I was a little worried when I drove into Walgreen's this morning. There were 4 strange cars sitting there. At first I thought maybe I had my dates wrong and it was the day after Thanksgiving. Last year on that day there were people lined up outside the door waiting to get a head start on shopping deals. That freaked me out for different reasons.... Anyway, given the 60 degree weather, I figured I probably had the date right or if I had it wrong it was June (wishful thinking). No, it wasn't new runners either (wishful thinking again). The consensus was they were doing inventory. Not very funny for a job or for storytelling.
A tired run for me this morning. Even though I slept well last night, the two previous nights on not sleeping caught up with me. But the good news is that the election is over and the post game analysis will finally start to dwindle. It will right? please, please, please.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Last of the warm weather
Today was probably the last balmy run - 60 degrees! Makes you feel like it will go on for ever, but unfortunately my fellow "buzz killl" runners were telling me that snow is forecasted on Friday. Ugh.
We survived the Norwalk half marathon this weekend. Here is how I would compare it with Chicago.
Chicago - more cowbells
Norwalk - more cows
Chicago - more people
Norwalk - more cows
Chicago - sweet smell of the city and Lake Michigan
Norwalk - sweet smell of cow poop
Chicago - 30 tables at an aid station
Norwalk - 1 table
Chicago - Free Beer
Norwalk - Beer - $2 (this one is for you Christy and Mike)
We survived the Norwalk half marathon this weekend. Here is how I would compare it with Chicago.
Chicago - more cowbells
Norwalk - more cows
Chicago - more people
Norwalk - more cows
Chicago - sweet smell of the city and Lake Michigan
Norwalk - sweet smell of cow poop
Chicago - 30 tables at an aid station
Norwalk - 1 table
Chicago - Free Beer
Norwalk - Beer - $2 (this one is for you Christy and Mike)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Best Quote
Today it was Elyse, Christy, Jill and I. A lot of "hot topics" were being discussed so the pace was good.
I keep on thinking two things that were said in the "Spirit of the Marathon" which rang so true, even though they weren't very deep. These are not exact quotes, but something along the lines of.....
"When you run with people it is funny how when you are running you never talk about running, but when you are not running, running is all that you talk about."
And when talking about pre race rituals/preparation....
"Running tends to make you develop Obsessive Compulsive Disorder."
So true, so true.
Have a GREAT time Trick or Treating!
I keep on thinking two things that were said in the "Spirit of the Marathon" which rang so true, even though they weren't very deep. These are not exact quotes, but something along the lines of.....
"When you run with people it is funny how when you are running you never talk about running, but when you are not running, running is all that you talk about."
And when talking about pre race rituals/preparation....
"Running tends to make you develop Obsessive Compulsive Disorder."
So true, so true.
Have a GREAT time Trick or Treating!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Blown Away?
Apparently Sandy and Katie were blown away in this morning's run before they were able to reach Walgreens for the run they signed up for. I hope they are okay. I am sure Dorothy will help them find their way home. Next time we see them I expect we will see their running shoes have red sequins on them!
It must have not been as windy over on the south east side of town, since Jenny made it. Wait - doesn't Sandy live over there too? Hmmm... Must have been a freak tornado event. Well, they will get their due since this morning will probably be the warmest morning for the next 4 days. (insert evil witch laugh here).
It was a blustery run, but not as cold as they had forecasted it to be. My car thermometer said 40 degrees. I was over dressed.
It must have not been as windy over on the south east side of town, since Jenny made it. Wait - doesn't Sandy live over there too? Hmmm... Must have been a freak tornado event. Well, they will get their due since this morning will probably be the warmest morning for the next 4 days. (insert evil witch laugh here).
It was a blustery run, but not as cold as they had forecasted it to be. My car thermometer said 40 degrees. I was over dressed.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
3rd day in a row
Third run in a row. So much for easing into running again after the marathon. It was a talkative 6 mile run with the Cousins and Kwik Trip Gal. A lot of promises were made. Remember if you don't keep them - no more running polls. For the rest of you..... you had to be there.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
2nd run
Ran again today.... BRRRR. 55 yesterday and 30 today. Shorts and T-shirt to long pants, long shirt and a head band! The unpleasant feeling of "numb butt jiggling" came back. I had enjoyed 5 months of NOT experiencing that session. It is not one you ever get used to.
I felt stronger today which was good and no aches and pains developed. My quads were a little sore yesterday after running and I am guessing they will be again today.
Jill was a no show. Too bad, I had money to give her. Guess that means I get to pocket it.
I felt stronger today which was good and no aches and pains developed. My quads were a little sore yesterday after running and I am guessing they will be again today.
Jill was a no show. Too bad, I had money to give her. Guess that means I get to pocket it.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Back at it post marathon
First run after the marathon today. I almost gave myself another day. Not because my body felt like it needed it. In fact, I was starting to get antsy about running again. Nope, it meant another day of not getting up at 4:20. I thought the running gods might be on my side when yesterday morning I saw that it was suppose to rain this morning, but I must not have sacrificed enough of my soul at Chicago because last night the chance of rain was no longer being forecasted. Elyse said it was raining at 4:35. Unfortunately, I checked outside at 4:40 and missed my opportunity to bail. As they say... early bird catches the worm or not in my case.
It was an okay run. My quads started getting sore and I can feel them post run too. We will see how tomorrow goes.
It was an okay run. My quads started getting sore and I can feel them post run too. We will see how tomorrow goes.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Chicago Race Report - FINALLY
I know – ABOUT TIME! Sorry that I did not IMMEDIATELY post a Chicago Marathon race report. At first I was just TIRED then the post marathon depression set in. After months of looking forward to Chicago, it was depressing not to have that feeling of anticipation anymore. The Rails to Trails half in Norwalk doesn’t seem to generate the same feeling of anticipation. Hmmmm… wonder why? (By the way – it appears that the Norwalk race is an out and back course with the marathoners going a little beyond the start line and looping back again).
IT WAS A FANTASTIC RACE! Is that a good enough race report? Satisfied Jill?
Okay – from the beginning…..
The Expo was good. A lot of people in the area with the race wear which was hard, but the rest of the expo was well spread out and didn’t seem too bad – better than GB. I thought there would be a lot more vendors selling stuff, but it seemed like over 50% were other marathons.
Our condo turned out great. It was a perfect space for us to all hang out together and eat all of Jenny’s Franciscan Bakery Cookies. Plus it was within easy walking distance to the race so no worries about driving, finding parking, etc. I think Mike is going to get a lot of nice Christmas presents because we found a lot of things very appropriate for him. Don’t worry, he won’t know since he doesn’t read my blog….
We had a great home cooked meal in the condo. Again, it was so nice not to have to deal with a restaurant the night before the race. Plus, we were able to prime our race pumps by watching “Spirit of the Marathon” which features the Chicago Marathon. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea since we were a little taken a back by ALL THE PEOPLE! It was hard to imagine what race day was going to be like.
We headed out at 6:30 and walked to the Endurance Pavilion. We paid extra for it, but I think we agreed it was well worth it, especially after the race. We had our own gear check and easy access to port a potties – the most important thing. We didn’t stay long, since we wanted to get to the corral and get a decent spot. It was already 60+ degrees so it was nice not to freeze waiting for the start. At the very least we can say that the spectators had a beautiful day to watch a race.
It was Carrie’s first marathon and she was aiming for qualifying for Boston. Believe me – I tried to dissuade her, but in the end it is her race to run. So, since she wanted to get up near the 3:50 pace group she and I left Sandy and Jill behind and threaded our way through the mass of people to get further up front. I only got on disgusted “Seriously!” Yep, seriously. Follow us if you like! I think this was a wise move after talking with Sandy and Jill afterwards. I didn’t have to deal with too much weaving to get around people. It seemed like we were all running pretty much the same pace – or maybe everyone was just passing me? I had a 9:17 for the first and second miles. Sandy said her first mile was 11:20 or something like that. I saw Carrie’s ass for 2 minutes and then didn’t see her again for 3 hours.
We also got to experience the benefits of having our own personal cheer crew on the course. The anticipation of seeing Sheri, Al and Al's brother Joe got me through many a mile! It was so great to have them cheering us on and taking pictures!!!
The number of runners was pretty amazing, but what was even more so was the amount of spectators. We all agreed that future races will seem like a let down in comparison. Not only were there a lot of them – never a spot without people cheering – seriously! But they were incredibly enthusiastic even after being out there for 4 hours. They made you feel like Olympic athletes.
I caught up with Carrie’s ass at mile 20 and then she ended up looking at mine. The fable of Turtle and Hare came true. Her legs had started cramping at 15, an easy thing to happen on such a hot day. I have definitely become a believer in electrolyte tablets. I could tell when I had taken one. Don’t get me wrong, I struggled at the end. Especially at that damn overpass that they put in the last .25 mile. I couldn’t do it. I let myself walk up it. I knew it was coming which didn’t help, but I probably walked up it faster than I was running at that point!
The other thing about the warm weather is that there wasn’t much pressure to PR. The fact that we were all able to finish without injury or a visit to the medical tent was a victory in itself. Oh sure, there were moments along the course when I though – “I think I can break 4 hours today!” A mile later reality set in and I was thinking “Yeah, I am just going to try and keep running and finish”.
We all agreed that it was a fantastic experience. Good course – although hillier than we anticipated given how they it is so flat. Amazing spectators. Amazing race organization from the expo to the aid stations.
It is very tempting to consider doing men and women next year. Get a condo for the guys and one for the girls…. Hmmmm …..any takers?
IT WAS A FANTASTIC RACE! Is that a good enough race report? Satisfied Jill?
Okay – from the beginning…..
The Expo was good. A lot of people in the area with the race wear which was hard, but the rest of the expo was well spread out and didn’t seem too bad – better than GB. I thought there would be a lot more vendors selling stuff, but it seemed like over 50% were other marathons.
Our condo turned out great. It was a perfect space for us to all hang out together and eat all of Jenny’s Franciscan Bakery Cookies. Plus it was within easy walking distance to the race so no worries about driving, finding parking, etc. I think Mike is going to get a lot of nice Christmas presents because we found a lot of things very appropriate for him. Don’t worry, he won’t know since he doesn’t read my blog….
We had a great home cooked meal in the condo. Again, it was so nice not to have to deal with a restaurant the night before the race. Plus, we were able to prime our race pumps by watching “Spirit of the Marathon” which features the Chicago Marathon. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea since we were a little taken a back by ALL THE PEOPLE! It was hard to imagine what race day was going to be like.
We headed out at 6:30 and walked to the Endurance Pavilion. We paid extra for it, but I think we agreed it was well worth it, especially after the race. We had our own gear check and easy access to port a potties – the most important thing. We didn’t stay long, since we wanted to get to the corral and get a decent spot. It was already 60+ degrees so it was nice not to freeze waiting for the start. At the very least we can say that the spectators had a beautiful day to watch a race.
It was Carrie’s first marathon and she was aiming for qualifying for Boston. Believe me – I tried to dissuade her, but in the end it is her race to run. So, since she wanted to get up near the 3:50 pace group she and I left Sandy and Jill behind and threaded our way through the mass of people to get further up front. I only got on disgusted “Seriously!” Yep, seriously. Follow us if you like! I think this was a wise move after talking with Sandy and Jill afterwards. I didn’t have to deal with too much weaving to get around people. It seemed like we were all running pretty much the same pace – or maybe everyone was just passing me? I had a 9:17 for the first and second miles. Sandy said her first mile was 11:20 or something like that. I saw Carrie’s ass for 2 minutes and then didn’t see her again for 3 hours.
We also got to experience the benefits of having our own personal cheer crew on the course. The anticipation of seeing Sheri, Al and Al's brother Joe got me through many a mile! It was so great to have them cheering us on and taking pictures!!!
The number of runners was pretty amazing, but what was even more so was the amount of spectators. We all agreed that future races will seem like a let down in comparison. Not only were there a lot of them – never a spot without people cheering – seriously! But they were incredibly enthusiastic even after being out there for 4 hours. They made you feel like Olympic athletes.
I caught up with Carrie’s ass at mile 20 and then she ended up looking at mine. The fable of Turtle and Hare came true. Her legs had started cramping at 15, an easy thing to happen on such a hot day. I have definitely become a believer in electrolyte tablets. I could tell when I had taken one. Don’t get me wrong, I struggled at the end. Especially at that damn overpass that they put in the last .25 mile. I couldn’t do it. I let myself walk up it. I knew it was coming which didn’t help, but I probably walked up it faster than I was running at that point!
The other thing about the warm weather is that there wasn’t much pressure to PR. The fact that we were all able to finish without injury or a visit to the medical tent was a victory in itself. Oh sure, there were moments along the course when I though – “I think I can break 4 hours today!” A mile later reality set in and I was thinking “Yeah, I am just going to try and keep running and finish”.
We all agreed that it was a fantastic experience. Good course – although hillier than we anticipated given how they it is so flat. Amazing spectators. Amazing race organization from the expo to the aid stations.
It is very tempting to consider doing men and women next year. Get a condo for the guys and one for the girls…. Hmmmm …..any takers?
Friday, October 10, 2008
Last Run Before the Marathon!
Training is officially complete! A lot of excitement in the air!!! So, much so, I just can't think of anything to say!
Just looking at this picture of last year's start (10,000 less people than this year) makes me get excited! Can you imagine? I can't!
Just looking at this picture of last year's start (10,000 less people than this year) makes me get excited! Can you imagine? I can't!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Getting Excited!
The excitement is building for Sunday! I think we are all getting excited despite the weather forecast (low of 62 and high of 79). And it seems to get warmer each day. The good news is that the wind speeds are decreasing. But a Larry says - don't worry about the weather since it is the one thing you can't control.
Yes, the excitement is building, but I don't think we will match the level of excitement in the video below. Of course, if Mike was running with us - I think we might.
Yes, the excitement is building, but I don't think we will match the level of excitement in the video below. Of course, if Mike was running with us - I think we might.
Monday, October 6, 2008
4:40 am
When my alarm went off this morning I truly could not remember what I had to get up for. My wishful thinking must have been taking over my mind. Unfortunately, the rain I had hoped for (as always) did not materialize and the radar didn't show any in the vicinity. So, off I went.
It was warm today. I was over dressed. Not as much as Jenny, thankfully, but none the less one of my least favorite things is to be over dressed. It is different then running in hot weather when you can't really do anything about it. But being overdressed - it is just being stupid. Not that Jenny is more stupid than me.... ;-)
The day of the marathon WAS looking good. Mike had to ruin it by asking me what the wind was predicted to be. So, of course I had to go and check. The bad news is the forecast has changed since I looked last night. The good news is that there is plenty of time for it to change again.
Sunday, Oct 12
High: 60°F RealFeel®: 56°F - Rather cloudy with a bit of rain
Winds: NNW at 14mph
Wind Gusts: 24 mph
Thunderstorm Probability: 4%
Amount of Precipitation: 0.05in
It was warm today. I was over dressed. Not as much as Jenny, thankfully, but none the less one of my least favorite things is to be over dressed. It is different then running in hot weather when you can't really do anything about it. But being overdressed - it is just being stupid. Not that Jenny is more stupid than me.... ;-)
The day of the marathon WAS looking good. Mike had to ruin it by asking me what the wind was predicted to be. So, of course I had to go and check. The bad news is the forecast has changed since I looked last night. The good news is that there is plenty of time for it to change again.
Sunday, Oct 12
High: 60°F RealFeel®: 56°F - Rather cloudy with a bit of rain
Winds: NNW at 14mph
Wind Gusts: 24 mph
Thunderstorm Probability: 4%
Amount of Precipitation: 0.05in
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Long Sleeve AND Long Pants
Mark the day - October 2 - the first day the majority of the group wore long sleeves AND long pants. Elyse was the brave one in shorts. She was feeling pretty tired today, so she must have wanted to be cold to keep herself awake!
Taper time... Time to enjoy the guilt of not running much!
Taper time... Time to enjoy the guilt of not running much!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Chicago Video
A brisk run with the group this morning 6.14 miles with a hilly beginning, but something different.
I found a video of the Chicago Marathon Course. To be honest it kinda freaked me out - definitely got my nerves going. It made me realize how long 26.2 miles is. Funny, I know, but I expected it to go a lot faster on a speeded up video. The good thing is that it is flat, flat, flat.
I found a video of the Chicago Marathon Course. To be honest it kinda freaked me out - definitely got my nerves going. It made me realize how long 26.2 miles is. Funny, I know, but I expected it to go a lot faster on a speeded up video. The good thing is that it is flat, flat, flat.
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