Monday, September 29, 2008
Course video
I have been using a discussion board on runnersworld.com to get more information about the Chicago marathon. Someone posted a video that takes you through the course. I have been trying to study the course a little just to know where key points are, such as half way, etc. The video is slightly different from the course this year, but it still gives pretty good perspective of how long the race is! It is nice to see there are a few areas of trees for shade. The finish line will be an amazing sight! I can't wait!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Update
Friday morning we had a quick 30 minute run.
Sunday morning's goal was 10 miles at the usual 10:45 to 11:10 pace. Usually my long run is on Saturday but it got bumped to today. It is good practice to run a Sunday since the race will be held on a Sunday in 2 weeks!
It has been a busy, but good weekend. The weather was beautiful for a home ISU football game. Unfortunately they didn't win even though they came very close. Saturday evening we had dinner with some friends before going to the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra. The music was wonderful. They had a guest pianist, Di Wu, who is amazing! We actually saw her last year so I was really looking forward to hearing her again. Check out her site for amazing music. She is VERY animated when she plays so it is neat to see her. She also has a video on youtube.
I had a patient on Friday who lives in Chicago and was giving me some tips on pasta restaurants before the race. I feel like I have a lot of last minute details to figure out so that our trip will be as stress-free as possible. We already have borrowed a GPS so we won't be totally lost. I can't believe it will be here before I know it. The next two weeks are actually pretty busy so the time should go fast. I am a little worried about the Friday before the marathon. I have the day off and Craig will be out of town...I'll probably go crazy packing and repacking!
Sunday morning's goal was 10 miles at the usual 10:45 to 11:10 pace. Usually my long run is on Saturday but it got bumped to today. It is good practice to run a Sunday since the race will be held on a Sunday in 2 weeks!
It has been a busy, but good weekend. The weather was beautiful for a home ISU football game. Unfortunately they didn't win even though they came very close. Saturday evening we had dinner with some friends before going to the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra. The music was wonderful. They had a guest pianist, Di Wu, who is amazing! We actually saw her last year so I was really looking forward to hearing her again. Check out her site for amazing music. She is VERY animated when she plays so it is neat to see her. She also has a video on youtube.
I had a patient on Friday who lives in Chicago and was giving me some tips on pasta restaurants before the race. I feel like I have a lot of last minute details to figure out so that our trip will be as stress-free as possible. We already have borrowed a GPS so we won't be totally lost. I can't believe it will be here before I know it. The next two weeks are actually pretty busy so the time should go fast. I am a little worried about the Friday before the marathon. I have the day off and Craig will be out of town...I'll probably go crazy packing and repacking!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
1st Taper Week
I really can't believe that my first week of tapering is here. I have a much different schedule this week, only running three times. Next week is a little more normal. and then the following week is marathon week! That will be the week where a crazy amount of nervous energy is spent gearing up for the race!
Today was just a 30 minute run. I am very glad that we ran early to beat the heat because it got very warm today.
One of my patients that I saw today is signed up for the Columbus marathon the week after the Chicago. It is also supposed to be a "flat, fast" course. It was really great talking to someone else who is in the same place in his training. We compared energy methods, shoes, shorts, training schedules, etc!!! It was great to hear someone who is just as excited as I am. We both agreed that the main goal is to have fun and finish, however, he is hoping to qualify to run the Boston Marathon next April. One of the great things he has going for him is that he has a friend that he does all his training with and will run the marathon together. As much as I LOVE having Craig by my side on his bike, it would be great to have a running partner.
Today was just a 30 minute run. I am very glad that we ran early to beat the heat because it got very warm today.
One of my patients that I saw today is signed up for the Columbus marathon the week after the Chicago. It is also supposed to be a "flat, fast" course. It was really great talking to someone else who is in the same place in his training. We compared energy methods, shoes, shorts, training schedules, etc!!! It was great to hear someone who is just as excited as I am. We both agreed that the main goal is to have fun and finish, however, he is hoping to qualify to run the Boston Marathon next April. One of the great things he has going for him is that he has a friend that he does all his training with and will run the marathon together. As much as I LOVE having Craig by my side on his bike, it would be great to have a running partner.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
B-town
This is the route we ran Saturday morning. It is a nice little park in Bloomington with sidewalk around it measuring less than a mile. There were quite a few other runners and walkers. There was a gradual incline on one side and of course a decline on the way back around. Since the Chicago course is flat, I haven't really trained on any hills except what I run into around town. I definitely noticed the incline Saturday! The weather was cloudy and mild. It was nice to just have a 3 mile run so that I wasn't exhausted for the day.
While we were in Bloomington we visited Oliver Winery and had a great time. We were able to go on a tour and get an understanding of the wine making process. The property was beautiful with gorgeous landscape. The above photo our view from where we sat on the deck and enjoyed some bread, cheese, and a beverage! Beyond the flowers is a sloping hill down to a pond with picnic tables. It was a pretty day with a great breeze. It was nice to sit and enjoy the day.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
30 min run
Tonight was a quick 30 minute run. Sometimes I need a run to change my mood. Too bad I didn't have the opportunity to run around noon today. I had a busy couple of days and I let it get to me. I feel like a different person since my run tonight.
I can't believe it, but my distance for Saturday is only 3 miles! This is a low mileage week, before I start tapering the next 3 weeks. We will be out of town so this will be a good chance to practice for the marathon - remembering to pack every little detail! Have a good weekend!
I can't believe it, but my distance for Saturday is only 3 miles! This is a low mileage week, before I start tapering the next 3 weeks. We will be out of town so this will be a good chance to practice for the marathon - remembering to pack every little detail! Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Celebrities who run
Here are some celebrities that have ran a least one marathon. I hope to finish somewhere around Will Ferrell's time...unless it is hot and humid and then it will be closer to Oprah's. Shooting for Lance's time might be a little optimistic. Other celebrities.
Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell
Monday's run and FINALLY success!
Monday night was another lonely run. Not only was Craig in class, followed by a late meeting, but I also didn't have my watch! I thought I had plugged in my watch to charge. It even looked like it was plugged in. However, I hadn't completely connected it so my watch had no juice in its battery. I haven't run once without it since I bought it in May. I plugged it in for 10 minutes just to see if it could get enough of a charge for a 40 minute jog, but it didn't work. I didn't realize how much I depended on the watch to give me feedback on pace, time, heart rate, etc. I ran a route that we have run a hundred times, so I knew the distance that I would run and the time it would take me. I still had this weird feeling of insecurity without it!
Today's goal was 8 miles at 8:45-8:50 pace. I FINALLY REACHED MY GOAL!!! This morning was the perfect weather - about 45 degrees and the stars were beautiful again. The moon was really bright and actually provided some light on the streets. For the past 6 weeks, my Wednesday goal was to run at a pace that is 10-15 seconds faster than race pace. The first several times I tried I was really discouraged! It was hard! 2 weeks ago for 7 miles my average pace was 9:22. 1 week ago the goal was 8 miles and I completed with an average pace of 9:02. And then today was another 8 miles at 8:49! I'm happy that I finally hit the goal. I know the biggest factor was the weather. If race day is like today, I will have a lot more confidence in a successful run than if it is warm and humid.
Today's goal was 8 miles at 8:45-8:50 pace. I FINALLY REACHED MY GOAL!!! This morning was the perfect weather - about 45 degrees and the stars were beautiful again. The moon was really bright and actually provided some light on the streets. For the past 6 weeks, my Wednesday goal was to run at a pace that is 10-15 seconds faster than race pace. The first several times I tried I was really discouraged! It was hard! 2 weeks ago for 7 miles my average pace was 9:22. 1 week ago the goal was 8 miles and I completed with an average pace of 9:02. And then today was another 8 miles at 8:49! I'm happy that I finally hit the goal. I know the biggest factor was the weather. If race day is like today, I will have a lot more confidence in a successful run than if it is warm and humid.
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