#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.