A 16-miler, the Remix, and New Kicks

This is what 16 miles looks like.















This is what 16 miles feels like.
Yes, friends, it was a 2-bag run on Saturday after the 16-miler that began at Montrose Harbor, went to Navy Pier, and back to Montrose Harbor.

I think comprehending the run was more difficult than the actual run itself. But, I guess running is really more of a mental game than anything. The team did 10, but since my marathon is 2 weeks before the Chicago 'thon, coach Jack is peaking my runs 2 weeks earlier than the team. That meant I did most of the run by myself...which worked out okay. Just me, the cool, sunless sky, my music...oh, and the millions of people hoarding the beach for the upcoming air and water show.

It probably wasn't the best day to be watching the Blue Angels and jets maneuvering in the sky, but it made for a very nice run. I settled into a nice pace without much effort on my part. My feet kept going...so I went along wherever they took me.

I can't really recall what I thought about to pass the time by. I just remember it being a very accomplished run. I didn't have to play games with myself, or count down each mile to get through. My cardio felt strong and my muscles weren't acting up too much. I did have a bit of stiffness after a water break, but nothing compared to the 12-miler.

The time just kinda passed by till I made it back to the meet up point, grabbed a swig of Gatorade and water and continued the final 2 miles. I finished strong speeding up to a 9:30 min/mile.

I hitched a ride home with coach Jack, hobbled to White Hen and grabbed two bags of ice for a very enjoyable ice bath.

The Remix

Thursday night I joined the other 9,999 thousand people in Chicago for the Nike Run Hit Remix 5-miler. It was a very entertaining course lined with bands; Vertigo, Identity Crisis, an Elvis impersonater, and De La Soul at the finish line. Not to mention the DC and small foam party in the McCormick Place tunnel.

Overall it was a great event. It was a perfect evening for a run--minus the 2 stretches of McCormick Place tunnel. Pack 10,000 hot, sweaty runners in there and it becomes a sticky sauna.

New Kicks

I raced to Momentum after work to try some shoes on before the Thursday 5-miler. Realizing my marathon is only 2 months away it was time to replace the old kicks. I'm now wearing Reeboks. I have to say, they feel awesome! I didn't think my old shoes were that worn out, but stepping into fresh, cushioned shoes felt pretty great. All superstitions aside, I think they will perform well.

The first run in new shoes is always a little iffy. You have to account for the "breaking in" period along with the new blisters it causes. I figured I'd have to hang onto the old pair just in case. After the remix on Thursday, the old shoes went straight to the trash. Not only did they feel spectacular, I ran the 5-miler at 9:25 min/mile consistently. Okay, not that fast, but fast for me.