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.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Got It!
No, I know which way to turn on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. I GOT that! I got my "confirmation packet" from the Chicago Marathon in the mail yesterday. It has a lot of RULES in it. It may take me 3 weeks to read it all! The are quite clear that you MUST bring this packet to the expo when you pick up your goody bag. They want you to think they are on top of it, but actually, I think they do it so you have ONE more thing to stress about. Obviously they don't think that worrying about finishing a marathon, the weather, wearing the right clothes, forgetting your shoes, finding your hotel and a good place to eat, finding the start (and finish), figuring out how to find the other 6 people you are running with among the other 44,993 people running and running with 44,999 other people is not enough to worry about. Nope, they have to ADD bringing the frickin (Sandy's new favorite word - NOT mine) "confirmation packet". All I can say is they better not run out of beer!
We were blessed with a mild summer and the fall (yesterday was the first day) is looking to be the same - if not on the warm side. A nice run this morning.
We were blessed with a mild summer and the fall (yesterday was the first day) is looking to be the same - if not on the warm side. A nice run this morning.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Time and place for everything.
A little life lesson today. Sometimes there are experiences that are best kept to yourself. There are numerous reasons to do so, but they all boil down to the fact that you are better off if you keep it to yourself. We were very fortunate today that Jill apparently has not learned this lesson.
Oh, this is soooooo good that it is tempting to keep it to myself in order to treasure it like a precious jewel. I find that throughout the day it continues to brighten my day and bring a smile to my face - almost tears to my eyes - but not quite. Unfortunately, a handful of other people also know, so it won't be long until the story gets out.
Today we were given SOLID proof that Jill was abducted by aliens and a fairly excellent (until today) facsimile was put in her place. It seems the aliens have gotten smart and have changed their tactics so there won't be anymore "I got abducted by aliens" people. It was working for them... until today. I say this because there is NO WAY a person who grew up in Sparta could have done what Jill did today. NO WAY.
Okay, Okay, I can't hold it in anymore. Today was our last and final long run before Chicago. Apparently, Jill was delirious with joy which short circuited her alien wiring. Our last loop was what I call Jenny Extended. We head out on John St. (and what ever it turns into) and when it meets the trail we go right (left would go by Jenny's) until the country road we are on again intersects with the trail. At which point you turn left on to the trail and take it back to Sparta. In all reality, you don't have to be from Sparta (like the pseudo Jill says she is) or even have ridden the trail to know this.
Apparently, the aliens didn't know this either... since Jill turned right on to the trail.... heading towards Norwalk. Yes, you heard me right.... Norwalk. Luckily, she had her cell phone with her and called her dear husband. She didn't know where she was at, but knew that she was on Hwy. 71. So he drove to find her, but was understandably concerned when he found her walking TOWARDS Norwalk. I am surprised that he didn't take her immediately to the emergency room since Jill also professed that she "is really good with directions". No well person could honestly think they were "good with direction" and go the way that was obviously (accept to an alien) the wrong way. This must be normal for Jill since Arnie apparently didn't bat an eye at the situation. Oh, but WE did! Of course, we didn't take her to the emergency room either. Instead we were considering a trip there ourselves from the pain of so much laughter!
How was the run? Good. I felt good which I needed after such a miserable last run. Sandy did awesome! A faster pace then her race pace! Jenny's heel felt good. Wendy struggled, but we reminded her that this was the FIRST bad run she has had this training cycle and we all have at least ONE bad run. Plus she knows the reason why... too fast of a start. Jill had a ..... well.... it is obvious what kind of run she had!
However, I do have a heart. I won't e-mail this to Mike which would ensure he hears about it. We all know how kind he is to Jill when she makes mistakes like this. I am sure he would reach out to her with some kind, supportive words.
Oh, this is soooooo good that it is tempting to keep it to myself in order to treasure it like a precious jewel. I find that throughout the day it continues to brighten my day and bring a smile to my face - almost tears to my eyes - but not quite. Unfortunately, a handful of other people also know, so it won't be long until the story gets out.
Today we were given SOLID proof that Jill was abducted by aliens and a fairly excellent (until today) facsimile was put in her place. It seems the aliens have gotten smart and have changed their tactics so there won't be anymore "I got abducted by aliens" people. It was working for them... until today. I say this because there is NO WAY a person who grew up in Sparta could have done what Jill did today. NO WAY.
Okay, Okay, I can't hold it in anymore. Today was our last and final long run before Chicago. Apparently, Jill was delirious with joy which short circuited her alien wiring. Our last loop was what I call Jenny Extended. We head out on John St. (and what ever it turns into) and when it meets the trail we go right (left would go by Jenny's) until the country road we are on again intersects with the trail. At which point you turn left on to the trail and take it back to Sparta. In all reality, you don't have to be from Sparta (like the pseudo Jill says she is) or even have ridden the trail to know this.
Apparently, the aliens didn't know this either... since Jill turned right on to the trail.... heading towards Norwalk. Yes, you heard me right.... Norwalk. Luckily, she had her cell phone with her and called her dear husband. She didn't know where she was at, but knew that she was on Hwy. 71. So he drove to find her, but was understandably concerned when he found her walking TOWARDS Norwalk. I am surprised that he didn't take her immediately to the emergency room since Jill also professed that she "is really good with directions". No well person could honestly think they were "good with direction" and go the way that was obviously (accept to an alien) the wrong way. This must be normal for Jill since Arnie apparently didn't bat an eye at the situation. Oh, but WE did! Of course, we didn't take her to the emergency room either. Instead we were considering a trip there ourselves from the pain of so much laughter!
How was the run? Good. I felt good which I needed after such a miserable last run. Sandy did awesome! A faster pace then her race pace! Jenny's heel felt good. Wendy struggled, but we reminded her that this was the FIRST bad run she has had this training cycle and we all have at least ONE bad run. Plus she knows the reason why... too fast of a start. Jill had a ..... well.... it is obvious what kind of run she had!
However, I do have a heart. I won't e-mail this to Mike which would ensure he hears about it. We all know how kind he is to Jill when she makes mistakes like this. I am sure he would reach out to her with some kind, supportive words.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Training
I know that I am at the tail end of the hard part of marathon training. One more long run to do. The end is in sight. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The last bell has rung (almost). Anyway.... it is affecting my dreams too. Last night I had a dream that I over slept and missing the morning run AND I WAS OKAY WITH THAT. It wasn't the usual panic dream. Unfortunately, later in the dream I realized my clock had been set wrong and I had actually gotten up way before the run (too early) so I still had to go anyway. I wasn't thrilled.
Good morning run. Although the light has faded, the weather is beautiful. Wisconsin's wonderful fall.
Good morning run. Although the light has faded, the weather is beautiful. Wisconsin's wonderful fall.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Hump day
It felt like hump day today, but after hearing Wendy's story about her car being broke into getting up at 5:00 to run didn't seem so bad! See - the many benefits of running with a group!
A good group today. I am sure I missed out on a lot of ribbing in the back group. KT gal and Mike together is a rare thing these days!
I was pretty bummed today. I brought a piece of paper and pen with me and even and a back-up route in case the Paparazzi showed up. Unfortunately, the star of the group didn't make an appearance. Her agent had an imaginative excuse about a heel that wasn't healing from a cut. I am sure that was that case rather than our humble running group being to 'small town' for the star among us.
Oh, and speaking of sightings of URO's (Unidentified Running Oddballs). I believe we did glimpse He Who Shall Not Be Named (in this blog) running yesterday. He tried to hide himself by dressing all in black either that or he was trying hard to get hit by a car - you never know with him. In any case... despite what he thinks we still did see him when he ran right by us. Yes, he said Hello - even gave a certain someone in our group a high five - but we all really know what he is about!
A good group today. I am sure I missed out on a lot of ribbing in the back group. KT gal and Mike together is a rare thing these days!
I was pretty bummed today. I brought a piece of paper and pen with me and even and a back-up route in case the Paparazzi showed up. Unfortunately, the star of the group didn't make an appearance. Her agent had an imaginative excuse about a heel that wasn't healing from a cut. I am sure that was that case rather than our humble running group being to 'small town' for the star among us.
Oh, and speaking of sightings of URO's (Unidentified Running Oddballs). I believe we did glimpse He Who Shall Not Be Named (in this blog) running yesterday. He tried to hide himself by dressing all in black either that or he was trying hard to get hit by a car - you never know with him. In any case... despite what he thinks we still did see him when he ran right by us. Yes, he said Hello - even gave a certain someone in our group a high five - but we all really know what he is about!
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