The big two oh!

Well, I just finished our 20 mile run this am, which we did in just under 4 hours. For the 20, 23 and 26 mile runs, we cut our pace down by 2 minute per mile, so it was kinda strange to go from running 18 in just over 3 to two miles more for one hour longer. I guess the main goal is to make sure everyone finishes it without injuries, which I had none...just a bit tight. But now I am home, all I am craving is a huge lunch.

18 miles

So this was a pretty important run. People were a bit stressed because its kinda a tipping point in marathon training. I was stressed because of my injury. I got some inserts in my shoes, but did not get to break them in. So basically, I started getting blisters on my feet at about 3 miles as well as the pain coming back into my foot. So the entire run was hardly pleasant. But after a while, I realized that the pain in my foot wasn't getting any worse. Though I though, sure, it will come back! Anyways. We made our run from Foster Beach to the Field museum at the other end of downtown. It was pretty amazing to get back. I was relieved I didn't have to get carried away on a stretcher. So now it seems that this is completely doable. It wont be easy, but it will be good for me to go though. This picture was taken just after turning around at the half way point...you can see a bit of the Field Museum in the distance, Lake Shore Drive is to my left.

16 Miles: Ok, I finally feel it

We ran 8 miles from Foster beach to, as you can see in the picture, downtown. And back. We ran for 3 hours. Kinda amazing, some good moments of just feeling like I’m floating . It was a great run, really perfect temperature, sun was out, but not too hot. About 14 miles into it, my right ankle was giving me problems, but I was able to work with it and run “thoughtfully”. It wasn’t until going home, I could really feel it and it was difficult to walk on. So I went home and iced it, took some ibuprofen and it was the same. Took a three hour nap and now in the eve, it feels a lot better. So thankfully, its hopefully just a little thing. This week, I had a cold and only was able to run once, so I am assuming that is why. Anyways, next week, its back down to 8 mile run.

I lived through the 14 mile run

So moving right along, we had a “break” last week and ran six miles which actually was kinda tough because I ate too much for breakfast. This weekend, I ran with the group from Foster to Navy Pier! Yes, that is 14 miles round trip. It was just right and am now seeing that this is totally possible. Granted this is a little more than a half marathon, but it I never thought I could even run six miles a few months ago. In fact, my knees didn’t even start tightening up until ten or 12 miles and usually it is at six miles. I was pretty sore, but it was all good pain. So next week, we take a breather and run only 7 miles and then the next week we run 16. So there’s where I am!

Thanks for the great party

So I had a great time and didn’t totally over do it, but there were dozens of people who showed up to T’s to have a drink (or few). I have been meaning to thank people personally, but this week has been kinda crazy trying to sell my car and condo and run, etc. Anyways, I raised $300 from the donations and proceeds from the drinks (that’s $1400 in drinks, crazy huh?) So thanks again for the support and fun, (and thanks again to T’s) and it’s always just great to hang out with friends and meet new ones. There are more photos by clicking on the picture above.

Almost a half marathon: Foster Beach to Oak St. Beach

This cool, rainy morning, was actually perfect weather for running 12 miles. It was a bit cool before starting off, especially because I had already biked there in the rain in shorts and t-shirt and was a bit chilled. Nice thing was, because of the rain, there were hardly any insane speed bikers and nary a rollerblader in sight. Just the crazy runners. Once we got going, it was perfect. So from Foster Ave, we ran all the way down to Oak Street beach (yes, that’s downtown!) and back. Again, not too much of a problem, just tight knees, maybe a bit of a glitch towards the end, but not enough to really do anything else but take note.

Holy s***…

So it kinda goes like this…each week we increase our time and each week I proclaim “holy s***, I can’t believe I just ran n miles!” So this week, it’s 10 miles (the 10 mile marker in the pic is actually round trip). Thankfully, it was cloudy, but it was pretty “easy”. That is not to say that it wasn’t without its pains. I am basically going to “sit” out the rest of the day, maybe take a nap. One thing for sure is, my cravings have increase for just about anything!

OMG…8 miles!

Never. Felt. Better.