Chicago Marathon Week 14

September 15, 2019 by 9 Comments

Happy Sunday!

It is a beautiful Sunday here and for the first time a while, I woke up to a wide-open day. I’m looking forward to a day of relaxing, watching some football, and perhaps a little yoga (I think my legs will thank me!). But, first I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

 Chicago Marathon Training Week 14

Monday — Took a rest day after the Surftown Half Marathon on Sunday.

Tuesday — 8.2-mile run. While I love that we’re moving closer to the first day of fall, I do miss starting my runs in daylight.

Wednesday — 5 miles in new shoes! I’ve been debating trying a shoe with a bit more cushion and have had my eye on the Brooks Glycerin for a while. They felt really good!

Thursday —  6.2 miles. Another run in the Glycerins. The swampy humidity returned and I was happy to squeeze this run in before the rain came.

Friday — Rest day.

Saturday — 12 more miles in the Glycerins. Pacing and fueling clicked and I was pretty pleased with how this run went!

Total miles for the week – 31.4
Total miles on the road to Chicago – 354.2

All-in-all it was a good week and, as a bonus, I think I may have found my marathon shoe! I think I did a much better job of prioritizing rest and recovery, including trips to both the acupuncturist and massage therapist, so this week the goal is to do more of the same.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Weekly Run Down

Surftown Half Marathon Recap

September 10, 2019 by 18 Comments

On Sunday, I ran the Surftown Half Marathon for half marathon number 15!

If you have to run long, why not collect some bling, right? I’m so glad Kim got in touch with me about this race! It fit perfectly into my training plan, was an easy 1.5 hr drive from my house, and best of all gave me a chance to hang out with Kim for most of the weekend!

Pre-Race

On Saturday, after running a few errands in the morning and a trip to the acupuncturist to help keep my cranky TFL/quad calm, I made an uneventful drive down to Westerly, RI. Kim had booked a nice hotel (Pleasant View Inn) just a half-mile from the race start/finish and had checked in earlier. We spent some time catching up and then made the short walk to pick up our bibs and t-shirts. Later we hit the Providence Coal Fired Pizza for dinner – so good! And then it was back to the room to prep our race gear and wind down.

The nice thing about being so close to the race start was that we didn’t need to get up crazy early. We were up and out of the hotel by 7, and since I had extra mileage on my training plan, I headed off down one of the side streets for a quick out-and-back. I got a kick out of how many of the residents out collecting their morning paper or walking their dogs wished me good luck! I finished up my warm-up at the race start and found Kim and Darlene.

Nice bonus to finally meet Darlene!

We made a quick plan to meet Darlene post-race, and went to line-up

The Race

Miles 1-4
The first two miles were a fairly flat straight shot down Atlantic Avenue along the Misquamicut State Beach. As the course followed the coastline and then looped back towards Atlantic Ave there were some mild inclines. The miles clicked by pretty quickly.

Miles 5-8
Just after mile 6, there was the swap for the runners who were doing the half marathon relay. This actually gave me a nice boost because the runners jumping in for the 2nd half of the race had fresh legs so I picked a rabbit and worked to pick up my pace. As the course wound through streets of summer cottages, it continued to roll – none of the inclines were terribly steep, but they were continuous. Many people around me had started to walk, but I was still moving pretty well.

Miles 9-13.1
Around mile 9, I started to feel tired – I took a short walk break and then pressed on trying to hang with the general group I had been running “with”. There was an awesome volunteer just before the Mile 10 marker – she was a ball of energy and really trying to pump people up as we enjoyed a short downslope to the mile marker.

Then it happened… as I came around the bend one of the volunteers directing the runners shouted: “Just 3 miles to go – You just have to head up that hill!” Well, let me just say that it was some hill. It was a short, steep climb, and no one around me was running it. I power-walked it as fast as I could but I was shuffling when I reached the top.

After that, I couldn’t seem to find my rhythm again. The rolling continued but the wind was out of my sails and I was slowing down. At this point, I was also fighting a headache that reached a peak at mile 11 and decided to hang out through the end of the race. I tried to focus on the beautiful houses and ocean views along this part of the course and just kept pushing.

Soon the course turned back onto Atlantic Ave and the final stretch to the finish line!

I was happy to get to spend a little more time with Darlene after the race. Then Kim & I headed back to the hotel to get cleaned up and grab some lunch before heading out of town.

Final Thoughts

The race was well organized with great volunteers and course support! Despite the course being open to traffic, the roads were very quiet and well monitored. The race was definitely not the “fast and flat” course it was advertised to be, but the course was beautiful.

Given how cute the race medals are, the race shirts really left a lot to be desired.

Seriously, what color is that?! Last year’s shirt was a bright blue so what happened this year?!

Overall, this is a great race and definitely one worth checking out!

I am linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: Half marathon, race report

Chicago Week 13 – Running into September

September 8, 2019 by 16 Comments

And, just like that, the first week of September is in the books. These weeks just keep rolling along, and Chicago gets closer and closer! Here’s how this week of training went down.

Chicago Marathon Training Week 13

Monday — 6-mile run. Took advantage of the Labor Day holiday to sleep in a bit and still got a quite run through town.

Tuesday — Rest day.

Wednesday — 7.5 miles. This run was rough from start to finish, but I got it done. My TFL/quad was cranky throughout the run so after work I headed for a visit with my massage therapist.

Thursday — Finally got some time on my yoga mat…that is, until my furry “coach” took over!

Friday — 6.25 miles. My legs still felt pretty tired, but this run was much better than Wednesday’s. I also got an awesome surprise to learn that I had won @runtheworldinbabydays ProForm treadmill giveaway on Instagram!

This will be mine in about 3 weeks or so

Week lucky 13 of @chimarathon training is done! #marathontraining #mychicagomarathon #runchat Share on X

Saturday — Rest Day. Got an acupuncture treatment before heading down to Westerly, RI to hang out with Kim and get ready for the race.

Sunday — Surftown Half Marathon plus warm-up (14.75 miles). I’ll recap the race later this week. Added bonus – I finally got to meet Darlene!

Total miles for the week – 34.5
Total miles on the road to Chicago – 322.8

That’s my rundown for the week! How was your week?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Weekly Run Down

September coffee talk

September 6, 2019 by 18 Comments

Happy Friday!

It is Friday, right? Coming off a long weekend I swear I lose track of what day it is! It’s time for a little catch-up over coffee so I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

September Ultimate Coffee Date

Over coffee, I would tell you that having time off from work at the end of August was just what the doctor ordered! I was starting to feel absolutely fried. Having some time to step away, gain a fresh perspective, and just chill did me a world of good.

Hitting the pause button was just what I needed!

Over coffee, I would tell you that both of my boys started school this past week. We’re all trying to regain our “school rhythm”. I will admit it usually takes a week or two to really feel like we’re back in the groove.

Over coffee, I would tell you that it is starting to feel a lot like fall around here as the mornings and evenings have cooled off. I am loving it! I make no secret that fall is my favorite time of year – I am definitely a jeans, sweater, and boots kinda girl.

Over coffee, I would tell you how excited I am to have been selected as part of the launch team for the book The Joy of Missing Out. I’m a big fan of Tonya Dalton’s podcasts and YouTube videos, not to mention her InkWell Press planners, so I’m really looking forward to reading her book. JOMO is about letting go of the constant need to do more, and instead focusing on what’s most important to you. I’m all for that! My pre-launch copy is on its way now so I’ll be sure to share more once I get a chance to dive in. If you’re interested, you can pre-order here.

What would you tell me over coffee? Are you looking forward to fall weather?

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Filed Under: JOMO, Ultimate coffee date

Chicago Training Week 12

September 1, 2019 by 24 Comments

Another week of marathon training is done. It is hard to believe that 6 weeks from today I’ll be running through the streets of Chicago!

Chicago Marathon Training Week 12

Monday — 6-mile run

Tuesday — Rest day! After running 4 days in a row for over 32 miles, to say I needed a break is an understatement!

Wednesday — 6-miles with J. This was a nice start of an extended long weekend for both of us! We then piled into the car with our boys to head to the Berkshires for an afternoon of kayaking. I had no idea kayaking on rapids could be so challenging! We had a blast and I was thoroughly exhausted.

Thursday — Unplanned rest day. When my alarm went off I just knew there was no way I was going for a run. I had a great call with my coach who agreed that a rest day was needed. I also got a much-needed massage.

Friday — 10-mile run. With plans to hit the road early on Saturday to move my son into his dorm, I moved my long run to Friday. J joined me for the first 7 miles which helped to keep me moving.

Saturday — Moving my son into his dorm should definitely count as cross-training, right?!

Sunday — 8-mile run. My husband surprised me by deciding to join me again! The weather was perfect and it was a nice way to start off a lazy, low-keyed Sunday. I was also able to snag an acupuncture appointment to help keep my recovery on track.

Chicago Marathon Training -12 weeks down and 6 to go! #mychicagomarathon #marathontraining #runchat @chimarathon Share on X

Total miles for the week – 30
Total miles on the road to Chicago – 288.3

I have to give a shoutout to my husband J for racking up 22.5 miles this week. He’s gearing up for a trail race in October and I really loved having some company on my runs!

I finished August with over 136 miles which I’m pretty happy about!

The week ahead

Overall I was pleased with my runs this week, but I’m not loving that I didn’t get any strength training in or any time on my mat. It was all about the run, and I know that if I don’t try to strike some balance, that is not a pattern I can sustain.

This week I’ll be sure to get back to my PT exercises and core work and hopefully a little cross-training. I’ll be running the Surftown Half as a training run next Sunday as part of a longer run – still not sure whether to run the additional miles before or after the race. I’m really looking forward to seeing Kim!

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Uncategorized

Runfessions – Labor Day Edition

August 30, 2019 by 7 Comments

It’s Labor Day Weekend – the unofficial end of summer. With the final days of August quickly disappearing, Marcia has opened the runfessional to give us all a chance to cleanse our souls (or is that soles?) before the new season begins.

August Runfessions

With 12 weeks down and 6 weeks to go in my Chicago training, I runfess that I am starting to get a little training plan weary. While I’m never one to wish away days, I am looking forward to that first morning I can head out for a run of whatever distance I feel like.

On the flip side, I runfess I had a brief panic attack when this image popped into my Instagram feed last week.

Wait, what?!? Could someone please slow down the clock!

As I type this we are packing up my oldest to drive him back to school tomorrow. I thought by now I would have adjusted to the idea of having my son away at school – I runfess that I was wrong…I’m so going to miss having him around!

And speaking of my kids returning to school, I runfess that I dragged my feet until the last possible second on back-to-school shopping (read: I started on Tuesday). But, despite the late start I blew through it in record time and I’m happy to say I’m done!

There…now I feel better! Tell what are you run-fessing?

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Filed Under: Runfessions

Chicago Week 11 – Getting back in the Groove

August 25, 2019 by 22 Comments

Happy Sunday!

I have to say that I am way behind on replying to blog comments, so I first wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who commented or reached out on Instagram and Facebook to offer some words of encouragement! I was feeling pretty down after cutting last week’s long run short…and will admit to having a mild freak-out.

I’m happy to say that after an extra rest day I feel like I’m getting back into the groove. Here’s how this week went down.

Chicago Marathon Training Week 11

Monday — A much-needed rest day!

Tuesday — 5-mile run. The humidity was off the charts again, but my legs were feeling good so I was all smiles.

Wednesday — 6 miles on the treadmill. I just couldn’t bring myself to face another run in the humidity so I opted for a trip to the gym for a mill run.

Thursday — Had a fun day off from work with the family that included arcade games, mini-golf, and way too much ice cream!

Getting back into the groove for week 11 of @chimarathon training! #marathontraining #mychicagomarathon #runchat Share on X

Friday — Another day off from work to celebrate my husband’s birthday! I got him to join me for my run and 6.2 miles were done!

Saturday — 16 miles – a new first! Thankfully, the weather was near perfect, in the low 60s when I started and just 72 by the time I finished. Running 16 miles solo was definitely a mental challenge! Physically, it was a pretty good run through mile 12, things got a little rocky for miles 13 & 14 before I got back on track for the last 2 miles.

Sunday — 4-mile recovery run.

Total miles for the week – 37.2
Total miles on the road to Chicago – 258.3

In addition to my runs, there was daily PT exercises, planking, and time spent on active recovery. All this combined with a bit more sleep definitely helped to make for a better week! Hoping this trend continues as I take on week 12.

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Weekly Run Down

Chicago Week 10 – Zzzs wanted

August 18, 2019 by 16 Comments

Week 10 is done and there’s no sugar-coating it – it was a rough one!

The combination of a chaotic and stressful work schedule, an ITB flare-up, and ongoing sleep struggles made for a perfect storm.

Chicago Marathon Training Week 10

Monday — Yoga and a trip to the acupuncturist to try to calm a cranky ITB.

Tuesday — The legs were feeling much better and despite another night of lousy sleep, I was able to get 5 early morning miles done.

Wednesday — 6 miles.

Thursday — My struggle for a good night sleep had caught up with me and I ended up hitting the snooze button a couple of times but still had enough time for a short run and some core work.

Friday — I was up and out the door early for round 1 of event set-up for work so there was no time for a morning run, but I did manage to sneak in 6 miles before the day was done.

Saturday — It was event day for work so I was up by 2:30 am to be out the door by 3 and on the road to the event location. 12 hours of final set-up, event management (including playing race director for a 5K/10K), and event tear-down followed. To say I was toast by the day’s end would be an understatement.

Sunday — Given yesterday’s non-stop pace, I knew it would be asking a lot to hit the 12 miles on my plan. My legs were not on board at all and by mile 4 I started to be concerned that I was going to do more harm than good if I continued. I called my husband to pick me up and by the time he got to me, I’d only hit 5 miles. Never a great feeling to cut a long run short but I think I made the right call.

Total miles for the week – 25.5
Total miles on the road to Chicago – 221.1

I am so glad to have this week behind me! Things should be quieter on the work-front this week, and best of all I have a couple of days off. My two big goals for the week are to focus on my PT exercises for my IT band and to get some much-needed sleep.

How was your week? Do you cut runs short or try to push through?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

 

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Weekly Run Down

Running Shoes – My Current Favorites

August 13, 2019 by 13 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that a runner’s search for the perfect running shoes can sometimes feel like a neverending quest. Too often, just as you find your ideal shoe, the manufacturer decides to tweak the design for the following year’s model and then it no longer has the same feel, leaving you to start your search again. Sound familiar?

I’ve been down this path a couple of times. Thankfully, my latest quest seems to be on track.

Running Shoes – My Current Favorites

Back in January, after coming off a year of injuries, it felt like the right time to return to my favorite local running store for a fitting. It had been ages since I’d gone through the process, but it was well worth the time. The end result was a brand new pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19.

These shoes provide solid support and are nicely cushioned, though, at 9.6 oz, I do find them to be a tad heavy. I always like to have a couple of pairs of shoes in rotation, so when I came across a crazy sale on the GTS 18s in February, I picked up a pair.

Now yes, the support mechanism of the 18s varies from the 19s, but I find both pairs to be comfortable, and have had no issues rotating between the two.

Sharing my favorite running shoes on this week's Tuesday Topics! #runchat #ASICS #BrooksRunning Share on X

Then along came ASICS

As I started training for the Run to Remember half in the Spring, I wanted to find a lighter, more responsive shoe for speedwork. Enter the ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 24. And, oh my gosh, it was love at first run! I ran 5 miles in them right out of the box and, of late, I have to say I find myself reaching for this pair more and more.

There are so many elements I love about this shoe:

  • a roomy toe box with a narrow enough heel so you don’t feel like you’re sliding around
  • lightweight, knit upper which fits like a glove
  • designed for overpronators, they feel supportive without “over guiding” or too much weight
  • fun, fresh design (seriously the photos do not do the colors justice!)

I never expected to love these shoes as much as I do – especially on my long runs! I’m now debating whether this will be my marathon shoe or whether to go with the Adrenalines.

Do you run in more than one model of shoe? What’s your current favorite?

I am linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: ASICS DS-Gel Trainer, Brooks Adrenaline, Running Shoes, Tuesday Topics

Chicago Marathon Training – Half way point

August 11, 2019 by 30 Comments

Chicago Marathon training week 9 is in the books which means I’ve officially reached the halfway point! Say what now?! This week definitely challenged me! Here’s how things went down.

Chicago Marathon Training Week 9

Monday — Rest day.

Tuesday — 4-mile run. I wasn’t feeling so hot in the morning so this became an afternoon run. And, given how stressful work was, this road therapy was so needed!

Wednesday — 6 miles and a glimpse of the start of a new day.

Thursday — 6.25 miles. While mile 1 was a sluggish mess, things quickly settled down and this ended being my best run of the week!

Friday — Rest day.

Saturday — 14.2 miles and a new personal distance record!

Sunday — A 4-mile recovery run is on the schedule for today, but my left knee wasn’t feeling so great this morning so I may opt for either a walk later or some yoga – or both.

Total miles for the week – 30.45
Total miles on the road to Chicago – 195.6

Week 9 is done and I'm halfway through Chicago Training! #runchat #running #mychicagomarathon #marathontraining Share on X

Managing the long runs

Saturday’s run went much better than last week’s 12-miler. I did a much better job of managing my fueling for this week’s long-run – though there’s still room for improvement. It also helped that the humidity of the past few days broke and temps were in the mid-60s for a majority of the run. Just like last week, I did the run in two parts: an 8-mile loop stopping at my house for a quick bathroom break and then on for the final 6.

The struggle bus started tailing me around the 10.5-mile mark, but thankfully I crossed paths with my oldest son who was out running 6 and he helped to “pace” me. While I couldn’t keep up with him, I made it my goal to just keep him in my sights and it really helped to have him to focus on. Self-doubt started to really creep in at 12-miles – I was starting to feel sore and tired, and the thought of two more miles felt like too much. Hearing my Garmin beep at 14 miles was just the sweetest sound!

Having tried a few different fueling options over the past three weeks, I’ve had the best results so far with SIS Salted Strawberry, along with Tailwind. So I’ll be ordering more SIS for the weeks ahead.

Overall, I’m really happy with the way my training’s been going so far and I’m ready for the next 9 weeks

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

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Filed Under: Chicago Marathon, marathon training, Weekly Run Down