I've been pretty bad at this blogging thing. Trying to include it in my frequent to-do's but not being very successful. Maybe I'll make a 2012 goal of being better at it. December came and went so insanely fast, as I have heard from many others. We spent a few days in NYC - cold but fun, but otherwise just trying to keep up with the whirlwind of the end of the year.
So as a closing for now, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is setting goals for 2012 that include health and physical activity. I'm working on the list... I'll try to remember to post it. :)
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
There will always be faster, stronger, better...
Today was the second time I ran the Naples On The Run 20K. For some reason, I thought it was the third, but maybe that's because it follows generally the same route as our long Saturday runs.
20K is right around 12.42742 miles (-ish), so it's a good gauge to see where you are in half marathon training. Wanting to PR at the Naples Half in January, I wanted to race it smart. Unfortunately, I don't really have much of a grasp on racing smart.
The main theme was that I really didn't want to start out too fast and not be able to hold on - which is a frequent issue with distance. Michelle wasn't feeling well enough to come to the race, so it was me and Christy covering the distance. We passed Lowdermilk Park (the usual Saturday starting place) just shy of 2 miles, so I tried to tell myself that we were really just starting then. I told Christy just to look at it like our normal Saturday run, but that someone stole our cars so we had to run all the way to NOTR. I don't think she found it a very funny suggestion.
Between 2 & 3 I had a little back pain on my lower right side (probably the stupid mattress) but otherwise felt good. That good feeling held through mile 7, which I was really happy about. Right around mile 8, I had a Clif Shot and we turned back from Gordon to Gulf Shore. At that point, Christy was ready to slow it a bit. I had initially said that if I feel good around 9, then I would push it, but since I didn't want to slow down at 8, I figured it was a decent time to break off. 4.5 miles is a maintainable distance. So, I squeezed the trigger a little and sped up. It felt good, especially as I was passing people. There was a little back and forth around the water stops but I eventually caught those who passed me and didn't let them catch me again.
I felt thirsty between the last 2 water stops, but other than that it was a really good run. I don't like being cold, but was probably dressed a little too warmly for the last half of it. But I'd always rather be too hot than too cold.
But I was POOPED! Came home, unloaded the car of all the timing stuff with Shawn, ate lunch, and took a LONG nap. Couldn't stay awake for the Eagles game, but it didn't seem like I missed much. I woke up and saw the 14-14, then the field goal, then the Eagles lose it once again. Sucks that we're still paying for the Season Ticket, but I guess you always take that gamble... especially with the $$$ that they have spent to buff up the team this year.
Anyhow, the moral of the story is that while my time for the 20K wasn't fast by any good Naples runner standards, it was a PR for me! 2:04:58. There will always be faster, stronger, better, but if you put work in and improve against yourself, you have NOTHING to feel bad about.
I wore my Run Happy shirt today and was reminded a few times through the race that if you're not running happy, then you're kind of missing the whole point.
20K is right around 12.42742 miles (-ish), so it's a good gauge to see where you are in half marathon training. Wanting to PR at the Naples Half in January, I wanted to race it smart. Unfortunately, I don't really have much of a grasp on racing smart.
The main theme was that I really didn't want to start out too fast and not be able to hold on - which is a frequent issue with distance. Michelle wasn't feeling well enough to come to the race, so it was me and Christy covering the distance. We passed Lowdermilk Park (the usual Saturday starting place) just shy of 2 miles, so I tried to tell myself that we were really just starting then. I told Christy just to look at it like our normal Saturday run, but that someone stole our cars so we had to run all the way to NOTR. I don't think she found it a very funny suggestion.
Between 2 & 3 I had a little back pain on my lower right side (probably the stupid mattress) but otherwise felt good. That good feeling held through mile 7, which I was really happy about. Right around mile 8, I had a Clif Shot and we turned back from Gordon to Gulf Shore. At that point, Christy was ready to slow it a bit. I had initially said that if I feel good around 9, then I would push it, but since I didn't want to slow down at 8, I figured it was a decent time to break off. 4.5 miles is a maintainable distance. So, I squeezed the trigger a little and sped up. It felt good, especially as I was passing people. There was a little back and forth around the water stops but I eventually caught those who passed me and didn't let them catch me again.
I felt thirsty between the last 2 water stops, but other than that it was a really good run. I don't like being cold, but was probably dressed a little too warmly for the last half of it. But I'd always rather be too hot than too cold.
But I was POOPED! Came home, unloaded the car of all the timing stuff with Shawn, ate lunch, and took a LONG nap. Couldn't stay awake for the Eagles game, but it didn't seem like I missed much. I woke up and saw the 14-14, then the field goal, then the Eagles lose it once again. Sucks that we're still paying for the Season Ticket, but I guess you always take that gamble... especially with the $$$ that they have spent to buff up the team this year.
Anyhow, the moral of the story is that while my time for the 20K wasn't fast by any good Naples runner standards, it was a PR for me! 2:04:58. There will always be faster, stronger, better, but if you put work in and improve against yourself, you have NOTHING to feel bad about. I wore my Run Happy shirt today and was reminded a few times through the race that if you're not running happy, then you're kind of missing the whole point.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Way out of the loop!
I'm so far behind on blogging! Just can't keep up with it all.
Season has started in Naples. Which means for the full-timers, our town is taken over. It takes twice as long to get anywhere, you have to watch for your life in parking lots, grocery stores are a serious test of patience, and restaurants are too packed to even try to go out to eat.
Went to lunch at Shula's yesterday with the Greater Naples Phi Mu alumnae group. I'm the president of the group, even though I have a hard time keeping it all together. We have a lunch scheduled monthly that sometimes included business meetings. November is always an auction that we call the Make It/Bake It/Donate It. We all bring items and auction them off to each other to raise money that we give out in December to a charity. We had an assortment of items and 8 ladies. I scored a candle and a tin of chocolate chip cookies. We raised almost $100 and will decide where to donate. It's a small group but we do our best to stick with the Phi Mu Philanthropy goals.
Got home just in time to get ready then for the Sunset & Suds 5K. This was a local race to benefit the Rotary Club that was not contracted to GCR, so we actually got to go and participate with no work to do. Since we have the 20K on Sunday, this 5K was done as a casual tempo run. Turned out to almost be a 5K PR for me at 28:00 for 3.06 miles - about a 9:10 pace. Having that pace at an "easy" run is really great for me. I'm looking forward to really pushing it and seeing what I can do later in the season at some official measured 5K's.
Looking so forward to a casual Saturday today. Lots of email to catch up on and laundry and weeding. But otherwise I plan to take it easy - which I LOVE!
Season has started in Naples. Which means for the full-timers, our town is taken over. It takes twice as long to get anywhere, you have to watch for your life in parking lots, grocery stores are a serious test of patience, and restaurants are too packed to even try to go out to eat.
Went to lunch at Shula's yesterday with the Greater Naples Phi Mu alumnae group. I'm the president of the group, even though I have a hard time keeping it all together. We have a lunch scheduled monthly that sometimes included business meetings. November is always an auction that we call the Make It/Bake It/Donate It. We all bring items and auction them off to each other to raise money that we give out in December to a charity. We had an assortment of items and 8 ladies. I scored a candle and a tin of chocolate chip cookies. We raised almost $100 and will decide where to donate. It's a small group but we do our best to stick with the Phi Mu Philanthropy goals.
Got home just in time to get ready then for the Sunset & Suds 5K. This was a local race to benefit the Rotary Club that was not contracted to GCR, so we actually got to go and participate with no work to do. Since we have the 20K on Sunday, this 5K was done as a casual tempo run. Turned out to almost be a 5K PR for me at 28:00 for 3.06 miles - about a 9:10 pace. Having that pace at an "easy" run is really great for me. I'm looking forward to really pushing it and seeing what I can do later in the season at some official measured 5K's.
Looking so forward to a casual Saturday today. Lots of email to catch up on and laundry and weeding. But otherwise I plan to take it easy - which I LOVE!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
To sleep, perchance to dream
I did not sleep well last night. I set my alarm for 4:30 so I could get up to swim. When I know I have to get up, I usually wake up around 2, realize I have time, and go back to sleep. This morning, I felt like there was a mosquito in the bed and by the bites on my legs, either there was, or I had gotten bites yesterday that were just coming to their itchy fruition. Eventually I must have fallen back to sleep, because the alarm woke me. I turned it off and must have immediately fallen back to sleep.
I was at my grandfather's house, some of my dad's cousins were there and we were chatting a bit. Then a car pulled up to take some of the kids to school and I ran down to say hi to my Pop-pop who was driving. I could hear him telling the kids to get in the car so they wouldn't be late. He gave me a kiss and just looked at me, smiling with eyes full of love. I told him I'd see him later and off they went.
By the time I woke up the clock said 4:55 and Shawn was walking into the bathroom. I jumped out of bed, threw on my stuff, brushed my teeth, and made it to swim by 5:25, crying most of the way. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to swim while I was driving, but I was able to focus on the workout.
Pop-pop has only been in a couple of dreams in the last 5 years since he passed away. This was one of the most vivid. I'm still crying writing this, but in the same respect, I wish that he visited me every night. I still miss him so much.
This is one of the last photos I have with Pop-pop, visiting him in his ALF room the last summer he was with us.
I was at my grandfather's house, some of my dad's cousins were there and we were chatting a bit. Then a car pulled up to take some of the kids to school and I ran down to say hi to my Pop-pop who was driving. I could hear him telling the kids to get in the car so they wouldn't be late. He gave me a kiss and just looked at me, smiling with eyes full of love. I told him I'd see him later and off they went.
By the time I woke up the clock said 4:55 and Shawn was walking into the bathroom. I jumped out of bed, threw on my stuff, brushed my teeth, and made it to swim by 5:25, crying most of the way. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to swim while I was driving, but I was able to focus on the workout.
Pop-pop has only been in a couple of dreams in the last 5 years since he passed away. This was one of the most vivid. I'm still crying writing this, but in the same respect, I wish that he visited me every night. I still miss him so much.
This is one of the last photos I have with Pop-pop, visiting him in his ALF room the last summer he was with us.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Just another long weekend - sleep, eat, run & buy a car
For the past several years, Shawn has been researching and saving for a Camaro. This led him from the original, through different models, finally landing on a convertible. He would have one reason or another to not bite the bullet and get one, the main reason being making sure it wouldn't rattle the budget too badly. He would bring it up from time to time, when to do it, what exactly to get... and finally I just told him to get a number on what a payment would be and the down payment needed to get to that payment.
So the next day he does a complete 180 and says that in searching around, he finds a more interesting car, the Chevy SSR. It was a limited production vehicle a few years back - a hard top convertible with a hard top pick-up bed. To be honest, I couldn't really care less about cars. Give me a hybrid, electric or Smart car and I'd be more than happy. Noise, torque, and horsepower do nothing to sell me a car. He finds one (I did like the silver color, but not the leather interior) at a Jaguar dealership in Fort Pierce that he decides he wants to go see. So he takes off of work last Friday and we make the almost 3 hour drive through the middle of Florida to go to see the car. We check it out (I find the little stuff here and there that isn't perfect - which Shawn HATES), he looks at the engine, go for a test drive, he likes it, and I have to admit that it's pretty cool to have a hard-top convertible in FL. After the usual car negotiation BS, we agree to take it. I had to get home by 3:30, so I took off so Shawn could finish the paperwork.
Saturday morning I was supposed to meet Michelle & Christy for the 6 AM GCR training run, but the radar looked crappy - wind & rain, so we bagged it. Shawn spent a good chunk of the weekend rearranging the garage so both cars would fit. This was one of my clauses in the purchase of a car - that I wouldn't lose my garage privileges. Everyone has their priorities.
Sunday morning was the first in the long series of winter GCR events, the Halloween Monster Crazy 8K. We do registration and timing for the GCR events. On race day, we're usually up before 5 to make our way to the location to help set up the registration area and finish line & get the day started. After a few glitches, we were underway with data entry and set up. I usually run the races since my work is done before the start of the race. Wasn't sure I would make the start because of a power glitch delaying my registration entry duties, but I got there just in time. I've been doing some running since the marathon, but nothing for intense training. I went off pretty fast and maintained a decent pace for the 5 miles. I was satisfied with the result & a good time for me. I think my pace was around the 9:20 mark.
After returning home and getting the cars unloaded, I retired for my usual post-race nap. I'm a napper. I like to sleep. I'm not as nice of a person if I don't get enough sleep. So be it. I woke up a few hours later to eat lunch. Then did a little computer work after deciding to meet Michelle to make up for the run we missed on Saturday. She went out and did a couple before I arrived since I didn't know how far my legs would want to go after the 5 that morning. Together we did another 5.15 miles and called it an evening.
I really didn't feel like cooking at all. We've had these Bagel Bites in the freezer for a couple of months, so we agreed to just have those. Shawn expressed his great displeasure at how much I ate but I was REALLY hungry after running twice so I told him to shut up. He stayed grumpy.
The Eagles game was at 8 and I made it to about half-time before I retired to watch the rest in bed. I think I fell asleep in the third quarter but heard it was an awesome game. Wish I could have seen the whole thing, but sleep ALWAYS wins.
So the next day he does a complete 180 and says that in searching around, he finds a more interesting car, the Chevy SSR. It was a limited production vehicle a few years back - a hard top convertible with a hard top pick-up bed. To be honest, I couldn't really care less about cars. Give me a hybrid, electric or Smart car and I'd be more than happy. Noise, torque, and horsepower do nothing to sell me a car. He finds one (I did like the silver color, but not the leather interior) at a Jaguar dealership in Fort Pierce that he decides he wants to go see. So he takes off of work last Friday and we make the almost 3 hour drive through the middle of Florida to go to see the car. We check it out (I find the little stuff here and there that isn't perfect - which Shawn HATES), he looks at the engine, go for a test drive, he likes it, and I have to admit that it's pretty cool to have a hard-top convertible in FL. After the usual car negotiation BS, we agree to take it. I had to get home by 3:30, so I took off so Shawn could finish the paperwork.
Saturday morning I was supposed to meet Michelle & Christy for the 6 AM GCR training run, but the radar looked crappy - wind & rain, so we bagged it. Shawn spent a good chunk of the weekend rearranging the garage so both cars would fit. This was one of my clauses in the purchase of a car - that I wouldn't lose my garage privileges. Everyone has their priorities.
Sunday morning was the first in the long series of winter GCR events, the Halloween Monster Crazy 8K. We do registration and timing for the GCR events. On race day, we're usually up before 5 to make our way to the location to help set up the registration area and finish line & get the day started. After a few glitches, we were underway with data entry and set up. I usually run the races since my work is done before the start of the race. Wasn't sure I would make the start because of a power glitch delaying my registration entry duties, but I got there just in time. I've been doing some running since the marathon, but nothing for intense training. I went off pretty fast and maintained a decent pace for the 5 miles. I was satisfied with the result & a good time for me. I think my pace was around the 9:20 mark.
After returning home and getting the cars unloaded, I retired for my usual post-race nap. I'm a napper. I like to sleep. I'm not as nice of a person if I don't get enough sleep. So be it. I woke up a few hours later to eat lunch. Then did a little computer work after deciding to meet Michelle to make up for the run we missed on Saturday. She went out and did a couple before I arrived since I didn't know how far my legs would want to go after the 5 that morning. Together we did another 5.15 miles and called it an evening.
I really didn't feel like cooking at all. We've had these Bagel Bites in the freezer for a couple of months, so we agreed to just have those. Shawn expressed his great displeasure at how much I ate but I was REALLY hungry after running twice so I told him to shut up. He stayed grumpy.
The Eagles game was at 8 and I made it to about half-time before I retired to watch the rest in bed. I think I fell asleep in the third quarter but heard it was an awesome game. Wish I could have seen the whole thing, but sleep ALWAYS wins.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Swim, ocular migraine, run, sleep
This morning I got up and swam and felt great! Had my usual tea and post swim snack, got to work and started my day. About 20 minutes into the day, my vision started getting odd the way it does when I have blood sugar drops. I've had those a few times if I don't eat something after hard exercise. I start getting bright spots that increase in amount until it's almost like a kaleidoscope effect and I can't see anything. When it's my blood sugar if I let it go past that then my fingers get numb, then I just can't pay attention...
Well anyway, I knew I had a snack so that shouldn't be the issue, so I had a nurse check my blood sugar which was fine. I called Shawn and told him about it and he asked if they checked my blood pressure, I hadn't, so they did, and it was a little high for me but still well within normal range. Then I remembered hearing about ocular migraines. I have a history of getting regular migraines which SUCK, but never had one of these.
It's basically the aura and spots and field of vision changes that you get with a migraine, but without the headache, sensitivity, and nausea. I was really tired, too, but I was up at 4:20 and swam for an hour. So, to try to preempt the headache part, I took the usual cocktail (an Advil, a Tylenol, with caffeine to drink). After about an hour my vision was to the point that I could at least read and I only had a bit of a headache.
I'll be mentioning it to the doctor the next time I go, but all seems OK at this point.
Then after 12 hours at work, Michelle, Christy, & I decided to get in a quick 3 miles since we haven't all run together since Chicago. Nice way to end the day, albeit pretty late getting home to eat... and sleep.
Well anyway, I knew I had a snack so that shouldn't be the issue, so I had a nurse check my blood sugar which was fine. I called Shawn and told him about it and he asked if they checked my blood pressure, I hadn't, so they did, and it was a little high for me but still well within normal range. Then I remembered hearing about ocular migraines. I have a history of getting regular migraines which SUCK, but never had one of these.
It's basically the aura and spots and field of vision changes that you get with a migraine, but without the headache, sensitivity, and nausea. I was really tired, too, but I was up at 4:20 and swam for an hour. So, to try to preempt the headache part, I took the usual cocktail (an Advil, a Tylenol, with caffeine to drink). After about an hour my vision was to the point that I could at least read and I only had a bit of a headache.
I'll be mentioning it to the doctor the next time I go, but all seems OK at this point.
Then after 12 hours at work, Michelle, Christy, & I decided to get in a quick 3 miles since we haven't all run together since Chicago. Nice way to end the day, albeit pretty late getting home to eat... and sleep.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Catching up
Been a while since I wrote a note. Kind-of one of those weeks where a lot was happening but not much...
Anyway, I returned from the Marathon to State Survey being in the building I contract to. If you don't work in healthcare and don't know the joy of survey... equate it to carrying about 75 pounds on your back, while walking all day uphill, with someone following you on a rope with a magnifying glass and a microscope, snickering and waiting to tell you at any moment that you're doing it all wrong. It's not really what you want to deal when all you want is recovery and rest. Tues through Fri were 10-12 hour days just like that.
Generally, I don't worry about my clinical stuff - I'm pretty good at what I do. But the kitchen is always another story. All a surveyor has to do is fine a misplaced speck of dust and they can tag you with F371-Sanitation. Blah, blah, blah.
Once survey week was over, I had plenty of work to catch up on. By Thursday of last week, I honestly couldn't do it anymore. I decided I needed to take some time off. Usually my time off consists of a trip to PA, or some vacation planned, but I decided I needed the gem of all time off... a few days at home. Friday, Monday, Tuesday... vacation days for me. I've gotten stuff done around here... ALWAYS stuff to get done at home. But just tried to focus on the mental and physical recovery I needed from the previous week.
During this time, I've been off-and-on scrolling through the unidentified photos from the marathon. They use some kind of matching software that finds your number in a photos and determines that it's you. Maybe they use face matching, too. But if someone is in front of you or they get you from the side, hiding your number, then you are in the unidentified pile. Shawn keeps telling me it's a waste of my time, but I've decided that it was a pretty big accomplishment and if there is a photo out there of me (especially crossing the finish), I'd like it.
I noticed during the race and I'm reminded again how bizarre I thought it was that during the event, I passed several participants either talking or texting on their phones. SERIOUSLY? Are you honestly out for a 26.2 mile stroll and just can't disconnect long enough?? Best yet, most of these people were just meandering along the middle of the road doing their thing. At least get out of the freaking way!!! There are several photos of these folks in the mix.
Anyway, I returned from the Marathon to State Survey being in the building I contract to. If you don't work in healthcare and don't know the joy of survey... equate it to carrying about 75 pounds on your back, while walking all day uphill, with someone following you on a rope with a magnifying glass and a microscope, snickering and waiting to tell you at any moment that you're doing it all wrong. It's not really what you want to deal when all you want is recovery and rest. Tues through Fri were 10-12 hour days just like that.
Generally, I don't worry about my clinical stuff - I'm pretty good at what I do. But the kitchen is always another story. All a surveyor has to do is fine a misplaced speck of dust and they can tag you with F371-Sanitation. Blah, blah, blah.
Once survey week was over, I had plenty of work to catch up on. By Thursday of last week, I honestly couldn't do it anymore. I decided I needed to take some time off. Usually my time off consists of a trip to PA, or some vacation planned, but I decided I needed the gem of all time off... a few days at home. Friday, Monday, Tuesday... vacation days for me. I've gotten stuff done around here... ALWAYS stuff to get done at home. But just tried to focus on the mental and physical recovery I needed from the previous week.
During this time, I've been off-and-on scrolling through the unidentified photos from the marathon. They use some kind of matching software that finds your number in a photos and determines that it's you. Maybe they use face matching, too. But if someone is in front of you or they get you from the side, hiding your number, then you are in the unidentified pile. Shawn keeps telling me it's a waste of my time, but I've decided that it was a pretty big accomplishment and if there is a photo out there of me (especially crossing the finish), I'd like it.
I noticed during the race and I'm reminded again how bizarre I thought it was that during the event, I passed several participants either talking or texting on their phones. SERIOUSLY? Are you honestly out for a 26.2 mile stroll and just can't disconnect long enough?? Best yet, most of these people were just meandering along the middle of the road doing their thing. At least get out of the freaking way!!! There are several photos of these folks in the mix.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Marathon Hindsight
In hindsight, the marathon was a huge learning experience. I didn't doubt that I could cover the distance but I had no idea how long it would take. I would have loved a faster time, but I needed somewhere to start. I learned that I need to pack food I usually eat the day before. I was adequately hydrated but didn't think about food sources. My trusty PB sandwich was missing. The mixture of Body Glide and Chamois Butt'r was perfect. No chafe at all! I was good with gel because I carried extra. I have to figure out if there's more I can do to prevent foot blisters - I had a good sock suggestion. Spectators and good signs are great. "your feet hurt 'cause you're kicking ass" was a good one. But leave the signs about "don't poop your pants" at home. No runner wants to be reminded of that because then it's on your mind that you might have to go.
Post - Marathon
Beverly left us to go shower and meet her in-laws. Then M & I slowly made our way back to the hotel. I felt really good that I wasn't the only one waddling. Michelle's plane ticket was for 6 PM - she wasn't sure if she'd have to reschedule it, but we could tell that she could make the shuttle to the airport in time. It would have been fun if she stayed but she wanted to get home to the boys.
Beverly was out - later to find out getting lunch and walking more than she had hoped, and Michelle left, so I settled in for a nap. After a couple hours, Beverly came back and rested a bit. We decided we were just going to go down to the Hilton's Pub for a little snack - I ate about 1/2 salad, she drank about 1/2 a beer. Just too pooped. While we were sitting there, we heard cheering and turned to see the Kenyan male and Russian female winners come walking in with what appeared to be their manager-type guy. He was thrilled to have us take photos with them. We congratulated them and shook their hands. They were both very nice and shy. She was wearing heels (good god) and he was so tiny! He set a course record and she pulled a three-peat win for Chicago.
After our snack and photos, we decided to call it a night. Packed up all the bags and got ready for the flight out.
Monday morning we had breakfast and decided to take the train to Midway since it was cheap and easy. Easy until I realized I had to pull that 40 pound duffel about 4 blocks on marathon tired legs and blistered feet, pulling my shoulder and numbing my hands. I'll be buying new luggage very soon. The train was really easy, just like NYC. We got to Midway where I was very happy to check that stupid bag. Short flight home where Shawn picked us up. We dropped off Beverly, picked up a pizza, and headed home.
Shawn had a congratulations note on my desk with the quote "The Woman Who Starts The Race Is Not The Same Woman Who Finishes The Race". Nope, I'm a marathoner now. :-D
The Chicago Marathon
As we stood jammed up against a few thousand other runners, we talked a little bit with others about running and where-you-from kind of stuff. We made it through 4 songs (Born to Run, Right Now, Start Me Up, and Sweet Home Chicago) before we got to the start line, but as soon as we crossed the line, we were jogging.
Now, everyone had said how flat the Chicago course is which sounded perfect for the South Florida girls. Well, everyone wasn't exactly telling the truth. Right after the start, you run under the BP Bridge which is a pedestrian footbridge that spans Columbus Drive and right up a hill... the first of several. Let me see if I can break the race down by miles... (I'm using some guides to help me remember the locations and landmarks)
Mile 1 - it was generally still packed in so you couldn't go much of anywhere. There were some turns that created a log-jam effect that you would have to almost walk around. M & I were able to stay together for one mile before we lost each other. We had previously agreed that if this happened, we weren't going to waste the mental and physical energy to try to stay together. The first Aid Station was around 1.5 - which is where I made my first critical error. I knew the stations were going to be about 2 blocks long and have Gatorade and water. Usually the stations are mixed with some G then water, then more G, then more water... but all I saw was Gatorade for the whole block. Well, in my mind I was thinking that I know I need to hydrate early and often, so I'd better grab what they have. So I drank some Gatorade. Then I came across the block of water and washed it down. The error was that I never drink straight Gatorade because I pay for it down the line...
Mile 2-7 - We passed that Chicago Theater that you would know if you saw it. That was about all I remember that stood out there. A lot of spectators, a lot of music, some bands, people out with hoses. I had water at each stop because I didn't want to get dry. Supposedly there was a Goethe Statue at mile 6, but I didn't see it. I did start to notice that my watch was off from their mile markers...
Mile 8 - The Gatorade caught up with me here and I had to make a pit stop. Luckily all the Aid Stations had a line of port-o-johns... unluckily it seemed that a lot of people were having issues around Mile 8. I was about 4 in my line and standing there watching everyone run by was SO FRUSTRATING!!! to lose a good 5 minutes at least. Also, coming out of the john, my race number tore. I knew I wasn't going to be a happy camper having it flap around for 18 miles, so I grabbed a piece of medical tape and taped it around my number belt. Voila! Mile 8 was also the gay area which was so funny - they had a gun twirling group dancing to Lady Gaga, singers in drag, and a cheerleading section. Loved the energy and having all the spectators the whole way really was pleasantly distracting.
Mile 9-12 - The Lincoln Park and Old Town area. Tons of people were peeling off in Lincoln Park and piddling behind trees. There was a good Beatles cover band in there, too. Around Mile 10 in Old Town there was an Elvis impersonator that was pretty good. White jumpsuit, mutton chops and all.
Mile 13-15 - We passed the Sears Tower and the United Center. I clearly remember running straight towards the Tower but don't remember seeing the Michael Jordan statue. Probably because I had to make another pit stop along the way - costing me another few minutes. Stupid Gatorade. This was also the Half-Marathon mark where I remember thinking about only being half-way done. I saw that I had about a 2:20-something half split which I was OK with.
Mile 16 - This was the first point where I started to feel my body getting tired. I remember thinking that if you wanted to stop, you would just have to go to an Aid Station and they'd drive you back to the start. But I knew that wasn't going to happen.
Mile 17-20 - This part took us through Little Italy. Again there was a statue of Joe DiMaggio that I missed. The Clif Shot table was in here. Even though I had plenty, I grabbed one and tucked it in my sportsbra strap. I had somehow lost 2 along the way so I figured better safe than sorry.
Mile 21-23 - Running through Chinatown. I missed the big overhead Welcome gate (I was busy running), but saw the two guys in dragon head costumes dancing around. We also passed Comiskey Park which I don't remember at all. Clearly I was beyond paying attention at this point.
Mile 23-25.2 - The long stretch of Michigan Avenue towards the finish. This was where I really started to hurt. My legs were tired and I could feel blisters forming on my feet. I spent more time walking in here than I really wanted to, but it was all I had at the moment. I had the 5:00 pace team on my heels at this point. Then you see that 25.2 sign and realize you only have a mile left. I could tell by my watch how close to 5:00 I was and I realized that I could beat it if I pushed.
Mile 25.5-27 - We passed the 800m to go mark and I just kicked it in that I was really going to finish this and I was going to give it all I got. The signs kept coming... 500m, 400m... make a right to cross that final bridge... 200m... and make a left and there is that FINISH arch. Waiting there just a few meters away. It was a bit overwhelming to see it and realize that it was over!!! I'd like to say "I couldn't believe it!" but I really could... I had spent 5 hours realizing what I was working towards. :) You see that I say "-27"... all of our GPS's said we were over 27 miles by the end. Extra credit?
Now, everyone had said how flat the Chicago course is which sounded perfect for the South Florida girls. Well, everyone wasn't exactly telling the truth. Right after the start, you run under the BP Bridge which is a pedestrian footbridge that spans Columbus Drive and right up a hill... the first of several. Let me see if I can break the race down by miles... (I'm using some guides to help me remember the locations and landmarks)
Mile 1 - it was generally still packed in so you couldn't go much of anywhere. There were some turns that created a log-jam effect that you would have to almost walk around. M & I were able to stay together for one mile before we lost each other. We had previously agreed that if this happened, we weren't going to waste the mental and physical energy to try to stay together. The first Aid Station was around 1.5 - which is where I made my first critical error. I knew the stations were going to be about 2 blocks long and have Gatorade and water. Usually the stations are mixed with some G then water, then more G, then more water... but all I saw was Gatorade for the whole block. Well, in my mind I was thinking that I know I need to hydrate early and often, so I'd better grab what they have. So I drank some Gatorade. Then I came across the block of water and washed it down. The error was that I never drink straight Gatorade because I pay for it down the line...
Mile 2-7 - We passed that Chicago Theater that you would know if you saw it. That was about all I remember that stood out there. A lot of spectators, a lot of music, some bands, people out with hoses. I had water at each stop because I didn't want to get dry. Supposedly there was a Goethe Statue at mile 6, but I didn't see it. I did start to notice that my watch was off from their mile markers...
Mile 8 - The Gatorade caught up with me here and I had to make a pit stop. Luckily all the Aid Stations had a line of port-o-johns... unluckily it seemed that a lot of people were having issues around Mile 8. I was about 4 in my line and standing there watching everyone run by was SO FRUSTRATING!!! to lose a good 5 minutes at least. Also, coming out of the john, my race number tore. I knew I wasn't going to be a happy camper having it flap around for 18 miles, so I grabbed a piece of medical tape and taped it around my number belt. Voila! Mile 8 was also the gay area which was so funny - they had a gun twirling group dancing to Lady Gaga, singers in drag, and a cheerleading section. Loved the energy and having all the spectators the whole way really was pleasantly distracting.
Mile 9-12 - The Lincoln Park and Old Town area. Tons of people were peeling off in Lincoln Park and piddling behind trees. There was a good Beatles cover band in there, too. Around Mile 10 in Old Town there was an Elvis impersonator that was pretty good. White jumpsuit, mutton chops and all.
Mile 13-15 - We passed the Sears Tower and the United Center. I clearly remember running straight towards the Tower but don't remember seeing the Michael Jordan statue. Probably because I had to make another pit stop along the way - costing me another few minutes. Stupid Gatorade. This was also the Half-Marathon mark where I remember thinking about only being half-way done. I saw that I had about a 2:20-something half split which I was OK with.
Mile 16 - This was the first point where I started to feel my body getting tired. I remember thinking that if you wanted to stop, you would just have to go to an Aid Station and they'd drive you back to the start. But I knew that wasn't going to happen.
Mile 17-20 - This part took us through Little Italy. Again there was a statue of Joe DiMaggio that I missed. The Clif Shot table was in here. Even though I had plenty, I grabbed one and tucked it in my sportsbra strap. I had somehow lost 2 along the way so I figured better safe than sorry.
Mile 21-23 - Running through Chinatown. I missed the big overhead Welcome gate (I was busy running), but saw the two guys in dragon head costumes dancing around. We also passed Comiskey Park which I don't remember at all. Clearly I was beyond paying attention at this point.
Mile 23-25.2 - The long stretch of Michigan Avenue towards the finish. This was where I really started to hurt. My legs were tired and I could feel blisters forming on my feet. I spent more time walking in here than I really wanted to, but it was all I had at the moment. I had the 5:00 pace team on my heels at this point. Then you see that 25.2 sign and realize you only have a mile left. I could tell by my watch how close to 5:00 I was and I realized that I could beat it if I pushed.
Mile 25.5-27 - We passed the 800m to go mark and I just kicked it in that I was really going to finish this and I was going to give it all I got. The signs kept coming... 500m, 400m... make a right to cross that final bridge... 200m... and make a left and there is that FINISH arch. Waiting there just a few meters away. It was a bit overwhelming to see it and realize that it was over!!! I'd like to say "I couldn't believe it!" but I really could... I had spent 5 hours realizing what I was working towards. :) You see that I say "-27"... all of our GPS's said we were over 27 miles by the end. Extra credit?
Pre-Marathon Sunday Morning
We woke up around 5 so we could get ready and head up to breakfast to make sure there was plenty of time. We got ready and headed up. In the elevator I noticed that my timing tag wasn’t on my shoe because I put the wrong sneakers on! It was early!!! We had a bit of breakfast – bagel & PB with water so the belly would be happy. Went back down to the room, changed sneakers, lubed up, and headed off to the start. We only got to use the long sleeve shirts that we got at Wal-Mart since the weather was pretty decent, but I’m glad we had those. I had my 50-cent gloves on, too, just since I had them. We walked around, got some water, used the potty, and stretched a bit – making each other laugh about looking like we were in a SNL skit with our stretching and warm up. Soon we decided it was time to head over to the Open Corral that we signed up for. As we walked over, it was just a mass of humanity. When we walked by the day before we thought the corrals seemed pretty close and tight, and we were right. We tried to make our way up toward the lower times, but got as far as the 11-min mile marker. There was no entry at that point so everyone just started jumping over the chain-link fence. A boost on the bum and grab onto someone’s shoulder and you’re all lined up!
The wheelchair race started at 7:20 and the elites were off at 7:30… and there we stood.
Saturday in Chicago
We slept in a bit Saturday morning, then got ready for our mid-day architectural cruise. We decided to walk down to the cruise area so we could maybe see the charity village that we’d have to go to in the morning so we would have some idea and avoid last minute panic. We headed toward the direction we thought it would be and couldn’t really find it. For some reason I had in my head that we only had about 20 minutes to get to the pier for the boat. So we rushed a little bit not really thinking about it. We were about half-way there when we (Michelle) realized that we actually had almost an hour. We made it down to the Navy Pier with some time to spare so we walked around in their little mall and got some Garrett’s popcorn – which was highly recommended. It was good, but our hands were quickly coated from it – which is why they give you wet naps presumably.
We walked up to one boat kiosk and they looked at the receipt and told us we had to go to another kiosk just off the pier. We went there and they said that it’s not for their company but for another company back down on the pier. So for a day that we really didn’t want to walk too much, we were walking!! We finally found the yellow SeaDog boats and found Beverly and her family and boarded for our cruise. There were two others from Naples that were going also, so we all sat together for the tour. We were happy to see that it was a 75 minute tour so we would still have time to find the charity area before dinner. The first part they took you on a speedboat-ish ride. The boat was basically a big speedboat that probably sat about 60 people. One poor older lady was getting splashed as we picked up speed. After probably about 20 minutes of that they took us into the Chicago River lock system so we could go into the city. It was a neat way to see the city from a different perspective. The guide was funny and knowledgeable. We found out she is going to college for acting in Chicago and this is her college job. Pretty good experience, I’d say. We saw buildings and heard about their history and construction. It was interesting, but I can’t tell you that I remember very many details. Opera house, champagne bottle shaped building, moon rocks on the newspaper building, Sears tower, bridges, Trump… I took a bunch of photos but haven’t uploaded them yet. Once we were back and docked, we all agreed to meet later in the lobby to catch the bus for the restaurant.
M & I walked back to the Grant Park area – somehow missing the bean again in Millennium Park. Still can’t figure out where that bean must be. We walked along the water-edge walkway. It was really great weather. Once we got back to Grant Park, we followed the path to the Charity Village which seemed like quite a long distance from the Start & Finish areas. This caused us a bit of dismay because we didn’t want to be pressed for time in the morning and also weren’t sure about how we felt walking another mile or so after finishing. We decided to ponder if we were going to go down and have breakfast at the Village before the marathon or just have it at the hotel with Beverly’s special gold-key Hilton Honors perk room.
We got back to the hotel and were discussing dinner. Everyone kind of felt like we didn’t want to make what turned out to be a longer trip to the restaurant than expected. So we changed plans and returned to the previous night’s pizza place but had spaghetti this time (the runners watched the spectators eating pizza and salads). J After dinner, we walked back to the hotel, decided to stay at the hotel for breakfast and then head down to the start. Everything needed for race day was laid out for morning. Lights out, marathoners!!!
Friday travel to Chicago
We landed on time, got our bags, and headed to the shuttle kiosk. We had just a little information about this GO shuttle, which was not really enhanced by the (I’ll be kind) unusual man behind the counter who was more annoyed by our presence than wanting business. We got on a shuttle and made our way through Chicago to the Hilton (of which, we found out, there are 4 in Chicago). We were in the bus with other marathoners and chatted a little about it. Driving through Chicago on the shuttle seemed exactly the same to me as driving through NYC on the shuttle. Long, boring, a little scary, and expensive. We got dropped off at the Hilton and agreed how gross the drivers long (male) nails were.
We made it into registration and got our keys for the room. I think we picked up some apples there and headed over to the elevators. This hotel had those elevators where some go to some floors and the others to other floors. Not sure I really understand the need for this idea, but we found the right ones and made our way. We walked right past the room the first time as they were numbered in a weird sequence. Found the room; was pretty nice. 2 double beds, 2 bathrooms. Perfect for the ladies. Michelle went into the one bathroom and found a hair on the toilet. We called the front desk hoping for maybe a suite upgrade but they just sent housekeeping to clean the bathroom. We also got a roll away bed thinking that Beverly (who would be joining us that night) might want a bed of her own and between the 3 of us we could decide who would be where. Then we headed to the Expo. I kind of expected a more full expo – it was mostly the charities and all the sneaker vendors, and Gatorade. We walked around, picked up a couple of things, but the highlight was meeting Scott Jurek in the Brooks area and getting our photo with him. He was a very nice cutie-pie. He’s a vegan ultrarunner in case you don’t know. We then took the bus back to the hotel and unloaded the goods. M & I then decided to go get some famous Chicago pizza and someone had recommended Lou Magnalti’s (which the whole time I thought they were calling it luminati’s – like illuminate or something…). It was two blocks away – score for us since we were pretty tire and wanted to limit the walking. The pizza was really good but really filling. We also got a free dessert with a voucher from the hotel but we only ate about half of that between us. We found a grocery store on the way back and got some water to stay hydrated in the room.
Beverly was still out with her family when we got back at a comedy show and it was time to crash. So we tried to stay awake and watch TV but both fell asleep before she came back. We woke up when she arrived and discussed the sleeping arrangements – she said she was fine to try the rollaway so we nestled in for what needed to be a good night’s sleep. I slept well, but M had a problem since the train was just a couple blocks away & it kept waking her up. Beverly said the bed was not so great, too.
Pre-Chicago preparations
Thursday night we had to time the annual GCR corporate run which is our only evening race. I enjoy running in evening races, but this one I haven’t been able to participate in because the registration process is a little different and take more time for me to enter. It was OK, though because as soon as everyone was entered and Shawn was good to finish the timing, it was time to leave and pack for the morning departure to Chicago. Michelle came by the event with Spencer so he could cheer the runners in and run across the finish line. He was so excited – totally cute.
After trying to pack the smaller bag, I decided to switch to our huge rolling duffel since I was packing for any possible weather situation and expected to be bringing home more than I left with. Got everything in with room to spare and it was time to rest.
Friday morning, Christy had agreed to pick me up so I wouldn’t have to leave a car anywhere. She came in, greeted by Sadie and barked at by Nicki. They warmed up, but Nicki was extra sad and kept coming over wanting hugs. We finally assured the girls that it would be OK, loaded up the bags and headed to pick up Michelle. She had everything ready, so it was a quick transition there. On the way I remembered I forgot to pack my Body Glide and lube so once again we made a detour to the Cyclery so I could pick up a couple samples of the lube to minimize post-race chafe pain. We agreed that it now must be a ritual of ours to stop there before every major race. After all was well, we drove to RSW. Christy hugged us goodbye and wished us all kinds of luck for great races.
We went into the airport, picked up some food since we’d be flying over lunch and headed to the gate. We had a small wait so we found two chairs next to a woman who immediately started coughing. So we immediately moved. We sat on the floor near the Southwest boarding signs and waited to go. I had the A group, so we agreed I’d go all the way to the back of the plane so we would hopefully get a row. By the time M was on, the plane was filling up, but we were lucky enough to keep the middle seat empty so we had some space. Belts on, wheels up, we were onto Midway!
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