures in bike riding, I used the gym in my apartment building for the first time.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w8AS55NYv6A/T76bXU8_hdI/AAAAAAAAB04/gA9UlZLSLOA/s1600-h/iphone%252520pictures%252520041%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="iphone pictures 041" border="0" alt="iphone pictures 041" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GTwp8pEGwaI/T76bXtGM0DI/AAAAAAAAB1A/uJUxfmFrcW4/iphone%252520pictures%252520041_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="327" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I did the following workout.  You do the teal and the magenta sections three times each and the yellow sections once.  I had to lower some of the weights (specifically the bicep curls, tricep extensions and the chest presses) but overall it was a killer workout.  My glutes are still feeling it today.  Whew.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/11259067788795282/" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://media-cache3.pinterest.com/upload/11259067788795282_dIuh0VK1_c.jpg" width="300" height="157" /></a></div> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px"> <p style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px">Source: <a style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline" href="http://www.foodandfunontherun.com/2012/05/16/the-jello-leg-workout/">foodandfunontherun.com</a> via <a style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline" href="http://pinterest.com/sunmoonstarz21/" target="_blank">Erin</a> on <a style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p> </div> <p> </p> <p>Should make for an interesting showing at the Chase Corporate Challenge this evening.  Yes, I’m running (but not racing).  But as a bandit.  I didn’t register so I’m just going to use someone else’s number.  Shhhh.  </p> <p>Also, because I was so busy moving I didn’t get a chance to participate in Mag Mile Runner’s photo challenge for this week.  The prompt?  Your worst race.  </p> <p align="center"><em>Soldier Field 10 Miler 2011</em></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZjUhcq_lT4mcNm6abZMy36HTT5RGjdIK7ZTci9pFAH9r5Wp4ydTEoE4-3QTd37FhpXXrV_Pow29InRTyPYQ8iXF6xj-XvA1e-sGPdDpUr3QE5wq7jUQGg-Uzc3QaqyR2PVdZO6plbFU/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CBicED0ybKo/T76bYdrD2FI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/3wungEhXwhA/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="451" /></a></p> <p>That’s me in the red tank top.  I don’t know what it was about this race, but <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2011/05/soldier-field-10-mile-race-report.html">my heart wasn’t in it</a>.  And afterward my hip hurt so bad it was the first time I was really worried about what I’d done to it.  I think it was my horrible form on that day.  I mean, look at me in that photo. Ugh.  Anyway, the Soldier Field 10 Mile race is this weekend and I’m not sad at all that I’m not running it.  </p> <p>That’s what I have for you this Thursday.  How are you?</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-50386475690614210692012-05-16T14:41:00.000-05:002012-05-16T14:41:03.773-05:00Too Much of a Good Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIN2dY_SyX-3uKAHCMZRE0EQqO149dbIPMCYrV7Vm2Vpzmr838Taf0xm6AZmqRZ9cpZLJ77fK-rxT_9g0dywKs_7DyMh9csG8VlnydG8RAucQ9xqb_DYNdkCT8AnnQz0fRtbBLJv1uTQ/s1600/toomuch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIN2dY_SyX-3uKAHCMZRE0EQqO149dbIPMCYrV7Vm2Vpzmr838Taf0xm6AZmqRZ9cpZLJ77fK-rxT_9g0dywKs_7DyMh9csG8VlnydG8RAucQ9xqb_DYNdkCT8AnnQz0fRtbBLJv1uTQ/s320/toomuch.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
So, I ran on both Saturday and Sunday. I felt pretty good.<br />
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Then came Monday night. Since I'm moving this Friday I knew it was my last chance to easily get in a run with my running club. Sure, I'll still be running with them as often as I can but I won't be within quick bike riding or running distance of our meeting place anymore.<br />
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And bike ride to the starting spot is what I did on Monday. I do love my bike and am looking forward to spending more time on it on the lakefront path once I move. Biking on road with intersections is a pain.<br />
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Anyway, the bike ride was one of the better parts of my evening. So were the post-run margaritas and tacos on the patio of one of my favorite restaurants. The run itself though? Blech.<br />
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My legs felt like lead. My usual easy pace felt like death. "This is the longest 5.5 miles EVER!" I exclaimed to my running buddy. <br />
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Turns out a lot of us felt that way on Monday night. Maybe it was the slightly warmer weather? Maybe it was that we wanted to get to the margaritas sooner? Who knows. I suppose, though, I should be grateful that my legs were just tired and not in pain. <br />
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Speaking of pain, I have a combo ART & massage appointment scheduled tonight. I'm interested to see if they can work some more magic on those tight spots surrounding my hip. In the mean time, I'm taking the rest of this week off to finish packing and give my body a break. Three days of running in a row is something I haven't done in awhile and now I remember why. Got to work back up to that! Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-37939782272002860002012-05-14T13:47:00.001-05:002012-05-14T13:47:40.314-05:00Double without Trouble<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxTwrxgJrH4XsPjLTCbHneLDmxmuYIfo56Sj69r4DWgpqfTvul7Z3XHxsdFhfUiuWYE4sPmjPAZULagWO8oKXpoHRcL7-v2VjTpGlcqfoM4NbhvEpGI8JuebQKuVN0tBM3J-ihCWCSoM/s1600-h/photo%2525201%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo 1" border="0" alt="photo 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g7VezxOHt2s/T7FTSc2iF8I/AAAAAAAABz8/A6Li2WcA4dg/photo%2525201_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p>This weekend I did something I hadn’t done in awhile.  Well, technically two things I hadn’t done in a while.</p> <p>Thing #1 – I ran in the rain.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzhfDiFePJlBsL8t1EWvPbSSj_2nApNQyuMODrh3pkS621ojauAdEWxFGWFxTtGPeYurrS5Ao0V5jzSnr8C3ll7cUsSuxVYK-Sc4wKec7_IN_UvB1lBK06zdGE85CViWPjEaoCLTi9aw/s1600-h/photo%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo 2" border="0" alt="photo 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqI1VK9yAauHSsMBzFZLyoHI1uphCCug2DkFCbTmUK4pLZ9zIak_ew3ODJQ5rei1IW3HhWEk_HlKcM4SodqFwyGtQGgvf7V86I4c-m4Mew0TygDzEMLqH94-7fAIsBiVmLPFT-Wds9ns/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p>I went to Waterfall Glen forest preserve with my running club where it proceeded to rain on us for almost the entire run.  When I arrived my fellow club members were huddled together underneath the small overhang of the bathroom roofs.  The rain didn’t seem to be letting up so finally we decided to brave it.</p> <p>“But I’m not even training for anything!” I whined.  “I don’t HAVE to run!”</p> <p>Apparently, though, my legs felt differently.  I actually ran on both Monday and Thursday of last week so this was my third run of the week.  Something I haven’t done in months.  You’d think my legs would be dead.  Nope.  After a slower first mile I ended up running negative splits and feeling amazing.  I ran the first 30 minutes with the club and then turned around and ran the second 30 minutes by myself.</p> <p>I swear, rain makes you run faster.</p> <p>I always forget how much I love running in the rain.</p> <p>Thing #2 – I ran two days in a row</p> <p>After running Monday, Thursday and Saturday my left leg didn’t feel too bad.  I’ve been rolling out my hip using a combination of a tennis ball and a foam roller and it seems to be helping some.  So when Kim suggested a run on Sunday morning I said sure.</p> <p>She was coming to my house to help me finish packing for my move but first we took advantage of the non-rainy weather with a 5 mile run through my soon-to-be-former town.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/120513Run1.jpg" src="http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/120513Run1.jpg" /></p> <p>I was totally overdressed.  Apparently I’ve forgotten how to dress for running.  </p> <p>Anyway, it was a nice, easy (aka slow) 5 miles and my leg didn’t bother me.  Hurray!  </p> <p>Was it smart to go from 5-10 miles a week to double that?  Probably not.  But at this point I’m just doing what I want and seeing how my leg responds.  </p> <p>And after tonight’s run it will probably become a rest week.  If you call getting ready to move “rest”!  </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-33884731732670924552012-05-11T08:00:00.000-05:002012-05-11T10:05:52.009-05:00Playing FavoritesThis week’s photo challenge from Maggie at <a href="http://www.magmilerunner.com/">Mag Mile Runner</a> is:<br />
<blockquote>
<i>We’ve seen your ugly <a href="http://www.chicagorunnergirl.com/2012/04/embracing-fug.html">race</a> <a href="http://www.chicagorunnergirl.com/2012/04/embracing-fug-part-dos.html">pictures</a>. But I want to see your favorite race picture! And an explanation of why. It can be ugly or pretty, solo or with a friend or group … whatever reason, as long as it’s your favorite. </i></blockquote>
Oh my. I have to choose a favorite race photo? Strangely, I don’t have a lot of ugly race photos. Actually, there are probably ugly ones out there of me (I can think of one in particular from the Soldier Field 10 Mile where my form is horrific) but I haven’t saved any of them. For good reason.<br />
<br />
However, I have a LOT of good race photos. My husband is actually quite good at being my own personal race photographer and we have some good photogs in my running club as well. Not to mention the few professional ones that turn out nice.<br />
<br />
I mean, I could choose this one from the <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2011/04/hermes-cleveland-10-mile-race-report.html">Cleveland 10 Miler</a> I ran with a friend:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbJahyphenhyphenuM1cWXHQKu-AJFX3ZOKRzW0Du8AsGiyimAfPUz-2Oqh3Bcl7D1Sneak7-RfA9Rzr5lMmeJmOPWE7h6NUoCS24X-KB5tb3Cw2o7rPa-6qfGYvpUahCltmHg-_dfVg0CgLQR8Jgw/s1600-h/cleveland_10_mile%252520035%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cleveland_10_mile 035" border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0prUz8EXALfr3EbwKSy0De4Nw-hC6pCTQw9Xuj4Zr10FGrKG6NRlwDSawBrbukZ8vPVeemkDOQBv01wtYdmHF5BePpJIZK-UxB56VV1fGWadZ5Jt4uNiN0AgnU875hxrwH1znZ1kpWk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cleveland_10_mile 035" width="244" /></a><br />
I mean, it IS my favorite photo of my arm muscles. But I didn’t really “race” that race even though I had a total blast and was super proud of my friend, Rae. So of course I can have good photos since I was pacing someone else and not pushing myself.<br />
<br />
Or what about the photo from when my mom surprised me at the <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2010/05/wisconsin-half-marathon-race-report.html">Wisconsin Half Marathon</a> in 2010?<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eyTbzvv0_ec/T6riDWL1LmI/AAAAAAAAByM/I9Eq9DiyO2k/s1600-h/wisconsin_half_marathon037%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wisconsin_half_marathon037" border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJSnf74kBTF7xxEv8uAlCYdzUoo37b0280I38_n2u_jCY7M1uIj0eDD_7UWguCwJVfpfZPYKXqFKu9Dq3Y2Q4vVEkEhq8HX6pwj5IcYeCIzKFO0JxLurFevkSeqa875xf1Lo6KlbYE3s/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wisconsin_half_marathon037" width="244" /></a><br />
I have very fond memories of that moment but not particularly of the race itself. That course and I are not currently on speaking terms. <br />
<br />
Then there’s my two 2011 marathons, <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2011/10/milwaukee-lakefront-marathon-race.html">Milwaukee</a> and <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2011/12/las-vegas-marathon-race-report.html">Las Vegas</a>: <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE18UnkQSOnjcDmpZOit9SNcqQvgXz9cy33qJC7wAzC9aOKEfak0tfuuAHA1LWVT0TUzHyZoO6rvZ_RqpWXuns1hnTtb1NJ9xKLmDuLhBquYEFfJYE_YP3-o6le-HzJWxstXC8tGtD1fc/s1600-h/75789-057-030f%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="75789-057-030f" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VX1YZraL2d4/T6riDxENEiI/AAAAAAAAByk/E8H3LmzppSk/75789-057-030f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 0px 0px 33px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="75789-057-030f" width="164" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tc-mxpeqLQU/T6riEbecdqI/AAAAAAAABys/u_kS7TgObeo/s1600-h/milwaukee%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="milwaukee" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTAiNdnoXExh3mPyLESpfzdklb82mSdY2jhDCnprDhKpI6Yrwmv-Mm16IVMmCiClxexkE7usdXRoUZYc60d_sZiXqFPNHbhiWQRWxZJSKA1G5ABrsRNuNqh5WNsOZ4jD_KOZIXEsW8J8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="milwaukee" width="156" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYBwvqgUz_OkQ8n4f2PXhV8bAcFQomUjTDfhAVrq6YCfC6k_hcU8VaPSzxSWwN4KIR-XKHJOyUVKT2yKgNDki5wsyx_D5ls-PntEuGDcWv7qO42I3QKqTB5x7jy63otLPQO9E6XG2p70/s1600-h/vegas_marathon_finish%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vegas_marathon_finish" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU_b0EQUjr9LThM2PU4pkoHw-lZrRj6eBTYe1BevltPpZonmZkUhGQcqC13gueLPIK46cg332_PHFupfBgRYGAH8Wo8M7LwgrOSQT8vQW50_EG1dN0h0QXL0vKXpVrnSqOK9rhqFvKiA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="vegas_marathon_finish" width="165" /></a><br />
Trend alert: I like to open my mouth in race photos. It makes me look badass, don’t you know?<br />
<br />
But I think my favorite photo is from the <a href="http://eri-thon.blogspot.com/2011/11/illinois-cross-country-club-invitation.html">Club Cross Country Invitational</a> in November 2011. I was miserable for that entire 3 miles but thanks to my running club’s support I pulled out a finish worthy of a photo.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fe-NoD-XIYw/T6riFD3q4NI/AAAAAAAABzM/3MZkTjOu_i4/s1600-h/xcountry3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="xcountry3" border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB171go59N_HTN3jF64SZYGrzqz6bPewxx4cDGvq_2AJrO7j_USyLXTypsJvCztRIvsiSp7fZmY2IZKA0gblxyMBzrGz0cP-SXGL4wRQeoNSeLwwGMMUFXDCCwUhIWzPzp8qrD71WDaKI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="xcountry3" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zkBEUkRBhNw/T6riFsfpbLI/AAAAAAAABzc/_wre9pwKAtc/s1600-h/xcountry3%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="xcountry3" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kN8YHzRywPM/T6riF9m1-5I/AAAAAAAABzk/awFK0ydrMEk/xcountry3_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="xcountry3" width="218" /></a><br />
Someone has to come last in a race. This day it was not going to be me. Why wouldn’t that be my favorite?Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-43402449009338432972012-05-09T10:32:00.003-05:002012-05-09T10:37:08.551-05:00Moti-what?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ1KiypQVkwTkwMwtxoapaZxzifjrtdX_6B_PCIDIxW7VVLeWAvRbndzeKbwo91HhCIYmDNMXmMMsy6Xrcw7ptvKLz3MKQ5tSf5X4_-rZbXgsnfHwjLYJgiApgrErZKw-405mS7dNIno/s1600/motivation0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ1KiypQVkwTkwMwtxoapaZxzifjrtdX_6B_PCIDIxW7VVLeWAvRbndzeKbwo91HhCIYmDNMXmMMsy6Xrcw7ptvKLz3MKQ5tSf5X4_-rZbXgsnfHwjLYJgiApgrErZKw-405mS7dNIno/s400/motivation0400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Some days you're more motivated than others, right?<br />
<br />
On Monday night I wasn't feeling all that motivated. Right now I'm pretty much running once a week since I'm not training for a race and I'm spending more time strength training, packing, and going to various PT appointments. So I knew if I didn't go out for a run on Monday I might not run at all until this weekend.<br />
<br />
Which means that even though I wasn't feeling particularly motivated I went running anyway. My pace was definitely on the easy side but I was running with someone who was joining the Monday night run for the first time so I didn't want to leave her behind. That worked out well since I wasn't too motivated to push the pace much harder, anyway.<br />
<br />
Tuesday, though, my motivation came back with a vengeance. After doing part of the strength workout I'd been planning to do on Monday at lunch I decided to finish it up Tuesday after PT.<br />
<br />
Some of that motivation might have come from the fact that my left leg, which had been bothering me after Monday night's run, felt MUCH better after PT. Apparently if I just have my physical therapist use her elbow to loosen up the tight spots twice a week I'm golden. Skip a week and there's hell to pay. Not a perfect long term solution, though, so hopefully we can figure out something else. Do they make compression socks for your hips? I mean, I know they make them for your legs because Sara is <a href="http://rungingerfoxxxrun.blogspot.com/2012/05/raffle-time.html" target="_blank">raffling off a pair</a>. <br />
<br />
Anyway! After Tuesday night's PT appointment I came home and put together three parts of some workouts I pinned on Pinterest to come up with the following:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://skinnyms.com/7-day-ab-challenge/" target="_blank"><u>Abs</u></a> <br />
Complete 3 circuits – move from one exercise to the next with little to no rest.<br />
<b>Flutter Kicks</b> – 30 reps (15 each side)<br />
<b>Side V-ups</b> – 20 reps (10 each side)<br />
<b>Push Through</b> – 30 reps<br />
<br />
<a href="http://skinnyms.com/summer-butt-challenge/" target="_blank"><u>Lower Body</u></a><br />
Complete 4 circuits<b> </b><br />
<b>Step-ups</b> – 30 seconds each leg; rest 10 seconds after each leg<br />
<b>Prisoner Squats</b> – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds<br />
<b>Stiff Legged Deadlifts </b>– 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds<br />
<b>Butt Blaster</b> – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds<br />
<b>Heel Clappers</b> – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds<br />
<b>Leg extensions</b> – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds<br />
<br />
<a href="http://skinnyms.com/summer-arms-challenge/" target="_blank"><u>Arms</u></a><br />
Complete two circuits<br />
<b>Bicep Curls</b> – 20 reps<br />
Rest 20 seconds<br />
<b>Tricep Kickbacks</b> – 20 reps each arm<br />
Rest 20 seconds<br />
<br />
<u>Cardio</u><br />
One set of Tabata intervals<br />
<br />
Let me tell you, those Butt Blasters are no joke! Also, I'm pretty sure that after multiple days in a row of doing strength training my triceps are bigger than they've ever been.<br />
<br />
So, yeah, motivation. It comes and goes. But, dang, when it comes you know it's going to make you kick butt!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-50788337706706031422012-05-07T13:08:00.001-05:002012-05-07T13:08:26.363-05:00Hat’s Off<p><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b6/snmnstrz21/bandannas001.jpg" /></p> <p align="left">This week’s photo challenge from <a href="http://www.magmilerunner.com/">Maggie</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p align="center">What is your favorite running “thing”? Something that you either HAVE to have for every run or race, or something you don’t always have or use, but look forward to eating/using/wearing before, during or after a run. Maybe it completely changed your running, or is something you just really like. It can be something you wear, something you eat, something you use (in reality or digitally), etc, but it has to be a thing.</p> </blockquote> <p>When I first started running, I wore a bandanna to keep the sweat out of my eyes.  </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b6/snmnstrz21/freedom_5k001.jpg" width="180" height="240" /></p> <p>It was sort of my signature accessory.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b6/snmnstrz21/westchester_veterun_10K001.jpg" width="180" height="240" /></p> <p>But when I started training for my first half marathon in 2009 I realized that the bandanna was actually trapping heat on my head and not letting the sweat evaporate.</p> <p>And, by the way, I sweat.  A lot.  If I don’t have some kind of head covering sweat just runs into my eyes and stings.  And it’s no fun to be running or racing with sweat in your eyes.</p> <p>So, I upgraded to a visor.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b6/snmnstrz21/Running%20Blog%20Photos/IllinoisHalfMarathon135.jpg" width="180" height="240" /></p> <p> </p> <p>My collection of visors grew.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b6/snmnstrz21/Running%20Blog%20Photos/photo.jpg" width="180" height="240" /></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCRKRmgcO4wR6rN00Fvp66YuxiI9Xx45OYa0kAzWGcHcDgrvEp2iCHrscn9mEaMyLuRC2sZJWg6lxkSb8PBhydbC5H98CmLcBwyVJ3R_GVeSsYsfNnQSDwwSHpmoyT7CQ7fItrvhKXpM/s400/march+madness+half+marathon+002.jpg" width="240" height="181" /></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aUIRqP-RZTw/T6gPmGBlz4I/AAAAAAAABxc/xBU6qNm-iCc/s1600-h/clevelandweekend003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clevelandweekend003" border="0" alt="clevelandweekend003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gc05W-qKBzA/T6gPmTuKklI/AAAAAAAABxk/ipfWjilM_3s/clevelandweekend003_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="244" /></a></p> <p>And then my mom pointed out that while the visor let the heat escape, it wasn’t doing any favors for my scalp and my hair.  With the sun beating down on both she worried that I would have a sunburnt scalp and fried hair.</p> <p>So, I found a hat.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l83eyCAUUMPKhZkGyd76sUGX9V-BTUmF230SP5IhJzMb7RszQgMEmSHWqa6L62WKFqGfjzIOb0QlLXZGMn-j-CIm49zpqrCzOiZ5dzpZ7RqNq0lP5H9jRp_j2VzyCpvLG0RWcGJYzC4/s400/hat+001.jpg" width="240" height="181" /></p> <p>This hat and I are now pretty inseparable.  It needs to be washed something fierce but I just can’t bring myself to wash it.  I wouldn’t go so far as to call it my lucky hat, but I have run quite a few PRs in it.  It keeps the sweat out of my face, protects my scalp while keeping me cool, keeps my frizzy hair hidden and looks pretty cute to boot.  </p> <p>So, yeah, I’d say that a head covering (currently this hat) is my “thing” I have to have for running.  </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271998807275036188.post-71975321168639638492012-05-03T09:33:00.003-05:002012-05-03T09:33:57.104-05:00Three Things Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3tekvLz3aD3WeRD7BfCP980ZMMU_GOh0EqeWbkp_mQsP_pnMMxuS5QgQAFxrjeTr3ZWXtc8E0CFIs6IYdtwq1GPT9wOLz2OMm8nRMP3qjSsfSKCgBfCVcvxy6pXwfSL0hwUITVn5siw/s1600/three-at-once.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3tekvLz3aD3WeRD7BfCP980ZMMU_GOh0EqeWbkp_mQsP_pnMMxuS5QgQAFxrjeTr3ZWXtc8E0CFIs6IYdtwq1GPT9wOLz2OMm8nRMP3qjSsfSKCgBfCVcvxy6pXwfSL0hwUITVn5siw/s320/three-at-once.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I feel like this week is going by both quickly and slowly. As in, I keep asking myself "Is it only Thursday?" and "It's Thursday already??"<br />
<br />
This could be because I'm keeping myself pretty busy.<br />
<br />
Monday night I ran with my running club and played ambassador to a woman who was running with us for the first time. We ran an average 9:30 pace for 5.5 miles (positive splits for me again) which she said is faster than she usually runs. She kept up well, though! My left leg, however, was a little pissed at me so I was glad for being too busy on Tuesday to get in a workout. Forced rest for the win!<br />
<br />
Actually, Tuesday night was our monthly running club meeting where we had the executive director and the racing coordinator for the <a href="http://cararuns.org/" target="_blank">Chicago Area Runners Association</a> come speak to us about some of their new initiatives and to get feedback on what we though they could be doing better. If you're a Chicago area runner and you don't belong to CARA you should know that they do more then get you race discounts and race training! They also have partnerships with businesses to get CARA members <a href="http://cararuns.org/Community/Community%20Partners.aspx" target="_blank">discounts</a> on running apparel, gym memberships, and other running-related goodies. They also keep a database of volunteer opportunities so if you want to volunteer for a race in the Chicago area you can contact them and they'll let you know when they need volunteers.<br />
<br />
Last night I wanted to get in a quick strength workout. I did two rounds of the Bikini Beach Bum Workout from the Tone It Up training video series.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eVDG5vyGpeU" width="400"></iframe>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
I followed that up with day 1 of a 7 day arms workout I pinned on Pinterest.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/11259067788720350/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/242842604877095541_2zjJyJAa_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://skinnyms.com/summer-arms-challenge/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">skinnyms.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sunmoonstarz21/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Erin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
<br />
Day 1 is focused on triceps and today my triceps are SORE! Whew. So far it looks like a really good series of quick arms-focused workouts to add to any strength routine. I usually prefer compound moves but every so often I feel like I need a more focused session. This definitely fits the bill!<br />
<br />
Which means tonight I plan to do the second day of that series and throw in some Tabata intervals. Good times.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394617623909746445noreply@blogger.com0