It's All About The Dogs

Phew - It's Over

2009-08-04T10:10:00.007-05:00

I did it everyone! I really did not believe a couple months ago that I'd be able to finish a half marathon, and I did it. I ran the whole way. I did do a half marathon about 10 years ago, and I'm pretty sure back then I did some walking. This time- nope.

I didn't sleep well the night before. I had a lot on my mind and I was just plain nervous. Jeff, Luther and I stayed at my parent's place downtown so that we could get to the race easier. Luther has decided recently that sleeping at my parent's isn't fun unless he can play with Macaroon, so he spent a lot of time whining at the door. Then, there was a dance party or something outside at 11 p.m. Finally, I fell asleep just in time to wake up and run.

We headed to the race with our signs in tow and I did not feel great. I was sleepy and just plain scared. I stood alone in corral 12 and listened to all the people chatter about how they didn't even train. Why the heck not?! The race started at 6:30, and my corral got going at about 6:45. Off we went - and I felt great. Though the 2:15 pace guys were in corral 11, I caught up to them. However, they seemed a tad slow. I passed that group and decided as long as they didn't pass me I'd make my 2:15 goal and all would be great.

I didn't have headphones. I thought there'd be so much music and excitement I wouldn't need them. There were long stretches where I was dying for music. I still felt great though, and I was moving fast. I slowed down a bit, didn't want to poop out at mile 6. Running on those weird bridges is hard.

At mile 4.5, I rounded the corner and saw Al, Marie, Lorae, Meghan and Jeff all waving and smiling. This made me smile and gave me a boost. Though next time, I'll request that boost hang out at Mile 8.

We headed over to the lakefront, and went south forrrrreeeevvvvvver. I knew at some point we had to turn around, but I had no clue when. We kept going more and more south AWAY from the finish line. I still felt good though. At about mile 8, I realized I could look at the HUGE clock at each mile and keep track of my pace. Oops, that would've been helpful at the start. One problem was, I wasn't sure what time I started, so I knew my time on the big clock wasn't accurate. But I was raking in 10-minute miles, right on track.

Eventually, we turned around and I cheered in my head. The weather was beautiful, but a bit sunny. There was a cool breeze and it was a gorgeous day. At about Mile 9, I spotted Theresa at the Bear Necessities Gu station. I did NOT try any icky goo, but it was nice to see another friendly face. At this point, I was also starting to recognize my running mates. For a while I was passing a ton of people, and a ton were passing me. Here, it was more steady.

I still felt OK, and then mile 10 hit and I was ready to stop. There were only 3 miles to go, but I had 10 behind me and MAN I was starting to feel it. I hit 11, and paused a tad at the water station. OK, I admit I walked when I got water. Only because at mile 4 I tried to continue running and splooshed it all down my shirt. A great way to look while waving at my "fans." At mile 11, I took extra time with that water break, I'll admit it. But then I pushed on.

Mile 12! At this point, everyone kept yelling "you're almost done!" Finally, someone yelled "it's around the corner." Wrong. Then there was another corner, and another and then FINALLY the finish line. I could see it. I tried to find Jeff and Meghan and anyone else, but there were tons of people. I did see the camera guy on a scaffolding capturing the pain on my face.

Then, it was over. There was a spot to take a picture with your medal in front of a Rock N' Roll half marathon sign. No thanks. I needed water and a seat. Then I saw my friends. I drank a bottle of water, ate a granola bar, and sat down. It felt great.

Thanks everyone for your support!! This is my last post. I might have a few more pictures but that's it. See you next year!

Taper Time

2009-07-31T11:24:00.005-05:00

Tapering isn't quite as fun as I thought it would be. If you know me, I'm a bit on the high strung side. Tapering involves less and less running, and today I was instructed not to run at all. Tomorrow, too. But but but, what if my body forgets how to run? Did I do enough training? Who knows...

Not much I can do about the situation now except go out and run. Thank you all of my supporters and all of the fabulous contributors. My goal was $2,000, but let's face it that was a little lofty. I can't believe our team has raised $1,500. Everyone has done a great job. All that's left to do now is run! Oh, and I need to buy the fancy socks that everyone keeps recommending. Also, Meghan has just informed me that I should drink so much water that my pee should be clear this weekend. Good to know.

I'll report back after the race is complete. But for now, I want to thank my team, all of the supporters and contributors, Meghan who will be running an ACTUAL marathon not some silly halfy, my co-captain Mel and my faboo fiancee Jeff.

See you on the other side!

10 Miles People!

2009-07-27T18:30:00.000-05:00

When I started training, I really didn't think there was anyway I would make it 13.1 miles. I really didn't. And while I haven't made it just yet, I now believe it can be done.

On Sunday I was not looking forward to running at all. I was sort of wishing a bit that I'd find an excuse not to go. But, I knew it had to be done and I'd avoided opening that lovely bottle of wine in my fridge so that I would be in tip-top shape. And- I made it.

My friend Meghan gave me a great trick, just think of it in sections and it makes it easier. It really really works. I divided it into 6 sections in my head rather than thinking of 10 miles and I made it. I only stopped at water fountains and red lights.

My route? I ran up Wolcott to Lincoln (1), then when Lincoln goes all Hooey I went up Western to Foster(2), then East on Foster about a block (I don't like foster) then South on some street I never identified to Irving Park (3) Irving Park to the Lakefront (4), Lakefront to Wellington (5), then Wellington to home (6)! I realized half way in I should've gone south then up Lincoln, but whatever. No more 10 milers for me! A new blister has formed under my big toe on my right foot, around the corner from the last one. This one hurts a tad more, but it has been "taken care of" and now I've got a sock on just that foot (sexy, I know)

Now the plan is to taper and rest. I had some margaritas last night (ugh feeling them now) but no more drinking this week. That's right - no more drinking!!

Cheer stations are ready if anyone wants to come out. All of my faithful readers (Luther reads every post) - Lakefront behind McCormick Place!

See you there.

9 Miles!

2009-07-23T19:10:00.003-05:00

I did it! I did it many days ago, but I've been busy. 9 whole miles. At about mile 6 I could no longer feel my legs. Then mile 7.5 I realized a huge blister was forming on my toe. But I ran through the pain!

The day before my run I headed to Kenosha for the "Pooper Picnic" as I like to call it. Since Luther is my Pooper dog, basically all Tzus are Poopers in my book. Anyway, I met some great members of NBSTR and met some adorable dogs (Marcia Brady is gorrrrgeous. That hair is to die for). Being welcomed with open arms and seeing the reason why we do all this work made it that much easier to complete those 9 miles.

I also fell in love with mr. Nemo, pictured above. I wish it didn't look like he was trying to push me away :(. Luckily, Nemo has a happy home with Marilynn. If he didn't I might've had to snatch him up. The picture above doesn't do his face justice... or mine for that matter.

Bring on the 10 please.

Two Weeks To Go!

2009-07-17T11:53:00.003-05:00

9 miles needs to happen sometime this weekend. Anyone wanna join?

SO. HOT.

2009-06-26T08:55:00.002-05:00

In Chicago, we complain all winter that it's too cold, and in the summer it's too hot. In L.A. it always seemed to be just right.

I haven't run outside for a while, because at first there were torrential downpours, and now it's just steamy gross. I've kept up the running at the gym, but it's hard to really go far as boredom creeps up and I find another video with Nicole Sherzingerererer from the Pussy Cat Dolls.

Tomorrow, I'm going to give the great outdoors another go. With Jeff out of town for some sort of conference, Luther and I can turn in early after a night of watching bad TV and drinking just a glass (or two, or three) of wine.

I'll let you know if I melt.

Stupid Rain

2009-06-11T11:24:00.001-05:00

The rain is making it very difficult to run outside. I thought it was supposed to be summer?

6 More Miles!

2009-05-27T14:51:00.002-05:00

Co-captain Mel and I went for a nice 6-miler on Memorial Day. I skipped that extra glass of wine Sunday night at the outdoor concert so I'd be ready for action in the morning.

The weather was a bit chilly, but last time we ran together I nearly passed out from the heat. I suppose there will always be something to complain about...

I picked up Mel at 9 a.m. and we headed to the Montrose parking lot by the lake. I opted to keep my sweatshirt one, which in hindsight was a mistake. I shouldn't be a wimp about the cold because my elbow-pits became quite sweaty as we plodded along.

In an effort to not look stupid after my near pass out during our previous run, I was motivated to look strong throughout. Running on the lakefront is a huge help because we're not stopping at every red light and avoiding pedestrians who have no need to walk faster.

As we approached my car, I felt like I could keep going! Though, it was nice to be done with the run.

Next week we're going for seven!

Running With Friends!

2009-05-08T11:20:00.002-05:00

Last night I hadn't even planned to run. Amy and I were just going to drink some wine and chit chat in her fancy new apartment. Turns out neither of us had worked out so we planned a run! Running with a friend is sooooo much better. I was a bit worried about the rain, but once we started the sun peeked through the sky and it was the perfect running weather! Not sure exactly how far we ran, but we did swing part Wrigley, and thankfully the Cubs were away last night (and they won!).

After our run, we enjoyed some well-deserved pizza!

My legs are now killing me because I ran two days in a row. Oh well, the soreness means I did some good work!

Yay Music Videos at the Gym!

2009-05-06T10:11:00.000-05:00

Though the weather is warm, I opted to head over to the gym this morning. I had planned on a short three-miler, and it gives me the opportunity to catch up on all the new music videos. The Xsport on Ashland is closer to my house, but I like going to the one in Logan Square because it's newer, and there are about 10 channels devoted JUST TO MUSIC VIDEOS! There is an 80's pop channel, an alternative channel, an Xsport channel and more. My favorites are the Mix Hits channel (22), Urban Hits (29) and the good ol' Rap station (30). That's right, I have the channels memorized.

My run began with some Beyonce having Dejavu, and then amazingly there were four different Lil Wayne tunes on various channels. Actually, I only watched four of the Lil Wayne tunes, there was one I opted to skip with T-pain. Usually, I watch the clock on the wall and hide my mileage in front of me. I made it to my goal on the wall only to discover I had counted wrong and had already surpassed e miles when I thought I was only on 2.5. I felt pretty great so I kept going. The music videos weren't appealing, so I caught a little Sportscenter and saw Kobe talking about the Lakers losing at home. I'm still confident they'll win the whole shebang - you heard it hear first. The 4 mile mark was approaching, but I wasn't sure if I could make it. Then, Three Six Mafia came on with their Lolipop song. It's a silly song and the video is ridiculous, but oh how it kept me running! I like the dance that the ladies do so I concentrate on that and the time flies! I hit 4 miles and that was that! I'm thinking another 6 mile run is in order for this weekend. Carri suggested a nice pasta dinner will help the night before, and I do love me some pasta!!

6 Mile Run!

2009-05-04T19:06:00.003-05:00

This Sunday I took advantage of the lovely weather and set out for a six mile run. I ran to the path at Lake Shore Drive and then back West to my apartment. Luther was a bit perturbed that I was leaving without him, but I promised him a long walk when I got home.

The weather was truly gorgeous and perfect for a run. I started off really strongly and felt like I could run for hours. Then, of course, as I got to about mile 3 my body started to wonder what the heck was going on.

I dodged by happy walkers enjoying their day and managed to escape getting run over by two cars. Those silly drivers have to get used to the Spring/Summer pedestrians at some point. I also nearly tripped over a St. Bernard in the middle of the side walk who was accompanying his owners to a sidewalk brunch. I also ran by Wrigley Field and was treated to hoots and hollers from what seemed like every single person waiting to get into their bleacher seats to enjoy an afternoon ball game. Luckily, I had my headphones on, but I could still hear some of what they were saying. Mental note to avoid running on Waveland anytime near a Cubs game. I just waved and headed on my way.

Near the end, the Thai food from the night before started to remind me of its presence. Again, mental note to eat better the night before a long run. I made it home an hour after I left and Luther enjoyed licking my salty face. A quick shower and then I was off to Norridge Petco with wobbly legs.

I ran just 6 miles, not even half of what I need to pull together for the half marathon. Good thing I have a few months to go!!

2009-04-29T19:26:00.002-05:00

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