Category: Tuesdays on the Run


Jan
2018

Shoes, shoes and more shoes!

categories: Brooks Running, Race Recap, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

It’s no secret that I am a fan of Brooks running shoes.  In the past I’ve worn the Ghost, Ravenna, Adrenaline, Pure Flow, Pure Connect, and Pure Cadence.

Lately my all time favorite is the Launch.  I remember my first pair of the Launch 2.  They hurt my feet and I sent them back.  Months later I decided to give them another chance.  Cannot remember the reason.  I mean, they hurt my feet so why would I try them again?  I am very glad I did because those were GREAT.  I was upset when they weren’t available anymore.  Then the Launch 3 came out and they felt different.  I trained one summer in them and then sent them back to Brooks (they have a wonderful 90 day return policy).  They just didn’t feel as good as the Launch 2.  Then the 4 came out and they are just as good as the 2.  

They are so good that I am stocking up.  I have 3 pairs in rotation and have 10 new pairs in boxes.  They’re still on sale at Running Warehouse and I am tempted to get more pairs.  That’s how much I love them!  I know the Launch 5 is available but I am going to wait a few months before trying them out.

I don’t just own running shoes.  🙂  I teach 2nd grade and am on my feet all day long so I need comfortable shoes.  Last summer I invested in a pair of Tieks by Gavrieli ballet flat.  I’ve been wearing them almost everyday and like them a lot.  They’re comfortable but I am not too crazy about the price (the cheapest is $175 and the most expensive is $265).

Each pair comes neatly packed in a blue box with a cute bow.  Tieks are sold in whole sizes only.  Tieks typically suggests going down if you’re a half size unless you have a wide foot or sometimes size up.  I’m an 8.5 but I have wide feet but ordered an 8 and a 9.  Included in the box is a black pouch to store your Tieks and a small tote bag.  There was also a handwritten personalized note which I loved.

Tieks-11

I tried both pairs and kept the size 9.  I love that they have FREE shipping.  And if you want to return or exchange them, they also have free return shipping.

You’re probably wondering if they’re worth the price.  For me they are.  I’ve worn shoes from Aerosoles and Naturalizer but after a while my feet hurt.  Plus, they don’t last long.  I will admit that when I first started wearing them, when I went back to work in August, my feet did hurt.  I thought about sending them back.  I couldn’t so I kept wearing them and after a few more days they were comfortable enough to wear all day.  Now, I am very pleased and happy with them.

I know they’re expensive but the next pair I want to get is the Chestnut.  Black and brown are shoe colors that go with pretty much every outfit.  But check how pretty the red, purple, and blue shoes!!  

 

Tieks-10

What is your favorite brand of running shoes?  How many pairs do you have?

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun


Nov
2017

Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago 5k Recap

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Race Recap, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

Disclaimer:  I received a free entry to the Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I had originally signed up for the 8K.  However, I know it is always cold in November so when I picked up my bib, I changed it to run the 5K.  Spoiler alert:  It wasn’t that cold.  🙂

I picked up my bib on Sunday afternoon.  I was in and out in about 10 minutes.  I did not read the information carefully because later on that week I found out that there was race day packet pickup.  That is what I get for not reading carefully the race information.

One thing I dislike about racing in Lincoln Park is the parking.  I knew it would be a hassle so I made sure to get there early to get a spot.  Indeed I did (5 minutes from the start) but I had to wait about 2 hours in my car.  Not sure if it was worth it.  My friend Michelle joined me at about 8:30 and then at 8:50 we left my warm car to use the port-a-potties and run the race.

There were 2 waves in this race.  We did not plan it carefully because we missed the 1st wave.  By the time we made it to the race and were done using the port-a-potties, people were lining up for the 2nd wave which began at 9:30.  I was annoyed (mainly at myself) because I could have been in the 1st wave if I had left earlier. 

Finally it was time to run and it was a total mess.  The path was narrow and there were so many people on it.  There were lots of walkers (which is fine) but I wished they would have moved over to the right.  I had no time goal for this race but just to have fun.  I tried.  I was happy with the weather because it did warm up.  I wore a Oiselle wazzie wool top and a flyout jacket and was HOT.  But it was CROWDED.  I am not a fast runner at all and found myself weaving around to pass the runners.  

The turnaround was a little before Irving Park Road.  I don’t remember at what point the 5k and 8K runners split up but eventually we were reunited.  Yeah, I don’t think this merging area was suitable.

By now my goal was just to get to the finish line.  And that is exactly what I did.  Happy to be done and collect my medal.  But before I could do that, I had to get through a gridlock of people also trying to collect their medal.

I didn’t stay afterwards to enjoy the festivities.  It looked like people were having a good time after the race.

The medal is cute.

I was really hoping to enjoy the race.  I just couldn’t.  It sold out before Thursday so I am not sure how many people in total participated in this race.  I am glad the sun came out and it wasn’t too cold but that particular area of the lakefront is not a good choice for a race.

Did you run a Turkey Trot Race on Thursday?  How did it go?

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun


Aug
2017

Changes and I signed up for the Illinois Marathon!

categories: Oiselle, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

I live in a two flat building with my older sister.  My younger sister, nephew, and mom lived on the first floor.  This past weekend they moved to a condominium in Palos Heights (about 40 minutes from where I live).  My nephew is a freshman in high school and my sister wanted to live closer to this school.  It is weird coming home and not seeing them here.  Eventually I would like to buy a house for the two of us.  Maybe next year in the Spring.  I guess now I need to limit my Oiselle purchases. I told myself that I will only buy stuff on sale.  🙂  So here is what I got today: Long Rogas in Plum, Heather Grid Dolman, and Portman Pants in Plum.

With the move I inherited a piece of furniture from my mother.  I am pleased that I now have one place to store my running gear.  For now I have my shoes.

I have been running here and there.  I went back to work last week.  I am feeling more overwhelmed and exhausted each day.  I don’t remember feeling like this in previous years.  Last year I was training for the Chicago Marathon (running 6 days a week) and managed to do my runs.  Hopefully in a few weeks things will settle down and I won’t feel too overwhelmed.  Today my students behaved well.  I even got compliments from two teachers telling me that I have a good group of students.  🙂

On Saturday I signed up for the Illinois Marathon on April 28 in Champaign, IL.  I did the marathon relay with some friends in 2015.  Despite the tornado warning/watch (can’t remember what it was), we had a great time and managed to finish the race.  I am actually excited about the marathon next year!

From the Illinois Marathon website: Along with the marathon, there is a 5k, 10k, and half marathon.  Runners who complete the 5K on Friday and then the 10K, half marathon, full marathon, or marathon relay on Saturday will receive a special I-Challenge medal.  This means, in all, you will receive:

  • Two shirts (5K shirt plus the 10K, half marathon, marathon, or marathon relay shirt)
  • Three medals (5K medal plus the 10K, half marathon, marathon, or marathon relay medal as well as an I-Challenge medal [different for each I-Challenge])
  • Bragging rights

The I-Challenges.

  • Full I-Challenge = 5K + marathon
  • Marathon Relay I-Challenge = 5K + marathon relay
  • Half I-Challenge = 5K + half marathon
  • Mini I-Challenge = 5K + 10K

Registration fees are below and will increase after August 31 so make sure to sign up today!
Marathon-$90
Half Marathon-$65
Marathon Relay-$140/team
10K-$35
5K-$30
Full I-Challenge-$120
Marathon Relay I-Challenge-$260/team
Half I-Challenge-$95
Mini I-Challenge-$65

Any race challenges?  I’ve done the Goofy Challenge and Dumble Dare Challenge in 2014.

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun


Aug
2017

New shorts and shoes, a deer, and a 10k!

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Brooks Running, Oiselle, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

I’ve been adding posts about my Alaska trip to my running cruise page.  You can find the posts HERE on the bottom of the page.  

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I didn’t do much running last week.  19.46 miles to be exact.  

Five miles on Monday wearing new Oiselle shorts.  My favorite shorts and I have about 15 pairs.

RoadtoBQ114

On Wednesday I did a speed workout (1M Warm Up; 12×1 min @95% effort w/1 min jog rest; and 1M Cool Down).  It was easier than expected and I was actually smiling throughout the run.

A friend of mine posted on Instagram her mileage for July and mentioned that her race was in 5 weeks.  She is doing the 50k while I do the marathon.  THAT COMPLETELY FREAKED ME OUT!  I don’t feel ready.  I don’t remember feeling like this last year and my training was MORE intense.  

Saturday’s 4 mile run went well.  I saw my former coach and I mentioned how I had been feeling (not motivated, no longer want to do marathon, and how I don’t want to run anymore).  I told her that I had 16 miles on Sunday and was going to see how I did/felt before making a decision on whether or not to run the marathon.  Well, Sunday came and I managed to run 6 miles.  There is no way I would feel ready in 4 weeks.  I was feeling so many emotions but the two that topped the list were FAILURE and EMBARRASSMENT.  I also felt like a fool and a loser.  Here I am going on and on about training for a marathon and hoping to eventually get a BQ, etc, etc., and I am already quitting.  Who does that?

violin

No marathon for me next month.  I still want to run the Boston Marathon but for now will focus on strength training and swimming.  I still plan to run but just for fun.  I signed up to run the Run Mag Mile (10k for me) on September 9 and the Chicago Half Marathon and 5k (5k for me) on September 24. 

I saw this deer on Sunday morning and it made me smile.

RoadtoBQ115

I got these new Brooks Launch 3.

Brooks Launch 3

And two pairs of the Launch 4.  I know, I have a problem, and need an intervention. Help!

Brooks Launch 4
 
Sign up today to run the Run Mag Mile with me on September 9.  Use  code “BibRaveMM17” for a BONUS water bottle!  Check out the hoodie and the 10k medal. I’ve never done this race and am looking forward to it!

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun


Jul
2017

July 2017 in Review

categories: Monthly Review, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

I say this after every month but I cannot believe July is over.  We are halfway through the year!

Miles Ran/Last Month:  122.12/115.79.  I did 19 runs this month for a total of 24 hours, 32 minutes, and 13 seconds.  

July2017mileage

Last year I ran 186.27 miles in July which has been the most I’ve run in a month.

2016ChicagoMarathonRecap45

Highest Mileage Week:  38.09.  This was during the end of June and beginning of July and it took me 7 hours, 52 minutes, and 58 seconds.

Races Planned/Completed:  2/2.  I ran the Rock “n” Roll Chicago Half Marathon on July 16 after winning an entry from Erica.  Then I went to Alaska for The Great Alaskan Running Cruise where I ran a half marathon.  It was so much fun!  I got back Saturday afternoon and am still getting used to being back.  I have created a page specifically for this cruise and will be updating/adding posts about the trip soon.  <<I already wrote about my trip in Seattle.

Current Ache/Pain:  Still my knees.  Well more sore on the inside than the outside.  A few months ago I was diagnosed with knee bursitis.  I need to do a better job of doing my exercises to strengthen my glutes, legs, etc.

Current Challenge:  None.

Current Book:  I am a big fan of John Grisham.  I made a list of his books and would like to read all of them (I’ve already read a few of them).  I was reading The King of Torts but had to return it to the library because it was due and I couldn’t renew it, but I am hoping to resume reading it again.

The king of torts
Source: http://www.jgrisham.com/books/the-king-of-torts/

Current Song:  Despacito.  I remember that at first I did not like the song, but the more I heard it, the more I began to like it.  And yes I do like it with Justin Bieber.  🙂

Current Treat:  Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Coffee.

Next Race(s):  Lake Michigan Marathon on September 3.  I have not signed up for this race because I wanted to wait and see how I felt during my training.  Well, I missed about a week and a half when I was in Alaska so now I am going to get back to it.  Yesterday I had to run 12 miles and could only manage 4.  Today I did 5 and it was HARD!

Current Excitement:  I am sort of excited to go back to work.  School starts in 3 weeks (August 21) and the students start on August 23.  I plan to go the week before to start organizing and setting up my classroom.  This year I’m in a new room but teaching the same grade.  This is good because I get to set it up again differently than my previous classroom.  It should be interesting because my new room is a bit smaller than my previous one.

teacher back to work

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun