Always A Stride Behind

Official Time

2006-10-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

5:10:29 offical chip time.

I just can't describe how it was to cross the finish line. It's a memory that I will always treasure, Travs and I crossing the finish line together.

A shout out to all the Chicago finishers. You ROCK! Congratulations to all of you on a job well done!

Bib #1321

2006-10-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

One week and we're in Chicago. If the bib numbers are in order of registration I guess I was an early bird...

So many thoughts are running thru my mind. What's the weather going to be next Sunday? What do I pack? I wish we were flying to Chicago, not driving, then I wouldn't be away for so long. Hence the next thing that has been on my mind. Will the toddler be ok with the in-laws for the weekend? (It will be the first time they watch him overnight.) Why am I more comfortable when my mom watches him? Geez, the in-laws raised 4 kids and all are still living!! I know I don't need to worry. Just nerves I know and I need to stop it.

Travs & I ran 8 today. I felt good, though her knee is giving her some trouble. I need to make up at least 3 tomorrow since I missed a day last week. Too windy, cold and I just wasn't in the mood to fight the elements on Thursday.

I have been reading blogs and it seems everyone is nervous and anxious. Here's to all the nervous nellies out there. We're all going to do great next week! Run strong!

Way too long!

2006-10-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

It's been way too long since I have posted. I've thought about it but then I get sidetracked and busy with work and such. You may have thought that I am not running Chicago, but I AM!! I'm still here! Training has been going really well. No toenails falling off or injuries thus far. Just the usual aches and pains which I am so grateful for. I am so excited for next Sunday. Chicago here I come!!!

Tough week

2006-09-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

So this week has been hard. I need to make some adjustments but here's my log.

Fri.9/1 didn't get the scheduled 5 in, sore and wanted to be fresh for Sat. Instead went out for dinner with the boys.
Sat. 9/2 ran 12 with Travis, good run all in all
Sun. 9/3 off - went for a long walk
Mon. 9/4 ran 7 miles - not too bad

Tues. 9/5 - set out to run the scheduled 5, turned around at 1 mile and headed home. My legs were hurting so much I just wanted to cry. I stopped, stretched, ran, stretched some more. Nothing helped, so I called it a day.

Wed. 9/6 ran 8 miles. Slow and steady. Legs ached a bit but was able to run thru it.
Today - off

I'm rethinking my training plan. Using Hal's and the NB plan that I've been following I'm going to combine the two plans to create my plan. Training should be hard work and I want to do my best for the race. However I don't think it should be a painful as it has been. So, I'm excited! I think it's going to work much better for me.

I have to keep telling myself that if training for a marathon was easy, everyone would be doing it!

Go Team Orange!

2006-08-30T15:47:00.000-05:00

Travs and I ran our half marathon last Saturday. My published time was 2:20, but according to our watches we should have been at 2:17, not sure what happened there, but I'm ok with it. As always Travs was a few steps ahead, hence the title of my blog!

So this week is off to a good start as well. Just putting in the miles for this week, not worrying about my times so much.

Monday 8/28 - 6 miles
Tuesday 8/29 - 6 miles
Wednesday 8/30 - 8 miles
Thursday 8/31 - off
Friday 9/1 - 5 miles planned
Saturday scheduled 12 miles planned

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Labor Day weekend!

TEAM ORANGE Rocks!

Back on Track

2006-08-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

After a week of much needed rest, I ran the scheduled 10 on Saturday with Travs. It was a really good run for us. The weather was great, cool and no rain, glad we didn't listen the the weather report and ran anyway. My legs were a little sore but not too bad. Spent Sunday walking around Valleyfair with the boys and some friends. Got to ride some roller coasters which is always a treat for me and the husband. It was a beautiful day for being out and about.

Week 8 is off to a good start. I ran 5 miles last night. I was cursing myself for not getting out of bed in the morning, I really want to get back to morning runs, but it's been so dark at 5 am that I am a bit hesitant to do so. I ran 10 minute miles which is a good pace for me and I felt really strong afterwards.

I am running 5 again tonight and 7 on Wednesday with Travs. We are running a half marathon on Saturday. I am a bit nervous and excited! This will be my first race that is longer than a 5K. Wish me luck!

Run strong!

Weeks six and seven

2006-08-16T15:51:00.000-05:00

Not feeling too well during week six but here's the recap.

Sat. 8/5 did scheduled 9 with Travs it was great!
Sun. 8/6 - rest day
Mon. 8/7 - ran scheduled 6, actually closer to 6.5, felt ok
Tues. 8/8 - scheduled 4, on the treadmill, it was torture, not feeling well
Wed. 8/9 - a few cocktails and hitting golf balls at the company picnic, does this count as cross training??
Thurs. 8/10 couldn't get out of bed to run the scheduled 5 and the husband had golf, so no running for me today, but there's always tomorrow
Fri. 8/11 did scheduled 4 done - is all I can say
Sat. 8/12 ran the scheduled 9. I had the husband run the first half with me and then he got the bike and rode the rest of the way. My time was not very good, but I did the scheduled nine and then some, closer to 10 miles. Felt good, but missed my usual running partner. The husband doesn't like to talk as much so it went much slower than when I run with Travs.

Mon. 8/14- I finally couldn't take it anymore and went the the doctor. I have a sinus infection and complications with my asthma. I guess I wasn't taking my cold/cough seriously enough. So I am on two antibotics and flovent in addition to my usual albuteral inhaler.

Per doctor's orders I am to lay off the running for most of the week. So I have laid low and I will start back up with Friday's scheduled 6 miles. I am hoping that this will rejuvenate me so I can get back on track. I'd rather be down now, than closer to the marathon. Today I am feeling better so I guess all the meds are finally working! Still planning on the scheduled 12 miles this Saturday with Travs.

Run on and remember the beginning is always today!

Week Five

2006-08-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

Recap of weekend and start of Week Five, still going strong.

Saturday, 7/29 - Started at 6:30 am, ran 8 miles with Travs along the parkway. We both felt great despite the humidity and Travs aching quads due to a pool incident last week. Later the husband, toddler and I relaxed in a pool ourselves with cocktails and many kids as we were at a pool party for a 4 yr old. A life size slip and slide was also in full use. It's amazing what fun you can have with sprinklers and a 50 foot sheet of plastic on a hill. You should try it!!

Sunday, 7/30 - off - our air conditioner was on the fritz and it was about 90 degrees in our house. I meant to cross train, but just didn't have the energy.

Monday, 7/31 - 6 miles. Felt good despite being on a treadmill. I really wanted to stop at 4 miles, but I pushed thru to finish 6. I really hate running inside..... I was also breaking in my new shoes. No blisters so far!!!

Tuesday, 8/1 - 4 miles. We got the break in the heat so I was off to get my run in outside. It was gray and overcast, perfect. Towards the beginning of the run it started to sprinkle which was nice. At mile 3 everything changed. The rain just started pouring down. I laughed for a minute thinking it wasn't so bad until the wind came up and it really started to suck. The road I was on is usually fine but with the rain, people couldn't see me very well so I had to keep moving way over on the shoulder. I also was running in a river down the side of the road.

I had finished 4 miles and had only a few blocks left until I was home when I see our car coming towards me. The husband was out looking for me. He felt terrible that he hadn't noticed how bad the rain had gotten. Good thing I didn't wear my new shoes!!

Oh our air conditioner was fixed yesterday, so all is right again in my world.

Here's the plan for the rest of the week
Today, 8/2 - off - got a hair appointment after work and my shins need a break! Maybe a walk with the toddler when I get home...
Thursday, 8/3 - 6 miles in the am
Friday, 8/4 - 5 miles again in the am
Saturday, 8/5 - long run, 9 miles, Travs and I will be running the Minnehaha parkway again.

Keep up the good work everyone!!!

I Need Advice

2006-07-28T08:23:00.000-05:00

It's the 4th week of training, so far I am doing pretty good. The heat has been hard to work out in though and I hate running inside, for me it seems harder than running outside. So again I am trying to get out in the mornings.

I haven't written in a while, lots going on lately. I started a new job on the 10th and I just haven't had the time to write and then when I do get home it's playing with the boy and keeping up with the house. And I have to say I haven't really been keeping up with the house either. What's a few dust bunnies?

Week 3
Monday 4 miles, I was supposed to run 5, but I ran out of time before the husband had to leave for work.
Wednesday 3.2 miles ran the Torchlight 5K in downtown Minneapolis
Friday - 4.5 miles, 1/2 mile short of goal - it was the heat! I say!
Saturday - 7.5 miles - Lake Nokomis and the parkway. It was nice a shaded for most of the run, and the weather was much cooler. All in all a good run.
Sunday - went for a long walk with the boy in the morning and a shorter walk again after dinner

Week 4
Tuesday 5 miles - right on target
Wednesday 5.5 miles - a bit short
Friday - the plan is 5 to 6 miles after work tonight
Saturday - the plan is for 8 miles

I wanted to get up and run at 5 am this morning, however the boy was on a different schedule and wasn't about to let me get a good night's sleep. He was up at 11, 1 and again at 3 am. So I didn't make out at 5 am this morning. So I need to get a run in sometime after work. It's supposed to be in the upper 90s again today and I don't know if I will be able to run in the heat. My long run is planned for tomorrow morning with Travs. Another new route this week so I hope it goes well. When we switch it up, it seems we are always second guessing the mileage. So hopefully all will go well!

Here's what I need some help with....
SHOES. Mine are tearing up my left foot, calluses and blisters, on the inside of my foot. The bodyglide isn't helping much and I do wear the correct socks. I am currently wearing the Mizuno Wave Runner 8. I hate to switch shoes since I do love how light and flexible they are and the back doesn't rub on my heel either, which has been a problem in the past.

SHINS. I also have been running and walking with pain in my right shin for the past week. I know shinsplints! After a mile or so, it starts to feel a slightly better but during the day it just kills. The muscle is usually so tight on the front of my shin that I have to massage it a lot during the day. I have been really working on stretching, I have iced it, soaked it in hot and cold, but it just isn't getting any better. I have been reading up on it, but nothing seems to help much. Any suggestions, comments, advice would be appreciated.

Keep up the good work everyone! Run on, run hard!

Week 2 training so far

2006-07-12T11:17:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty proud of myself for working out while on vacation last week. It was the first offical week of my training for Chicago and I was afraid that I would not come thru it very well. I'm keeping on track this week as well. Here's how my week is shaping up so far:

Monday - off due to softball, the toddler and I cheered on team Elsinore
Tuesday - 4 miles, 5:30 am, felt great!
Wednesday - 4 miles, 5:30 am - It's going to be humid and hot today, so I'm glad I'm done for the day.

I don't keep track of splits. After reading everyone's blogs, maybe I should. I would be too embarrassed to post them, so I think I'll continue to keep my times to myself.

I have been struggling with one aspect of this journey. I don't feel like a runner yet. I have always been an inconsistent runner. I would sign up for a 5K every once in a while and that is the furthest I have ever pushed myself, and then I wouldn't run for while. The bug would bite me again and I would run here and there, but never longer than 1/2 an hour. So am I a runner?

I have been consistently running 3 to 4 times a week since March, but I have yet to feel like Runner is an accurate label for me.

My hope is to someday feel that I am a true runner. When will I really feel that I am not just pretending?? I hope it happens soon!!

Have a great day everyone.

Go Brewers!

2006-07-08T12:14:00.000-05:00

We are still in the great dairy land of Wisconsin. Hartland/Delafield. I was awoke this morning to the toddler, crooning in the pak-n-play at 5 am this morning. I was not ready to be up. I coerced him back to sleep. I however didn't get much more due to his kicks to the ribs. So I was up at 7 and out the door by 7:15. Since I don't know the area, I just used time as my guideline. I ended up running 6.7 miles. Not too bad, and I'm keeping on track. We head home tomorrow so I was happy to get my long run done.

Run on my fellow bloggers!

On vacation

2006-07-06T07:07:00.000-05:00

I'm on vacation in Wisconsin. We are making our way to Milwaukee this morning. Since I don't have much time, here's what I've ran this week.
Monday - 4 miles,7 am in light rain at the cabin. It was actually great.
Wednesday - 4 miles, 7:30 am, it was beautiful, I felt great and the views were wonderful, same route as yesterday.
Thursday - planning to run 4 miles today. Not sure, when though. We are traveling and I hope to get it done before we take off, but it would be on the dreadmill. I may wait until we get to our destination and go tonight.

I am keeping on track while on vacation, which I was very unsure that I'd do.

Keep the good work up everyone!!

Up at 5:15

2006-06-28T12:31:00.000-05:00

Up at 5:15 am this morning. I pulled myself out of bed, my body was fighting me even though I was excited for once to get out there. I love that I have the evenings free when I get my butt out of bed in the morning. I run by myself most days. It gives me time to reflect on the upcoming day. Although today, I must not have been thinking very much, since I am blanking on what I was reflecting on.

I am jealous that Travs has a morning partner, it would make the runs go by much quicker. Especially as they get longer. I ran 4 miles and didn't feel bad at all. It is getting easier. The 16 week program starts next week and we (the mister & the boy & I) will be taking a vacation, so I need to really concentrate on getting my runs in this week. I fear that next week is going to be much harder while we are traveling. Hopefully out of the crowd at the cabin someone will be up for a run.

I just remembered what I was reflecting on - The Bon Jovi song "Livin on a Prayer" was bouncing around in my head as I ran. I just remember thinking you're half way there!!!! Run strong penguins!

I've been tagged

2006-06-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

A) Four Jobs I've Had in My Life:
1. waitress
2. bank teller
3. sales and marketing assistant
4. golf pro shop sales

B) Four Movies I watch over and over:
1. Pretty Woman
2. Caddy Shack
3. Old School
4. Big

C) Four Places I have lived:
1. Fergus Falls, MN
2. Waukee, IA
3. Denver, CO
4. Minneapolis, MN

D) 4 TV Shows I love to watch:
1. The Amazing Race
2. Lost
3. Greys Anatomy
4. Without a Trace

E) 4 Places I have been on vacation:
1. Aruba, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico - on a cruise
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. Winter Park, Colorado
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

F) 4 Websites I visit daily:
1. Hotmail
2. A Running Destination (I have just started to visit, thanks to Travs)
3. Nick Jr. - the boy is 18 months old
4. Wells Fargo

G) 4 of my favorite foods:
1. Pizza
2. Chips and dip
3. Diet Mt. Dew
4. Mac and cheese

H) 4 places I'd rather be right now:
1. With the boy and the mister
2. home in bed
3. on a beach sunning
4. skiing

I) 4 Favorite Bands/Singers:
1. Counting Crows
2. Gear Daddies
3. Prince - older - 1999 and Purple Rain soundtrack are favorites
4. Yaz...right back at ya Travs!

J) 4 Bloggers I am Tagging:
1. I don't know anyone to tag yet!!
2. ?
3. ?
4. ?

New to this

2006-06-26T12:31:00.000-05:00

I am new to this. I am not sure what I have to say... but here it goes.

I am training for my first marathon, the Chicago Marathon. I have not run a race longer than a 5K so what make me think I can run a marathon? I don't know, but I do have faith that somehow I will finish it. And what will make it even more spectacular is to finish with Travis, my oldest and dearest friend. We met in high school, and we have been each others' sidekick ever since. I have to say she is the one that convinced me to start this blog. It will be fun to look back on and see how far we've come.

So I am in training, we are in training. We both signed up on New Year's Day, thinking that if we didn't we would back out. So right away I went out and bought new shoes, I actually had someone help me figure out the correct shoe to wear, a first for me. I took my time getting back into running this winter only running 2 to 3 miles.

I had a baby in January 2005 and basically took a year off from working out, so needless to say I am out of shape. I am still building up my mileage, but I am doing better than I ever expected and the best part is, I am still keeping at it. Travis and I run on the weekends and it really helps motivate me.

I am changing my routine a bit and started running in the mornings. I love it! It's been a great way to start the last few days. Travis and I ran 7 miles on Saturday morning and it was such an accomplishment for me. It's the furthest I have ever ran. We passed the time planning our outfits for the race - we are such dorks!! We also had our fuel belts, which helped. It was a great little treat! Thanks Trav!

I hope to gain so much from this and I appreciate any help along the way. Thanks in advance!