Eri-thon: From 0 to 26.2 in 30

Bonus 11

2012-01-28T10:23:00.000-06:00

Maggie tagged me for the 11 questions meme. Even though I already answered some earlier I figured, hey, why not do some more?

I mean, why else do we blog if not to talk about ourselves, right?

Anyway, here are 11 more things about me as asked by Maggie:

1. Why do you run?

I started running because some of my online friends were doing it and I thought, "Hey, if they can do that so can I!" Plus, I was getting pretty tired of the elliptical. I still run (when I'm not injured, anyway) because it's a great workout, it gets me out of the house, and gives me an excuse to hang out with fun people and explore new places.

2. What other athletic things do you enjoy?

I like riding my road bike. I love lifting weights. Pilates, depending on the instructor, is awesome. And dancing. I really enjoy dancing.

3. Where did you grow up?

Champaign, Illinois. I lived there from the age of two to the age of 28 (not counting the four years I was a college undergrad)

4. Why do you currently live where you do?

When I accepted my current job in downtown Chicago my husband and I were living in Champaign in a three bedroom, two car garage, fenced-in yard house. I couldn't imagine giving that up to move to an apartment or a condo or a townhouse in the city. But I also didn't want too long of a commute. We compromised on renting a three bedroom house with a garage and a yard just outside the city but that is still on a major city transit train line.

Thanks to my father-in-law for the photo!

5. Where is your favorite place in the world?

If there's one thing I know about myself, it's that I'm a homebody.

I really enjoying being at home.

Whether that's on my couch, on my back porch, or even in my bed, I enjoy it.

But my real and true favorite place?

My mom's house.

6. Do you know how to do something that not everyone can do?

I used to be able to do the splits as well as a toe-touch jump.

Of course, the last time I tried a toe-touch jump I fell on my ass so I don't know if I necessarily STILL know how to do one.

So I guess my most current unique skill is the ability to put together a last minute presentation and actually keep people engaged.

7. What foods do you hate?

I intensely dislike olives and artichokes. And cilantro.

8. What kind of car do you drive, and why did you buy it?

I drive a black 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. I used to drive a 1998 Saturn sedan but after Jason and I realized that neither of us had a car that was A. any good in the snow and B. able to transport our two large dogs without getting fur all over the back seat we decided an SUV was in order. This one was a good price, had all the options we wanted and so it came home with us.

9. Have you ever quit anything? Why?

I dropped a class in college because, after the first session, I knew it wasn't going to be as interesting as I originally thought.

I quit my previous job to take this job because the benefits at my current job are much better.

10. What was your major? If you could go back in time, would you pick something else?

My Bachelor's degree is in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. My Master's degree is in Library Science. I don't think I'd want to not have those degrees but if I got another Master's degree it would be in something more technology related or in human resources or training.

11. Where did you go to college? Why? (And if you didn't go, why?)

I went to undergrad at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. My Master's is from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. I chose Miami because I wanted a school about 4 hours away from Champaign, in a town that didn't feel too overwhelming. My step-dad knew the university president so he suggested we visit. The campus was lovely, the town was small but still had stuff to do, and I just felt more comfortable there than I did at any of the other schools I visited (Valparaiso, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Washington University in St. Louis).

For grad school I went the easy route: move back to my hometown and go to school there. I already knew I wanted to get my Library Science degree and UIUC has a nationally renowned program. Easy.

Let's Get Physical

2012-01-27T07:00:00.004-06:00

Thursday was my second day teaching what my boss calls "Erin's Torture Class". I think she's just bitter about the push-ups I ask them to do.

I only had two and a half attendees on Thursday. Why "and a half"? Well, one of my coworkers only stayed for a little bit before he decided to, I don't know, do actual work?

Anyway, of the two that I had one was really into it and the other tried her best.

What did I ask them to do, you ask?

1A Bridges (10)
1B Prone Cobra (15 seconds)
x2

2A Flys
Chest (10, on floor)
Shoulder (10, standing)
Reverse (10, bent over)

2B Dumbbell deadlifts, straight leg (10)
x2

3A Inchworms (8, no push-ups)
3B Leg lifts (10 each side)
x2

Push-Ups - Initial Test

0-5 Group 1
6-12 Group 2
13-24 Group 3

I know some of you have asked about joining us but I'll have to see what my coworkers think about that. In the mean time, try doing the workouts on your own!

I'm having so much fun putting these sessions together that I'm honestly thinking about looking into getting certified as a personal trainer. There are just so many options out there and I don't know which one is the most respected. Any thoughts?

A Tail of Two Trainers

2012-01-26T10:39:00.000-06:00

Last year Jason bought me an indoor trainer for my bike as an early Valentine's Day present. Less than a week later we found out my parents were planning to buy HIM an indoor bike trainer! So, we now have two bike trainers, one for each bike.

There were a few times last year when we'd both be on our trainers in the living room watching tv and riding. For the past few months, though, Jason hasn't been able to ride his bike because of back issues and for reasons I'm not quite clear on my bike ended up on his trainer in the basement. I've just been using it without much thought.

On Sunday, though, we got a ton of rain on top of all the snow we've had. Since our basement tends to flood whenever there's a chance of a lot of rain we now do a once-over of the basement and move anything important off the floor. On Sunday this meant taking my bike off the trainer and putting both it and the trainer up off the floor. Thankfully the basement didn't flood.

So on Monday night when I went downstairs to get on my bike I had to put it back on the trainer. I tried and tried to put it back on Jason's but I just couldn't. So I brushed the cobwebs off of mine and slotted my bike in there.

And lo and behold, I was easily able to keep my speed around 18 MPH for the entire 45 minute ride! In addition, my trainer is so much quieter than Jason's!

I'm not entirely sure what's going on but I think it might have something to do with the resistance setting options. Even though I had Jason's on the lowest resistance apparently that is still harder than the lowest on my trainer. Or maybe it has something to do with the fact that Jason's trainer has been underwater and mine hasn't.

Either way, I'm sticking to mine from now on!

Random Things are Random

2012-01-25T09:00:00.005-06:00

Since I was guest-lecturing at a graduate class on Tuesday evening I have no Tuesday workout to write about. But that's okay! Instead, I'm going to share 22 random facts about myself courtesy of being tagged by Kim and Lauren in the 11 Random Questions Meme. I think I'm also supposed to post 11 random things about me, but I'm going to ignore the rules and just answer their questions! Look at me, being a rebel. I'm not, usually. There, there's one random unsolicited fact about me.

From Kim:

1. What is your dream job?

I'm not really picky about the field, but my dream job would be doing something that people WANT. In so many of my jobs I've felt like a salesperson trying to sell policies and procedures that many people view as red tape. Instead I'd like to be an archivist who helps people do historical or genealogical research. I'd like to be a personal trainer who helps people feel better about themselves. I'd like to be a corporate trainer who helps people navigate the ins and outs of their jobs. Or, in a real fantasy world, I'd be a forensic pathologist. However, I have no desire to go to med school at the age of 32.

2. What is the farthest (furthest?) you have traveled from home?

I guess the furthest I've ever been is Helsinki, Finland. I loved Helsinki.

3. Do you think you can you have more than one best friend?

I think if you're an extrovert, then yes. And each of those best friends would fill a slightly different role in your life. Think Sex and the City. If you're an introvert, though, you probably only have one, maybe two people who you would consider your best friend. And they don't have to stay the same throughout your life.

4. What is your favorite cuisine?

Thai food! Which is strange since I don't like curry or cilantro, right?

5. Who is the first person you want to share news with?

Usually, Kim! Followed by my husband and my mom.

6. What are people likely to ask you to help them with?

Proofreading, training on how to do things at work, what to make for dinner, fitness ideas

7. What are you likely to ask someone to help you with?

Technology issues, cleaning and organizing

8. Why do you read blogs?

I first started reading blogs when I didn't have very many in-person friends. Reading blogs made me feel less alone. I keep reading them because it's a fun way to see what other people are doing, discover new ideas, and, still, feel like there are other people out there like me.

9. Who knows you the best?

My mom.

10. Do you believe in karma?

I believe that the decisions we make affect us much further down the road than we realize.

11. What’s something you are really interested in, that most people don’t know about? (that you are interested in it, not the thing itself)

Did you know I wrote my undergraduate honors thesis on the differences between male and female serial killers?

Yep, I did. You used to be able to find the abstract online when you Googled my name but either it's no longer there or it's just been buried by race results and professional association links.

I'm not as interested in real-life serial killers anymore but I love police procedural shows and books. The criminal justice system still fascinates me.

From Lauren:

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Currently, I'd love to ride the donkeys to the bottom of the Grand Canyon or hike through Alaska. Although, I just got the REI Travel catalog in the mail and a cycling trip through Vietnam or Spain sounds pretty exotic.

2. Do you have a goal / legacy that you’d like to leave behind?

I've never really thought about it before. I suppose, though, that in keeping with my previous answer of having a dream job where I give people something they want by actually helping them, I'd like to be remembered for what people learned from me.

3. What is the food you eat most frequently?

I have to say peanut butter. My day doesn't feel complete if I don't eat it at least once.

4. What is the best meal you ever ate?

The first night I arrived in Venice, Italy with my parents we found a restaurant off St. Mark's Square. We ordered the prix-fixe dinner and to this day I dream about that lasagna. I have no idea what it was but that meal was amazing.

5. Favorite Run?

The very first time I ran 18 miles will be emblazoned forever on my mind. That run could not have gone more perfectly.

6. Who did you last talk on the phone with?

As of the actual writing of this post, it was my mom.

7. What is the last book you read?

I'm sort of reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult but since I already guessed the ending (and jumped ahead to see if I was right) I'm not really feeling it. The last book I finished was Faceless Killers which was just okay.

8. Open- or closed-toe shoes in the summer?

For six years I worked at a place that didn't allow us to wear open-toed shoes to work. Hence, I hardly owned any sandals. But since starting my current job almost 4 years ago I've been slowly building up my sandal collection. Now I'm open-toed in the summer all the way.

9. What’s the coolest race swag or prize that you’ve received?

I have a few shirts that I really like but my favorite race swag is the wine glass I got at the Napa-to-Sonoma Half Marathon. I use it all the time.

10. Do you consider yourself to be shy or outgoing?

In most situations I would consider myself shy. I'm really bad at making small talk and I very rarely initiate conversations. I can be awkward in social situations as well. But that doesn't mean I don't want to hang out! It might just take me a few times to open up.

11. Do you live near or far from family?

My parents live two and a half hours away. My husband's parents live in Arizona. We also have family in the Chicago area, in Florida, and in St. Louis. Strangely, we see our parents the most even though they aren't necessarily the closest.

Now it's your turn! If you want to, you can answer any of the questions above either in your own blog or in the comments to this post. Or, if you want to answer different questions, here are 11 from me:

1. What is your favorite way to communicate with people?
2. Describe your ideal day.
3. What is your favorite photo of yourself?
4. What hobby or activity would you like to learn?
5. Which books do you re-read or which tv shows or movies do you re-watch over and over again?
6. What is one skill you've discovered about yourself in the last 2 years?
7. Do you prefer to be the organizer or just show up?
8. What is your go-to small talk topic when you find yourself in a group of people you don't know very well?
9. List three websites you visit every (or most) days.
10. Which of your habits do you wish you could break?
11. A book store is going out of business and giving away all their books for free. What section do you head towards first?

Erin The Instructor

2012-01-24T07:00:00.002-06:00

I've mentioned a few times that my coworkers recruited me to lead them in a 30 minute strength training class twice a week. It seems that everyone has a dumbbell or two sitting around the house collecting dust that they aren't sure what to do with. So I asked them to bring dumbbells and a yoga mat. We reserved the conference/classroom on our floor. I pulled up the Top Hits station on Pandora and unveiled Workout 1:

1A Bird Dog (10 reps, alternate sides)
1B Roll Up (10 reps)
x2

2A Walking Lunge w/twist (across the short axis of the room)
2B One arm dumbbell row (10 each side)
x2

Side steps with resistance band (across short axis of room and back)
x3

Front Plank (15 sec)
Left side plank (15 sec)
Right side plank (15 sec)

Push Ups - Initial Test

It was so much fun to expose people to new exercises that they'd never tried before. Hearing them exclaim when I had them working a part of their body that had been neglected. I tried to keep the exercises simple and easy since this isn't a crowd that works out regularly. But they said they could still feel the burn!

I forgot a lot of things I wanted to say (like "shoulders down and back" during the roll ups) but, hey, it was my first time! I'll get better.

I came right back to my office and immediately put together Thursday's workout. I only had three people attend on Monday. I'm looking forward to what happens when word gets out that it was fun.

So, since I'm sure I'll be coming up with a lot more workouts, what are your favorite strength training exercises to do when all you have is body weight, dumbbells, and resistance bands?

Weekend Workouts

2012-01-23T10:29:00.000-06:00

The weather may have been pretty frightful this weekend but that didn't deter me from getting in some fun workouts.

The major snow storm that raged all of Friday didn't really affect me. Huge shout-out to the train system here in Chicago that rarely shuts down due to weather!

Awhile back Kim and I bought a 10 class pass to a fitness studio a block from our offices. This, of course, also got us on the studio mailing list. Earlier last week the owner sent out an email inviting all pass holders to attend a free class on Friday night. Free as-in she wouldn't count it on your pass. The class? A new, Chicago-based aerobic dance class called WERQ.

WERQ is the fiercely fun dance fitness class based on current pop, rock, and hip hop charting music. High-energy dance steps, expert cuing, and songs you know and love from the radio combine for a uniquely effective cardiovascular WERQout enjoyed by all fitness backgrounds and all levels of dance ability. WERQ choreography is literal and based on the official music videos for the songs. WERQ playlists include chart topping current pop, rock and hip hop songs played on your city's local Top 40 radio station.

I love Top 40 radio, I love to dance, and I love to sweat. Sounds perfect for me! So I trudged over there through the snow.

The class was a good workout. Not as intense as cardio kickboxing but I could definitely feel my arms and abs working. I suppose I would compare it to Zumba but with more recognizable music. The only downside? There was a lot of squatting and that aggravated my hip some.

Saturday I spent a chunk of the day working on putting together a list of strength training exercises for my coworkers. Yes, I am actually going to lead a strength training class for them. Two days a week. Mondays and Thursdays. Today is the first day. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Anyway, after I put together the list and the first workout of course I had to test it out! The biggest benefit to me here is that I get extra strength training in.

Sunday I procrastinated and procrastinated but I finally got on my bike trainer in the afternoon. I did another 50 minutes with the goal for the first 40 to keep my cadence between 80 and 90. Then, as usual, Tabata intervals and a cool down. I've been thinking that, just like with running, I should add in one longer workout each week. Maybe two episodes of Bones instead of one or watch a movie.

So, all in all, a productive weekend on the workout front.

A Day in the Life

2012-01-20T10:08:00.001-06:00

This is what my Thursday looked like:

Go to physical therapy

Go to work

Stop by LOFT on my way home to check out their additional 60% off all sale items sale

"Official" photos of some of the things I bought

Make myself lunch for Friday

Asian Noodle Salad Use an iPhone app called "Workout Trainer" to do just under 25 minutes including intervals on the stationary bike

Make myself dinner

Grilled cheddar cheese and tomato with roasted carrots

Watch television

Only because the original "Criminal Minds" series isn't available via Netflix Instant Queue

And then it was basically time to get ready for bed. Exciting, huh?

Three Weeks

2012-01-19T13:05:00.000-06:00

On the advice of all my running club buddies, I went to get a second opinion on my hip issue from their recommended doctor.

Yes, I still have a labral tear. I'm actually still on the schedule for surgery on March 20th. But before I do that the newest doctor wants to me take three weeks.

Three weeks of what?

Three weeks of no running, first of all.

Three weeks of more physical therapy focused on my left iliospoas and hip flexor.

Three weeks of riding my bike and avoiding strength training that requires the use of my hip flexor. So, no more straight leg deadlifts for awhile. *tear* I like those. Also, he said no more shoulder presses for awhile. Replace them with flys.

All of this to see if the pain I'm having is really being caused by the tear or something else.

So what did I do for a workout on Wednesday night?

Well, I rode my bike for 50 minutes. 40 minutes of easy riding, 4 minutes of Tabata intervals, and 6 minutes of cool down.

Then I took the doctor's advice and stuck to deltoid flys, chest flys, lying tricep extensions, bench presses, side steps with the resistance band, and some stability ball crunches.

I'm also supposed to stretch. A lot. Which reminds me, I need to do some stretches. It's times like this I enjoy having an actual office at work. Shut the door and stretch away.

The Human Body is Amazing

2012-01-17T12:15:00.000-06:00

I went to Cleveland this weekend to see my best friend from college and attend her baby shower.

I had no plans to fit in any kind of exercise. I wanted to savor a weekend with my friend and celebrate her upcoming first child.

Little did I know I would get to witness a feat of a different kind of strength training, endurance, and pushing your body to the limits.

Yes, my friend went into labor the morning of her baby shower.

I wasn't in the room for the actual birth but I was at the hospital with her and her husband for most of Sunday and Monday. And my friend, who once thought running 10 miles was beyond her capabilities, gave birth to an adorable baby girl who has the softest skin ever.

In my mind, giving birth is probably harder than any endurance event. I have no plans or desires to have children of my own. Still, I most certainly appreciate the strength, both mental and physical, it takes to do it.

It's kind of like running a marathon. You can plan, you can visualize, and you can have a goal. But, in reality, you have very little control over what happens when the day arrives. You take what the situation gives you, you push through, and hopefully at the end you can look back and smile.

There were lots of smiles this weekend. And some pain, too, of course. And just like some marathons (Chicago, New York) there's still a ways to go even after you reach the finish line.

And then, from what I understand, you begin a different kind of endurance event: parenting :-)

(Sorry, no photos or details. Not my story to share.)

Resistance is (Not) Futile

2012-01-13T12:48:00.000-06:00

Everyone at work asked me what I was doing for my birthday. Well, since Jason is in class until 9:15 PM on Thursday nights I basically had all of yesterday as a bachelorette.

So, I went to lunch with Kim.

I had dessert with my coworkers.

I left work early.

I did 50 minutes on my bike while watching Bones. This included a set of Tabata intervals.

Jason adjusted the resistance on the trainer so I was able to keep my average speed between 15 MPH and 16 MPH and keep my 20 second speed intervals above 20 MPH. What a difference resistance makes!

Then I did a few strength training exercises. Straight leg deadlifts, dumbbell shoulder presses, planks and side planks.

This morning one of my coworkers asked me if I enjoyed my birthday workout. Long story short, she decided she wants me to lead a lunch time strength training class for any of our coworkers who are interested. I don't know if it will actually happen, but I agreed to do it if she organized it. Do I think I'm qualified? Hell no. Do I think it would be fun? Hell yes.

After my workout I had some leftover soup for dinner and watched The Last Exorcism. I'm reserving my opinions until I talk to my friend who is also planning to watch it and we compare notes.

Overall, it was a lovely birthday. I got to do so many of the things I love. See my best friend, have some laughs, get some fun gifts, eat a brownie, get in a good workout, get a fun and useful gift from my husband, talk to my mom, leave work early, and watch a horror movie.

And this weekend I fly to Cleveland to see my best friend from college!

I can't think of a better way to welcome my 32nd year.

Outside the Bubble

2012-01-12T11:05:00.002-06:00

This time last year I was out doing speedwork in the dark. (Bonus: if you go to that post you’ll get the reference I made in my previous post about the Bike That Couldn’t Slow Down).

Last night was the start of those winter speedwork sessions. I had so much fun doing it last year and I’m a little sad that I’m not out there this year.

But, I discovered a benefit to being injured. You have the time to do other fun things!

Two weeks ago my favorite wine store & bar sent out an email announcing their upcoming events. On the calendar? A guided painting session lead by The Twisted Easel. The goal? Create your own version of this:

If I’d been able to run I would have been torn between doing speedwork and attending the painting class. Runners are typically a little OCD and in 2011 missing a run would leave me feeling guilty. I fully admit I can be a slave to a training schedule.

But this year, instead of sitting around wishing I was running or feeling torn between getting in a workout or attending the class, I signed up for the painting class without a moment’s hesitation!

First, though, I arrived at the wine bar a little early and treated myself to dinner and dessert. And, of course, some wine.

Then it was time to paint. The instructors were amazing and walked us through every step with encouragement, guidance, and suggestions along the way.

There were about 10 ladies in attendance and we all laughed and encouraged each other while painting and drinking wine.

It was one of the most fun evenings I’ve had in awhile. Was it out of my comfort zone? Definitely. Was it a little bit therapeutic? You bet. I plan to hang this in my office at work to remind myself to not be so tunnel-visioned. There are so many things out there to try.

Like a different painting next month!

Time to Compute

2012-01-11T10:49:00.001-06:00

Jason did indeed take my hint and get me a bike computer for my birthday. He hooked it up for me last night and even though my birthday isn't until tomorrow I went ahead and tried it out.

And promptly felt like the slowest cyclist ever.

I tried Tabata intervals for the first time and after the first 20 seconds, while I was on my 10 seconds of rest, Jason (who was on the treadmill next to my bike) looked over and said, "Are you okay?"

"Yep," I panted. "They're supposed to be like this." Then my 10 seconds of rest was over and I was back to pedaling furiously trying to keep my speed above 18 MPH. I didn't always succeed. Thankfully my bike won't blow up if my speed drops.

It definitely wasn't called The Bike That Couldn't Slow Down.*

(*Bonus points if you get the reference)

Anyway, I then rounded out my bike workout by riding until I hit 15 minutes. I was dripping sweat everywhere even though our basement hovers between 58 and 65 degrees (per the thermometer on my bike computer! How nifty is that?)

I laughed at these when I heard about them, but maybe I should invest in a bike thong?

Bike Thong

I mentioned to Jason that riding on the trainer felt really hard and he pointed out that the trainer has adjustable resistance and right now it's set at the hardest setting. Hmmm. Maybe that's why my average speed was 13.75 MPH but it felt like I was trying a lot harder? Or maybe I'm just a slow cyclist.

In addition to those 15 minutes of cycling I did the same weight workout I mentioned here. The only thing I skipped were the bent over barbell rows. See, when I was bringing in the groceries on Sunday one of the bags slipped and did something to my left forearm. Not sure what but it burned like hell at the time and then last night it just felt wrong when I used it to pull up the barbell. Here's hoping I just bruised something and it will be fine in a few days.

And, oh yeah, did I mention I ran 5.5 miles on Monday night? I ran a nice 10 minute pace but still felt kind of sore during and afterward. I've always had a goal in the back of my mind of getting my "easy" pace to be 9:00 minute miles but I don't think that's going to happen any time soon!

Weekend Review

2012-01-09T15:00:00.000-06:00

Let's see....

Friday night I rode my bike on the trainer for another episode of Bones. I tried to throw in some Tabata intervals but I didn't use a timer and I'm sure I didn't push myself to 100% so they were sort of half-assed intervals.

Saturday I went for a six mile run. I could have gotten up and run with the running club but for some reason I just wasn't feeling the 7:30 AM start time. Yes, it's nice to get your workout done early and have the rest of the day. But, I also like sleep. I like it a lot, actually. So, I slept in and went for a six miler on the Salt Creek bike path instead. My Garmin was acting really funky, though, so I'm not even really looking at the results. But, hey, I believe this was my longest run since the Las Vegas Marathon December 4th!

Speaking of running, I saw the hip surgeon today and he said he would prefer that I not run between now and at least 12 weeks after my surgery. Okay, how about I don't run very much? Also, I'm pleased that he downgraded my non-running recovery time from 9 months to twelve weeks. Of course, it depends on how badly torn my labrum is but I feel a little better after talking to him. Tentatively planning to schedule my surgery for March. What better way to spend Jason's spring break than laid up on the couch?

Sunday I did some more strength training but swapped out the "T" push-ups and stability ball stuff for planks, both front and side, and some bench presses. I was also going to try the Tabata intervals on the treadmill (downloaded a timer app and everything!) but Jason had rearranged the electricals in the basement and the treadmill was no longer plugged in and I didn't feel like futzing with it. But he used the treadmill this morning so I'll definitely be trying them one day this week!

I Work Out

2012-01-06T15:02:00.001-06:00

I thought I’d share a little photo montage of what I’ve been up to the past few days in terms of working out.

I’m getting reacquainted with our basement “gym”. Jason got an Apple TV for Christmas and he hooked it up down there so that we can watch Netflix stuff while using our stationary bikes without having to drag them upstairs. Awesome!

That was Wednesday night. Thank goodness Bones Season 6 is finally available via Netflix Instant Queue! I rode for an entire 40 minute episode. I just hope that Jason follows thru on my suggestion of getting me a bike computer for my birthday. A girl can only be so zen about her workouts, you know?

Anyway, Thursday night I wanted to lift weights. I got home from work and picked up my copy of Rachel Cosgrove’s Female Body Breakthrough. I flipped through it but ultimately decided I wasn’t in the mood to try something new. So, I just stuck with some things I already know.

Straight Leg (aka Romanian Deadlifts)

Dumbbell shoulder presses

Step Ups with Dumbbells

Bent Over Row

Lunges with side twists

“T” Push-Ups

Stability Ball Crunches

Side Steps w/Resistance Band

Stability Ball Back Crunches

Clams with Resistance Band

For anyone who claims that strength training isn’t a good workout, well, there’s a reason I had to strip off my shirt! Our basement is about 60^o degrees and I broke a sweat halfway through my workout. Whew!

So far it’s been fun just doing what I want when I want! I felt pretty good after my workouts this week. Let’s hope the trend continues for as long as it can.

2011's Secret Goal

2012-01-05T07:30:00.001-06:00

I realized today that I left something out of my year in review post. Not really on purpose, but I guess my hind brain thought it deserved a post all its own.

I had a secret goal in 2011. One that I didn't tell very many people, if any, about.

See, my running club does awards every year. One of those awards is the Most Improved Runner. I've been silently coveting that award since I learned about it three years ago.

The award recipient is chose by the running club Board. Since I'm on the Board I try really hard not to advocate for myself. But this year a few other people did it for me.

I don't know why I blocked out my last name. I'm sure you can all figure it out if you don't know it already

They presented me with this award at the December holiday banquet. I am ridiculously pleased to have won. It means I accomplished my secret 2011 goal of earning the title of most improved runner.

I didn't get to make a speech or anything, but I really couldn't have done this without the encouragement and support of my running club friends, Kim, my husband, my mom, Coach Holly, and everyone who helped me believe in myself.

And now I'm going to Disney World!

No, not really.

Balance

2012-01-04T07:30:00.000-06:00

As I stated in my 2011 Year in Review post I don't really have any concrete goals this year. Something I'm trying to be okay with.

I recently read this post about being the "Best Version of Us in 2012" and it really resonated with me.

So what if I try something different? For the first time in almost 30 years, what if I don’t set a physical goal – no weight loss, no leaning out, no target time on the clock or weight on the bar.

Instead, what if I just behave like the best version of myself? Then I will be her.

I ran yesterday at lunch. I had my Garmin all charged up and ready to go. And then I forgot to put it on. I realized it as I walked outside with my coworkers.

I shrugged. Oh well. I know how far we go. It's between 3 and 5 miles. I'm not training for anything. I just like to run. I don't need to know exactly how far I went or how fast I was. (Although, I admit, it would have been nice to know if I was running faster or slower than usual and if my chest feeling like it was going to explode was because it was 20 degrees outside or because I only ran 39 miles in December) (I also admit to checking the distance again on Gmap Pedometer when I got back to the office) (I'm not perfect)

What is the best version of myself? One who does what she can right now. One who accepts that speed and distance and the numbers at the end of the month are not her only defining characteristics. One that does what she loves because she loves it and not because she HAS to.

There is no accounting ledger keeping track of exemplary behavior for a reward later. There is no intrinsic value in checking off tasks on a list to earn a metaphorical gold star.

I like gold stars. I like watching the rewards points mount up on Earnd It. I'm intrigued by the concept of GymPact The idea of not earning a single medal nor chasing down a single PR in 2012 freaks me out to the point of tears.

But maybe being the best me in 2012 just means doing something every day that I can and not focusing on the results so much. Maybe that means a run. Maybe that means yoga. Maybe that means 30 minutes on my bike. Maybe it means doing PT exercises. Maybe it means sitting on the couch with my husband laughing at something stupid.

The year of the best version of me – happily going to bed early, waking up early, eating dino-chow, training hard wisely, lifting heavy things, remembering to ~~take a fun run every week~~ play a little every day, spreading love, looking up, leading with my chin, making up new recipes, singing out loud.

Not because I must.

Because I want to. Because that’s me. The best me.

Maybe it means learning balance.

All quotes from "The Best Version of Us" by Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan at The Clothes Make the Girl

Who Designs These Things Anyway?

2012-01-03T16:31:00.000-06:00

Last week in an attempt to squeeze one more strength training workout into 2011 I pulled this workout out of my most recent Self magazine: 6 Easy Moves to a Sexy Upper Body

Looked simple enough. Some dumbbells and a stability ball? I got that.

Of course, I should have known that when one of the pictures is this I should just laugh hysterically:

Even when I was lifting weights more regularly I couldn't hold that position. I can sit like that with my knees bent, though, so I did that. But, really, "easy"? I don't know about that.

Then there was this move:

Looks simple enough, right? Except for some reason I kept pushing myself away from the wall, rolling forward, and falling off the stability ball. Doesn't help that our basement is slated towards the middle of the floor. Gravity was probably having its way with me as I attempted this particular move.

But then, the one that seems like it should really be easy?

I never did figure that move out! The instructions make sense but in practice it just doesn't seem to work. Maybe I need the Self magazine trainer to come to my house for an individual demonstration.

Anyway, I gave up and just did some random things using the weights in the basement. I don't like not having a strength training plan but I REALLY don't like having one that I'm pretty sure no one ever actually tested.

Year in Review

2012-01-02T11:48:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! I like to save my "year in review" post for just after New Year's Day. I like to think it gives you something to look forward to.

So, on to the festivities!

1. How many miles did you run this year?

1084.31! An increase of 195.16 over 2010 and my first time breaking 1000 miles in a year. I didn't even want to set that as a goal originally because I didn't know if I would do it. I guess running two marathons in one year will get your mileage up.

2. What were your highest/lowest weekly mileage results?

My highest weekly mileage was just over 40 miles. Big thanks to Kim for getting me up that high!

My lowest, of course, were the weeks where I ran zero miles.

3. What was your best mileage month?

Definitely August! With almost 154 miles run it's the best for not only 2011 but for my entire running career! Again, props to Kim since we ran together every weekend in August.

4. What was your longest run?

Distance-wise it was my two marathons.

However, honorable mention goes to the Madison to Chicago Ragnar Relay. Although I only ran 18 miles broken into three chunks, I was up for over 30 hours with less than 2 hours of sleep. I think that has to count as a longest something!

5. How many races did you enter in 2011? What were your best and worst race performances?

I ran 30 races. Yes, 30! That's more than two a month. I may have had a slight problem this year....

With 30 races to choose from, I can't put my finger on just one "best". I PR'ed at several distances several times. As for worst, well, I had a few disappointing races. So here's a quick summary of all my races:

1. S-No-W Fun Run 5 Miler - Not a PR but I felt good and had a fun time with my running group friends.

2. Frosty Footrace 5K - First PR of the season, an age group medal, and an encouraging start to the year.

3. March Madness Half Marathon - The first time I was sure I could break 2 hours in a half marathon given a flatter course and slightly better weather. As in, not running in a thunderstorm.

4. Race That's Good For Life 5K - A disappointing finish for me. I really wanted to PR on my "home course" but starting struggling during the last mile and missed it by 8 seconds.

5. CARA Lakefront 10 Mile - My first time really racing a 10 mile race and I was pleasantly surprised. This was a great race and I felt strong the whole time.

6. Cleveland 10 Miler - Ran this to help my best friend from college finish her longest distance ever. She was visiting last week and looked at my race scrapbook. When she got to this race she commented, "That was fun. I want to do that again some day. Maybe I could push myself harder..." I knew she'd get bitten by the bug eventually.

7 & 8. Illinois 5K & Half Marathon - Running a 5K the night before my goal half marathon? Why not? Then Kim paced me to my first sub-2:00 hour half marathon and I felt strong almost the whole way. A first for me.

9. Wisconsin Half Marathon - AKA The race where I learned that running a half marathon PR and then trying to race another half marathon a week later is maybe not the best idea ever.

10. Chase Corporate Challenge 3.5 Mile - A surprise PR on a freakishly cold day on a frustratingly crowded course.

11. Soldier Field 10 Mile - One of my more disappointing performances. I petered out at the end and couldn't recreate how I felt at the CARA Lakefront 10.

12. Roselle Run for the Roses 5K - A less-than-stellar 5K performance. I blame the weather.

13. Madison to Chicago Ragnar Relay - All three of my runs felt strong...even the one at 4:00 AM. Definitely a highlight of the season.

14. Race Around the World Duathlon - My first duathlon! I exceeded my expectations and turned in what I think is a great performance for someone who never really trained on the bike.

15. Four on the Fourth - A slight PR that is still a testament to how much stronger of a runner I was in 2011.

16. Grand Haven Duathlon - My second duathlon! Not as great of a performance as my first one but I still had a ton of fun.

17. Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10 - Another lackluster 10 mile race complete with fording a stream! Sure, I was using it as training run but it still felt rough.

18. Just Book It! 5K - The race where I embraced that running in the summer sucks and adjusted my goals accordingly.

19. River Run for Ryan - Small town race where I win a medal? Okay! Felt pretty good while running, too.

20. Danskin Triathlon Relay - I took a detour from running and did the bike portion of this event. A good time was had by all!

21. DeKalb Corn Classic 10K - I knew I wouldn't PR since it was so warm out, but I got pretty close. I still crashed during the last two miles, though, so it wasn't a smartly-run race on my part.

22. Chicago Half Marathon - Just like last year, a surprise half marathon PR. I felt strong the whole time.

23. Park Ridge Charity Classic 5K - I floated through this racing running a pace that felt like a struggle at the beginning of the year.

24. Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon - Perfect weather, perfect company, perfect day. I had no idea running a marathon could feel this good.

25. PTOS & FAPTO 5K - Random race while traveling for work? Don't mind if I do! I felt pretty beat up at the end but it turns out I ran a decent race.

26. Frank Lloyd Wright Races 10K - Finally! A 10K PR! Still faded during the last mile but a PR is a PR.

27. Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K - Just a nice run through the countryside. No pressure.

28. Illinois Club XC Invitational - A rather humbling experience but at least I put on a show for my fellow running club members.

29. Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 5K - Generally my favorite race of the season did not disappoint.

30. Las Vegas Marathon - One wild and crazy ride.

6. Do you have a favorite/memorable run from this year?

I think one of my favorite runs this past year was the 18 miles I did with Kim while we were in Iowa. Although, all of my long runs were pretty awesome thanks to Kim.

7. What was the craziest weather or other type of adverse conditions you endured on a run in 2011?

Let's see...

I forded a stream during a 10 mile race.

I ran intervals in below zero temps.

I ran in ice and snow.

I ran in heat and humidity.

And rain. Let's not forget the rain.

The joys of living in the Midwest. You really do get to run in all kinds of weather.

8. What were your goals for 2011? Did you achieve them?

1. Cash in my CrossFit bootcamp Groupon.

I used my CrossFit Groupon in February. I enjoyed it and actually bought another one that I still need to use! I discovered I really like lifting heavy and that I like the social aspect CrossFit adds to strength training.

2. Do at least one duathlon (run-bike-run)

I actually did two! I had fun at both and definitely want to do more in the future.

3. Break 2 hours in a half marathon

Did this twice as well! Both the Illinois Half Marathon and the Chicago Half Marathon had sub-2:00 finishing times.

4. Run another marathon, preferably one in a finishing time that starts with a "4".

Another two-fer! I still can't believe I ran two marathons this year, let alone PR'ed at both of them. And a sub-4:30 marathon? Still in awe at myself.

5. Earn a CARA Participation Award

I think this is main the reason I ran so many races this year. Had to get in my 111 kilometers! The CARA Awards Banquet is in February so I'll get my award then.

I also said I wanted to strength train at least 100 times as well as get out on my bike more often.

I didn't managed 100 strength training sessions. In fact, I didn't even managed my revised goal of 50. In the end I did 44 dedicated strength training sessions so not quite one a week. Some of this was because I got busy with running and some was because I'm still trying to find strength training workouts that don't aggravate my hip issues.

As for my bike, I rode just under 290 miles. That's definitely more than in 2010 so I'd say I accomplished that goal!

So, other than the strength training goal, I think I did pretty well!

9. What are your goals for 2012?

This is a tough question for me right now. If I have hip surgery that will put me out of commission for a good portion of the year. If I don't then that might limit what I can and can't do anyway.

So, really, my fitness goals this year are to stay in as good of shape as possible, not gain any weight (unless it's muscle mass only), and be ready to kick butt at all things as soon as possible. Vague? Kind of. Attainable? I hope so.

Finally, Happy Third Birthday to Eri-thon!

Thanks to all of you who read! I hope you'll stick around for whatever happens in 2012.

Christmas Gift to Myself

2011-12-27T11:58:00.000-06:00

No, no, I didn't get a dog for Christmas. I wish. Actually, I only wish if it was this pup pictured above. That's Dozer, my sister-in-law's dog. He's two year old Catahoula leopard dog mix and he's as sweet as can be.

Even though I'm taking a break from hardcore running I knew I wanted to get in a run while I was visiting Jason's family in St. Louis over Christmas. Why? Well, it occurred to me that I'd never run in Missouri in all the years we've been celebrating holidays at my sister-in-law's.

Plus, the weather was AMAZING over the weekend. It was 50 degrees and sunny on Christmas day. Did I need any other excuse to go for a short run?

I asked my SIL if I could take Dozer for a run with me and she said yes. For never having run with a person before Dozer did great. We did 4.5 miles with a short break around mile 2. I'd scouted out a route via Google Maps/Gmap Pedometer the night before so I leashed up the pup and off we went.

The first mile was a little speedy since Dozer was excited but then we settled into a nice pace. It reminded me of running with Trinka Deu.

The hills, though. Oh, the hills! In case you didn't know, St. Louis and the surrounding area are hilly. I think I avoided some of the biggest ones but there were still a few that were less than pleasant. Funnily enough, Dozer tackled those hills like a champ.

My left leg was a little sore post-run but I'm definitely glad I went. And Dozer? I think he enjoyed it.

Christmas in St. Louis by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

My Hips Don't Lie

2011-12-21T16:41:00.000-06:00

I've mentioned in a few posts that I had an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon today to discuss options for my left hip labral tear.

Well, just as you would expect when seeing a surgeon, he recommended surgery.

In fact, he told me that since the labrum is cartilage and basically has no blood supply it won't heal on it's own. He also said that most people wait YEARS before they end up in his office. So, yay for me only taking one year?

On one hand, I'm relieved that they think they can fix this. On the other hand, I've never done anything this major to myself and I really REALLY didn't want to end up here.

And where is here?

Laproscopic surgery, tentatively scheduled for January 24th.

Six weeks of wearing a hip brace

Physical therapy starting the day after surgery

Elliptical and bike (and maybe swimming) only starting at 10 weeks

Slightly more activity starting at 12-16 weeks

No running until at least the 20 week mark and probably more like 9 to 10 months post-surgery

Of course, I've been scaring myself silly reading other people's forum posts about this surgery and the recovery. People who say it hurts worse after the surgery. People who say they aren't better after a year or more. I know I should stop reading these.

I'm trying to take comfort in the fact that there are plenty runners out there that have recovered from major injuries. Beth at Shut Up and Run. Ashley at Healthy Ashley. And I'm sure there are others out there.

I'm trying to remind myself that I want a lifetime of fitness and that it doesn't all have to happen RIGHT NOW. If I take some time off it's not the end of the world. Yes, I'll have to work on coming back to my post-injury self but that will just be another challenge to tackle.

Of course, that doesn't mean I'm looking forward to wearing a brace (I see a lot of dresses in my future. That thing is UGLY as sin) or not seeing my running friends every Monday and Saturday. I'm also not looking forward to defending my decision. I've tried PT. I've tried a chiropractor. I've tried ART. Do I want surgery? No. Do I think I need it? Sadly, yes.

So, that's where I am.

Pardon me while I go through the Stages of Injury.

Weekly Workout Wround Ups

2011-12-20T14:51:00.000-06:00

December 5th - December 19th

December 5th - December 11th

I did absolutely nothing. I didn't run. I didn't strength train. I didn't cross train. Active recovery post-marathon? What's that?

December 12th - December 18th

I ran 5.5 miles on Monday and then did 40 minutes on the elliptical followed by a tiny bit of strength training (planks, crunches, push-ups) on Thursday.

I also spent a good portion of last week/weekend working on my race scrapbook. Considering I currently feel like a bloated flabby whale looking at photos of myself from earlier in the year when I had defined arm and leg muscles and a flatter stomach was a little disheartening.

I'm trying not to feel too down right now. The "I'm no longer training for a marathon" diet starts after the holidays. I'm not crazy enough to start that when I'll be traveling and eating out! And hopefully soon I'll figure out what exercises don't aggravate my left hip/quad. 40 minutes on the elliptical left me feeling pretty sore so that might be crossed off the list for a while, too.

Fingers crossed this funk lifts soon.

Total mileage: 5.5 miles

Them's the Breaks

2011-12-13T11:01:00.000-06:00

Last night I ran for the first time since the Las Vegas Marathon. I did 5.5 miles with my running group. The first mile or two felt pretty good. It felt good to be out there. But I think I was running too fast and I was totally overdressed. Still, I finished 5.5 miles at a 9:30 pace with minimal left leg discomfort. My hip was a little achy for the rest of the evening but it feels better after a night of sleep.

Which leads me to my next though: taking a break. Obviously I've pushed my body hard this year. I've run lots of PRs, two marathons, and 30 races total. I've been dealing with left leg issues since the end of January and while I've been able to run through them I'm pretty sure my body needs some time to heal. Plus, I've got an appointment with a surgeon to talk about my labral tear on December 21st.

So it was rather timely that this month's issue of Runners' World had an article about how to scale back your running during the holiday season. Because that's exactly what I plan to do.

I took 7 full days off running after Las Vegas. I'll probably take another 7 full days off running in the near future. I'll be visiting my mom for the rest of the week and she has an elliptical that I plan to use a few times.

I have a Groupon for a month of unlimited yoga that I plan to use. There are some classes at my gym I want to try. And if I can get up the courage and find a time that works with my schedule, I'm going to try some swimming. Gulp.

I'll probably throw in some light strength training, too, if I can figure out what works for me. I do have another CrossFit coupon that I'd love to use but we'll have to see if it aggravates anything.

Some of this is dependent on what the surgeon says next week but I'm hopeful that I can find something that will keep me fit but let me heal. There might be some trial and error but and I'm a little weirded out to deviate so much from the schedule I've been sticking two for the past year. But I'm also looking forward to trying something a little different. Who knows? Maybe it will be awesome.

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-12-08T12:02:00.000-06:00

November 28 - December 4

Nov 28

Rest day. I went to the running store to buy some Clif Shot Blocks and drop off something for one of my running club buddies and was sad to see everyone else running. I'm just trying to baby this weird ass pain/quad soreness I've got going on. That is, an actual pain in my ass, not a "weird-ass" pain. Please get better!

Nov 29

More rest. Although I was distracted by having dinner with two of the gals from the running club.

Nov 30

1.77 miles only so that I could break 100 miles for the month of November.

Dec 1

Another rest day.

Dec 2

Travel Day! I worked for part of the day and then hopped on a plane to Las Vegas around 6:00 PM.

Dec 3

One heck of a chilly, windy run up and down the sidewalks of the Las Vegas Strip. I managed just over 3 miles including up and down stairs, people dodging, and ducking in and out of casinos. The Strip isn't too busy at 9:30 AM but by the time I got back to my hotel it was becoming a sea of people.

Vegas Warm Up Run by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

At one point a hilarious street performer started running alongside me with his potbelly hanging out of a stomach-less unitard. He couldn't keep up for very long :-)

Dec 4

Las Vegas Marathon!!!

Not only will I have the memories of this race, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have some permanent reminders as well.

No, not the tattoo. I've had that years. I mean, the chafe marks! I completely forget to use Body Glide under my fuel belt and this was the result. Yes, it still hurts. And, yes, it may necessitate a tattoo touch-up in the future.

Interestingly enough, that's the only lasting injury I seem to have. The marathon didn't aggravate my hip, my shin, my quad, my ass or my knee. None of those seem to be any worse for wear after running my fastest 26.2 miles ever.

Total running mileage: 31.05

Las Vegas Marathon Race Report

2011-12-07T17:06:00.000-06:00

So, you all know by now that I ran the Las Vegas Marathon on Sunday. My third marathon ever and my second this year. But did you know I ran it as part of a wedding party?

Yes, two of my friends from my running club were married 10 years ago in Las Vegas after running the Las Vegas Marathon. So for their 10th anniversary they decided to go back and run the race just like the did last time. They invited us all to join them as they ran the race and renewed their vows at the on-course ceremony.

Well, I'm not quite fast enough to have made it to the ceremony, but I heard it was lovely.

I'm getting ahead of myself, though.

Jason and I arrived in Vegas on Friday night and took it easy on Friday and Saturday. I met up with my friend, W, who was also in Vegas as a race spectator. She's cheered for me at my first 5K, my first half marathon, and this year when I broke 2 hours in the half marathon for the first time. But this time she had a special treat for me:

How awesome is that??? Sadly, I didn't get to see her on the course so I'm thankful she took a picture and shared it with me.

On Sunday afternoon, after taking "wedding" pictures our group trooped through the Venetian in search of a shuttle bus to take us to the start line at Mandalay Bay. We finally found one even though I had to sit on Jason's lap the whole way.

The shuttle bus dropped us off on what felt like the opposite side of the world from where we needed to be so we navigated our way through the hotel and finally found gear check. I left my stuff with Jason, though, so I wouldn't have to deal with the lines.

Oh yeah, did I mention that this race had 44,000 people signed up if you add the full and the half marathon together? That's as many as Chicago in a much smaller space.

Maribeth and I were planning to run together and she'd made some last minute adjustments to our starting corral. Suddenly we were standing in Corral 2. As in, up with the super fast people within spitting distance of the start line. Kind of freaky but exciting! We almost got interviewed by a local news channel since were standing with our "bride and groom" but it didn't work out. Sad.

The race started a few minutes late with an underwhelming starting pistol. Come on! It's Vegas! You couldn't get a lion out there to roar or something?

Anyway, Maribeth and I turned a corner almost immediately and there was Jason!

I hadn't seen him at the start of either of my other two marathons and Maribeth said it was a good omen that I saw him at the start of this one.

The sun was slowly setting as we started on our first 13 miles. My left hip was kind of achy and I wasn't feeling too great but we were going at a pretty quick clip. I tried to slow down some but my legs just wanted to go. We twisted and turned through warehouses and business parks (and the Hustler store). Every so often we'd turn toward Mandalay Bay and you could see the setting sun turning it into a gold monolith. Pretty. It was probably a good thing, though, that this race was at night because this part of the course UGLY. The most memorably thing (other than the Hustler store) was the massive hill just after mile 7.

I only walked for about 30 seconds just after the 10K mark and I worried that not taking my walk breaks might be a mistake. But, I felt pretty good all things considered.

I was having some mild intestinal distress and I debated stopping to use a port-a-potty. When I only saw one at mile 12, though, I figured I'd wait until we got back to the Strip. My pace was good, my hip was hurting less, and I didn't have to use one that bad.

We turned onto the Strip and started merging with the half marathoners. We knew we weren't going to make it to the on-course ceremony at mile 15 since we only had 10 minutes to spare and 2 miles until we got there. Also, when I saw the lines at the next port-a-potty near mile 14 I realized I didn't have to use one anymore. Score!

By this time it was dark and I wasn't sure how Jason was going to see me. Sure, I had on a blinking LED ring but otherwise he was just going to have to rely on the lights of the Strip. I knew he'd be somewhere between mile 14 and 16 and then suddenly there he was!

I was still feeling super strong at this point. When Maribeth stopped to find some on-course fuel near mile 16 I kept going. The aid stations on the course were total chaos with marathoners and half marathoners all trying to get to them at once on one side of the street.

At this point the course was getting more and more crowded. I was dodging people all over the place as people on bikes rode down the center of the lanes yelling "Half marathoners to the right, marathoners to the left!" I had to cut a few corners because the crowd was so thick around the turns there was no option but to hop up on the sidewalk. I figured all the dodging I was doing would more than make up for the little bit of corner cutting.

I still hadn't walked other than at the 10K mark and once for a few seconds while Maribeth got water earlier on. I was drinking water from my fuel belt and occasionally trying to grab one at an aid station. I'd taken a few Shot Bloks (with caffeine) but I didn't really feel like I needed them. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that I had two meals in my system already. The benefit of an evening race, at least for me.

Around mile 19, though, I started to get a killer headache. My irritation at all the people surrounding me began to rise and I just wanted to scream "GET THE EFF OUT OF MY WAY!" I promised myself that if I made it to mile 20 I could run-walk my way to the finish. Which is what I did. When I reached the mile 20 sign I pulled over to the side and walked for a few seconds. I looked over at another guy who did the same thing and said, "I promised myself I could walk if I made it to 20." He laughed and said, "So did I".

The course at this point wasn't particularly nice. We'd left the fun lights of the Strip but weren't quite in the historic downtown area of Vegas. Row after row of sketchy furniture stores, houses with bars on the windows and barking dogs in the front yards, and bail bond shops lined the route. Even the darkness couldn't hide the ugliness.

But I only had 6 more miles. I decided I'd run until I saw the next mile marker and then walk for a few seconds. I still couldn't find my groove because of all the people and at one point I almost got clotheslined by a woman reaching across the course to high five a spectator. Gah!!!

Somewhere near mile 21 I heard someone behind me. "Pace group coming through! Make a hole!" I turned on a guy running next to me. "What pace group is that?"

"4:15," he said.

Are you serious? Did I really stay ahead of the 4:15 pace group until mile 21? I had a fleeting image of sticking with them for the last 5 miles but knew it wasn't going to happen as they pulled away from me.

Around mile 23 I looked up and realized that my some of my "bridal party" was right in front of me taking a walk break. I never in a million trillion years thought I would catch up to them. They're sub-4:00 marathoners! But they were taking this one easy. "Go on!" they shouted. "You look great!!"

I still felt pretty great and that adrenaline boost was awesome. In fact, the adrenaline of the whole race was probably the only thing that kept my mind off the fact that my under arms and under my fuel belt were chafing all to hell even with the Vaseline I tried to slather on somewhere around mile 20 or 21. My speed burst lasted until mile 24 when I took a fairly extended walk break to drink two cups of water. I wanted to give those last few miles my all. Plus, most of the water stations looked abandoned and bombed out so I had to walk almost the full length of one to find someone who actually had water.

The Mandalay Bay loomed in the night sky and it felt like it was never going to get closer. Finally, we turned a corner and followed a driveway to the convention center area behind the hotel. I saw the finish line lit up and I pushed up a small hill. I could see the clock said 4:26:something and I threw my arms in the air.

I'd done it. I'd broken 4:30 in a marathon. I was ecstatic. My legs, however, were pretty much done. I started to stumble and a lovely medical tent volunteer grabbed me right up. She gave me water and a salt packet and I started to feel a little better. I got my medal and found my friends who'd finished a few minutes behind me.

Then the real "fun" began. We got our Mylar blankets and tried to find our way to the indoor gear check. The crowd was ridiculous. Hoards of people mobbing the food and water tables. The wind picked up and chilled us to the bone. There was a bottleneck at the post-race photo station that we managed to skirt around and then it was like a herd of cattle trying to move our way to the exit gate. Finally we made it inside where we found the rest of our party and tried to recover.

I felt pretty "off". A little nauseous, very headachy, stiff, and cold. Jason played his spectator role flawlessly and made sure I got whatever I needed. After about an hour of recovering we ventured back outside with our Eagle Scout "groom" leading the way to the shuttle buses.

Apparently if you read a lot of other race reports you'll see that the inside of the Mandalay Bay became standing room only with people passing out, puking, and a general scene of chaos. We missed all of that. We walked right outside, crossed the half marathon route, and got on a shuttle bus that took us back to the Venetian all in less than 30 minutes.

This race definitely had some logistical problems that put a big black mark on a lot of people's experiences. I'm one of the few who managed to PR in that sea of runners and one of the few who apparently missed the chaos of exiting Mandalay Bay and finding a shuttle. The course, other than the Strip, isn't particularly scenic and even on the Strip you sometimes feel like you're running through a drunken frat party.

All in all, though, it was a great weekend for me. Sure, I didn't have a typical Vegas experience as our post-race party involved sitting around with my friends in our comfy clothes drinking leftover champagne in a hotel suite but, to be honest, that was the perfect ending to the day. I ran this race to be with my friends and that's what I got.

Well, that and a medal. And that medal? Yeah, it glows in the dark.

Las Vegas Marathon by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Las Vegas Marathon Preview

2011-12-06T00:42:00.000-06:00

Short version:

I ROCKED this Rock n' Roll Marathon.

Finish time? 4:26:56

Yes, that is 10 minutes faster than my time at Milwaukee.

Stay tuned for the whole story and some fun pictures!

November Wrap- Up

2011-12-01T13:15:00.001-06:00

Ah, November. We've certainly had our ups and downs, haven't we?

This time last year I was struggling to find my running mojo. This year I've had to keep my mileage up for the marathon that's taking place in three days.

Last year I was dealing with the tail end of patellar tendonitis in my right knee. This year I've been diagnosed with a labral tear in my left hip, developed some ITB pain in my left knee, and, most recently, I'm struggling with soreness and pain in my left glute and left quad.

Anyone have a left leg they're not using?

This November I also ran two 5K distances that were drastically different. My first cross country race that left me wiped out and disappointed. Then a week later I ran a 5K PR that felt great.

Yesterday I added up my running mileage for November and realized I was at 99.35. My original plan was to rest this entire week and maybe do an easy three miles on Saturday, i.e. the day before the Las Vegas Marathon. But, I admit, I wanted to hit 100 miles again this month. So, last night after work I did one loop around my neighborhood. So now my official total for November's running mileage is 101.12!

Thankfully my left glute behaved itself. My left quad was okay except any time I had to go down or up a curb. I'll keep stretching and icing and foam rolling and asking it nicely to start acting right.

So, November. Ups and downs.

Nightmares

2011-11-28T16:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend I had two nightmares about the upcoming Las Vegas Marathon.

Why am I having nightmares about this race when I had very little anxiety about Milwaukee?

I think it's a combination of things.

1. Milwaukee went so well that I'm a little afraid it was a fluke.

2. My injuries are flaring up more now than they were before Milwaukee. I haven't been able to run as much as I did before Milwaukee.

3. My only goal for Milwaukee was to break 5 hours. But if I didn't, I had plenty of time to finish the race.

4. But Las Vegas has a (stupid) course limit of 4 hours and 30 minutes. You may recall I ran 4:36:58 in Milwaukee. So I have to shave 7 minutes off my PR in order to even finish before they shut down the course!

I am so freaking anxious about this course limit thing that I'm debating dropping down to the half marathon.

Both of my nightmares involved not finishing the race before the course time limit.

If one more person asks me if I'm going to see any shows while I'm in Vegas I might scream. I just want to go and get this race over with. Celebrate my friends' 10 year wedding anniversary and come home. I'm beginning to think I'm not cut out for big production marathons. Give me a "down home" race any day. That's much more my speed.

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-11-28T10:31:00.000-06:00

November 21 - November 27

Nov 21

After learning last week that doing a long run and a short fast run and then trying to run again on Monday night does not for a happy knee make, I decided to skip the Monday night run and do something else instead.

Since I still can't fully strength train the way I want (stupid hip) I made up a routine with some moves I can do without aggravating my left leg too much. Shoulder presses, tricep extensions, stability ball crunches, bench presses, and a few other things. All in all I did about 30-40 minutes. I really miss strength training.

Nov 22

Kim and I bought a Groupon back before the Milwaukee Marathon that entitled us to 10 cardio fitness classes at a place near our offices but due to our schedules this Tuesday was the first night we could use them together.

We showed up for the hour long cardio kickboxing class not really knowing what to expect. It's been a long time since I did cardio kickboxing. I miss it. I didn't realize how much I missed it until we started.

About halfway through the hour-long, high-intensity class I thought I might keel over but I just reminded myself that I've run for longer than that and to suck it up. Plus, staring at my arm muscles in the mirror as they glistened with sweat was a nice distraction. Yes, I'm vain. So what?

My body also missed hardcore aerobics classes. On Wednesday I was so sore I could barely move. But, hey, I've been looking for a way to work my glutes. I think I found it.

Nov 23

Kim and I were able to sneak out for a 5 mile run at lunch. I took her to Northerly Island and we kept up a pretty brisk pace considering we were both super-sore from the night before.

Lunch Run w/Kim by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Nov 24

My running group did a Thanksgiving Morning run followed by coffee and camaraderie. I did 7 miles and the first few were rough. Sometimes I'm amazed that I ran 13.1 miles at a sub-9:00 minute pace when there are mornings when running 10:00 minute miles is a struggle.

Nov 25

Rest day. My family had our Thanksgiving Celebration on Friday afternoon so I took the opportunity to sleep in and try and let my body recover. It was still sore from Tuesday night!

Nov 26

The weather was miserable on Saturday so I decided to brave the treadmill in my basement. You may recall that this particular treadmill has been underwater a few times. It still works, it's just a little quirky.

The biggest quirk I discovered? The speed buttons don't really correspond to the belt speed anymore. I hopped on the treadmill, pressed the button for 6.0 MPH (10:00 minute miles) and started jogging....as the belt went faster and faster and faster. Apparently the 6.0 button now equates to 9.0 MPH!

Long story short, I had to run for time not for distance after lowering the speed to something more reasonable. I ended up running for 80 minutes which I'm figuring was around 8 miles.

Nov 27

Kim and I made plans to go bowling with our husbands. The last time we went bowling together I had to wear my knee strap as my right knee was acting up before the Chicago Marathon.

This time it was my left glute that was acting up! It's been sore since Tuesday's cardio kickboxing class and the bowling motion made it flare up. I'm not a great bowler but I was bummed that I couldn't even attempt to have good bowling form lest the pain in my ass become worse.

I bought a heating pad on the way home and basically sat on it all afternoon. I'll probably take a few days off from running since I'm now less than a week out from the Las Vegas Marathon.

Total running mileage: approximately 20
Total strength training sessions: 1
Other cross-training: 1

Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 5K Race Report

2011-11-23T18:21:00.001-06:00

In 2009 and 2010 I ran the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 10K and loved it. I've set two 10K PRs at this race AND I get the opportunity to indulge in post-race pancakes with my work running group buddies.

This year I was torn between running the 10K and the 5K. I'd already PR'ed at the Frank Lloyd Wright 10K this year but I'd be thwarted at all of my 5K PR attempts since February.

In the end, I decided to make that 5K my bitch. I registered the morning-of, which is one of the things I love about this race. They have all the perks of a big race (including expensive professional photos this year!) but all the atmosphere of a low-key race.

My only concern was my knee. I didn't want to push it too hard and prolong my ITB issue. I mean, I do have a marathon in two weeks.

But I just couldn't pass up running this race and seeing what I could do.

I met up with some of my lunch time running group and we decided to do a warm-up. Well, their version of a warm-up is a little different than mine. They did about a quarter mile and called it a day. Uh, I thought, that's not going to work for me.

So I handed off my jacket to Jason and took off for another mile or so. I didn't have a lot of time, though. The race started at 8:45 and it was already 8:30.

I managed one more mile. It wasn't an encouraging mile. I picked it up towards the end at the 8:30 pace didn't feel so hot. How was I ever going to hold an 8:00 minute or faster pace for the race?

By the time I got to the start line I had to weave my way through people to try and find a good starting spot. Of course, it doesn't really matter since the first half mile or so of this race is always crowded. I spent most of it dodging people.

When my watch beeped at the Mile 1 marker I looked down to see 7:58. Hmmm, I thought. That might have been too fast. But maybe I can see if I can do all three miles in times that start with 7s. That would be a first for me. Why not?

I saw Jason shortly after the mile marker and threw him my arm warmers. Even though I'd been freezing at the start line at this point I almost wished I was wearing a tank top.

The 10K runners split off and I realized how happy I was to be running a 5K. I only had two more miles left and they had 5!

By the way, 3.1 miles feels really short when you've been training for a marathon.

I saw Jason again near the two mile mark but barely even looked over at him. I was really trying to push myself. It worked and I ran mile two in 7:50.

Just one more mile, I thought to myself. You've probably got a PR in the bag if you don't lose it during this last mile. 8:00 minutes. That's all. You can do anything for 8:00 minutes.

At one point I glanced down at my watch and saw my current pace in the 8:30 range. Nope, I thought. Not gonna work. You need to speed up. I'd fallen into the trap of just running and not pushing myself. So I pushed.

With a quarter mile left to go I felt like I was going to puke. A woman in front of me was shouting to her running companion, "Come on! Almost there!" Since he was running next to me I turned to him and said, "Are you gonna let her beat you? Go on!" The fact that I was able to do this tells me I wasn't running hard enough. Good to know.

Still, I rounded the corner to the finish line and pushed a little harder.

Final finish time? 24:32! A 22 second PR and good enough for 5th in my age group (and, yes, there were more than 5 people in my age group).

So the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot keeps its place as a PR race for me. But this year I didn't get my post-race pancakes. I got post-race matzah ball soup instead. And some of Jason's blueberry pancakes. What can I say? I like pancakes.

Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 5K by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-11-21T15:21:00.000-06:00

November 14 - November 20

Nov 14th

7.25 miles that left me limping. Stupid stupid stupid.

Nov 15th

Rest day. I was supposed to attend a cardio kickboxing class but ended up canceling. Probably a good idea since my knee was still bothering me. I got a massage that seemed to help some but it was still sore.

Nov 16th

Rest...and foam roll....and ice....and stretch

Nov 17th

Rest rinse repeat

Nov 18th

Rest, rest, we must be at our best!

Nov 19th

After four days of rest I met Kim at Busse Woods Forest Preserve. You may remember Busse Woods from such posts as Epic 20 Miler is Epic and Bittersweet Sixteen. I'm not sure why I chose Busse as our meeting spot since both times I've run there something weird has happened but it IS conveniently located to both Kim and I.

The curse of Busse was upon me, however, and when I arrived I discovered the bathrooms were closed for the season! I tried to hover in the woods but no dice. So, I started my 10+ mile run with a full bladder hoping for a port-a-potty.

No matter how many times I look at the map for Busse I inevitably take a wrong turn and end up off the main loop. This time it was okay, though, because it lead me to a port-a-potty around mile 4.5. The rest of the run was much more comfortable after that. My knee felt pretty good, too.

My original training plan had me doing 13 miles but I didn't want to push myself too much. In the end, we did 12 miles. Mostly so I could see the elk one more time.

How many elk can you count in this picture?

Click the picture to see larger

Kim captioned this photo. It makes me laugh.

Twelve with Kim by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Nov 20th

Lincolnwood Turkey Trot! One of my favorite races of the season. I usually do the 10K but this year decided to stick with the 5K. I'm really glad I made that decision. Stay tuned for the race report!

Total running mileage: 23.44

Random Raffle Result

2011-11-16T14:45:00.000-06:00

After the Frank Lloyd Wright 10K I filled out their online survey about the race. This apparently got me an entry into their participant raffle.

Yesterday I received an email that I had won a raffle prize!

Hooray!

Except, well, it's a "Rock N Roll Half Marathon Tech Shirt".

Which Rock N Roll Half Marathon? I'm not sure. Maybe Chicago?

Short-sleeved? Long-sleeved? Men's? Women's? Size? All unknowns.

Not to mention that I've never even run a Rock N Roll Half Marathon and I'm not a HUGE fan of wearing shirts for races I didn't run or volunteer for. I have one exception: the 2010 Quarryman 10 shirt that a coworker gave me...it's perfect for biking.

Oh, also, I can only pick up my prize between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Considering I'm at work 40 minutes away or commuting from 8:00 AM til 5:45 PM Monday through Friday that makes it kind of difficult.

I mean, I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but, really, what if it's a horse you didn't really want in the first place?

So, anyone else want a mystery Rock N Roll Half Marathon Tech Shirt and can pick it up in Oak Park, IL during business hours?

Or maybe I should email them and say "Thanks, but no thanks" and suggest they draw another name. That would be the charitable thing to do, huh?

Kneed

2011-11-15T16:16:00.001-06:00

I'm beginning to think maybe my body doesn't want to run any more this year. That I should have just been happy with my performance at the Milwaukee Marathon and gone on my way.

But, no, I decided I needed to run Las Vegas. So I didn't take very long of a break and got right back into training. I have that 4:30 course limit to contend with, you see.

Last night I decided to run to the start of our running group run and then do the long route for a total of just over 9 miles. The day after running 20 miles.

Yeah, not my smartest idea ever.

The first 5.5 miles went fine. No problems. But when we stopped at our regular regrouping point and I went to start back up again my left IT band attachment point started SCREAMING at me. The outside of my left knee felt worse than my right knee ever did last year.

It's not a joint thing and for that I'm grateful. But ITB Syndrome is nothing to sneeze at. I cut my run short and finished up with 7.25 miles at my long run pace.

I then proceeded to limp around to dinner and then collapse on the couch once I got home. I iced. I foam rolled, I stretched, I applied BioFreeze. I'm wearing my knee brace. However, the outside of my left knee is slightly swollen and painful to the touch. Perfect ITBS symptoms.

I've got a massage scheduled for this evening and I've been icing and keeping my leg as elevated as possible while sitting at my desk at work. I'll be taking the week off and seeing how I feel this weekend. I'm wearing my knee brace and taking Advil and Omega-3.

In short, I'm doing everything I should be doing to try and get this to go away.

Doesn't mean I'm not bummed, though.

OPRC Monday Night Short Route Plus by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-11-14T14:15:00.000-06:00

November 7 - November 13

Nov 7th

I couldn't decide whether I wanted to run 5.5 miles or 7.75 miles...and then it started raining and it was dark and I ended up not running anything.

Instead I tried two new Pilates videos via Netflix.

Both are also available via Amazon Instant Video as well, by the way.

Anyway, it had been a long time since I'd done Pilates and I was definitely feeling the burn. Totally counting it as a strength training session. I liked the first video better than the second, but the second one has a section where you use handweights.

Nov 8th

Six miles on the treadmill.

Nov 9th

Since I'm still not feeling the cold and the dark (at least not for running by myself) I did the Pilates videos again. I forget how good I feel when I work my muscles by doing something other than running.

Nov 10th

Five miles on the treadmill at the gym. For as much as I say I hate the treadmill, sometimes it's exactly what I need. Five miles didn't seem like enough. I only stopped because I wanted to get home and eat dinner at a reasonable hour.

Nov 11th

Rest day. I'd thought about doing a Pilates video but something about laying on the couch seemed much more appealing.

Nov 12th

3.14 miles cross-country style with a .75 mile warm-up.

Nov 13th

The last 20 miler of the season!

Total running mileage: 34.89
Total strength training: 2

Roaring Twenties

2011-11-14T14:12:00.000-06:00

Last year at this time I'd done exactly two runs longer than 19 miles. My very first 20 miler and the Chicago Marathon.

As of yesterday, this year I've already done double that amount.

Yesterday I met Kim at the Half Day Forest Preserve about 40 minutes north of my house. We did almost all our long runs prior to Milwaukee on some part of this trail and I knew it would be a good place to do my last 20 miler before Las Vegas.

Considering Kim just ran the New York Marathon last Sunday she definitely wasn't running 20 miles with me. But she was sweet enough to ride her bike alongside while I ran. She warned me she might be out of it since she'd just flown home from New York the afternoon before but if there's anyone out of it on a 20 mile run it's definitely the runner.

I mean, ugh, look at my form!

Anyway, the first 10 miles went by pretty quickly. The only bummer was that they'd turned off the water fountains along the trail and I knew I wasn't carrying enough water and Gatorade to last me 20 miles. The weather was warm and the wind was at our back for the first half. Although the forecast threatened rain it never appeared.

Around mile 7 or so another runner with a cycling buddy passed us. The runner looked REALLY familiar and I think he must have thought the same thing about me. But even though we passed each other again later I never figured out where I knew him from. Probably from one of the almost 30 races I've run so far this year.

I decided to try and walk every 3 miles or so. Due to a flooded section of trail, though, there was a point near mile 3 and near mile 17 that required waiting to cross a pretty major highway. I stopped my watch for those pieces and counted them as walking breaks.

Actually, I remember thinking that mile 13 and 14 seemed REALLY long but that mile 15 and 16 went by in flash. Also, the mile where I almost stepped on a snake went by really quickly, too. Man, I hate snakes. Kim laughs at me. I don't care. They are creepy as hell.

Toward the end of the run I was really starting to struggle. Running out of water and Gatorade was not helping. Kim gave me some off her fuel belt but I could feel the salt drying on my face and I knew I needed more liquids. My stomach was starting to slosh, too, which, paradoxically, means I needed to drink more (at least according to the speaker we had at our October running club meeting). Also, strangely, my bladder felt full which NEVER happens to me on runs.

So, I tried to pick up the pace for the last few miles just to get this run over with. My legs didn't hurt, my knee didn't hurt, but I was just done. I was quite happy when my Garmin beeped 20.

After our run we went to get lunch. "Do you want something to drink?" the cashier asked me.

"Yes." I replied. He stared at me for a moment.

"Uh...what would you like?"

Oops. My brain wasn't quite fully functioning yet.

I am SO thankful that Kim was able to join me for my last crazy long run of the season before Las Vegas. I really don't know what I would do without her.

20 miles w/Kim on bike by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Illinois Cross Country Club Invitation Race Report

2011-11-14T13:14:00.000-06:00

I've never run a cross-country race. I've never even attended a meet. Everything I know about it comes from watching the movie The Long Green Line. Cross-country seems to typically be a 5K distance over grass and dirt. A little different from my usual road racing.

So when my running club's president sent out an email stating that another area running club wanted to host an all running club cross country meet I was a little apprehensive. My impression was that we needed super-fast people to run and earn points. As someone who still gets super-excited when my average race pace per mile start with an 8 I figured I probably wasn't the best woman for the team.

Running clubs from throughout Illinois are coming together to stage the first ever Illinois Cross-Country Club Invitational. It will be a team race, with the best runners from top clubs running head to head. This will be the first of what we hope will become an annual "end-of-season" friendly competition among the clubs for "bragging rights" in X-C.

But, in the end, I decided to join the team. "It'll be fun!" everyone told me. Well, Jason had plans for Saturday so I decided to pay my $8 and show up in a field north of Chicago mid-morning on Saturday.

Most of our club's team hadn't ever run a cross-country race, either. I'd read the rules but still wasn't sure how it worked. Basically, if I understand correctly, teams are scored based on assigning points to the finish place of the first four runners and the lowest score wins. We grilled some of the team members who had run cross-country in the past and I came away with the understanding that passing people was very important. Okay. Good to know.

There were two races: Open and Master's. Open is everyone under the age of 40 and Master's is 40 and over. The Open race was first so I lined up with everyone and when the race director shouted "GO" we took off like bats out of hell. The course was almost four loops of a field and from doing one loop as a warm-up I knew there were some muddy and wet sections. How do you know where the course is? Follow the white line spray painted in the grass.

I realized halfway through the first loop that I was running way too fast. And I still couldn't keep up with everyone!

As I passed John who was taking photos I shouted, "I'm in last place aren't I?" His response? "Looking good!!" So optimistic, John.

I basically felt like death. I ran that first mile in 8:00 minutes flat. For something I was doing for fun it sure didn't feel fun. Chili and beer do not a good pre-5K meal make, for future reference.

On the second loop I managed to pass a woman. Okay, now I'm not in last place. I could see across the field and realized that now there were two women behind me. While coming in dead last would be something to write about, I didn't really want it to happen.

I was fading fast, though. And all I kept thinking was "This was supposed to be fun. This is not fun." I started to get anxious about letting my team down and I felt like my legs couldn't go any faster.

The lead guys lapped me. Thankfully one of them was from our team and since he's super nice he said, "Nice job" to me as he flew past.

On the final loop the woman I'd passed came up behind me and got in front of me. "Go for it," I gasped. "You paced yourself way better than me." I never caught her again.

I knew there was one woman behind me, though. I figured she was waiting until the last minute to make her move. She pulled ahead of me in the last 200 yards. As we rounded the corner to the finish my team started screaming for me to pass her back. I really didn't want to be last. But, in a way, I'd resigned myself to it.

But then I heard Coach Holly in my head. "Come on, Erin. You're a sprinter!"

So, I sprinted.

And I screamed.

And I passed her.

And then I needed to lay down.

But I wasn't last.

After I recovered I enjoyed a beer and a hotdog while I cheered and took pictures during the Master's race.

In the end, our club finished second in the Women's Open category so I must have helped some. Not sure how, though.

I went to this event to have fun. Did I? The race itself was miserable. But cheering for my team, taking pictures, and enjoying what may be the last nice day we have this year was totally worth it. And I've been told that my finish performance was one for the books. So, as always, even though the running may not be enjoyable, the company of my running club certainly is.

Cross Country Race by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

The Deal with My Hip

2011-11-11T11:30:00.000-06:00

I mentioned two weeks ago that I may have finally got a diagnosis for my weird hip pain that comes and goes.

If you recall, I've basically been battling left leg issues all year. They're not painful enough that I've needed to stop running but nothing I do seems to make them better, either.

I've seen two kinds of physical therapists, done numerous physical therapy exercises, I've seen a chiropractor, massage therapists, and I've had three MRIs.

This last MRI was done with contrast which basically means they injected a dye into my hip socket so that they could see the area better on the scan.

Why did they do this? Well, apparently many of my symptoms can be caused by a hip labral tear and the only way to truly diagnosis this is to have an MRI with contrast.

So, that's what I had done.

And they think they found a tear. Apparently you can only see it on a few of the images and it's tiny, but the sports medicine doctor I've been seeing is pretty sure this is the cause of my issues.

No, I don't know how it happened. All I know is that I can still run as long as it doesn't hurt (which is why I did 5 miles on the treadmill at the gym on Thursday night) and that I'm scheduled to see an orthopedic surgeon at the end of December.

As much as I want this weird pain to go away I also don't really want surgery. I've been doing some research and it appears that that the recovery from surgery can go really quickly or very, very slowly depending on how much work the surgeon has to do in the joint. I won't really know my full options until I see the surgeon.

So, for now, I'm still running and doing some Pilates. And I'll still be running the Las Vegas Marathon. But I feel like I've had to put any plans for 2012 on hold until I figure out what's next.

But I did recently read an article in Competitor Magazine about taking six weeks off from running. Unfortunately I can't find the article online but basically it said that certain coaches recommend you take six weeks off at the end of your season and don't run at all. Instead they suggest you try lots of different exercises to keep your fitness and break up the routine of just running.

I've been running hard all year so I'm thinking that no matter what the surgeon says I'll take some time off in December and January. Maybe I'll try swim lessons again. Maybe I'll do a lot of Pilates and yoga. And if I'm really lucky I'll be able to lift weights again. We'll see. I hope you stick around for the ride!

Back to the Belt

2011-11-10T11:06:00.000-06:00

Well, it appears that we've reached the crappy weather portion of our year.

Monday night I totally wimped out and skipped running in the rain and the dark. Tuesday morning I had the opportunity to run during the day but it was STILL raining. So, I took what some would consider the easy way out and went to the gym to use the treadmill.

Although, perhaps some of you wouldn't consider 6 miles on the treadmill to be the easy way out.

I figure it's good mental training, right? Treadmills are BORING and it takes all I've got to not hit the stop button and go do something else.

I set the incline to 1.0 and the speed to 6.0 MPH (10 minute miles), turned up my music and tried to zone out.

The first mile is always the worst. "How am I going to do this?" I think. "How many more miles?"

When I get to mile three I always think about how I want to be done. "Maybe three miles is my limit on this thing..."

But I know that's not true. So I finished all six.

Run for Pi made a couple posts this week about what to do now that the weather is finally turning for the worse. Do you suck it up and run outside? Do you outfit yourself in an outfit made entirely out of reflective tape and run in the dark? Do you resign yourself to being cold?

Whenever the time changes and the seasons change it always takes me a few weeks to adjust. Run in the dark? Blech. Run in the cold? Blech.

By January, though, I'm usually okay. Although, this time last year I wasn't still training for a marathon so I was able to take a little longer to adjust.

I don't WANT to resort to the treadmill but until I'm comfortable with the weather and the darkness I have a feeling that's where I'll be.

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-11-07T15:49:00.000-06:00

October 31st - November 6th

Oct 31

7.75 miles...in costume!

Nov 1

Rest Day! Actually, I presented at our monthly running club meeting. We got a new website and it was my job to show people how to use the "members only" functions.

Nov 2

Another rest day. Our track workout season has ended which can only mean one thing. Party! Wednesday night we all got together so we could see each other in non-running clothes. And eat and drink, of course.

Nov 3

4.84 miles of "Illinois hill workouts". Meaning, it was windy. Really windy.

Nov 4

Rest day. Girl's night in the city with my mom! And, I mean, really, could you resist this view?

Nov 5

Yet another rest day. Unless you count braving the crowds on Michigan Avenue.

Nov 6

16.18 miles!

Total mileage: 28.77

This training cycle I'm not doing so well with getting in more than 3 runs a week so far. Travel and work and other commitments keep getting in the way. Not to mention that now it will be dark after work. Time to break out the reflective gear!

Salty Sixteen

2011-11-07T10:12:00.000-06:00

Sunday was one of those weird days. Warm but overcast and windy. I slept in but of course got an extra hour back due to changing the clock.

I had a sixteen mile run on the training plan but no one to run it with. Most of my running buddies (Kim included) were either running the New York Marathon, in New York to spectate at the marathon, ran on Saturday, or are wrapping up their running season. So, I knew I had sixteen solo miles.

I ate an English muffin with egg and cheese, drank some water and decaf tea, and drove over to the Salt Creek bike path around 11:30 AM. When I got out of the car the wind was blowing across the empty field and I immediately regretted wearing shorts and a tank top. Especially when I saw someone run by with their dog wearing pants, a jacket, and a stocking cap. I decided I'd wear my jacket and then tie it around my waist if I got too warm.

My body had other plans, though. I got about three-quarters of a mile from the trail head when I started to get that familiar feeling of impending GI tract doom. Overheating, stomach cramps, cold sweats. I tried to figure out how far it was until the next port-a-potty but decided it would be better to turn around and use the one at the trail head.

Let's just say I'm really glad there was no one already using it when I got there.

I took the opportunity to ditch my jacket at my car and stand there assessing the situation. My stomach felt slightly better but not 100%. I was feeling a little dizzy but I wondered if that was due to lack of fuel. I drank some Gatorade and decided I'd keep going.

I still felt a little ridiculous in my tank and shorts when everyone else I saw on the path at least had on long sleeves. Perhaps I could have gone with short sleeves but long sleeves was obviously too much for me.

My pace was all over the place as I tried to keep it between 10:00 and 10:30 minutes per mile. I kept looking down at my Garmin, though, and seeing 9:20 or 9:30. And that was WITHOUT walk breaks.

Yes, the only breaks I took were for traffic. I wanted to see if I could do it. Turns out I can but that I don't think I could have gone another 10 miles. When I finally hit 16 I was still just over a quarter mile from my car but I immediately started walking. Except I got cold. So I tried to run the rest of the way to the car. I made it another tenth of a mile before I just felt too worn out.

However, I'm pretty pleased with my run. Poorly fueled I still averaged a good pace without walk breaks. Imagine if I was properly fueled!

And how else did I know my nutrition was off? I had so much salt on my face and neck I looked like I'd stuck my face in powdered sugar. From a past running group meeting I knew this was a bad sign since I noticed it forming while I was running. Of course, the wind was probably evaporating the sweat off my face and leaving the salt behind, but I also think the fact that I was craving potato chips is telling.

Salt Creek Sixteen by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Northerly

2011-11-03T21:02:00.000-05:00

Did you know that just to the southeast of the lakefront path that runs between Chicago and Lake Michigan there is a small piece of land barely connected to the city? From this piece of land you can see the skyline, Soldier Field, and McCormick Place. You can see the Museum Campus and the boats in one of the many harbors.

On this piece of land there are statues, an outdoor concert venue, an open prairie, and paths that run among all of it.

After work on Thursday I decided to explore this piece of land known as Northerly Island.

I almost didn't. I almost threw in the towel because it was rainy and windy and cold. But then Kim reminded me that I actually love to run in the cool mist. So I laced up my shoes and garnered a lot of stares as I ran past bundled-up commuters and tourists in my shorts and t-shirt.

I wasn't entirely positive how to get to the Island but I had an idea. After a few wrong-ish turns through some parking lots I ended up on the path. Where the wind was brutal. Since the wind was coming out of the northeast I was being blasted with cold air from the lake. But I tucked my head down and just told myself that this was our version of hill training.

As I headed back past the Shedd Aquarium the wind pounded the lake against the retaining wall and I got sprayed by waves. Just a little more mist on top of the on-and-off misty rain.

If I'd been able to feel my hands I would have stopped to take a picture. I may not have grown up in the city but the Chicago skyline at night just tugs at me. My legs and arms were numb and the wind wore me out but I'm glad Kim talked me into this run. And I'm looking forward to going back to Northerly Island on a day when I can truly appreciate this gem only two miles from my office.

Post-Work Downtown Run by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

October Wrap Up

2011-11-03T10:09:00.000-05:00

I waited so long for October to get here. I trained all summer to run the Milwaukee Marathon. I battled injuries and twinges, volunteered at the Chicago Marathon, and finished up my CARA racing season.

No wonder October went by in a flash.

Last night Coach Holly asked me what the highlight of my year has been so far. I have to say it was the Milwaukee Marathon. I've had some great races this year but October 2nd just blew my mind. I hope I remember how I felt that day for the rest of my life. In fact, I didn't want October to end because that just means I'm getting further and further away from that amazing day.

But October brought me more than just an amazing marathon. I ran three other races AFTER Milwaukee. Last year I basically sat on my couch after the Chicago Marathon but this year I took a week off and then got right back on the train with a 5K that could have been a PR, a 10K that WAS a PR, and another 10K for fun.

I ran in costume for the first time on Halloween but, sadly, I didn't get to run much with Kim post-marathon.

All in all I hit another 100+ month with a total of 116.18 miles. The biking and the strength training fell by the wayside and I'm still trying to figure out how to do strength training that won't aggravate my hip. But regardless of those two issues, October was a fabulous month. I'm sad that it's over but looking forward to the rest of the year!

Trick or Treat

2011-11-01T14:49:00.000-05:00

Two years ago Jason and I were invited to a Halloween party and put our outfits together at the last minute. I bought a "sexy" race car driver outfit and we got him some coveralls so he could be my pit crew.

Last year I don't even remember what we did but I'm pretty sure we didn't dress up. So my costume from 2009 sat in a drawer. Until this year, that is.

A few weeks ago it was decided that since our running group's regular Monday night fun run fell on Halloween that people should dress up if they wanted to. I sent out the email and put it on Facebook but didn't think I'd be dressing up personally. But then I remembered my costume stuffed in the drawer. Hmmm, I thought, I wonder if I could run in that.

Turns out, I can! I added capris, arm warmers, and a sports bra but that was it. Perfect!

The streets were crazy busy with all the trick or treaters and their parents out and about. It amazes me that on every other Monday night these people are no where to be seen. But last night they were out in force. I fell to the back of the pack quickly and felt kind of stupid running alone in my costume, but, hey, it was dark. I just pretended I was running from Halloween zombies or something. I knew better than to push myself too hard.

When I finally caught up with the group at the 4 mile mark I was all set to do the short route and finish up with just another 1.5 miles. But then Maribeth talked me into doing the full 7.75 mile route with her. We ran a nice, sedate pace and chatted the entire time. Those 3.75 miles just flew by! We're hoping to run the Las Vegas marathon together so this was good practice.

And with that, my Halloween run was over. Til next time, costume.

Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K Race Report

2011-10-31T12:39:00.000-05:00

Sunday was the last race in the CARA Runners' Choice Circuit Competition. While I have earned a few points here and there for my running club, I was mostly running these circuit races to earn a participation award by running 111 kilometers. Since I wasn't running the Chicago Marathon nor several of the half marathons on the circuit I basically had to run almost all the shorter distance races.

Which means I was racing A LOT of weekends.

During the hour+ long drive to the race several of us in the car were expressing our gratitude over this being the last race of the circuit.

Since I'd done so well the previous Sunday at the Frank Lloyd Wright 10K I just wanted to take this race easy. No pressure, no worries, just running it to get the miles.

After we parked the car and picked up our packets I realized just how CHILLY it was. The wind was blowing and it really felt like fall. Perfect for fall-themed race. I was wearing my shorts, tank, and arm warmers and wondered if I'd be warm enough. I did my warm-up 2 miles on the the last bit of the course wearing my wind pants and a jacket. Even then I wasn't super keen on taking either of those things off. But I knew I'd be fine once I did.

I lined up near the 9:00 minute/mile sign and did a few stretches. My hip was feeling a little sore and I'd forgotten to bring my knee brace. "Just six miles," I told myself. "You can do this." My warm-up miles had felt pretty miserable so I hoped the race felt better.

The first two miles were through the town of Sycamore and many of the residents were out cheering. There's an actual pumpkin festival later in the day so quite a few people were already out setting up booths or settling in for the parade. A nice, friendly atmosphere. My zen was broken, though, by a guy who kept trying to get people to talk to him. "I don't talk while I'm racing," one woman finally said. I tried to distract myself by silently chanting those lyrics I discovered on Saturday.

There were a lot of people in costume and I wish I could master the art of taking photos while running. I lined up behind an Eskimo and something yellow (a flapper? A bird? Still not sure) and ended up using them as wind blockers for at least a mile of the race. When you run in the country the wind whips across the fields and was right in our faces for most of miles three and four.

I stopped for water just after the 4 mile marker and lost my Eskimo buddy. Instead I found myself running behind a scarecrow, a cave girl, a fairy, and a guy wearing a shirt that said I <3 Ceilings! His running buddies informed me he was a ceiling fan. Har har. Earlier in the race I'd been behind a guy running in khaki hiking shorts and a cotton t-shirt. I wanted so badly to beat him but once we entered the park and golf course at mile 5 I saw him up ahead of me and knew I didn't want to push hard enough to catch him. Oh well.When we only had a mile left I started really pushing it. I'd been holding back quite well so far but wanted to see what else I could do. My knee felt okay but my left hip was killing me. I really just wanted to be done. I sprinted the last .2 and came in at 53:34. Hey, I guess 53:XX felt left out since my PR skipped over it entirely last week.

I grabbed an ice cold beer at the finish line and basically chugged it. Hey, why not?

I'd like to say "and thus concludes my racing season" but we all know I've got at least one more race on the docket. On to Las Vegas!

Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-10-31T12:08:00.001-05:00

October 24th - October 30th

Oct 24

5.5 miles with the running club. My left knee was pretty sore after going all out during Sunday's 10K, though.

Oct 25

Since I still don't know what's going on with my left leg I'm trying out some chiropractic stuff. I had an appointment on Tuesday so that took up most of my evening.

Oct 26

I'm bummed because this was the last night of the summer track group and I had to miss it due to work. At least I like my coworkers.

Oct 27

In my never-ending quest to figure out why my left hip seems to hurt randomly I had the last ditch effort: an MRI with contrast. They had to jam a pretty huge needle into my hip ball and socket joint and that left me pretty sore for the rest of the day.

Then after work I had another chiropractor appointment so I wouldn't have run even if I'd felt up to it.

Oct 28

Rest day

Oct 29

10 miles including practicing my falling skills.

Oct 30

The last CARA circuit race of the season: the Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K. Plus a 2 mile warm up for a total of 8.2 miles. Race report to come later. I bet you're getting tired of reading that, huh?

Total running mileage: 23.7

I actually did get some news about what's going with my hip. I'm still processing it, though, so I'll tell you about it later. Short answer: let pain be my guide. Longer answer: I may be out of commission for part of next year but I won't know until late December.

First and Ten

2011-10-29T13:52:00.000-05:00

I had my alarm set for 6:15 this morning. My plan was to run 10 miles with my running group. When the alarm went off, however, I decided there was no real reason I had to run at 7:00 AM. So I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep.

Glorious.

So instead of running at 7:00 AM with a group I headed out for my run around 10:40 AM with just my iPhone and my favorite Pandora station to keep me company.

I must have still been slightly asleep, however, because just before the end of mile 2 my right toe caught an uneven portion of the sidewalk and down I went. I managed to fall mostly on my right side and land in a mostly dirt patch of someone's yard.

I sat up and looked around. I don't think anyone saw me, which cuts down on the embarssment factor. Injury inventory? Just some road rash on my left palm and a lot of dirt on my right hand and side. It took me a minute to decide what to do. This was my very first fall while running. In the end, though, I decided to keep going. I wasn't hurt badly and I figured I'd wash off the dirt at the next water fountain.

The very next song Pandora decided to play for me? "Remember the Name" by Fort Minor. If you've never heard this song, here's how it starts:

It's just ten percent luck
Twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure
Fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name

Mile 3 was my fastest mile. Gee, I wonder why.

This run alternated between feeling like I was flying and feeling like I was plodding along. My knee strapped into its knee brace was fine but my left hip and hip flexor were sore. And I was really disappointed to discover they'd turned off the water fountain at my 8 mile mark. Boo.

Still, you have to admit it was a pretty badass run. Dirt and all.

Neighborhood 10 by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Frank Lloyd Wright 10K Race Report

2011-10-24T15:13:00.000-05:00

Several years ago I attended a scrapbook convention where I purchased a set of letter and number stickers in the style associated with Frank Lloyd Wright. Why? Because I knew the Frank Lloyd Wright 5K and 10K existed and I knew I wanted to run them some day.

Last year I didn't run it because I thought it would be too soon after the Chicago Marathon and I didn't have any idea how I'd feel. Turns out I was physically able to run but by the time I decided to sign up the races were sold out.

The year before I believe I was out of town a conference.

But this year the stars finally aligned and I was able to sign up and run the Frank Lloyd Wright 10K on Sunday.

The start of the race is just a hair over two miles from my house. Since the race didn't start until 8:45 AM and I needed to get in a long run this weekend (you know, with that pesky Las Vegas marathon hanging over my head) I decided to run to the race as my warm-up and to get some extra miles in. After the race I made plans with Maribeth to run a few more to get us up to 12 miles.

The first part of my warm-up miles was rough. My legs felt like concrete and I felt a little woozy. Not a good sign, I thought. I guess I pushed it too hard on Friday? Too much walking around a jewelry and accessory expo the day before? Who knows. Thankfully I started to feel a little better during the second mile.

I wore my OPRC tank top, my arm warmers and shorts. To keep warm during my warm-up I threw on the tech shirt I got from that 5K last weekend. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got to the race so I shoved the t-shirt in the goody bag and tossed it into gear check.

Because there was no need to carpool to a race in our own town, the OPRC group didn't really seem to meet up like usual. But I ran into a few people and chatted before the race. After a few half-hearted stretches and one last bathroom break I headed over to the start line. While I was cold standing there in just my tank and arm warmers I knew I'd be warm enough in a mile or two.

Jason cheered for me as the horn sounded and we were off. Based on Friday's run at lunch I knew I could hold an 8:30 pace for almost 5 miles. I figured why not go for that?

The first mile felt okay.

I passed the clock right at the 8:30 mark. Perfect. I skipped the water station at 1.5 even though I was starting to get warm and I could feel the salt starting to build up on my face. Not a good sign.

The arm warmers became mostly forearm warmers at that point and I just focused on making it to the next water station near mile 3. When we got there I stopped and grabbed some water and walked for a few seconds. Hey, I figured it worked at the Chicago Half Marathon, why not here? Miles two and three were sub-8:30 so I knew I had some time in the bank.

Near mile four we apparently went up what passes for a hill around here and at the time I saw Jason again. He and Coach Holly's husband were cheering for us. "It's downhill from here!" they shouted. I gave them a small wave but basically felt like death. My legs felt like they were coated in wet cement.

I stopped for water at the next aid station and willed myself to keep going. Mile 4 felt like the longest mile of my life. I can't believe I still kept up my close-to-8:30 pace!

When we FINALLY reached the mile 5 marker I kept telling myself we only had a mile left. My legs weren't having any of it, though. That last full mile was really rough and when I passed Jason close to the finish line I couldn't even manage a thumbs up.

I could see the finish line, though, and knew I only had .2 left. That's less than once around a track. I pushed myself as hard as I could and, of course, Coach Holly screaming at me that I'm a sprinter gave me a little extra oomph at the end.

I really couldn't believe my eyes at the finish line clock, though. My previous PR from last year's Lincolnwood Turkey Trot was 54:08. I had a feeling I could beat that since I'd already run longer distances at a pace faster than that one. But I had no idea I'd finish in 52:41 for an 8:29 pace!

I'm a little irritated that I couldn't keep that last mile closer to 8:30 (it was 8:45), but in the grand scheme of things, I managed to hit my overall goal pace right on the nose!

And then went on to run another almost 4 miles as a cool-down. I had Jason come pick me up in the car, though. I didn't feel up to running home.

The only downside to this race is that my left knee stiffened up immediately after crossing the finish line and took almost two miles of our cool down to loosen up again. Guess I'll need to wear my knee brace more often.

But with this race I've now PR'ed in every distance so far this year and I think I'm running some really smart races. Fun, fast, and educational. Yeah, I think that sums up a good race.

Frank Lloyd Wright 10K by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-10-24T13:46:00.000-05:00

October 17th - October 23rd

Oct 17

Rest day. Busy with conference stuff from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

Oct 18

8 mile run from Maryland to Virgina and back.

Oct 19

Another rest day. Conference and then travel. Not to mention our plane being delayed due to weather. Apparently it was windy in Chicago.

Oct 20

More rest. I had plans to run at lunch but was thwarted by getting home late on Wednesday and crappy Thursday weather.

Oct 21

4.7 miles at lunch with a Ragnar Relay teammate. We really pushed it and I felt a little ill at the end. However, the weather was lovely so I was totally overdressed. Capris and a long-sleeved shirt and not quite necessary yet. Hard to think about that, though, when it's below 40^oF when you're packing your gym bag in the morning.

Oct 22

Rest day

Oct 23

2 mile warm-up, Frank Lloyd Wright 10K race, followed by almost 4 miles of cool-down. Total of just over 12 miles. Race report to come later.

Total running mileage: 24.7

I'm still battling the weird hip flexor issue so I'm still not strength training. And I just haven't had time to get out on my bike. Still, just over 24 miles during a week when I had to travel isn't half bad!

State of the State

2011-10-21T16:23:00.000-05:00

I went to college in Oxford, Ohio, a small town approximately 6 miles from the Ohio-Indiana border. For almost four years my best friend (and roommate) and I had a dream of walking from Oxford to West College Corner, Indiana, the town right over the border. How cool, we thought, would it be to walk from one state to another and back?

So, on the last week of school our senior year, after all our finals were finished, we took a break from packing up our apartment, and set out on foot.

I'm on the left

It's a pretty cool feeling to know your own two feet took you from one state to another and back. And apparently now they do a half marathon in my college town that does just that!

On Tuesday I got to recreate that feeling while in the DC area for a work-related conference. Our hotel was on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, right on the water. And not that far away? The Woodrow Wilson Bridge that connects Maryland to Virgina.

I'm not normally a morning runner but Tuesday morning was the only time I had available. A benefit to morning running that probably everyone already knows but me? Getting to watch the sunrise.

I'd set off from my hotel along the boardwalk that turned into a crushed rock and shell path before returning to a paved area in a small undeveloped park. From the research I'd done I'd discovered that this was a newly built bike and pedestrian path. I saw several other people walking and running and quite a few that looked like bicycle commuters.

The path continued along the river until I got to the freeway overpass that would take me to the path along the bridge. They'd done a great job landscaping the pedestrian bridge to give it some character other than concrete. They'd also done a great job throwing a huge hill into the route!

The bridge wasn't anything too spectacular. Traffic whizzing by on one side, the river on the other. However, if the fog in the distance had lifted I would have had a spectacular view of Washington D.C. A few spots along the bridge had bump-outs with telescopes on them and signs with tidbits about the area. I didn't linger long enough to get a history lesson, though.

A little more than halfway over the bridge, Virgina welcomed me.

And when I reached the end of the bridge Alexandria nicely gave me directions on which way was what.

So, I turned around. From my hotel to this point was about 3 miles. I'd messed up my Garmin (again!) so I don't have an exact number.

Maryland gave me some lovely information as I entered their state.

I wanted to get in 8 miles plus I was feeling really good. So when I got back to the hotel and calculated I still had 2 more miles to go, I ventured in the opposite direction where I found a dirt path.

I thought it made a nice counterpoint to the steel and concrete and brick I'd just come from.

I had to throw in a few other loops throughout the convention center area in order to get in my full 8 miles but I did it. And it was fun. And, guess what, according to the map I not only ran from one state to another, I also ran through Washington DC!

So, I added one new state (Maryland) to my map of states I've run in along with the District of Columbia. Plus, it was just generally a good run. I felt awesome the entire time, I got to watch the sun rise, and I didn't let the pull of conference exhaustion suck me in. And that's the state of the state :-)

Innovation 5K + VA-MD Run by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

MD-VA Run - National Harbor by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

PTOS & FAPTO Innovation 5K Race Report

2011-10-20T14:13:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned last week, I signed up last minute for a 5K taking place a few miles from my hotel where I was staying on business just outside of Washington, DC.

For the first time in a long while I was at a race with no friends, no husband, no running group. And, as it turned out, no gear check. But it wasn't really a problem.

This race was sponsored by the Patent and Trademark Office Society and took place in front of their building in Alexandria, Virginia.

After parking my rental car I walked through a beautiful campus of federal buildings and into the lobby of the building. Did you know the Patent and Trademark Office has a museum? It wasn't open, sadly. Still, it was fun to see the inside of a building that I'd never really given much thought to.

The packet pick up was located on the lower lobby level. Everything in the area seems to be built on a hill so even though you go in on one level you can almost always exit on completely different one.

Source

I grabbed my race number and my t-shirt from the tables in the center and took the shirt back to my car. And, of course, pinned the bib on my tank top. The morning was chilly but the sun was shining. I kept my jacket on while I did my stretches and my warm-up jog. I decided to run to the first mile marker on the out-and-back course to get an idea of what I'd be in for. I'd looked at the elevation chart and was a little worried.

That huge hill? A freeway overpass. And, yes, it was a pace killer on the way up.

I was sweating something fierce by the time I got done and was happy to ditch my jacket. With no gear check, though, I was a little worried. So I put my phone back in the car and asked a nice lady at one of the tables if I could leave my jacket and car keys there.

Everyone at this race was really nice. You could tell that most of them work in the building or at least knew each other. There were about 300 people total and most of them were clustered in groups of friends, joking, and laughing. When the PA system wouldn't cooperate and play the National Anthem someone shouted out, "Hey! Why doesn't Jerry sing it??" And a bunch of people laughed. I guess Jerry is a good singer? Or maybe a bad singer? Anyway, someone else stepped up and we were treated to a less-than-perfect version sung by a willing volunteer.

The race was chip timed but I didn't want to start too far in the back lest I get stuck with walkers or less experienced runners. I had some delusional visions of winning my age group or some such thing since it was a small race.

I'll tell you, though, those DC-area runners are FAST. Or at least they go out of the gate fast. But I'd already run up that hill so I knew what to expect. Which means I wasn't too worried when I slowed down on the uphill.

My Garmin beeped exactly at the 1 mile marker. Exciting! 8:16. Hmmm, not as fast as my last 5K. Oh well.

There was a water station before the turn around point but I eschewed water. We saw the race leader go by the in opposite direction minutes ahead of everyone else. Then it was our turn to do the 180-degree turn and head back.

The Garmin beeped after the mile 2 marker which had me slightly concerned. But then it was time to tackle the big hill again which was slightly less steep from this side. Still, it wasn't easy. I didn't even look at my pace.

A slight downhill and then a long, gradual incline up to the turn to the finish. And then another hill! What? Where did this one come from?

I'm not in this photo but you can kind of see that final hill

I did my best to power up the hill and passed the mile 3 marker at the top. Then, suddenly, I was at the finish line.

The clock said 24:50-something and in my either sleep-deprived or oxygen-deprived state I was bummed. 24:50-something? What a poor showing! Especially when I looked down at my Garmin at it said 3.04 miles instead of 3.1. Bummer!

It wasn't until I looked up the race results later that I realized I'd actually run a pretty good race! I wasn't able to stick around for the awards ceremony (had to get back for conference stuff) and they were only doing awards two deep in 10-year age groups (so I was in the 30-39 age group). Turns out my official results are a time of 24:50 which was good enough for third in my age group and tenth woman overall!

Too bad the race was a hair short so I'm not counting it as a 5K PR. Still, that time translates to an average 8 minute mile even with some decent hills.

And too bad I forgot to reset my Garmin before going for another run a few days later so my stats (and map) are all messed up.

Finding this random race to run was a great decision. Sure, I could have slept in on Sunday morning before the conference started. But this way I was able to see somewhere I'd never been, run a small, fun, friendly race, and get in a workout. All wins in my opinion. So, if you've never done it, I highly recommend searching for a fitness event in the area where you'll be traveling. You never know what you'll find!

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-10-20T12:37:00.000-05:00

October 10th - October 16th

Oct 10

Rest day. I was presenting to a graduate class which took up my entire evening.

Oct 11

Another rest day. When I went for my massage before the Milwaukee Marathon I decided to sign up for a $35 evaluation from the chiropractor's office in which the massage therapist works. I went for my evaluation on Tuesday night. And I couldn't run at lunch because I was in meeting from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

The evaluation was....interesting. I'm viewing it like an experiment. Some of what he said made sense, some of it seemed like total hooey. But my insurance covers it so why not see what, if anything, I can get out of it. I'd love to be able to lift heavy again without worrying that I'm going to regret it days later and I'd love to be able to run without worrying that I'm going to screw myself up even worse.

Oct 12

4+ miles w/Kim. My Garmin didn't want to pick up a satellite signal so it was probably more like 4.2 miles.

Oct 13

4.45 mile lunch run.

Oct 14

Rest day

Oct 15

Since my flight to DC didn't leave until the afternoon, I dragged myself out of bed at 6:00 AM and met my running group for their 7:00 AM long run. I don't think I'd run with them since June! Anyway, I did 10 miles. My legs felt a little stiff before and after and I was worried about running 10 miles and then sitting on a plane but it worked out okay.

OPRC Saturday Route by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Oct 16

I ran that random 5K race in Alexandria, VA! I still need to write a race report but I'm kind of hoping they get some photos up soon. Short version: I thought I ran a pretty crappy 5K but when I looked at my stats later I realized I ran a solid race that was *almost* a PR! If the course hadn't been hilly or a little short (3.04 instead of 3.1 miles) I might have done it.

I also did a 1.9 mile warm-up to test out the hills.

Total running mileage: 23.59
Total strength training sessions: 0
Total biking mileage: 0

Runners Must Be Crazy

2011-10-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

Craziness Example 1: Running in the rain

Another rainy run on Thursday. Of course, when I decided to go running it was only misting but by the time we got outside it was coming down pretty good. The funny thing about running in the rain, though, is if you have on a hat (and don't wear glasses) you can barely tell it's raining. It's not until you get done and strip off your clothes that you realize how wet you are.

Only one other guy from the lunch time crew was able to go but we're close to the same pace (if I push it a little harder) so neither of us was out there alone. Of course, we weren't the only crazy runners doing our thing in the rain. Nope. We saw quite a few other runners as well as some cyclists.

Look, when you want to get in a workout you can't let Mother Nature deter you too much. In the end, we did almost 4.5 miles even though we originally said we were just going to do 3.

Rainy Lunch Run North by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Craziness Example 2: Signing up for last-minute races while traveling

I'm flying to Washington, DC on Saturday for a conference. We arrive Saturday evening but the conference stuff doesn't start until 11:30 AM on Sunday. The conference center is located across the river from Alexandria, Virgina in National Harbor, Maryland. In my quest to get in a run in as many states as possible I got online to Google running routes in the area.

Which of course meant I stumbled upon a running club website. Which had a list of races in the area.

Hmmm, I thought. I want to run a few miles on Sunday morning. I wonder if there's a race nearby. I think Kim is rubbing off on me :-)

A few clicks later and I landed on the website for the Inaugural Patent and Trademark Office Society 5K taking place less than 15 minutes from my hotel on Sunday morning.

So, I signed up. Hey, why not? Now I'm sure to get in at least one run while I'm there. I'll still need to run in Maryland, though....

Serendipity

2011-10-13T07:38:00.000-05:00

I wasn't able to attend the track workout on Wednesday night because I had to be somewhere else after work. So I brought my running stuff to work with plans to do a solo run along the lakefront at lunch.

Then I was emailing with Kim about our respective weekends when she mentioned she had brought her running stuff to work. Was there any chance I happened to have mine?

Why, yes, yes there was!

This is why we're best friends. Totally on the same wavelength :-)

So we met up for a quick 4 miler out and back along the lake. I hadn't run in almost a week (since last Thursday) and I felt like I was sucking wind the entire time. And when we got done my left hip felt SO tight. If I only I could figure out a way to easily bring my foam roller to work. Maybe I should just order another one and have it shipped directly here.

Anyway, regardless of how the run felt, it was so awesome that Kim and I were able to meet up last minute.

Lunch Run w/Kim by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-10-10T09:54:00.001-05:00

October 3rd - October 9th

Oct 3

Rest day! I actually went to running group to show off my medal and enter the raffle for a pair of Saucony shoes. I guess my good luck from Sunday didn't stick around, though. No free shoes for me.

Oct 4

Another rest day! I mean, my legs felt pretty good but why push it. Plus, I had a running club meeting to attend. We heard a presentation about fueling during endurance events. Basically, drink more water and Gatorade.

Oct 5

Return to the track! However, I just did the warm-up and then ran easy miles while everyone else did 400s and 800s. Kind of lonely to be running around the track by myself, but oh well.

Oct 6

4 miles run at lunch.

I was exhausted when I got home from work but thought maybe a quick strength training workout video would perk me up. So I put in Denise Austin's "Shrink Your Female Fat Zones". 40 minutes of dumbbells and Pilates.

Okay, I know it's been awhile since I lifted weights but this felt HARD. Which makes me sad.

Oct 7

Rest day. My parents, my husband, my brother and I all went out to dinner to celebrate my brother's birthday. Jason and I got home WAY past my bedtime I was so thankful I could sleep in on Saturday morning.

Oct 8

And sleep in I did! But in order not to be too lazy of a slug, I went on a leisurely 20 mile bike ride in the afternoon. The day was just too gorgeous to not do something outside.

About mile 12, though, my bike started making a weird noise. It sounded like something was caught in the wheel so I slowed down to check it out. I didn't see anything but the noise was driving me crazy. As I stood on the side of the path trying to figure out what was going on two cyclists stopped to help. Turns out I did have a leaf stuck in the front brake caliper but it was jammed up there so far it was nearly impossible to see. The hazards of riding in the fall I guess.

Oct 9

Up at 4:00 AM, I think I was up earlier than many of the people actually running the Chicago Marathon! Instead of running I was in charge of the Gatorade stations on the north side of the street near mile 18.

The sun was brutal and although the elites managed to finish before the temperatures rose, I really felt for everyone else. Still, my running club had a lot of PRs and quite a few first-time marathon finishers so it was great to be out there supporting the runners.

By the time we finished cleaning up and headed home around 1:00 PM my legs and feet felt worse than they did after Milwaukee! I scarfed some pizza at our volunteer thank you event and then collapsed into bed around 4:00 PM. Where I proceeded to stay until I had to get up for work this morning. 14 hours of sleep? Don't mind if I do.

Total running mileage: 7.24
Total biking mileage: 20
Total strength training sessions: 1

These Legs

2011-10-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathonphotos are up and there are some really good ones of me, Kim, and the two of us together.

I'm super excited about my finish line photos.

At Chicago I'm not even sure I got a finish line photo, so these more than make up for it.

But you know what I saw when I looked at these photos?

Did I see the smile on my face? Did I see how strong I looked?

No. My eyes immediately gravitated towards my thighs. And my hips.

Since I haven't really been able to strength train I feel flabby and gross. I felt like these pictures were just highlighting that fact.

But yesterday, after a 4 mile run at lunch where I finally felt good again I realized something.

Those thighs and hips, those legs, they carried me for 26.2 miles in a time I never dared to imagine.

Those legs carried me on a 4 mile run along the Chicago lakefront less than week after running that marathon.

Those legs, no matter what they look like, are strong and capable. So, sure, I don't look like the women on the cover of Runners World. That doesn't mean I'm not a strong runner. Sure, I don't look like the celebrities on the cover of the fashion magazines, but that's not the point.

I'm proud of what my legs can do. And that's what's important.

Asleep on the Job

2011-10-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

On Monday my calves were still a little stiff, especially after sitting at my desk at work for too long. The blister/callus thing on my right big toe hurt, which made me walk funny, which made my right hip hurt.

Tuesday I felt better, although my toe still hurt.

Wednesday I went to my last physical therapy session (for now) and went to track. No, I didn't do any speedwork. I did the warm-up drills and then ran a nice, easy 5K around the track.

Post-Marathon Workout by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Apparently it wasn't easy enough, though. I feel worse today than I did on the day after the Milwaukee Marathon!

My legs felt like lead last night during the drills. Galloping and skipping were rough.

And today I could totally fall asleep at my desk.

I brought my stuff for a lunch time run. Maybe that will make me feel better, maybe worse. But there's no way to tell unless I try.

Oh yeah, and I still need to make a decision about Las Vegas. If I'm doing the full marathon I need to figure out a training plan! Any suggestions?

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-10-04T10:43:00.000-05:00

September 26th - October 2nd

Sept 26

5 miles, partly in the rain, entirely in my hometown.

Sept 27

Rest day. Actually, I used a Groupon I'd purchased awhile back and got a massage. I had her work on my legs and they felt lighter than air when she was done.

Sept 28

4.01 miles at the track. First "real" speedwork in awhile and I certainly felt it. But I'm running strong this year so I think the overall track training has gone well.

Sept 29

Rest day. I did a ton of laundry to make sure my stuff was ready for Sunday.

Sept 30

Another rest day. All this free time is fun!

Oct 1

3 miles the night before the marathon. Kim and I ran around her neighborhood just to shake out our legs and so I could try out my new knee brace.

Night Before Marathon w/Kim by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Oct 2

Milwaukee Marathon! Seriously, just go read the report.

Total running mileage: 38.21
Total biking mileage: 0
Total strength training sessions: 0

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon Race Report

2011-10-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

I don't even know where to begin. When I told people in my running club that I was doing Milwaukee I got a lot of "Oh, that race is great!" and "That's one of my favorite races!" comments. Having only ever run one other marathon I had no idea what would constitute a great marathon for me.

I'd heard varying things about the course. It's hilly, it's not so hilly. There are no spectators, spectator support is great. I honestly had no idea what to expect and didn't even look up any other race reports online until Thursday or Friday of last week. The only thing I heard consistently was "Watch out for the downhill at mile 23."

At the last minute (i.e. Saturday evening) I decided I wanted a knee brace for my left knee. I figured I'd rather be safe than sorry and I knew I could always ditch it at an aid station or mile marker and pick it up after the race. Just one of the perks they advertised at this race. Kim and I did a three mile run on Saturday night just to shake out our legs and the knee brace was fine after some adjusting.

So at 4:00 AM on Sunday we got up and met our ride at 5:00. Since this course is a point-to-point race we had to get to the start and have someone pick us up at the finish. Thanks to an offer of a carpool from one of Kim's running club buddies our husbands got to sleep in and meet us during the later miles.

I stepped out of the car at the start and immediately began to wonder if I'd under-dressed. A tank top and shorts felt pretty chilly in the 40^oF morning. Thank goodness for my throw away jacket and gear check! After a quick port-a-potty stop and some last minute race prep I shed my warm-up pants and we walked to the start line.

Much different than Chicago! I could see the actual start line. The race directors had a sense of humor with pace signs that ranged from "Under 2:02" (the world record marathon time is 2:03:38, FYI) to "Same Day" and the atmosphere, while buzzing with energy, felt more laid back. We positioned ourselves just in front of the 5:00 hour pacer since we thought this would keep us from going out too fast and since our goal was just to finish under 5 hours. I did a few stretches and then it was time to run!

I wish I could give you a mile by mile play by play but I can't. Actually, you're probably happy about that. Anyway, I remember ditching my jacket at mile 1. I remember how beautiful the trees looked as we ran through wooded rural areas. I remember that we could see everyone's breath in the morning air. I remember that our husbands texted Kim to say they'd see us just before mile 12.

I remember thinking we might be running too fast so we kept telling ourselves to slow down. Didn't want to waste all my energy early, a mistake I learned from at Chicago.

I remember smiling. I remember thinking about how much fun I was having. My hip didn't hurt. My knee didn't hurt. My shin didn't hurt. I was in awe at how great I felt. We passed the 4:40 pace group around mile 8 and they never caught us again.

We took our scheduled walk breaks every two miles and occasionally stopped at water stations to fill up our fuel belts. I took my shot bloks every two miles and switched to alternating regular ones with caffeinated ones at mile 10. I hammed it up for Jason and Kim's husband Steven when we saw them on the course.

Kim and I talked but I don't remember what we talked about. We checked in with one another every so often and we both seemed to be doing fine. I would say that with the exception of one short steep uphill the rest were so mild as to not be noticeable unless you pushed yourself too hard. There were some downhills, though, but I'm strong on downhills so I barely even noticed.

At some point we left the wooded and rural areas and ended up in more residential neighborhoods or running along slightly more major streets. This part wasn't as pretty but every so often you would catch a glimpse of Lake Michigan behind the houses and I would marvel at how beautiful it looked with the sun sparkling on it.

The majority of the course was shaded so it really was the best of both worlds. A beautiful sunny fall day that was cool and shady enough that I felt great. The spectators were great, too. Not too many that it felt overwhelming, but enough that you got good support. We heard "Go Team Purple!" and "Go Twins!" a lot. People may think wearing matching outfits is cheesy, but I think it's great.

Eventually we came across two of Kim's running club friends who were out cheering for us in the later miles. One of them ran with us for almost a full mile which I think gave Kim a much needed boost and made the mile go by really quickly for me.

We saw our husbands again near mile 22. "How are you doing?" Jason asked. "GREAT!" I replied, grinning like a fool. I really was. Just four more miles, I thought. That's nothing. The downhill at mile 23.5 wasn't even that bad. Not the "quad-killer" I'd been told it was.

Kim was starting to flag, though, and I did my best to tow her along. I kept thinking it was too bad we weren't tied together like the "Jennipede" that was taking place during this race. 64 people tied together trying to break the world record for most people chained together to finish a marathon. They were raising money to support Jenny Crain, an elite runner who was hit by a car and suffered serious brain trauma.

Eventually Kim told me to go ahead. She was running a great pace but my legs wanted to go faster. I felt horrible for leaving her but thought if I was in front and she could still see me that I would be her rabbit. The last two miles were the only time I started to feel a little tired but I think that's because we were running in the full sun. Kim caught me at the last aid station and we walked for a bit together at mile 25. I didn't really need to but I thought it would help her out. I already knew I was going to blow my original goal out of the water and that's all that mattered to me.

Then at mile 25.5 a volunteer was calling out times. Throughout the course the volunteers at the mile markers would tell you what your finish time would be if you kept up that pace. When the volunteer at 25.5 shouted out "4:32!" I thought, "Oh my god. Does that mean I could finish in 4:32? I started almost two miles after the clock started. Could I finish sub-4:30???" And I took off.

I crossed the finish line feeling great.

In fact, I felt amazing. I didn't leave the finish chute right away but instead waited for Kim to finish. When I saw her a minute or so behind me I cheered my heart out and grabbed her in a huge hug when she crossed the mat.

Post-race I didn't even feel that bad. I actually felt worse after Ragnar. I mean, I was tired and my feet were sore but it was nothing compared to Chicago. No tears of exhaustion. No leg pain. No state of delirium. Just pure elation. I wanted to break 5 hours. 4:45 seemed like a good dream goal. To finish in 4:36:58 seemed unreal.

Now I know why so many people said good things about this race. Maybe I'd feel that way about any race if it went as well as it went on Sunday, but perhaps there's a little bit of magic in Milwaukee.

If only that magic would extend to making the huge blister on my right big toe go away we'd really be in business. But, really, if a huge blister and sore calves and hips is all I have to give for a day that will go down as one of the best in my life? I'll gladly pay it.

Milwaukee Lakefront Marthon by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

P.S. You can also read Kim's report here.

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon Results Preview

2011-10-02T17:51:00.000-05:00

4:36:58

That, my friends, is a 38 minute PR.

Will write more later. Need a shower and to collapse on the couch.

Immediate thoughts:

Weather? Perfect.

Running with Kim? A great way to make the miles tick by quickly.

How I feel? I apparently ran this race with my calves. They are KILLING me.

Overall? I am thrilled with my finish time. I smiled the entire race. I never hit a wall. In short, I couldn't be happier.

I think this is somewhere around mile 20 or 22

September Wrap Up

2011-10-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

September ended up being a fun month. Other than my semi-disastrous 22 mile run my running went well and I even managed to do well at two races of vastly different distances.

I accidentally PRed at the Chicago Half Marathon since it appears that my body likes to run that race.

And then I came within 3 seconds of my 5K PR at the Park Ridge 5K.

All of that on the tail end of marathon training, too. Speaking of which, I managed to run 118.83 miles in September. Two months with totals above 100? Pretty impressive for me. My biking mileage was a little lackluster and I only have any at all because I did two long bike rides for a total of 54.83 miles.

And strength training? Non-existent. I'm sort of bummed about that but also sort of not. I'm not going to hit my 100 strength training sessions for the year but I always thought that was kind of a lofty goal.

I'm tossing around the idea of sticking to shorter distances next year and possibly trying a sprint distance triathlon. Which would mean a winter of strength training and swimming with less emphasis on running. I haven't worked anything out for sure yet, but it's a possibility.

But first I have to get through the rest of this year!

Pick Up

2011-09-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

I left work on Wednesday with a killer headache, a nagging worry about my left leg (now my knee has started to act up), and a general sense of malaise. I seriously debated skipping track and just curling up in bed.

But, as always, I changed into my running clothes and went out to meet my friends at the track. I'm telling you, if you want to stick to a routine find a group of people that expect you to be there. A group of people who will wonder where you are if you don't show up. A group that will want to see you so they can tell you "good luck" on your upcoming race.

So, I did my stretches and talked about last weekend's race and did my warm-up and drills and got my adjusted workout from Coach Holly. While everyone else was killing themselves with 800s I got to do 400s.

It's been awhile since I did any kind of speedy intervals like that. Whoa. I was trying to hit 5K pace or just below in order to remind my legs what it's like to run fast. I think they may have gotten some of that on Saturday so I tried to push it a little faster. Not too fast, though.

And, like usual, when it's been awhile since I've done intervals I forgot how to use my Garmin. So I don't have a split time for my first interval but I'm guessing it was around 1:40something. Which felt like death. I went out of the gate too fast and was fading hard by the 200 meter mark. I really enjoyed that 400 meter rest.

The second 400 was slightly easier and I finished that in 1:47. My legs were starting to remember what to do.

The third and fourth 400 felt even better and I hit both of those in 1:50. Not my fastest 400 times ever, but exactly what I was aiming for. Still, I was glad to be done and to move on to my cool-down mile. My knee behaved itself as long as I focused on my form so that's good, too.

As I walked to my car from the track everyone told me "good luck" for Sunday. I left with no more headache and a slight smile on my face. And that's why I convince myself to go even when the bed looks so inviting.

OPRC Track Workout by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

The Art of Running the Rain

2011-09-28T16:45:00.000-05:00

Source

On Monday I was in my hometown to present to a class at my graduate school alma mater. This also meant that I got to run in my hometown as well. Although I wasn't presenting until the afternoon I wanted to spend the morning and early afternoon visiting a friend and her daughter.

So instead of getting up and running I decided to run in the evening after my presentation.

Although the day started off a little overcast I figured I'd be fine in the early evening. There were a few rain sprinkles on my drive from campus but nothing major. I got home, threw on my running clothes, and headed outside. "Do you want me to come get you if it starts pouring?" my mom asked.

I got less than a half a mile from my starting point when the rain really started to come down. I was running up the hill near my parents' house that makes an appearance between mile 6 and 7 of the Illinois Half Marathon. The wind was blowing directly in my face and I was getting soaked.

Now, normally I don't care about running in the rain. But the combination of a hill, the wind, and the fact that I hadn't put my iPhone in a plastic bag were enough to make me turn around and head back. I took a 5 minute break to protect my phone in a baggie before going back outside. My parents thought I was crazy.

"You're going to go back out there?" They asked. "Aren't you cold? Isn't it wet?"

Actually, I felt great in my running skirt and tank top. And believe it or not, as soon as I started running again the rain stopped.

But this time I skipped the hill and the wind. Instead I stuck to the flat bike path that cuts down the center of the road. By the time I finished my 5 mile run most of the moisture in my clothes was from sweat and not from rain.

So my suggestions for running in the rain? Put on a hat, protect your electronics, and go for it. Besides, there were still golfers out on the golf course. Are you going to let the golfers be more hardcore than you?

Stone Creek Running by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-09-27T16:17:00.000-05:00

September 19th - September 25th

Sept 19

5.5 miles

Sept 20

Rest day. I had visions of doing a workout DVD but by the time I got home and spent time with my husband it was too late in the evening.

Sept 21

Wednesday was a rough day for me. Nothing bad happened, I just wasn't feeling perky or energetic. Which totally carried over into my track workout. I did another straights and curves workout with a warm-up and cool-down for a total of 4 miles.

I really wasn't feeling it, though, so it was hard to push myself to go fast on the strides portion of the workout. For some reason I just wanted to run and not worry about pushing myself.

Sept 22

Rest day. Actually, I met up with some OPRC members and we did inventory and took photos of all the leftover OPRC gear we have stored in our storage area. We'll be adding it all to our Google Store on our new website in the near future. Anyone want a ridiculous stocking cap?

Sept 23

Rest day

Sept 24

Park Ridge 5K plus a 1.9 mile warm-up for a total of 5 miles.

I've run a lot of 5Ks, but I think this one was probably my best ever in terms of pacing myself. I look forward to doing this race again next year!

Sept 25

10 miles at the North Branch River Trail just outside Chicago. Kim and I were able to do our last long run together before Milwaukee. We did 10 miles and then went out to breakfast with some OPRC members. Thankfully we finished running before it started pouring!

Total running mileage: 24.5
Total biking mileage: 0
Total strength training: 0

This week seems really light compared to some of my past weeks! First time under 30 miles in quite awhile and no strength training or biking. But, hey, it's a taper week! And I have to say I was surprisingly not crazy. Here's hoping taper madness stays away for the next few days before the Milwaukee Marathon on Sunday.

Park Ridge Charity Classic 5K Race Report

2011-09-27T16:01:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I ran a 5K race. The last one I attempted back in August was a little bit short of a 5K. And with my marathon a week away and not really training for speed this summer I had no intentions of pulling out a fast race last Saturday.

But, I've been told this is a great race. It's only 30 minutes from home, tons of OPRC members were doing it, and the course is an easy out and back on flat roads. Plus, I need the miles if I want to get a CARA participation award. So, at almost the last minute I signed up for the 5K and figured I'd just run for fun.

We arrived early enough to do packet pick-up, use the REAL bathroom, and launch into our warm-up routine.

Then we did an almost two mile warm-up run to scope out the finish line. I've been told it's a good idea to do your warm-up through the finish line if you can so that you know what to expect toward the end of the race.

Park Ridge Warm Up by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

I tried to pick up my speed a little bit toward the end of my warm up but, really, I still had no intentions of coming close to a PR at this race.

Of course, I always say that and then I end up racing all out. This time, though, when the gun went off I hit "Start" on my Garmin (no timing chips at this race) and settled into what I thought was a comfortable yet slightly aggressive pace. Imagine my surprise when I realized I'd done the first mile in just over 8 minutes.

Imagine my surprise when I hit mile 2 in what seemed like record time. I didn't look at my Garmin but the race clock had me still going at a pretty good clip.

Between mile 2 and mile 3 I caught up with a redheaded woman who would speed up every time I got on her heels. She'd slowly slow down and allow me to catch up again and then she'd speed up. A little game of cat and mouse, I guess. It made me laugh.

We kept this up until the 3 mile mark when I told her to go ahead. I wasn't planning on pushing much harder then I already was. Until, of course, Coach Holly yelled at me to run faster. Redheaded woman still beat me but only because I wasn't in the mood to puke up my peanut butter and bagel breakfast.

Still, when I looked at my watch after exiting the finish chute I was amazed to see that I'd come within 3 seconds of beating my 5K PR that I set back in February.

Official Park Ridge Charity Classic 5K time? 24:57. And it didn't even feel that difficult. Imagine if I didn't have a marathon looming over my head and I could have pushed it just a little bit harder. Still, I ran an awesome 5K, finished with a smile, and got a post-run cinnamon roll and rice krispie treat. What could be better?

Park Ridge Charity Classic 5K by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Turn that Frown Upside Down

2011-09-20T11:39:00.000-05:00

I was in a totally BLAH mood yesterday. It was Monday. I was bored. I was tired. I was just generally feeling down. All I really wanted to do was go to bed.

But instead I laced up my sneakers and went to running group. It was one of our sponsored runs so the New Balance rep was there with shoes to try, a raffle, food and freebies. Plus, it was the day after a weekend of marathons where many of our club members had totally awesome races. I wanted to be there to cheer for them.

When I arrived I was happy to see that some of my regular running buddies were also in attendance. Just walking into the store and chatting perked up my mood by a few notches.

And once we were running I was laughing so hard at what one of my friends was saying that my bad mood completely melted away.

I didn't win the free shoes but I did get some kickin' neon pink shoelaces and a fold-flat water bottle. But better than the free schwag was the company and the run. Sometimes that's all I need to pull myself up out of the dumps.

Monday Night OPRC Short Route by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-09-19T13:17:00.000-05:00

September 12th - September 18th

Sept 12

5.5 miles. Not much to say about it other than my legs felt totally dead and my calves took almost 4 miles to work out the knots. I always forget how much a half marathon takes out of me.

Sept 13

Rest day!

Sept 14

5.68 miles on the track. Where I failed to completely follow the workout but had a great run anyway.

Sept 15

4.9 miles at lunch. Another good run, but another fail at following my plan.

Sept 16

Rest day

Sept 17

Rest day. Unless you count mowing our postage stamp sized lawn, doing some weeding, and breaking down a ton of cardboard boxes.

Sept 18

Sixteen miles

Total running mileage: 32.09
Total biking mileage: 0
Total strength training sessions: 0

You may notice an abundance of rest days and a lack of strength training. I'm doing that on purpose. I've read somewhere that you should stop strength training a few weeks out from a marathon. Don't know if that's true, but since strength training still aggravates my left leg I'm taking a break until after Milwaukee. And taking a few more rest days to let myself recover from the harder runs.

Sweet Sixteen

2011-09-19T13:13:00.000-05:00

The last time I tried to run sixteen miles it ended with me in tears. And during the first part of my marathon training this time I totally skipped my sixteen mile run and went straight to eighteen. Fine by me.

But this weekend, when I originally thought I'd be doing 18 miles, I realized that if I'm supposed to be tapering then I probably already run a few too many miles during the week. So instead of doing 18 miles I figured I'd just try that whole 16 thing again. Plus, this way Kim could do the entire thing with me instead of having to ride her bike next to me for two measly miles.

I debated where I wanted to run but, in the end, it was back to the good old Des Plaines River Trail. Seems like most of my marathon training long runs have been on that puppy this year. Different parts of it, but at this point I think I've almost run the entire thing.

Anyway, we met up at the Half Day Forest Preserve which is about 40 minutes from my house (if you ignore the speed limit *cough*) at 7:30 AM on Sunday. The weather was drizzling and cool. Quite a few of my OPRC friends were running the Fox Valley Marathon or 20 miler so I hoped they were enjoying the decent running weather.

Kim and I tried out our race day outfits just to make sure they didn't chafe, bunch, or ride up. Success on all front!

Except for the minor chafing I get from my fuel belt. Someone remind me to lube up underneath that thing on marathon day!

Anyway, the first few miles felt rough. I'd woken up on Saturday with an incredibly sore left hip. After a day of ibuprofen, rest, foam rolling, ice, and some quality time laying on a tennis ball (you know, when the foam roller isn't punishment enough) it felt better but not 100%. Thankfully, it didn't really bother me while running. I just felt tired. I worried about what I'd feel like on marathon day. But around mile 5 I seemed to perk up. And then I think it was mile 8 or 10 when I took some of the Shot Bloks with caffeine. Then I REALLY perked up. Those things feel like cheating. I was chipper and felt strong for the rest of the run. I could have easily gone further. I was actually surprised when my watch beeped at mile 16. Done already?

I think that's a good sign.

Sixteen with Kim by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Recovery Run Fail

2011-09-16T11:22:00.000-05:00

If I learned anything about myself during the Madison to Chicago Ragnar Relay it was that my legs don't mind pumping out some fast miles when they're tired. Already did a fast, hard run less than 24 hours ago? That's okay. You can do another one.

So on Thursday I did. What was supposed to be a lunch time recovery run turned into another tempo run. I didn't do it on purpose! It's just that I was running with guys from work and they tend to be faster than me. Although, I think I was pulling one of them along at the end while our fastest guy forged on ahead.

It was a great day for running. I wore capris and a short sleeved top and was actually too warm. I totally could have gone for shorts and a tank top. It may have been in the mid 50s but the sun was out. And, yes, there was a breeze. More like a wind. At first I thought the fact that the wind was at our backs for the first 2.5 miles was responsible for my speed but I managed to crank out comparable miles on the way back even with the wind right in my face.

My knees were a little achy but everything else seemed fine. I was pushing myself but my legs didn't feel like they were burning and I didn't feel like I was gasping for air. Strange considering I just did speedwork the night before, right? You'd think my legs would be tired. Apparently that was just a warm up for them.

In the end, we did 4.9 miles at an 8:30 pace (with a few pauses for traffic and water). If I could recreate how I felt on Thursday at the 10Ks I'm doing after Milwaukee I will have a new 10K PR in the bag. Maybe I just need to do some speedwork the day before?

Lunch Run South by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Math Fail

2011-09-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

I've never been great at math. I graduated high school with a perfect GPA by the mere virtue of the fact that my high school didn't use the plus or minus system. Meaning a score of 90 was the same as a score of 100. So while I had a 4.0 GPA in math it wasn't without a lot of toil, tears, and our GPA system. And the fact that my freshman year geometry final exam didn't count toward my final grade. I didn't study and got a D. Lowest grade of my entire life.

In college the only final grade I ever got that was lower than a regular A was in my pre-calculus class first semester freshman year. I got an A-. So, I'm definitely not BAD at math. I'm just not great. Math skills don't come intuitively to me like so many other subjects.

But, counting usually comes easily. I mean, you learn that even before you're in school. At least you do when you watch a lot of Sesame Street, which I did.

Somehow, though, my counting skills abandoned me on the track last night. After our usual stretches we did a 12 minute warm-up. That was easy; just watch the time on my Garmin. 1.29 miles later I was all ready for the workout. And what was my workout? 5x1200 meters with 200 meter rest intervals. 1200 meters is three laps around the track, by the way.

I started and quickly found myself alone. Faster than the back of the pack, slower than the front. Fine by me. Let's me zone out. And zone out I did. I was supposed to be running between 10K and 10 mile pace. Since my 10 mile PR pace is faster than my 10K PR pace I figured I'd aim for between 8:30s and 8:40s. Yet I kept seeing 8:0X on my Garmin. Hmmm. Time to slow down.

But I was in a zone. I managed the first 1200 with little incident except for running an 8:03 pace. I walk/jogged my 200 rest interval and took off on the next 1200. I did my three laps at an 8:20 pace (better) and was feeling fine. The night was cool enough to necessitate capris and a short sleeved shirt and the humidity was low. Perfect running weather.

Which may be why the next laps got all screwed up. As I went past Coach Holly I yelled out, "I've lost count!" I had no idea what lap I was on out of 1200 and only a vague idea of what set out of 5 I was doing. So when my watch beeped a mile I realized I'd run 1600 instead of 1200. At an 8:33 pace. I guess I got one part right!

I did my 200 meter walk/jog and chatted with Coach. "I *think* that was my third set," I said.

"Do you feel tired?" She asked.

"No, not really."

"Then keep going."

So I finished my 200 and took off again determined to get it right this time. Cue the epic fail. I tried to keep count on my fingers but somehow thought I was on lap three when I was really on lap two. So I did 800 (at an 8:10 pace) instead of 1200 before I slowed to a walk. I realized I'd screwed up when I saw my lap time. 1200 in 4:11? I don't think so. I suppose I could have kept going but I figured I'd run longer on the previous set so I could make this one shorter.

Sigh.

After finally figuring out I was on set 5 I made sure to do 3 laps. At an 8:12 pace. Argh! Too fast! Why was I having such a hard time with this workout?

I guess that's what happens when I get in a zone. My legs just want to go and my brain doesn't want to think. Who cares about math and counting and pace when you're in your happy running place.

OPRC Track Workout by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-09-12T15:01:00.000-05:00

September 5th - September 11th

Sept 5th

10 miles

Sept 6th

Rest day! Actually, it was our first "regular" running club meeting of the 2011-2012 year. Per tradition, we had the race director from the Chicago Marathon come speak to us. We also encouraged people to wear their favorite or oldest Chicago Marathon gear.

Can you find me in that photo?

We had shirts going all the way back to 1978, before it was even known as THE Chicago Marathon.

As always, a great meeting and I always learn a little something new about the marathon. This year I learned that the reason they run the course in the direction they do is so that they can get the busier streets north of downtown reopened sooner.

Sept 7th

4 miles of straights and curves.

Sept 8th

Rest day!

Sept 9th

I ran from my office to pick up my race packet for the Chicago Half Marathon and back for a total of 4 miles. Yes, there was a break in the middle but I still got some mileage in!

Sept 10th

Kim wanted to get in 22 miles but I didn't want to run the day before my half marathon. So what did I do? Well, I couldn't let her run 22 all by her lonesome. Especially not after how much of a help she was to me the week before. So, I hopped on my bike and pedal next to her the entire way.

Kim & Erin (on bike) 9/10/11 at Garmin Connect - Details

Just like me, Kim struggled toward the end of her run but I tried my best to distract her by talking about random stuff and telling silly stories. And then rubbing her back and force feeding her crackers when she felt nauseous after she got done. Hey, what are friends for?

Sept 11th

Chicago Half Marathon!

While I'm proud of my finishing time I'm a little mad at myself for running so fast so close to my marathon. My left quad is still sore and has a huge knot in it. When I woke up from my nap on Sunday afternoon my left shin hurt again like it did back in February. Some ice, rest, and ibuprofen seem to be helping but I know I was being stupid and reckless. Hopefully it doesn't come back to haunt me.

Total running mileage: 31.23
Total biking mileage: 22
Total strength training sessions: 0

I guess technically I'm sort of starting to taper for my marathon. I've got one more long (more than 10 mile) run coming up this weekend but then after that it's all on the downswing.

Chicago Half Marathon Race Report

2011-09-12T14:51:00.000-05:00

Been awhile since I ran a half marathon. In fact, the last one I ran was in May and it was rough. But I'd signed up for the Chicago Half Marathon months and months ago. Even with the logistical nightmare that is getting to and from this race it has a special place in my heart as being the race where I knocked almost 9 minutes off my half marathon time last year.

Just like last year I went into this race with zero expectations. It's a training run, I kept telling myself. No need to blow it out of the water. In fact, I'd even considered not running with my Garmin! GASP!

But after we arrived at the race and met up with some of the OPRC group I sort of got suckered into being a pacer for another guy who wanted to run just under 2 hours. Still, I put on my headphones and a smile and said we'd start out together and see what happened.

We were so busy looking for a place to do a warm-up mile (never found one) and finding our corral that I never heard the 9/11 tribute speeches, never saw the NYFD truck that was at Ground Zero, and only barely heard the National Anthem. The runners were encouraged to wear red, white and blue and, to that effect, I saw some unique running outfits. Who knew they made running shorts with American flags all over them? I guess I'm lucky that our running club tops are red already!

This year we were preassigned to corrals although I don't recall telling them what my expected finish time would be. It must have been better organize than last year, though, because it only took us about 4 minutes to cross the start line and the crowds during the first mile were a little better. There was still a lot of dodging and that first mile was done in 9:22. I guess there's my warm-up!

The first few miles are kind of irritating because you have to make a lot of 90 degree turns. Once you get out onto Lakeshore Drive, though, it's pretty much a straight out and back. I decided not to wear my fuel belt and just use the aid stations. I almost regretted this decision after I skipped the first water stop and realized it was a lot more humid and sunny than I had anticipated. But, I grabbed water at the next station and was still able to keep up my pacer duties. We were running 8:40s which I worried might be too fast. I felt okay, though, so I just went with it.

I lost my pacee when I stopped at the next aid station around mile six for water and to take my first pair of Shot Bloks. He kept going and I walked for the length of the aid station. I honestly had no idea what mile I was at until I came upon the 10K sign at the end of the table. Ooookay, then.

From that point on I walked a bit at every aid station and alternated between drinking a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade. The turn around at mile 8 wasn't too bad (it's up and down a highway overpass) and at the 15K mark (9.5 miles?) I took another pair of Shot Bloks, this time ones with caffeine.

I was starting to flag at this point but I think the caffeine kicked my rear in gear. My left quad was starting to ache so I kept telling myself "This isn't your goal race. It's okay to slow down". And then I'd look at my Garmin and realize I was still running 8:30s. Even with the walk breaks I only had one other mile time (other than the first) that started with a 9. I tried to change my form a bit so that I was running more with my glutes and hamstrings as opposed to my quads. It made me go faster. Strange.

I distracted myself by looking at the form of the runners in front of me. I'm always amazed when the people in front of me look to have really inefficient running form. Actually, though, I was definitely passing people at this point. Quite a few, to be honest. At mile 11 I realized that even if I ran 10 minute miles for the last 2.1 I'd still most likely PR. Oops!

But once I realized that I couldn't shake the idea of getting a new personal best time. I caught back up with my former pacee and tried to encourage him to keep up with me. He couldn't so I went on ahead. My legs were tired, my quad ached, my shoulders were sore and I was thankfully for the last aid station near mile 12. Then the countdown signs started.

3/4 of a mile left! Just three times around the track, I thought.

1/2 mile left! Just twice around the track.

Then we rounded the last curve and crested the last small rise and there was the finish line. I crossed with arms pumping secure in the knowledge that I'd at least tied my previous half marathon best.

I got my medal and snacks (Rice Krispie treats, oh yeah!) and the best post-race swag ever: a pre-moistened individually wrapped washcloth. Perfect for wiping off the sweat.

When I finally exited the finisher's area I ran into part of the OPRC group. "How'd you do" chatter and guesses began until I realized I could just use my iPhone to scan the QR codes on our bibs....and that they took us directly to our own individual race results! Technology is amazing!

And what was my final result?

1:56:41

I managed a PR by 52 seconds, something I'd never set out to do.

I guess I'd better stop telling myself I run this race as a training run. My legs always have other ideas.

Chicago Half Marathon by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Two Birds, One Stone

2011-09-09T18:22:00.000-05:00

Sunday is the Chicago Half Marathon. Also known as the most inconvenient half marathon for most of the people who run it. It's definitely geared towards tourists moreso than the majority of people who actually live in and around the city. Why?

Well, the start line is not on any city public transportation. They have to arrange for special regional trains. If you drive to the start line you either pay $14 to park and walk a mile there and back or find street parking and walk even further. And risk dealing with Chicago Bears traffic on the way home. Packet pick-up is also not on a public transit line and it's $10 to park there. However, packet pick-up is two miles from my office. And I needed to get in another run this week.

So guess what I did? I strapped on one of those drawstring backpacks everyone seems to be giving away and after work I ran from my office to the Festival Hall at Navy Pier to pick up my packet. I was pretty sweaty when I got there but was able to get my stuff with little fanfare. I even ran into Coach Holly and Helen as I was leaving.

I didn't tie the bag right across my chest on the way back so it bounced more and made my shoulders ache but for two miles it didn't really matter. I got in my run and picked up my packet. I guess that's what they call running an errand!

Half Marathon Packet Pick Up by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

And when I got home I discovered my new running shoes had arrived!

New shoes always make me realize just how beat up my old shoes are. I guess that's what over 350 miles will do to a pair of shoes.

Straights and Curves

2011-09-08T15:06:00.000-05:00

Image Source

The workout that we do at the beginning of each training "cycle" this summer is called "straights and curves". As I understand it, we do this to get our bodies used to running fast without jumping into the super speedy stuff too quickly.

A track is basically two parallel straight lines connected by shallow C shapes at each end.

When we do straights and curves workouts we do drills on one straight side and then strides on the other straight side. I explained strides last week and the drills consist of doing alternating laps of forward drills (high knees/butt kicks or skipping) and lateral drills (side gallops, karaoke). And then you jog (or walk) super easy on the curved parts. Last night we did 8 laps total.

Sound complicated? It's not, really. And it makes the workout go by quickly. Last night I ended up doing a total of four miles. One mile warm-up, 8 laps of straights and curves, and then a one mile cool-down. Holly also mentioned that I looked a lot better than last week. I'm telling you, it's the cool weather.

I foam-rolled both before and after running because my right IT band started feeling a little funky after my run on Monday. Not pain, per se, but just off. I've also been stretching and icing so that I can hopefully nip whatever this is in the bud. It didn't bother me while running, though, so that's a good sign. I need to stay on the straight and narrow and not get thrown any curve balls.

OPRC Track Workout by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

What a Difference a Day Makes

2011-09-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Well, technically it was a few days, but after the horrible mini heat wave that hit us on Thursday, Friday and Saturday the temperatures cooled down significantly. When I left my house late Monday morning for a run I wore a short-sleeved shirt and was actually cold standing in the shade waiting to cross the street!

Since I had the day off work I was able to get in a longer-than-usual weekday run. My original plan was to run 8 miles. Then I figured I'd do 8.5. Or maybe 9 miles. In the end I did 10. And it was wonderful.

When my Garmin beeped at mile 1 I was a little shocked to see I'd done it in 8:27! Oops. Better slow down. So I did. A bit. It was just one of those runs when your legs are moving independently and you feel like you're flying.

I thought that was a little odd considering my 30+ mile bike ride the day before but perhaps my body was just reveling in the cooler temps. Sure, there was a stiff breeze that seemed to be in my face no matter what direction I ran but I didn't care. A cool wind is better than stifling humidity.

So I ran and ran. My legs churned, my music blared, and I remembered how much I love running.

Solo Monday Long Run by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

August 29th - September 4th

Aug 29

The long Monday night route, which is supposed to be 8 miles, somehow always ends up being closer to 7.8 for me instead. Strange.

Aug 30

I haven't been feeling the strength training lately. I think it's partly because my left leg is still acting a little wonky from time to time and I'm tired from running high mileage (for me). But Tuesday night when I got home from work Jason was heading down to the basement to do a workout so I decided to join him.

NROLW seemed too high speed so I settled for this Self magazine workout. I kept the weights light for the most part so that I wouldn't aggravate anything. Also because I've been slacking.

Aug 31

5 total sweaty miles on the track.

Sept 1

Rest day!

Sept 2

22 miles with Kim. The hardest run so far this year, I do believe. Oof.

Sept 3

Rest day! I actually felt pretty good, though, considering my long run of the day before.

Sept 4

Last week a coworker who lives in the western suburbs of Chicago like me told me about the Salt Creek Greenway. I've ridden the Salt Creek bike path that starts about 4 miles from my house but had no idea that this trail connected up with several other trails in the area to form a 26 mile long route that ends in a large forest preserve northwest of where I live. I found the idea intriguing so I downloaded a map and made it my goal to ride the entire thing. Sunday turned out to be the perfect day for it.

I instructed Jason to pick me up at the end and I packed my bike jersey with Clif Energy Shot gels and a granola bar, filled up my water bottle, and set out on my bike.

The ride went very smoothly and except for a few spots the trail was clearly marked. I wasn't going very fast and a few times I had to stop and check my map but I enjoyed every second of it. Including riding from my house to the trail head and then from the official end of the trail to where Jason was waiting in the car I rode a total of 32.83 miles!

I had some Garmin issues, though, so what the Garmin recorded is a little short and the ride may actually have been a bit longer than the recorded amount. Maybe closer to 33.5? Either way, it's still the longest I've ever ridden on my bike. I can't wait to do it again and maybe one day soon ride there AND back! And remember to take pictures. I was enjoying myself so much that I completely forgot.

Salt Creek Greenway Route by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

The only downside is that there are a few major street crossings where you have to wait for traffic.

Total running mileage: 34.79
Total biking mileage: 32.83
Total strength workouts: 1

Hazards of Summer Running

2011-09-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of things that are less than perfect about running in the summer. The crazy tan lines are just one of them.

But the other, bigger issue is the heat. After dealing with a record breaking heatwave throughout most of July we thought we were in the clear. But the summer heat reared its head once again at the end of last week. And of course it decided to show up on the day I'd planned to run 22 miles.

Still, I really wanted to run with Kim and we figured we'd survived the brutality that was the heat of last year's Chicago Marathon. What's a little bit of running when it's 90 degrees outside?

I forgot how miserable it is to run long distances in that kind of heat. I was in denial.

Kim and I met at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve at 7:15 AM on Friday. I'd taken the day off work so that I could run with her and get my long run out of the way and enjoy my long holiday weekend (yay for Labor Day!). Although Waterfall Glen is hilly, the crushed limestone path is a nice mixture of sun and shade.

We started out and the sun was still hidden by the overcast sky. The air temps were warm but not unbearable. We did one loop of the 9.5 mile trail, stopped at the car for some water, and the did a little bit more for a total of just over 12 miles. That's when Kim switched to her bike to help me finish out the last 10 miles.

I managed another three miles before my body and my willpower started to crack. By this point the sun had burned off the clouds and the temperature was rising. Although I'd been good about sticking to my run 2 miles-walk a minute strategy I had to walk a little bit extra at mile 15. And then I just kept walking more and more. I walked up the hills. I walked every half mile. Then every quarter.

When we finally made it to the water pump at my mile 19 Kim gave me a pep talk. I made a plan to run .9 and walk .1 of every mile. And walk the hills. That lasted less than a mile.

Then I started crying. And having trouble breathing. I think I freaked Kim out a little bit. It reminded me both of how I felt at the Chicago Marathon and when I did my sixteen miler last year. I underestimated just how much of an impact the heat has on me.

Kim hopped off her bike just before mile 21 and began running and pushing her bike. I couldn't even keep up with her! Still, she encouraged me to finish that last mile. I didn't really have a choice considering I still needed to get back to the car somehow!

Finally I hit 22 miles! All I wanted to do was collapse onto the grass. But, no, Kim made me keep walking while she got me some Gatorade and cold packs and a granola bar. I managed to stay upright long enough to swap my running shoes for my flip flops and then we went on a quest to find a creek in which to take a makeshift ice bath.

We stood in the creek for about 20 minutes before leaving for a late lunch.

This run was hard. Definitely the hardest one I've had so far this year. I think it was a combination of temperature, not enough rest between runs that week, and thinking about it too much.

Still, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't a total loss! According to the McMillan Running Calculator I should be doing my long runs between a 10:30 and 11:30 pace. Even with all the walking (but subtracting the stops to refill my water bottles), I managed an 11:20 pace. That's still faster than my pace at the Chicago Marathon, too!

If anything, I learned that I'm a stronger runner than I think. And that having your best friend there as emotional support is key. I would have finished this run if I'd been by myself, but it would have been the toughest thing I've done in awhile. I'm much happier Kim was there!

22 Miles with Kim at Waterfall Glen by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

August Wrap Up

2011-09-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

August was kind of a surprise month. I originally only had two races on the calendar but ended up racing every weekend!

August 6th - Just Book It! 5K
August 13th - River Run for Ryan "5K"
August 21st - Danskin Triathlon Relay
August 27th - DeKalb Corn Classic 10K

At least one of those was a bike race!

Other surprises for August?

*Totally skipping over doing a 16 mile run and doing 18 miles instead.

*Running every weekend with Kim.

*Having another awesome 20 miler.

*Running a total of 153.95 miles!

Holy carp, you guys! Almost 154 miles! That's almost double what I ran in July! And it's definitely the most I've ever run in one month. I'm pretty amazed with myself.

I give a lot of credit to Kim, though. Without her I probably wouldn't have run some of those longer weekend runs. We really do make a good team.

Multicolored

2011-09-01T11:38:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder why most running shorts and pants are black or at least dark colored? Most of mine are black. I have a few exceptions, most notably my two pairs of pink shorts. I always wondered why exercise shorts trended towards dark colors. Until last night. Basically, this is what I saw when I got home:

Yeah. That's kind of gross. I guess black shorts hide the sweat absorption a little better.

Anyway, last night's workout was a little tough. It's been awhile since we've done our usual drills and it's definitely been awhile since we did strides. As in, on the straight part of the track you pick up speed until you're running all out as fast as you can for about 20 meters.

First we did a two mile warm-up, though. It took a mile for my calves to loosen up but even then my legs still felt like cement. I blame the weight lifting I did on Tuesday night. Or maybe I just didn't eat enough during the day. Or maybe it's that it was so freaking humid outside. Who knows.

What I do know is that when it came time to do my first set of strides Coach Holly was standing at the spot where we should be running all out shouting "You can go faster!" So, I went faster. And then she laughed at me. "You have so much more speed in you, girl." I think we agreed I might be the fastest person on the track....for 20 meters. Too bad that's not a standard race distance.

At one point, though, I hit that 20 meter mark and something just clicked. I felt like I was flying. "Holy crap," I said under my breath. Unfortunately I wasn't able to repeat it. Reminds me of the time I was taking singing lessons and I was able to really let go and a beautiful sound came out of my mouth. I'm still trying to recapture that feeling.

What I don't want to recapture is the look of two-toned shorts after a sweaty workout. I think I'll be sticking to my black shorts on humid days from here on out.

Revenge of the Roller

2011-08-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

At my Monday morning PT appointment for my hip my PT spent a good five minutes "massaging" my left quadricep. Digging in and making me wish I knew Lamaze breathing is probably a better description of what was going on, though.

"Have you been foam rolling?" she asked. I shamefully had to tell her no. My little baby blue foam roller has two huge dents in it from all the IT band foam rolling I've done over the past year. It just doesn't cut it anymore. So Kim made me the photo above to encourage me to buy a new, firmer, black foam roller. Insert inappropriate joke here.

Anyway! I promised my PT that I would foam roll after my run on Monday night. During the run my calves felt so tight I though they would snap and my quad ached the whole time. I guess that's what I get for running 30 miles in three days.

Thankfully my calves loosened up and in spite of the quad ache the run felt pretty good. I ran the last almost-4 miles with a new gal I hadn't run with before so it was nice to have some small talk (what do you do, where do you live, how long have you been running) to keep us occupied. The first part of the run went well, too, as I learned about the tradition of charging non-temple members to attend Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana services. See, running is educational!

And, yes, I foam rolled when I got home even though my foam roller is done. My quads were still screaming at me, though, so it's got enough oomph for that. Plus, I laid on a tennis ball to really get at the most painful parts of my hip.

And I'm planning to rest tonight. I'm looking forward to it.

Monday Night OPRC Long Route by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-08-29T16:35:00.000-05:00

August 22 - August 28

Aug 22
8.68 miles. One of those runs when I was happy to be done.

Aug 23

Rest day. I had a running club board meeting, though, so we talked events and websites and Chicago Marathon water station volunteering. Speaking of which, if you're interested in volunteering at a Chicago Marathon aid station, let me know. I'm one of two people in charge of Gatorade at mile 18!

Aug 24

4.8 miles with some speedwork intervals thrown in there. Plus the usual bike ride to and from track for a total of 5.6 miles.

Aug 25

I managed to get in a nice, easy 4 mile run during lunch. I originally wanted to go 5 miles but we called it a day at 4. You'd think my legs would have been toast after doing intervals the night before but they actually felt nice and loose. Strange.

Lunch Run North by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

I had grand plans to come home from work, make dinner, run to the gym to get in that extra mile, lift some weights, and then have Jason meet me to go get ice cream. Yeah. I made dinner and then we went and got ice cream and walked around downtown Oak Park. No gym but a very pleasant evening anyway.

Aug 26

Rest day! Ate pasta for dinner and went to bed early in anticipation of...

Aug 27

The DeKalb Corn Classic 10K! Turns out I got in that extra mile from Thursday doing an extra mile during my warm-up on Saturday.

Aug 28

14.5 miles on foot and 5.5 on my bike.

After our run and after our dip in the lake and after stuffing our faces Kim helped me change the header on my blog. Now I've got a new photo up there! Check it out. She took that during our 18 miler in Iowa a few weeks ago.

Total running mileage: 40.43
Total biking mileage: 11.1
Total strength workouts: 0

Another running-heavy week. But considering I'm training for a running-heavy event I think that's okay. I may not hit my 100 strength workouts for the year but I'm strangely at peace with it.

In Reverse

2011-08-29T16:31:00.000-05:00

This past weekend it was Kim's turn to run 20 miles. Of course I joined her since I needed to do my long run as well. Just because I ran a 10K the day before doesn't excuse me from my marathon training!

Kim and I have also been really lucky this year to be able to do so many of our long runs together. Good thing, too, since we're planning on running the Milwaukee Marathon together. Of course, at the marathon we'll be both be running the whole thing. No one will be hopping on their bike at any point.

Oh, you may notice in these photos that we're wearing matching tops. We didn't plan that. I showed up at her house on Sunday morning and when she opened the door I realized we were dressed identically. I love it when that happens.

Anyway, we drove over to Independence Grove which is this beautiful park where you can get on the Des Plaines River Trail. We met up with Bobbi who was finishing up her 20 mile run and kept her going for her last four miles. Then we were off to do what was supposed to just be another seven miles for me.

But Kim talked me into doing a total of 14.5 instead of 12. Why? Well, partly because we had to go further to get water than we had originally thought and partly because we figured out on Saturday that if I ran 14.5 I would have 40 miles for the week. I don't think I ever hit 40 miles last year. The allure of having a 4 in front of my mileage for the week was strong.

Doesn't mean I felt strong during that entire 14.5. Oh no. I felt like death for the last 2 miles. Kim was awesome, though, and kept me going.

And then I switched to my bike and encountered another first: first time falling off my bike. Luckily I fell over because I was going too slow and I fell into the grass. An abrasion on my left shin and exacerbating an already bruised toenail were the only damage. Well, and my pride.

Kim finished her last 5.5 miles strong! I don't think I was much help since I was still pretty out of it. I'd neglected to bring enough Shot Bloks and since I originally figured I was only going to run 12 miles I didn't take it all that seriously. Oops. Still, we finished!

The lovely thing about Independence Grove is that in addition to all the trails there's also a small beach on the lake. We went over there after our run to cool off in the water. Natural ice bath!

Okay, it wasn't THAT cold. Well, maybe a little bit. The sun that we wanted to go away while we were running waited until we were in the water to hide behind the clouds. Thanks, sun. Thanks a lot.

Regardless of my struggles it was a fun time and I'm happy Kim had such a good 20 miler. Now I'm really starting to look forward to the marathon!

Long Run with Kim by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

DeKalb Corn Classic 10K

2011-08-29T15:19:00.000-05:00

On Saturday I was up bright and early (well, technically just early since it was still dark outside) to join the running club for a 10K in a town about an hour west of Chicago. I hadn't run a 10K since last year's Turkey Trot so I honestly had no idea what kind of 10K shape I was in.

So instead of having a time goal I decided I'd just try to run negative splits. That strategy seems to be working this year.

Also, sadly, my personal race photographer (aka Jason) was indisposed with his own event (and no desire to get up at 4:45 AM) so I don't have any photos!

I know, I know.

Anyway, I did my warm-up with John and we talked race strategy. This first two miles of this race include going up and down a freeway overpass and the last quarter mile of the race is up a slight hill. I only meant to do a one mile warm-up but ended up doing approximately 2.25 miles. Oops.

After working up quite a sweat just from the warm-up I waited for the 3K race to start and then positioned myself near the middle of the pack for the 10K. Off we went at a little before 8:00 AM. The first two miles felt great and I was passing all kinds of people even with the ups and downs of the freeway overpass. I just told myself to slow down and not kill myself on the hill.

Mile three felt good, too. My splits were nice and even and hovering around 8:50 minutes per mile. Pretty good, I thought. After getting off the country road and residential streets we went into some wooded parks and I enjoyed the shade and the scenery. We had to run across some grass at one point but even that felt okay. Nice and springy.

Mile four must have been all downhill, though. I grabbed a cup of water at the aid station just past the mile marker and slowed down to drink a bit. I passed Maribeth in here at some point and was able to cheerily ask her how we were doing. Mile 4 was definitely negative split territory coming in at 8:34. That might have been a tad too fast....

....Because mile 5 felt like death and mile 6 felt even worse. I think this is where the rolling hills began, too. I started to crash during mile 5 and even when I was just .2 from the finish and Holly and Helen were yelling at me to sprint it in I couldn't find any more strength. I managed a sprint for about a tenth of a mile before my stomach informed me that I had to slow down unless I wanted a return visit of the bagel with peanut butter or the Clif bar I ate before the race.

So I crossed the finish line with an official time of 54:51. My third fastest 10K time ever and good enough for 10th place in my age group.

I have high hopes that when it's cooler and flatter I'll easily beat my 10K PR and maybe even break 54 minutes. In the meantime, I'll enjoy going to races with my club friends, seeing them get medals, and enjoying breakfast together afterward.

Dekalb Corn Classic 10K by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Four by Four

2011-08-25T14:33:00.001-05:00

Last night was supposed to be a "straights and curves" workout on the track. What does that mean? Basically it means you go fast on the straight parts of the track and you jog easy on the curved parts of the track.

Unfortunately the track is still closed.

Well, technically it's open but since the university is back in session they were using it for a soccer game (or maybe practice?) last night so it wasn't open to the public.

So Coach Holly had to improvise. It had been awhile since we'd done any intervals or anything truly speedy so she started us out easy. Two mile warm-up with drills followed by four (or six) 400s. The sidewalks that form the boundary of the university are almost a quarter mile on each side so it's easy to do 400s on them.

My goal was to do them at between a 7:30 and an 8:00 minute pace since my legs weren't used to short bursts of speed. Granted, I did run the River Run for Ryan at an 8:11 pace, but still.

The warm up felt good and I was able to pick up a little speed at the end. The 400s felt tough. I wasn't sure how fast to go because I couldn't really see the "finish line" of each quarter mile. Still, I managed to hit my goal pretty consistently:

1st 400 - 7:37 pace
2nd 400 - 7:58 pace
3rd 400 - 7:53 pace
4th 400 - 7:29 pace

Okay, maybe not that consistent.

Anyway, I decided to only do four instead of six 400s since my legs have been feeling pretty beat up recently.

Instead of doing a fourth lap with speed intervals I just did a cool down mile for a total of 4.8 miles for the evening.

And then I rode my bike home (oh, did I forget to mention I rode my bike to the track) where I promptly forgot to stop my Garmin. Meaning I apparently had the most epically slow 3 mile bike ride ever. Not that I can show you, though, because my Garmin decided it didn't want to upload my run or bike data to my computer. Stupid technology.

Lead Legs

2011-08-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

Last night I felt like I was running wearing a full suit of armor.

Gee, I wonder why.

My legs felt so heavy and the first few miles of my run I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it the entire way.

This would have been a problem considering I ran to the running club meeting spot with plans to run the 5.5 mile route and then run home for a total of 8.5 miles.

I got a late start from my house, though, and ended up having to book it for the last half a mile in order to make it on time. I was really sweaty (and tired) by the time we started our group run.

It was deceptively warm outside. The air temps were only in the 70s but the humidity must have been high. I was drenched with sweat and feeling really out of it even though we were only averaging a 9:30 pace.

Thankfully I was able to finish the group run. I'd pretty much drained the handheld water bottle I'd brought, though. And I probably could have used a Clif Shot Blok or two. I guess I didn't eat enough at lunch. Too many cookies and not enough real food, I suppose. Damn those cookies our boss baked and put in the kitchenette!

At the finish of the group run there were two women from a local massage place giving free 5 minute stretching and massage sessions. It was glorious to have someone help me stretch out my hip flexors in such a way that I can't do on my own. And the rest break gave me the energy to run home. I had company for most of the way home, too. Big thanks to speedsters Helen and Steve for slowing down enough for me to hang with them for awhile.

It was dark by the time I got home (at 8:15) which makes me sad. Summer and the subsequent lighter evenings that come with it are definitely on the way out. I won't miss the heat and humidity for running but I will miss the daylight. Guess it's time to break out the blinking lights and reflective bits!

Monday Night OPRC w/run to and from by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Weekly Workout Wround Up

2011-08-22T14:21:00.001-05:00

August 15 - August 21

Aug 15

The long Monday night route is supposed to be 8 miles but for some reason my Garmin only measured it as 7.81 miles. Hmmm.

Also, I wore my black SkirtSports running skirt and got major chaffage on my right inner thigh. Guess that will teach me to get cocky about the Body Glide.

Aug 16

3.95 miles during lunch.

After work I was so tired it was ridiculous. Since I wasn't feeling up to a full-on strength workout a la NROLW, I went with a workout I saw linked on another blog awhile back:

Yoga and Kettlebells. Of course, I don't actually own kettlebells, so I had to use dumbbells

The workout left me sweaty and my legs a little shaky. It seemed too easy, though. I used 8 pound weights. I could have easily used 10 if I'd had them.

Although, to be honest, I was pretty sore later the next day and even some on Thursday. So maybe it's a good thing I only used 8 pounds?

Aug 17

5.42 miles in circles (or, really, squares) with a total of 5.75 miles on the bike to get me to and from the track.

Aug 18

Rest day!!

Aug 19

I rode the ~10 miles to work again. I'm still trying to figure out what to wear when I ride my bike. This morning I left the house in a short-sleeved shirt and capris and felt cold. But then I warmed up after awhile. I guess it's sort of like running? If you ride a bike, what do you like to wear?

Aug 20

20 mile run! It went great. My only concerns are that with our gas station water break and my bathroom stop my total time was close to 4 hours. Fingers crossed that I can hit mile 20 during the actual marathon in closer to 3:45 or 3:50.

Also, I hope that there aren't crazy mosquitoes on race day. Oh my god. I have so many mosquito bites it looks like I have chicken pox. On my butt. And that was WITH bug spray.

Aug 21

14 mile bike ride as part of our triathlon relay team. Well, plus another two miles that I rode from where we parked to the start line. However, I walked my bike back after the race since I felt guilty leaving Kim and Claudia walking while I zoomed off.

Total running mileage: 37.18
Total biking mileage: 31.75
Total strength training workouts: 1

Danskin Triathlon Relay Race Report

2011-08-22T14:09:00.000-05:00

I think the above image perfectly sums up what it's like to participate in a triathlon relay. We are so very obviously a cyclist, a swimmer, and a runner.

A few weeks ago Kim offhandedly mentioned to me that a few women in her running club were trying to put together relay teams for the Danskin Women's Triathlon in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin on August 21st. I said it would be fun to do the bike portion of a triathlon relay so that I could get some practice riding my bike hard without worrying about saving myself for a post-bike run.

Next thing I know I'm on a team with Kim! And we were all ready to sign up when our swimmer announced she'd fallen off her bike and broken her wrist! Crap.

Thankfully, I know a pretty good swimmer. Enter Claudia, a member of the Oak Park Runners Club, who I happen to know swam competitively since the age of 4 or 5. She's signed up to do the Chicago Triathlon on August 28th so I figured maybe she'd want a practice swim in a race setting. She jumped at the chance and our team was born and christened "One Leg at a Time".

Kim has a great write-up over on her blog so I'll send you over there if you want all the details. Here are my thoughts in bulletpoint format:

Race volunteers were incredibly uninformed about all the logistics. This is supposed to be a race for beginners but I would have been so confused if I'd never done anything like this before. Or maybe I was more confused because I have done something like it before. The only person who seemed to know anything was a super-creepy woman who informed me that "body marking is optional!" Weird.

The bike course was beautiful but a little hilly. A lot of newbie cyclists and the fact that the relay team wave started almost last made it so I passed a ton of people. I gave up on calling out "On your left!" since I would have had to say it every 30 seconds.

I have no idea what various speeds feel like on the bike. My goal was to do 18 MPH. I managed 17.7. The last 4 miles or so were at 19 MPH. I need to figure out how to change my Garmin to display MPH when I'm cycling. That might help.

I was happy to see there were mile markers on the bike course but I didn't realize they were only every 2 miles. Imagine my surprise when I saw the Mile 8 marker but didn't recall seeing 5 (or 6) or 7! The ride went really fast!

The 20K course was actually more like 22K (14 miles as opposed to 12) even though I got distracted and started my Garmin late. That was fine with me but I guess some people were complaining about it. Hey, I was having fun and I didn't really want it to be over.

After I was done with the bike portion and had handed off the timing chip to Kim, Claudia and I went and stood by the finish line and cheer. Once Kim crossed the finish line we all got our medals and then I braved the crowd to see what our official finish time was.

We finished in a total of 1:29:03. 1/2 mile Swim - 12:29, Transition 1 - 1:37, 14 mile Bike - 47:51, Transition 2 - 1:01, 5K Run - 26:04.

I saw a "3" next to our finish time but wasn't sure what that meant. After wandering around trying to find someone who knew something, Kim finally discovered this meant we'd finished 3rd out of 33 teams! Sadly, only the 1st place relay teams got awards but 3rd is totally awesome!

It was a fun event that I'm glad I did with friends. I would definitely do another triathlon relay but maybe not this one. I suppose, though, now that I know it's very laid back I would be more prepared for the weird conflicting information and the lack of bike etiquette (lots of people riding two abreast, not staying to the right). Regardless, I'm thrilled that Kim mentioned it to me and that we were able to get a team together. I'd never done any kind of relay before this year and now I've done two. It really does combine the best of many worlds: friends, exercising, and racing.

Danskin Triathlon Relay - Bike Portion by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details