Tuesdays on the Run – Page 7

Category: Tuesdays on the Run

17
Jul
2017

Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon 2017

categories: Race Recap, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

I’ve run this race before (2009, 2011, 2013). The last time I ran it, I swore I would never do it again because it is always HOT on race day. I remember in 2013 I almost passed out because of the heat.

Never say never, right? Thanks to Erica at Erica Finds I won a FREE race entry so you bet I signed up. The plan was to run it as a training run (16 miles on the calendar).

The expo was not fun at all. You can read about it HERE or just skip it.

Saturday morning was the 5k. I went to the lakefront to run 4 miles and saw the runners. I was hoping to see Kathrine Switzer since at the expo I found out she was running the 5k. I did not see her. But Wendy got to see her TWICE! Lucky girl!

Sunday morning my alarm went off at 4:15am, got ready, ate breakfast and drove to the train station. While there I saw the most beautiful sunrise.

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Once downtown I dropped off my bag at gear check (I felt bad for the volunteers because there weren’t enough of them but lots of people were waiting to drop off their bag) then got in line to use the porta potties. Ugh, people were taking too long. I moved to another shorter line but they were taking too long there too. Finally it was my turn and I was in and out in about 15 seconds!

I went to get in my corral but there were so many people. That’s what I get for being “late”. Finally I got in and just when I was about to cross the start line, I saw Kathrine Switzer! It happened so quickly and I was shocked to see her. What I wanted to do was call out her name to get a picture but the line was moving and she was walking in another direction so I lost my chance. Later I found out she was on the course giving out water and at the finish line giving out medals. I did not see her. 🙁

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It wasn’t as hot as it usually is and it was shaded. Thank goodness because it is known to always be HOT on that day. As you can see from my splits below, I did good for 7 miles. I drank water at every water station and had two water bottles filled with Generation UCAN Hydrate. I also took a salt tablet every 4 miles. Prior to the start of the race I drank 12 ounces of water with 2 scoops of Generation UCAN.

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Even though it wasn’t very hot, it was still hot enough for me to run through this fire hydrant. One of the best feelings!

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These pictures made me cry. I missed the beginning but went back and walked to look at every single picture.

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Before mile 7 I saw Charlene. Seeing her made me smile. Then past mile 7 I saw the Oiselle girls and they also made me smile. And then my feet began to hurt and I bonked. I was exhausted. I wanted to take off my shoes and walk. I didn’t.

I did not cringe when I saw these photos. No underpronation at all.

I kept running determined to finish the race. I loved the crowd support and the volunteers. I let out a big sigh when I reached mile 10. Three more miles and I would be done. Easy peasy, right? Nope.

The last mile felt like forever. The finish line looked so far away. Why, why? Can you see it? Trust me, it was there.

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Overall, I enjoyed the race. I didn’t do as well as I expected but I know that not every race will go as expected. I loved running on the streets of Chicago. I rarely go downtown anymore so this was a nice treat for me.

My next Rock ‘n’ Roll race is October 15 in Denver. My niece lives there so I am excited to see her and to run in another state.

Have you run a Rock ‘n’ Roll race? Fan or not a fan?

I am linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for today’s Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun

11
Jul
2017

Quest Nutrition Beyond Cereal Bar

categories: Product Review, Tuesdays on the Run

I am pretty new to Quest Nutrition. I had heard of them but thought that it was just another protein bar that everyone eats and raves about. It wasn’t until I read Marcia’s post that I decided to try them out. Delicious!

When Quest Nutrition asked me to try their Beyond Cereal Bars, I couldn’t say no. I already like the protein bar so this one must be just as good or even better.

One of the cool things about these bars is that you can get them at your nearby 7-Eleven. This is perfect when going on a road trip or running errands and you are in need of a snack or a quick breakfast.

Quest Cereal Protein Bars 1

For me these are perfect as a pre-and-post workout snack. They’re tasty and filling.

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I am taking swimming classes in one gym and then go to another one to run. These are great to eat in between workouts.

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There are 3 flavors: Chocolate, Waffle, and Cinnamon Roll. I love chocolate so naturally the one I liked the best is the chocolate flavor.

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Each bar has 110 calories, 2 grams of carbs, 6-7 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein. Plus, they’re sweetened with allulose which is a sweetener that is found in small quantities in foods like figs and raisins.

Even my cat was curious about them! <<She did not eat them but was very curious about it.

Remember, you can buy the Quest Nutrition Cereal Bars 24/7 at 7-Eleven.

Have you tried these bars? What did you think of them?

I am linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for today’s Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun

04
Jul
2017

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th

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

This morning I ran the Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th. This was my 5th year running it. It is also one of my favorite races.

Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th 1 — Source: www.athlinks.com

I woke up early, made coffee and ate a Clif Bar and left my house around 6am. The race started at 7:15. I like to get there early so I can find parking. So far I’ve been able to park in the same spot/area as in previous years. I got my bib and tshirt. The shirt is actually nice!

I met up with a few of the Oiselle crew for a picture.

Finally it was time to run. The course is not flat. It isn’t horrible but any little incline tires me out. 🙂

As usual, I started too fast. When will I ever learn? My first mile was my fastest and then it went downhill. However, I surprised myself because my last mile was my second fastest.

It wasn’t too hot but it was very sunny. I remember at one point I just got very hot and had to stop for a bit. There was plenty of water stations and I drank water at every single one. There weren’t too many people out there but those that were there were WONDERFUL. They cheered and encouraged us throughout the way.

With less than a quarter mile to go I could see the finish line. However, there was an incline. I did my best to run instead of walk. Nothing wrong with that but I wanted to see if I could do it. And I did! I was running next to a woman and I somehow got a burst of energy and ended up passing her up.

My official time is 42:37. I knew I was not going to PR and I did have fun running this race.

I was looking at my pictures from previous races and I have worn the same socks. Also, I have worn running clothes in the same colors to go with the 4th of July theme.

This day is extra special to me. It was in 1978 that my mother along with my siblings arrived here from Mexico. I’ve been living in this country for 39 years.

How will you be celebrating today? My two sisters and I will be heading over to my cousin’s house to eat, laugh, and have a great time.

I am linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for today’s Tuesdays on the Run.

20
Jun
2017

Scenes from my gym

categories: Running, Tuesdays on the Run

Last month I joined a new gym – Fitness Formula Club. Not only do I like it but I LOVE it! I’ve been going a few times already and pretty much have figured it out.

The two locations I go to are South Loop and West Loop. South Loop is closer to my house, has one floor, does not get crowded, and is located closer to the parking lot. West Loop has an indoor and outdoor pool and has two floors. Both locations offer free 2 hour parking.

As a new member, I received 4 “free” personal training sessions. I did have to pay a “more than I wanted to pay” enrollment fee. But if I go at least 36 times within 90 days of signing up, I get back my enrollment fee in FF Bucks which I can use for spa services (massage, manicure, pedicure, facial) or more personal training sessions. Love it!

Now let’s look inside the gym and the locker room.

Lots of counter space and plenty of mirrors.

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Rows and rows of lockers.

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Love that my big water bottle fits here and I can fill it up to the top.

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Each locker has its own lock that you can set with your combination number.

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There is body lotion, cotton balls, and arm deodorizer. The showers also have shampoo, conditioner, and body gel.

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A hair dryer AND a flat iron.

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Lots of towels to use for your workout and to shower.

You can order a smoothie and/or lunch to eat onsite or take it with you. They always have smoothie samples and they’re delicious.

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- Plenty of treadmills, bikes, ellipticals.

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- - Free computers and a TV.

- A variety of group fitness classes to choose from throughout the day. Depending on the location, the earliest will be 5:15 am and the latest will be at 7:30 pm.

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- - The outside pool. I know you cannot really see it but it is there.

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A bathing suit spinner/wringer and bags to take said bathing suit home.

So, can you tell I am excited about it? This summer they have a great referral program. If a friend joins by June 30th, you get a free month of membership.

Do you have a gym membership? How often do you go? Do you like it?

I am linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for today’s Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun

30
May
2017

May 2017 in Review

categories: Monthly Review, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

I cannot believe May is almost over. Even more I cannot believe we are almost halfway through the year. I have not done a monthly review in a long time so here is one for May.

Miles Ran/Last Month: 115.45/90.22. I did 19 runs this month for a total of 23 hours, 21 minutes, and 41 seconds.

Highest Mileage Week: 38.13. This was during the second week this month and it took me 7 hours, 45 minutes, and 41 seconds.

Races Planned/Completed: 2/2. The Cinco de Miler was for a friend to celebrate her getting a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She did not attend commencement but instead asked her family and friends to run with her. I also ran the Soldier Field 10 Mile which I signed up for back in November when it was $59. I’ve run it in the past and have always enjoyed it. This year was no exception. The weather was perfect, plenty of parking and I felt great for most of the race.

Current Ache/Pain: Sometimes my knees hurt. I need to do a better job of icing them. On the positive side, my IT band does not hurt as much when I foam roll.

Current Challenge: None.

Current Book: None, but I need to get a copy of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck for book club next month. Have you read that book?

Current Song: Won’t Go Home Without You by Maroon 5. I can listen to this all day.

Current Treat: Cold Brew Coffee from Starbucks. xSo good.

Next Race(s): Utah Valley Half Marathon on June 10.

Current Excitement: I am excited about my race in Utah. I will be running with Holly, Marcia, Mary Beth, and Teresa and am looking forward to meeting them (I met Marcia in March 2015 at a race but have not seen her since that race). My last half marathon was the Buffalo Half Marathon last year so it is time to do another one. Also, in July I will be in Seattle for one day and then head out to Alaska for a running cruise in which I will also run a half marathon and cross off AK off my list for state #38.

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