Dumb and Dumber or Dedicated and More Dedicated?

First long run of the Chicago Marathon training plan! Of course we had to start it all out at the insane hour of 4:30. Sandy, Jill, Jenny and I. We looped back and picked up Mike and Elyse at 5:00. No donuts - big BUMMER. I didn't see any of the o.j., milk or coffee (aka Diet Mtn Dew) either which I heard later was hidden some where in a white SUV.

Jill and I should get the 'Larry' award. After dropping off the 5:00ers, we headed out for our last 45 minutes. The clouds to the east look ominous, but we kept positive thoughts. Well, Sandy only kept her positive thoughts until the end of the park loop and then she was outta of there. Some flash of light - I think it is was a firefly - made her nervous. A block later, Jenny also headed out - apparently fireflies were out in force. So the new thing I learned today is that and in addition to dogs, Jenny is also apparently very afraid of fireflies.

Jill and I kept on going. We were doing the stampede route backwards (Do we ever do it the right way?). When we were on the lower part of North St. it started to rain. By the time we were making the turn on to Thayer it was an all out downpour, but the sky looked lighter to the east and I didn't think it would last much longer. On the hill on Main, I learned the second lesson of the day - it could rain harder. At this point our shoes became lakes - but we were actually enjoying it. And if Jill says she wasn't - then she is proving once again what a devious person she is. Every once in a while we would get a nice flash that would like our way.

I am sure the male drivers really appreciated those flashes of lightening considering my soaked WHITE tank top (with built in support) and my light green shorts that are very transparent when soaked (Lesson #3 for the day).

So, if it rains at Chicago Jill and I will be the only ones prepared for it! Ha!

We ended up with 2:10 and 13.5 miles and a good story.

Catching up

CKristies, Elyse and I ran and Jenny caught up. No wonder she always comes in at the last minute - she knows she runs fast enough to catch up with us. Good thing too because today we did the new route which she hasn't run yet!

I struggled with motivation to swim today. Luckily for me and unluckily for Shelia she was there to play "catch the other swimmer". A good hard and short workout which fit the bill today.

Good Job!

I made a surprise visit to morning running group this morning. In other words, I wasn't signed up to run - much to Jill's frustration. True to her friendship to Mike, she showed despite being sick and not getting to bed early. She didn't want to leave him hanging. Plus, in addition to making her get out of bed unnecessarily, I had us run intervals. She earns today's medal for "Most Effort".

Jenny also dropped in unexpectedly. Don't ask me what is going on with her and Mike since they were in their own little "fast runners" world.

Here is some inspirations for those of us 40 and over (I am NOT over forty yet!) and those Young's who inspire to be as great as us....

An article on Dana Torres’s who is 41, mother of one and just qualified for her 5th Olympics and not just by the skin of her teeth. Torres won the women's 50-meter freestyle eclipsing the U.S. record she set the previous day in the semifinals. Of course if I had a head coach, a sprint coach, a strength coach, two stretchers, two masseuses, a chiropractor and a nanny, I would be going to the Olympics too. Okay, maybe just to watch.

Sandy is Back and Wendy is Missing!

Sandy returned today. How's your knee doing? I shortened the new route for her - you know I am always thinking of my fellow runners! This includes Christy - since I came with a new route! I hope you are all thinking "What have I done for her (Allison, not Christy!) lately? A good 5.58 at a 8.59 pace - see you doubting Thomases (I mean Mikes) Intervals do work!

Sandy returned and Wendy disappeared. Something about a bad back. Hmmmm....I think that is a new excuse for her. Is someone helping her come up with excuses - Jill???? Just kidding Wendy.... as I say - teasing means we love you - unless you are Mike of course! Of course, I must give credit where credit is due - Mike is the only male not to drop off the face of Sparta after finishing his marathon.

We also learned that we have an elite in our midst! Kristy got first at the Ontario race this weekend! I am sure the field of competitors was HUGE, so it was quite an achievement! She was even kind enough to direct wayward runners on the right course. I know it will surprise you that Ontario assumed that everyone had run it before, therefore didn't do a real thorough job of marking the course.