April 30, 2007
Just Had to Post
My sister sent me this the other day, and I have watched it a few times. It brings back the good old days and I felt the sudden urge to share it.
Gotta Love Resting & Stretching
Since I ran yesterday, I made today my R/S day. I did an abs workout, but thats about it. I think its been a bit more "rest" than "stretch". In addition to resting & stretching, I have been doing a good deal of chocolate eating. Since I find chocolate to be very soothing, I think it fits well into the "rest" category :)
In addition to some unfun things I had to do for school today, I sent out feeler-emails about some fundraising opportunities. Who knows how it will pan out, but at least I did something productive today.
I also got some new shoes. They have nothing to do with training, but they are alternative sneakers and are totally comfortable. I must reward my sore running feet with comfortable (and, of course, cute) shoes.
Training Log
A little bit of resting with some planned stretching for the evening. There should be more of these R/S days - I think I like them!
Progress Made
In addition to some unfun things I had to do for school today, I sent out feeler-emails about some fundraising opportunities. Who knows how it will pan out, but at least I did something productive today.
I also got some new shoes. They have nothing to do with training, but they are alternative sneakers and are totally comfortable. I must reward my sore running feet with comfortable (and, of course, cute) shoes. Training Log
A little bit of resting with some planned stretching for the evening. There should be more of these R/S days - I think I like them!
Progress Made
- Did a little fundraising work
- I particularly excel at the "Rest & Stretch" days
April 29, 2007
It Appears I am Not a Distance Demon...
Signs that you might NOT be a Distance Demon:
- It's all you can do to run to the kitchen for more ice cream.
- While training, you are passed by an old man with a walker.
- You scream "Stampede!" at the start of every race.
- Your joints pop louder than fireworks when you stretch.
- Your longest run was around the block. Well, most of the way around.
- That big finish line kick always ends with a crawl and a whimper.
- You can't help skipping and whistling while you run.
- You faint at the sound of the starter's pistol.
- You look for an ambulance at the end of each race.
- Your family cheers for everyone but you.
- You cry at the sight of a hill.
- You roll down hills because you like the way the grass tickles.
- A scientist who sees you running thinks he has spotted a rare, two-legged turtle.
Stopping to Smell the Tulips
Today was a Rest & Stretch day, but again I didnt think I was a good idea. Yesterday I ate enough to feed a small army and thought that sitting around on my duff would be a bad thing. Also, its georgeous today! So, we set out with the new shorter leash, a plan for a 3 mile run (approximately) and an optimistic outlook. Wrigley was up to her old tricks: she had to pee twice, tried to chase all other dogs, picked up something wierd and ate it - and stopped to smell some flowers (literally, she stopped and sniffed some tulips). I tried to stop my watch each time she pulled one of these tricks, and thought I was real smart hitting the "start/split" button. Then at the end I realized that none of them stored, so once again I realize that the directions came with the watch for a reason - in order for me to figure out what the heck I am doing. I finally made it home with a sore shoulder (from all of the yanking) and a severly panting dog.
Right now she is resting, taking in the beautiful day by looking out on her neighborhood and making sure any dog that passes by knows its her house.
I printed out a bunch of articles I have to read for homework, now merely have to read them. Tonight we are heading to some friends for a barbeque so we can take advantage of this fantastic weather!
Training Log
Time: 36.12 minutes Distance:3.13 miles Pace: 11:07min/mi
Its tough to figure out my pace since I didnt work my watch properly :) Our actual total run took 37.12 minutes so I just dropped one minue. We might have stopped for more than that, but with the estimation of the route I figured it pans out about right
Progress Made
Right now she is resting, taking in the beautiful day by looking out on her neighborhood and making sure any dog that passes by knows its her house.
I printed out a bunch of articles I have to read for homework, now merely have to read them. Tonight we are heading to some friends for a barbeque so we can take advantage of this fantastic weather!
Training Log
Time: 36.12 minutes Distance:3.13 miles Pace: 11:07min/mi
Its tough to figure out my pace since I didnt work my watch properly :) Our actual total run took 37.12 minutes so I just dropped one minue. We might have stopped for more than that, but with the estimation of the route I figured it pans out about right
Progress Made
- Wrigley and I continued our conditioning together!
- Still dont know how to work the watch, will read the directions (for real) tonight
- Shorter leash isnt enought to get the dog to focus, she needs to learn some manners
April 28, 2007
Its here! The sun is here! This mornings run was fantastic - I didnt even realize I was running since I was so focused on soaking up some rays. It wasnt hot (right now its 67 at 12:45pm, so I am guessing it was between 55 & 60 this morning) and the sun was shining. Awesome!Getting to the training, they had us break into self-selected pace groups. A fast-pace (8min or less), 9min, 10min, 11min and then the walk-run group. I was confused...as I am pacing slower than 11 minutes on average, and am not sure how I am going to be able to handle the distances - I didnt know where I belonged! So, I went into the walk-run group. As the coach for that group talked about pacing for the walk run (I think it was run 4 minutes, walk 2) I realized that it wasnt what I wanted to do. So I hopped into the 11min pace group right prior to their departure.
As if my nervousness wasnt enough, I also had to go to the bathroom. I am pretty sure it was all mental - knowing that I had to run and that going to the bathroom is an issue, that was all I could think about. 1/2 mile into the run I found port-a-potties. I felt really bad stopping this short into the run, but knew I wouldnt make it 3.5 more miles thinking about it the whole time - so I stopped. And two other girls stopped too :)
I ended up running the rest of the route with these two girls and had a fantastic run. We paced ourselves well (despite a short break while trying to figure out which way we were supposed to go!) and talked the whole way. It seriously didnt even feel like I was running, it was like hanging out with friends. So, my first official TNT training day was perfect (even after the pints last night) and I am actually really excited about next week.
Again, Reality Strikes
I have a lot of homework, it has to get done. Jeff and his two brothers are going to spend the day staining the deck and I am seriously going to get down to business. Well - right after I eat lunch, that is ;)
April 27, 2007
The Sun Will Come Out...Tomorrow
Still gloomy, still cold, still Chicago :)
Yesterday I mapped out my run for today - I estimated that I would do about 3 & 3/4 miles for the 40 minute run. Last time I did 3.5 miles it took me 37 minutes so I increased the distance just a bit. Knowing it was still going to be cold, I also mapped my route away from the lake. I was ready!
Then, I took Wrigley out for our usual morning play-session. It was cold. It was drizzly. It was dreary. I knew at that moment that running outside was not gonna happen and made my alternate plan - back to the gym! Since I knew I should have been outdoors, I again decreased my pace, to 11:19/mile and set it for 40 minutes. I actually didnt have much of a problem, but I was suprised with one thing - the think that was slowing me down was the tiredness in my legs, not my lungs. So cardio-wise I am fine, but my legs are weak. I think this is a good thing! Since I am new at running, obviously its going to take my body some time to strengthen and get used to it...but on a fitness level I appear to be able to handle the workout. YAY!
Dumb Decisions
So, my friend Monica (who lives in Texas) is in town. I love her to death and obviously dont get to see her often - so she and I planned to meet up. She arrived at my house at 4ish and had just had a large lunch so eating was out of the question. What did we decide to do? Hit the local pub, of course. 7 hours and 5 pints later I am now home. Luckily I ate and mixed in a lot of water, but I dont think that I was being very smart about the night before my first team run. Its 11:14 right now, and I have to get up at 5:30 am. I am trying to down all of the water I can and hope that my years of drinking experience will far outweigh the fact that I am a novice runner - but I dont think we will have evidence of that until the end of the 4th mile tomorrow morning! Wish me luck!
Training Log
Time:40 minutes Distance:3.54 miles
Stuck indoors on the treadmill again, but picked up the pace a bit to 11:19/mile. Finished without any major injuries or traumas, but sweaty enough to ward off any other members of the human race
Progress Made
Yesterday I mapped out my run for today - I estimated that I would do about 3 & 3/4 miles for the 40 minute run. Last time I did 3.5 miles it took me 37 minutes so I increased the distance just a bit. Knowing it was still going to be cold, I also mapped my route away from the lake. I was ready!
Then, I took Wrigley out for our usual morning play-session. It was cold. It was drizzly. It was dreary. I knew at that moment that running outside was not gonna happen and made my alternate plan - back to the gym! Since I knew I should have been outdoors, I again decreased my pace, to 11:19/mile and set it for 40 minutes. I actually didnt have much of a problem, but I was suprised with one thing - the think that was slowing me down was the tiredness in my legs, not my lungs. So cardio-wise I am fine, but my legs are weak. I think this is a good thing! Since I am new at running, obviously its going to take my body some time to strengthen and get used to it...but on a fitness level I appear to be able to handle the workout. YAY!
Dumb Decisions
So, my friend Monica (who lives in Texas) is in town. I love her to death and obviously dont get to see her often - so she and I planned to meet up. She arrived at my house at 4ish and had just had a large lunch so eating was out of the question. What did we decide to do? Hit the local pub, of course. 7 hours and 5 pints later I am now home. Luckily I ate and mixed in a lot of water, but I dont think that I was being very smart about the night before my first team run. Its 11:14 right now, and I have to get up at 5:30 am. I am trying to down all of the water I can and hope that my years of drinking experience will far outweigh the fact that I am a novice runner - but I dont think we will have evidence of that until the end of the 4th mile tomorrow morning! Wish me luck!
Training Log
Time:40 minutes Distance:3.54 miles
Stuck indoors on the treadmill again, but picked up the pace a bit to 11:19/mile. Finished without any major injuries or traumas, but sweaty enough to ward off any other members of the human race
Progress Made
- Ran for my longest time (not distance) at 40:00
- Confirmed, once and for all, that no matter what is on the horizon I cannot turn down a nice, cold beer :(
April 26, 2007
The Sun Does Not Shine In Chicago :(
We have had a couple of days straight of gloomy weather. While this is not unusual in April - it followed a few really sunny beautiful days and it now feels like those nice days were just a dream. There are tons of things I should do today, from a needed libray visit to some grocery shopping...but as I look out the window I simply cannot motivate myself to leave the house.We turned the heat off about a week ago, when it hit almost 80. Now, I refuse to put it back on - its the principle of the thing! I sit here in sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirs, with a cold nose and fingers - and try to convince myself that it's almost May. Friday is supposed to warm up a tiny bit - but we are still expecting rain. I am supposed to do a 40 minute run, and its the day prior to a group run, so I really need to get outside for my workout. Looks like I have to stop being a baby and suck-it-up. Fortunately - Saturday is looking good! Its my first team run along the lake, so all I can do is hope Mother Nature is on my side.
For the day today, I have some other really important things on my plate:
- Paint my nails
- Play around with my blog template
- Begin my fundraising letters- Watch Grey's Anatomy!
Training Log
Today is a Rest & Stretch day. I am still not sure what to do with myself on these days, so I did a "Core Yoga" program off On Demand. I havent done Yoga before, so it was quite the experience. There was some good stretching and then some ab work, but some positions I will never be able to master and some crazy talking to my organs stuff. Also, yesterday I got an email from TNT with some stretching exercises for pre & post running, but plan to do them tonight before bed just to start getting them into my routine.
Progress Made
- Did some stretching, talked to my organs, became one with my floor rug
April 25, 2007
Coffee - Can I Live Without It? Magic 8-Ball Says "Probabally Not"
After some beautiful temperatures in Chi-Town for a few consecutive days, my body told me it was really SPRING! Then, it got rainy and cold :( Caffeine dehydrates you, I know this...thus promised myself to cut down on it during training. I gave up pop a while ago - now coffee is my only crutch. Things wouldnt have been so bad if it didnt get so darn cold and rainy out. Since I have "given up" coffee - I have had a latte daily :( In fact, I am in a computer lab at school right now with a big one sitting right in front of me. I promise to give it up under two conditions: 1) I am done with school and no longer need to have a sharp/alert brain and 2)The weather becomes nice enough to get rid of the winter chill from my bones.
Now, even though classes end for me on May 8 - I have comprehensive exams that signal the completion of my program coursework in June. I am on the fence as to whether or not I can study from May 8 - June 8ish without the aid of my faithful support teams from Starbucks and Caribou. This is one I need to ponder for a bit prior to making a commitment.
Training Log
Time:30 minutes Distance:2.60 miles
Today I was stuck inside on the treadmill due to the dreary weather. As I determined I might be faster pacing than I thought, I increased my pace a bit to 11:30 a mile. Although the other day I came out with 10:45 as a pace, the FavoriteRun program is not exact with mileage, and I run a bit crooked - so its going to take a few more times out until I feel comfortable with a pace. Progress Made
Now, even though classes end for me on May 8 - I have comprehensive exams that signal the completion of my program coursework in June. I am on the fence as to whether or not I can study from May 8 - June 8ish without the aid of my faithful support teams from Starbucks and Caribou. This is one I need to ponder for a bit prior to making a commitment.
Training Log
Time:30 minutes Distance:2.60 miles
Today I was stuck inside on the treadmill due to the dreary weather. As I determined I might be faster pacing than I thought, I increased my pace a bit to 11:30 a mile. Although the other day I came out with 10:45 as a pace, the FavoriteRun program is not exact with mileage, and I run a bit crooked - so its going to take a few more times out until I feel comfortable with a pace. Progress Made
- Started my fundraising and already got some sponsors. Thanks to my first donor - my father in law, Rick and my second donor, my friend Erik!!
- Picked up my treadmill pace by 30 seconds/minute
- Giving up coffee...not so easy :(
Help Raise Funding - Contact Your Senator!
Urge Your U.S. Senator To Include Critical Funding For Blood Cancer Research In FY 2008
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is seeking increased federal funding for blood cancer research in the next fiscal year. Lend your support by sending an email, letter or fax to your U.S. Senator.
Click here for an easy way to send a quick letter via email!
Background
Since 2001, the DoD cancer research program has funded a chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) project, which has received almost $30 million in federal funding since that time. The DoD research programs have been praised by researchers, advocates and Congress alike, for the outstanding research they have supported and their contribution to a stronger understanding of and improved treatment for a wide range of cancers, including blood-related.
Highlighting the direct relationship between blood cancer research and our nation's defense, the Society and a number of senators and representatives have urged an expansion of DoD's blood cancer research program to include all blood-related cancers with an increase in annual funding level to $10 million.
Call to Action
Call or Email your U.S. Senator TODAY and urge them to add their name to the "Dear Colleague" letter being circulated by Senator Jack Reed in support of an increase in federal funding to $10 million for the blood cancer research program at DoD, as well as an expansion of the program's scope to include all blood-related cancers.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is seeking increased federal funding for blood cancer research in the next fiscal year. Lend your support by sending an email, letter or fax to your U.S. Senator.
Click here for an easy way to send a quick letter via email!
Background
Since 2001, the DoD cancer research program has funded a chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) project, which has received almost $30 million in federal funding since that time. The DoD research programs have been praised by researchers, advocates and Congress alike, for the outstanding research they have supported and their contribution to a stronger understanding of and improved treatment for a wide range of cancers, including blood-related.
Highlighting the direct relationship between blood cancer research and our nation's defense, the Society and a number of senators and representatives have urged an expansion of DoD's blood cancer research program to include all blood-related cancers with an increase in annual funding level to $10 million.
Call to Action
Call or Email your U.S. Senator TODAY and urge them to add their name to the "Dear Colleague" letter being circulated by Senator Jack Reed in support of an increase in federal funding to $10 million for the blood cancer research program at DoD, as well as an expansion of the program's scope to include all blood-related cancers.
April 24, 2007
Happy Birthday Ben!
My friends dog, Ben, is so terribly excited about his 2nd birthday, I thought I would share with everyone.
PS: I "stole" the idea for the new TNT logo link in my sidebar from Princess Runner, and wanted to thank her. She doesnt know it yet, but thought I would give props in advance ;) Princess Runner is a fellow TNT participant, and also my "shoe twin".
Temperature Drops, Cubs Lose, But I Remain Optimistic!
First thing in the morning I headed to the gym for my 45 minutes of cross-training. While I was on the elliptical I caught up on my celebrity gossip in US weekly and realized how truly different running is from a lot of the other fitness-related activities I regularly partake in. If I could get celebrity gossip filtered to me while running, I am pretty sure I could run forever!
Today started off sunny and in the 70's and I headed off to class without my jacket. At the end of my two classes (the presentation went off without a hitch) the temperature had dropped quite a bit, but since I drove to class I just had to jump into my car and head home.
Putting on my Cubs sweatshirt, winter coat and gloves prior to heading out to the game was a bit of a downer - but this is CHICAGO! We learn that there are two things you can count on: crazy weather and a struggling Cubs baseball team :)
So, now I am home. Its now 50 degrees and pouring outside. The Cubs lost. Tomorrow the forecast calls for rain and a high of only 52 - so it looks like I am back in the gym running on the treadmill. I really cant complain because before you know it - its gonna be 90 and sweltering out there. For now, I just take day at a time!
Today started off sunny and in the 70's and I headed off to class without my jacket. At the end of my two classes (the presentation went off without a hitch) the temperature had dropped quite a bit, but since I drove to class I just had to jump into my car and head home.
Putting on my Cubs sweatshirt, winter coat and gloves prior to heading out to the game was a bit of a downer - but this is CHICAGO! We learn that there are two things you can count on: crazy weather and a struggling Cubs baseball team :)
So, now I am home. Its now 50 degrees and pouring outside. The Cubs lost. Tomorrow the forecast calls for rain and a high of only 52 - so it looks like I am back in the gym running on the treadmill. I really cant complain because before you know it - its gonna be 90 and sweltering out there. For now, I just take day at a time!
April 23, 2007
Stay Up Late, Get Up Early? That wasnt the plan :(
Here I am, 15 minutes until midnight, still doing my homework. Poor me! Fortunately I am moments away from completion, although I fear I will be quite unprepared for my 11:00 am class tomorrow and will be delivering a pitiful presentation at 2:00. Oh well!
I am going to have to wake up early to get my training done before class - Cubs game tomorrow night! Luckily its a cross-train day so I can avoid the nervousness of an attempt at running and make a quick trip to the gym.
Both the dog and the spouse have been asleep for hours, as soon as Heroes and 24 ended, so did their evenings. Due to my inability to refrain from watching TV, my evening really didn't begin until the shows were over - leading to my current situation. Hopefully I will get lucky tomorrow and wow them in class with my charm (vs. level of preparadness)!
I am going to have to wake up early to get my training done before class - Cubs game tomorrow night! Luckily its a cross-train day so I can avoid the nervousness of an attempt at running and make a quick trip to the gym.
Both the dog and the spouse have been asleep for hours, as soon as Heroes and 24 ended, so did their evenings. Due to my inability to refrain from watching TV, my evening really didn't begin until the shows were over - leading to my current situation. Hopefully I will get lucky tomorrow and wow them in class with my charm (vs. level of preparadness)!
Longest Distance Yet - And Still Breathing (barely)
Just got back from a run and wanted to post - will update on my day a bit later.
Today's Training Log
Time:37.5 minutes Distance:3.48 miles Pace: 10:45 minute mile
Progress Made
Today's Training Log
Time:37.5 minutes Distance:3.48 miles Pace: 10:45 minute mile
Progress Made
- Ran my farthest distance EVER!
- Put in the first 3.5 miles on my new kicks
- I pace a bit faster than I thought I did, I was orginally pacing myself at about a 12:30 mile.
- Still don't know how to work my training watch. At the end of the run I hit the "start/split" button, and it said something around 37.5 minutes. Then I went in the house and as I was drining my water I noticed it was moving again so I lost my time. Think I better pull out that manual again :)
April 22, 2007
Rest & Stretch...
Last night I was exhausted. Seriously - more tired than I remember being in such a long time! This is a big deal because I am a bit of an insomniac and dont often get a lot of sleep. Well, when I went to bed last night I totally passed out - it was fantastic! This morning I didnt get out of bed until 9:30AM and had a lot of work to do - but it was a "Rest & Stretch" day, so I knew (as far as workouts go) I could take it easy.
I didnt know exactly what to do for my workout, so I did some exercise videos from On Demand (for those of you who dont know, its a service through my cable tv that houses a huge variety of programs, movies...end exercise videos!). Anyway, I did an abs program and a yoga-type stretching program. I am not sure if thats good enough to cover it because my legs are definitly a bit tight, but since this is a work in progress I will figure it out later. I am thinking of getting into a Yoga or Pilates class that I can take on my R/S days.
I have a huge presentation for school on Tuesday and decided (since its Sunday), I probabally should start working on it. I went to my favorite study location - Caribou. I had a hard time mentally getting into the work, but did get some done. I was sad to learn that their "free WiFi" service totally changed! Now they give you a free hour of service, but then you need to go make a $1.50 purchase to get a code to continue your service. At the end of an hour I still had my coffee and had already eaten a muffin. If I had known about the change, I would have waited to buy the muffin in order to get the WiFi code. I am disappointed in the change and now need to look to find a new study location that will let me loaf around all day! Another task to add to my list :(
More Shopping!
On my way back from the coffeeshop I stopped in Sports Authority. As I walked past it, it called out to me! I got two running hats to help with the sun and glare during the long runs, in addition to another longsleeve shirt (since my last one was riding up during my run). I better not ever quit running because I am too financially invested with all the gear I am getting :)
And Onto the Evening...
When I got home I helped my hubby put together our new patio table, then we made dinner. Right now we are watching the Amazing Race and I need to get back to my schoolwork. I promise, after the show and this blog post, I will bury my nose into presentation-preparation.
Training Log
Today was a "Rest & Stretch" day, my first. There was another one I skipped due to my concern about where my level of ability is leading up to the Saturday runs. I am still thinking about what to do on these days, so today I did a stretching video and ab video. It was only about 20 minutes of work...
Progress Made
I didnt know exactly what to do for my workout, so I did some exercise videos from On Demand (for those of you who dont know, its a service through my cable tv that houses a huge variety of programs, movies...end exercise videos!). Anyway, I did an abs program and a yoga-type stretching program. I am not sure if thats good enough to cover it because my legs are definitly a bit tight, but since this is a work in progress I will figure it out later. I am thinking of getting into a Yoga or Pilates class that I can take on my R/S days.
I have a huge presentation for school on Tuesday and decided (since its Sunday), I probabally should start working on it. I went to my favorite study location - Caribou. I had a hard time mentally getting into the work, but did get some done. I was sad to learn that their "free WiFi" service totally changed! Now they give you a free hour of service, but then you need to go make a $1.50 purchase to get a code to continue your service. At the end of an hour I still had my coffee and had already eaten a muffin. If I had known about the change, I would have waited to buy the muffin in order to get the WiFi code. I am disappointed in the change and now need to look to find a new study location that will let me loaf around all day! Another task to add to my list :(
More Shopping!
On my way back from the coffeeshop I stopped in Sports Authority. As I walked past it, it called out to me! I got two running hats to help with the sun and glare during the long runs, in addition to another longsleeve shirt (since my last one was riding up during my run). I better not ever quit running because I am too financially invested with all the gear I am getting :)
And Onto the Evening...
When I got home I helped my hubby put together our new patio table, then we made dinner. Right now we are watching the Amazing Race and I need to get back to my schoolwork. I promise, after the show and this blog post, I will bury my nose into presentation-preparation.
Training Log
Today was a "Rest & Stretch" day, my first. There was another one I skipped due to my concern about where my level of ability is leading up to the Saturday runs. I am still thinking about what to do on these days, so today I did a stretching video and ab video. It was only about 20 minutes of work...
Progress Made
- More shopping! Got two hats for running
- I added a link to my donor page into my email signature (as suggested by my TNT mentor) so I can gradually get the word out about my fundraising. This week I am going to do some letters for family members and some other people who arent very active online
- I need to do more planning for my Rest & Stretch days, I was clueless today
- I realized the Saturday run is 4 miles, not 3 as I had thought. This threw me off a bit - I have never run more than 3 ... and 3 is a bit of a struggle. I am not sure if its a lesson - but its a realization that threw me for a loop!
April 21, 2007
First Official Date of Training - COMPLETE!
Waking up this morning was not the most ideal Saturday morning I could imagine. Up at 6:15, I had breakfast, took the dog out, fed her breakfast, took a quick shower and left the house at 7:30 to meet Team in Training at Momentum. The staff at Momentum talked to us a bit about shoes, apparel & training - then the team went out for a run. We were told to run for 17 minutes and then head back, so a total of 34 to 35 minutes.
I was really nervous! As a new runner, I had never run with others - and there was this sense that I had to do well to prove myself. In the beginning, I think the pack started out a bit fast. I dont know how fast, but I was struggling a bit. Not long into the run I kept telling myself in my head that I should just walk a bit, that it would be ok, but then I convinced myself not to. 17 minutes into it one of the team mentors told us to turn around, and I remember thinking - "How am I going to make it all the way back????". On the way back I noticed quite a few of the other team members walking - BUT I NEVER DID!!! It made me feel good to complete my first run, but even better to know that there is definitely a huge range of abilities on the team and I should have no problem finding others like myself.
The Rest of My Day!
Momentum fed us pancakes after the run - I havent had pancakes in forever and they were actually awesome. I also grabbed a donught ... and worked really hard to convince myself not to grab a second one. (I didnt!)
I shopped around the store a bit and bought some shoes that the staff recommended to help with my funny running style. After examining my arch, and watching me run to see my gate - I tried on several pairs of shoes that fit my needs. Ultimately I decided on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6. So excited to take them out for a spin!
I went into Petco (across the street from Momentum) and bought a shorter leash for Wrigley. Hopefully it will restrict her from running all over and pulling me in every which direction. We will try it out one day this week and I am excited for our next attempt!
In addition, its georgoius in Chicago today - and we are heading out to the Cubs game. The streets are packed with people already (its 1:00 pm here) and everyone in the whole city seems to be excited about the weather and the promise of summer in Chicago :)
GO CUBS!
Training Log
Time:34 - 35 minutes Distance:2.83 miles
Progress Made
I was really nervous! As a new runner, I had never run with others - and there was this sense that I had to do well to prove myself. In the beginning, I think the pack started out a bit fast. I dont know how fast, but I was struggling a bit. Not long into the run I kept telling myself in my head that I should just walk a bit, that it would be ok, but then I convinced myself not to. 17 minutes into it one of the team mentors told us to turn around, and I remember thinking - "How am I going to make it all the way back????". On the way back I noticed quite a few of the other team members walking - BUT I NEVER DID!!! It made me feel good to complete my first run, but even better to know that there is definitely a huge range of abilities on the team and I should have no problem finding others like myself.
The Rest of My Day!
Momentum fed us pancakes after the run - I havent had pancakes in forever and they were actually awesome. I also grabbed a donught ... and worked really hard to convince myself not to grab a second one. (I didnt!)
I shopped around the store a bit and bought some shoes that the staff recommended to help with my funny running style. After examining my arch, and watching me run to see my gate - I tried on several pairs of shoes that fit my needs. Ultimately I decided on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6. So excited to take them out for a spin!I went into Petco (across the street from Momentum) and bought a shorter leash for Wrigley. Hopefully it will restrict her from running all over and pulling me in every which direction. We will try it out one day this week and I am excited for our next attempt!
In addition, its georgoius in Chicago today - and we are heading out to the Cubs game. The streets are packed with people already (its 1:00 pm here) and everyone in the whole city seems to be excited about the weather and the promise of summer in Chicago :)
Training LogTime:34 - 35 minutes Distance:2.83 miles
Progress Made
- Completed my first TNT session
- Bought some sweet new shoes
- Got a leash that will enable Wrigley and I to continue on with our training
- There are a wide range of abilities on the TNT team, and it looks like I am not at the low end of the spectrum!
- The mental game I play with myself while I run makes me loose confidence and think I cant do it - I think this will improve as I train, but need to keep note of it
April 20, 2007
Slower than a Turtle - but More Stamina than a Labrador
Wrigley and I ventured out for our second run today. All of the stars were aligned - it was warmer, I maped out about a 2.5 mile path, ate a good breakfast ... and the sun was shining! She seemed to "get it" a bit more today, that we were running for a purpose and not just for fun. She wasnt as zig-zaggy and paid a bit more attention to me.
Now, I do have to note a few things about my quirky Labrador. She gets hot VERY quickly and will walk along buildings to try to stay in the shade of their awnings and run toward random dirty puddles so that she can lay down to cool off - and this is when its about 60 degrees out ;) I knew it was warmer today, but didnt really realize how warm it was until 1/2 way through our run when my eternally energetic lab started running NEXT to me instead of IN FRONT of me. Then she started veering for patches of shade. Twice, I swear to you, she fake peed so that she could stop for a second. By the end of our run she was actually behind me and I was almost pulling her!
There were no squirrel incidents, and a cat sighting was timed perfectly with my 30 minute beep. We ran in front of a house a few doors south of mine and a woman was outside with two cats. Wrigley LOVES cats - so she put the breaks on, stood at her fence and tried to squeeze her head through the bars so she could get a better look. At the same time, the watch signaled to me that the run had come to an end for both of us. We spent our cool-down time staring at our new cat friend.
Unfortunately, I do have a life outside of training
Its the end of my school semester, I have a presentation next week, another presentation the week after, and a huge paper the week after that. Then, while summer may begin for most other students - it doesnt quite begin for me. As this is the end of my scheduled coursework for my program, I am scheduled to take 2 days worth of comprehensive exams the second week in June. Thus, my first 4 weeks of summer will consist of cramming, panicking, and remembering how much I hated some of the material I have to comb back over.
I have a bad case of "senioritis" and have had a hard time mentally keeping myself in the school mode. Starting this training gives me more excuses to postpone school-work, and the fact that I am a Cubs season ticket holder doesnt help much either. I am also a huge movie buff, and there is some exciting stuff coming up!
SpiderMan 3 5/4/07
Shrek the Third 5/18/07
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End 5/25/07
Oceans Thirteen 6/8/07
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer 6/11/07
Transformers 7/4/07
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 7/13/07
The Bourne Ultimatum 8.3.07
Looks like my summer is pretty busy already!!
Training Log
Time:30 minutes Distance:Original mapped route was 2.53 miles but after some alternations made in order to keep the dog moving it mapped out to 2.62
Progress Made
Tomorrow morning is our first TNT get-together. I plan to get my shoe shopping on. YEAH!
Now, I do have to note a few things about my quirky Labrador. She gets hot VERY quickly and will walk along buildings to try to stay in the shade of their awnings and run toward random dirty puddles so that she can lay down to cool off - and this is when its about 60 degrees out ;) I knew it was warmer today, but didnt really realize how warm it was until 1/2 way through our run when my eternally energetic lab started running NEXT to me instead of IN FRONT of me. Then she started veering for patches of shade. Twice, I swear to you, she fake peed so that she could stop for a second. By the end of our run she was actually behind me and I was almost pulling her!
There were no squirrel incidents, and a cat sighting was timed perfectly with my 30 minute beep. We ran in front of a house a few doors south of mine and a woman was outside with two cats. Wrigley LOVES cats - so she put the breaks on, stood at her fence and tried to squeeze her head through the bars so she could get a better look. At the same time, the watch signaled to me that the run had come to an end for both of us. We spent our cool-down time staring at our new cat friend.
Unfortunately, I do have a life outside of training
Its the end of my school semester, I have a presentation next week, another presentation the week after, and a huge paper the week after that. Then, while summer may begin for most other students - it doesnt quite begin for me. As this is the end of my scheduled coursework for my program, I am scheduled to take 2 days worth of comprehensive exams the second week in June. Thus, my first 4 weeks of summer will consist of cramming, panicking, and remembering how much I hated some of the material I have to comb back over.
I have a bad case of "senioritis" and have had a hard time mentally keeping myself in the school mode. Starting this training gives me more excuses to postpone school-work, and the fact that I am a Cubs season ticket holder doesnt help much either. I am also a huge movie buff, and there is some exciting stuff coming up!
SpiderMan 3 5/4/07
Shrek the Third 5/18/07
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End 5/25/07
Oceans Thirteen 6/8/07
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer 6/11/07
Transformers 7/4/07
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 7/13/07
The Bourne Ultimatum 8.3.07
Looks like my summer is pretty busy already!!
Training Log
Time:30 minutes Distance:Original mapped route was 2.53 miles but after some alternations made in order to keep the dog moving it mapped out to 2.62
Progress Made
- Ran with dog, both lived to tell
- No squirrels were treed during this excursion
- Mapped run, steered clear of the lake, found myself a whole lot warmer and less confused
- The dog is lazier than expected and could use the training as much as I can
- Definitely warmer away from the lake, in fact (as everyone was telling me) 50 degrees felt quite warm by the end of the run
Tomorrow morning is our first TNT get-together. I plan to get my shoe shopping on. YEAH!
April 19, 2007
WHOOO HOOO! I DID IT!
I stalled until 11:30 to try this run. While I sat here messing around with my blog template and checking my email I noticed that the temperature on the weather channel now said 50 (vs 47) so I figured its now or never. I have all that I could possibly need - my wicking clothes (pants, a long sleeve shirt and socks!) a trusty Timex Ironman and a new haircut. In addition, my long sleeve Underarmor shirt has a tiny pocket, so I also had a place to put my key. Excuses? NONE :( I sadly left the mp3 player in my gym bag, zipped my key into the tiny little pocket, said goodbye to my still panting dog and went outside to brave the world of Marathon Training.
Training Log
Time:29 minutes, 20 seconds Distance:About 2 3/4 miles
I did it! I ran for 29 minutes and 30 seconds actually. Again the mapping out of my route did not go that well (due to some weather elements) and I acutally arrived back at my gate with 30 seconds to go. You know what? Thats not that bad! Despite it being 50 degrees at my house, about 1 mile away (at the lake) its about 30 and windy - and the moron I am ran right into it. After I found myself running head into the wind and tears streaming down my face, I altered my planned running route a bit and ended up having to make a silly circle around the blocks as I approached home or I would have never made 30 minutes. Once again, lessons learned!
Progress Made
Unfortunately, since I screwed around all day trying to find more excuses not to run outside, I now have to head to campus to get some work done. By the time I shower, eat and get there - its gonna be about 3pm. Since I refuse to be on campus past 5, I only have 2 hours to work and I will have to go back again another day to finish up. Someday I swear, I will get my act together.
Training Log
Time:29 minutes, 20 seconds Distance:About 2 3/4 miles
I did it! I ran for 29 minutes and 30 seconds actually. Again the mapping out of my route did not go that well (due to some weather elements) and I acutally arrived back at my gate with 30 seconds to go. You know what? Thats not that bad! Despite it being 50 degrees at my house, about 1 mile away (at the lake) its about 30 and windy - and the moron I am ran right into it. After I found myself running head into the wind and tears streaming down my face, I altered my planned running route a bit and ended up having to make a silly circle around the blocks as I approached home or I would have never made 30 minutes. Once again, lessons learned!
Progress Made
- Ran outside - didnt die
- After running, completed a stretching video from momentum.com for marathon trainers
- Found a way to map my runs (thanks to Bridgette!) at Favorite Run
- My Underarmor long sleeve shirt rides up when I run :(
- During the spring, while Chicago weather is at its maximum unpredictability, might want to plan routes away from the lake!
Unfortunately, since I screwed around all day trying to find more excuses not to run outside, I now have to head to campus to get some work done. By the time I shower, eat and get there - its gonna be about 3pm. Since I refuse to be on campus past 5, I only have 2 hours to work and I will have to go back again another day to finish up. Someday I swear, I will get my act together.
I'm Gonna DO IT!
Just took the dog out for her morning exercise. Wrigley likes to play fetch in the alleyway between our building and the one next to us. As she lays here panting her fool head off, I am still working on the courage to go OUTSIDE and run. The weather channel says its 48 - but it feels pretty chilly and the sun refuses to stay out. According to my TNT training, today is a "day of rest", but considering I havent been pushing myself very hard (and the fact that I continue to eat old Easter candy) makes me think a 30 minute jog would be a good idea. In addition, I seriously need to work on this whole fear thing. While the fear of the outdoors is a confirmed condition (agoraphobia) I cant find a single thing justifying the fear of running outdoors :( So, I am on my way out...
Bridgette - the shoes I have been posting are totally for fun. I have a shoe clininc on Saturday for the "real shoe" so havent had to worry about them yet ... but as a woman with a mild shoe obesession I tend to gravitate towards shoes anyway. I bought the sweet Nike MaryJanes before I saw two different Privo's that I like ... currently I am convincing myself that I need to keep the Nike's, and in addition buy these Privos in brown ;)
Bridgette - the shoes I have been posting are totally for fun. I have a shoe clininc on Saturday for the "real shoe" so havent had to worry about them yet ... but as a woman with a mild shoe obesession I tend to gravitate towards shoes anyway. I bought the sweet Nike MaryJanes before I saw two different Privo's that I like ... currently I am convincing myself that I need to keep the Nike's, and in addition buy these Privos in brown ;)
April 18, 2007
A Fear of...The Outdoors!
I thought today would be a busy day for me - I had to make a return at a local mall or else I was going to have to eat my purchase, had a hair appointment at 1:00 and class at 5:00.
So, this morning I woke up early and ate my breakfast, and tried to psych myself up for my 30 minute jog outdoors. I checked the weather channel and it was 45 degrees out, which was a bit chilly for me. Then, I recalled the conversation with my friend yesterday about running gear, and how her shorts have a pocket for a key. I checked some of the new stuff I bought - no pockets. This means that in order to go running outside, I have to fasten a house key somewhere to my body (she had suggested putting it in the laces of my shoes).
Since I am already aprehensive about running outside (even though this time would have been without the dog), I found my excuses (too cold, nowhere to put the key - and difficulties still in mapping out a path) to be quite valid and instead walked around the corner to the gym.
After my workout I took too long to get ready, and had to quickly go up to make my return. I exchanged a shirt I had bought for my husband, and instead got myself some running shorts (with a pocket!) and a t-shirt for running. He loses - I WIN! I also stoped in the Nike store and got a second pair of running shorts (pocket - check!) and a tank. Despite the fact that I am decreasing my available excuses to run outdoors, I am finding many excuses to whip out the Visa!
I also happened across some shoes I might like better than the Nike shoes I got the other day and am thinking about getting these instead
Then, off to my salon where I decided to chop off all of my hair. I didnt have a ton to begin with, but now I have quite a bit less. If I have to get up at the crack-of-dawn for these runs, you better believe I am going with a no-nonsense haircut.
So, I ended up with a short work-out because I just went to the gym. Shopped around a bit. Got my hair cut. And right now? I am typing in my blog because I ditched class. I do have a worthwhile excuse (as you can tell, I am full of excuses) though! I am working on my take-home final for class instead of wasting my time sitting in the actual class where the three hours would have been devoted to listening to other students presentations.
Training Log
So today I was supposed to do 30 minutes of running. I did it easily, but didnt do it outside and used my mp3 player. TNT (Team in Training) is against listening to music while running due to safety issues. This sounded strange to me, but has been confirmed by others...some Marathons even BAN music devices!
Progress Made
So, this morning I woke up early and ate my breakfast, and tried to psych myself up for my 30 minute jog outdoors. I checked the weather channel and it was 45 degrees out, which was a bit chilly for me. Then, I recalled the conversation with my friend yesterday about running gear, and how her shorts have a pocket for a key. I checked some of the new stuff I bought - no pockets. This means that in order to go running outside, I have to fasten a house key somewhere to my body (she had suggested putting it in the laces of my shoes).
Since I am already aprehensive about running outside (even though this time would have been without the dog), I found my excuses (too cold, nowhere to put the key - and difficulties still in mapping out a path) to be quite valid and instead walked around the corner to the gym.
After my workout I took too long to get ready, and had to quickly go up to make my return. I exchanged a shirt I had bought for my husband, and instead got myself some running shorts (with a pocket!) and a t-shirt for running. He loses - I WIN! I also stoped in the Nike store and got a second pair of running shorts (pocket - check!) and a tank. Despite the fact that I am decreasing my available excuses to run outdoors, I am finding many excuses to whip out the Visa!
I also happened across some shoes I might like better than the Nike shoes I got the other day and am thinking about getting these instead Then, off to my salon where I decided to chop off all of my hair. I didnt have a ton to begin with, but now I have quite a bit less. If I have to get up at the crack-of-dawn for these runs, you better believe I am going with a no-nonsense haircut.
So, I ended up with a short work-out because I just went to the gym. Shopped around a bit. Got my hair cut. And right now? I am typing in my blog because I ditched class. I do have a worthwhile excuse (as you can tell, I am full of excuses) though! I am working on my take-home final for class instead of wasting my time sitting in the actual class where the three hours would have been devoted to listening to other students presentations.
Training Log
So today I was supposed to do 30 minutes of running. I did it easily, but didnt do it outside and used my mp3 player. TNT (Team in Training) is against listening to music while running due to safety issues. This sounded strange to me, but has been confirmed by others...some Marathons even BAN music devices!
Progress Made
- Got some running shorts - wicking fabric with pockets
- Also 2 wicking fabric shirts
- Chopped off my hair
- Confirmed again the watch works: set it for 30 minutes and completed the time (without having to stop 2 minutes in for "business")
- Fear of the Outdoors
- Weaning off mp3
- A hat to keep my hairless head warm :)
- Beginning my Fundraising - plan to start after Saturday, since that is our official kick-off
April 17, 2007
Shane's Wish
On May 30 2007, Shane Bernier, of Lancaster, Ontario, will turn eight. His wish is to receive birthday cards, as many as possible.
At the age of four, Shane was diagnosed as having Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). While he did go into early remission, he suffered a relapse in
If the chemo doesn't work, he might have to have a bone marrow transplant. His six-year-old brother, Jacob, is a donor match. According to Shane's mother (Nathalie Bernier) after the latest round of chemotherapy is completed Shane will have an 80% chance of being fine for the rest of his life.
As of the last update (mid February) Shane has received a few thousand cards. He opens every envelope and reads the ones that are written in French. (His mother and grandparents read the English ones to him.) According to a number of media reports Shane delights in receiving these cards, so even if the final tally falls far short of establishing a world record, the more important goal of making an ill child happy will have been met.
While there is no official record for the most birthday cards received in a single year, Craig Shergold is believed to have received in the neighborhood of
There is a lot of coverage out there about Shane, so if you are interested please check out some of the following:
Shane's Birthday Card Wish (with video) - A-Channel News Ottowa
shaneswish.com
Team In Training
This brings me back to Team In Training. In addition to my personal goal of completing the 2007 Chicago Marathon, I have an additional goal to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma website,
"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $483 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers."
Don't forget to send Shane a card so that he receives it by his May 30 birthday! Please note that he is in Canada, and it may take longer for the card to arrive - so plan accordingly!
And don't forget to visit my Team in Training page and make a donation so that we can work together to help find a cure for blood cancers like the one Shane is battling.
Training Log
So today I was supposed to do 45 minutes of cross-training. This wasnt a problem and I just hopped on the elliptical for 45 minutes. The problem was that I ate a huge chocolate-chip cookie and a bag of M&M's today - so I think I probabally worked off some of those extra calories but highly doubt I am any more prepared for a 26.2 mile run :)
I also talked to a friend today who is an experienced Marathon participant (and runner) about gear - and she offered me a few other tips. I think she is more excited than I am about the months that lie ahead and promises me that I am really going to LOVE training. Whether or not I find LOVE may be debatable - I think we might want to wait and see before putting a label on this relationship.
April 16, 2007
Watch? Check!
Ok, so I picked up a watch today - its a Timex Ironman 50 Lap and looks just like the one below except the colors are more in the grey family then blue. I am currently playing with it and then will take it out for a spin. Bought a few more things as well, including some wicking apparel. I also bought some Nike shoes - but they certainly aren't for running (oops!).
The Nike shoes are the same as these below, but the ones I got were in black.
The Nike shoes are the same as these below, but the ones I got were in black.
I also learned something very important that I need to add to my shopping list! RAIN GEAR. Today was the Boston Marathon - and at the start it was pouring. I knew I needed the stuff, but it wasnt a priority for some reason. Dumb me. I live in Chicago - the city where it drops 20 degrees and starts pouring during the middle of a nice summer Cubs game, a city where a new runner must be prepared :) So, I get to check off a thing or two from the shopping list, but add the rain gear as a bit of priority. (Its also April - rainy season. DUH! I got so excited about the watch hunt I had blinders on)
Training Log
First, let me start off by saying the little running I do is on a treadmill. I have ventured out a few times in the past 6 months or so to run outdoors, and probabally ran between 1 and 1.5 miles each time. I try to do it, but have some issues with the terrain, crossing the street, paying attention, how far I have run, etc. The other issue is the dog - brought her a few times and didnt a few times. I just got back from my first run with my new Timex and my dog, Wrigley.
Wrigley is a loyal Cubs fan, fantastic frisbee catcher, and avid swimmer. Unfortunately, Wrigley is not a runner, doesnt listen well and has a thing for treeing squirrels. Despite, this, I thought marathon training might be a thing that she and I could do together - I may be quite wrong about that!
So I set my handy new watch for 30 minutes, the amount of time Team in Training suggest I run today. Two minutes into it Wrigley decides to "take care of some business". I quickly learn how to pause the timer and to restart it - so chalk the experience up as a good one. Then, with 28 minutes left of our jog we start off again. As she jerks me back and forth to check out the scents of some streets we do not normally stroll along, chases down two squirrels and stops to sniff some leaves I realize that we might not be the best of running partners. I also realize that I made two errors before setting out: First, her leash is too long, allowing her to zig-zag and hunt while flinging me to-and-fro. Second, I didn't map out any sort of path, so I am randomly running around letting her lead. The confusion of no plan along with a sore arm caused me to head in the direction of home too early - when we got into the gate I had 5 minutes and 9 seconds left on my timer. In addition, when we did get back into the gate, Wrigley charged for her ball and expected a play session. It appears that my slow mile pace isn't enough to wear her out and she probabally was laughing at me the whole way. Looks like today my log consists of a 25 minute run with a short break two minutes in :)
So, I learned a few lessons from this outing.
- Watch works - Dog doesn't
- If I want to run with her, I need a shorter leash and some patience in training
- Map out some paths to run, in a variety of distances
April 15, 2007
Training Schedule
Before I forget, a bit more about my training schedule. We train independently during the week, and meet on Saturdays for a group run. Here are the details for the group runs:
Training Log
This is what the weekly schedule looks like for this week, which is quite similar to all weeks in the future:
Weekday training for this week suggests a rest day today (Sunday), 30 minutes on Monday, 45 minutes of Cross-Training on Tuesday, 30 minutes on Wednesday, Rest on Thursday and 30 minutes on Friday. Yesterday I couldnt fit in a workout at all, so I did 3 miles at 13 minutes a mile - so for 39 minutes today.
| 8:00AM | 4.21.07 | 35 minutes | |
| 8:00AM | 4.28.07 | 4 mi | |
| 8:00AM | 5.5.07 | 5 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 5.12.07 | 6 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 5.19.07 | 6 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 5.26.07 | 6 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 6.2.07 | 60 minutes | |
| 7:00AM | 6.9.07 | 8 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 6.16.07 | 10 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 6.23.07 | 8 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 6.30.07 | 12 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 7.7.07 | 10 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 7.14.07 | 14 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 7.21.07 | 10 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 7.28.07 | 90 minutes | |
| 7:00AM | 8.4.07 | 16 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 8.11.07 | 12 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 8.12.07 | Chicago Distance Classic | |
| 7:00AM | 8.18.07 | 90 minutes | |
| 7:00AM | 8.25.07 | 18 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 9.3.07 | 10 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 9.8.07 | 16 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 9.15.07 | 20 mi | |
| 7:00AM | 9.22.07 | 120 minutes | |
| 8:00AM | 9.29.07 | 60 minutes | |
| 8:00AM | 10.6.07 | Rest & Stretch | |
| 8:00AM | 10.7.07 | Chicago Marathon |
Training Log
This is what the weekly schedule looks like for this week, which is quite similar to all weeks in the future:
| Sun | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat |
| Rest | 30 min | X-Train 45 min | 30 min | Rest | 30 min | Team Train |
Weekday training for this week suggests a rest day today (Sunday), 30 minutes on Monday, 45 minutes of Cross-Training on Tuesday, 30 minutes on Wednesday, Rest on Thursday and 30 minutes on Friday. Yesterday I couldnt fit in a workout at all, so I did 3 miles at 13 minutes a mile - so for 39 minutes today.
Running = Shopping? YES!
So, I did receive a training schedule for the first week which I will get to in a bit. Right now I am more excited about the fact that my new sport has forced me to do some shopping. Those familiar with me know that shopping is my true hobby, and any excuse to shop is a good one! There are quite a few things I will need along the way, but it looks like there are a few priorities:
- "Wicking" Fabric Apparel
- Running Shoes
- Training Watch
I need clothing and socks that are made of "technical, wicking fabric". This type of fabric is quick-drying and pulls moisture away from the body. I have a feeling that when we are doing our long runs in the Chicago summers - those without this stuff are truly going to regret it!
Yes, I have tons of pairs of running shoes, but I have never been "profesionally" fitted. It appears that runners need to take into account their arches and running style when selecting shoes because they are all different. I just pick the coolest shoes that have the best price :)
There are watches out there that do tons of things - from monitoring your heart rate to tracking your distance. These help you train and seems that everyone has one.
Clothing is never hard for me to shop for, so I know that I will be picking up things here and there - now with the new focus of "wicking fabric". Our first Team in Training session next Saturday is actually a footwear and apparel seminar, so I am going to wait to find the shoes until people who know what they are talking about can explain all of this to me. So, mission #1 is to find a watch!
The search...
Watch shopping is not as easy as I thought and there are a ton of choices out there, so I have been spending my morning trying to look for watch reviews and opinions of other runners. Here is some info I found:
April 2002 Running Watch Review - Runners World (UK)
July 2002 Best Adventure Watches - National Geographic
Top 10 Sports Watches - About.com
It looks like most people on forums (who arent talking about fancy watches that include GPS tracking) mention Nike or Timex - so I narrowed down the search and tried to find product reviews on the watches those two companies make. From reviews, the fits seem to be quite different and so I think the next step is to go into a store and feel them out.
The Nike Triax comes in versions that look like this
And timex comes in two versions, one is "sleek" (on the left) and the other is an OVA, or optimal viewing angle (below)
April 14, 2007
Ok, so why A MARATHON?
It may seem like a marathon is quite unlike getting another degree or going to Poland - well, it is and it isnt.
The marathon idea began last year. I have had friends that have done marathons in the past, and I have run (a little) on and off for my whole life. But I am not a marathoner and personally, I thought people who ran them were crazy. Last year I visited my sister in Washington D.C. over Halloween weekend. After two days of drinking, eating, and general immature behaviour (with a bit of site-seeing here and there) it was time to go home. My flight left late and we had a whole day to waste, but both of us were tired and in no mood to do anything too substantial. My sister had mentioned to me earlier in the trip that she had never seen Arlington National Cemetery and had no clue how far it was or how to get there. It was one of the few things she had "to do" yet in D.C., so we decided to go. When we got off the train there were people everywhere. It was crazy. Then we heard all of this music. As we crossed over a bridge on the way to the cemetary we looked down and saw thousands of people running. Turns out, it happened to be the end of the Marine Corps Marathon. While watching people finish the race was cool, and hearing all of the cheering was exciting, this wasnt what made me think about doing one myself. It was post-marathon....
I want to be one of these people!
After leaving the cemetery, we took the Metro back to my hotel to get my bags. On the way back the Metro was all people who did the marathon. My hotel was filled with more of them. The airport had even more. These people all were talking to each other about their experiences, making friends with complete strangers - each of them shared something in common. They just completed something that made them almost unable to express how they felt. I hear people talk about being first time runners, repeat runners, and injured runners. Everyone, though many of them were limping and wincing, had huge smiles on their faces. People hugged and shared stories of their training and their days. At that point I realized that being a marathon participant was about more than running. In fact, it really doesnt have anything to do with running at all. Its about commitment, passion, and accomplishment. As I sat in my seat on the way home I wished I could be one of those people, but decided I couldnt. I was afraid of the same things that seemed to be so essential to completing the maration - my ability to commit, my lack of passion for running and a fear of failure.
A Perfect Fit?
This year there are advertisements all over Chicago for marathon training programs. "In just 6 months we can train YOU to run a marathon". It got me thinking...but it still wasnt enough. Then I found an organization called Team in Training that not only trains you to run the marathon, but enables you to raise money and awareness for a worthy charity along the way. THIS WAS IT. I could work on a personal goal (completing a marathon) while at the same time working towards that new desire in me to "make a difference". It was a match.
Team in Training
So today I went to the kick-off meeting. I learned more about fundraising, got to meet my team mentors and some of the coaches and talked to some of the other people who will be going through this experience with me. It was so exciting. I already feel like I am part of something bigger than myself and I have yet to lace up my running shoes. I plan to keep posting to this blog to let everyone know about my training, my fundraising and the battles along the way. I expect a long journey - but I can already tell its going to be a great one. First of all, I was promised pancakes after our first run next Saturday. What more could a girl want??
If you are checking out my blog and have money burning a hole in your pocket, feel free to make a contribution! The goal of each participant is to raise $1400 - but I figure out, why not aim for double that? If you are going to do something - DO IT BIG!
Stay tuned for more!
The marathon idea began last year. I have had friends that have done marathons in the past, and I have run (a little) on and off for my whole life. But I am not a marathoner and personally, I thought people who ran them were crazy. Last year I visited my sister in Washington D.C. over Halloween weekend. After two days of drinking, eating, and general immature behaviour (with a bit of site-seeing here and there) it was time to go home. My flight left late and we had a whole day to waste, but both of us were tired and in no mood to do anything too substantial. My sister had mentioned to me earlier in the trip that she had never seen Arlington National Cemetery and had no clue how far it was or how to get there. It was one of the few things she had "to do" yet in D.C., so we decided to go. When we got off the train there were people everywhere. It was crazy. Then we heard all of this music. As we crossed over a bridge on the way to the cemetary we looked down and saw thousands of people running. Turns out, it happened to be the end of the Marine Corps Marathon. While watching people finish the race was cool, and hearing all of the cheering was exciting, this wasnt what made me think about doing one myself. It was post-marathon....
I want to be one of these people!
After leaving the cemetery, we took the Metro back to my hotel to get my bags. On the way back the Metro was all people who did the marathon. My hotel was filled with more of them. The airport had even more. These people all were talking to each other about their experiences, making friends with complete strangers - each of them shared something in common. They just completed something that made them almost unable to express how they felt. I hear people talk about being first time runners, repeat runners, and injured runners. Everyone, though many of them were limping and wincing, had huge smiles on their faces. People hugged and shared stories of their training and their days. At that point I realized that being a marathon participant was about more than running. In fact, it really doesnt have anything to do with running at all. Its about commitment, passion, and accomplishment. As I sat in my seat on the way home I wished I could be one of those people, but decided I couldnt. I was afraid of the same things that seemed to be so essential to completing the maration - my ability to commit, my lack of passion for running and a fear of failure.
A Perfect Fit?
This year there are advertisements all over Chicago for marathon training programs. "In just 6 months we can train YOU to run a marathon". It got me thinking...but it still wasnt enough. Then I found an organization called Team in Training that not only trains you to run the marathon, but enables you to raise money and awareness for a worthy charity along the way. THIS WAS IT. I could work on a personal goal (completing a marathon) while at the same time working towards that new desire in me to "make a difference". It was a match.
Team in Training
So today I went to the kick-off meeting. I learned more about fundraising, got to meet my team mentors and some of the coaches and talked to some of the other people who will be going through this experience with me. It was so exciting. I already feel like I am part of something bigger than myself and I have yet to lace up my running shoes. I plan to keep posting to this blog to let everyone know about my training, my fundraising and the battles along the way. I expect a long journey - but I can already tell its going to be a great one. First of all, I was promised pancakes after our first run next Saturday. What more could a girl want??
If you are checking out my blog and have money burning a hole in your pocket, feel free to make a contribution! The goal of each participant is to raise $1400 - but I figure out, why not aim for double that? If you are going to do something - DO IT BIG!
Stay tuned for more!
The Beginning
So, a little about this new blog and why I felt the need to start it....
In the past few years I have had this awareness that my life is bigger than just me. This awareness has pushed me to try new things and do new things that previously would not have even been considered by the "old me". There isnt a moment where this happened, or some sort of life altering experience (though the approach of my 30th birthday may have been a kick-start) that created this change in my mentality - just a general feeling that there is more to life than what I had previously assumed. What am I talking about? Here are some examples...
Two years ago I quit my job and enrolled as a full-time PhD student. I constantly felt like my work had no impact, it gave me no satisfaction. Every day was Groundhog Day and I was Bill Murray. I could change minor things - like whether I got a salad or burger for lunch - but I couldnt change the fact that my job was just like any other job and I was just like any other employee. I had always enjoyed school, and had finished my MBA the year prior. Of all of the people I had looked up to in my life, many of them were teachers ... and many of these teachers I had met during my undergrad and MBA experiences. In addition, I had many negative experiences with teachers at these levels as well. So I decided to continue my education, and then re-emerge as a college professor so that I could try to aspire to be one of those that inspired me.
Last year I participated in a Habitat for Humanity trip to Poland. Two weeks spent in a small Polish town, building multi-family concrete units was the experience of a lifetime. I learned about my heritatge (I am 50% Polish) and got a better perspective of the world. Seeing living conditions in a struggling country created a better awareness in me - but also fueled my need to continue to find ways to experience the world around me. To better myself and continue on my path of growth. Maybe I will talk more about this experience later as it was a huge impact in my life and my current mentality, but onto my next big mission.
I have signed up to be a charity runner for the 2007 Chicago Marathon. Why is this a big deal? Well, first of all I am not a runner. Second of all, I am running to increase funding and awareness for a well-deserved charity. If I fail at my newest mission, I not only fail at the accomplishment of a personal goal but also fail to meet the needs of a charity organization I feel strongly for.
Today is my kick-off meeting and I wanted to get this blog started before I go. More later!
In the past few years I have had this awareness that my life is bigger than just me. This awareness has pushed me to try new things and do new things that previously would not have even been considered by the "old me". There isnt a moment where this happened, or some sort of life altering experience (though the approach of my 30th birthday may have been a kick-start) that created this change in my mentality - just a general feeling that there is more to life than what I had previously assumed. What am I talking about? Here are some examples...
Two years ago I quit my job and enrolled as a full-time PhD student. I constantly felt like my work had no impact, it gave me no satisfaction. Every day was Groundhog Day and I was Bill Murray. I could change minor things - like whether I got a salad or burger for lunch - but I couldnt change the fact that my job was just like any other job and I was just like any other employee. I had always enjoyed school, and had finished my MBA the year prior. Of all of the people I had looked up to in my life, many of them were teachers ... and many of these teachers I had met during my undergrad and MBA experiences. In addition, I had many negative experiences with teachers at these levels as well. So I decided to continue my education, and then re-emerge as a college professor so that I could try to aspire to be one of those that inspired me.
Last year I participated in a Habitat for Humanity trip to Poland. Two weeks spent in a small Polish town, building multi-family concrete units was the experience of a lifetime. I learned about my heritatge (I am 50% Polish) and got a better perspective of the world. Seeing living conditions in a struggling country created a better awareness in me - but also fueled my need to continue to find ways to experience the world around me. To better myself and continue on my path of growth. Maybe I will talk more about this experience later as it was a huge impact in my life and my current mentality, but onto my next big mission.
I have signed up to be a charity runner for the 2007 Chicago Marathon. Why is this a big deal? Well, first of all I am not a runner. Second of all, I am running to increase funding and awareness for a well-deserved charity. If I fail at my newest mission, I not only fail at the accomplishment of a personal goal but also fail to meet the needs of a charity organization I feel strongly for.
Today is my kick-off meeting and I wanted to get this blog started before I go. More later!
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