It's not the naughty f-word you're thinking of either.........I'm a fiancee!!!!!!(I spelled that correctly for you mom) Last night Dave proposed by Lake Michigan and of course I said yes! Just a Cheeseheadrunner on cloud 9! Haven't really been able to stop smiling - have that stupid your cheeks hurt you've smiled so much thing going on - but I'm not going to complain! We didn't get to properly celebrate as I has an 18-miler this morning, but we'll make it up today with all our friends!!!!
So back to running.....although who can run when they have such a beautiful sparkly thing distracting them!
I had an 8 on Wed which I was sort of dreading. I knew before I even stepped on the treadmill that my legs would be heavy. And I was right. I somehow managed to fight through and finished all 8. Days like that make me feel good that I can push myself that far, but I certainly wish it wasn't so tough sometimes!
Thursday brought a late night at work so I raced home and only had time to put in 3 before Lost came on. Yes I completely realize I could have skipped Lost and watched it online. But I'd had a long day, I deserved some quality couch time with my favorite tv show. I figured 3 is better than nothing, right!?
Today I hauled out of bed at 6:50 am (this is starting to feel like summer runs) threw some yogurt in my system and hit the road. I wanted to be done and still have time to celebrate St. Patricks day! The first half I was fast, too fast, approx 7:40 miles, for me that's a little too fast, I just can't maintain that....yet. But the adrenaline of last night and wanting to get home soon fueled me. When I turned around that was another story, the wind was my enemy, my face was cold, my sweat all got cold, I was an unhappy camper to say the least.
I ended up running with a guy for about a mile and a half, we were just the same pace. When he broke off to take a different route he gave me the little runner salute. I LOVE that about running, I don't know you, good chance I never will, but I know what you endure, I know what keeps you going, and I respect you for that.
The last 2 miles were unpleasant, I was just ready to be done, then I had to pass a stupid (sorry CARA runners) CARA group of about 20 people and it just irked me that I had to go out of my way to pass them. I understand the appeal of running like that, and it's great for some, it just wasn't what I needed at 17.5. But I made it. Only 4 min off BQ pace, now I don't think I could have kept it up, BUT this still makes me feel like my Flying Pig time won't be so bad after all.
I'm off to be "that" girl all day, sorry it's my weekend, I'm going to live it up. And hopefully I'll drink a few green beers too!!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Just another week
It's been a pretty solid week so far. My legs were talking to me all day Monday, practically begged me not to crosstrain, so what did I do, broke out the Gliding video. Now, I'm not a huge fan of workout videos but this particular video was recommended when I was in therapy for my ACL so I figure it has to be good right?? Also, a day later I can't even get out of a chair from all the squats you do during it so that's probably a good indication.
As a side note, I would never say I've been so confused by daylight savings time in my life. On my drive home Monday night I actually asked my mom what time it was, I thought I left work too early (I had not changed the clock in my car yet) It's funktified my whole week and I can't imagine why, it's never happened before...
Today was beautiful. I didn't wear a hat or mittens at lunch, there were runners on the trail as I flew down LSD, signs that perhaps spring is ready to make an appearance here and there. I was looking forward to perhaps my first outdoor weeknight run, but alas it wasn't meant to be....
I hold a pretty strict "you can't start a run in the dark" policy in Chicago. I'm ok if I'm ending a run around dusk but I just don't think it's safe for me and my headphones to chance it. I don't particularly want to be headline news, unless of course I've done something superbly awesome :) I had to take care of some apt papers after work so that meant hitting the gym, bugger!
Stretching today felt like a gift from God, my muscles were thrilled with me. I ran a pretty easy paced 5 miles, but still managed to stay strong in the end.
Ooooo new running song of the week - I like this song so much I even lip-synced while I was running - I'm positive I looked insane, but when you've spent as much time as me on a treadmill lately you'll do anything to make yourself smile - I Don't Wanna be in Love (Dance Floor Anthem) - Good Charlotte, check it out, love a good tune!
As a side note, I would never say I've been so confused by daylight savings time in my life. On my drive home Monday night I actually asked my mom what time it was, I thought I left work too early (I had not changed the clock in my car yet) It's funktified my whole week and I can't imagine why, it's never happened before...
Today was beautiful. I didn't wear a hat or mittens at lunch, there were runners on the trail as I flew down LSD, signs that perhaps spring is ready to make an appearance here and there. I was looking forward to perhaps my first outdoor weeknight run, but alas it wasn't meant to be....
I hold a pretty strict "you can't start a run in the dark" policy in Chicago. I'm ok if I'm ending a run around dusk but I just don't think it's safe for me and my headphones to chance it. I don't particularly want to be headline news, unless of course I've done something superbly awesome :) I had to take care of some apt papers after work so that meant hitting the gym, bugger!
Stretching today felt like a gift from God, my muscles were thrilled with me. I ran a pretty easy paced 5 miles, but still managed to stay strong in the end.
Ooooo new running song of the week - I like this song so much I even lip-synced while I was running - I'm positive I looked insane, but when you've spent as much time as me on a treadmill lately you'll do anything to make yourself smile - I Don't Wanna be in Love (Dance Floor Anthem) - Good Charlotte, check it out, love a good tune!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
I Finally Saw Him!
I've read about him, seen pictures of him, I was starting to believe he was actually a myth....but then it happened........as I rounded the corner on North Ave beach the JOGGLER!!!! For those who don't know about the joggler check him out here. It was very inspiring to see him today, I have a hard enough time just running, adding juggling (which is something I can do, quite well if I do say so myself) to the mix sounds just insane to me. I caught him about mile 15 and it certainly helped me on my last 2 miles!
So, as you may have gleamed from above I had a 17 miler this weekend. Due to apartment shopping, and for those who care we found and secured an awesome place :), I decided to skip runnning Sat and instead tackle the beast on Sun. This proved a good idea for quite a few reason, but mainly because it was cold as HELL on Sat. Walking around to apts I thought my face would freeze off, running would have been just brutal! But having found a place, and a good friend and fellow runners birthday on Sat night I wanted to have a few drinks. I wasn't sure how this would affect me, granted I watched myself and was my no means cashed. I sucked down a big glass of water when I got home, slept till 10 and really I was fine.
It was still pretty cold out today, and the longest I've run on the trail lately has not exceeded 12 miles. Most of my long runs for Chicago this year were done while we were travelling whereever we were at. So long story short I ran pretty far south, farther south than I've ever gone, infact I would venture to guess most people avoid that part of the trail. There were considerably less runners, I saw less than 10, and it's just not as pretty. I also used 2 gels this time which I think really helped. I was hesitant to use the second but when I thought about how it would help me finish strong that was all I needed to get it out. Although I will say that it was so cold today that my gels were more gummy than gel-like, not a big fan of that. Then I saw the joggler at North Ave Beach, highlight of my run, and I was almost home. Finished in 2:26:43, which I'm VERY happy with, I was ready to be done today, but that kink of time for 17 miles indicates that a sub 4 is in reach. Maybe not the Flying Pig with all the hills, but soon, heck that sort of time makes me feel Boston qualifying is not so crazy either!
After my run I actaully had a productive day too. I have a tendency to be uber-lazy following a run like that, not today, ran errands got groceries, I haven't even napped! Looks like we might get up into the 40s this week, I'm so happy I could cry, peace out old man winter!
So, as you may have gleamed from above I had a 17 miler this weekend. Due to apartment shopping, and for those who care we found and secured an awesome place :), I decided to skip runnning Sat and instead tackle the beast on Sun. This proved a good idea for quite a few reason, but mainly because it was cold as HELL on Sat. Walking around to apts I thought my face would freeze off, running would have been just brutal! But having found a place, and a good friend and fellow runners birthday on Sat night I wanted to have a few drinks. I wasn't sure how this would affect me, granted I watched myself and was my no means cashed. I sucked down a big glass of water when I got home, slept till 10 and really I was fine.
It was still pretty cold out today, and the longest I've run on the trail lately has not exceeded 12 miles. Most of my long runs for Chicago this year were done while we were travelling whereever we were at. So long story short I ran pretty far south, farther south than I've ever gone, infact I would venture to guess most people avoid that part of the trail. There were considerably less runners, I saw less than 10, and it's just not as pretty. I also used 2 gels this time which I think really helped. I was hesitant to use the second but when I thought about how it would help me finish strong that was all I needed to get it out. Although I will say that it was so cold today that my gels were more gummy than gel-like, not a big fan of that. Then I saw the joggler at North Ave Beach, highlight of my run, and I was almost home. Finished in 2:26:43, which I'm VERY happy with, I was ready to be done today, but that kink of time for 17 miles indicates that a sub 4 is in reach. Maybe not the Flying Pig with all the hills, but soon, heck that sort of time makes me feel Boston qualifying is not so crazy either!
After my run I actaully had a productive day too. I have a tendency to be uber-lazy following a run like that, not today, ran errands got groceries, I haven't even napped! Looks like we might get up into the 40s this week, I'm so happy I could cry, peace out old man winter!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
My excuse......I'm in mourning
Now that would be a fantastic excuse, I'm mourning the retirement of my all time favorite sports GOD Brett Favre, but unfortunately since this just happened yesterday that doesn't really explain all those other days I missed! opps!
So last week in a sick haze I dragged my butt to the gym for 2 week runs, it was a light week, since I missed Tuesday being sick, I did my 5 on Wed and another 4 on Thursday. Both nights I started on craptastic treadmills, on Thursday I literally switched machines 3 times. I started, and the stupid pace wouldn't keep up, that's BS, I pay good money to work out here (ok my boyfriend actually pays but that's a technicality) the machines should work. So then I moved to a second craptastic treadmill, this machines decrease speed button malfunctioned, sweet, just what I need, get going too fast and then I can't slow down, nice. Then a decent treadmill opened up and I hopped on it, the other treadmillers must have thought I was crazy, but I could care less, not my issue if you want to deal with running on rogue equipment, I don't!
This weekend was a lighter run, only 11 miles. Due to the apt search, Dave and I are moving in and seeking out an uber-cool 2 bedroom, I had zero time to get a run in outdoors on Sat and I CANNOT handle another ridiculously long treadmill run. So I waited until Sunday morning and I'm so glad I did, it was GORGEOUS out. But let's clarify shall we. By gorgeous I mean for March it was very nice and the sun was shining, I don't mean whip out your skanky running tank tops. Listen I'm all for showing off the great body you get running, but it was maybe, maybe 40, there's no reason to be showing skin, even in the Midwest where we are a little crazy. Anyhow it was very nice out, and tons of people on the trail, and it was Polar Plunge at North beach so I thought it was great that they got such a perfect day! There was a small ice age around the Oak Street curve but other than that pretty smooth sailing. I didn't have a gel, which was less than desirable, but I was ill-prepared. I made it though, although I don't think I want to do it again, it's nice to get that little boost to kick me home.
Mileage starts to ramp up again this week. I made it to the gym for cross training this Monday....sorta skipped that for like 3 weeks....I biked and pulled out some old weight exercises from physical therapy after my knee surgery. I totally felt the weights in my arms, I should do that stuff more really, also it would probably help my knee too.
I wanted nothing to do with my 4 miler on Tue, I was tired, there were no treadmills and when I was done the stupid decrease didn't work so I had to pull like the emergency stop, I'm sorry but I think that's a little dangerous. Where is daylight savings time when I need it! My midweek mileage has ramped up to 8, that's as high as I get during the week, but I have to plan to get that in, that's more than just a quick run. Thankfully the traffic gods watched over me tonight and I was on the treadmill by 6:30, I even snagged a good one this time! Roughly an hour 10 min for 8 miles, a little slower than I wanted but I've been insanely tired all week so I will take it. I'm skipping tomorrow nights run due to an apt showing, it's feast or famine so I'm making a sacrifice.
I have to do 17 this weekend YIKES!!! I'm really sure I will be fine, I just haven't had that kind of mileage in awhile and it sounds very daunting at the moment. We already have several apts to see Sat morning so it's looking like it will probably be Sunday by the time I fit it in. It's been the longest week EVER. I don't know what the deal is but every min at work literally feels like 2 min. not cool. Maybe that means the next 2 days will go in hyper-speed, here's the hoping!
So last week in a sick haze I dragged my butt to the gym for 2 week runs, it was a light week, since I missed Tuesday being sick, I did my 5 on Wed and another 4 on Thursday. Both nights I started on craptastic treadmills, on Thursday I literally switched machines 3 times. I started, and the stupid pace wouldn't keep up, that's BS, I pay good money to work out here (ok my boyfriend actually pays but that's a technicality) the machines should work. So then I moved to a second craptastic treadmill, this machines decrease speed button malfunctioned, sweet, just what I need, get going too fast and then I can't slow down, nice. Then a decent treadmill opened up and I hopped on it, the other treadmillers must have thought I was crazy, but I could care less, not my issue if you want to deal with running on rogue equipment, I don't!
This weekend was a lighter run, only 11 miles. Due to the apt search, Dave and I are moving in and seeking out an uber-cool 2 bedroom, I had zero time to get a run in outdoors on Sat and I CANNOT handle another ridiculously long treadmill run. So I waited until Sunday morning and I'm so glad I did, it was GORGEOUS out. But let's clarify shall we. By gorgeous I mean for March it was very nice and the sun was shining, I don't mean whip out your skanky running tank tops. Listen I'm all for showing off the great body you get running, but it was maybe, maybe 40, there's no reason to be showing skin, even in the Midwest where we are a little crazy. Anyhow it was very nice out, and tons of people on the trail, and it was Polar Plunge at North beach so I thought it was great that they got such a perfect day! There was a small ice age around the Oak Street curve but other than that pretty smooth sailing. I didn't have a gel, which was less than desirable, but I was ill-prepared. I made it though, although I don't think I want to do it again, it's nice to get that little boost to kick me home.
Mileage starts to ramp up again this week. I made it to the gym for cross training this Monday....sorta skipped that for like 3 weeks....I biked and pulled out some old weight exercises from physical therapy after my knee surgery. I totally felt the weights in my arms, I should do that stuff more really, also it would probably help my knee too.
I wanted nothing to do with my 4 miler on Tue, I was tired, there were no treadmills and when I was done the stupid decrease didn't work so I had to pull like the emergency stop, I'm sorry but I think that's a little dangerous. Where is daylight savings time when I need it! My midweek mileage has ramped up to 8, that's as high as I get during the week, but I have to plan to get that in, that's more than just a quick run. Thankfully the traffic gods watched over me tonight and I was on the treadmill by 6:30, I even snagged a good one this time! Roughly an hour 10 min for 8 miles, a little slower than I wanted but I've been insanely tired all week so I will take it. I'm skipping tomorrow nights run due to an apt showing, it's feast or famine so I'm making a sacrifice.
I have to do 17 this weekend YIKES!!! I'm really sure I will be fine, I just haven't had that kind of mileage in awhile and it sounds very daunting at the moment. We already have several apts to see Sat morning so it's looking like it will probably be Sunday by the time I fit it in. It's been the longest week EVER. I don't know what the deal is but every min at work literally feels like 2 min. not cool. Maybe that means the next 2 days will go in hyper-speed, here's the hoping!
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