>I surprised myself today when I realized I didn't have to run for an hour after work and I was feeling both relieved and disappointed.Marathon training is no joke. It takes a lot of time, a lot of physical and mental stamina, and you're tired pretty much the whole time, if you're doing it right. Now … Continue reading >A [little] sigh of relief
Category: running
>PR.. was I supposed to do that?
>I ran Race for the Cure 5K this morning here in town.. it's always nice to not have to drive miles and miles for a race. I was up at 4:15, a very normal time to get up when we have a 20-miler in front of us. I dozed until about 5:45 and then called … Continue reading >PR.. was I supposed to do that?
>Clear-minded goals
>So, before the marathon, I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep training and racing marathons, or just have this be a one-time thing and become a more casual runner.Let's just say that the thought of never running another marathon again is just craziness! Like I said, all throughout the race I never thought, Oh, … Continue reading >Clear-minded goals
>Race report and reflection: ILLINOIS MARATHON 2011
>Let me start you off with some stats:Location: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois; only my favorite place in this state!Weather: started out at 50* and windy, topped out around 75* and still windyChip time: 4:53:02Goal time: 5:00:00Average pace: 11:11Water consumed: well over 64 ozGels consumed: at least 6Celebrities spotted: Abraham Lincoln (guess they had Asics back in the day.. … Continue reading >Race report and reflection: ILLINOIS MARATHON 2011
>Marathon Training: Week 17: One week! and aspirations
>I'm updating from my mom's computer at their permanent campsite in Galesburg. When we first started camping years and years ago, we had a tent. Then we had a small pop-up. Then we had a bigger pop-up. Then we got a trailer. Then we got a toy-box (to transport the motorcycle, and on our trip … Continue reading >Marathon Training: Week 17: One week! and aspirations
>On the eve of a quarter of a century
>April 22, 1986, is my birthday. Tonight at 2:34 AM (yes, I know the exact time; my mom has no problem rehashing my birth story over and over again, haha) I will turn 25 years old. And guess what? My attitude is: Bring. It. On. That was my attitude for last year too and it … Continue reading >On the eve of a quarter of a century
>A little motivation goes a long way
>Anyone who knows me knows that I hate running on treadmills. The weather in Illinois this week is, for lack of a better word, just crappy. Rain, thunderstorms, and chilly! I wouldn't mind the storms so much if it were at least 60*. But, no luck there.The taper is a strange phenomenon.. I'm not really … Continue reading >A little motivation goes a long way
>Race Report: Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Chicago
>I have no photos to post yet but the race was great!! First things first: my goal was 47:00 and my actual chip time was 46:18!! I was excited.Katie and I took the Metra into the city this morning at about 6AM. We got to Union Station and pondered how we would ever walk a … Continue reading >Race Report: Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Chicago
>Marathon Training: Week 14: THE LAST LONG RUN
>Hello, friends. I write to you tonight from my couch, having indulged in corn dogs and those little soft pretzel cheese thingies. Yes, that's a technical term. I'm also enjoying orange creme soda. After our twenty-miler and lots of baking and cooking for First Sunday Lunch and the bake sale, I'm beat. Note to self: … Continue reading >Marathon Training: Week 14: THE LAST LONG RUN
>Improvements
>Some of you may have already seen my post on Daily Mile about my great five-miler today. I have to say that I could not believe I ran that fast! I mean, I know I've been training hard, but by the way I was feeling as I was forcing myself to get out the door, I … Continue reading >Improvements
MPM 2.0: mercy unmasked 