Burgers & Beer 5K Race Report

What’s the best way to end a Monday?  How about with a 5K race?


To read the rest of this post, come on over to Chicago Now!

Mid-Week Fun

Tuesday and Wednesday I decided to have fun with my workouts and try something different. Since I didn't strength train on Monday I decided to squeeze it in before my physical therapy appointment on Tuesday night. Meghann at Meals and Miles posted about her most recent strength workout and I realized I recognized the moves from the latest Self magazine.

Source

If you're reading this via Google Reader or another website you'll have to click through to see the video

Easy enough, right? So, that's what I did. I had 30 minutes and twice through the workout was almost 30 minutes exactly. Perfect! Also, those push-ups at the end? Killer. I now have sore spots under my arms that I didn't even know existed.

Wednesday night I decided to tackle 30 minutes of running. My hip's feeling pretty good. Still pinchy and sore but not in a "makes me gasp" kind of way. I contemplated running through the cemetery again but decided at the last minute to try something I've been wanting to do for awhile: run up and down all the streets in my 'hood.

Unfortunately the Garmin freaked out during the first mile so I didn't get the pretty lines I was hoping for. Also, I realized that my neighborhood is bigger than I thought! I was only able to get in about half of the north-south streets before I hit 30 minutes. Now my goal is to run all the north-south streets in one run before we move in a month.

I put my Garmin on time-only so I had no idea what my pace was. My legs actually felt like lead so maybe Monday night's run combined with two strength workouts was more than my body is used to lately. Who knows. Still, it was a fun run and I saw streets that I'd never really been down before even though I've lived in the neighborhood for several years. Funny how that happens.

New York, New York

On Wednesday I flew to New York City to meet up with Kim who was already out there for work. We were only there for a few days but we packed in as much as we could. Kim wore her Garmin on our all outings and we walked at least 4 to 5 miles every day.

But on Friday morning we dragged ourselves out of bed early after a late night on Broadway and took the subway to Central Park.




Hip injury be damned! I wanted to run in Central Park! As we were leaving the hotel another woman on the elevator looked at us in our running clothes and said, "Uh, you know it's raining, right?" Kim replied with "Cool."

Well, the weather certainly was cool! I was chilled during our entire one-mile warm-up walk. Thankfully Kim had an extra pair of gloves she let me borrow and taking in the sights of Central Park kept me distracted.

Finally, after walking for a mile, we started running. My hip actually felt pretty good although it took a bit for my left glute to start loosening up. Also, I could tell that I wasn't in the best running shape. But, even though we had several opportunities to cut the run short, I wanted to keep going.

I kind of regretted that decision when we had to tackle "Harlem Hill" which just keeps going and going around curves so you have no idea when it's going to end. But we kept up a pretty good pace and the run got easier after that.

Central Park is so beautiful. I wondered if I would get tired of running there day after day if I lived in NYC. We only ran the outer loop, though, so I'd like to believe I could make up different routes that would keep me interested. I'd love to spend more time exploring the Park in the future.

I was actually a little sad when our run came to an end! It was one of those runs where it took me 5 miles to really feel warmed up and get into a groove. But, we had places to be. Still, although my left illipsoas area felt sore afterward I felt good otherwise.

And I especially felt good after a chai latte and a New York bagel.



I'm so grateful I was able to run with Kim again and especially in such a great place. I'm still not 100% in terms of running but sometimes you can't can't pass up a run. Or a bagel.

Central Park Warm-Up Walk by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Central Park Run by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

Running Results

Well, I ran on Monday night. And I'm still alive. And my left leg hasn't fallen off. I suppose that's success!

I was honestly debating whether or not to go because mid-afternoon on Monday I started to get a headache and feel a little bit "off". But I've felt that way in the past and a run has made me feel better so off I went.

Actually, first I walked the 1.5 miles to where my running group meets. The sports medicine doctor told I was supposed to do a one mile warm-up walk and I figured this would be more than sufficient. I'm a pretty good power walker thanks to many a time spent power walking with my mom.

Walk to OPRC by snmnstrz21 at Garmin Connect - Details

I did some of my stretches once I arrived at the running store and then set out for an easy three miles. One of the guys from the club I don't usually run with and I did the three miles together and chatted about skiing, both downhill and cross-country. He made me want to try cross-country skiing!

I noticed my hip and leg were a little sore when we would stop for intersections but it was hard to tell if that was because I just hadn't used them this way in a while or if they really weren't ready for prime time. We weren't going fast but I could definitely tell I wasn't in the same shape as I was at the end of 2011. But, hey, I'm still able to run three miles!

After the run my left leg needed a lot of stretching and massaging. However, now, a few days later, it feels fine! Unfortunately, I've been hit with whatever illness is going around and have been alternating hacking up a lung, dealing with throbbing sinus pressure, and monitoring my temperature every 10 minutes. Hence, no more running since Monday night.

But, I pushed my luck and Wednesday night I attended the swim lesson I won from Maggie's giveaway!

Swimming makes you look kind of scary

Coach Judie was amazing! I learned more in the 30 minutes I had with her than I did in the six weeks I took swim lessons a few years ago. I feel much more comfortable in the pool now even though we didn't get through all the fundamentals of the freestyle stroke. I'm looking forward to making time to get the pool and try out the drills she gave me!

For now, though, I'm going to continue hacking up a lung, slamming Dayquil and resting. I think my body might need it.

Christmas Gift to Myself

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

Kneed

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

Roaring Twenties

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

Salty Sixteen

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

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

First and Ten

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

State of the State

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

Serendipity

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

Asleep on the Job

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?

Pick Up

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

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

Turn that Frown Upside Down

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

Sweet Sixteen

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

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

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

Chicago Half Marathon Race Report

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