I'm a marathoner!

What now?

red sunsets

The marathon is nine days away! Yikes! I'm excited and scarrrrred. The last month of training has not gone well. I've been struggling with my left leg IT band. A couple of weeks ago I thought about doing the 'run/walk' strategy. But I'm not sure about that. Some people walk the entire distance; I don't want to do that. Perhaps I'll run a very slow pace. Nine days to decide on a strategy. The last few runs have not gone well. But some days I get hopeful and think race day will be ok. Today's run went better than I expected. My IT band did flare up but I pushed through and kept a good pace. Once I get a good rhythm the trick is not to stop.

It's a gorgeous day out today! It should be like this everyday. Can't wait for today's run....

stats: 4.3mi; 44 min.

hi y'all

stats: 4 mi., 44 min.

thinking of you

Thank God for friends with smiles, warm embraces and comforting words. After I received a call of not-so-good news it was nice to then spend a few minutes with some folks who had thoughtful words to share....

Thank you...

Juanes rocks peace

Juanes rocks, 'nuff said.

Do the Shuffle!

First race of 2008: great time and sore thighs.

The morning started out very chilly. I wasn't sure how to dress for the race. I knew it was cold, but I get hot and sweaty very quickly. I opted for pants and a long sleeve shirt, but I carried the short-sleeve technical race shirt just in case. Boy, am I glad I had the extra shirt. I was freezing in Grant Park so I put the extra shirt on, it was 41 degrees, and windy. I love this race. It's a huge race (22,000+ finishing runners,) but it never feels like it's too big or crowded. Before walking over to gear check I get a message from Imelina wishing me luck. She's running it too along with her brother and brother's girlfriend. We don't meet before the race because we're running in different pace groups, but her message was very encouraging.

As I'm huddled with the thousands of runners before the start I realize how huge this race is. The gun goes off (is there really a start gun? I have no clue,) and we start shuffling along to the start line. It takes me 23 minutes to cross the start; that's some serious shuffling. I make it a point not to start out too fast. I'm getting better at that. In my usual style of feeling unprepared, my main goal is to finish and to run the whole thing. If I can do it as close to 49 min, that would be gravy. That was my time last year, so I figure I should shoot for the same. My running throughout felt very consistent. My goal is to maintain at least a 10 min/mi. pace. I don't want to run it slower than that. I decide to trail a runner ahead of me and stay as close as possible for as long as I can. I want to feel like I'm making an effort. I was feeling unprepared so I need to push a little to stay on pace.

It helped being familiar with the streets and the course. It helps with the inner pep talks. All along it was very uneventful. The only time I remember having to push through anything was after mile 4 turning onto Michigan Ave. That's the only time I felt the wind head-on, ugghh. Then turning onto Roosevelt I had to push a little more. At this point we're very close to the end and there's a bit of uphill on this section of Roosevelt. I was very tempted to talk myself into slowing it down a bit, I had been doing so well the whole race, never slowing or stopping, I deserve a reward for doing good thus far. But I didn't talk myself into anything. I forged ahead, (damn incline) and looked forward to the end.

I love turning onto Columbus Dr. and seeing the finish line, here I push some more. You have to. I remember smiling as I neared the finish thinking to myself, "that was fun."

stats: 8k; 45:57

My sisters and me

Tonight was the kick-off reception for the Hermanitas mentorship program. It was celebrated at one of my favorite places in the city, the National Museum of Mexican Art. I LOVE that place. Meeting the girls, especially my 'mentee' was both humbling and daunting. When I decided to make the commitment to the program I thought it would be nice to be a resource for the girls, someone to share with, a listening ear, easy enough. The more I listened to the speakers during the evening's program I realized that it's not supposed to be that easy, or is it? We are not only to be their friends and confidants, but also to be an example of what it means to be a Latina woman and all that that entails. I presume all the mentors, myself included, already understand the importance of all those things: being a good example for others, being Latina, being a woman. Hopefully we can pass-on some of what we know (and are still learning) to the girls, we will try. Who knows, maybe one day they'll do the same for their sisters.

Ay vida mia

What's that saying about Tuesdays? "No te cases ni te embarques." Don't get married or go on a trip. It has a nicer ring to it in Spanish, trust me. I had lunch today with a friend. He and I have a working relationship that excites me. I love his vision/art/energy. More than that, I admire how everything he does he approaches with nothing but passion. I love it! I'm hoping to marry all those things I admire about him with my strengths/talent/work ethic. I'm feeling very philosophical now. I must still be on my runners' high. That's riiiight, runner's high!

I set out to go for a run after work. But none of this 1.5 mile shit. I need to break the 2 mile mark; my first race is less than three weeks away! Yikes! I set out on my run, but instead of the usual running around the park, I make it a point to cross the 'Drive' over to the path. My goal is to run over to the 9mile marker and turn around. I'll figure out the distance when I get home (gmap-pedomter.com rocks!) When I get home I forget about the mapping and instead go about my evening's routine. "Hmm, why are my legs sore?" I ask myself as I wash the dinner dishes. "Hmm, my legs feel sore" I say to myself while I check the answering machine/mail/e-mail. Oh yeah! I almost forgot; let me map out the distance. Drum roll please...2.97 miles. That's right baby, 3 miles! I SO rock. Such a small number, yet such a big breakthrough. Breakthroughs are like trips, aren't they?

stats: 2.9mi.; 31 min.

Damn, I love you, but this is crazy

"Why was your smile different today? Did you know it would make me weak in the knees? It did. Damn you -No me mereces." That's what the conversation sounds like in my head. Must have been all that John Legend I was listening to this afternoon. It prompts thoughts like those above; ok, that's enough of that.

I went running twice last week! Wednesday I ran almost 2 miles. Almost is the key word, I ran 1.9 mi. I can't seem to get past the 1.5 mile run. I've been on five runs since Valentine's day, all under 2 miles. What is up with THAT? I can't get over this hump and do 2+ miles. My legs can handle it, it's the damn cold air that keeps me from running a longer distance. I can't blame it all on the winter weather. I've psyched myself out. When I'm out for a run and I hit the 1.5 mile mark I think, "Ok, 1.5 miles, that's enough for today." I've created a running block in my head. Enough whining. By the way, on Wednesday's run I counted 11 other runners out and about. 11!

Thursday's run was worse; all I could muster was 1.3 miles. Aarggh.

stats: Wed, 1.9 mi.; Thur. 1.3 mi.

La Inspiración

I'm feeling inspired and encouraged...

Two new projects I've just gotten involved with that I'm excited about. They'll make for extra work; but that's how I like it. What was I doing before? The first project is a mentorship program I was asked to participate in. The second is a PowerPoint presentation for a class. I need to get back to that, riiiiiiight now. For now I'll leave you with the words responsible for my current state of giddiness. I've always admired the written word.


Free Will Astrology
Rob Brezsny
Copyright Newcity Communications, Inc.
Whether or not you consider yourself a storyteller, it's time to do the best you can at practicing that art. I say this for two reasons. First, the people you encounter will have a special need to hear about your adventures in redemption, the riddles that have fueled your quest, and the mysteries that have pushed you to the edge of your understanding. Second, as you talk about those adventures, riddles and mysteries, you will give yourself the exact boost you need to open fully to the next great story of your life.

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

I'm sooo glad I went for a run after work, boy did I need it. Work was busy, hectic almost. I went over to my one of my favorite places. It was so serene and looked amazing in it's quietness. I snapped a couple of pics with my cell phone. It wasn't terribly cold, but the flurries were making for a slippery, slushy mess. Aaaand, I saw another runner out there too! We're in for a snowstorm tonight, its predicted we'll get about 9 inches of snow, so probably no run tomorrow night, damn!

Doughnuts

Mmmm, boston creme doughnuts. I had one of those today. It was yummy. I was feeling a little nostalgic today. A former teacher especially liked boston-creme doughnuts, and would indulge in them occasionally. I was thinking of him today. No special reason. I like it when people who I haven't talked to/or seen in a while pop into my thoughts. It's usually a cue from God to check-in with them. It got me thinking about those days long ago; has it been 15 years? Yikes! Those were fun times, all good thoughts, and good doughnuts.

Who have you been thinking about lately?

Be a Man?

Be a Man? What exactly does that mean? Last night I saw the ladies of Teatro Luna rock "Machos", a play based on interviews with 50 men nationwide and performed in drag. Thanks Super for the date. One of my friends in our group was convinced that some of the cast members were men - nope, not a one. It definitely got us talking. The play presented the mens' true-life stories with a Latina twist. Humor and some seriousness too, the scene portraying different experiences relating to drinking and alcoholism brought tears to my eyes. Did anyone notice? Good stuff. The play, not the liquor. Although....

I LOVE it when magic happens on stage! Nothing, almost NOTHING beats live performances.


Went for another run after work on Friday! Yaaay! I almost didn't because, I must admit, my thighs felt a twinge of soreness. But Girlie convinced me not to be lazy and to get my ass out there. Thanks Girlie, I needed that. It was a little bit colder than Thursday's run, definitely more windy. But it was good, soooooo good. I ran 1.5 miles. I have no idea what my time was. Who cares? I must have been too excited to be out again I didn't look at the time. Yaaay, I'm back!

stats: 1.5 mi.

happy heart day!

I'm in love. Have I mentioned that before? I love running. I ran today after work. It was so wonderful. It was like spending time with a good friend. It was comfortable and comforting and fun. I only ran a mile, but considering I haven't run in three months, that was enough distance to scratch the itch. It was great running along the drive; all the red and white lights in traffic; and the clearest blue sky over the water - HEAVEN. Finally!!!

stats: 1.14 mi.; 10 min.

happy new year

I know it's February, but it feels like I've dropped off the planet. I have, sort of. At least it feels like it since I haven't been running at all this winter. Not good. Not good at all. Especially since I have a race in a month, uh oh. Gotta get to the running, fast (pun intended; I crack myself up.)


Let's see what's new. Well.....I rode in the back of a police car last week. Sounds exciting right? It wasn't. You can ask me about it sometime. What else is new? I have a new toenail! I injured my toe a few months back on a run but didn't think anything of it. The toenail never bruised, it was a little discolored and flaky. Well I saw my podiatrist and there was already a new nail growing in, who knew? Not me. THAT was exciting, I felt like such a runner, new toenail and all.

I've signed up for one of my favorites races again, that's still a couple of months away, during my birthday weekend. Yaaay, it should be fun.

What's new with you?

Aarggh! I love winter, but since I haven't been running after work like I usually do, I am sooo ready for winter to be over. I hate not running. I hate how it makes me feel. I'm in such a foul mood. AARGGGH!!

Ok. I feel better.

Shuffling along

It's 2008 and I can't wait to get on with running and racing. I've signed up for the Shamrock Shuffle 8k in March; kick-ass! I've been saying that waaay too much lately. Kick-ass!