Yesterday was my last long run until my race. For whatever reason my legs would not fire! My 8 miles was painfully slow at 12:30 mm. At this pace I know I will make the cut off time of 3 hours or 13 mm for my half.
I'm disappointed b/c I want to run faster. I know this year I'm taking on some major challenges and my primary goal is to finish healthy. HOWEVER finishing FAST is also important to me no matter how much I remind myself that I am still a new runner.
At this point I just need to know that I've trained for this race, I need to have faith in my ability that I will finish no matter the time. So far I've done everything I could to prepire and I am ready.
Now bring on the spaghetti! oh wait that's for next week! tee hee
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
update... update... update....
Good Morning!!!!!
My 5K on 5/17/09 went fantastic! I ran it in 30:50, 9:58 miles dispite the fact I was in the porta potie when the gun went off! AKKKK! This is not a race I would run again it was very poorly organized with no communication and they started the race early! Despite my numberous complaints it was a good time and I'm glad I ran it.
Next up is 13.1 in Chicago. I'm so nervous already! I've put in the training, I know I can do it *sigh* pre race jitters, oh well.
In other news I ran 12 miles on Sunday, It was so awesome to challenge myself like that! I ran on the trail all the way to prince crossing and back, this was new and unchartered territory for me and man did it rock! This trail is so beautiful! I can't believe how fortunate I am to have it so close to home! I took pictures I need to figure out how to post those....
Now I'm in taper mode, today I will run 8 miles, tomorrow I'll run 5 miles and then no more then 3.5 miles on any given day until race day. The good news is I will be able to run my race pace for each run so I may not run long but I can run fast and sometimes that's just as good.
So Sr made a comment at the 5K that I have no kick. You know the final hurah at the end of a run where you pick up the pace and leave it all on the course. Yesterday I decided that at the end of my run I was going to see how far I can run fast fast fast.... and ya, I don't know how far it was but it was not that great. I figure this year I'll put in the milage and next year I'm going to focus on speed. I'd so love to run 7 min miles ... that would just rock my world.
I expect the next 11 days to be filled with anxious anticipation.... Not being able to really run it out will be hard too but great practice for the full in October.
Wish me luck! I've heard that taper can be a real B**ch!
My 5K on 5/17/09 went fantastic! I ran it in 30:50, 9:58 miles dispite the fact I was in the porta potie when the gun went off! AKKKK! This is not a race I would run again it was very poorly organized with no communication and they started the race early! Despite my numberous complaints it was a good time and I'm glad I ran it.
Next up is 13.1 in Chicago. I'm so nervous already! I've put in the training, I know I can do it *sigh* pre race jitters, oh well.
In other news I ran 12 miles on Sunday, It was so awesome to challenge myself like that! I ran on the trail all the way to prince crossing and back, this was new and unchartered territory for me and man did it rock! This trail is so beautiful! I can't believe how fortunate I am to have it so close to home! I took pictures I need to figure out how to post those....
Now I'm in taper mode, today I will run 8 miles, tomorrow I'll run 5 miles and then no more then 3.5 miles on any given day until race day. The good news is I will be able to run my race pace for each run so I may not run long but I can run fast and sometimes that's just as good.
So Sr made a comment at the 5K that I have no kick. You know the final hurah at the end of a run where you pick up the pace and leave it all on the course. Yesterday I decided that at the end of my run I was going to see how far I can run fast fast fast.... and ya, I don't know how far it was but it was not that great. I figure this year I'll put in the milage and next year I'm going to focus on speed. I'd so love to run 7 min miles ... that would just rock my world.
I expect the next 11 days to be filled with anxious anticipation.... Not being able to really run it out will be hard too but great practice for the full in October.
Wish me luck! I've heard that taper can be a real B**ch!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
trail running.
Behind my home is a fantastic trail, the great western trail. This trail has been a god sent! It has miles upon miles of straight forward paths, the trail itself is approx 6 -8 feet wide and allows for a pretty smooth ride with a jogging stroller and plenty of on hand entertainment for a young child.
There is a stable less then one mile from our starting point, JJ and I love to look at the horses. There are numberous intersections to navigate which can sometimes be frustrating but if you are headed wb then it's mostly residental streets and turns out just fine.
There is a cement plant near the 2 mile mark that has TONS of BIG trucks that will catch Jr's attention and often times the drivers will wave to him. Other points of intrest are a cemetary that is very well maintained, it dates back to the 1800's. If you don't get the hee bee gee bee's it's quite a nice quiet place. small too so if you happen to get a little nervous it passes quickly.
There are farms and produce stands going onto the 3rd mile, I often think I need to remember to bring cash and grab some fresh fruit or veggies. and close to my current turn around spot there is a bridge, it brings you over a creek. I'm not sure of the name of it but it always reminds me of England and I like that. I'm sure the water is terribly poluted but it's so pretty.
We have watched the shurbery turn from sticks and fallen leaves to lush greenery it seems overnight. Every day there is something new to look at on the trail and JJ seems to really enjoy the ride as for me? My joints love the softer path to run hard and long runs.
This past weekend has been esspecially exciting as I got my first dog chase. All runners have these stories, fortunatly I also happen to carry pepper spray. And this pit bull was one step away from getting it. She jump out of the bushes at us and I screamed like a little girl. My heart rate wasn't quite the same for the rest of my run but we survived.
Yesterday on our 11 miler.... I have to brag at this point. I didn't think I'd get this far already but 10 min miles on average, if I can just get the pacing worked out. I'm running positive splits and a lot of walking at the end. However yesterday I was able to SPRINT my last 1/4 mile and so I must not have been pushing hard enough. I was not dying as I thought I might with my long run with the stroller.
anyways back to the point we saw lots of bunnies on the trail yesterday. I always point them out to JJ but he doesn't seem to care. I want to feed them but I know that's probebly not the best idea. We also saw a turtle! A tiny little thing that we almost ran over against my better judgement I picked it up and showed JJ then helped it get to safety on the side of the trail. I hope I helped him get to the correct side.
And then there were the horses. I wonder what JJ must think of horses, he gets dogs and cats confused but horses... are they just really BIG dogs to him? I don't mind seeing them at all, in fact an animal lover such as myself rather enjoys running through all this nature, I do however mind having to dodge thier droppings. they can be rather large piles. Add the locked front wheel of the stroller + the speed of my runs can sometimes make it diffictult to avoid. Do you think they are required to pick up after thier "pet's" much like dog owners are? hmmm
Anyways I can not say enough how wonderful this trail is. How if I weren't a runner I don't know if I'd have this to look forward to everyday and man is it SOMETHING to enjoy.
There is a stable less then one mile from our starting point, JJ and I love to look at the horses. There are numberous intersections to navigate which can sometimes be frustrating but if you are headed wb then it's mostly residental streets and turns out just fine.
There is a cement plant near the 2 mile mark that has TONS of BIG trucks that will catch Jr's attention and often times the drivers will wave to him. Other points of intrest are a cemetary that is very well maintained, it dates back to the 1800's. If you don't get the hee bee gee bee's it's quite a nice quiet place. small too so if you happen to get a little nervous it passes quickly.
There are farms and produce stands going onto the 3rd mile, I often think I need to remember to bring cash and grab some fresh fruit or veggies. and close to my current turn around spot there is a bridge, it brings you over a creek. I'm not sure of the name of it but it always reminds me of England and I like that. I'm sure the water is terribly poluted but it's so pretty.
We have watched the shurbery turn from sticks and fallen leaves to lush greenery it seems overnight. Every day there is something new to look at on the trail and JJ seems to really enjoy the ride as for me? My joints love the softer path to run hard and long runs.
This past weekend has been esspecially exciting as I got my first dog chase. All runners have these stories, fortunatly I also happen to carry pepper spray. And this pit bull was one step away from getting it. She jump out of the bushes at us and I screamed like a little girl. My heart rate wasn't quite the same for the rest of my run but we survived.
Yesterday on our 11 miler.... I have to brag at this point. I didn't think I'd get this far already but 10 min miles on average, if I can just get the pacing worked out. I'm running positive splits and a lot of walking at the end. However yesterday I was able to SPRINT my last 1/4 mile and so I must not have been pushing hard enough. I was not dying as I thought I might with my long run with the stroller.
anyways back to the point we saw lots of bunnies on the trail yesterday. I always point them out to JJ but he doesn't seem to care. I want to feed them but I know that's probebly not the best idea. We also saw a turtle! A tiny little thing that we almost ran over against my better judgement I picked it up and showed JJ then helped it get to safety on the side of the trail. I hope I helped him get to the correct side.
And then there were the horses. I wonder what JJ must think of horses, he gets dogs and cats confused but horses... are they just really BIG dogs to him? I don't mind seeing them at all, in fact an animal lover such as myself rather enjoys running through all this nature, I do however mind having to dodge thier droppings. they can be rather large piles. Add the locked front wheel of the stroller + the speed of my runs can sometimes make it diffictult to avoid. Do you think they are required to pick up after thier "pet's" much like dog owners are? hmmm
Anyways I can not say enough how wonderful this trail is. How if I weren't a runner I don't know if I'd have this to look forward to everyday and man is it SOMETHING to enjoy.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
sunny days... keeping the clouds away....
HELLO EVERYBODY!!!!!!!
I am so super excited… Racing season IS HERE!!!!!! And I can run 10 miles in 2 hours!!! Yes I WILL complete the Chicago marathon. I have "the" runners that will run the marathon; I have new shorts and a new hydration bottle that stays put on your hand… I have discovered that I can tolerate Gatorade and I even bought a whole case of my jelly beans that will keep me going. All I have to do is keep on trucking, and I still have 5 and a half months to get ‘er done!
So I wanted everyone to have an itinerary for my races if you can make it to any of them please please please do so! I seriously would LOVE a cheering section …. There is no better motivation man. Feel free to even be creative and make a sign… You can even use the same sign at each race ;)~ I won’t mind.
After each race there are what I like to call after parties! You can stick around and check out the fair. I will be. And then I thought we might be able to have supper or something but I don’t want to plan anything too solid we can play it by ear and see what happens. Also please be sure to visit the web sites for parking, shuttle and other important information. These are huge events and often times have runner meet up spots at a different local then the finish line. Also feel free to call Jason for our designated post race meet up spot.
Ok;
Sunday May 17th ~ Feets of strength 5K~ benefits child abuse awareness a very important cause, if you can please donate. This is a smaller event, it has no web site of it’s own that I can find. There will be face painting pre and post race massages and balloon animals after the race. The 5 K starts at 9 am at The Kane County Government center 719 south Batavia ave Geneva IL 60134-3077
Sunday June 7th ~ 13.1 Chicago ~ this is a half marathon and promises to be huge. Race starts at 7 am. I plan on finishing in 3 hours or less. Please do not feel that you have to be there at 7 am, 9 am would be a better time to shoot for. After party will be hosted in Washington Park, the start and finish line is at the South Shore Cultural Center. There is limited parking but there will be shuttles available. Please visit http://www.131marathon.com/chicago/raceinfo.htm to find out which would best suit your needs.
Sunday October 11th ~ Chicago Marathon~ It’s SOLD OUT! And guess what? I registered early… do you hear me singing na na na na na…??? This bad boy is the BIG one! The Marathon, the true test of my will power and endurance, completion of this marathon will be awesome, a testament to my fitness level and commitment! Although I have to say the training sure is fun! If you are planning on attending please let me know, I would like to designate a couple of cheer sections along the route at miles that are particularly difficult for me.
The marathon will be starting at 7:30 am. I’m anticipating the race to take me between 4 and 5 hours to complete. Somehow you are able to receive text messages on my progress and I have included the link for spectator info. Pretty nifty.
The expo is actually a before party hosted at McCormick place I’ll be there on Saturday. Feel free to join me it’s free to the public. I think I’d like to plan a supper for that evening probably red lobster. However I will keep you posted.
http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/spectators_volunteers/index.aspx?id=512
I think I will be running another 5k for spice but I’m not sure when or where. As soon as I know about that I will update everyone. Thank you all for your support! I’m truly excited about these races! I hope to hear from you!
Thank You
I am so super excited… Racing season IS HERE!!!!!! And I can run 10 miles in 2 hours!!! Yes I WILL complete the Chicago marathon. I have "the" runners that will run the marathon; I have new shorts and a new hydration bottle that stays put on your hand… I have discovered that I can tolerate Gatorade and I even bought a whole case of my jelly beans that will keep me going. All I have to do is keep on trucking, and I still have 5 and a half months to get ‘er done!
So I wanted everyone to have an itinerary for my races if you can make it to any of them please please please do so! I seriously would LOVE a cheering section …. There is no better motivation man. Feel free to even be creative and make a sign… You can even use the same sign at each race ;)~ I won’t mind.
After each race there are what I like to call after parties! You can stick around and check out the fair. I will be. And then I thought we might be able to have supper or something but I don’t want to plan anything too solid we can play it by ear and see what happens. Also please be sure to visit the web sites for parking, shuttle and other important information. These are huge events and often times have runner meet up spots at a different local then the finish line. Also feel free to call Jason for our designated post race meet up spot.
Ok;
Sunday May 17th ~ Feets of strength 5K~ benefits child abuse awareness a very important cause, if you can please donate. This is a smaller event, it has no web site of it’s own that I can find. There will be face painting pre and post race massages and balloon animals after the race. The 5 K starts at 9 am at The Kane County Government center 719 south Batavia ave Geneva IL 60134-3077
Sunday June 7th ~ 13.1 Chicago ~ this is a half marathon and promises to be huge. Race starts at 7 am. I plan on finishing in 3 hours or less. Please do not feel that you have to be there at 7 am, 9 am would be a better time to shoot for. After party will be hosted in Washington Park, the start and finish line is at the South Shore Cultural Center. There is limited parking but there will be shuttles available. Please visit http://www.131marathon.com/chicago/raceinfo.htm to find out which would best suit your needs.
Sunday October 11th ~ Chicago Marathon~ It’s SOLD OUT! And guess what? I registered early… do you hear me singing na na na na na…??? This bad boy is the BIG one! The Marathon, the true test of my will power and endurance, completion of this marathon will be awesome, a testament to my fitness level and commitment! Although I have to say the training sure is fun! If you are planning on attending please let me know, I would like to designate a couple of cheer sections along the route at miles that are particularly difficult for me.
The marathon will be starting at 7:30 am. I’m anticipating the race to take me between 4 and 5 hours to complete. Somehow you are able to receive text messages on my progress and I have included the link for spectator info. Pretty nifty.
The expo is actually a before party hosted at McCormick place I’ll be there on Saturday. Feel free to join me it’s free to the public. I think I’d like to plan a supper for that evening probably red lobster. However I will keep you posted.
http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/spectators_volunteers/index.aspx?id=512
I think I will be running another 5k for spice but I’m not sure when or where. As soon as I know about that I will update everyone. Thank you all for your support! I’m truly excited about these races! I hope to hear from you!
Thank You
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