Aug
2013

July 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review, Volunteer

This month I ran 96.66 compared to 80.43 in June.

I ran two races: 4 on the 4th and Strike Out ALS 5K.  My favorite was the 4 on the 4th not only because I set a PR but the weather was just perfect for running.  As for the 5K, the race was in the evening and it was BRUTAL HOT.  I am waiting for the weather to cool down to run another 5K and set another PR.

This month I have one race: Fort2Base.  I am looking forward to this race.  It is a new race and a new distance (11.5 miles) for me.

Summer break is coming to an end.  I’ve had a good time relaxing and spending time with my nephews. They wear me out!  I am excited about new things happening once I am back at school.  But I know that once I start, I will be counting down for winter break, spring break, and the last day of school.

I’ve worn my Brooks PureFlow 2 during my runs/races and they’re amazing!  I just love them so much. Recently, I received a pair of Pro Compression Trainer Low socks and let me just say that they’re great socks.  I am a big fan of their Marathon socks but will soon become a fan of the trainer socks too.  Be on the lookout for another giveaway

I applied to be a coach for Girls on the Run-Chicago.  I have CPR training on the 15th and then a training workshop on the 24th.  I’ve never done anything like this but I will be combining two things that I love:  running and working with kids. A few years ago I was a Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Illinois and I decided to do it again. I am really excited about these opportunities!  For sure I will have a busy schedule with these two organizations, work, and training for my multiple races.  But that is just OK with me.

Just Keep Running!


Jul
2013

Weekly Workouts, July 22-28, 2013

categories: Half Marathon Training

Workouts this week:

Tuesday – 6 x 400 @ 6.9 (90 sec RI), 2 min 30 sec RI, 6 x 400 @ 6.9 (90 sec RI)
Done.  I felt really good throughout these speed workouts. Not once did I have to stop to take a break.

Thursday – 1 mile easy, 2 miles @ 6.0, 1 mile easy, 2 miles @ 6.0, 1 mile easy
Done.  Now here I had to take a few breaks.  OK with me.  I was not going to stressed out about it.

Saturday – 8 miles @ 10:35
I met my friend, CN, who is also training for the Chicago Marathon to run on Saturday morning.  It was perfect weather, low 60s and overcast.  She had to run 14 miles.  I told her that I only had to do 8 but depending on how I felt I might run more.  Well, it turned out that I felt really good up until about mile 11.  We took several walking breaks because both of our quads were very sore.

I was out late last night and did not make it to yoga this morning.

Total miles ran this week is 27.80.

Overall it was a good week.  I am very proud of myself for doing all of my runs this week.

Just Keep Running!


Jul
2013

Three Things Thursday, July 25, 2013

categories: Three Things Thursday

1.  On Monday I went to the doctor for a physical exam.  All went well.  I mentioned a little bump in my face (close to the cheek) and some minor pain in my knees.  She recommended a sports medicine doctor for the knee pain.  She mentioned that I am down 11 lbs. from last year.  What?  I remember last year my mom asked if I was pregnant so I guess I was on the heavy side.  Still no word on my blood results to check for diabetes and cholesterol results.

2.  Last week at the RnR Chicago Half Marathon expo I purchased the Fitbit Zip.  It is a small gadgets that tracks steps, distance and calories and syncs them to my phone. The goal is to walk 10,000 steps each day and yesterday I walked 4,410 steps or 1.92 miles.  I am not sure if I should wear it while I run because I also track those miles and I feel like I am double counting.  Right?  I can’t wait to use it when I am back at school.  For sure it will be more than 10,000 steps.

3.  I love chocolate and enjoy a protein shake after my workout.  After reading Katie’s blog at Live Half Full and mentioning About Time, I just had to try it.  I ordered the trial pack (chocolate and chocolate mint) and loved it.  I then purchased a container from Amazon.  What I love even more are the ingredients.  Try it.

Three Things Thursday, July 25, 2013

Just Keep Running!


Jul
2013

Training for the Fort2Base 10 NM

categories: Half Marathon Training

I cannot believe the Fort2Base race is a month away!  This will be not only my first time running this race but also racing 10 nautical miles (11.5 miles).  I didn’t exactly follow a training plan for this race but instead used one that I created based on the book “Run Less Run Faster” to train for my half marathons this year.  Each week of training consists of a speed workout, a tempo run, and long run. In addition, there are three days of cross-training and one rest day.  Simple right?  I have a hate/love relationship with speed workouts and prefer long runs.  Lately, I’ve been running along the lake which has been amazing.

I did my best to follow my plan but just like everyone else, I had some good days and bad days. Hydrating was not easy for me.  I am a 1st grade teacher and there was no way to hydrate throughout the day.  I took small sips here and there and drank more water after school in the comfort of my apartment with a bathroom close to me.  Of course it is different now that I am on summer break.  Eating healthy was not a priority for me.  Well, maybe it wasn’t that bad but it could have been better. I had no control over portion size and ate whatever I wanted. 

Just Keep Running!


Jul
2013

Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon

categories: Race Recap, Rock 'n' Roll Race

Done.  This race was not one of the 50 + 1 states goal.  I ran it because I live in Chicago and the registration fee is covered in the TourPass.  Let me begin by saying that this was my 100th race and my WORST finish time race this year.  I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out what went wrong. I ran better in Nashville (2:30:14) and it rained the entire course.  I was miserable in that race.  My other worst time was in Seattle (2:30:39) and that race was a month ago. Since then the only other race I’ve done was a 5K.

Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon

This whole week we’ve had a heat wave and I was so happy when the temperature was cooler today. I woke up at 4:30 and did the usual pre-race things (bathroom, coffee, Clif Bar, etc).  I made it to the race by 6:10 and missed the Chicago Running Bloggers meet up at 5:45.  I did not check in any gear but used the time to use the porta potty.  No line! Score.  I got in my corral, double checked my Garmin, and just waited.  Before I knew it, we were off!

The course took us through various areas of downtown Chicago.  Actually, part of the course was part of the Chicago Marathon course.  I was sweating and thirsty before the start of the race.  Definitely not good.  I was trying to keep a 10:15 pace but having a hard time with it.  My legs felt heavy.  I alternated drinking water and Gatorade at each water station. To motivate me I listened to music and pictured myself crossing the finish line.  I walked.  Then I ran again.  And walked again.  I was tired and thirsty.  When it was time for my second energy gel I did not want to take it without water but there was no water station in sight.  Luckily there were some spectators giving out water bottles (my angels) so I took one and drank all of it.  That’s how thirsty I was.  I remember this was before mile 10 and kept telling myself that I was almost done.  After mile 10 there was ice, sponges filled with iced cold water, and a water misting area.  Heaven!

The last three miles we ran close to the lakefront and in a tunnel (cool with music and lights).  I saw a man on the sidewalk with blood in his face.  I did not see him fall but it freaked me out.

There was an incline and then I saw the finish line but it was SO FAR AWAY.  I ran and walked and then ran to the finish line.  My finish time was 2:34:38.  I grabbed water, Gatorade, chocolate milk, and a banana and went to sit down.  It felt good but then it hurt once I had to get up.

Whew, I feel much better writing about it.  A few people have told me that not all of my races will be good races.  And that is true.  I will be upset about it but then I will get over it. I have many more races to run and I intend to enjoy them as much as I can.

Oh, and I think yesterday’s race did not go well for me because I was hot and dehydrated.  I drank more water before the race and along the course then I’ve ever done so in any race. Of course it did not help that it was hot.  Oh well. Nothing to do about it now except learn from it and make sure I am properly hydrated.  My next half marathon is in Virginia Beach and I’ve heard from a few people that last year it was hot, hot.