running on hold.

I have been totally MIA...both on my blog and in my running! The CDC is this weekend...and I'm not running- I didn't even train because I found out that I'm pregnant!! And I don't run while pregnant. Technically, I could- I'm in shape enough, but I'm scared to. My heart rate soars sky high as it is, and I don't want to jeopardize anything with my pregnancy. So I'm taking 9+ months off! It's been hard, but it gives me something to look forward to...getting back in shape post-baby!

For my next race, my sights are set on the Rock n Roll half marathon in Scottsdale in January, 2010. Woohoo! And maybe a few 5 and 8Ks to warm up leading to the race. Now if I can only convince my husband that we'll need a vacation then! :)

In Logan news- my son is amazing. He's 22 months old now, and is SO smart- constantly blowing my mind with the new things he does and says. He's a pro at stringing 2-3 words together now. He pretty much repeats anything we say, the little parrot. I can't believe he's going to be 2 in less than 2 months!! He's going to make an awesome big brother. We were at a meeting yesterday and there was a baby girl in her carrier and Logan kept going up to her and cooing and saying hi. Melted my heart. I can't wait. ;)

summer running!!

So it's been awhile. I've been totally slacking with updating my blog. I've been slacking with a lot of things, actually- but I've also been pretty busy with a few things. Helping my husband kick start his new business, getting more involved in a local mom's club I'm a member of, helping friends with wedding stuff...not to mention running a household and being a mom! Moms really are jacks of all trades. :)

I decided today that I'm going to run the Chicago Distance Classic half marathon on August 10!!! Another spontaneous decision...but at least I have 9 weeks of training ahead of me. I can do it- my goal is to beat my previous time. One day, it's going to become impossible to PR. But that's okay. My ambitions aren't set THAT high. I'm pretty happy with my running abilities now.

fox trot race report, etc.

My first disappointment regarding races was bound to happen sooner or later. And it did- at my 7th race. I thought 7 was supposed to be a lucky number?

I should start off by saying that I wasn't expecting much from this 5K. After the half mary up in Milwaukee, I had a heck of a time getting back into the swing of things with my running. I guess it took a lot out of me- with the less than ample training, race conditions, etc. I was doubtful that I could come in sub 30:00. But I was hopeful.

The weather was forecasted to be crappy once again. But once Matt and I got to Batavia, dropped off Logan at my friend's house and started walking to the race, it was surprisingly pleasant, but overcast. No rain, no wind...all in all decent conditions!

Things definitely started off on the wrong foot, no pun intended. ;) I had to go to the bathroom as soon as we got to the race, ran to the port-a-potty, and forgot to lock it. DUH. A man barged in on me. How embarrassing. Then I heard over the loudspeaker that the race was starting in 2 minutes. I ran back to the start line, find my husband and friend and then we're off. Ah, I guess I got in some warming up with the walk and mad dash for the bathroom! :)

The race took place along an asphalt trail along the Fox River. Matt immediately took off ahead of us while my friend and I jogged along behind the swarm of people trying to funnel from the street to a footbridge about half the width. That definitely took some wind out of our sails and added some time to the clock. The first mile (9:52 on my watch) was another game of Frogger, but eventually things thinned out and we were able to find our pace. Gorgeous scenery, but I was a little preoccupied with my breathing and keeping pace with my friend. She's quick! Around mile 2 (9:03 on my watch) I motioned for my friend to go ahead and she took off and ended up about 20 seconds ahead of me, and that was after she had to stop to tie her shoe! I finally saw the finish line and the clock and stepped it up to finish strong. I looked at my time as I crossed the finish line and was amazed to see 28:40. My quickest 5K yet! But I forgot to stop my watch right there...I didn't stop it till after we grabbed snacks and water and started back up the street. 29:52. But that's okay- the time at the finish line was the one I'd remember!

I was on cloud nine...until we got home and I saw my time posted. :( 29:45. How could that be? So right there, the race turned into a big disappointment...but in my mind, I still accomplished a PR.

As for the other things going on in my life- it's been busy! Logan is just absolutely amazing me with his abilities. He says SO many things now. Yesterday, he said "Bye-bye, da" so he's starting to string 2 words together. When I count one, two, three- Logan says the two and three right along with me! His new favorite book is Chicka, Chicka ABC and he gets an absolute kick out of the Boom, Boom part. ;) He's having fun with friends and playdates, and I'm getting more involved in a local group here in town so we'll have a summer full of fun, the park, the pool, walks, nature...and hopefully more family time with both mom AND dad. :)

my 2nd half.

South Shore Half Marathon, Milwaukee, WI
April 12, 2008

<---me, trying to keep it together in the last 1/2 mile!

(thanks for the pictures, Missy!)

So my 2nd half marathon has been completed. I was SO nervous about this race. Mostly because my training was really not up to speed to complete a half. But with my consistent running over the past 6 months, I wanted to give it a shot. So I did!

This race was in Milwaukee, WI and I started my journey at 4:55 am on Saturday, April 12. As usual, I set everything out the night before, except for my bib- as I was registering when I got to the race site. I poured myself a big travel mug of coffee, made sure I had an energy bar and a banana and plenty of water and I left. In the rain. It was drizzly/rainy the entire 1 1/2 hour drive up to the race site (I made great time) and I was really dreading the weather. I'd never run in rain before and I wasn't sure how my feet would handle soaking wet socks/shoes...but it turns out that the rain should have been the least of my worries!

I arrived at the race site in plenty of time...and scored a prime parking spot. I brought a lot of gear up but ended up wearing my "uniform": my UA capris, pink NikeFit longsleeve, fleece vest, beanie, gloves and visor (to keep the rain out of my face). I also put on an old windbreaker, but ended up leaving it in the car because it was too bulky. Looking back, I should have worn it. I headed into register and was totally inspired by all the energy of my fellow runners!! I waited for Missy (she'd told me she was shooting to be at the race site by 8:00a), stretched a little, pinned my bib on and just took in my surroundings.

Missy arrived and we chatted until race time. She's a sweetheart! We were off- and about a minute later Missy headed off into the pack...a few minutes later I looked behind me and I was in the very back of the pack. I started to feel a little overwhelmed and my confidence started shaking. Maybe I wasn't ready for a race of this distance!!! But too late- I wasn't turning back now. I drove 110 miles to run and I was going to RUN damn it! ;) That's when the girl running along next to me struck up a conversation about being in the back...she promised I wouldn't be last, and she also told me that the people running this race were pretty hard core seasoned runners...so I felt a little better. I found out my new friend's name was Melissa and she was also a great running buddy- why do the best running buddies have to live in Wisconsin! ;)

The first few miles were a breeze. The scenery was phenomenal. I couldn't believe I was running right next to the lake. Wow. My time was right on par as well. I pin-pointed a pace right around 10:35-10:40/mile and seemed to be hitting it very close to that the first few miles.

Then we entered the trails. And the puddles, or ponds, as Missy calls them. OMG. See, the reason I was so worried about running in the rain was how my feet would handle it. I've never run in all out rain. Drizzle, sure, but rain...nope. I was terrified of chafing, blisters and pain in my feet. Well, as soon as I saw the first lake, panic set in...and I ran around it. I thought it was the lesser of 2 evils, until my feet sank in the surrounding mud. Yuck. So after oh, the 5th puddle, I finally surrendered and ran through it. Soak city. OMG. But after a few minutes of squish, I didn't really notice my wet feet anymore. Mind over matter, I don't know...but I kept going.

Around mile 5, I started lagging a bit. I was still talking/running with Melissa but I had to stop talking once in awhile and concentrate on regulating my breathing. I cramped up a bit, but nothing bad at all...I could work through it. We were about 1/2 way through and were already seeing runners return back- it was an out and back route. I was still going pretty strong, despite a tiny bit of discomfort. Right before the 1/2 way point I saw Missy and we gave each other thumbs up. She makes it look so easy!!

So we finally head out of the trail portion of the race. No More Ponds!! And my feet were not bothering me at all as far as blistering was concerned so that was good news. However I did need to stop to re-tie my shoes. I guess the water loosened the laces which has never happened to me. We stopped at Margaritaville for a quick recharge (one of the aid stations was Jimmy Buffett themed- it was cute!) and then the last 4 miles happened.

All I remember about the last 4 miles of this race was the relentless wind, the frozen numb fingers and the absolute struggle to put one foot in front of the other. And Missy... ;) Melissa surged ahead after a hill so I was on my own. I had vowed to myself that I was NOT walking...under any circumstances...and just kept telling myself 3 more miles, 2 1/2 more miles...I did walk twice. For about 4 footfalls each time. And then I repeated my mantra...I can DO this...and I started running again. At mile 12, my time was only around 2:06...so I knew coming in under goal was possible , but I was really struggling at this point and I was having a hard time keeping it together. But And then in the distance, with about 1/2 mile left to go, there was Missy waving to me. She ran back in those awful conditions, to motivate me to keep going. And my goodness, was she a godsend. :) Finally, the finish line was in view and I crossed it, with a time of 2:19:05 (10:38/mile). I officially shaved 7 minutes, 4 seconds off my previous half. WooHoo!!

After the race I was out of it for a bit. I followed Missy and her husband into the pavilion and tried to thaw out and collect my thoughts before heading home. It was a tough run, but I did it! I don't know what I'd have done if Missy hadn't run me in. I'd probably still be out there. Ha Ha. :) This race taught me a lot. Runners have each other's back! Pay it Forward! I can run in the rain! I can RUN!

i've decided to go for it.

I will be running my 2nd half marathon on Saturday, April 12- this weekend!!!!!

I'm headed up to Milwaukee for this one, but it's going to be a great time all around, I'm sure. The only not-so-great thing about it will be the weather. It's supposed to be cold, rainy and possibly snowy. :(

Stay tuned for results!!!

shamrock shuffle race report- 2008.

My first Shamrock Shuffle has come and gone. I spent the better part of 12 weeks training for it, and my training definitely paid off in a faster time than I thought possible!

Matt and I prepared for the race the night before. We laid out all our gear: I wore my blue NikeFit long sleeve layered under my sleeveless black fleece vest, black UA capris, black UA skull cap with a headband beneath and black UA gloves. Matt had on his grey NikeFit long sleeve layered under a green cotton t-shirt and a black jacket, black NikeFit pants and black UA skull cap. I laced our chips onto our shoes. The plan was to wake up Logan, load him in the car still in PJs and be off by 6:45. Well, that didn't happen. We left about 7:00a to drop Logan off at Matt's parents' house. They were watching Logan, feeding him breakfast, and taking him to church!

We dropped Logan off at about 7:30, stopped at Dunkin Donuts for coffee and headed down to the city. I was nervous the entire drive...but I always get super nervous before a race, regardless of the distance. We made it to the race area in record time and parked in the Grant Park garage...and still had an hour to kill before race time. So we were able to take our time getting ready. The weather was cold and windy with a slight drizzle. Thank goodness the rain held off. We walked over to Grant Park and just had a nice time enjoying each other and people watching! There was a small group of people stretching...reminded me of a Richard Simmons workout...it was so funny. Right before we lined up, it started drizzling and I made a comment and a girl asked me if I wanted her extra poncho. No thank you. I'm soaked enough by the end of a race... a layer of plastic would have made it so much worse! Matt had made the decision to run with me. He doesn't run a 8K distance all that often, and since I'm a slower runner than he is, but more accomplished at the 8K distance, he thought it would be a good idea if I set the pace for us. Matt and I were in the open corral, behind the 11 minute pace marker and this was a mistake I made...more on that later.

So we're lined up. 10 minutes to race time...4 minutes to race time...Race time!!! And we're still not moving. It took about 25 minutes AFTER the race had started to move up to the start line. I guess that's the delay in such a huge race! The anticipation of it was crazy...and of course made me even more nervous! But the crowd finally started breaking up, I could see the start line...and we were off!!!

Mile 1- 10:22
The first mile was a TOTAL blur. It went by so fast...all of a sudden, we're turning left off of Columbus and there's the marker for mile 1! Matt spent the entire race at my side or behind me.

Mile 2- 9:39
Shaved almost a minute off that first mile and this is where my mistake of where we lined up became evident. My strategy for a race is that I start off slower and that way I can build my endurance to go faster as I progress through. Hence my decision to start at a pace of 11 minutes/mile. Well...I guess that should be my strategy for a longer distance...because people on the course REALLY started slowing me down. I came up to LOTS of walkers and runners who were going much slower than myself. I felt like I was playing a game of Frogger- weaving in and out of the pack, hopping up the curb to run on the sidewalk...poor Matt. He was having a super hard time keeping up with me...but he did it. He told me people were getting really ticked at me. And I knew it...but lesson learned. I will not start that far back next time!!

Mile 3- 9:14
Still felt fantastic. I could tell I was cruising for the most part, because I kept passing people up. My adrenaline must have been in high gear because I was feeling so great and not winded at all!

Mile 4 to finish- 17:29 (8:52 average)
I missed the mile 4 marker so I didn't press the lap button. Oops. The last mile was rough. I had to go to the bathroom. Bad. TMI- by the time we reached Roosevelt Rd. coming into the last blocks of the race, I'd lost a bit of bladder control. But that was minor compared to the fact that the finish line was visible! That gave me a blast of momentum and Matt and I crossed the finish line together!!! In the excitement of everything, I forgot to press the stop button on my watch, so we looked at Matt's- 46:42!!!! Not official...but a good idea of our finish time...which was well below my goal of 50 minutes! Not bad for my first 8K distance race!

My official results: 46:44
Overall finish: 10131/22575
Sex Place: 3896/12178
Division Place: 779/2442

Matt's official results: 46:44
Overall finish: 10133/22575
Sex Place: 6237/10397
Division Place: 1327/2190

Also, according to the Shamrock Shuffle website, we *may* have qualified for a corral start next year since our time was sub-9:30/mile!! Woo Hoo!

After the race, we stopped for a yummy big breakfast at a cafe in Matt's old neighborhood. THE.BEST.COFFEE.EVER. So good! We picked up Logan and relaxed the rest of the day.
What an awesome experience...till next year!

runnermom, etc.

Well, well. It's getting harder and harder to keep up with my blog here! I had every intention of updating often when I started it...now I'm lucky if I update once a week. So, in order to boost my updates, I'm going to start using this as a journal for everything that is going on...running, motherhood, cooking, reading, decorating...EVERYTHING! Might make it more interesting!

On the Logan front. I cannot believe how much he is growing, changing and learning! It's unreal. I always knew kids grew up fast, but I never really understood till now. He's been an explosion of new things lately. He talks all the time...I wish I could understand what he was saying half the time though. But now he's starting to say no...so I know what he doesn't want! He can point to many body parts, and make many animal sounds, and we've retired the high chair. He now sits at the table like a big boy in his booster seat and eats off a plate, most of the time with a fork! Sometimes his food gets dumped on the table, but I'm trying to teach him to leave it. I have got to say my patience level has risen exponentially since Logan arrived. That's one of the keys to my sanity!

Running has been going well! I'm sticking with my training program for the most part, averaging around 20 miles a week. Yesterday, I ran 7 miles. My right foot has been bugging me and I was in a little bit of pain the first 1/4 mile, but it disappeared after that and now it seems fine. Anyway my perseverance is starting to pay off...it took me 1 hour, 7 minutes and 15 seconds to run 7 miles. :faint: I can't believe I was that quick. I'm so proud of myself!! The Shamrock Shuffle is about 2.5 weeks away and Matt and I are so excited! It's going to be a blast.

I go through these stages where I read book after book after book, and then I'm stagnant for awhile. I saw the movie "Jane Austen's Book Club" last week and was inspired to start reading all Jane Austen novels. I'm on my first- Emma. It's really delightful...but as with any classic, it's taking me some time to get through. I watched the movie with Gwyneth Paltrow a few days ago and it's become one of my favorites. Also, I was at a bookstore that is going out of business last week and I picked up 2 books- House of Mirth by Edith Wharton and The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. So I will be re-reading that soon. One of my favorite books ever.

Matt and I are also starting to plan an overnight to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We are also planning a trip to Hayward, WI with his side of the family. Matt's been talking about going up to Hayward for ages, and it looks like it's finally becoming a possibility! Fun times. This summer is going to be so awesome, but as always, I'm sure it will fly by...

spring is coming.

Finally! This winter has been a killer and the end is in sight. This summer is going to be so awesome. Long walks, park playdates, sunshine, the pool...ahhhh. I can't wait to show it all to Logan. He'll have a blast, I'm sure!

According to my calendar, daylight savings time begins this weekend! I haven't heard anything about it, so I'm wondering if it's really true. Anyone know?

Speaking of walks, Matt, Logan and I will be walking in the March of Dimes March for Babies in Joliet on May 4. Logan and I did the walk last year, and since we are in a small way affected by this cause, our family is walking in honor of those families who aren't as fortunate. It's the least we can do.

And with spring around the corner, so is race season!!! The first race of the year is in about 3 weeks. Cannot wait. I'm also thinking of running a half marathon in April up in Milwaukee. We shall see.

took today off.

I was supposed to do an easy 3 miler today, but I decided to take today off. Not feeling it today...but I'll be right back on track tomorrow- I promise!

Yesterday was a 6 miler. I haven't run that distance since the summer- and man it felt great!! Best of all, I was able to keep up my pace throughout so I was super proud. YAY! I completed it in 58:25- around 9:45/mile. I tacked on an extra mile to my neighborhood route. So now I'm pretty confident that I can finish the shuffle at or under my goal of 50 minutes. The only thing is that my right leg has been bugging me. I can't put my finger on it, but I get a dull little twinge every so often in my shin. It didn't hurt at all yesterday- before, during or after my run, but it was bothering me a little today. I'm trying not to think about it...plus it's not bad, just more annoying, so I don't think it's anything to worry about.

new shoes, etc.

Well, last week I said goodbye to my old Brooks...and hello to my new Brooks!! Aren't they pretty?? They look just like my old ones, except they are purple. I tried a few other pairs...but figured if it ain't broke, why fix it?

So I was able to get outside for my run yesterday. It was so nice, after countless treadmill runs these past few weeks. The weather was iffy...but I managed to stay dry. I completed my 5 miler in 49:00 even. And my new shoes worked perfectly!

Logan's been having a rough time cutting his bottom cuspids. He was Mr. Crankypants for 2 days straight! Yesterday, he got his first boo-boo...he fell down and put his tooth through his lip. So he has a fat lip today, but the swelling has gone way down. Poor little guy! He's feeling much better- he's in pretty good spirits today!

rip my brooks.

The day has come for me to retire my Brooks Trance running shoes. :( I will miss them. I have made so many memories in these shoes and they treated me very well. But the top of my right foot has been hurting me during my past few runs so I know the shock isn't being absorbed anymore. I did today's run in my old NBs and no foot pain. So my suspicions were confirmed. Au revoir, my dear Brooks. You'll be missed.

In Logan news...the boy has been learning SO many new things!!! I'm so proud of him. He started saying "girl" a few days ago. We call our dog Cami-girl sometimes and I guess he picked up on the girl part so now he walks around saying it. Yesterday, Matt was watching Daytona qualifying and Logan picked up another word...yep, you guessed it. Car. Big surprise there...insert sarcasm. I'm surprised car wasn't his first word! I'm trying to teach him more...but it's looking like one word at a time is the way it's going. I was reading about milestones during the 17th month, and he should be able to stack two blocks. I think he can do this too, because he can stack 2 jumbo legos together also. My baby is getting so big...I can't believe it!!

hello, motivation? where are you hiding?

OMG...has this week been rough so far. My motivation is hitting rock bottom...I have to talk myself into doing my runs the past few days. :( I do not like that at all.

I missed a workout on Sunday due to preparation for the Super Bowl. I felt so guilty about it. I really need to work on forgiving myself, as a wise person told me. I've come to believe guilt is a manipulative emotion...and one that I need to free myself of. I'd be so much happier, I think. :)

Today is voting day! Logan is napping now, and as soon as we've had some lunch, we're heading out to the polls! I'm excited!

m-o-o-n -- that spells...

One of Logan's favorite bedtime books is Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton. Every time I read it to him (at least 5x per week), I point out specific things in the book...certain colors, shapes, etc. On the first page in the book, there is a picture of a moon, so I always ask Logan, "Where's the moon?" and I point to it. Last night, for the first time, when I asked him where the moon was...he pointed right to it. :) All by himself. :) So then, just to be sure, I read him another book that had a picture of a moon in it. I asked him again where the moon was...and he pointed to it again!! I'm such a proud mommy! 1 word down...a trillion to go. ;)

Massive snow storm last night...so it looks like I'll be doing my runs on the treadmill for awhile. Though it was snowy out all day yesterday and I saw a group of boys (probably one of the high school teams) running. How they managed to keep their footing I don't know.

So, I had a boring run on the treadmill again today. The more I run on it, the more I detest it. I SO much prefer running outside. I never thought I would say that! Oh, and I think it's about time to change my running shoes. There seems to be many opinions on how many miles you should have on running shoes until you change. Most opinions fall right around 300-400 miles...at least on active.com. There are close to 400 miles on my Brooks. I can tell they are starting to wear...not as much spring as there used to be. I will miss them, I've had them since July, and I have many memories with these shoes. Maybe I'll start a collection. :)

starting week 4.

Yesterday was a great day! The weather FINALLY warmed up enough for me to run outside. I was at Target on Saturday and they had some winter workout clothes on super sale...so I picked up a moisture wicking fleece top and a cute fleece zip up vest ($16 for both items!). I also plotted out a 5 mile route in my neighborhood. I drove it today after Logan's tumble class just to make sure it was 5 miles...it's actually 5.4 miles. Anyway- back to yesterday's run...it was great. And I was SO happy with my time- just over 54 minutes. I converted what would have been an 8K (4.97 miles) and multiplied that by my average pace time per mile (9:57) and it came to a sub 50:00 (my goal for the Shuffle)!!! I can't believe I kept up that pace for over 5 miles...at this rate, I'll have no problem finishing the Shuffle at my goal time.

It was a good thing I did a 5 miler yesterday, as we went for dinner with Matt's brothers and their wives to Cheesecake Factory. We had such a good time! Logan stayed behind and hung out with his big cousins. He LOVES spending time with his cousins. :)

As for week 4 of training, I'm repeating week 2 of the intermediate program. I repeated week 1 and I'm repeating week 2...so I should be in good form with a decent base from here on out. Today was a rough 3 miles on the treadmill. For some goofy reason, my Monday runs are always rough. Probably because I'm still trying to recover from my long runs on Sunday. Hal, I love you and hate you at the same time. ;)

nothing new.

Since the weather has been so cold this past week, all my runs have taken place on the treadmill. So not much new to report there. Yesterday I took advantage of a free workout (running and weights) at the park district and put Logan in the daycare center there for about an hour. He did pretty good- had one crying spurt, but that was all. I tested out some of the weight machines and did all arms. I enjoyed myself! And the facilities are pretty nice, so I may register for Pilates sometime very soon.

Today was speedwork. I was supposed to head to the local 400 meter track. Um, not happening in 10 degree temperatures. My lungs would implode I'm sure. So I tried to recreate the program on my treadmill and ended up with the following:

1 mile warmup at 5.3 (11:19 pace)
400 meters at 6.0 (10:00 pace)
400 meter recovery at 5.3 (11:19 pace)
400 meters at 6.1 (9:50 pace)
400 meter recovery at 5.3 (11:19 pace)
400 meters at 6.2 (9:40 pace)
400 meter recovery at 5.3 (11:19 pace)
400 meters at 6.3 (9:31 pace)
400 meter recovery at 5.4 (11:06 pace)
400 meters at 6.4 (9:22 pace)
400 meter recovery at 5.5 (10:54 pace)
400 meters at 6.5 (9:13 pace)
400 meter recovery at 5.5 (10:54 pace)
.75 mile cooldown at 5.5 (10:54 pace)

I was happy with this...by the end of the workout the 5.5 pace was pretty easy. Next time I'll have to challenge myself a bit more. Well...that's it in a nutshell. Off to spend the rest of my day with my family. :)

cutest thing ever.

Okay, so this is the 2nd cutest thing ever. I wrote a few days ago about Logan saying "Tickle, tickle", right? Well, ever since Logan was a teeny tiny baby, we always got him to laugh by smelling his feet and making funny faces and saying he had stinky feet...whether they were stinky or not. We do this mostly when we're dressing him, or changing his diaper.

So we're hanging out in the living room last night after dinner and Matt took Logan's shoes off. Then Logan grabs one of his shoes, puts it up to his face and smells the inside! :) Makes a funny face (he can't say stinky yet) and does it again, and again. It was WAY too cute. I tried to get a video of it, but I only got the tail end and not the cute part. He's so funny- he so hams it up just like his daddy!

I did my run today again. With this new program I'm running 5x/week. WOW- that's a lot of running! 3 miles on the treadmill again today- 16 miles total for this week so far, and it was snowing this morning, a little accumulation. I listened to Lindsay's No Comment song 3x. Makes me smile and makes me proud every time I hear it! ;)

my good deed for the day.

Today's run started off interesting! Wednesdays are my 30 minute tempo runs. I started out on the same route as last week. I got about a block away from my house and I hear this dog barking at me. I look...and it's just standing there, barking at me, no leash, no owner...nothing. So I keep running, and realize the pup is following me. I really didn't want to give up my momentum, but I didn't want the dog to get hurt or lost following me, so I stopped my watch and gingerly walked to the dog to check it's tags. The pup let me pick it up (it's name is Tobby) and carry it the 2 blocks to it's home. I have no idea if the dog was a boy or girl. So anyway, I dropped off the pup and resumed my run.

It was windy today, but the temps weren't too bad. The weather is going to get super cold this weekend, so it's looking like today was my last chance for an outside run. I picked up a new pair of running long pants at Target (in petite length, can you believe it?) and they worked very nicely. I tend to sweat a lot and I love moisture wicking pants because you can't see the sweat. :) I altered my route a little bit and ended up at 3.25 miles in 31:30- still under a 9:45 pace...I'm happy with that!!

Training this week is really going well. I'm getting to the point where I'm actually looking forward to my runs. Hoping that continues.

figured it out.

I was wondering why my pace during my tempo run last week was so much faster than my run on Sunday. Duh. The route on Sunday is SO hilly...so I slow down with the hills. The route for the tempo run is pretty flat so I'm faster. I really need to work on my speed with inclines. That will be a goal of mine.

Today's run- 3 miles on the treadmill with Teletubbies on in the background. What joy. Off to get ready for my day!

Oh! And TOTALLY off topic...I went shopping yesterday and scored 2 cashmere v-neck sweaters for my husband for dirt cheap. I love when that happens. :)

repeating week 1.

Since I have 11 weeks till race day and the training program is only 8 weeks, I decided that this week will be a repeat of week 1. Today was a BORING 3 mile run on the treadmill (but I listened to my new playlist so that was fun) followed by 15 minutes of strength training. Wow- do I dislike free weights. Ugh. I wouldn't ordinarily mind them too much, but my husband trains with much more weight than I do, and we have the weights where you add/remove the heavy discs...ugh. This is the main reason I don't do more with weights. I guess picking up and putting down Logan works to an extent...but if I want to strengthen my upper body, I'm going to start weight training 1 or 2 times a week. Ooooh...light bulb moment! I have a few Pilates DVDs and space in the basement to do them! Maybe with Friday's strengthening workout I'll pop one of those in. Great idea!

On the Logan-front- he did the CUTEST thing yesterday. We were visiting my husband's brother and his family...the boys spent the afternoon watching football and I had some girl talk with my sister-in-law. Anyway, my SIL started tickling Logan while saying "tickle, tickle" and Logan started mimicking her! He starts saying "tickle, tickle, tickle" and sticks out his tongue and makes this little noise...SO CUTE! Man...he is just blowing me away with the things he can do these days. I'm such a proud mom. :)

Also- I'm looking into planning a small getaway weekend with my sisters. I did some research and am possibly interested in running the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in Nashville on April 26. Nothing is set in stone yet, but if I can make this happen...how fun!! A weekend of running and partying...what better way to spend a spring weekend! Stay tuned...

training- week 1 complete.

1 week down...11 to go! I missed the Monday run, but will resume Monday runs tomorrow.

Week 1 was a success all in all. Ran my first tempo run...did 2 runs outside in 30 degree temps. That in itself is an accomplishment for me! I don't mind running in the cold! Today my fingers felt like they were going to freeze off, but I didn't mind it because it kept my mind off the distance. I did 4 miles today. I ran on the street and I totally felt like a pain in the butt how all the cars were swerving around me. But I'm much more comfortable on the asphalt than sidewalk. I do have one traffic light each mile that I got stuck at twice which was a bit annoying, and I had to toss my water because I got tired of holding it for 1+ miles. (score for me though because I tossed it in a trash can!)

I updated my playlist a bit...so now I'm jamming to some new music. My favorite is a song my little sister Lindsay's college a cappella group performed and recorded last spring and she's on lead vocals! It's a version of Dixie Chicks "I Can Love You Better". Lindsay sounds amazing...

In other news...Logan is walking more and more- and his new favorite word is "no". No. No. No. (insert eyeroll). :)

training- week 1 in progress.

I :heart: tempo runs.

Wednesday was my very first attempt at a tempo run and I impressed myself. To begin with, the weather was in the high 30s. The plan was 30 minutes of running, so I set my watch and was off. I wasn't sure about my performance with weather that cool (I'm NOT a cold weather runner), but as I started out, my lungs seemed to be handling the cold pretty well. I regulated my breathing as I always do, and tried warming up my nose, which was the coldest part of my body. I felt awesome. I'm becoming more and more of an outside runner, that's for sure. I looped around my neighborhood and was enjoying my surroundings...and I guess I didn't realize how fast I was running.

I recorded my time and figured out the length of the route- 3.2 miles!!! That's around a 9:20 minute mile!!! That is SUPER quick for me. I'm most comfortable at a 10:40-11 minute pace...but I guess my training is starting to pay off in faster pace times! Awesome.

Today was an easy run. 3 miles on the treadmill. Boring. I need to update my iPod playlist sometime soon!

epiphany.

<---Our Family

Since my blog title is runnermom, I guess I can blog about being a runner and being a mom!

I have a 15 month old son, Logan. To say he is a good baby is an understatement. He is the best child ever! I'm biased because I'm his mom, but seriously, he's amazing. He's got dark blond hair that is in bad need of a first "real" haircut, blue eyes, and the most expressive eyebrows you've ever seen. He has a perfect little profile and a little cleft in his chin, compliments of his daddy. Logan is growing up so fast. I was putting him to bed last night and telling him how I remember how his body used to fit in my arms...not anymore. He also just started walking- a little late, but that's okay! His little thigh and arm muscles are pretty buff from crawling so much so long! And he's starting to say a few words now too. His favorite word being, of course, Da. :) Not to mention his personality is just like his daddy's too. He's becoming quite the character!!

training begins.

Well, today marks the first day of training for the Shamrock Shuffle. I'm following Hal Higdon's Intermediate 8K training program. Since Hal helped me train for the half, I'm thinking if it ain't broke...don't fix it!

As far as goals for this race...I would like to finish in 50 minutes. That's kind of ambitious for me...but I'll try my best!

My run today took place on my treadmill. It felt great- for the most part. Today I wasn't looking forward to my run for some reason...it will be better tomorrow when I can get outside!

catching up to the present.

After my "spectacular" performance at the half marathon...my allergies started seriously acting up. My head was congested and aching, I was coughing, my throat was sore and it continued for a few weeks. I can't run sick, so I took some time off and only ran on days I was feeling decent. Thank goodness this decided to wait till after the race though! I felt so guilty for not running, but I didn't want to push myself. I found that running on a non-regular basis is kind of like riding a bike- my body for the most part was able to get right back into running 4 miles...albeit slow.

Soon, the new I-355 extension was due to open up and I found out there was going to be a 5K on the new1.25 mile DesPlaines River Valley bridge on November 11. So I registered, and my husband did too, and one of my best friends Eunice was going to run it with us. I didn't train for this race, but I did want to try to accomplish a PR. I found out when we arrived at the race that it was not timed, so a PR wasn't happening...but it was a super cool experience. In December, I began to round up some girls to run the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chicago on March 30! I'd heard it was a fun race, so I registered on January 1.

race day.

<--- Me! Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon

Race day finally arrived. My husband came with me to cheer me on...he had been incredibly supportive of my training even though it took up a lot of time. He gave me an iPod shuffle for race day to show his pride in me.

We left the house while it was still dark outside...around 5:00am. We got to the starting line in plenty of time. I was in the way back with all the slower runners. I have found I run most efficiently when I start out slow and gain speed as my endurance builds up. I did make one mistake and forgot to wear my husband's timing watch, so I had to depend on the clocks along the course to keep tabs on my time. I had 2 goals for this race:

1- To run the ENTIRE race.
2- To finish in under 2:30.

The first 4 miles passed with ease. I felt great...like I could run forever! I saw my husband right around mile 5...that gave me a boost! The weather was perfect. Sunny and comfortable...not too warm, not too cold. I met a few runners along the way and chatted a bit, reveling in the experience. I was also on the lookout for my friend Betty, who told me she would be heading to the course to cheer me on. My cousin Karyn and her 2 girls were also in the group of onlookers, but I didn't see them. By mile 9 I was starting to question my decision about running 13.1 miles. I was starting to lag a bit, but I was determined to keep going. I was NO quitter. After every refueling station, I willed my legs to propel me forward. I had brought a few gels with me, and I tried gulping them down at several intervals during the race. They made me gag. Not the energy source for me!

When I saw the clock for mile 11, that was the motivation I needed to push myself harder and faster. I was coming into the last 2 miles of the race and I was going to finish strong no matter what. My adrenaline kicked into high gear and my legs were gliding over the pavement with virtually no effort at all. All of a sudden, the crowd became more dense and the cheering became louder...I was almost at the end! I looked to my left and saw Betty and her husband Brian and yelled thanks to them for coming out to support me. Seeing them gave me an extra jolt...and then a minute later I saw my amazing husband to my right with a huge smile on his face. The finish line was close now, just a few more steps...and I crossed it with a chip time of 2 hours, 26 minute and 9 seconds! I accomplished BOTH goals for my first half marathon! A wave of pride and accomplishment engulfed me as I disposed my chip in the bucket, grabbed a water bottle and went in search of my husband. A short while later, the adrenaline wore off and my legs felt like jello beneath me, but nothing could damper my spirits- I was a half marathoner.

me, the unlikely runner.

I started registering for races in the spring, and ran my first 5K, Cinco de Mayo 5K, in May, 2007, in just over 30 minutes at a pace of just under 10 minutes per mile. My finish time got me thinking that maybe I'm not the slowest runner in the world after all...and it also peaked my interest for a distance race. My cousins Amy and Jessica had just completed a half marathon in Portland, OR...so they definitely had a hand in providing the motivation for me to give it a shot. I took the plunge a few days after my first 5K and registered for the Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon in September, 2007.

I began my 18 week training program in May, 2007. I used a modified version of Hal Higdon's novice half marathon training program. At first, looking at my training schedule was incredibly overwhelming. I'd only run 4 miles tops at any point during my running "career". How would I finish 13.1 miles? But I was determined and every week after I completed my long run, I felt a mix of satisfaction that I'd finished that weeks run, and dread for the next weeks.

My discipline during my training surprised even me. I completed my runs faithfully, even while on vacation in Florida at the end of May. The only runs I missed were when I was in Denver, CO for a family function- I was nervous to run in the altitude, and one week when I was sick. I was nervous about missing my runs, but it worked out in the end and I had no problems tacking on that extra mile every 2 weeks. One extremely hot Sunday, I was irresponsible and left my water at the beginning of my course- I ran without water for 4 miles. I started feeling faint and had to give up at 5. I never made that mistake again.

In July, my husband and I ran the Viking Sunset 5K in Geneva, IL. It was a gorgeous Wednesday evening and we both accomplished PRs. I shaved over a minute off my time from my first 5K, and my husband finished in just over 26 minutes. WOW!

Meanwhile, I was slowly accumulating the miles during my training. I remember being so afraid that I would injure myself...and the worst that happened was slight pain behind my right knee when I ran on an incline. But as I became used to running 6, 7, 8 miles at one time, the pain eventually lessened then disappeared.

Finally the day for my 10 mile training run arrived. My son had spent the night at my parents' house (a trial run for race day the next week) and I ran my 10 miler along a trail near their house. I completed the run in 1:48...with virtually no discomfort at all! That sealed my confidence that I could definitely complete the half marathon successfully.

on again, off again.

I've had an on again, off again relationship with running from the beginning. I credit my 25 pound weight loss before my wedding to running, but as soon as the honeymoon was over, I slowly eased back into my old habits of laziness and regained that weight and then some. Even though I loved running and the way it made me feel, it wasn't enough to get me running on a regular basis. Summer of 2004 found me again very unhappy with my weight and my lifestyle habits, so in the winter of 2005, I decided to do something about it. I joined a weight loss competition at work, and for good measure, also participated in a fitness challenge at my local gym at the time. I figured the double motivation wasn't going to hurt! When I started, I weighed 150, which doesn't sound like much, but on my 5 foot frame, it was WAY too much.

So I started running again. Mostly treadmill running, but also enjoyed runs along a trail in my town. I also started tracking my caloric intake and I lifted weights. By April, 2005 I had dropped 30 pounds and was in the best shape of my life! I amazed myself by placing second in the weight loss competition at work (out of men AND women) and by placing first in my age group in the fitness challenge at the gym. That gave me the best boost in confidence and motivation ever!

I was able to keep the weight off and continued running until I found out I was pregnant in February, 2006. Running during my pregnancy was not an option for me, so I temporarily (but grudgingly) gave it up . My awesome baby boy was born in September, 2006 and after his birth, I became a stay at home mom. In January, my husband (who is a recreational runner) and I discontinued our gym memberships and purchased a treadmill so we could run at home, and I could run during my son's naptimes. I started running again regularly in February, 2007 and this time, running would become part of my lifestyle.

my history.

My love for running began about 5 years ago, in February, 2003. I was being married in June, 2003 and had vowed to lose 25 pounds for it. Of course, being the procrastinator that I am, I put off dieting and exercise until the very last minute. I started out on the elliptical machine and liked it, but it didn't seem to be the workout I was looking for. So I used the elliptical to warm up, and then I started jogging on the treadmill. When I started out, I was winded before I completed the first block. But I was able to slowly build up to jogging for 25 minutes (this was before I'd heard about the Couch to 5K program) straight...about 2 miles. Before I knew it, I was running 2-3 miles 5-6 times a week, and the extra weight started melting off. My obsession began and soon, I was running for many reasons besides weight loss.