Travis hits Chicago

I am 37???!!! What?...

2006-08-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

I turned 37 yesterday. I had 36 written in my planner for the last year. Oops. I sincerely thought that I was turning 36 until a friend reminded me otherwise. Early senility does run in my family. Oh, GOD!!

I can't figure why it is that I can only seem to get to my blog only once a week or so...but, I do have a theory. There is a lot going on in my life aside from running and until some of it is resolved, I don't want to post about it. There is nothing overly dramatic or anything, but I don't want to take the risk (the point will be clear at some time down the road...) Even though I have pegged this as a running blog; I think it is important to chronicle other events in ones' life to better understand the day to day things that can affect a persons psyche, motivation, drive, mood etc...So, I am thinking that I am witholding blogging because some of the things that I really want to share, I can't (yet.) Theory explained.

With that said...
Running - Good
Birthdays - Good
Running 7 miles with Jods ON your birthday - Priceless!

8/17 - 4 miles (good)
8/19 - 10 miles with Jods (Great!)
8/20 - Cross Training Day (Walk with the dude)
8/21 - 4 miles (good)
8/22 - 5 miles (good)
8/23 - 7 miles (with Jods) - (good)

I talked to a friend that has done several marathons and asked for any words of wisdom that he may offer and he said, "Just Run." Love It! How simple?! Yet, how perfect!

So, my friends..."JUST RUN!"

Jods and I are doing a 1/2 marathon in Rochester, MN this weekend! Wish us luck! This is Jods first BIG event, so check her out at "Always a Stride Behind" (blogspot) and send some cheer her way! Thanks!

Happy running and all the other stuff that "moves" you in life!!

Rock on! Run Wild!

So much to do...so little time...

2006-08-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

Just when you think the blogging coma is over...it returns.

So much going on...some of it I will save for a later date...but, for now I will say that I LOVE WISCONSIN! We spent the weekend with some friends in Friendship, WI and it is about one of the prettiest places ever. Sometimes when I am in Wisconsin, I feel as if I have stepped back in time. Everything is so simple and clean. The pace is slow and the people are so kind! The Misters managed to get good and drunk on Friday night, so they had fun!! The other two Mrs. are both preggers, so I tempered myself a bit for them and a bit for myself. I had a scheduled 9 in unfamiliar territory (sans Jods), so I wanted to make sure that I could get that in as painlessly as possible. And...that I did!! It was a great run. The hubby drove me out 9 and dropped me off and then met me about an hour later with a Gatorade refill for my fuel belt. When I got back to the condo, everyone was just getting rolling, so the timing was perfect. We headed to the pool and chilled for a few hours. Well the rest of them did...the Mister and I were spending the time swimming with the Toddler. He loves the water, so it was super fun!!

I am going to back-peddle here and recap last week. Do you know that show on VH-1 called "The Best Week Ever"? Well...it was NOT mine...

Monday - Day OFF work...sick...no run. UGH!

Tuesday - Scheduled 4. I finished...that is the most that I can say.

Wednesday - Scheduled 5 turned into 4 (with a lot of walking) when I had some tummy "issues." There is a whole big story that goes along with this, but I am not in the mood to humiliate myself this morning...if you use your imaginations, I am sure that you will get the idea. No good!

Thursday - Scheduled 6 turned into 4 due to time constraints and lack of energy...why? why? why? (It was one of "those" days...)

Friday - the Mister offered to delay or departure to WI so that I could run (since I have not been able to get the arse out of bed in the mornings all week), but I declined, since feeling so sorry for myself regarding the rest of week. Seriously...can anyone say "Roller Coaster"? Up, Down, Around, Throw Up....Do it all again!!

And...Saturday - noted above! Awesome! Reaffirming! Fast! Lonely (missed Jods)!

Therefore, I took the momentum that had been gained from that outing and "ran" with it! Great cross-training on Sunday...long power-walk with the Toddler. And then long drive back to Minnie.

Yesterday - Scheduled 4 turned into 6, because I was feeling so great! Ended with wind sprints (up a bitch of a hill) for my last mile! The Mister was just about to come and check on me...he watches my times closer than I do. He is a worrier!

There, my friends is where we leave off!! I love this!! I hate this!!

Have a great day!! Rock on and run wild!!

Treadmills, Rain and Other Stuff...

2006-08-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

Friday 7/28 OFF Needed to give my legs some recovery time...personal trainer friend demanded!!
Saturday 7/29 - 8 with Jods...one of thoses reconfirming runs that reminds you that, YES, you can do this. High five, Jods!!

Water warrior legs...better...still tight, but managing.

Monday 7/31 - First off, I want to apologize to the treadmill...you offer me a place to put my miles in when the streets are searing hot and what do I do? I SPIT on you...oh, yes...I did!
It was 101 in the shade, so I decided to revisit the club. Thankfully, they welcomed me back with open arms...I expected nothing less, since I still am paying dues, but sometimes I wonder if they are secretly snickering in the office when they see the dates of the last check-in. Well, they were tactful if they did...So hopped on the good ol' treadmill, strapped on the mp3 and was off! 2 miles, 3 miles...and so on, and so on (scheduled 5)...somewhere in there I lost track of my surroundings and let one fly. Jods can attest to the fact that I am a notorious spitter when I run...I gotsa spit...can't help it! Yep, I just wadded one up and thwap...it hit the treadmill before I even realized what I had done. God...I about died. The guy next to me grimaced and looked away. I have expected to get escorted out at that point (dues or no dues, that is gross), but it seems as if nobody else witnessed the offense. Whew! So, to the treadmill I say...at least it was Gatorade flavored...could've been worse. Sorry.
Tuesday 8/1 - The heat wave finally broke with a good rain. When the rain seemed to have cleared, I laced up and hit the trail for and evening with the scheduled 6. At about mile 2, the skies opened up again. Oh well, beats the heat...ran the last 4 in combination levels of drizzle to pelting downpour...It was great. It was a great run! Go figure! I was squishy, soggy and see-through (white shirt...no good, for me anyway...i think there were a few people that appreciated the show!), but rocked!! Yeah me!!
Wednesday 8/2 - OFF
Thursday 8/3 - TODAY...Flat, blah, ugh...nothing worth bragging about. Got 'er done. Only scheduled 4, but just not "feeling it." Not good, not bad, just was!! It has been so dark in the mornings that I have a bit of apprehension heading out the door. On the one hand, it is nice because it is SO quiet and still, but on the other hand, it is SO quiet and still. Kind of feel alone out there...keep my mp3 on low volume and feel a little jumpy until the sun starts to rise. I don't know where my other morning buddies have gone, but I don't see any fellow a.m. runners any more...come back...
So, with that...want to say, that I have been feeling pretty good, putting in my miles and feeling my confidence grow by the day. Every "marathon finish" story that I read makes me cry. I feel so excited and emotional about the whole thing. Can't wait. Every once in a while it is a good thing to take a step back from the whole process and absorb the fact that this (the training, the commitment, the first step) is a huge thing! Sure, anyone could do it. But, they don't! Finishing will be hard, but starting (WOW!) is quite possibly harder! Congrats to those of you who have finished, to those of you who have started and to the rest of those that are cheering us on!! We rule! Keep running. Rock on and run wild!!

Water park warrior...

2006-07-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Blogging coma...over!

Last week and a 1/2 in review:

Keeping up with scheduled runs and adding an extra day in here or there. I have found some new routes around the home-base and fortunately have also found some new pit-stops as well (read: port-o-potties/public restrooms.) What gives? It is as if the old gastric system just waits for me to run, just waits for me to be a good distance from home, and just waits until I strap on the fuel belt...this being an issue, because it tends to push on the offending area when I run. Oh well, I am learning to function with it, and if that is the worst thing that I have to put up with, then not a biggie!

Wed, 7/19: Jods and I ran the Torchlight 5K...FUN! Had a couple of beers after and then walked the same route back to cars.

Thurs, 7/20: Off day

Fri, 7/21: 5 Miles in the heat. 2 of them with the jogger/stroller and toddler...I am straining to pat myself on the back for this one, because...well, just because.

Saturday, 7/22: 7.5 Miles in the cool. It was gorgeous...63 degrees and no humidity. Excellent run!

Sunday, 7/23: Cross-train: Mowed (40 minutes), Biked (40 minutes), Walked (30 minutes). The family Jods came over for a little BBQ and few beers...it was nice to see Jods in a non-running moment!

Monday, 7/24: Off...lazy...I took my little sister to the Mall of America, so that could technically be a second day of cross training, right?

Tuesday, 7/25: 5 miles - 5:00 am - Pea soup!! Not so much hot as HUMID! Decent run!

Wednesday, 7/26: DITTO!
That eve, took the toddler to the local water-park and here is where we get to the Water park Warrior part of my story...The toddler wanted to go down the water slide. He is not yet two and has never done such a thing, so after checking with the "Abercrombie" sweetie, lifeguard, took him to the top of the platform and waited our turn. At this point, the little one decided that, "NO" he did not want to go down...I coerced him to try and on our turn, put him on my lap and launched us down to chute. We were flying around the turns and having a super time on our way down and then it dawned on me that we were going to "land," at some point and that may just scare the shit out of my little one...So, when we hit the water, I just PUT ON THE BREAKS (on the bottom of the landing pool) and had an immediate pain shoot through my thighs...I could hardly get myself out of the water...it was excruciating, but not wanting to disappoint the little man, I continued to climb the platform, launch down the tube and land at mach speed with the toddler in my arms. Don't get me wrong, IT WAS AWESOME!!! SO FUN!! But...

Thursday, 7/26: 5.5 miles, in pain, in pain, in pain...duh!!! At this point, I am hobbling around and groaning.

Friday, 7/27: Off...I hate that...I want to run, but I can hardly walk! Please, send advice...I have no idea what to do...ice? heat? rub? rest? run? walk? what?....HELP!!!??? I have a scheduled 8 tomorrow that I DO NOT WANT TO MISS!!

Looking forward to any wisdom that you, my fellow runners can offer...thanks!

WooHoo...

2006-07-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

WooHoo...was it hot tonight. I think that people are probably tired of thinking of, talking about and running in the heat, but wowweee...hhhhhhhhhottttttttt! I have been such a lazy bum in the mornings that have been paying the price by running in the evening heat. I felt good for the first few miles, but the last mile, my legs felt like wood. I thought that maybe I would go beyond the scheduled 4, but alas, not gonna happen. 4 it was!
So, sitting in bed with a beer in one hand and my laptop in the other. I am reading all of your insightful blogs, checking out some running sites and registering for a couple of races before the marathon. Just signed up for a 1/2 in September. I have rescheduled my sons birthday party due to my need for speed (ha). Is that bad? My hubby just referred to himself as a marathon widower. Funny guy.
Jods and I are running an excellent fun run tomorrow eve. It is part of the Minneapolis Aquatennial and we have done it many times before. It is a 5k through the streets of DT Minnie and it kicks off the Torchlight parade, so the streets are packed with audience, radio stations, food and drink vendors, etc...the run ends up at the Metrodome, where they host a party for the runners. There are bands, beer, food, prizes and general carrying on. It is a blast! One year a squirrel flew out of a tree and smacked my melon on the way down. Darn varmint, made me spill my drink!
So, wish us luck...should be a hoot!

Stinkin' HOT!...

2006-07-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

The Lifetime Fitness tri that I did a couple of years ago (see above) was on Saturday. The heat was in the high 90s and humidity was up there too. Can't imagine what a struggle it was for those athletes. We were going to watch, but thought it would be too hot for the toddler, so did not make it! There is a $500,000 total purse, so the ELITE triathletes (again...see above...lol) participate. It is AMAZING to watch!

The Chicago training is turning back in the right direction! No "walls" in sight! Good scheduled 4 on Friday am and a much better 7 on Saturday with Jods. We went out about 6:30 to beat the heat and were SO glad that we did. We ran the miles in about 1 hr 15 mn. Not bad. We run a pretty consistent 10 minute mile, so were back on track after our last joint outing. If anyone out there knows of the Minneapolis Lakes...they know what an excellent place it is for long runs! Gotta love it! Fountains, potties, parking, concession stands, shade, etc...always alot to look at...if you know what I mean (naughty...naughty, Jods.) If you find yourselves in our lovely Twin Cities, you must check them out! They are in the heart of the city and very easy to get to! Sunday was a day of rest...I am looking to add strength training circuits into my program and planned to start yesterday, but did not get to it. I'll add that 2 days per week and hope to start tomorrow.

Awoke to 86 degree temps and high humidity this morning, so decided to hit the treadmill tonight (cause it ain't getting any cooler today.) I hope there is good TV on! Got 5 miles to do, so boredom is definitely possible. I see that everyone else is in the midst of these temps, so take care, run smart and keep those nutrition links, tips, etc...coming my way. As you all know, it is great to have the support that fellow bloggers offer and I appreciate yours!

HAPPY MONDAY!!

Ohmygosh...has it been a week?...

2006-07-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

Where did the week go? North Dakota was fun, but not so exciting that I would lose time. I ran my long run in some blazing heat, my friends!! Holy Hannah, I did not think it was meterologically possible for that state to see such temperatures. I may have seen a Eddie Van Halen (another story for another day) mirage at one point, cause I know that I was not lucid. To be honest, my dad drove out to check on me and tried to make me get in the truck. I was on my last mile, so I declined, but he parked at the end of the trail and waited for me. (Sweet) I wish I could say that I had an excellent run, aside from the heat, but I did not! It blew! It was one of those runs that make you question your ability to complete a marathon. One of those runs that makes you feel like crying. It was only 6 miles, but might as well have been 60. I did not run the next two days, because I was feeling so shitty about the whole deal.

But...Monday was back on track and ran my scheduled 4 (however, had company). I can't remember which blogger was asking if running while pushing a toddler in a "jogger" counted as double miles, but I think it should. I think my boy hides cement in his diapers...! Whew. Again, not a stellar performance and feeling really bummed about this.

Tuesday I ran 4 in the morning and it was fine. Not great, but better than my last two outings.

Wednesday I ran the scheduled 4 in the afternoon, and faced the heat again. Again, not great.

This week is really challenging my patience. (Also, the a.m. running partner is MIA again...) These distances should not be that challenging. But, the good thing is that I am now getting pissed. I am going to climb that damn wall instead of letting it get in my way. What I have concluded is this...I need to eat more...need to eat wiser...and need to cut out the Diet Coke. (Jods is gasping in disbelief right now!!!) I truly believe that my nutrition is a large part of the problem. We eat pretty healthy at our house, but I just think that I need to pay closer attention to the fuel that I am putting into my body. So, with that I have looked into the book, "Nancy Clarks Food Guide for Marathoners." Does anyone have any other suggestions? I know the basics, but would love more information.

So, with that I will say...I am scaling "the wall" and hoping to cross the threshold by my long run with Jods on Saturday. We are returning to a familiar route, so that will be a plus! We are going out way-early (to avoid the heat) which is another plus! And, we will be together, which is the king-plus!

Happy ("wall" free) running to you all! I am thinking about those of you who are facing the same heat wave that we are. Stay cool!

NoDak here we come...

2006-07-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ran a quick 2 this morning, because I overslept...oops! Felt great though, and was haulin' ass (around 16 minutes), because had to get home, get the toddler ready and to day care. (Not my usual routine, so had to leave way early for my day!)
So, we are off to NoDak this evening for family reunion and towns Centennial. My dads' family pretty much IS the town, so smart to have one go hand in hand with the other. Have a little 2 mi. fun run tomorrow morning, so figured I would do that route a couple more times after the initial run and call it my long run!! We have the "street dance" to go to tomorrow night, so want to make sure that I get the miles in, since may not feel like it on Saturday. One thing to note about this particular section (actually for those of you who know NoDak...I should say ALL particular sections) of the state, is that it is FLAT, TREELESS, BREEZELESS, DRY and FILLED w/ NUCLEAR SILOS! So, the atmosphere is not particularly runner-friendly, but will make do and hopefully be able to con a couple of the rellies into joining me! There are a couple of semi-serious athletes, so should not be too hard to do!
Have great Thursday runs fellow bloggers! Rock on and Run Wild!!

Feels like a Monday...

2006-07-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July! Doesn't it feel like a Monday!?

I am so glad to read that everyone did so great keeping up with their training over the long weekend! Congrats!

Monday:
5:15 am - Ran 4 miles with myself- Good Pace - Comfortable climate
Tuesday:
8:15 am - Ran 2 miles with the Mister, the Toddler, the Pup and myself - Great pace - Cool
- dropped them at the home and ran 2 more miles with myself...felt like pace slowed.
Today - Planning to run 4 miles after work - was SUPER tired from late night of firework viewing, cocktailing and general merriment! The Toddlers first fireworks...lots of WOWS and WHOAS!! He enjoyed! I bet he is cranky at Aunties house today!

Does anyone have a good site to recommend regarding training "diet?" Not to lose weight, just what type of plan to follow? I have generally just kept my menus the same, but would like to see if I can improve upon that part of my training this time. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

Rock On...Run Wild...You Crazies!!

Stench, Drugs and Mileage...

2006-07-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

JODS AND I RAN THE ROUTE FROM HELL ON SATURDAY...

Okay, so I had the bright idea to change up our route for our long run this weekend. (I am notorious for doing that.) Not so bright after all! We left from a parking ramp in DT Minneapolis and headed out towards the west. Before we were outside of the ramp we were confronted with the foulest combo odor of puke and pee. Apparently the stairwell area is favored by the locals for doing such things! GAG!
Then, within 100 yards of that, we see a steady stream of transients making their way out of the woods and overpasses to cross the tracks to the shelter. It was quite early, the path was deserted and we were just two gals, alone and a little overwhelmed by the insane numbers of people that were stirring in the bushes. We had that company for about a mile and then we seemed to hit a more residential area where we lost our cheering section.
Just as we began to relax and get a rhythm going, the dreaded "gurgle" spoke up. Danger! Danger! Had no idea if, when or where we may find a toilet to use...without knocking on a door or two...fortunately, in one blessed moment of vision, Jods saw a little park with a port-o-potty. Whew! Made it!
So, we continue on and start to bitch that the path has been mis-miled, because we were not at our turn-around point, and it had already been an hour. What??...an hour for 3.6 miles. NO WAY! Even with the toilet break that is not possible...even on our slowest days! We keep running and running and then finally see our turn...(I am going to find out FOR SURE how far this path is...)
We turn, and hear a train coming down the tracks...No biggie, until it stops, blocks our path to cross, and we are stuck! What to do? Well, Jods wants to jump the train to hop the tracks. I hem and haw and generally pooh pooh the idea...but the daylight is burning and we still have a ways to go and no way to get there!!! Damn! We waded through the weeds and climbed up and over and were back on our way. Full of grease, but on our way!!
At this point, we are confronted with the fact that we still have to run back through hobo alley to get to our vehicles. Shit!! We walked for a bit to conserve the little energy that we have left and then there we were!...I think that the guys smoking crack in the trees were a little less threatening than the dude who crossed the path twice, concerning a bicyclist enough (for Jods and I) to considerably slow down to stay pace with us for a while.
Finally, I will mention that it was in the 80s (at 7:00 am) and roughly 90% humidity. Pea Soup!
All in all, the run sucked, the environment sucked, the weather sucked, the trail sucked!!! But, the company was great!
I am not a complainer (generally) but this was that bad!!
Jods gets to pick the route next Saturday...whew!

Two for the road...

2006-06-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

So, Heisick made it out AGAIN this morning! I think she may be back on track...I am not going to make that an official announcement, but it is a start. I love to have someone to run with. I can and usually do it by myself, but just LOVE having someone to commiserate with. I am a talker when I run, so it is nice to have someone to converse with. Looks more natural too!! Trust me, not having someone there does not stop me from talking! I know some people in the neighborhood avoid direct contact with me for this reason. I am the crazy lady that lives on their block! The kids all cross the street rather than passing in front of our house. Okay, that is a bit extreme...but I do get funny looks...ALOT!

So, we have decided not to take the Toddler to Chicago. This is actually a hard one, because I just want the little dude there. It makes perfect sense to not take him, but I know that after I cross the finish line, that I am going to wish I could hug and smooch that little face. I had to be talked into this idea, so am still not completely sold. We will see if the decision sticks or not...

Thanks to Running Rabbit for comments regarding under-gear. Others have suggested this approach, but I have been trying to find a way other than going "Canadian"...don't really know why, I am not modest, but it seems like it would be uncomfortable. Guess I should just try it. I will report back.

My husband was commenting this morning that he wishes I had started tracking myself via blog about a month ago. I cried a couple of times in exasperation because I didn't think I could do the marathon. I just could not find my groove. I have done a 1/2 marathon and a triathlon and had NO problem committing to the training and actually loving the process. This time felt so different. I could not convince myself that this was an attainable goal, that I was up to the challenge and that I even wanted to do it. I was so blahhhh....The idea of it wasn't appealing. Somewhere along the way, I GOT IT BACK!! I don't have a hint of doubt that I can do this! I welcome the challenge! So, the Mister just thought that it would be interesting to see where I found "it" again. I am going to ponder that further, because I can't quite put my finger on it at this point. I have always felt so strongly about setting goals and going for them, but never moreso than now. I have a son to set an example for. I want him to see that philosophy firsthand! Whether it be personal, physical or professional...challenge is a good thing! Pushing yourself even better! Hmmmm....could be the first inkling of where I got "it" back...
So, go out, push yourselves today! Life rules! Rock on and run hard!!

Had a running partner this morning...

2006-06-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

So, I have become accustomed to going it solo on my morning runs and have created some little games for myself to pass the time. I count bunnies and tv's. It is actually surprising how many televisions are on at 5:30 am. I wonder if those people are up for the day, just left them on overnight or are winding down after a night shift? Clearly, none of my business, but those are the things that I ponder as I am out there. I am also worried that bunnies outnumber people in my neighborhood. It's like a Hitchock movie!
But, to the point... my long lost morning partner has resurfaced. It has been a couple of weeks, but she is back in the game. She is not training or anything. Just a brand new runner who is looking to start a running routine. She is running fine, but just lacks consistency. So, I will keep my little games in the back of my mind, just in case.
I have a question for the fellow gals out there...Do you wear "panties" when you run...if so, what style? If not, what are the best lined short is your fave? I have never had issues with this, but have been recently. I am a thong wearer...all the time...and have always been able to run, bike,etc...with no issues with the panties. Lately though, I seem to have a bit of a problem with them. Any words of wisdom or sage advice for me? Thanks for anything that you have to offer. What a silly problem to have! Hopefully the worst that I will have to overcome, but I kind of doubt it.
Have a great day all and Jods I will look for your next post ASAP!
Rock On...Run Wild...

I'm IT?? I don't know who to tag...

2006-06-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

A) Four Jobs I've Had in My Life:
1. Nanny
2. Bartender
3. Event Coordinator
4. Sales (Rock Climbing Walls)

B) Four Movies I watch over and over:
1. Napoleon Dynamite
2. Forest Gump
3. Van Wilder
4. Blues Clues (I have a toddler)

C) Four Places I have lived:
1. Boulder, CO
2. Watertown, SD
3. Rye, NY
4. Dayton, OH...(I am a bit of a gypsy)

D) 4 TV Shows I love to watch:
1. The Office (I can relate)
2. Lost
3. Greys Anatomy
4. Any of the Law and Orders OR CSIs

E) 4 Places I have been on vacation:
1. Toronto, Canada (HOCKEY!!!)
2. Cancun, Mexico (SWIM!!!)
3. Winter Park, Colorado (SKI!!!)
4. Duluth, Minnesota (RUN!!!)

F) 4 Websites I visit daily:
1. Entrepenuer
2. A Running Destination (you know, for all the links to other likeminded Chicago-bound runners) --- I second that...thanks jellypepper...
3. Nickelodeon (Toddlers fave)
4. Midwest Sports

G) 4 of my favorite foods:
1. Anything Mexican
2. Anything Sandwich
3. Diet Coke...does that count?
4. Anything Appetizer

H) 4 places I'd rather be right now:
1. With the Toddler and the Mister
2. On a boat...sunning and skiing
3. On a mountain...sunning and skiing
4. On a patio...sunning and sipping

I) 4 Favorite Bands/Singers:
1. Metallica (What can I say...child of the 80s)
2. Johnny Lang
3. Foo Fighters
4. Yaz...Old School, but threw that in for Jods

J) 4 Bloggers I am Tagging:
1. Jods
2. ?
3. ?
4. ?

Now what?? I do not know anyone else and I am sure that people would wonder who the heck had tagged them...since I am a Newbie...Maybe I will change that later!

Happy Monday...The business day is almost over in my world! Yippee

Stuff and Schedules

2006-06-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for tomorrow. Jods and I are doing our long run at the lake; I am ashamed to admit that the reason is that I am simply excited to try out my new "stuff." I got a fuel belt and some BodyGlide and can't wait to give them a test drive. I kinda like the "stuff." I don't even have any chafing, but the lady at my favorite little running store talked me into it. I don't know where I am going to put it, but I'll be damned if I am not going to use it...I paid for it! I bought Jods the same fuel belt as mine, so we are going to look like total dorks with our little matchy-matchy selves. Well, that is nothing new...we look like dorks alot of the time. The lady at my favorite little running store also has me circling the hook for my next pair of shoes. She is SO good. I wasn't even looking at shoes, not even in that area, and she got me...I have to watch out for her!

The Misters are being so accomodating...This trip is technically their "Father's Day Gift" so it really should be all about them, but they scheduled their tee times around our runs, which is cool! At first they were on board with the "idea" of us training for Chicago, but the "reality" took a bit to sink in...This is the first training commitment that I have taken on since my son came along, so it is COMPLETELY different than before. I schedule every run and my husband has a calendar that he keeps with my planned runs; times, distances, locations, etc...It is working well so far! I, generally speaking, am more of a "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of gal, so all this planning is out of my norm...but you do what you've gotta do! The Mister is the Ultimate Planner, so he is really warming to the new me. He likes lists and schedules...ALOT!

So, I am off to the lake...dreading traffic, but looking forward to the final destination. Cheers! Rock on...Run Wild...

I should be sleeping...

2006-06-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

So, I woke early (5:15) this morning and had a good run. Just 3 miles, but felt great and the weather was spectacular. I love the little "runner" community that I see on my route. I see the same few early birds every day. We seem to know each other if only with our tiny waves and slight nods. I suspect that a number of them are training for one marathon or another. One of these days I will maybe ask...

I think that Jods will be in the fold soon. She is more contemplative than I, so she is putting some thought into her blog, to make sure that it is just right...that is so Jods. We (The Travs and the Jods) are going to the lake this weekend, so the plan is to be mellow tomorrow night; long run on Saturday morning and whoop it up that eve. Well, we both have 2 year olds, so "whoop" may be a strong adjective, but we will do our best. The Misters will make up for anything that we lack I'm sure. They always do!

So, as I have mentioned, this will be a first full marathon for me. As the days go on and my body starts to revolt, I KNOW that I will be seeking advice, so thanks ahead of time for your support. I have always loved the positive, slightly off kilter world of the runner!

Rock on...Run wild...

Blogging...What?

2006-06-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Blogging?...Very new to the whole medium. I think I like it. Kind of like "Reality Diary."

The idea behind setting this up is to track my progress as I train for the Chicago Marathon in October. This is my first marathon and I feel the need to chronicle my progress in some way. The lightbulb went on when I was looking for information on one of my current running ailments and realized that all of my answers were coming up in blogosphere. I kept reading and reading what other runners were saying about their training and all that was going on around their process. "Blink!" The light was lit.

If nothing else, at least Jodi and I can communicate what is going on with our training on a daily basis. Jodi is my lifelong friend that I conned into this whole marathon thing. I think it was after a few drinks, but I am fairly sure that we shook on it, so if she backs out, there may be legal action...just kidding. She is "rocking" with her training. I was worried at one point (not that long ago) that it would be me that was going to bail. That has since passed, and we are good to go!!

Our official "program" starts on July 1st, but I wanted to post some stuff before then, so that I could get the hang of this "blogging" thing. So, here goes...