On A Non-Weather Related Note ....

I got the official announcement today - registration opens tomorrow for the Chicago Marathon. Here's what they say:

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Unveils New Look
2008 Registration to Open on Friday, February 1

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is officially launching its 2008 season with a new name and fresh look. Just in time for the opening of registration, the race’s new steward, Bank of America, has updated the legendary race logo and outfitted the website to reflect its signature red, white and blue. Check out the fresh face of the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon at chicagomarathon.com.

Open Registration:
Registration for the 2008 race will open online at chicagomarathon.com at 12:00 a.m. (CST) on Friday, February 1. Registration will close when the participant capacity of 45,000 is reached.

Race Day 2008:
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2008
Start Time: 8:00 a.m. (CST)
Participant Capacity: 45,000
Registration Fee: $110 (U.S. participants); $130 (participants outside the U.S.)

For more information on the 2008 race or to register, visit chicagomarathon.com.

They can count me out! And I hope their registration stinks since they made about 30,000 people really made last year :(

Does This Look Like Snow To You?

I watch the morning weather report religiously ... and pretty much live my life by it. I remember hearing today was going to be 30 degrees (hot, by recent standards!) and was pretty exciting. This morning the weather said there were snow storms coming (again!) but that they wouldnt be starting until 6PM. Additionally, they would start on the south side of the city. Since I live on the north side that gave me even extra time.

To my suprise, when I left the house at 7:30AM ... it was snowing. And it hasn't stopped. Its been snowing for a good 7 hours now - and its not even supposed to start for another 3 or so hours. ARRRRHH! How can the weather guy make such a collosal mistake?

Begin Drooling Now

One of my RBF's, Linden, found an awesome blog that has temporarily consumed me. Anyone who reads my blog knows that I primarily blog about three things: 1) running (or my lack thereof) 2) my dog and 3) pastries. Ooh, You Tasty Little Things is a pastry lovers fantasy. Muffin bakes wonderful things, shows photos of them, and posts the recipes! This woman is amazing and her blog has made me very hungry. I think about maybe making some of the things she posts, but I would prefer if she actually made them for me and shipped them to my house.

Muffin (aka Andrea), if you are reading this, contact me and I will give you my home address. My birthday is in June and I like cupcakes.
(And pies)
(Oh, and brownies)
(And cookies)
(Who am I kidding, I like all of it)

Give It A Rest Mother Nature!

The folks in Chicago must have done something to tick off Mother Nature, cuz she is waging a war on our fingers, faces and toes :( It was in the 50's yesterday, and right now its 10 BELOW with the windchill. According to Tom Skilling (WGN-Channel 9 meteorologist) "a comparable two-day temperature plunge of 50 degrees has occurred only twice in the area in the past 25 years". Lucky us.

I am blogging this from my classroom - my class is due to start in 6 minutes. Out of 50 students, right now I have about 15 in the class. I am honestly suprised to have that much - I can guarantee if the roles were reversed you would not see my butt in a schooldesk today!

Perks Of A Gloomy Day

Gloomy days have a good side ... Its actually warmer today, the snow has melted, and the skyline looks like this. One of these buildings in the clouds is actually the Sears Tower :)

Jogger or Runner?

I have seen the question posed quite a few times. "Are you a jogger or a runner?" and it appears that many are confused what the difference is ... if there even is one. Pearl Izumi seems to assume the difference is speed. Orginally I agreed with this theory but I now have my doubts. Can you really say "I jogged a marathon?". That doesnt sound right. Yes, I am slow. But does that mean I am just a jogger?

Runners World sent me a daily quote today that I think is the right answer.

"The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank."
Dr. George Sheehan

According to those that agree with the Pearl Izumi theory, I am a jogger. According to Dr. George Sheehan, I am a runner. I think I side with the Dr. :)

This Is My Finish Line?

Humana Health suggests I burn more calories by walking faster ... But posts this at a bus stop. They want me to walk faster to the bus? Think maybe they should just tell you to slip the bus and walk your lazy patootie to your destination?

Spirit of The Marathon

I saw the movie on Thursday, and overall it was a great film. At the end of the movie the three others I was with (Beca, Cara & Bradley) were psyched about "avenging" Chicago and were all ready to register they day it opens. "When do we start training?" they pondered. I admit, it was a motivating film. But I still have no urge to run Chicago this year. One thing the movie repeated several times was the idea that changing the finish line will change your life. This may be true for many, but I didn't feel that kind of emotion. I do have to admit that the process itself (training) did change my life, it an extremely positive way. The movie brought back many memories of my training experience, the good and the bad. And while my friends had the urge to try to conquer the Chicago Marathon, I felt more of a longing for the training itself. Not the time it took, or the way it completely overtook all aspects of my life ... but the routine, the comradierie, the feeling I got when a long run was finally over, and most of all the "well deserved" after run breakfasts.

I think the movie encouraged me to participate in more of this part of "the marathon". Running with my friends and actually just enjoying the experience. Thus, for now I think I am going to focus on shorter races that wont be all-consuming and take it from there :)

Back to Running
On Friday I went to the gym as promised, and did 3.1 on the treadmill. I did push is a bit more than normal and paced at 10:30. I am sure I can run a bit faster than that when "pushing" but since I havent been running it was about as much as I was willing to do for now! I also signed up for another race - the Shamrock Shuffle. Beca, Bradley & Cara tried to instill fear in me by suggesting that this race sells out quickly, so I caved. The Shamrock Shuffle is an 8K ... and takes place at the end of March. So hopefully I can work up to a 5 miler by then ;)

Photos courtesy of xpistwv and mxruben.

Less Than 15 Minutes

We are here and I am ready to get motivated. I hope it works ... I ate McDonalds before in anticipation of the "new me" that will present herself in just a few hours.

Um, Did I Forget To Mention ...

Yesterday I busted my butt cleaning the bathroom and kitchen - technically a workout. (But rewarded myself with this cupcake and TWO cookies, and yes, I feel horribly guilty.)

Deja Vu

Not the situation ... the excuse :(

I brought all of my stuff for the gym today. I was going to do "another 5k". Its freezing out and I have lots of errands to run, so I am making the same excuse now as I did a few days ago. It's FREEZING in Chicago and I dont want to go to the gym. There. I said it.

Oath To Myself
Right now its 10 degrees out, negative temps with the windchill - but tomorrow its supposed to be 24. Practically summer compared to this current weather. Promise: I WILL GO TO THE GYM TOMORROW.

How do I know I will? Because tonight I am seeing the Spirit of the Marathon. Its gonna pump me up and get me psyched about running again. And, just to be sure, I just signed up for the Wacky 5K and can now do the Shave Your 5K Challenge.

Check out the movie preview!

You Should See The Other Guy...

Wrigley came home from daycare with a new boo-boo (note scratch on nose). This one is minor compared to some of her others, most notably one puncture-wound to the back. She has a reputation to uphold so keep your paws off her ball!

935 False Statements Lead to War

A recent study counted a number of false statements that preceded the war in Iraq. What is the difference between a "false statement" and a lie? In legal terms it appears not a whole lot. A 2005 ABC news article, discusses the crime of "false statements" versus perjury (both of which are felonies). According to the article, the crime of a "false statement":

involves knowingly and willfully making a false statement to a government official (such as an investigator) about a material fact, or falsifying or covering up a material fact. This latter point includes knowingly omitting information that is material. The key point is the speaker's intent: that the speaker has knowingly made the false statement, or omitted relevant information.

I doubt this article was using this term frivolously, leading me to believe that the actual claim of the article is that these 935 "false statements" (259 of them uttered by Bush) were intentional. I guess my question is, if there were 935 of these kinds of statements specifically about the national security threat posed by Iraq, in the 2 years prior to the war ... how many of these "false statements" has the administration made in regards to other issues - and over the last 7 years? Hmmm...

Maybe you are wondering why I keep blogging about random stuff, and not mentioning running? Um, its because I am not doing any running. But, I am doing a lot of random stuff and thus the logic of my posts ;)

OH NO! I forgot!

For some reason I thought it was the 24th, but it was the 21st. I forgot to honor National Squirrel Appreciation Day. The reason this "holiday" was founded is because food is often scarce in the winter for squirrels (and other wildlife) ad the hope is that in appreciating them you will leave them some food to help fill their grumbling bellies. Although I am a few days late, I hope you can all take a moment to cherish this wonderful rodent.


Photo courtesy of Christy Hargrove, the actual founder of the National Squirrel Appreciation Day!




What Can I Do To Honor The Squirrel?
I am sure there are so many ways, but here are a few suggestions:

Join the Squirrel Lovers Club

Help an orphaned squirrel by donating to Squirrel Rehab

Get yourself a Squngee squirrel feeder: great entertainment for the whole family while providing valuable nutrients to those hungry squirrels!

Check out the Squngee in action!

Because I so thoughtlessly forgot to appreciate squirrels this past Monday, I promise to appreciate them for the rest of this month!

Actor Heath Ledger dies at 28

I have mentioned in the past that I spend some (ok, most) of my free time reading celebrity gossip. Its a waste of time, I am aware, but quite addicting. There is so much going on every day in the celebrity gossip world ... but most of it is expected. Britney Spears acts crazy, someone new is pregnant, Tom Cruise acts crazy, someone new goes to rehab, etc. This one suprised me a bit - Heath Ledger was found dead today in his apartment.

Check out his profile on IMDb. He has quite a notable acting resume, with the most popularly known credit being Brokeback Mountain. He actually just wrapped up his role as The Joker in the newest Batman film - The Dark Knight, which did a lot of filming in Chicago. And, he was in the middle of filming The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (due out in 2009).

Ledger was a bit of a recluse, and avoided the "Hollywood scene". He follows a long list of actors who have met tragic endings, yet it still no less shocking and sad.

Using Humor To Make A Point

The Onion (a sattirical paper) recently posted this article:

Olympic Runners Feeling Stupid For Cutting Off Legs Before Finding Out About Prosthetic Ban

NEW YORK—An International Association of Athletics Federations ruling Monday disallowing double-leg amputee Oscar Pistorius, who uses...

While this is meant to be funny, there is a serious point behind the commentary. For those not aware, double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius was recently disqualified from the Olympics when a committee found that his prostethic limbs actually gave him an advantage over other runners. Currently appealing this finding, the world awaits to see what type of impact this will ultimately have. Oscar is obviously not the only amputee in the running field...here some info on a few others:
Amy Palmiero-Winters
      *More on Amy
       *Amy's Website
Marlon Shirley & Brian Frasure
       *Frasure doping scandal
       (Note: Frasure & Marion Jones shared the same coach ... coincidence?)
Jami Goldman
      *Jami's Book, "Up And Running"
       *Jami also did a commercial (below) for Adidas in 1999.

Wierdest Dog Accessory EVER?

I get this catalog from In The Company of Dogs, because I ordered some Holiday presents for some dogs in the family. It has tons of the normal pet stuff ... leashes, collars, pet beds, etc. But today I am looking through the catalog and find this.
Quite the item, this Doggie Bag is actually trademarked by In The Company of Dogs. Here is the product description:

"Keep the hair on the dog...not in your car!" This jacket protects car interiors against the sand, mud, dander, dirt and debris of dogs on board. Lightweight yet extremely durable nylon cover-up is water-resistant, loose-fitting for comfort and mobility and easy to get on and off. Reinforced vinyl footpads eliminate tears and scratches. Strong nylon handles make it easy to help your pet into the car, van or SUV. Features a heavy-duty zipper and Velcro adjustments. Because it fully covers your dog from neck to tail, the vehicle's interior temperature should be no higher than 74 degrees. Use only for short rides, such as a quick trip home after a romp in the great outdoors. Machine washable. For the perfect fit, measure your dog from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the front paw. For extra-wide dogs, order next larger size. Color: Blue. Sizes (Height): XXS (14"-17"), XS (18"-20"), S (21"-23"), M (24"-26"), L (27"-29"), XL (30"-32"), XXL (33"-36").

Is this the freakiest thing you have ever seen, or it is just me?

Finally, A Valid Excuse

I won't be running this weekend. In fact, unless there is an emergency, I dont even plan to leave the house. Its true, I am lazy ... but for once I have a legitimate reason to continue my hybernation. One of the downsides of living in Chicago is the fact that we usually have some brutal periods during our Winter. Big snowsorms, icy roads ... and what we are experiencing right now ... sub-zero temperatures. The forecast high for today is a whopping 7 degrees. But thats hot compared to the temps with windchills: 20 to 25 below. Right now my computer says its 2 degrees out ... and obviously that doesnt take into account the whipping, freezing winds.

I Ran A 5K

Ok, I did ... and I didnt. I actually went to the gym yesterday and the treadmill has a setting for "5K", so essentially I did 3.1 miles on the treadmill. I wanted to see how I felt doing it, while I debate about the "Shave Your 5K Challenge". As some of my wise blogger friends have pointed out (Linden & Robinson52) , I need to set some sort of goal instead of aimlessly wandering. I think a good thing to do is to accept this 5K challenge - but I guess I am not quite ready :)

There is only one 5K I can find to do in the next few weeks - the Wacky 5K Run. Its on Sunday, March 2nd at 10:00AM. Im pondering ...

Friday Funnies
I havent done a "Friday Funny" in quite a while, and a friend sent me a link earlier today that I thought was worth discussing. Maybe you are aware, but maybe you are not ... it appears that there are some out there who believe that Katie Holmes (aka Mrs. Tom Cruise) actually faked the New York Marathon. Bloggers are chatting about it (see: colbymarshall, Lance and Baptizedingin for a few) and basically there are a few things about the whole event that seem off. For instance, there are only a few pics of her along the race - at the beginning and at the end. In this day and age of celebrity-stalkerdom, I think its unlikely she could run the whole marathon without being stalked by the paparrazzi ... but who knows. One of the things everyone insists on mentioning is the fact that she wore heels just a few hours later. Yes, after a marathon you are generally sore and tired. But, I have some proof that this may be entirely possible. See below.

The picture on the left is my friend Cara. Cara ran the Las Vegas Marathon (I know, I was there ... and my husband took pics of her througout the whole race) and here she is, wearing heels that night. Yes, Cara is just that cool. Maybe Katie Holmes is too?

Wish I Was Here

Sitting on a bus, stuck in traffic, struggling to keep my eyes open. Dont take me wrong ... I have a pretty great life ... But what I wouldnt give to be sitting on a beach in Hawaii right now ...

Skipped The Gym ... Had A Cupcake Instead

First, I want to mention that I finally did go to the gym this week. Once. I am back on campus and still getting it all together, but I got myself to the gym. I also plan on getting myself there again tomorrow. Twice in a week isn't anything to brag about but I am at least moving in the right direction.

As for today, I didnt quite make it to the gym. In fact, I did the complete opposite of anything healthy today. And because I didn't exactly follow a good path all day, I decided that I should end the day with a bang. Note: Bang=Pastry

After some pleading, I convinced Jeff to go with me to a new cupcake place that opened up a few blocks from our place - called "Molly's Cupcakes" (site still in the works). The girls at Cupcakes Take The Cake reviewed Molly's quite favorably ... and I agree! But, while it was a cute place and the cupcake was good, it still doesnt beat my favorite - Sensational Bites! Personally I really love the plain-old vanilla or chocolate, but Viktorija's post about the Boston Creme cupcake pretty much explains how I feel about this place.


Photo of Sensational Bites wonderful cupcakes from Flickr user Zesmerelda

5K Aspirations? Maybe This Will Help :)

My friend, Vanilla, over at Half-Fast, has a great idea to help those of us who want to improve their 5K times in 2008: the "Shave Your 5K Challenge".

The main point of the challenge is to run 2 5K's this year...one in the next few months and then one at the end of the year. Hopefully you shave some time off between the two races - and if you do, you might win a prize! This is great motivation for those of us who often need something to force us to do things, as our internal motivation center appears to be on the blink. Vanilla himself will be keeping track of our race times and promises to praise those who do well and chastise those whose times actually worsen :) For more details, or to participate in this fun virtual competition, visit his blog.

"Spirit of the Marathon"

On January 24th, for one night only, select movie theatres will be showing a unique film dedicated to the trials and tribulations of the Chicago Marathon. The movie description is as follows:

"'Spirit of the Marathon' is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the production brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries. As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports program, “Spirit of the Marathon” is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike."

Note:This movie is not from the 2007 "Marathon Meltdown", but an earlier event
I already have my tickets (thanks Cara!), but if you want to see it, here is a complete theatre listing or click here to order.

What Happened to Michael Vick's Dogs?

If you can't tell by the numerous posts of mine featuring my dog, and other various animals ... I have a soft spot for anything that is furry and walks on four-legs. I most people are already aware, but as a reminder, NFL star Michael Vick was indicted (and later found guilty) of multiple charges connected with involvement in a dogfighting operation just last year. He is currently serving 23 months in federal prison, with a scheduled release of October 2009. Of all the stories of 2007, this one really struck a nerve with me. And while many still ponder the future of Michael Vick, I find myself curious about what happened to the dogs involved in this scandal. Many lost their lives through methods to horrible to mention, but many survived ... so what happened to them?

Quite a few pits were seized from Vick's estate in Virginia, and it appears that they are currently all over the map! The Baltimore Sun gives the location the dogs...

22 are currently in the care of the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah; 12 were turned over to the SPCA in Virginia Beach, 10 at BAD RAP, Oakland, Calif.; 4 at Richmond Animal League, Richmond, Va.,; 3 at Georgia SPCA, Suwanee, Ga..; 3 are at Recycled Love in Baltimore; 3 at the SPCA of Monterey County, Calif.; 1 at the Animal Rescue of Tidewater, Chesapeake, Va..; and 1 at Our Pack, Inc. in San Francisco.

Getting Involved
Most of these animals are not stuck or trapped in some sort of kennel-like situation ... they are in foster homes and currently receiving special and unique care. That being said, they all do still need permanent homes. From what I have read, the dogs currently are all being protected from the media and other people for 2 reasons: 1) the criminal proceedings are still in process and 2) there is a lot of attention on the "Vick dogs" and people are worried about attempts to steal them (or other questionable reasons for contact). At the end of the month the court case should be wrapped-up and organizations helping these dogs can start looking for loving homes. Maybe you want to do something now, or maybe you want to help but don't want to go as far as actually bringing a dog into your home...each one of these organizations lives off of donations and I am sure would be happy to accept any amount of money (or a list of numerous other items) that you are willing to share :)

To the left is Elvez, who currently lives at BAD RAP. (I can't share any of the pics of Vick's dogs as they are all currently under protection from the media). While you may not be able to get your hands on one of the displaced dog ... Elvez is in need of a home today! E-mail Donna if you want to give Elvez some love and are willing to share your home with this cutie!

Looks Like I Am Gonna Live FOREVER!

According to a recent study by Danish researchers, the combination of drinking in moderation and keeping physically active is the key to keeping your heart healty. In fact, this study found that you don't even need exercise: drinking alone reduces the liklihood of fatal heart disease. (Although doing both is obviously better).

This is good news for me! I had a few drinks last night, am going to have a few more tonight, and even plan to squeeze in some moderate physical exercise at some point this weekend ;) Here's to my health!

Upset About All the New Smoking Regulations?

Seems like 2008 is the year where smokers officially have to go into hiding - many cities, states and even entire countries are clamping down on smoking in public places. According to a Chicago Tribune article, on Jan 1 Illinois became the 22nd state to make smoking in bars, restaurants and sports stadiums illegal. While many are restricting smoking, there are often loopholes. For example, tobacco shops/smoking lounges are still serving the smoking public.

Smokers may feel like targets, and many complain of unfairness. Are you a smoker that is tired of being harassed? Then I suggest you move to Germany, where non-smokers can get fired for disturbing a plesant smoking environment.

It's About Time!

I got an email today from Harris Interactive - an independent research firm most commonly known for the "Harris Polls" in which public opinion of often gauged. What do they want from me? Well, it appears they have contracted with Lasalle Bank to get feedback on the 2007 Chicago Marathon. With the 2008 marathon already on the horizon, I am not positive all the input will be taken into consideration for this year, but I am glad that someone is finally asking for feedback.

They asked a bunch of questions, and you could tell the form was generic. This is likely the same exact survey they launch each year after the marathon and they didnt edit it at all in content. For example they asked about:

• My previous marathon experience (how many, have I done chicago before)
• What I thought about communications prior to the event (newsletters, website, etc)
• My opinions on the start line (gear check, communications, signage, corrals)
• My on the course experiences, including fluids, medical service, communications
• My finish line experience

There was one question that was obvioulsy edited for 2008, but again I bet it was the same as last year. Basically it said that this year it would be the "Bank of America Chicago Marathon" and would I be participating?

2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
So, 10 days into the new year they are asking me about the 2007 event. And I found out that registration for 2008 opens on February 1! This whole thing got me thinking. The next Chicago marathon is already on the horizon, how likely is it that they will be able to implement the results from this survey (just sent to me today) for this year's event? I can answer that question - its not likely. I am sure the survey is open for a couple of weeks (at least) then they need to tally results and evaluate. It takes a long time to plan a major event and most likely the big stuff is already done. Then I wondered, will they share the survey results with the public? I think that being honest and open with these results would be a good way for the Chicago marathon to start mending relationships with the running community - but I feel that its highly unlikely. Looking at how marathon organizers have handled PR thus far suggests that they will be secretive and follow the trend of denial when it comes to uncomplementary information. Surfing around to see what people are saying about this survey I came across an awesome article that was written shortly after 2007's Chicago marathon that I think is well worth taking the minute or two to read. It seems to be the only article I have seen that is truly saying what I have been thinking - without siding with organizers or toning down the language. In fact, its pretty harsh when it comes to Carey Pinkowski (the race organizer).

Running in Circles: The 2007 Chicago Marathon and Crisis Communications, by Michael Geczi, details 4 major areas/way in which race organizers made some pretty major PR snafus in the days and weeks following the meltdown. I thought these were stated so well I just copied them straight from the article - but give it a read anyway :)

1. Denial. "Perhaps the grossest communication pitfall of all has been marathon director Carey Pinkowski's insistence that there was an adequate amount of fluids for runners. From participants to volunteers to spectators, the complaint is universal: the Chicago Marathon ran out of water. Pinkowski's denial has further alienated marathon officials from the disgruntled runners they should be attempting to appease."
2. Blame. "Pinkowski has used his soapbox to blame the ailing runners for the marathon mishaps instead of accepting responsibility, castigating runners for using the water to douse themselves rather than drink it. He absurdly defends, “That's something that, I'll be honest with you, we didn't anticipate.” Kicking a man when he is down – or 36,000 runners, for that matter – is hardly an effective communications strategy. Pinkowski has since watched idly from the sidelines as host cities of other marathons advertise discounted or waived entrance fees for Chicago participants – a message of sympathy that Chicago's race officials should have been the first to communicate."
3. Self-Praise. "While the media has unanimously branded the 2007 event “calamitous,” race officials have attempted to spin it into an absolute success. Pinkowski consistently offered self-congratulatory, narrow statements that clearly flew in the face of the facts, such as: “Is there anything we could have done better? No. … I'm very proud of the way things went.” His declaration leaves no room for messages of future improvement or lessons learned – some of the most elemental components of successful crisis communications."
4. Opaqueness. "While marathoners have demanded clear answers, Pinkowski has adopted a platform of vagueness. In a mass e-mail written to runners five days after the event, Pinkowski botched a golden opportunity to 'come clean' with transparent messaging. Pinkowski mustered only an opaque reference to a water supply investigation, or as he vaguely put it, 'reviewing the details.'"

Unintented Consequences of Marathon Training

Many ladies who are more of an athletic build may be frustrated by fashions insistance that we wear knee-high boots in both the Fall and Winter seasons. Why???? Because after hours of working to tone and build our bodies an unfortunate consequence arises: our calves become too "thick" or "wide" to fit into these oh-so-trendy boots.

All the celebrities insist on showing off their
skinny calves by parading around in boots. Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice) always looks like she just stepped off a runway, and Paris Hilton enjoys making us feel even worse by not only fitting her boots over her calves ... but a pair of JEANS as well.

Well, in a recent shopping trip to DSW I followed my usual routine. I looked at flats and sneakers: flats for work, sneakers for reality. I came across a pair of low boots (that dont get to the calf) that I really like (works for work & play) and picked those up. As I made my way up and down the aisles I passed a pair of boots several times, each time my eyes paused. I liked them. Alot. But they were knee-high boots so I contined to walk. On my 10th or so circle I stopped. "If they have my size I am just going to try them on". They had my size. I tried them on. THEY FIT.
There are two possible reasons for this phenomenon: 1) These boots are just funny-fitting for "normal people", making them perfect for me 2) My calves are smaller. I didnt think about trying on other pairs to test theory #1. Now that its in my head I need to go back and check to see if this is the true reason. But I believe that #2 is actually the answer. Marathon training is often equated with muscle loss - which is why we see so much stressing the importance of including weight training into our overall routine. I did do some weight training, but I admit it was minimal. And, in fact, it was much less than what I would regularly do prior to marathon training (when I would work out for fun, not because I was crazy enough to run a marathon). So I think I experienced muscle loss in my legs - the most common area for a runner to experience muscle loss. And I am thrilled. Yay for marathon training! It made my legs skinnier :)

The Dreaded Black Toenail

Even though I am not actually doing it...I am still thinking about moving. I never had this specific issue, but many of my running friends have had problems with black toenails. In the winter its not a huge issue, but I think everyone got tired of having to use super-dark toenail polish all summer just so that innocent bystanders were not horrified by the site of a runner-in-flip-flops. Runners WOrld has posted a pretty neat video online that actually demonstrates some different ways to lace shoes to alleviate some common problems. Here it is!

In the February issue, Runner's World covered the Chicago Marathon in detail, and provided some interesting things I havent seen elsewhere. While the article isnt complete and there were some things I wished they had checked out (or gone into more detail on) ... it is without a doubt the most detailed coverage of the event I have seen so far. At the very least, its worth a read :)

Freak Occurance

It seems that the period of movement may have been a freak occurance ... I have not moved since. BUT, the good (and also horrible) news is that I am back to school on Monday. Of course I dread going back - starting a new term and having to get back to work. But once school starts I again have a regular routine, access to my gym and can get back to taking some classes (including Pilates). I sense that the movement will again happen ... hopefully. Until then, thought I would surf the net and shop.

Came across an excellent response to all of the student emails I receive.

And another picture that can often explain why its so difficult for me to overcome my lethargy.

Record Breaker

Today we broke a temperature record :) Chicago hit 60 degrees...the old record was 54. Guess I should actually left the house instead of spending the day doing laundry and cooking. Its the "warmest January 6 in 100 years"!

Maybe its not all good, if you attribute the whole thing to Global Warming. And thinking about global warming got me back to thinking about the fact that I have still yet to figure out what I want to accomplish in 2008. I know that the thought process may not seem clear (global warming=new year resolutions???) but trust me, there was logic in there somewhere. One of the things I do hope to do in 2008 is to become a better influence on the environment, to make changes where I can - and also to educate myself more regarding the changes that are happening and what role (if any) I play in that. Surfing around I found an article on the Environmental Defense website titled "New Year's Resolutions: Eight Ways to Help the Environment" in which they list 8 items you should pledge to do in 2008. I thought these were pretty interesting, most of them are really EASY, and thus blog-worthy!

1. Replace my conventional light bulbs with energy-efficient ones
2. Calculate my carbon footprint
3. Make small changes at home
4. Drive like the Earth depends on it
5. Buy carbon offsets to help offset my emissions further
6. Choose seafood that's good for me and the ocean
7. Write my members of Congress demanding a strong global warming law
8. Pass this list to my friends and family

I figured one of the things I can do this year is work my way through this list - just by posting I already completed #8. I can already tell 2008 is going to be a productive year ;)

Woot! I Ran!

I did it...I ran! The other day I read a post by Amy at the Runners Lounge, in which she talked about "overcoming inertia" I think intertia is a really nice way of stating that I am currently in a vegetative state in which I consume as many calories as possible while at the same work to avoid any sort of movement that may (per chance) actually burn those calories. I am hybernating. But, Amy's post made me realize that I needed to get off my duff and DO SOMETHING.

Its been nasty cold in the City of Wind, and that has been nicely supporting my hybernation...but when weather reports suggested a warm-up I knew it was time. I still dont believe myself to be a runner. In fact, I still do not enjoy it. But after months and months of running and not much else, its really all I know right now. In addition, I now have "running friends" - and working out is more likely to happen when you have a crew. So I sent out the email and got some quick replies. I was not the only one hibernating :)

So we went out this morning for a short run. The running part didnt feel so great, but the MOVING did ... and breakfast afterwards made up for the shock my body was going through after being forced to actually move for a time and distance longer than mandatory.

I dont know if I am back-on-the-wagon yet, but I hope this is the beginning of the end of my metamorphisis into a sloth. (image from: http://calicoisfashion.blogspot.com/)


Work-Out Log
Time:  45:00 time  Distance:4.28 miles   Pace:  10:30 min/mi
It was as hard as I thought. I felt lethargic and my legs were really tired, slow and sore feeling. I didnt collapse or anything, and am still walking a few hours later - so I think all is well.

How Much Does Wrigley Love Her Toys?

THIS MUCH!

Who Needs Church ...

When you can just ride the CTA? With a $2 side on Chicago's mass-transit system you get a free sermon! Today I learned that "If you smoke, you will go to hell". Thank goodness I dont ... But I thought I should pass the message on to you sinners :)

When Your GPS Is Out To Get You...

Great article (that obviously isnt intending to be funny but actually is) about a guy who blamed his train-car crash on a "GPS mishap". Its only funny because its a bit true ... I cant tell you how many times my own GPS system has given me whacked-out directions. It tells me to turn into dead-ends, exit express-ways where no exit exists, merge onto streets that dont exist...etc. While it has saved my but quite a few times, it has also put me into danger on more than one occasion as well :)

And don't think its just me, and the unfortunate guy from the article! Fans of The Office should be well aware of a small incident Michael had with his car rental...

Facts About the Iowa Caucuses

Thought this was a quick, easy, description of the Iowa caucuses. While most people seem have a general idea, it seems like the whole process can bit confusing. Check out the Facts About the Iowa Caucuses if you are curious about the events that will be taking place tomorrow.

You can also check out the official website here.

And if you are wondering "what's the point?" (like I was), check out Wikipedia (which of course, is never wrong). The site says that out of the last 9 caucuses (not including tomorrow's), the emerging Democratic leader won the party nomination 6 times. For Republicans, the leader won the party nomination 5 times. Note: many of the Republican leaders were unopposed as they were current presidents running for re-election. Clinton was also unopposed when he ran for re-election.

Happy New Year!

We spent the evening at some friends house ... When we came out we were greated with tons of snow. Its the kind of snow thats really quite beautiful and makes the first few hours of 2008 seem like indications of a pretty good year :)