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!

Destination Run: Pittsburgh Style!

As mentioned before HERE, running while on work trips is my necessity.  I love to see the 'new city sites' this way...and also attempt to balance out the unending free food and booze that seems to necessitate any work travel.  I spent 5 full days in the 'Burgh' and found 3 times to run.  When I first arrived in Pittsburgh, the concept of running slightly frightened me - HELLO - MORE HILLS!  But then I found this beautiful thing:  The Allegheny River!  Yes....rivers aren't on hills and what does that mean to me? - seek them out!  Usually in any major city there is some type of body of water, with a nice path/sidewalk/road that runs along it.  Luckily I stumbled upon a true running path here via a small park that connects all the sites along the river: PNC Park, Heinz Field, the Casino, The Science Museum, and of course....entrances to all the beautiful bridges that span the Allegheny as they approach this area known as the golden triangle. (Here Pittsburgh is nested between two rivers:  the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers - which combined to form the start of the Ohio river that then runs south west towards good ole' southern Illinois!). 

Foodie Indulgence: The Pittsburgh Attack!

After spending five straight days in Pittsburgh, PA, on the company dime and eating out every single meal, I came to a few quick conclusions on Day 1:

• I was going to experience tons of amazing food
• All amazing food is only just as good with great amazing wine and beer
• When you're with good friends and it's not your dime, zero accountability with eating 'right' ever enters the course of decision making.
• Any weight loss I had achieved via winter and spring marathon training would soon be lost

So...5 days later, how did it all pan out?  Well, all four major points were achieved.  Success?!?  Well, let's just say I can call this rather 'Predicatable!'.  Item 4 was somewhat curbed by the fact I did run 15 miles while in town, but anyone who has ever been gone on a week for a work trip can attest to the fact that no amount of miles can undue 5 days or 15 meals of eating like crap.  Nope....can't do it.  At least it kept me active and not at the buffet or bar longer than I really needed to be there.  And no, I haven't stepped on a scale to really see 'how much' the damage is.  I'm slightly scared right now and will only step on once I've had a couple of good days back in the office where I'm pretty regimented in my frozen lunches and clementines again :)

So, in order to not just feel sorry for myself, but to truly enjoy all the great good and beverage, I decided to instead, indulge in my 'Inner Foodie' and just enjoy it!  Below are some wonderful samplings of my week in Pittsburgh....and what I have coined to myself as the unhealthiest work trip of my existence.  Cheers!

The "Pittsburgh-er or the Primanti"

It had cappicola and salami with melted provolone, french fries, cole slaw and tomato on pugliese bread (yes, cole slaw and french fries actually inside of the sandwich).  But seriously....who ever imagined french fries on a sandwich - PURE GENIUS!!!

A wonderful ballpark hot dog with caramelized balsamic onions on top!

Potatoes with blue cheese and bacon!

Sliders...need I say more?  :)

Gyros!  $5 after the bars....2:30am.  Great on the waist!

All in all - this week will be my detox.  Yes, fruit, vegetables, and dairy will once again enter my diet.  Exercise will ramp up, and I am beginning my first day in one week with no beer or wine.  Please be leery of talking/working/socializing with me.  To help get thru this transition, I am considering a slow drip IV of beer and beef filet grease to help me get thru the next couple days.  Please say a prayer that I make it :)

Mother’s Day Ammmazing-ness

So….let me just start out this post by first explaining that I THINK much of my husband’s success in pulling off a fabulous Mother’s Day experience for me this year, is mostly in repair and recovery from last year’s Mother’s Day.  Yep, last year was the worst.

As is this year, I’m heading to my once a year ‘all week’ work trip for the NASCC: The Steel Conference.  Last year, we were required to fly out Sunday to arrive prior to Monday morning.  Thankfully, this year, we flew out today – Monday.  So, last year, my husband was in the midst of one of his ‘crazy’ work deadlines and had to work Sunday in the city.  I spent the day alone with two crazies – yes, two ‘just turned 4 – full on crazies’ that were awful that day.  Then I picked up Chris at work and he drove us to the airport for my drop off.  I was sulking in the fact I was alone all day, the kids were out of control, and I had to leave for seven days (which I was then blaming their ‘crazy-factor’ on me for not being around more).  I nearly quit my job on the spot that day – curbside at the airport.  I remember crying thru the airport with sunglasses on.  The TSA person made me take off my sunglasses in the security line and guess what – she gave me a hug.  She said….”I know….It’s Mother’s Day….I wish I was home too.”   She ‘got’ it.  I just wanted to cry on her shoulder till my flight left, but I knew if I stood there for more than the ‘accepted time’, I’d surely be detained for some random code violation.

So….I went to work and said – NEVER will I travel on Mother’s Day away from my kids again – NEVER.

Well….fast forward 12 months and here we are again.  But guess what – NO TRAVEL YESTERDAY!  Woo Hoo!  Chris never forgot how bad that day was….and he KNEW how close I was to quitting a job that I love over one crappy day.  He got the super-duper Dad ‘Gold Star’ yesterday.  From an orchestrated breakfast in bed….to letting me get myself ready for church in a quiet room, to a beautiful lunch at Belagio and nap with my babies – it was fabulous J

As I mentioned this weekend in my Mother’s Day Mantra post, I was quite nervous the twins would burn down the house at 5am with their secret threat of pancakes and operating the toaster.  When my husband first heard them up clanging pans, he immediately went down there and put together something fabulous:

Great food....and a great Quatros's Cup to compliment it!  (for all you Salukis!)

Seriously – ham, mushroom, and cheese omelet, toast, strawberries and bananas….and two of our shot glasses (which get zero usage these days) outfitted with strawberry jelly and salsa as condiments.   A nicely folded napkin and orange juice

Race Number 41 with my training partners!

As I shared earlier this week, last weekend, I ran a crazy running bonanza weekend.  A 5k and a Half Marathon - 13 hours apart.  Just today the race posted pictures from the 5k.  And guess what - I think I've found my favorite :)

This race was number 41.  Yes, over the course of the last couple months, I've done my best to actually determine how many races I have pushed the twins in.  Last Friday night, on April 29th, I pushed them in number 41.  This is summer number 6 they've been traveling in this exact same stroller.  They are now too big for the seat belts, old enough to adjust the sun visor on their own, and ornery enough to sometimes drag their feet on the ground on purpose to get my attention for one of their pressing questions that they might have for me mid-race. 

I found out from my sister-in-law about thirty minutes before the race that the rules said 'No Running with Strollers'.  Guess what....I kinda pretended I didn't hear her  :)  This summer I plan to soak up my last chances to take my little 'training partners' out with me on Saturdays for races.... This is a time in my life I will never get back and I really really do enjoy it. Heck, I ran my second marathon ever when I was pregnant with them.  NOT having them with me truly seems un-natural.

So, of the 4,500 5k runners last weekend, I'm pretty sure I was the only one running while pushing 100 pounds of twins plus an old jalopy stroller at a 29 minute race pace.  To the Illinois Marathon staff and volunteers - thanks for not stopping me for a rule that was probably well grounded for the quantity of people in that short race....but I appreciate it :)  Running around the inside of Memorial Stadium while pushing my kids to the Black Eyed Peas is a feeling I may never forget :)

I GOTTA FEELING!

Racing Success & Scournging up from the Depths of Phlem Hell!

7 days...12 hours later, and I 'may' be turning the corner.  You know when you're sick and you say 'I think I'm turning the corner'.  Well, last Wednesday at about 5pm as I was on the train with my husband heading home, I turned to him and said, I REALLY need to turn the corner tomorrow.  No....I didn't feel like I was turning the corner, but I NEEDED to turn the corner. Because, well, I had plans.  I, like most humans on this planet, don't allow time for getting sick.  Heck, I haven't even been on antibiotics for the cold or flu in over 7 years.  I haven't been to a family practice doctor in that same amount of time....as I'm a chronic 'self diagnoser'.  So, Thursday of last week, I didn't turn the corner.  Friday afternoon I had REAL PLANS.  I was planning to run the I-Challenge in Champaign, IL starting that evening:  Pushing the twins in a 5k at 6:30pm and running a half marathon 13 hours later at 7:30am.  Yep, no time for any little 'phlem' to get in my way!  So, turning the corner - or not, I wasn't backing out of my commitments, and my MONEY I had already paid 5 months ago for this event! 

Solutions for Hosting a Family Weekend Festivus – Napa Wine….and Running

Being the ‘hoster’ of this weekend’s family festivities…. I am feeling the most dreaded sensation right now - ‘holy smokes….why didn’t I plan ahead?!?’

 

Doctor Doctor....Give me the NEWS!

I’m considering actually going to a doctor.  Nope….not for my annual checkup, but a REAL doctor (sorry if I offended any doctors out there).  I’m talking about a doctor based on a real current ailment.  I can’t even begin to tell you how many years it has been since I went to a real J.  I have been at the pediatrician’s office with the twins before and may have ‘mentioned’ an ailment of mine to him – to quickly have him comment his EXPERT medical opinion.  So, good timing has served me well in that respect at times!  In addition, my pediatrician has been overly generous to me in the past as well and only charging me one co-pay for the first twin being sick (and knowing the seconding coming with Twin B is coming in a day or two)….but prescribing me two kids medications!  SCORE!

Boston Marathon Day - Oh How I Both Loathe and Respect you....

I have completed 6 marathons to date... with a PR (personal record) of 4.27.12.  I have consistently TRIED to improve my time, but as you all know from THIS lovely post, 1/3 of my marathons have been cancelled due to extreme heat.  Of the other four, three of them have hovered within 8 minutes of each other in my finishing time, and the other one I was preggers with twins and had to slow down the last 6-8 miles.  So....lucky may be my middle name :)  Anyway, TODAY - and just a few minutes ago - the 115th of the Boston Marathon began!  If this is new to you - let me explain to you a little bit about Boston. 

Boston is THE marathon in the world of running.  Not really for the course, free giveaways, or tropical setting (which seems to be some of my personal criteria when choosing my next destination!), but the stature and glamour of actually saying 'Yes, I ran Boston'.... or 'I've just QUALIFIED for Boston'.  Really, you are almost as cool to be able to qualify, as to actually make it there.

Over the course of the last year, I have started going to work about a half hour earlier to adjust my schedule a little bit.  On that early train in the morning, are a husband and wife who are in THE BEST shape you could imagine.  And what do they wear to work everyday you might ask? 

HOLY BUTTOCKS!

That pretty much sums it up. Early this morning I woke up before the conference to run the streets of Henderson NV.   And boy....HOLY BUTTOCKS!...

Destination Run - Vegas Style!

For the next 36 hours, I am in Vegas for the fabulous 'Structures Congress'.  I know, I know - all of you structural engineers out there are completely jealous of this heavenly parfait filled with steel, concrete, timber, masonry, and wonderful sessions on seismic and gravity analysis and detailing challenges!!!  Whoop....maybe not :)

Anyway, I am actually here for a series of meetings in conjunction with the conference - for this sustainability committee I am on.  One of the potential activities includes a tour of hoover dam that I hope to score tickets to tomorrow night!  So....sorry to disappoint any of you hoping to hear about any possible craziness for me at Tao or the Palms with Lindsay or the Kardashians :)  Well....I will check back in Sunday, after the fact, if things take a spin in that direction!

Traveling for work is hard on many levels.  It is wonderful to visit many places on the company dime that I normally wouldn't be able to - but it is never fun to do it alone.  One time I was driving alone thru the 'badlands' of South Dakota.  I had a couple hours to kill before my flight was due to leave Rapid City - and I had a rental car.  I decided to drive to Mt. Rushmore.  It was early April - not the busy time of the year for tourists.  There was no traffic - nearly all the little towns on the way resembled ghost towns.  And then - ta da- I was there!!! But - I looked around and I was alone in the car.  I decided to pull over, get out, and call my husband at work.  So...imagine how excited I am to share this experience with him.

The phone rings - he answers - andhe is as grouchy as an be! Some new impossible deadline from his then boss....then immediately deflated my bubble of 'national landmark bliss'.  So - boo on traveling alone is my new mantra.  Yes - hotel beds alone with no kids yelling or climbing in - is great! Food is also good on someone else's dime (especially when a few cocktails are involved).  But, I have to admit that I really don't enjoy these escapades.  Leaving my family is 'not cool' and putting this all on Chris's plate to manage everything in my absence - I truly feel guilty about.

The one true brightspot that I LOVE to brag to my other running buds and gym rats about is my running and athletic adventures when I travel.

In the past, I once rented a car while I was in Phoenix for work, and drove to Meriposa County and did a 8 mile trail run thru the desert that crossed over the dam of a lake in the state park there (the race even had scorpion and snake training to prep for the course!).    Last month I biked 17 miles thru Napa while there for work.  And at a bare minimum - I try to run the streets or 'sights' in every city I travel in. 

I hope the next 36 hours give me that same oppototunity.  I plan to enjoy the cool steel sessions, some nice merlot, get some miles under my belt under the lights of the city that never sleeps - and maybe drop a quarter in a slot machine in the airpoort before I fly home.

Start em' young!

As most of my friends and family know, I was 9 weeks pregnant when I ran my second Chicago Marathon in the fall of 2005.  I had found out three weeks before the race that I was pregnant....and had not even considered the option of NOT running it.  I spoke with my doctor, talked it over with my husband, and shared the news with my running partner - outside of that, no one knew.  I made a conscious effort to reduce my heart rate, stay 'extra' hydrated, and even walk.  Yes, that word sound like taboo to me, but I was willing to do ANYTHING to complete

The Cool Factor - Running and Baby Prematurity Awareness - In a Capsule! COOL!

Wow...guess who's a hero...

Sacrificing for our LEGS

I posted yesterday about how much everything was a BLURRRRR....from the moment I crossed the finish line.  I thought I might pass out...just needed water so bad. Prior to that - I feel like every detail and moment of that race is en-grained in my mind like a unique etching with specific details and memories I can recollect (today anyway) at a moment's notice.  I remembered a very important detail about that 'post race experience' on my train ride in to work this morning.  As I hobbled (yes...still hobbling these aching quads along nearly 3 days later) onto the train platform, I was right behind a man on crutches.  After about 10 steps behind him, I finally realized he only had one leg.  Not a prosthetic....just one leg and crutches, with a very heavy backpack.  WOW.... He's stronger than I am.  I can't imagine doing that daily without a wheel chair or fitted prosthetic and HAVING to get around in this fashion - relying on other people of the general population to help and assist with holding doors and getting around.  Well - almost.