Mmmm, cheesecake

Cheesecake balls-on-a-stick are goooood. Hmm, I wonder if my snug-fitting pants have anything to do with the obscene amount of sweets I've been consuming this month. Naaa, that can't be it. Damn! This is why I neeeeeeed to d-a-n-c-e.

Wishing you lots of sweets and dancing during the holiday festivities.

Feliz Navidad!!!

te amo...

It's been 39 days since my last run, I realized that I'm blue when I don't run. You know what else? It's the same with dancing. I'm sad when my body isn't doing either one of those two things. Sometimes thinking about dancing or running gets met giddy and excited, it gives me butterflies. I realize I'm in love. Or is it that I love those two things? Yes, I love running and dancing. Ahhh, love.....

I did a little bit of salsa dancing Saturday night. A fleeting moment of bliss, that is, until I stepped on someone with my heel, ouch, I'm so sorry.

Let's get out there and do what we love!

It's all about the guacamole

What is it about time? Not enough of it...too much...flies by...doesn't come quick enough. I'm a planner. I like to know what the plan is, the schedule, the script, etc. That's my problem; I'm a planner, not so much a do-er. I'm the person who buys next year's calendar in October, what's the rush? I was thinking about this today because I have a couple of events in the coming months of January and February. I'm excitedly looking forward to them and I was thinking about who I would share these events with. Specifically, I was thinking about a particular person and feeling like a fool because women are always planning ahead, way ahead; and men, well, not so much. What's up with that? WHY do we do that? And why don't THEY? Arrggh.

Oh yeah, tonight's title comes from a Burt Wolf interview. He was a guest on a show on the local PBS station. The guacamole story has to do with the time he met his wife. I love men who talk about stuff like that. I love PBS. I'm such a sap today. I love PBS.

Oh yeah, last week I met Frank Santorelli of The Sopranos fame and I shook his hand. I was a little giddy. See what I mean, I'm a sap.

Make a gift to your local PBS station.

2007 Holiday Giggle

I'm very excited, it will be a great night! I definitely need the laughs, the last couple of weeks have been a little ugggh.



Great show next week Wednesday at the Portage Theater. 6 comedians take the stage and Frank Santorelli, from The Sopranos will guest star. Holiday music, laughs, after-party; and the best part: every single cent raised benefits 13 local organizations!

It's MaDneSS!!

I think I've found my first race for 2008! Yeeeaah. The March Madness half-marathon. It's a hilly course, never done that before, but the scenic course makes it worthwhile. Thanks Melina for the invite, only 100 days 'til race day. I can't wait, as I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with different balls up in the air. I'll keep plugging along, one day at a time.

Baby it's cold outside

I've been such a slacker, both with the running and blogging. But, Baby it's cold outside. Fear no more, I have a race on Sunday. It's the jingle bell run 5k to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The runners and walkers get actual bells to tie to our shoes; how cool is that? It'll be my first winter race. I hope it goes well. My last race a few weeks ago didn't go too well. That race was my slowest 5k ever; and afterwards I had some right knee/IT band inflammation that lasted about 3-4 days; ugggh. But I've missed my running, I need to put my winter plan into action. Did I mention I miss my running? On the flip side, I don't miss waking early for Sunday runs. Hmmm, sleep, I do love sleeping in.

I'm excited about the race Sunday, let's hope I don't oversleep. Ahhh, sleep.

Somebody, stop me!

Tonight is the third night in a row I'm eating birthday cake (not mine) after 10 PM. Cake and coffee, mmmmm. I gotta have my vices.

Happy birthday Pop and 'Melina!

Wondergirl

I ran the 1st annual Wondergirl 5k last Saturday morning. There was so many young girls running the race, awesome! The best part was finishing on the field at Toyota Park, how cool!

I will try to post more soon.

Dia de los Muertos

stats: 5k; 26:49
I placed 3rd in my division!! woohoo!!

Cross-Border Orchestra of Ireland

The Cross-Border Orchestra made their Chicago debut at Symphony Center on Tuesday night.

Simply Gorgeous

What a gorgeous sunset today. Gorgeous!

The last few days:

Friday I watched Sandra Valls in action. She is hilarious! I was still laughing about it days later. She performed several shows over the weekend in the city. I hope many more of you catch her on stage, she's awesome.

Saturday I wore a glittery top that was probably too glittery for the baptism celebration I was attending that evening, but in my defense - it WAS a Saturday night, I'm trying here.

Sunday I went on a short LONG run. I ran five miles. That's it. I know, I know, very inspiring. I will try to get-in some real and inspiring running this week. And I have just the motivation I need: two upcoming 5k's. One is a fundraiser for the charter school near my house, and the other is the Wondergirl 5k happening on the Southside. Girls rock!

In the meantime, enjoy the sunsets (and sunrises.)

blah, blah, blah

Blagh, sums up the last few days, weeks, etc. My running has been very inconsistent, especially the past three weeks. I think I was feeling a bit of a burn-out after the big race last month. In the past year since I stared running races I've done eight 5k's, two 8k's, one 10-miler and 1 half-marathon. I think I needed a bit of a break. But enough of that, break's over; I have a long run planned for Sunday. This week I've been out for one run and hopefully I'll get one in tomorrow; easing back into it. And hopefully one or two turkey trots before Winter.

This was the second week of my class at Northwestern. Having class on Monday nights makes the week fly by. I don't know if that's a good thing or not. But on the bright side, in 8 weeks I'll be done with the Certificate program; yaaay for me!

Hey, you know who I saw this week? Well, let me tell you. Pepe! I hadn't seen him since the Summer last year. Things are going very well for him. He's traveling/touring lots and back in the studio for some recording time. That's what happens when you're actually living your passion. Yeah, I gotta remember that.

What's YOUR passion?

good times

Let me tell you about last Friday. I went for a run after work (it had been a week.) I was going to run my new route to the planetarium and back. That was the plan. But you know plans have a way of not working out. I was feeling really good, fresh legs and all. But about 1.5 mile into the run my IT band started acting up again, uggh! Crap! What the hell? I tried running through the discomfort, that didn't work. I tried walking it off, that made the pain worse. I turned around and headed back. Total running/walking distance was about 3 miles. I didn't even look at time. What a bust. I was bummed. But then my spirits were lifted.

I stopped by Q's Hispanic Heritage Month closing ceremonies. There was food and cake and Angel Melendez's 911 Mambo Orchestra was performing, yaaay! I luuuuv them, they rock! There was a small dance floor set-up in the room. You know I had to dance at least one song. I was wearing my running shoes, which are not optimal for cutting up the rug. But that's ok, it didn't stop me from enjoying the music. I learned a very important lesson here: always, always carry dancing shoes ;) I danced the last song of the night, I took off my shoes and danced in my socks. Hellooooooo.

No long-run over the weekend. I indulged in extra zzz's.

Oh yeah, I went for a run today after work. It was so very windy this evening. But it was great running weather, probably in the 60's or 70's, I have no idea. My legs felt fresh. I ran the path to the planetarium again, and you know what, I felt great. So much so that when I reached the planetarium entrance I ran up the stairs, ά la Rocky. I'm such a dork. It was a great run! Things are looking up.

today's stats: 4.3 mi.; 44 min.

I'm baaaack!

OK, I went for a run and all is gooooood! Although it had been about 5 days since my last run it felt like it had been much longer. All week long I kept fixating on how my right knee was feeling. I'm happy to report that my IT band is an issue no more. Whew, thank goodness. My run went really well. And let me tell you, it was exactly what I needed. I was in a bit of a foul mood late in the afternoon. Getting out there for a run and fresh air was the cure. But boy, it was very humid out there. Who would've thunk it? 80˚ plus in October?

I started at an easy pace and didn't push anything too much, but I was trying to be consistent. I didn't have a plan on how many miles to do, I thought I would do about 3 miles. I was feeling really good so I decided to run to the planetarium and then loop back to work. It turned out to be almost 4.5 miles total, and I felt great!

The marathon is happening Sunday and hopefully I'll be on the sidelines cheering on the runners. Good luck to everyone running it.

today's stats: 4.4 mi.; 44 min.

Cugat! and Tango

Tonight I enjoyed Luna Negra Dance Theater's "antojito." The dance company performed a sampling of new work which they will perform later this month. They performed excerpts from two new pieces, it was awesome! The performance took place at the Joffrey Studios and also included a Q & A session with four of the dancers and the company's artistic director. Very cool, indeed. It was so amazing to be in an intimate setting with the dancers so up-close. Definitely a highlight.

I ran into Jose, who I hadn't seen in months, after the performance. He's an apprentice with Luna Negra this season and things are going well for him. It was wonderful to see him, he's performing very soon and I hope to see him do that.

I will try for a run tomorrow. I haven't been out since Sunday's race. The weather has been amazing, but I've been resting my right leg. I've been icing and resting for the past four days, I hope my IT band isn't an issue again. We will see how it goes.

eres mío

I always turn to you.
If I'm feeling peaceful, melancholy, joyful, ecstatic, sad, mad, unmotivated, happy, excited, anything, everything, I turn to you.
You're always there.
I ask you for so much.
You ask for nothing.
You're always there.

Going to the dogs

I ran the PAWS Run for their Lives 8k Sunday. The race kicked my tail! Lots of doggies and their owners were out for the 4k walk too ('Tini, let's do it next year.) It was a beautiful day, but I was feeling a little under the weather. I had sinus congestion and body aches, but otherwise feeling pretty good and ready to run.

The first two miles were just fine and dandy. In fact, a fellow runner thanked me for being a good pacer for her, your welcome, I wasn't even trying. Like I said, all was fine and dandy and good until about 2.5 miles, and then, huh?, what's that feeling? I felt a little bit of a pull on the outside of my right knee. I wasn't in any pain, but I was aware of the sensation. I felt fine to continue to run, except going downhill. Owww, okay right knee, you've got my attention. And what was it with the course? Is it me, or did we run loops? No? Just me? Oh.

The runner I was pacing left me in her dust after mile 3, good for her. I just wanted to finish, and please, no more downhills. I kept plugging along, enjoying the path and the sound of my feet carrying me through to the end. The more I do this the more I find comfort in quiet footsteps and heavy breathing. Only two more miles left, "I can do this, twenty more minutes, I can do this." I finished strong and had a good time time doing it. Afterwards I enjoyed a much deserved hot dog and other goodies. Results will be posted tomorrow, I can't wait, I have no idea how I did.

By the way, good news; crossing your fingers does work. I received a phone call today from Luna Negra; I got tickets and I am on the guest list for their performance Thursday, yaaaay!

Okay, one very last thing: I did PR on Saturday's 5k. My time - 25:00!!!

Sunday's stats: 8k; 49:29 unofficial

I think I PR'ed

I ran the Race for the Cure 5k today. What a gorgeous morning. I wasn't feeling it, though. I woke around 3:30 a.m. and couldn't fall back asleep. I've had a bit of a sore throat since yesterday and during the night was not feeling my best. I woke up with a headache too, but by the time I got to the start line, the headache was gone. It was a great morning, great energy at Grant Park for the race. I don't know how many runners there were but there must have been thousands of walkers. It was so inspiring seeing women in the pink-survivor t-shirts.

My goals for any race are to run the whole thing without stopping or walking and to cross the finish line. For today's race I lined-up near the front of the start. I don't think I started out too fast, I can never tell. There's so much I don't know about this whole running thing. I was feeling good the first mile. After the second mile I could feel myself becoming a little tired, my legs were ok, but my breathing was labored. It's at this point that I needed to give myself a mini-pep talk ("don't be a wimp, don't be a wimp, you can do this.)

Let me tell you what I do know, I think I set a personal record. I won't know for certain until race results are posted on Monday. I can't wait! It was a great day to celebrate those who have beat breast cancer and to honor those who died fighting it.

today's stats: 5k; 25:10! unofficial

Finally

FINALLY went for a run this week. I ran 3 miles after work. I didn't want to do too much today as I'm planning on two races for the weekend. I'm doing the Race for the Cure tomorrow. It's an anniversary race for me, this was my first race EVER last year. It's a good cause, I'm looking forward to it.

It was a beautiful day today, a hint of chill in the air. Was it windy too? Why do I think it was? I felt good, but I can definitely tell it's time for a new pair of running shoes (any excuse to shoe-shop!) I ran three easy miles. I made sure to warm up with a short walk and made sure not to start out too fast. I wasn't keeping a fast pace, but I was trying to be consistent throughout. I don't think I could have run more than the three. My sports bra was not very, umm....supportive. Was that too much information?

As I was running back to work I noticed that construction on the Joffrey Tower is near completion. I'm very excited about that. The tower will have big floor-to-ceiling windows on first floor on the Randolph St. side so passers-by can look in on classes/rehearsals. How cool is that? I'm on the waiting list for tickets to an event taking place there next week, keep your fingers crossed for me.

I'm realizing the importance of actually setting goals, and not just going through the motions (thanks Ime.) You think I would've learned that a long time ago, but I haven't practiced that much. Never too late to live and learn. I'm a work-in-progress; aren't we all? I've decided on 3 goals for next year. Simple, small tangibles, I'm going to work on getting them done.

today's stats: 3 mi., 31 min.

It hasn't been a good week running-wise. Today I had to run an errand after work. Yesterday, I had to rush home and wait for the window guy. Monday or Tuesday I worked late. I know, I know; excuses, excuses. Aargghhh!

lucky 7

I'm enjoying having someone to do my long-runs with, it keeps me from starting out too fast.
today's stats:
7 mi.; 63 min. (pace 9:00!)


Friday's run:
3 mi.; 32 min.
It was good short run. I realized that there are two kinds of people: those that make things happen and those that wait for things to happen to them. Unfortunately, I've been the latter. But I'm aware that I'm slowing changing that around, trying to.

No hay nada mas dificil...

I'm watching "Latin Grammys celebra a Marco Antonio Solis." I love him. I could listen to "Si No Te Hubieras Ido" a hundred times in a row and never tire of it. Great artists performing Marco Antonio Solis' authored songs, and doing it live! I love it! By the way, when I grow up I want to be Lucero; she rocks!

No run today, worked late.

Who do you want to be when you grow up?

Humid 5

I did a 5-mile run Wednesday, hadn't done that in a while. It went really well. It was a great evening, although a little humid and windy. Went running without music and my legs felt pretty good. I'm a little disappointed in my time because I felt like I was pushing myself. I was trying for a 10-minute (or under) mile. My breathing FELT like I was doing a 10-minute mile.

Lots of people out enjoying the weather and sooo many boats out on the water. We're all trying to squeeze out as much as we can out of these last few days of summer. All in all it was a really enjoyable run. Mostly, I was stalling going home to finish a writing project I'm working on. I was suffering severely from writer's block; and I'm not even a writer.

Enough stalling, gotta get back to it.

Wed. stats: 5.1 mi.; 52 min.

El Nazareno

No run today. Which is probably why I'm in a funk. It was a busy enough day at work, which is good for keeping me out of trouble, but my mind was elsewhere. Namely, on a new project which I'm excited about and excited to be a part of. I missed not going for a run. Running does wonders for fooling me into thinking I have everything under control. Sort of like a running-induced ignorant bliss, ahhh, goodtimes.

I was also feeling in a funk because I had a realization. It was more like an acknowledgment of the loss of something due to transition. Darn transition. But transition is good; that's how I have proof I'm learning and growing. When I get in one of these moods, in my own little world, God is at the ready to show me that all of this is part of his plan, silly me.

On a bright (and musical) note, I added a song that plays in its entirety. Yaaay!!! Enjoy!

Heavy Monday

Short run today after work. Partly because I needed to get back to make a 7 PM appointment; and partly because my legs felt heavy. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I didn't run this weekend. Or maybe because it might be time for new running shoes. Mine have 450 running miles on them.

Lots of runners and cyclists on the path as I ran south. Good weather, a little bit windy. I ran without music again. I might try doing that again for a while . When I initially started running I did so without music. I only started listening to music when I was getting ready for my 10-mile race last May. I'll have to see how I feel on my 5-mile runs.

I also need to remember to hydrate more. And those late-afternoon potato chips were heavy in my stomach. Maybe I shouldn't snack on potato chips so late in the afternoon. Umm, or maybe I shouldn't snack on potato chips. Period. Damn my cravings for all things salty and crunchy.

today's stats: 2.8 mi.; 29 min.

Viva Mexico!

No running this weekend :(

However it was not all bust. Today I marched, er, walked 2.4 miles in the Mexican Independence Day parade w/ a group from my niece and nephew's school. I LOVE parades! In a previous life I was a band geek, ahhh, good times. And yesterday there was a little salsa dancing, more good times.

I'm looking forward to the week ahead and hope to get-in lots of good runs; we're supposed to have great weather for it. Wishing you a great official last week of summer.

independent running

I was out for another recovery run after work today. I'll start running my usual 4-5 mile runs next week. But for now, I'm enjoying my slow easy runs. Again, I had no goal of any kind. I just wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get out there. I was surprised at how few runners I saw out on the path, although there were plenty of cyclists out there doing their thing.

Along with no plan for my run I also set-out without my mp3 player again. Just me, listening to my breathing and the sounds in the air. It was very freeing not depending on the music or talk to carry me through a run, but maybe it was easy because it was a short run. I felt really good, no more sore thighs, yeah! My pace was a little faster than my other run earlier this week. I think I was running faster so that I could get to Millennium Park to enjoy the sounds in the air. Those sounds were provided by Mariachi Perla de Mexico, in a free performance, opening for Magos Herrera and Ozomatli, as part of The National Museum of Mexican Art's 20th anniversary celebration.

Who needs an mp3 player when the sounds of Mexico are in the air?

today's stats: 2.8 mi; 28 min.

Nice and slow

I've finally come down from my half-marathon-induced high, sigh. It was nice while it lasted. I'm not sure how long the recovery period needs to be; so I went out for a run yesterday. Nothing fancy, just a short and easy run. Actually, my intention was not to go for a run at all, but a 30-minute walk. I walked for about 15 minutes and couldn't help myself, I stared running. Slowly. It was almost like breaking a rule, gasp! Me? But I LOVE rules. Was it too soon? I don't know. My legs felt fine.

It was perfect running weather, cool and partly sunny. I hope for many more days like these. I have to take advantage of the good-weathered days while I can. As I was heading back and feeling good I realized the best runs happen when there's no plan. Weird, since I'm all about plans. Because I had no goal for time or distance I just let my feet and legs do their thing and move me forward.

What moves YOU?

Wed. stats: 2.7 mi.; 33 min.

Runners rock!

What a race! I'm a 1/2 marathon girl; and I'm ready for more, just not this minute. Here's the run-down of today's half-marathon.

Miles 1-5 went very smoothly, nothing out of the ordinary. After about mile 6, not so smooth. I remember thinking at mile 7 "what? we've barely passed the half-way point?" Starting a little after mile 7, we're at 35th St. and turn to head south on Lake Shore Dr. For the next 4 miles or so the sun was beating down on us, I don't think I've ever sweated so much as I did miles 7-10. Thank goodness for the aid stations, although I still haven't figured out how to drink water and run at the same time. I don't remember much about mile 8.

At about mile 9 I start to slow down and I start to feel sluggish, oh no. At this point Kanye West's song "Stronger" comes on and I am pumped. The feeling lasts for half a mile, "why can't songs be longer?" Between mile 9 and 10 I keep repeating Jennifer's words of encouragement, "confidence, that's all you need, you can do it." Once I reach mile 10 I'm feeling pretty good about having gotten that far. I think "good, 10 miles down, 3 more to go." But at the same time I'm thinking "ugh, 3 more to go."

I'm feeling very slow at mile 11. Mile 11 is also where I thank God for my health and safety always, especially on my runs. I start to get a little emotional too, but that only lasts a few seconds; it's hard to run and breathe when you're all choked up. Mile 11 seemed like the longest mile ever in the history of measured distances. Ugghhh, I'm never gonna make it. All I want to do is get to mile 12 because then all that is left is one more mile. Why is mile 11 sooo looong?? Finally, mile 12! Yaaay, 1 more to go. Almost there, almost there.

We turn a bend somewhere and I can see the finish line. Well, nothing left to do but to take-off. I'm running as fast as I can. More importantly, I'm smiling a big cheesy smile as I cross the finish line. Like I said, I'm ready for more.

today's stats: 13.1 mi.; 2:06:43

finisher's medal

Unofficial time 2:17

We SO rocked it!

Thank goodness for all the people out on the course cheering-on the runners; especially OUR cheerleaders Tony, Jennifer and Rosy. Gracias Sarita for the encouragement. Thank you Imelda and Marina for coming out to support me!

Chicago Half-Marathon

If you're out on the race course Sunday morn' please cheer for all the runners, especially my friend Ime #9990! See you then!

Four days

Only four days to go! Four days! I went out for an easy run; and by easy I mean short and sweet - 2 miles. Although sometimes there's nothing easy about 2 miles. That first mile is always the toughest. I probably could have done 3 miles, but please, I'm lazy.

I need to start working on my play list. I'll need 2+ hours worth of jams to get me dancing to that finish line. As I'm writing this I'm feeling a little bit surreal. I'm running a half-marathon in 4 days. Me. Running. Wow.

What songs get you moving?

today's stats: 2.5 mi.; 24 min.

Cuando te vea @ the finish

Today was the final 10-mile long run before race day! It was a beautiful day, very sunny, I should have worn my cap. My arms and legs have a bit more color than usual. Imelina and I did our 10 miles on the lakefront. We were definitely in great spirits and out times reflected that. Sarita and Tini joined us for a walk, they walked 8 miles! Wow!

It was a great morning: I worked up a good sweat; I spent time with friends; and I reaffirmed to myself that I'm getting stronger; and not just when I'm running.

It feels a bit like it's the 11th hour. I feel I'm as ready as I'm gonna be. The week ahead will be a taper week, I plan on going out twice and doing 2-3 mile runs. Then off to the expo on Friday to pick-up my bib and other goodies! I'm so excited!

My legs are tired...

today's stats: 10 mi.; 1:32

oh it's what you do to me

I found it. What? The mile marker? The answer I already knew? What?

Went for a longer than usual run after work Friday. Didn't really have a goal, but I wanted to do a long run of about 7-8 miles. My thighs were still sore from Thursday's run. I wanted to get on the path and go for as long as I could without getting too tired. It was sunny and warm, lots of people out on the beaches. Usually the biggest obstacle in getting-in a good run is just getting out the door and getting one foot in front of the other.

I find motivation anywhere I can get it. Yesterday my motivation was a guy wearing running shorts w/ pink stripes. A couple of weeks ago my motivation was barbecue-flavored potato chips. It's all about the small things. The small things like the rabbit by the zoo, the friend who reaffirms, mile-marker 5; and especially that song that carried me through that last 3/4 of that last mile.

Friday stats: 8.7 mi; 1:22

Saturday was rest day, thank goodness, my legs are still sore, oh oh.

Sunday morning is the final 10-miler before race day.

#11097, that's me

I received an e-mail tonight w/ my bib # and instructions for the half-marathon expo. I can't stand the excitement! It makes up for the fact that the band I was looking forward to performing along the course won't be part of the event this year, oh well. I tried something a little different during my run today. I did a little bit of hill work, and my thighs are feeling it.

My 3-mile run today was exactly what I needed. During the run I'm people watching, I'm listening to my breathing, my mind is wandering, I'm humming along. It was sunny and breezy, lots of Bears fans out and about. My time wasn't great for 3 miles, but that's ok, I want to do a longer run tomorrow.

today's stats: 3.6 mi; 35 min.

The power of five

I had the best 5-miler I've had in a long time. I went for a run after work, and boy, was it sticky out. It was very humid, but at least it wasn't sunny, and there was a nice breeze too. The first half of the run seemed easy, my shins felt o.k., no achy thighs, nothing. That's weird, or is it? Dammit, just enjoy it. At my turnaround point I took a water break and decided to pick-up the pace a bit. I saw a bunny in the grassy area by the water fountain. I love that amidst the concrete and steel I can come across ducks and the occasional bunny rabbit. A bunny rabbit for Pete's sake!

Coming back I picked up the pace a bit and ran against the wind, but I felt good. Good, except for the darn red lights I kept stopping for. I was getting frustrated, and then God reminded me that I shouldn't sweat the small stuff. It's not that serious. A song came into my ears, and all was good again. I love how a song can take you from frustrated or mad or melancholy or whatever and instantly transport you to joy, or peace or even make you giddy.

What songs are on the soundtrack of your life?

today's stats: 5.3 mi.; 58 min.

A quickie; run, that is...

Went for a quick run after work. I usually don't go for runs on the nights I work late, but I wanted to take advantage of today's weather. I want to get in as many runs as I can before the taper next week and the big race. The plan was to do a 3-miler, I did 2.8 mi. in 28 minutes. It was an easy run; sunny and warm, but a bit muggy.

Since it was a short run I was able to enjoy it without thinking about the distance I had to cover. I love how strong I feel when I'm in motion, or I should say, how strong my LEGS feel. I luuuuv my legs, they haven't failed me yet. My toenail is still bruised, but that's a small price to pay when you're STRONG.

Hey, did you see the lunar eclipse this morning? I missed it.

today's stats: 2.8 mi; 28 min.

Perfect 10...well, almost

What a beautiful day for a long run. The plan for today was a 10-mile long run. It was the perfect day day for it. Today's long-run is my fourth so far. Usually I do my long-runs with Imelina, but not today, she's out of town, so I was on my own. Damn her for making me run without her; Imelina, you're super (pun intended.) I had to walk for about a minute at mile 8, but then I was ok. And I bumped my big toe too, ouch, but no new blisters, woo hoo! I ran a strong 9.5 miles and then called it a day. The best part was walking back and hearing the wonderful sounds coming from Grant Park. Two more weeks 'til the big day!

Running 10 in the rain

What a difference a week makes. Today it's sunny and 80, last week it was gray and raining. I love the rain, it helps things grow. Last Sunday I was out for a long run; Imelina and I started and ended our run at Montrose Beach. Our goal was 10 but I measured the distance wrong. We ran a strong 9+ miles in the rain. I'm "training" for the Chicago Half-Marathon. I put training in quotes because it sounds so very athletic, which, if you know me, I'm not. Oh, but I sooo do enjoy running. It's been so good for my heart. Running in the rain was awesome! Try it sometime.