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.