I joined the Fleet Feet Running Group and today went to the store for my first group/fun run.  At first I did not wan to go because I was tired and just did not feel like running outside.  Well, I made myself get ready and out the door.

I got to the store around 6:10 or so (the run started at 6:30) so I had time to browse through the store and buy more SmartWool socks.  I just LOVE those!!!  Anyway, 6:30 came and it was time to start running.  Well, my Garmin was not working properly because I turned it on inside the store so it could not connect to a satellite.  I did not realize this until I got outside and by then it was too late.  Since I was new to these runs I was not clear about the running route.  I met a girl that I told myself I was just going to follow.  However, by 6:30 it was dark and she was running faster than me so I lost her.  I ran till I think I was the last one from the group on the path and then I turned around to get back to the store.  Did I mention that it was dark?  Oh man!  I could not see where I was going.  At one point I knew I was lost and had to stop to look around and figure out where I was.  There was some light from the street lights but not enough for me to know exactly where I was going.  The fact that it was dark did push me to fun faster in order to get back to the store sooner.  Whew!  I finally got back and bought more stuff for me.

So this run was a new experience for me.  Running in the dark is not fun.  I did not feel safe.  There was a girl in front of me running with her headphones.  I don’t know if I can do that.  I mean, I do run with headphones outside but there is plenty of light for me to see my surroundings.  I guess running alone at night and in an unfamiliar area made me uncomfortable.  I don’t know if I will go back next week.  I think I might be better off running in the treadmill or running earlier (while there is still light) by the airport.

What has been your experience(s) running at night?

That is what my friend told me when I told her why I wanted to do two marathons this year.  It makes perfect sense.  I should not do it just because I can but more because I want to.  Well, “problem” solved.  I will not a marathon in the Spring but instead will focus all of my training for the Hartford Marathon in October.  Since I had signed up for the SunTrust National Marathon next month,  I am thinking of switching my registration and instead running the half marathon.  I need to pay a fee of $20 for the switch.  I already have my plane ticket and I think I have the OK from my job so there is really nothing to hold me back.  Just do it!!!!

I ran 4 miles today.  The number in the training widget is going up.  Yay!!!  Feels so good to run.  I just need to remember to stretch, stretch, and stretch.  I went to the chiropractor on Saturday and sure enough was told (again) that my muscles are tight.  Definitely don’t want any injuries or problems so I will make sure to listen to her.

That is how long it took me to run 3 miles today.  How did I feel at the end?  Fabulous!  It felt so GOOD to run.  The two week break sure helped a lot too.  I felt energized and wanted to run more but the therapist told me to run for about 30 minutes.  I plan to go tomorrow and Thursday.

So I decided not to do a marathon in May. Why? Well, I guess the real question is “Why do I feel like I have to do one?”  I guess I was trying to convince myself that since I have been doing one a year for the past 4 years then it was time to start doing two a year.  Why push it? One a year is enough for me. However, I LOVE, LOVE half marathons and plan to run as many as I can this year.  Below are the half marathons this year.Chi Town Half Marathon, March 27

• First Midwest Bank Southwest Half Marathon, May 1 
• Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon, May 15  
• 13.1 Marathon Chicago, June 4  
• North Shore Half Marathon, June 12  
• Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon, August 14 
• Oak Brook Half Marathon, September 5
• Chicago Half Marathon, September 11 (maybe)

Happy Running!

It has been 2 weeks since the last time I ran.  I stopped running because I had pain in my hip, thigh, and knee.  It isn’t an injury but just tight muscles.  I was told that I could run 2-3 times I week for about 30 minutes.  I decided to just take time off and not run at all.  Oh my, I think I became a whole different person!  I miss running!   I miss the energy from a post run.  I miss the sweat on my face (yeah, it sounds gross) letting me know that I was getting a good workout.  I miss the numbers increasing on my training widget (still at 71 miles).  That is all about to change when I hit the gym on Tuesday.  I am excited and looking forward to it!!!

This Friday I signed up for 2 more races.  I have yet to decide if I want to do the Wisconsin Marathon on May 7 or the Chicagoland Spring Marathon on May 15.  I have heard good things about the one in Wisconsin but don’t feel like making the drive home after a marathon.  But the one on the 15th is a new marathon so I don’t know how many people will be there and/or what to expect.  Plus the latter one gives me an extra week to train/taper.  Well, whatever I decide to do I need to make a decision soon so that I can revise my training plan.

By the way, Princess is still hanging in there.  It makes me happy but also sad.

That is the name of my cat.  She has been with me for almost 15 years.  She makes me laugh and smile.  I talk to her everyday and call her “Beautiful” because she is beautiful.  Lately she has not been feeling good.  She does not eat.  I took her to the vet and found out she has cancer.  I did not take it well.  Cancer?  But how?  Cats are like humans in that they can get every disease, infection, etc that humans get.  I am very sad about it.  She makes me smile and that is why I am writing about her here.  I don’t know how much longer she will be around but I just want her close to me as possible.

Below is a photo.  So cute!!!

I did not make it to the Athletico today because of the weather.  Holy macaroni!!!!  We got so much snow yesterday and today.  School was canceled today and tomorrow.  Ugh, that means we will be done by June 17th.