run #59

How much: 2
How long: 21:48 (pace 10:54)
Where: neighborhood
When: 6:10am/68 degrees & 86% humidity (ugh!)
May miles: 21.41
Total 2014 miles: 199.63

Where have I been, you ask? Surely I forgot to post my long run? Nope. Missed it due to lack of sleep over the week, which was due to crazy work deadlines, followed by weekend cookie deadlines.

Anyway, today's run was one part run, one part storm damange survey. One large branch missed my car by a few feet. A tree was blocking the cross street just north of me. The wind was so fast and furious and whipping through the alley like a wind tunnel last night. Of course, every trash bin (filled bc it's garbage day) was strewn about the alley this morning.

Pretty amazing, that Mother Nature. (I shoulda took a pic of the tree blocking the street.)

run #58

How much: 2
How long: 23:03 (pace 11:32)
Where: neighborhood
When: 6:00pm/89degrees
May miles: 19.41
Total 2014 miles: 197.63

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday evening 1.5 hrs before I ran (left), and today as I set foot out the door (right.)




I guess I should be pleased with my pace since I stopped to walk a few times. It's just my first hot run, so I'll give myself some time to regulate and slow down my running when it's hotter (but do so without walking.)

Meh.


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run #57

How much: 2
How long: 21:31 (pace 10:46)
Where: neighborhood
When: 7:30pm/53 degrees
May miles: 17.41
Total 2014 miles: 195.63

Took every ounce of will to get consecutive midweek run #2 of 3 on today, been up since 4am-ish working.

Everything hurt for the first 1/4 miles and then it was ok. Refused to look at my pace, decided to "feel it out," and ended up with my fastest pace this year (I think.) Well fancy that. It's just 2 miles, but I'm still happy.

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run #56

How much: 2
How long: 22:03 (pace 11:02)
Where: neighborhood
When: this afternoon/50 degrees
May miles: 15.41
Total 2014 miles: 193.63

For me, my most important run of the week is the first one...or rather, the one AFTER my long run. If I'm still a little sore, it's easy to put it off. So getting out there the 2nd day after my long run sets a good tone for me. A teeny weeny tiny bit, barely discernible bit sore? Wah wah wah, go run. You'll be better for it.

And it's time to get more miles in...3 midweek runs and a long run on the weekend. By June, all/most midweek runs should be at least 3 miles, at which point I'll follow one of Hal Higdon's marathon training plans, or some hybrid version...because when have you ever known me to keep things simple?

Time to do it.


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run #55

How much: 7
How long: 1:23:15 (pace 11:54)
Where: en mi barrio
When: 6:30ish (am)
May miles: 13.41
Total 2014 miles: 191.63

Ran close to home since girls are home but managed to run on the street (asphalt) versus sidewalks (concrete) for most of my run. (Only doable on an early Sunday morning in Chicago...in my opinion.)

Felt pretty good. Stopped for water 3 times at my car where I strategically stashed it--at 2.4mi/3.6mi/6mi. Did a bit of walking about 2/3 in bit nothing for more than a short block at a time. I reminded myself before and during my run of what two greats have advised: BB said about my upcoming 7 miler "you've done it before, you'll do it again." And to prevent the thought of bailing out early because I couldn't keep up with the pace I wanted, Hal Higdon advises in his marathon training tips that "it's most important to cover the distance." Cover the distance.

If I cheat on distance now, it'll show up later.

Garmin reported as follows:
Mile 1 11:37
Mile 2 11:42
Mile 3 11:45
Mile 4 11:52
Mile 5 12:11
Mile 6 12:25
Mile 7 11:41

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run #54

How much: 2
How long: 23:53
Where: LA Fitness/north Broadway
When: 5:45pm-ish
May miles: 6.41
Total 2014 miles: 184.63

Ran a quick 2 miles after my legs + shoulders workout. Even though it's only 2 miles, the rare consecutive-day run (this season) has me excited at the snippets of "old me" starting to appear--simply by putting one foot in front of the other.

I'll be stretching lots tonight and tomorrow...have to. My glutes/and extreme lower back are hurting on the right side. I'm guessing it has something to do with walking a trillion hills in Atlanta this past week. (Where I was for my conference. Did I ever say where I went? I think I did. I'm getting forgetful.)

Anyway. This is a long blog post for such a short run.


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run/walk #53

How much: 4.41
How long: 1:00:00 (ran 3mi at 36:00)
Where: LA Fitness/north Broadway
When: 5:20pm
May miles: 4.41
Total 2014 miles: 182.63

Haven't run since last Friday! 6 days! I'd planned to run while out of town at my conference, but it didn't happen. That's ok, it was nice to kinda chill. All I did was conference stuff and hang with BB for a very nice change of pace.

Anyway, back at it. Ran 3 miles at 36:00 (just a simple 5mph) and felt fine until about 2.25mi, then talked myself thru the rest of the run. Then I walked until I hit an hour on the treadmill.

I suppose I could have run outside in the misty rainy 45 degree weather, but because it's May 1st it just seems like unreasonable weather.

Will hit the weights tomorrow morning.


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run/walk #52

How much: 4
How long: 50:01 (pace 12:30)
Where: lakefront at Montrose heading south
When: 1pm
April miles: 50.5
Total 2014 miles: 178.22

Weird how you re-learn running lessons you once learned but forgot about. Like the one about over-dressing: you should be cool (maybe even chilly) if you're not running, because once you start running you'll heat up real quick. With temps in the mid- to upper 50's at the lakefront, my long sleeves were too much. Despite rolling up my sleeves, that and my pants had me envious of better dressed runners.

First two miles were fine, then got tired/hot/thirsty/annoyed when I realized not every water fountain was on. Switched to a run/walk.

Whatevs, Chicago Park District. Whatevs. Turn them shits on!!!

Anyway... Haven't been south much on the path this year so far, so I hadn't yet seen the Belmont tunnel where the path splits off.







Brought to you by "Hug Chicago," some semi pro baseball team that plays in a really old ballpark, and Alderman Tom Tunney.



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walk #51

How much: 3
How long: 45:26 (brisk walk)
Where: LA Fitness/south loop
When: 7pm
April miles: 46.5
Total 2014 miles: 174.22

Did back + bi workout, then walked 3miles, THEN did a tabata all by my lonesome. No BB next to me pushing himself so hard that it makes ME push myself so hard.

Tabata:
4 minutes total;
20 second giving it everything you got;
10 seconds rest

Alternated my 20 seconds between going super fast on the bike to push-ups.



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run #50

How much: 2.5
How long: 27:42 (pace: 11:05)
Where: neighborhood
When: 6:15am; 33 degrees
April miles: 43.5
Total 2014 miles: 171.22

After work I was so tired yesterday that I didn't make it to the gym. Fel asleep earlier than usual--same time as the girls, woke up and talked to BB for a bit, woke up a bit around 2, and must have hit the snooze on the alarm I set for the gym. At 6 it was then too late for the gym, but not too late for a neighborhood run. But 33 in my neighborhood?! Ugh!

Whatever, threw a hoodie on and did it anyway.

Will hit the gym for strength training. It's easier to get out the door when it's just one thing to do (weights OR cardio.)

Have a great day, and may warmer temps be yours.



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run/walk #40

How much: 5 (ran 2.5)
How long: 1:09:15 (2.5 mi at 30:00/12:00 pace)
Where: LA Fitness - Broadway
When: 1pm-ish
April miles: 9
Total 2014 miles: 136.72

Spent most of the time listening to "angry" songs


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Run/Walk #39

How much: 4 (ran 2.5)
How long: 54:21 (2.5 mi at 30:00/12:00 pace)
Where: LA Fitness - Evanston
When: 5pm-ish
April miles: 4
Total 2014 miles: 131.72

Was planning on running 2 miles and aimed to do it straight (no walk breaks.) was fired up after a not-so-hot day and did 2.5 fairly easily. My confidence is building and my legs are feeling stronger.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT WHEN I PICKED THE GIRLS UP FROM "KIDS KLUB," MY OLDEST SAID THAT EVEN THOUGH I WORK OUT, SHE DOESN'T SEE ANY DIFFERENCE IN HOW I LOOK.

That made me feel pretty damn terrible. I stewed the whole way home, tears in my eyes.

I sorta think I'm done taking them to the gym anyway. I only went tonight because I slept poorly last night and didn't go early this morning...and didn't want to fight the crowds at the nearby gym in the evening, since it's much smaller.

Um anyway....happy with my run today. I'll do a March recap, but my April goal is to now increase my running miles, since most of my March miles were walking.

Anyway....carry on, friends!


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Run/Walk #38

How much: 4.8 (ran 3)
How long: 1:06:27 (3mi run= 36:27; pace 12:09)
Where: home to lakefront and back
When: 5pm
March miles: 65.47
Total 2014 miles: 127.72

Walked an easy-paced warmup from home to Sheridan Rd (.9 miles) then started my run, making my way over to the lakefront path, down past Foster, turning around when my Garmin read about 1.55 miles into the RUN portion of my trip, returned back and stopped at 3 miles. During the run, I walked for 3 short stints (.10; .10; and .07). Having a little trouble adjusting breathing back to outdoor running, but experience tells me that will come soon. I walked back home but made a quick pitstop for a chocolate milk from Walgreens.

During my cooldown I reminded myself that in a few months, 3 months will be a breeze...my warmup, not my longest run in months. Not discouraged at all, in fact quite the opposite. ENcouraged.

#iceknees
#stretch
#chill

What a month this has been!


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Run #37

How much: 2
How long: 23:04 est. (11:32 pace)
Where: outside in Champaign, IL
When: 5:30
March miles: 60.67
Total 2014 miles: 122.92

Did a quick outdoor run, phone went dead. I guess my battery was low, but when I run my "sportracker" app for running (GPS) and music, my battery is like see ya later and goodnight! So I estimated that pace based on where I was at 1.6 miles when it all went black.

Felt fine, though chilly. May run again tomorrow when instead of fall weather running, it's supposed to be more like spring! Hooray!


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Run/walk #36

How much: 4 (ran 2.5)
How long: 54:17 (pace 13:34)
Where: LA Fitness/Broadway
When: 6:30
March miles: 58.67
Total 2014 miles: 120.92

Didn't have the girls this morning (they're with their dad) so I slept in until 5:30--GLORIOUS!!! Made my way in the rain to the gym and did a chest+tri workout.

On the treadmill I did the following:
Ran 1; walked .5; ran .5 (repeat 2 more times for a total of 4 miles and having run 2.5 while walking 1.5.

Stretched like a mother who didn't have kids to get ready and out the door this morning. At least 5 minutes, which is gold star status for me. Might ice my knees tonight. And catch some Zzzzzzzzzzzzz's.

Feeling so sleepy now.

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Walk #35

How much: 4 (straight walk)
How long: 1:02:37
Where: LA Fitness/Broadway
When: 5:30am
March miles: 54.67
Total 2014 miles: 116.92

Just a straight walk today after my back+bi workout. My legs are finally getting used to the increased miles. Now if I can get used to that 4:44 alarm. Well...it's not that which bothers me, but rather the midday "I need a nap" moments.


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Run/Walk #34

How much: 4 (ran 2)
How long: 56:58 (24:00 running)
Where: LA Fitness/Broadway
When: 5:40am
March miles: 50.67
Total 2014 miles: 112.92

Whew...tough waking up this morning. Somehow it was suddenly 5:10 by the time I got to the gym. I did my legs+shoulders, and then hit the treadmill. Was feeling just ok. Just tired or whatever. Ran the first mile, walked the 2nd. Then ran 1/2/walked 1/2, repeat, for a total of 2 miles run and 2 walked.

That'll work.

More stretching tonight. My right thigh was cramping up when I went to the bathroom earlier, sheesh.


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Walk #33

How much: 5.67
How long: 1:27:33
Where: LA Fitness/Broadway
When: 9am
March miles: 46.67
Total 2014 miles: 108.92

The plan was to briskly walk another 4 miles today. After I got done with my 3rd and final strength training session of the week (chest + tri), I hopped on. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts but as usual, a 2nd dialogue was taking place too.

I was a bit annoyed bc the scale hasn't moved all week, so I was feeling mad. Why bother? It's not gonna make a difference. Just quit. You've done enough this week.

So when I hit the 4 miles and noticed there was another 30 minutes to go on the podcast (giver or take a few) I answered those voices in my head with a "keep going."

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Run/Walk #32

How much: 4.0
How long: 52:39 (ran2.5/walk1/ran.5)
Where: LA Fitness/Broadway
When: midday, noon-ish
March miles: 41
Total 2014 miles: 103.25

So I guess a day off from the gym was just what the doctor ordered. After a back+bi workout, I hopped on the treadmill and decided to run first. I figured I'd do a mile, then walk one, and maybe if I felt ok, go for more. But my legs felt great! At 1 mile I shrugged and kept going. At 2 I said "I got more in me." At 2.5 I walked, and then after a mile of walking, I ran the last 1/2 mile. I resisted the urge to go a little faster. Nope. Just a simple 5mph/12 min per mile pace is fine for now. I've not really done much running, so this was A-ok.

I love redeeming runs like this. I came home and iced both my knees just to be safe. Stretched a little bit, and will stretch more tonight, and we'll see what tomorrow holds.

I started to think that maybe i should do the Shamrock Shuffle next week (8k.) But nah.


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Walk/Run #31

How much: 4.0
How long: 1:04:24
Where: LA Fitness/Broadway
When: 3pm-ish
March miles: 37
Total 2014 miles: 99.25

It was my full intention to walk a mile, run one, and then maybe repeat that. But on extremely tired legs after not sleeping well, I walked a brisk mile and then when I started running, I instantly felt off. My feet felt numb, and then there was pain in my shins. I stopped to stretch-no good. Stopped again. Nothin-doing! So after running only .34mi in a lot of pain, I decided to walk again.

Only the damage was done. Pain seemed to radiate from the front/center of my shins. Eventually it subsided and I was able to manage 4 miles. I think tomorrow I might take it easy.

I've fallen asleep several times while writing this boring blog post.

Goodnight.


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