Warrior Dash Midwest 2011 - Race Roundup!

This past weekend, I succumbed to the new 'in thing' of adventure racing.... Yes, five short months ago my running bud and I received an invite email 'enticing' us to 'don't miss the chance' at the coolest new type of running and adventure challenge:  a mud race.  Yes...It was January 20th.  Yes, we had X feet of snow on the ground at the time...and yes, swimming in a mud pit only seemed like a blissful wonder.  So, what did we do - we signed up for it!  Something called the 'Warrior Dash'...we were told - that was a combination of running a 5k and conquering some 'obstacles' in a  fun costume.  The night we both agreed to sign up for the challenge, I think the phrase 'How Bad Can it Be?' might have been uttered by one or both of us :)

Fast forward five months.  Two weeks before race day, we start cramming to figure out our costumes and start following the race on Facebook.  Each week other 'Warrior Dash' races are happening in various cities around the country.  I even long on to http://www.warriordash.com/ and look at some of the obstacles and challenges in the races nationwide.  And then I pause.  I call my BFF and utter these exact words: 

WHAT IN THE WORLD DID WE GET OURSELVES INTO?!?

Long Run Body Bliss

For those of you that run - I know you will 'get this'.  For those of you that don't, this may add one more peg to your 'Crazy Tab' stick... :)

Last night I wanted to run.  The weather was mid-60s and perfect.  I felt great and knew that since my hubby was off work and at home, I wasn't under the normal constraints of being home at a certain time to relieve the babysitter, get dinner going, entertain the kids - etc.  I also knew that if I went home to change clothes after work - I wouldn't go.  There would be a thousand distractions by the hubby, kids, laundry, shed-building (my hubby's new past time - more on that soon!) to prevent me from even changing into my running clothes, let alone escaping to run.

So what did I do? - brought my running clothes with me that morning and left them in the car.  When I got off work and got off the train....everything was already there for me in the car seat - and no excuse to back out.

So, in my best 'incognito fashion', I changed in the car.  Ok...this wasn't the most 'planned' portion of my day, but it worked!  And less than 5 minutes after arriving at my car, I was starting my stopwatch.

One major downfall of not going home before the run - no cold beverage to carry :(  So - at the half mile mark I stopped into the gas station and whipped out my 'emergency $20 bill' that I always carry in my running pack and got a gatorade - perfect!

Soon nearly 85 minutes had passed and I was in the home stretch heading back to my car.  I ordered a half-price pizza to be picked up at 7pm from our local pizzeria (which has half off Mondays!) and I planned to pick some fresh lettuce from our garden to have with it.  Dinner was taken care of and I did squeeze in my long week mileage early - 9 miles of it!

Nothing like sitting down to dinner and really feeling accomplishment.  This is week 2 of marathon training and I have to admit I feel great.  My body felt alive, strong, and even anxious for more miles.  As I laid in bed last night around 10pm, I realized how wonderful it feels to be in that 'post-run-euphorium'.  Your legs feel strong, your body feels toned, and you know there is a great night of sleep ahead of you.

The next morning, my body was still in this 'euphorium'.  I walked to the train with my back a little straighter, a little more confidence in my stride, and a good satisfaction of knowing that today I get to rest from my success of yesterday - and eat a great hearty lunch out downtown later....I deserve it :)

Here's to a continued, injury-free, successful training season :)

Running in IL Weather - Impossible Task!

Why does Illinois weather have to be SO damn dramatic?  Seriously....we skip spring entirely this year....and go from winter to all time record highs where we haven't seen this type of streak of heat in late May/early June since the 1930s....to then have a 30 degree swing the next day with 5" of rain and people kayaking down the street!  Nope...not kidding....here is a great photo my friend took who blocks from her house:

Do people think that's really 'just rain'.... Come on, I know I'm a Civil Engineer by trade but COME ON PEOPLE....that's POOP WATER!  Gross! 

49 Confessions of Why I Run:

49 Confessions of Why I Run:

·         I run because I CAN!

·         I run for peace of mind, body & soul....

•   I run because it cleans my body and mind. It is my drug used without moderation.

·         I run because it gives me time to escape, time to daydream, time to focus and time to think about what's really important to me...

·         I run because I love the adrenalin rush and the satisfying feeling of fitness I feel after I've finished.

·         I run because it empowers me!!!

·         I run…to find myself.

·         I run to change my life for the better.

·         I run to say in shape and fit.

·         I run so that I can live longer and spend more years with my twins.

·         I run....because it's cheaper than therapy :)

·         I run because it helps me clear my head! And, it feels great!

·         I run to spend more time with my twins – via pushing them and teaching them exercise.

·         Why I run: My world is colliding at every turn…too much going on at all times.  Running is my solace…my peace….my recharge to try it all again tomorrow.

·         I run to prove to my daughter that women are strong and can accomplish their dreams.

·         I run for me.

·         I run to be challenged.

·         I run to share time with friends.

·         I run to see the forests early in the morning and witness the earth’s beauty under the soles of my feet - and before my eyes.

·         I run to be healthy, to be outside, to teach my kids about fitness, to satisfy my competitive spirit and because while all my minutes are dedicated to being a mommy, my time running is MINE... (even when I'm pushing them in the stroller)

·         I run to find time in my day to contemplate the life path that I’m on.

·         I run because it keeps me grounded.

·         I run for better health and sexy legs!

·         I run because it’s fun.

·         I run for my sanity. I have a hubby, kids, a stressful job and a busy household. Running keeps me SANE...oh, and having nice thighs and legs don't hurt either!

·         I run for health and to show my kids fitness is for a lifetime.

·         I run because I LOVE to eat.

·         I run because I LOVE wine.

·         I run because I LOVE margaritas.

·         I run to eat and drink even MORE!

·         I run for my mental health.

·         I run because it takes me places....

·         I run to know myself better, feel my strength, and revel in the joy of surpassing what I thought were my limits.

·         I run because it keeps me sane. And because my husband and kids think I get cranky when I don't get a run in...

·         I run because it makes me "ME", and I can teach my twins there is never a finish line, only another race and trail to complete.

·         I run because it's the only alone time I get some days...

·         I run for respect.

·         I run to prove I won't quit on myself.

·         I run to help me cope. Running is my Prozac.

·         I run to enjoy bagel day at the office.

·         I run to have a Saturday morning appointment.

·         I run to see more places when I travel.

·         I run races for the goodie bags.

·         I run to PR against myself at races…not others.

·         I run to push my twins and teach them about sitting still for 30 minutes in close proximity – and getting along.

·         I run for the bling…Big. Shnazzy. Medals.

·         I run for cool race t-shirts.

·         I run to remind myself that this is always easier than given birth to twins.

·         I run to have something to blog about J

 

....some of these have been inspired by others to me today, National Running Day, and over the years....others are ones that I have engrained into my runs each time someone asks me....Why do YOU run?

Complaining about Spring and National Running Day!!!

Welcome to June...FINALLY.  Talk about the most ill-defined transition from winter to summer EVER.  2011 has been a 'humdinger' thus far.  Last Tuesday night at T-Ball we were all freezing our rears off in the dugout, last night - not enough water to go around.  Somehow, we missed the transition to warm weather via the past known season as 'Spring'.  I remember it from my youth but have been struggling to find and witness it in recent years.  We have received ample amounts of rain this year that usually accompanies this mysterious season, but none of the transitional temperatures that we all NEED.  The reason I say 'Need' is because - seriously - I really NEED those temperatures.  As much as I'm a fan of super hot weather, we just don't know how to act or respond when it's literally just shoved in our face.

Example 1:  Yesterday I had my kids dress themselves for preschool.  They came out of their room in jeans and long sleeved shirts.  THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRESS FOR SPRING!  I told them it was 'super warm' and they needed shorts and t-shirts....they looked at me, cocked their head, and wondered what was I talking about.  So, we had to have a brief discussion about somehow God forgetting to bring us Spring....but guess what - Summer came early!  To that announcement, jubilee was heard around the neighborhood and they quickly asked, why are we still in school and why aren't we in the pool???

Example 2:  My garden.  I haven't posted some progress photos recently, but I will soon - I promise!  All is looking good - considering.  Last week we had temperatures dip to 40 degrees.  This has happened multiple times since May 1.  We've also had some huge temperature swings from day to day.  Needless to say my cucumbers have nearly sliced their own throats and my tomatoes are as ticked as can be.  We're all surviving...but COME ONE....Don't Tell Me I have to wait till June to plant my garden!

Example 3:  At lunch, I decided to go out for a 6 mile 'detox run' from the Memorial Day weekend frenzy.  Uh....hello - it was over 80 degrees!  To my luck I had also forgotten my ipod and found myself running with no music.  The 6 miles quickly was reduced as the only rhythm I fell into was the sound of my own near hyperventilation in the agonizing heat.  My body was not ready for this horrible transition and now it's revolting.  Needless to say, 6 miles quickly turned into 3.5

This morning I woke up and looked at the weather forecast for the rest of the week:  H O T

So....guess it's here to stay.  I'm also starting my marathon training program soon for the 2011 Chicago Marathon in October and wondering WTF was I thinking signing up for summer training marathon!?!  I know...I know....I grumble every spring while training for a spring race in the snow....but 80-90 degree runs are even worse, believe me!

To help me with this mental transition, I'm going to do my best to take it in stride....as the holiday that it is!  How better to handle the stress of running and easily wanting to NOT run due to the weather and instead drink wine and eat cheese after work....than celebrate this National Holiday!

June 1st is National Running Day!

You may run alone, but on National Running Day, we celebrate together! On this day, runners everywhere share their passion for a lifestyle that is one of the best, and simplest, ways to stay fit—and so much more. You can head out solo to clear your mind, gab with your regular running buddies, or turn an unsuspecting friend into a running fiend. This day is for us!



So....this bodes the option quite well:  Stay in and complain about the heat and lack of spring...or EMBRACE IT!

We've all waiting for June for months to get here.  It's finally here and we need to relish in it!  What will you do today?

I am working downtown Chicago today.  I also have to mow my yard when I get home.  AFTER all of that...and feeding my family....I plan to hit the suburban streets.  Depending on how late it is, I may only get in a half hour of miles...but that's ok.  Something is better than nothing and I plan to celebrate and just be thankful that I CAN RUN!

Weekend Running Views...and Some Great FOOD to Cancel Out the Miles!

This past Friday - Sunday resulted in 3 entirely different running experiences!  One - at a local forest preserve.  Two, run number 43 with my twins (and my hubby joined in!) in our neighborhood.  Three:  The country roads in Fayette County, IL.  All told - 11 miles covered. 


1.  Izaak Walton Forest Preserve is located in Homewood, IL and supplies great trail running and fabulous scenes...just a little over 1.4 miles from my house.  The current 3.6  mile loop is under construction due to a new waterway at MM 1.7ish that causes a slight detour to the unmarked path.  But all in all, a wonderful way to start your day...whether you are running, biking, or walking your dog. 

2.  Saturday morning all of us ran the Apollo 5k in Homewood.  This race is part of the 3-race circuit in the H-F running community.  We are never able to complete the full circuit since race #2 is always over The Fourth of July - so we always try and do this one for sure, along with the Flossmoor 5k mid September.  We ran it in approximately 29 minutes and felt great.  The twins were great spectators in their stroller - and only told us twice to 'pick up the pace'!.  Anyway, this was race #43 that I have pushed them in!

3.  Sunday morning I stepped outside to not only a warm day - but a WINDY one at that.  It was one of those runs where you don't realize how windy it really is, until you turn around at the half way point and head home.  My time for the first 2 miles was very fast and I felt pretty proud.  But guess what - I quickly realized that HELLO - that's the result of a great tail wind :)  So, the way back to the farm took me quite a bit longer than the way out, but considering those sustained gusts, I was just glad to finally make it back and not have to call the house for a ride back.  I was also pretty bummed that there was no random farm dogs to run with today.  Yep, usually you run past a farm house and the greatest old farm dog joins along and really - it is great company (except for the random stops and cutoffs right in front of you)... But heck, it keeps you on your toes!

'Why' might you ask did I decide to run 3 days in a row - particularly in such windy conditions.  Well, the night before my father-in-law hosted a 'Blooming Luau Party'....yep, lots of good food, beer, and wine.  And guess what, my mother-in-law made homemade fried banana fritters!  I was able to steer clear of them for about a half hour - until someone twisted my arm for a quick try.  Well, 30 minutes later I had consumed five of them....and felt like my stomach was becoming a lunar mass.  So, Sunday morning running really seemed like a requirement after this 'incident'.

Homemade banana fritters:  Think Banana Bread and Funnel Cake all in one!

After a good long weekend of some great mileage, I'm really excited about some nice warm weather running this summer.  Only more good times ahead!

Stress Relief At Its Best....Why I Run...

The WARM WEATHER running season is just upon us!  I was pretty excited this week to use that as my motivation to get others to MOVE.  Running is a great way - but really - just to get out and DO SOMETHING!  So, this week I'm a guest 'blogger' on the Homewood Flossmoor Patch (http://homewood-flossmoor.patch.com/) - our local community website for 'All Things Homewood-Flossmoor.  If you haven't checked it out yet - DO IT!  Or - check out their Facebook Page and 'like it' Here. 

Anyway, check out my article HERE - and yes, I hope to see you at the 5k on Saturday - with my co-runner hubby and our little training partners in tow!