...I will hopefully have completed the marathon--26.2 whopping miles through the hilly lands of Kansas City. By my clock, I should be done right around this time, 11:20 AM next week, or so I hope so based on my 20 mile a few weeks ago.
One week and all my 5 months of hard work, dedication, and discipline will be over. Sad, really.
Today we're going to the Cub's game which will hopefully take my mind off of the nervousness I'm currently experiencing.
Happy Saturday!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Last Chance!
The taper has begun and only 2 weeks left till marathon time, which also means the donation window is quickly closing. If you were planning on donating, please do so by 9/31. The quickest way to donate is going online with the below link. Remember, no donation is too small. Every penny counts when it comes to finding a cure for cancer!
Donate!
Yesterday was the beginning of my 2 week taper leading off with an easy 8 mile run. I never thought I would say "easy" and 8 mile run in the same sentence. I didn't train AT ALL since my 20 miler. Nope, not one single mile, not even a quick cross training workout. So bad, but there just wasn't a chance given the busy week. I wondered how that would affect my run...but it didn't at all. If anything, I'm glad I took the time off for my muscles to repair.
As much as I enjoyed the 8 mile run, I almost wished that I was doing an 18 mile run. I know, crazy. This taper thing is a real mental game. Two weeks before I have to run 26.2 miles and all I'm running is an easy 8 miles then 6 this coming weekend!?!? Give me a break. I guess I have to trust the experts.
Still no injuries [please knock on wood], which should make me pretty confident. I am. But, I'm also more nervous this marathon than the last. I romanticized everything about my first marathon training. Believe me, that's a very bad thing to do. When I finished there was nothing sweet or victorious about it. I know what it feels like now, but I don't know what it feels like to meet my goal. What if I totally biff it? What if the hills are more than I can handle? What if I do worse than my first marathon? Will I always have to run insane amounts to be satisfied with myself? Something tells me that's not the best way to spend my time and energy. I guess in two weeks I'll know.
Donate!
Yesterday was the beginning of my 2 week taper leading off with an easy 8 mile run. I never thought I would say "easy" and 8 mile run in the same sentence. I didn't train AT ALL since my 20 miler. Nope, not one single mile, not even a quick cross training workout. So bad, but there just wasn't a chance given the busy week. I wondered how that would affect my run...but it didn't at all. If anything, I'm glad I took the time off for my muscles to repair.
As much as I enjoyed the 8 mile run, I almost wished that I was doing an 18 mile run. I know, crazy. This taper thing is a real mental game. Two weeks before I have to run 26.2 miles and all I'm running is an easy 8 miles then 6 this coming weekend!?!? Give me a break. I guess I have to trust the experts.
Still no injuries [please knock on wood], which should make me pretty confident. I am. But, I'm also more nervous this marathon than the last. I romanticized everything about my first marathon training. Believe me, that's a very bad thing to do. When I finished there was nothing sweet or victorious about it. I know what it feels like now, but I don't know what it feels like to meet my goal. What if I totally biff it? What if the hills are more than I can handle? What if I do worse than my first marathon? Will I always have to run insane amounts to be satisfied with myself? Something tells me that's not the best way to spend my time and energy. I guess in two weeks I'll know.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
The Litmus Test
The Litmus Test
In a marathon training program there's one run that serves as a litmus test for how you will perform on race day. That run for me was yesterday--the 20-miler, the last big run before my 3 week taper.
Based on my last few runs I wasn't too nervous, but knew a lot rested on this run. If it was bad all confidence of an injury free and successful marathon would be shot. The 20-miler is the one training run that HAS to go smoothly.
And, it did.
Maybe it was the finale episode of Grey's Anatomy I watched Friday night, the 2 glasses of wine, or the pre-made spaghetti from Jewel. Either way, I couldn't have hoped for a better run.
One of our patient honorees, Keegan, a little guy of only 8 years old died on Tuesday, so Saturday's pre-training talk was a teary-eyed occasion. I just can't get over how much pain this family is going through, especially after the loss of their daughter to heart complications. Nothing I would experience during my run would be anything close to the loss this family is feeling.
Needless to say the first few miles were pretty quiet as I ran by myself thinking of Keegan and the enormity of what his family was going through. Keegan would be the inspiration for all of us out there on the path.
Our course was the usual; start at Montrose on the Lakefront path to downtown. We ran to the 10.5 mile marker which put us right by the Soldier Field parking lot almost to McCormick Place. The south section of the Lakefront path is pretty amazing; not as crowded and nicely shaded. I need to go down there more often. As we turned around for the second half of the run I started to feel pretty hungry, but knew I needed to ration my two packages of Sport Beans. I finished those off pretty quickly.
Every mile I wondered when the aches and pains would set in. Don't get me wrong, there were a few annoying pains...but nothing that I couldn't run through. I was amazed to look up and see that I was back by the tennis courts which meant only 1 mile left to the meet up spot [which totaled 18 miles]. I finished strong and stopped for some Gatorade and pretzels. I didn't want to stick around too long for fear of the Tin Man syndrome. Only 2 more miles left. Those were a bit difficult...I think I stopped for too long.
When I saw the meet up spot on the last leg, I have to say, I felt pretty damn good. I was more conscious this run of my time, usually I could care less how long it takes me. But, when I realized on my way north that I could finish 20 miles in 3.5 hours, I was pretty ecstatic. Barring no injuries and judging from that performance I could quite possibly finish in 4:45. I'd be VERY happy to finish at that time. I don't want to jinx myself, but that would be brilliant...and almost 45 minutes faster than my first marathon time!
Here's to 3 weeks till marathon time and NO injuries. From here out I only have an 8 and 6 mile weekend run left. I can't believe how far I've come in this training. I can remember when running to the totem pole seemed like a long run. Now, reaching the totem pole on the way back is a relief.
And, this is why I love marathon training. It's such a clear cut accomplishment. One month you're struggling through a 6 mile run and the next month you're kicking ass on a 20 mile run. For me, it's so hard to judge accomplishments in my career because they're so intangible. Running is tangible...you either do or you don't. Maybe I'm insane for having to run 20 miles to feel like I've accomplished something. But aren't we all a little off in one way or another?
Happy running!
In a marathon training program there's one run that serves as a litmus test for how you will perform on race day. That run for me was yesterday--the 20-miler, the last big run before my 3 week taper.
Based on my last few runs I wasn't too nervous, but knew a lot rested on this run. If it was bad all confidence of an injury free and successful marathon would be shot. The 20-miler is the one training run that HAS to go smoothly.
And, it did.
Maybe it was the finale episode of Grey's Anatomy I watched Friday night, the 2 glasses of wine, or the pre-made spaghetti from Jewel. Either way, I couldn't have hoped for a better run.
One of our patient honorees, Keegan, a little guy of only 8 years old died on Tuesday, so Saturday's pre-training talk was a teary-eyed occasion. I just can't get over how much pain this family is going through, especially after the loss of their daughter to heart complications. Nothing I would experience during my run would be anything close to the loss this family is feeling.
Needless to say the first few miles were pretty quiet as I ran by myself thinking of Keegan and the enormity of what his family was going through. Keegan would be the inspiration for all of us out there on the path.
Our course was the usual; start at Montrose on the Lakefront path to downtown. We ran to the 10.5 mile marker which put us right by the Soldier Field parking lot almost to McCormick Place. The south section of the Lakefront path is pretty amazing; not as crowded and nicely shaded. I need to go down there more often. As we turned around for the second half of the run I started to feel pretty hungry, but knew I needed to ration my two packages of Sport Beans. I finished those off pretty quickly.
Every mile I wondered when the aches and pains would set in. Don't get me wrong, there were a few annoying pains...but nothing that I couldn't run through. I was amazed to look up and see that I was back by the tennis courts which meant only 1 mile left to the meet up spot [which totaled 18 miles]. I finished strong and stopped for some Gatorade and pretzels. I didn't want to stick around too long for fear of the Tin Man syndrome. Only 2 more miles left. Those were a bit difficult...I think I stopped for too long.
When I saw the meet up spot on the last leg, I have to say, I felt pretty damn good. I was more conscious this run of my time, usually I could care less how long it takes me. But, when I realized on my way north that I could finish 20 miles in 3.5 hours, I was pretty ecstatic. Barring no injuries and judging from that performance I could quite possibly finish in 4:45. I'd be VERY happy to finish at that time. I don't want to jinx myself, but that would be brilliant...and almost 45 minutes faster than my first marathon time!
Here's to 3 weeks till marathon time and NO injuries. From here out I only have an 8 and 6 mile weekend run left. I can't believe how far I've come in this training. I can remember when running to the totem pole seemed like a long run. Now, reaching the totem pole on the way back is a relief.
And, this is why I love marathon training. It's such a clear cut accomplishment. One month you're struggling through a 6 mile run and the next month you're kicking ass on a 20 mile run. For me, it's so hard to judge accomplishments in my career because they're so intangible. Running is tangible...you either do or you don't. Maybe I'm insane for having to run 20 miles to feel like I've accomplished something. But aren't we all a little off in one way or another?
Happy running!
Saturday, September 9, 2006
Not Bad At All...
Last weekend's 10 miler was pretty enjoyable. Jacob and I were up in Crystal Mountain Michigan [near Traverse City] visiting his Aunt and Uncle. They have a wonderfully relaxing cabin there nestled right in the center of the woods. I took off early Sunday morning for the 10 miler which was a 2.5 mile jog out to the highway and back x 2. The area is absolutely gorgeous. It was nice to have a respite away from the Lakeshore path that has become somewhat monotonous.
The path in Michigan, though all pavement and hard on the joints, was a winding road lined with trees through a top notch golf course. About a mile away from the highway I encoutered a family of deer grazing on the side of the road. I wanted to stop and just watch, afterall, that NEVER happens in Chicago. But, my feet kept trotting on and I followed willingly.
The path was sprinkled with some hills that were not too difficult. I considered in nice training before the uber hilly KC marathon.
I felt I was going faster than usual, but when I consulted my friend, Nike+iPod, I was doing a consistent 9:15 min/mile laced with some 8:40 min/mile. Wow speed racer! I was pretty thrilled...considering the hills and all.
I felt like I was in one of those NIKE running commercials; the early morning dew and fog settled above the foliage, a pastel colored sky with the sun barely peaking it's head out, and me running on the winding road. Okay, maybe not an award winning commercial, but the setting was surreal. Whatever, give me a break, I work in advertising for a living. These are the things I think about on a daily basis.
Today's 12 miler was about the same, though not nearly as fast. The overcast sky and breeze made for an enjoyable run. We started at Montrose and ran to Ohio street beach and then back.
I felt pretty strong...no real aches or pains until around the 11th mile. I kicked it into high gear as I approached the soccer fields. Knowing I was so close I went into an all out sprint...or what I call my sprint. It was really nice being able to finsih so strong.
Maybe I'm finally moving away from having those every-other-run-is-a-bad-run syndrome, or at least I hope.
That's it for now. I've settle into my bed after an ice bath and shower. Off to sleep for me! Sweet dreams!
The path in Michigan, though all pavement and hard on the joints, was a winding road lined with trees through a top notch golf course. About a mile away from the highway I encoutered a family of deer grazing on the side of the road. I wanted to stop and just watch, afterall, that NEVER happens in Chicago. But, my feet kept trotting on and I followed willingly.
The path was sprinkled with some hills that were not too difficult. I considered in nice training before the uber hilly KC marathon.
I felt I was going faster than usual, but when I consulted my friend, Nike+iPod, I was doing a consistent 9:15 min/mile laced with some 8:40 min/mile. Wow speed racer! I was pretty thrilled...considering the hills and all.
I felt like I was in one of those NIKE running commercials; the early morning dew and fog settled above the foliage, a pastel colored sky with the sun barely peaking it's head out, and me running on the winding road. Okay, maybe not an award winning commercial, but the setting was surreal. Whatever, give me a break, I work in advertising for a living. These are the things I think about on a daily basis.
Today's 12 miler was about the same, though not nearly as fast. The overcast sky and breeze made for an enjoyable run. We started at Montrose and ran to Ohio street beach and then back.
I felt pretty strong...no real aches or pains until around the 11th mile. I kicked it into high gear as I approached the soccer fields. Knowing I was so close I went into an all out sprint...or what I call my sprint. It was really nice being able to finsih so strong.
Maybe I'm finally moving away from having those every-other-run-is-a-bad-run syndrome, or at least I hope.
That's it for now. I've settle into my bed after an ice bath and shower. Off to sleep for me! Sweet dreams!
Thursday, September 7, 2006
A Half-Arsed Post
Sorry, I just don't have it in me today to post about my weekend and running while in Michigan. Okay, fine, just a little teaser. My 10-miler [ish] rocked! I really need to change up my running scenery. When I get in a different setting my runs are fabulous. Hope that logic works in yes, friends, 1 month till the marathon. YIKES!
It's 7, I still need to finish up a few things at work. Then, I'm going home, running, grabbing a bite [and maybe some wine to drink], and will sit my arse on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy re-runs.
Later for now. I'll update tomorrow, I promise.
It's 7, I still need to finish up a few things at work. Then, I'm going home, running, grabbing a bite [and maybe some wine to drink], and will sit my arse on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy re-runs.
Later for now. I'll update tomorrow, I promise.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
A Sick 18-miler
After feeling a bit under the weather last week, I was apprehensive for the long run on Saturday. And, rightfully so. The first 3 or 4 miles were tough. My chest was tight from congestion...and I was overall really unenergetic.
But, I got through...more slowly than I wanted, but I got through.
We did the same route as last weekend only 2 miles more for me--which really was 2 laps around cricket hill after running through to the meet up spot.
I felt and looked like I had ridden a horse for hours. Even coach Chris mentioned my awkward waddle. To me it felt like I was putting one foot in front of the other but I guess I looked pretty ridiculous.
Everyone says after you've done the 18 and 20 mile runs you gain confidence that you can really finish the marathon. And, while I know I'm capable of doing so, I'm still nervous at how I will perform race day. After all, I can't remember the last time I've had 2 consistently good runs. Let's just hope the running gods are on my side on October 7th.
I know I haven't been doing as much hill training as I should be...and I'm gonna pay for that. I've got a little more than one month to hunker down and really focus on what I need to do to complete this marathon.
This weekend Jacob and I are getting away to Crystal Mountain Michigan to join his cousins, Aunt and Uncle at their cabin. It's a beautiful area and I'm excited to do a 10-miler anywhere other than the Lakefront path.
But, I got through...more slowly than I wanted, but I got through.
We did the same route as last weekend only 2 miles more for me--which really was 2 laps around cricket hill after running through to the meet up spot.
I felt and looked like I had ridden a horse for hours. Even coach Chris mentioned my awkward waddle. To me it felt like I was putting one foot in front of the other but I guess I looked pretty ridiculous.
Everyone says after you've done the 18 and 20 mile runs you gain confidence that you can really finish the marathon. And, while I know I'm capable of doing so, I'm still nervous at how I will perform race day. After all, I can't remember the last time I've had 2 consistently good runs. Let's just hope the running gods are on my side on October 7th.
I know I haven't been doing as much hill training as I should be...and I'm gonna pay for that. I've got a little more than one month to hunker down and really focus on what I need to do to complete this marathon.
This weekend Jacob and I are getting away to Crystal Mountain Michigan to join his cousins, Aunt and Uncle at their cabin. It's a beautiful area and I'm excited to do a 10-miler anywhere other than the Lakefront path.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Sick
Sniff, scratchy throat, sniff some more, foggy head and all. Blech. I've caught me something nasty.
I usually am able to beat these things head on with three remedies; sleep it off, sweat it out, and drink it away. I've done the first two, tonight I'll take care of the last.
I really hope this passes by tomorrow. 18 miles will not be fun feeling like this.
I usually am able to beat these things head on with three remedies; sleep it off, sweat it out, and drink it away. I've done the first two, tonight I'll take care of the last.
I really hope this passes by tomorrow. 18 miles will not be fun feeling like this.
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