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.