Calories Out ... Calories In

They say that you burn approximately 100 calories per mile, so with a 12 mile run today I burned 1200 calories. This is more than many people consume in a day, and you would think that if I burn this much I would be practically disappearing before your eyes. Unfortunately, my body feels like I burned that many calories after a long run. And since I feel like I burned a ton of calories, I feel the need to consume that many as well :(

After the run several of us went out to breakfast, and I was fairly good about it - having a latte, granola, yogurt and berries. Then the girls I was with gave me cupcakes for my birthday...so of course I had to have one! I wasnt home for long after and got hungry again, so I had lunch (followed by another cupcake), and only a couple of hours after that we met some friends for a early dinner. AND I AM STILL HUNGRY. Oh well! br>
Training Log
Time:  1 hours, 9 minutes, 56 seconds  Distance:12 miles   Pace:  10:50min/mi
I had two hours of sleep last night - not only was the neighborhood noisy, but I was just too nervous about the run. I woke up nervous. I was nervous when I started. But it all turned out well! It felt long, so I am not saying it was easy ... but throughout the run my body felt pretty good and I found myself plesantly satisfied with the whole experience. At the end of the run I was definitely feeling tired, my energy level was decreasing and my muscles were sore. I finished without any problem, but I know that it would have been difficult if I was supposed to run any more. 12 was about my max for today :) I trained with Clif shot-bloks for energy, but it wasn't enough ... I still was feeling like my body was missing a lot of nutrients and/or energy but the end of the run.
Progress Made

• Longest run - 12 miles!
• Worked on training with energy supplements
• Changed my breakfast, maybe it was part of the success factor for today?

Lessons Learned

• My energy really began to wear about mile 10, I might need to increase the shot-blocks or do them at different times/intervals
• It was also hard timing water/gatorade. Too much and it sloshed in my stomach, too little and I was still thirsty ... need to keep working on it

Another Day of Rest

So, I am basically panicking about the 12 miler tomorrow. The eight last week really wasnt bad, but the 10 the week before was. And 12 just seems like forever - thats almost a half-marathon!

Both of my knees have felt funny lately - not painful, but tender and "tight" feeling. I opted not to do a run or any sort of workout today just to make sure I am doing good tomorrow. I have also attempted to eat wisely (although its hard) and hydrate througout the day. I think I am as ready as I can be, but I am definitely nervous and a bit unsure of myself on this one. I am sure tomorrow I will be reporting on a fantastic run, but until that point I have a feeling that I will remain on pins-and-needles.

School Takes Priority
I was supposed to hear about whether or not I passed my comps today, but we didnt get a report. I am assuming that "no news is good news" and that I passed, so I am hoping that my instincts are right here! To keep my mind off the run (and my possible failed exams!), I guess I am fortunate to have multiple research projects in motion. I have been busy working on them all day. I am still wrapping up a thing or two, while simultaneously watching a movie, The Sentinel. Next time I post it will be after my run ... wish me luck!

Current Research Project

Together with a fellow student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I am collecting data for a research project on women entrepreneurs. Our research pertains to women business owners, specifically those that have a website. We will be presenting the results of this project at a research symposium in Washington D.C. in August.

We are currently seeking individuals that are willing to complete an anonymous short survey that will take approximately 15-20 minutes. If you know a women entrepreneur and would like to participate in this study, please have them fill out the survey located here.

I would greatly appreciate your help with this study. Any participants that are interested in obtaining the research results and/or completed report will have the ability to request them at the completion of the survey.

Feeling a bit Guilt-Ridden :(

I just decided not to go to Ablaties, and I feel a bit guilty. Its the last class of my 6 week session, and I didnt go last week either. Its not like I couldnt use the ab-work, I am just not in the mood. I have a million excuses why I am not going, but I will spare you the drama. I am just not going. Period.

My day as a whole was rather unsuccessful. I experienced delays several times on public transit, went to the wrong library, and then almost didnt have enough money on me to get back home. I spent several hours photocopying articles from a magazine from the 1900's as pieces of it disinigrated into thin air.

Don't think it was all bad. I had several highlights today as well!
First, I got a pair of Rock & Republic Jeans at a great price from Nordstrom Rack
Second, I went into a pastry shop, picked out my pastry ... and my wits got the best of me and I walked out without ordering.
Third, I met my hubby for a delicious coffee at Inteligencia
Fourth, I met a friend for dinner at a Mexican restaurant I love
Fifth, my research partner and I completed our survey and launched it (more in a post to follow!)
See...not all bad! But each of these good things was followed by a bad thing, and I am just tired :( I also have lots of work to do and decided to focus on that instead of doing crunches. Yes, I would actually rather do the work then go to the class.

Training Log
Time:  29.38 minutes  Distance:2.88 miles   Pace:  10:18min/mi
Despite the Pilates ditching, I did do a run today (to make up for earlier mishaps during the week though!). I planned a route based on a 10:30 pace, and finished a bit early because I ran faster than expected. Guess I really wanted to get the run over with! It was actually really perfect weather. We have had some hot ones lately, but some storms seem to have brought in some cooler weather - and I am not complaining!
Progress Made

• Got a make-up run in
• Had a successful shopping outing
• Finished one part of a current reserch project

The Birthday End is Near

Well, we "wait" all year for our Birthdays...either with dread or anticipation. This year it was really neither for me, this morning I actually forgot it was my birthday. While I didn't have any big hopes for my birthday, it was definitely nice to receive all of the well-wishes today. While the day itself is not a big deal, hearing from people who care about you on your birthday sure can make a person feel pretty good.

And, to top it off, I finished the day with one of these:

I love desserts, but the chocolate-chip cookie sundae is my ultimate favorite. I have to say, my stomach hurts a bit from eating so much ... but I can not wipe the smile off of my face. I am truly content right now!

As for my workout, I took a rest today. I am going to move my 45XT to Thursday, and just do the pilates and elliptical that day. I also need to go to campus on Thursday for some fun work at the library, and can break up the two workouts that way. Tomorrow I have to run some errands downtown - including renewing my driver's license. It expires in a few days!!!!!!!! And since I have to go downtown anyway, I figure some shopping (of course) will be on the agenda as well.

A Little Bit of Sunshine

So far, not such an exciting birthday. I had meetings today in the morning, and got a "homework" assignment from a Professor I need to finish tonight :( Then I ran to Target and a monsoon hit. (I am almost serious). The streets are flooded and its pitch black outside. Luckily, I missed the rain (I went in the store before it started, and got out during a break, also got into the house only seconds before it began again).

Now its seriously storming out. Wrigley is nervous and panicking and even food isnt making her happy. I was a bid down-trodden over my day thus far, until I came home to this:

Jeff sent me some Birthday flowers, and suddenly everything is ok :) Now, onto my new homework assignment!

A Perfect Plan

Today was a busy day, and I am exhausted! I did my run first thing in the morning, then headed to campus for a couple of meetings. I met with my reserach project partner, Kelly, all day about our upcoming paper and research. We took a "break" to attend a fellow student's dissertation. I got home around 6, and walked right out the door for the Cubs game. We stopped to eat on the way (of course) and then went to the game. Now I am home, getting ready for tomorrow...which happens to be my Birthday.

Although I planned out a route last night, after talking to Jeff I decided to switch it up a bit and re-mapped it this morning. It must have been fate, because I ran for exactly 40 minutes and 32 seconds - starting and ending at my own front door! How perfect of a route was that?????

Training Log
Time:  40.32 minutes  Distance:3.86 miles   Pace:  10:30min/mi
So like I said, I planned out a perfect route. It was a pretty long run for me, at least for a solo run. I did that one run prior to leaving for Vegas that was 60 minutes (and felt like 60 days) but this was the frist time we have had a 40 minute run scheduled during our weekly training. It was long, but I survived. It was also hot...and ending the run was not a disappointing moment for me ;)
Progress Made

• Longest weekday run - check!
• Planned the perfect 40 minute route

A nice afternoon drive

This car was in front of me on my way to campus. The dogs looked like they were having the time of their lives and I just had to snap a pic!

Sunday Shopping (of Course!)

Last night I went to a bar/fundraising party for a fellow TNT member. It was a long night, and though I didnt drink that much, I was out really late. We stayed at the bar until 2 something and then went out for a late night snack at a local diner. I had some soup and cake - YUM. Nothing like a bit of cake at 3 am.

Today we had plans to go to Wheaton so Jeff could go golfing with his brothers and I could do some shopping. He is an early riser, so I had to get up and go early. I was up at 8, after only a few hours of sleep. I spent the day shopping and got a few things here and there. After shopping I went back to Jeff's parents house so we could have some dinner and we just got back a while ago.

I am totally exhausted! We are watching Enterouge right now, and then I am totally going to bed. I have a meeting at 10:30 am tomorrow and have to put in a 40 minute run first. We have Cubs tickets later on in the day (7:30) so the morning is my only time of the day for the run. 40 minutes is the longest run I have had to do during the week so I am a bit worried about having such a big day. Running, meeting, Cubs. WHOOOO.

I am going to plan out my route right now (while watching Entourage) and figure out what to run tomorrow. Then I am going to finish Entourage and go to bed so I can be ready to start my big day!

Saturdays Are For Eating

I have officially devoted Saturdays to eating. Pretty much all day. Pretty much all food. So we started off with an 8 mile run, and that justified my: Breakfast at the CornerStone Cafe, where I enjoyed a ham & cheese omlet, pancakes, hashbrowns, and enough coffee to last me all week. I got home around 11:30...and before you know it it was lunchtime! So Jeff, my brother-in-law Tim, and I headed around the corner to Leonas. Since I just had finished breakfast about 2 hours prior, I wasnt starving. Despite that, I still ate several pieces of bread and 1/3 of my buffalo chicken salad. Its now 3pm and we have dinner reservations for 6pm!

Tonight we will be heading to dinner with Jeff's family. His grandpa and great-aunt are in town. We are heading to an old favorite of ours, the Gale Street Inn. This place is known for their ribs...so guess what I will be eating? Ribs, of course! They also have fantastic "loaded potato skins" which are actually traditional potato skins (potatoes, bacon, cheese) plus pulled pork. Sounds weird...but they are SOOOO GOOOD. As regulars, I got a coupon for them for a free appetizer during the month of my birthday (which it is) so you can bet I will be ordering these babies tonight! If I wasn't so stuffed right now, I would be salivating.

Tomorrow Jeff is going to go golfing in the suburbs with his brothers. Since he has to go out there, I am going to go with and spend the day at the Outlet Mall. I deserve it! I worked hard studying for my exams and now I have to start working on other work on Monday. If Saturday is for Eating...Sunday is for SHOPPING! YEAH!

Training Log
Time:  90.31 minutes  Distance:8.00 miles   Pace:  11:19min/mi
I ran this 8 miles much slower than last time (pace was 10:45 last time). I ran with a bigger group this week, and definitely could have gone faster. But, I ran with my friends and we all enjoyed ourselves. Lots of times we split up over the course of the run, but this time we didn't. I have to say, it was actually "fun". And then the same group went out to breakfast. I did have to stop at the restroom, but we all met up at the next water fountain. 12 miles seems daunting, but if I can run with these guys, I think I can run forever (well...not forever but you know what I mean).
Progress Made

• I can say, depite a problem here and there, I feel very comfortable with 8 miles

Lessons Learned

• I still need to work on training my body a bit to handle the long runs. I am going to work on tweaking a thing or two over the next two weeks. First tweak - breakfast before the run!

It's All About Compromise

I am done wiht comps and today should be the beginning of a wonderful and lazy summer. Unfortunately, its not. I need to do research for a meeting I have on Monday, in which my reserach partner and I have to basically create an entire survey, write a whole paper and make all of these other documents in order to meet some upcoming deadlines. I have other research to do for a meeting on Tuesday. Then the phone rang and its the professor who teaches the main session of the course I am teaching in the fall (I am the alternate section, his class has 400, mine has 50). I ignored it! I am not ready to think about fall :( But then I realized he is going to make me meet him on campus, and I already have to be there on Mon and Tues...so if I dont call hime back today odds are he is going to make me go there a third day to meet him. This is summer? Hmmm....

While I was working on some research, a friend called and said she had an extra ticket to the Sox vs Cubs game today (a big inter-league rivalry) and wanted me to go. Not only do I have to get this work done, but I am worried about doing anything dumb the day before a run. Since she was going with a bachelorrette party, I didnt think I would be very fun - not being able to drink or eat anything. So I said no. And here I am, working on my research and feeling sorry for myself. Poor me!

Training Log
Time:  25 min 59 sec  Distance:2.51 miles   Pace:  10:21min/mi
I thought today was supposed to be a 20 minute run, so I had it in my head that I was going to bring Wrigley. I looked it up and saw it was supposed to be 30, but since I already planned on bringing her I decided to give it a shot. I mapped out a three mile run, took her out to take care of business, and we headed out. She was dragging behind me the whole way, like it was the hardest thing she had ever done in her entire life. I first want to note that this dog is very dominant - she insists on walking ahead of us at all times, will push us down to pass us on the stairs, and squeezes through the tiniest crack in a door just to enter first. So running behind someone is quite unlike her character. The whole run I had to keep trying to motivate her by telling her "good girl!" and "you can do it!". It wasnt working. Toward the end she started "fake peeing" ... pretending to pee just so she could stop for a second. She wanted to quit, and I wanted to keep going. So we compromised - I cut about 1/2 mile off our run and we headed home for some time in the sprinkler.

After playing in the sprinkler, she settled down for a nap while I studied. She woke up and asked for her dinner. Although she asked at 2:30 and she doesn't normally eat until 3, I fed her. She lives a rough life. She is now back to her nap and I am back to work. All is right with the world.
Progress Made

• I officially am in better shape than my dog

Lessons Learned

• Its official, Wrigley is not a "runners dog"

I'm Tossing the Cookies!

So, on my kitchen counter is a huge tin of cookies. One that is half gone because I keep going into it. Due to the constant hunger, I eat anything in my path - and if its junk food...all the better! I officially decided that my only option is to throw it out, because I dont have the will power to stop eating them :) Tomorrow morning it goes in the trash!

Today, in between cookie eating sessions, I ran a few errands and did some studying. Unfortunately, I didnt do a whole lot of studying. My brain is just cashed out. My plan is to wake up early tomorrow and head to campus to study, once I am there I wont have anything around me to distract me. All I need is a good hour of focused studying to feel prepped right for the tests tomorrow. There is really one I need to worry about, and thats the one I am going to focus on tomorrow morning. I hope my plan does not backfire on me!

Training Log
Distance:~ 4 miles
Tonight at training we ran laps around the soccer field - like we always do. So each lap is about .9 miles. Half way through the mile we cut across the field and over a hill. The pace was slow the whole time, and the focus was more on hill training and technique. With the hill I would assume the lap was about a mile (could have been a bit more even). I did three laps, and we also did a 10 minute warm-up, so I would assume the distance was 4 miles. I didnt watch my time/pace because the hills obviously impact it - and pacing was not the goal of our workout.
Progress Made

• No pains - knees or shins!

Lessons Learned

• Hills are tough! Thank goodness I didnt decide to do the San Francisco Marathon!

The Life of a Dog

If anyone ever thinks that a dog's life must be better than this one - I think you are right. Here is Wrigley after a hard day playing at doggie daycare. (Note: Wrigley is not allowed on the couch and usually jumps off when we are coming...but she was too tired to move and I caught her like this)

Exams Round One - Bottomless Pit Round Two

I finished my first day of Exams, and they were quite easy. I expected this to be my easy day and my expectations were met. For two of the exams, I was given the questions in advance so I could prepare quite easily. For the third it was open book / open notes - so there werent any major suprises.

I continued my eating binge today, unfortunately the cookies and carmel corn are still in the house. Obviously, this will not be true for long as I slowly deplete the supply! I am hoping that I will wake up one day and not be so ravenous, but I dont see that happening any time soon. I know its mind-over-matter, but I am not ready to give up the eating quite yet!

The workout today was to cross-train, but I just couldnt fit it in. With exams and another evening appointment, the day was over before I knew it. I am actually going to miss Pilates on Thursday (its our wedding anniversary) so will move my cross-train to that day instead. See, nothing lost! My biggest concern is (of course) with Wed night training. Not only does it always whoop my butt, but I am actually concerned this week about loosing sleep Wed night with the rest of my exams on Thursday. Somehow I need to find a way to wind-down after the workout and get a decent nights sleep, so I can wake up on Thursday, put in my cross-training and get to my exams ready to go!

The Final Countdown

My exams begin tomorrow - all I can say is thank goodness. I am tired of spending my days desperately looking for excuses not to study. While I have become quite the expert, the whole shtick is getting a bit old. The biggest thing I have found to take time away from studying is eating - and today I have officially entered the world of bottomless-pit-eaters. And its not like I am noshing on fruits and vegetables either - today its been carmel popcorn, butter cookies and brownies. I think these exams are going to make me fat!

I did get my short run in today - only 20 minutes. For the first time, I forgot to start my watch and so I dont know my time or pace. I ran the same path as the other day when I had to do 20EZ, so it was 1.88 miles. I do think I ran it a bit faster, since this time I took Wrigley. It possible that I didnt run for 20 minutes total - but I was probabaly gone for 20 minutes. 1/2 way through the run we passed a leaking fire-hydrant, and Wrigley decided to lay down in the water and lick the hydrant. Since it was pretty hot out, and she was being a good sport by running with me, I let her enjoy her moment. Also, when we got home I turned on the sprinkler for her to play in (and we also had to play fetch for a while too!). This dog has it so good, she has no idea.

Exams
So my exams start at 10:30 tomorrow. There are thee of them, each lasting 1.5 hours. Since I am always late to everything, I need to leave the house really early tomorrow. My plan is to get on campus, grab a coffee, and just relax. That way, I (hopefully) can settle my nerves before doom strikes. I actually am not totally worried about tomorrow (which may be stupid). There are 2 exams I think that might be a bit challenging, and they are both on Thursday. The other 4 I feel that I am fairly comfortable with the material, and thus don't expect to be shocked by the exam questions. Obviously, this may blow up in my face...but I am hoping that I am right!

Happy Fathers Day!

Sunday, the official day of rest. Its the one day where I actually rest - whereas the other 6 days of the week involve workouts for me. I did some studying, ran to Jewel, ran another errand or two, and then headed to the suburbs to celebrate Father's Day with Jeff's family. Today, his grandfather arrived in town for a couple week visit (tomorrow his great Aunt arrives as well). Jeff and I headed out to his parents house for some dinner, and of course cake!

We are now home, watching Entourage. Tomorrow I need to study (obviously) because my comps begin on Tuesday! This is going to be a very hectic week, and I am a bit nervous. While my focus thus far has been on training, I need to focus on school this week. After comps are over, I need to begin working on some articles and papers - but first exams!

Training tomorrow should be easy, only 20 minutes. After my workout I am going to Panera and learn everything I can in a couple of hours so that I can ace the three tests on Tuesday. I will save my Thursday studying for Wednesday - since I am out of time and out of options!

What A Weekend! (And its only 3PM on Sat!)

Ok, so recap of the past 1.5 days ;)

Friday
So, I did my 20 minute easy run on Friday...STUPID! I also went to pick up a table and chairs from some friends, 2 watermellon from a fellow teammate downtown, and a buch of stuff from Costco. It took me 5 trips up and down from my car to get it all. Then, I did a lot of cleaning and prep, all the cooking, and ran up and down my stairs to answer the door and mingle with guests. My legs were THROBBING by the end of the day.

The party went well, and we raised almost $500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. So all the effort paid off, but the 20 minute run was not necessary. I also broke some of my training rituals, like eating past 7pm and avoinding patstries, etc the night before the run. Even while I was doing it I thought in my head "I am going to pay for this" ... and unfortunately I was right. (More about that in my Sat update)
Here are some pics from the party:



Its the pastry tray (I think that got me in some trouble today...)




Friday Training Log
Time:  19 minutes 45 seconds  Distance:1.88 miles   Pace:  10:31min/mi
This was a short run, but not totally easy. My shin hurt the whole time and I was a bit worried. Knee pain? Shin pain? Whats next? Anyway, when I realized I was going to finish a few seconds early, instead of extending the run (which I ususally do) I just headed home. Thank goodness because I busted my butt the rest of the day and didnt need any extra workout!!!

Saturday
I am going to keep the details to a minimum - but todays 10-miler did not go well. I officially am the expert on every restroom and port-a-potty along the entire trail...so if anyone has any questions I am your gal!
After the run we grabbed a quick breakfast, then I went to the Cubs game with a fellow teammate (Cara). While we lost the game, there was a huge fight - which made it pretty interesting. In addition, after the fight a guy from the grounds crew was running back in and he totally wiped out - the whole stadium cheered. Can you imagine how horrible that was for him? Anyway, the fight was pretty crazy and is the big talk in local news...


Now I am safely home, and its raining outside. I just missed it. Despite the fact that I have totally gorged myself today and should keep moving in order to digest - my body is telling me its time for a nap. After the warnings/signs my body gave me today, I think its best to listen.

Saturday Training Log
Time:  1 hour 47 minutes  Distance:10 miles   Pace:  10:42min/mi
Ok, so I had to keep going to the restroom. By the end of the run, my body was seriously running on fumes. I was irritated and upset and my stomach was churning. In addition, it was over 90 degrees and humid out - which meant that as a runner, it felt more like 100+. It just wasnt a good day for me, but I pushed my way throuh it (in between restroom breaks). The problem is that I totally changed about 10 things in my routine so I cant pinpoint exactly what I did wrong. I know there are some things I need to change from my normal routine, but changing a bunch of things was a very VERY bad idea. I am going back to the old routine next week and will tweak things one at a time until I find the right combination of elements to make me a champion marathoner ;)

Babysitting, Shin Pains, Ablaties?

Adventures in Babysitting
I don't spend much time around kids...babies especially. In my family all the kids are grown, and while many of my friends have kids - I tend not to spend a whole lot of time hanging around when the kids are in tow :) When I do spend time with kids, their parents are usually present - but today I had a chance to test out my babysitting skills...and they are a bit rusty!

I spent my day with Daniel, age 1. He and I threw keys and cherios, waved at strange ladies, and made buzzing sounds with our lips. There was some laughing, some crying, and some napping (only Daniel got to nap, unfortunately). As I mentioned yesterday, friends of mine moved today, so I kept an eye on Daniel while the movers were doing their thing. Lots of the time Daniels mommy was around, but lots of time she wasnt. Fortunately, we both survived the whole ordeal, and I have a feeling we both will sleep quite well tonight. I rewarded myself with a cupcake from Cafe Selmarie for all of my hard work. I consider myself to be a cupcake expert, and this one was actually quite good. It could be because I bought it at 9am and didnt eat it until 5pm, and thus I was so hungry for it that it didnt matter - but I dont think thats the case. I think it was just plain old delicious!
Here is a picture of Daniel helping his Mom pack the other day:


Rest of my Day
The rest of my day wasnt much - most of it was spent hanging out with Daniel. I also went to the driving range and watched Jeff hit some balls, went to Home Depot and bought some flowers and went to Pilates. On my way walking to Pilates, my shin started to hurt. It hurt a bit last night, but this was worse. I got to Pilates, and it was the same old thing - the instructor is totally focused on our abs, and I think that by now I should have a six-pack (after only 4 sessions...its that hard)! I know that Pilates does focus a lot on the "core" but this is crazy. Its all we do and other people I know in Pilates dont do anything like what we do. I am pretty sure my instructor has made up his own form of exercise, Ablaties. On the way home my shin hurt too...so I am icing it now. The joys of being me.

Tomorrow - Pasta Party
Tomorrow I am hosting a pasta party for Team in Training. We are going to load up on some carbs, and also do some fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. While I should be using my time to study (and yes, I should have studied today!) I will instead be planting flowers, running errands, and cleaning. OOPS. Guess I will be pulling an all-nighter before my comps to squeeze in some study time. How very mature of me.

I Lied

So this morning I said that I woke up and I was no longer crabby. I guess I lied. While I really wasn't crabby first thing in the morning, it hit me shortly after and the rest of the day today has not been so good. I dont feel very well - just out of sorts :( I tried to study, but I couldnt. I couldn't really do anything today (maybe because of the pounding headache). Unfortunately, this also affected my run tonight. Its the first time I actually couldnt do a workout since I began training, and its a bit of a letdown. Obviously everyone has a bad day once-in-a-while, and its better to have a day like this on a short run versus a long run workout. Not I just need to get out of the funk and think about my 10-miler!

I need to head to bed, tomorrow morning I have a breakfast date with a 1-year-old :) Friends are moving, and I am going to entertain their son while the movers are there. I think I am probabaly going to need more energy for that than I do for my Saturday runs - keeping up with a 1-year-old isnt easy! So my plan is to wake up, no longer in the funk, and then try to avoid getting crabby while a baby pinches, scratches and bites me. Wish me luck!
Training Log
The goal for today's workout was to run lengths between 300-400 meters, at various pacings. We were to alternate "slow" versus "faster" paces in different ratios, e.g. 1:1, 1:2, 1:3. I just couldnt do it - I really couldnt run at all. Instead of doing the ratios I just ran here and there. But I had to walk parts of it - which I have never done in any of my runs. Even in my 8-milers, etc. I havent walked portions. So even though my total workout was about 3.5 miles, I am going to assume I only ran 2.5...so thats what I am counting in my mileage.

I Was Crabby Yesterday...

Yesterday I had a crabby day. All day I was just irritable. I didn't post because I didnt want to complain or whine, when my problem was just me :) Today I am not crabby...so here is my update for yesterday!

Class Substitute
So yesterday morning I had to substitute teach a class for a friend out of town at a conference. When I got on campus, I grabbed a coffee and headed over to the building. I realized the room info I had (I had to look it up online because my friend forgot to send it to me) wasnt really accurate...so I walked into a room that I thought was right at 10:30 (class was at 10:45) and asked if they were in "Tovi's class". The students looked at me like I was nuts so I ran.
I went to the office of a department assistant in another building, and by the time I arrived I was a bit panicked and sweating. She looked it up, and the room I had was correct. She said "Did you ask them if they were in the Entrepreneurship class?". Um, no. I just asked if they were in "Tovi's class"...and Tovi is my friends nickname. So I realized I was in the right class, they just didnt know his nickname:) Back to the classroom!
When I walked in the same students looked at me like I was crazy. Then a girl asked how to the the audio-visual stuff turned on because they had a presentation. Um, I don't now. Now its about 10:50 and I run all over trying to figure out where A/V is. I had to go to another building, and they told me it wasnt set up by the teacher so they couldnt turn it on. I got back to the room and was panicking because it was 10:57 and I was late - and had no equipment.
To make a long-story short, the kids got off easy because I just had them present to the class without slides...and gave them tons of liberty to ad hoc. What should have been a 20 minute presentation took about 8 minutes. In addition, the class starts at 11:00, not 10:45, so I wasnt late. My friend is really going to hear it when he gets back ;)

Rest of the Day
I didnt study at all yesterday. This may be dumb, but it was an errand day! I had to go to Target, and do a lot of stuff around the house, and then we went out to dinner last night. Before I knew it, it was 11:00 pm. And, of course, I couldnt fall asleep. So, I got back up out of bed and did some cleaning. I went back to bed around 1AM, but still couldnt sleep. So it was a restless on and off sleep night, and I would have had the right to be crabby today ... but luckily I am not!

TODAY
Today I have to go study. I am trying to get some stuff together and get out to a coffee shop. I also have mid-week workout tonight at 6:30. I am not really in the mood for a but whooping tonight, and have had terrible times sleeping afterwords. I have learned that the adrenaline rush (or whatever) that I get from a workout completely inhibits my sleep. Last week I was up until 4 or 5 AM. I dont know what to do, but hopefully tonight will be different - I am already starting today short on sleep and dont want to continue on like that. (Poor me)

Pierogi Time!

Sad News...
Rhonda Kottke, is our Team In Training "patient-honoree". Rhonda is coming up on her 5-year stem-cell transplant anniversary (click here for her personal documentation of the process) and is currently cancer free! Rhonda is doing great and currently training with us for the Chicago Marathon but not all of her friends are as lucky. Recently she took a picture of the team on a rainy Saturday morning before our first eight-mile run. She wanted to show it to her friend Bob, who also was battling leukemia, hoping it would provide him inspiration. Unfortunately, Bob passed away yesterday. Through his battle his family maintained a website to share the story of his 3 stem-cell transplants and 2 cord-blood transplants. Please feel free to check it out.

Stories like Bob's (and Rhonda's) are important to not only stress the importance of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but to encourage people to go out and make a difference.

Due to the rainy weather, not everyone showed up this Saturday, but here is a picture of the City-North Team in Training! We are out there every Saturday because of people like Bob, and together so far the IL team training for the Chicago Marathon has raised over $226,000!


Dinner Plans!
Last summer I spent two weeks in Poland, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. It was an awesome experience, and while I was there I learned a lot...and made a lot of new friends. One of those friends, Julia, also lives in Chicago. She and I are both have Polish backgrounds and while in Poland both loved the food - not everyone appreciated it as much as we did, thats for sure! We have met up a few times since we got back, and try to hit Polish restaurants to bring back the good times :) Tonight she and I are meeting at Czerwone Jabluszko (Red Apple) Restaurant. I am so excited! There are two things that are awesome about this place: 1) ITS A BUFFET 2) ICE CREAM INCLUDED. So, hopefully its ok when training for a Marathon to eat a billion pierogis' and potato pancakes...follwed by ice-cream. If not, I dont care! Its PIEROGI TIME BABY.

Training Log
Time:  21.27 minutes  Distance:2.02 miles   Pace:  10:38min/mi
Today is the usual, studying, training and complaining. The run today was only supposed to be 20 minutes at an easy pace...so I decided it was time again to venture out with Wrigley.

Wrigley, after taking care of business, treeing a squirrel and sniffing a pile of leaves and miscelaneous trash was ready for her run. She started out strong, but definitly got tired at the end. She was veering for puddles and any sign of wet pavement trying to get a drink. We came across one water bowl in front of a store, but it was empty. We found another one, and she put her face in and blew bubbles with her nose - didnt drink a drop! It was a short run, and fairly easy for both of us. As we came down our street, she picked up the pace and charged for the gate. Once inside, she picked up her ball and stared at me. Does this dog have no limits? I turned the sprinkler on for her, so she could cool off, and thought it would distract her. She hung out in the sprinkler for a bit, then grabbed her ball again and came after me. So, after the run (because I am a sucker) we played fetch for a while. This dog has no idea how good she has it. Progress Made

• Went out for a run with the dog, maintained both my limbs and my sanity

Sunday, Lazy Sunday

How great are Sundays? Went to bed early last night and had a great nights sleep. Woke up this morning and went out with Wrigley to play a bit of fetch and run in (and bite at) the sprinkler. Its 77 and beautiful out, so I also went on the deck and did a bit of patio-furniture cleaning. In between my tasks here and there I have been studying, but not intensely. The TV is on and its more of a casual studying effort :)

Its now 5pm, and I have dinner on my mind. Tonight is grilled chicken and a new grilled broccoli recipe. I also have to start a load of laundry or two.

Workout, Or Lack Thereof
No workout today, its a rest & stretch. I feel a bit tight today, but the shin doesnt hurt. (WHOOPIE!) I do need to do a bit of stretching and have mentally pencilled that in before bedtime.

Television Tonight!
Tonight is the official last episode of the Sopranos. There are many questions out there...here is an exerpt posted on the official website:

With Phil and Tony both in hiding, who will end up in the final coffin count? What will happen to Carmela and the kids? Will AJ step up or retreat further? Will Meadow become a criminal lawyer or a convict's daughter? Think you can predict the ending? Fuggedaboutit.

Although the season hasnt been great, its always fascinating to see how a series will end. Does Tony live? I think so...but it wont be long until we all find out :)

Cake Time!

Thanks again for having a birthday Brad! Everyone should have cake after a long run, huge breakfast and even bigger dinner.

8 Miles...Round Two

Last night I went to dinner, and saw Oceans 13. The movie was ok, but you definitely can see a decline going from 11-12, and 12-13. Its entertaining, but its not going to win any awards :) By the time I got home it was 10:30 and I didnt get into bed until 11:30ish. As usual, I couldnt sleep. I couldnt fall asleep, stay asleep - do any kind of sleep. So I got to head out do to an 8 mile run on about 2 hours of total sleep. Right now its 1:40pm...and I am exhausted. I desperately want to take a nap, but I cant. First, I need to get a bit of studying in. Second, I am counting on an awesome night of sleep tonight. I never sleep well and have horrible insomnia issues, and it hasnt changed since I started training...although I was told it would. BUT - I have been getting awesome sleep on Saturday nights. I seriously look forward to Saturday all week just for the sleep. I dont like to make any plans for the evening because I like to be in bed early, and sleep as late as I want to on Sunday. Thats my exciting life!

Today is a perfect day - 72 and sunny. While I should be outside enjoying this, I am perfectly content sitting in my armchair, typing on the laptop, and gazing out the window. We have dinner plans tonight with Jeff's family to celebrate his brothers birthday and I have plans to retire to bed early. Tomorrow is more studying, but perhaps I will find a way to study outside for a bit if the weather is as awesome as this.

Training Log
Time:  1 hour 21 minutes  Distance:8.88 miles   Pace:  10:45min/mi
Starting out I knew there was going to be a problem today - I had to go to the bathroom early into the run. I tried to make it through, but totally couldnt and stopped at a rest-stop at about the 3rd mile. Up until that point I was pacing at about 10:30 a mile, my normal. Then when I got out of the bathroom I wanted to catch up with Jodi and Ruth, who ran ahead. So I picked up my pace a bit and finished mile 4 at 10:11 and then mile 5 at 9:58. I was exhausted! We kept up our pacing at about 10:30 for mile 6...and Jodi started getting tired. She tried to walk but I wouldnt let her, and instead slowed my pace in order to keep her going. This was mutually beneficial - I got to rest a bit after the earlier miles and she got to keep going :) I actually ended up pacing faster than last week (although last week did involve a stop or two while I kept my watch going) and that is with the fact that my last two miles were at about 11:30. WHOOOHOOO!
Progress Made

• Another 8 mile notch on the belt

Lessons Learned

• I may have spoken too early about the lack of recent pain. Today my left shin hurt througout the run..and still hurts now. I iced it and am elevating it as I type. I am hoping this is just a stretching/tiredness issue and not something else. Always has to be something though, right?

Paris - Back to Prison

Well, Paris Hilton is the only thing talked about everywhere, so I think I should comment too :) After receiving a 40 something day sentence for a DUI, it was reduced to 23 for "good behavior" ... before she even began serving it. Then a few days (like 3) into her sentence, the Sheriff let her go home to serve the rest under house arrest. Everyone got mad - and the judge just sent her back to jail. As they took her away, she was bawling...and I feel a bit sorry for her :(


I am not a fan of Paris. I am often upset by the lives of socialites and young hollywood as they grossly abuse their freedoms, money and privelages. But, I feel like Paris is really being used to send a message to the world, and I am not sure she deserves it. In addition, it was the Sheriff that let her out...she didnt let herself out. I am confused as to why she is getting punished because the Sheriff gave her special treatment. First, fire the Sheriff. He is an idiot. And unless Paris manipulated people or the system...or her family manipulated/bribed people or the system, I dont think she should suffer. Thats just my two cents.

Here is just a sampling of today's press coverage
Courier-Journal, Louisville KY
Reuters India
Winnipeg Free Press, Canada
Daily Herald, Chicago

The Weekend
Well, the weekend is here, but it doesnt really feel like it. The days are counting down to my comprehensive exams, I have an 8 mile run tomorrow & dinner with the family tomorrow night, and a very full and hectic schedule next week. It sure doesnt feel like the "lazy days of summer"! Tonight Jeff and I are going to catch a movie and dinner, so there is a bit of weekend fun-ness going on. (And not that the family dinner isnt fun...food is ALWAYS FUN).

Training Log
Time:  30 minutes  Distance:2.70 miles   Pace:  11:06min/mi
I know I needed to do some strength training, so I spend 20-30 minutes on weights before doing my run. I did it again on the treadmill and it was way too hot. My gym is really small and basic, and they dont like to put the A/C on much due to costs, etc. When I got there, they had just put it on - but it was still like a sauna during my run. It would have been hard to motivate myself to go for a run after the weights, but I do think I would have been much better off.

Fortunately, the run today was better than Monday's! So I do think that I have finally gotten last weekend out of my system :) I am still about 3-4 lbs heavier...and worry that will effect my run. I have felt a bit more lethargic since I got back. I assume the lbs will just fall off when I am back on the program and that ist just a combination of bad sleep, too many lattes (gotta do the latte in Vegas! How else do you operate on only a few hours of sleep???), too many drinks and bad food.
Progress Made

• Studying is happening, but its not fun
• I am noticing much less pain in my knees. I am not sure if its strength, or just getting accustomed to running...or the fact that I stopped wearing the new shoes during the week and just wear them for the long runs! Anyway, I am happy to be feeling good!

Lessons Learned

• Before I had a fear of running outside, now I think I prefer it! Who knew!

Study Break

I have been studying (like a good student) for a few hours and decided to take a break to surf the internet. My favorite sites are celebrity gossip sites - but all of them are only talking about 1 thing - Paris Hilton being released from jail. BORING!

Wrigley (my dog) spends one week a day at "daycare" - a place where dogs get to run all day and get their energy out. It may seem silly to some, but for those city dwellers with small condos and large-breed, hyper dogs...you understand. Here is a picture of Wrigley at daycare, which I found on their blog today:

Wrigley is the dog on the right - and while this may look like she is having fun in the picture, I can guarantee she is not. When it comes to daycare, Wrigley is all business. She goes there to play fetch the whole day, and when another dog grabs onto her kong like this - she is not happy. She wants to fetch, not tug! Sometimes the other dogs just dont get it ;)

Today's Workout
Today is pilates week three! Considering how much I sweat last week and how long I was sore after, I am a bit leery of tonights session. At least I am fully aware that it might kick my butt...because last week I was a bit suprised! Wish me luck...

Making Up For Some Recent Posts With a Triple Post Wednesday :)

Back from the Wed workout, alive and well. Rewarded myself with steak and chocolate, so all is right with the world. I am actually now nervous about Pilates tomorrow. Two days after I went last week, the muscles around my ribs hurt so bad I could barely move...and they hurt for about three days! I dont know why I suddenly got this idea to train for the Marathon ... and beat myself up at least 3 days a week like this! Am I crazy??

Training Log
Distance:About 4.50 miles   Pace:  various
Tonight was easier than the past two weeks. The goal was to teach ourselves not to go out too fast in races. Many people, because your adrenaline is pumping and you are in this pack of people surrounded by a big crowd, run their first few miles at a much faster pace than anticipated - and burn out. So today we were supposed to run 3 or 4 laps, getting faster each lap. (A lap is about .90 miles). I finished the first lap in 9:30, the second at 8:50, the third at 8:30 and the fourth at 8:10. With the warmup and the laps it was about 4 1/2 miles. I definitly pushed myself a bit, and did not intend on running the fourth lap because it was optional. Peer pressure always works, and when two girls from my team decided to run the fourth - I joined them...and another girl fell in behind me :) I am glad I did it, but it was tough since I mentally told myself I was done after 3!
Progress Made

• Another Wed night workout!
• Tonight I still didnt feel 100%, but now I do. I think I am officially "me" again

Lessons Learned

• I was talking to one of the girls on my team, who said that she was told that after a long run (like 16+ miles) you arent supposed to stretch. Supposedly your muscles after this run are all torn up, and you could potentially injure yourself! I surfed around and didnt see anything immediately to verify it - so I am going to keep looking...

Runner's Diet

As my team starts to look towards longer runs, I figured I should become more knowledgeable about the proper diet. I always hear about hydration & carbo-loading, and for the most part believe I am a pretty healthy eater. But I am a bit confused about what to eat the night before a long run, and the morning of the run. The last few weeks I have had pasta the night before, and the morning of I have had a Pria bar and a banana. But I wonder, is this right? Is it enough? Also, I am seeing a bit about the important meal being TWO nights before a long run - something I have yet to pay attention to.

Here are some runners nutrition links:
Hal Higdon's "The Distance Runners Diet"
Cool Running "The Runner's Diet"
Cool Running "Eat and Run"
Fitness Magazine "Rules to Run By: Smart Eating Habits for Runners"
Runner's World "The Runners Diet"

One of my confusions has been about carbohydrates, and I found this great list on the Runner's World "The Runners Diet" article:
Carbs to Choose Often
Fruits (about 60 calories per serving)
Apple, orange, pear, nectarine: 1 small (tennis ball size)
Banana: 1 small (5 inch)
Peach, plum: 1 medium (fist size)
Grapefruit: 1/2 whole fruit
Canteloupe: 1 cup
Berries: 1 cup
Fresh pineapple: 3/4 cup
Canned fruit (in its own juice): 1/2 cup


Low-Starch Vegetables (about 25 calories per serving)
Carrots, celery, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, leeks, onions, green beans: 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked
Green pepper: 1 whole
Asparagus: 7 spears cooked or 14 spears raw
Lettuce/raw greens: 1 cup 100-percent vegetable juice: 1/3 cup


Carbs to Choose with Caution (watch those portions!)
High-Starch Vegetables (about 80 calories per serving)
Beans (lima, navy, pinto): 1/3 cup
Corn: 1/2 cup
Peas/lentils: 1/2 cup
Baked white or sweet potato with skin: 1 small (tennis ball size)


Pasta/Rice (about 80 calories per serving)
Couscous (cooked): 1/3 cup
Brown or white rice (cooked): 1/3 cup
Noodles/pasta (cooked): 1/2 cup
Bulgur (cooked): 1/2 cup


Breads/Cereal/Crackers (about 80 calories per serving)
Tortilla (white or wheat): 1
100-percent whole-wheat bread: 1 slice
Mini-bagel: 1
English muffin: 1/2
Pretzels: 3/4 ounce or 8 sourdough nuggets
Popcorn (air popped): 3 cups
Saltine crackers: 6
Rice cakes (all varieties, large): 2
High-fiber cereals: 3/4 cup
Oatmeal: 2/3 cup cooked or 1 instant packet

EXAM DATE SET :(

My professor called me this morning and let me know that the exam date has been set - Tuesday June 19 and Thursday June 21. There are three exams per day, I think at 2 hours each or something like that. While I was dreading this day, there are two good things: 1) I have two weeks notice, so studying wont be horrible and 2) my birthday is the 26th, so I will be done in time to enjoy it. Now I officially need to get rolling on studying, and try to figure out a logical way to approach it.

Yesterday's Update
I had a packed day yesterday - meetings at 10:15, 1:00 and 7:00...so my workout was literally squeezed in. I did my 45 minutes on the elliptical but that was it. We didnt have a single grocery item in the house, so after my 1:00 meeting I had to hit Target, Costco and Dominicks...and next thing you know my day was gone. I definitely felt better yesterday than on Monday, and am VERY thankful that there was no running involved...but I still feel out of sorts even today.

Training Tonight
Tonight is the mid-week team workout and as usual I am worried. Its always so hard. Afterward I am exhausted, but I do admit that I feel pretty good about myself. In addition, I always feel fine on Thursday - so its not like I suffer consequences after the workout. Its just during the workout that I seriously wish I could teleport myself somewhere else :)

Must get back to the books...but first, the essential item needed for studying!

Vegas Weekend Payback

I knew there was a reason I was aprehensive about my workout - besides the fact I was exhausted...because I seriously thought I was going to die. Today was simply a 30 minute easy run, but it was harder for me than any of my other runs. There is proof that you need to take good care of yourself in order to have good workouts and complete this training program. My legs felt like lead, I was totally hot, and had trouble breathing. I am glad its still early in the training program, but now I definitely am worried about the rest of my summer. Am I going to have to give up all fun in order to train? Thats a question that I will soon find out the answer to!

Training Log
Time:  30 minutes  Distance:2.70 miles   Pace:  11:06min/mi
Thank goodness it was supposed to be an easy run. I took my pace down to 11:06 a minute and still could barely complete it. 30 minutes felt like 30 hours! I am hoping that just getting "back on the wagon" will help me tomorrow and the day after, and that I will not see that kind of struggle in days to come. I am also hoping that much of the problem was poor nutrition and dehydration which I can overcome just by feeding myself properly!
Progress Made

• Got back on the program
• Studied a bit - not much...but its better than nothing!

Lessons Learned

• I guess I have been taking pretty good care of myself, because when I take "bad" care it shows. I learned I need to keep up with the training and watch my sleeping and eating habits!

I'm Back!

Back from a short (but very long) weekend in Vegas. I am now totally off my training routine and I feel exhausted. Add to that the fact that I ate poorly while I was there - and my body is not happy with me right now :( I didnt do my Saturday run, and barely slept since Friday - so its time to bet back in gear!

Vegas Recap
We were in Vegas for a friends surprise birthday - and his wife did a great job of pulling off the whole thing. There were 13 of us there, and he was totally surprised when he met us out for dinner Friday night! We all ate, then went to PURE (at Caesars) that night. This is a place where the celebrities usually go - but werent really there that night. We saw two:

Pamela Anderson & Dita Von Teese













UPDATE:Here is a video from tmz.com of Pamela & Dita at PURE

Spent all day on Saturday at the pool, and in the lobby of the hotel saw two other "celebrities" (If you count reality show contestants as celebrities...which some do, unfortunately), Yau-Man & Earl (the eventual winner) from the most recent Survivor. After a day at the pool, we went to dinner, did some gambling - and it was time to go to bed. Next thing you know we are on the plane ride home!

Reality Strikes
Today I need to get back on the correct eating and training regimen. Started off with a fairly normal breakfast, with what food is available in the house. Now I am in the process of motivating myself to get to the gym. I need to get back to studying for my exams as well - but need to get to the gym first. My body is just exhausted, letting me know its not happy I didnt treat it nicely this weekend ;) I think its going to take a day or two to get back in the swing of things..which is all the time I have. If I am not 100% for the Wed night training, its gonna be tough. Those workouts kick my butt even when I am feeling great! Just wanted to post an update, will post another later today to verify that I am still alive after my workout. Its only a 30 minute easy run, so I do think I will live. Its rainy out, so I will just head to the gym and get it over with!

Mobile Blogging

My internet has been out at home so this is via cell phone. I am off to Vegas for the weekend and might not check in again until sunday! Quick update - went down to the lake for my 60 min run and paced at around 10:30 ... a little over 5.5 miles.