Back to Negative Splits

I just finished my first cutback week. I ended up making another 1st since my return to running.
It went very well. I have had a great time with new runners and walkers. It felt great getting my mileage in this morning to finish my cutback week on a high note. I even had great negative splits even though was running at an easy pace.

Mile 1 - 10:18
Mile 2 - 9:38
Mile 3 - 9:35

Pace: 9:50/mi

Fall Running Again

18 miles = REDEMPTION!!

This weekend was a total 180 degrees from last weekend when I made my 1st attempt at 18 miles. The weather this morning was a lot cooler than the past few days with my wake-up temp at 53 degrees, but it's PERFECT weather for me. It brings me back to my days with Team in Training and all of the training runs while running along the lakes and Mississippi River. Once I started running, everything came back and felt alive. My breathing was much better. My legs felt fantastic considering I took a Zumba class on Thursday and did a lot of squats in the class. My mind was completely focused. Everything was perfect. Now that I have this mileage done, all I have left is to complete the BIG 20 miler in two weeks at Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village. I know that I am ready and excited to complete it to go to the home stretch before the Chicago Marathon. I AM READY!

Mile 1 9:33
Mile 2 9:29
Mile 3 9:39
Mile 4 9:55
Mile 5 9:38
Mile 6 9:47
Mile 7 9:40
Mile 8 9:37
Mile 9 9:34
Mile 10 9:39
Mile 11 9:41
Mile 12 9:36
Mile 13 9:41
Mile 14 9:44
Mile 15 9:45
Mile 16 10:01
Mile 17 9:54
Mile 18 9:53

Avg Pace - 9:42/mi

The 18 miler that wasn't.....

I had planned to go out on Saturday morning and complete 18 miler. It was very beautiful day - very low humidity and very cool temps. But my body had other plans....period - and I had to listen to it quickly. I woke up with lower GI crap before my run and went to bed Friday night with two fans hitting me even though the room was comfortable. When I woke up, I was determined to get my run done. I took it easy for the 1st mile since I was still weeding myself through the CARA pace groups. Then it started hitting around mile 2 along the Oak Street Beach. I still felt like I had not warmed up yet. I also felt like someone was literately pushing against me. My lungs started feeling very tight. I eventually slowed down a little to allow myself to "catch up". As I approached mile 3, I knew that I just had to get to Josh, who was waiting for me at mile 4 off of Randolph and stop my run. I just didn't feel at all...period. My lungs were feeling tight and my sinuses were feeling very heavy. I did eventually saw the doc who said to take it easy. I am determined to get my 18 miler done next weekend no matter how bad this week is.

Mile 1 9:43
Mile 2 9:47
Mile 3 9:32
Mile 4 9:58
Mile 0.02 - 00:13 (11:28/mi)

Avg Pace - 9:45/mi

The Exodus: Completing 16 miles

I have not much an opportunity to run this past week due to a week of stress involving Josh's surgery and now positive cancer diagnosis that was out of my personal control. My main focus was completing the miles instead of speed, which helped a lot for me this week. The weather was absolutely perfect and starting to look forward to the weather improving to make longer long run more comfortable. I felt the stress from the past week roll off of me as I ran. The splits may not have been what I wanted, but at least I finished my run with a smile on my face.

Mile 1 9:38
Mile 2 9:42
Mile 3 9:45
Mile 4 10:07
Mile 5 9:57
Mile 6 10:03
Mile 7 10:08
Mile 8 10:21
Mile 9 10:14
Mile 10 10:26
Mile 11 10:23
Mile 12 10:13
Mile 13 10:01
Mile 14 10:24
Mile 15 10:25
Mile 16 10:26

Avg Mile - 10:08/mi

Hot and Humid 13 miles - DONE

It was a cloudy, hot and humid morning for my long run. The weather was originally supposed to be dicey because of storms rolling in later in the morning from Iowa. I started out way too fast for the 1st mile and have a feeling that it played a part in finishing my long run. I didn't mind the clouds because it kept the heat of the sun away, which would have made things much more difficult for me. I ran all the way to McCormick Place before I turned around and heading back. I managed to see a very mad momma duck by the bridge at Solidarity Drive, who was protecting her nest of babies. I managed to see another momma duck on the way back in Lake Michigan with her babies near the Ohio Street Beach. I was angry that the Fleet Feet people right after I crossed Randolph St heading SB around 8:30 AM. When I headed back, I thought I missed the water stop, but quickly realized that they closed shop very early. Now I am gearing up for my HM in two weeks with a 11 miler long run set for Saturday morning before heading to Milwaukee with Josh. My plan for tomorrow is hit the pool tomorrow morning for 10 laps in order to loosen up my legs.

Mile 1 9:05 <~~ TOO fast!
Mile 2 9:25
Mile 3 9:28
Mile 4 10:11 <~~~ Damn wind!
Mile 5 9:36
Mile 6 9:45
Mile 7 9:43
Mile 8 9:39
Mile 9 10:28
Mile 10 9:38
Mile 11 9:47
Mile 12 9:49
Mile 13 9:25

Strong 11 miler

This week's long run went much better than previous weeks. The humidity was low even though the temps were pretty warm. I was able to maintain a mostly steady pace throughout the run. I didn't have part of the run where I thought I was in trouble or started bonking out. I even made sure that I hit all of the water stops so I was properly hydrated. It made a huge difference in the quality of my run. I hope that my next week's run goes well like today.

Tomorrow I will heading out on my bike for the 1st time in 9 months. It will be a test ride to see if my wrist holds up okay. I will be pacing Josh as he makes a second attempt at his long run and serve as the mobile hydration station.

Mile 1 9:22
Mile 2 9:31
Mile 3 9:17
Mile 4 9:40
Mile 5 9:36
Mile 6 9:44
Mile 7 9:47
Mile 8 9:27
Mile 9 9:46
Mile 10 10:01
Mile 11 9:24

Avg Pace - 9:35/mi

8 miles...DONE!

I had a slight delay on my weekly long run. The weather yesterday was stormy so I was forced to put it off until today. When I woke up this morning, I was so happy that I put off the run. The weather was absolutely PERFECT - cool, low humidity, and perfect wind speed to just keep me cool. The running path was 85% dry with some muddy spots where I had to run around or just not care that my shoes get a little dirty. When I finished, it felt really good. I am starting feel good about 1st of two big races coming up - the Rock-n-Roll Chicago Half-Marathon, which is less than 2 months away.

Bring...it...on!

Mile 1 9:25
Mile 2 9:24
Mile 3 9:23
Mile 4 9:34
Mile 5 9:30
Mile 6 9:28
Mile 7 9:23
Mile 8 9:13

Avg Pace - 9:25/mi

Running along the Charles River

We arrived back home from Boston after an unexpected extended vacation when weather got in the way. We ended up running along the Charles River before attending a wedding. I had a hard time running mostly due to the humidity and change in landscape aka the hills. Josh was great sport and helped me to keep me fighting to do well during the run.

I would like to run again in Boston, but as a race participant. That's my goal for this year.

Mile 1 9:41
Mile 2 9:33
Mile 3 9:44
Mile 4 9:38
Mile 5 9:26
Mile 6 9:28

7 miles for my dad

It has been 5 years since my dad has passed from cancer. My dad's death was the one reason that I started running. I used my run today to honor his memory. The weather was perfect, but I know that I need to tweak my diet still to get it right so I have consistant energy during my long runs.

Here's my splits:

Mile 1 9:31
Mile 2 9:31
Mile 3 9:27
Mile 4 9:39
Mile 5 9:20
Mile 6 9:23
Mile 7 9:24

Total time: 1:06:15
Avg Pace: 9:28/mi

We're HOMEOWNERS!!

Yes, the house is NOW ours! We have a month to move so we are going to take it easy before firmly move our stuff for good. We have more contractors coming out tommorow. I have 60 minute long run tommorow - the last one before CDC next weekend.

It's almost time to MOVE...literately!

12 miles done....FINALLY!

Well, my day started with uncertainity. I woke up at 1:30 am to loud thunder, which caused Sadie to run underneath the bed in fear. I fell back to sleep praying that the rain would go away before I woke up at 5 am.

When I woke up at 5 am, I checked the hour by hour forecast starting 7 am. It showed a strong possibility of rain and thunder returning. Boo-hiss! When Josh opened the shades, the clouds had thinned out and the sun shines. I started to relax and had some optimism that this run would go through. I then ate my pre-run sandwich and prepared for the long run.

I started to run at 7:15 am and the temps felt very good. The air felt cool and comfortable. It ended up being something to cover up the very high humidity. The humidity really hit me hard as I increased the mileage.

My run started a little hairy - as in a hairy dog - who attempted to nip my ankles. I thought the dog was contained, but I was wrong. The dog was not secured on the leash with no sight of the owner. As I was forced to completely stop, the owner came out to grab the dog. Thank GOD that I did not get bitten.

Josh rode his bike and was a two-wheeled waterboy. He was so sweet to help me get through this run. He provided Gatorade to me and supplement the water I was carrying. I started to really bonk out at mile 11 as I finished my run.

Mile 1 - 9:45
Mile 2 - 9:41
Mile 3 - 9:37
Mile 4 - 9:38
Mile 5 - 9:39
Mile 6 - 9:44
Mile 7 - 9:45
Mile 8 - 9:36
Mile 9 - 9:42
Mile 10 - 9:47
Mile 11 - 9:45
Mile 12 - 9:49

Total time - 1:56:35
Avg Pace - 9:42/mi

I ended up a present on my foot from my run. It was not something to expect. I had placed Body Guide on my feet before the run, but it didn't do it its job...period.

After the run, Josh and I had the memorial service for his Grandma to attend. It was a very busy day.

Tommorow - 30 minute recovery run

Praying for NO RAIN

...at least until after my long run tommorow morning. I have 12 miles on tap and need to get them. It's last biggest mileage long run until CDC in THREE WEEKS. (Eeeeks!)



Josh and I have made a fun purchase on Wednesday. We ended up becoming a 3 Garmain household after our purchase of a Garmin Nuvi 200W. After my travels on Tuesday, I got lost....again in the suburbs. This will really help me get around.

I also have been running - all of it indoors. It has been very, very humid and hot by the time I get off work. I do not have the advantage of waiting to running outside later since I have to work at 6:30 AM.

Now time to get to bed..

10 mile long run....DONE

Well, after this run being postpone a whole day due to very, very nasty storms moving in on Saturday morning. It scared Sadie so much that she ran underneath the bed and tried to hide. The strong winds blew EVERYTHING off of my bathroom window ledge COMPLETELY out of the bathroom and into the hallway. We usually leave the bathroom window open to allow air to move through the apartment. Josh woke up to find that there was water all over the bathroom floor. He thought one of us left the shower on, but it was Mother Nature who made the water mess. I come to find out that my neighborhood got hit the hardest, but lucky enough to still have power. My TNT even cancelled the group run due to the wild weather. I had already made the call before I went to bed and made a more stronger case when a huge lightning bolt hit across the street waking me out of bed at 1:30 am.

It was nice to postpone it, especially I had to work yesterday afternoon on my normal day off for just two hours. We had to deal with union picketing, but that got cancelled when there was a threat of lightning in the air again. It scared off all of the union people. (Yayyy!) I was not happy about coming in and missing out on the day trip that was previously planned, but went home to relax when I was done.

I woke up this morning at 5:15 am to get ready for my long run. I had 10 mile planned with 12 miles set for next weekend. The HM is less than a month away so I need to spend the next few weeks conditioning myself for the race. This is more apparent when I was doing my run. It did not look for me at all during the first mile when my shin started tightning up like it did several weeks. I was determined to the mileage done. The weather was perfect for the long run - cool air with a gentle breeze. Once I got the leg loosened up by slowing down, I started feeling great and ready to continue on the mileage. Josh come along and followed me during the run with Gatorade as I needed it (which I didn't need much). I was passing people constantly along the route and felt like I could do the mileage. I took my Mint Chocolate GU at mile 5 and determined to finish. I started to lose steam around 8.5 miles, but determined to finish the 10 miles.

Mile 1 - 9:41
Mile 2 - 9:50
Mile 3 - 9:52
Mile 4 - 9:46
Mile 5 - 10:03 (OMG - was I THAT slow?!)
Mile 6 - 9:57
Mile 7 - 9:53
Mile 8 - 9:45
Mile 9 - 9:32
Mile 10 - 9:22

Total time: 1:37:48
Avg Pace: 9:45/mile

I am not happy with the splits. They were a lot slower than what I care for, but I still have two more long runs before CDC. I am determined to get my preferred corral start and need this race to get me there. In fact, it's my only shot. I just need a 1:50:59 or faster finish time to get me there. It will help me keep on track for my finish goal at Chicago. I just need to do more speedwork during the next two weeks and keep up with the training.

This afternoon, I have my fundraising party at the Mystic Celt. I love incorporating beer with charity work. I am getting really close to my fundraising goal. I would like to surpass it this year by $1000. I hope to be able to do that.

Tommorow, I have my first interview in a MONTH. I hope to get something out of it. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Then I will do my hour of cross-training since I just ran today just to keep my legs loosened up.

Later! 90 DAYS until Chicago Marathon

Another busy weekend

Well, this weekend has gone pretty quickly. My weekend started right away on Friday after I got off work. Josh headed off to a party after doing some last minute shopping. The beach party was a lot of fun. Josh even played some softball with the guys. After the eating and drinking, we brought the fun (and drinks) up on the roof of our friend's roof to watch the fireworks. We ended up seeing over 20 different displays from the different citys and suburbs. It was simply amazing! We ended up staying up there for over an hour because the fireworks would not stop. We then headed down to another friend's apartment. I started to fade very quickly at 12:30 am even after a Red Bull and Vodka - mostly because I had been up since 5 am Friday morning to wake up for work.

I ended up sleeping in the next morning and it felt SO good. When I woke up, I had a very slight hangover. Thank goodness for a very sweet boyfriend to bring me my favorite hangover relief elixir. I then headed off to get my hair done. After my hair appointment, Josh and I ended off to Mitsuwa, my favorite Japanese supermarket, for some great food. It is not an easy place to get to without a car. I feels SO good to go there with our own car. After Mitsuwa, we headed off to the happiest place on earth - IKEA. Josh and I went to IKEA to look at furniture for our new house. It was the first trip to determine what will be bought. A lot of it is still in the air depending on what we need after our own furniture is moved into the apartment.

After our awesome trip to IKEA, Josh headed off to the movies to watch Wall-E. It was awesome!

Today was a much relaxed and easy-going day. We slept in again, which I LOVED! After being lazy in the morning, we headed off to the gym in order to get my long run done. After the long run, it was back home to relax before heading back to work tommorow. It's going to be a busy running week.

OMG - it's now less than 100 days until the Chicago Marathon

8 miles....DONE

Well, I finished my long run one day early.

I finished with a time of 1:15:56. (9:29/mi)

It feels so good to be completed.

Tommorow - 40 minute recovery run

One Strong 8 miler

Peeps, I did it! I completed my 8 miler early this morning. I was so shocked about how well I did this morning. I was nervous whether if my legs would get too tired from running three days in a row. I underestimated myself and surpassed my expectations. I am now confident that I will do well and hit my goals for North Shore.

Mile 1 - 9:18
Mile 2 - 9:08
Mile 3 - 8:57
Mile 4 - 9:02
Mile 5 - 9:05
Mile 6 - 9:00
Mile 7 - 9:06
Mile 8 - 8:48

Avg Pace - 9:03/mi

Tommorow - A well, deserved rest day!

Last Long Run for North Shore

Well, peeps, I did it! I completed my 12 mile this morning. I was nervous to start the run because I did not know how well I would do. But I got it done. The second half of the run I started to struggle. I had to keep my mind positive and not let it get me down. My legs started to get sore around mile 10. When I heard the signal for mile 11, I started to attempt to kick it up a notch for the last mile. I disappointed the splits and was hoping for something faster.

After I completed the run, I grabbed something to eat. I also purchased a bag of ice to do a much needed ice bath once I got home. I am going to take a nap soon and get a massage tonight so I recover gracefully. Plus I am officially in TAPER TIME mode for North Shore.

Tommorow - REST DAY!

Mile 1 - 9:19
Mile 2 - 9:17
Mile 3 - 9:18
Mile 4 - 9:25
Mile 5 - 9:21
Mile 6 - 9:37
Mile 7 - 9:37
Mile 8 - 9:44
Mile 9 - 9:38
Mile 10 - 9:34
Mile 11 - 9:35
Mile 12 - 9:55
Total Time: 1:54:27
Avg Pace - 9:32/mi

Pre-Graduation Long Run

Well, it's Saturday and my schedule long run day. Just because I am on vacation does not mean I get to slack off. Josh and I ended up getting early at 6 am and were out the door by 7 am before the heat kicked in. This is prelude to my upcoming summer training run and a test to see what I need to change. We have a park right outside our room at the resort, which has a very nice running path. We took complete advantage of it and used it. The run went well, but stopped only to get a sip of wate before continuing on.

Tonight's graduation night, which will include a very nice dinner and drinks at Fat Tuesday - somewhere that I have not gone since my 21st birthday back in MN - after dinner.

Tommorow we head home. Right now, I need to have some sun time by the pool before heading off to my big moment.

Mile 1 - 9:22
Mile 2 - 8:56
Mile 3 - 9:03
Mile 4 - 9:28
Mile 5 - 9:34
Mile 6 - 9:17
Avg Pace - 9:17
Time - 55:42

Determined to get 8 miles done

Yes, I did it!

I got my 8 miles done. I had to do it indoors and on the treadmill due to the yucky and cold weather. It was a little difficult to do for the first few miles because my cast. I pushed through it and succeeded.

Today's workout
1:23:17
8 miles
10:24/mile

Tommorow - Rest Day!!