tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39297714231516998822024-02-07T17:57:53.229-08:00Tri-ing Like a Girl - Extreme LizTri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-22614392821825255422009-10-13T05:36:00.000-07:002009-10-13T05:38:39.533-07:002009 Chicago MarathonOK, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span>, here is my “race report” in short form!!!<br /><br />So, all week before the marathon, I had an ear infection, so that totally freaked me out. I was on antibiotics immediately, so by Sunday, I actually felt pretty good, but could feel a cold coming on, one that any antibiotic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wasn</span>’t going to help. LUCKILY, it held out on Sunday, because I woke up (did I really sleep Saturday night?!?!?! – I don’t think so….) and felt OK. We drove downtown, got to the condo, and watched them set-up the last parts of the finish from the balcony. That’s when I had a full-blown panic attack and just lost it. I have NO idea why, I think feelings from the Chicago <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tri</span> just finally came out, but I seriously just started crying and hyperventilating and was a complete nervous wreck!!! That lasted until we left the condo, I got outside, started walking toward the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Balbo</span> Hospitality tent, and when I got there, I was fine. **THANK GOODNESS** So, I gear checked my dry, warm clothes for after the race, the announcer stated 20 minutes until the starting corrals closed, and I so I headed right out to get in line for the start. (It takes about 15 minutes to get into the corrals). There was definitely a bite in the air, so I was chilly, but I dressed appropriately for the weather, and wore a lovely garbage bag to the start line. I was definitely “white trash” the morning of the race!<br /><br />OK, into the starting corral, waited about 5 minutes, did NOT see anyone I knew, which was really good for me because I wanted to run alone. Gun went off, and I crossed the start line and just started running! I felt awesome! The first mile <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">didn</span>’t even feel like I needed to slow down, everything just worked! My legs felt awesome, my chest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">didn</span>’t hurt at all, actually, nothing hurt, I just felt awesome. So, I just ran. I had a 3:45 pace tattoo on my arm so I could watch my times, but because I was feeling so good, I actually had a 6-8 minute cushion on my time going into the second half of the run. I still felt great, so I just kept running to give myself enough cushion for when my legs started to slow. It was perfect! I kept telling myself to save my legs at mile 20 so that I could get through the last 6 miles, so I slowed my pace a little bit, given the extra time I had. I got caught up at only one water stop by people who were really slowing, and walking all over, so that was my slowest 5K, and it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wasn</span>’t even because I felt bad, it was those around me whom I had to navigate through. Before I knew it, I was at mile 24, and I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">couldn</span>’t believe it was almost over. I swear I had a smile plastered on my face the entire run. When I turned the corner off Michigan Ave. to Roosevelt at 26 miles, I spotted Joe, and he just told me “Let’s Go!” to keep me motivated, but I really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">didn</span>’t need it! The 3:40 pace group, who was behind me the ENTIRE time, had caught up with me at that bad water stop, and I just stayed right with them the rest of the time. So……to make a long run short, I crossed the finish line at 3:40:29, chip time, and I was only 3 minutes off the gun time. I needed a 3:45 to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">BQ</span>, and I did that with time to spare! It was an AWESOME moment for me, I was elated! <br /><br />Then, I had to make the LONG walk from the finish line, through the finish corral. As soon as I stopped moving for them to get my chip off, my legs immediately cramped up and I was hurting, but happy! So, now, Tuesday, my quads are tight, my hamstrings feel like someone took a baseball bat to them, and I now have a full-blown cold, but I am still on cloud nine! I finally had my race this season, and I am really, really happy!!! Thank goodness I learned a TON from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">MJ</span> on that 20-miler. You’ll be proud to know, I did not walk once, except to take my few sips of water, but that’s all! I ran like someone gave me wings!! <br /><br />And that, my friends, is my “race report” for the 2009 Chicago Marathon!Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-18562126550590334592009-09-08T05:04:00.001-07:002009-09-08T05:36:02.071-07:00It's Not Always About the NumbersToday I find myself in a very different role than I am usually in. Usually, I get up on race day, lace up my shoes, hit the bathroom a million times, then find my place in line at the start and try to calm my nerves. Today was not that day. Last night, I hardly slept (not unusual before a race), but it was more due to ice cream and a full moon than nerves. <br /><br />Race morning came, I had everything laid out the night before, coffee set on a timer, and I was up and ready to go, only thing missing this morning, my nerves. Today I was asked by a very dear friend to pace her through her first half marathon. I arrived at the Oak Brook Half Marathon in beautiful Oak Brook, IL with plenty of time to spare. The race was supposed to start at 7:00 am, but as usual with this race, the start was going to be delayed due to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre</span>-race disorganization. (Let me just say that packet pick up should be mandatory before race day, not day of). I received my first text message at 6:18 am "Where are you". This message brought a huge smile to my face and made me realize that today, I would have to help calm someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">else's</span> nerves, not my own. "I just pulled in". "I'm sitting on the Starting Line". Yep, she was literally sitting pretty much as close to the starting line as one could get on race morning.<br /><br />I met up with Mel, we met up with other Luna <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chix</span> there to run the race, and other there to support. Everyone from our team was there, except one, who was missed that day! Let me complete this portion by saying that these women have to be some of the most generous, supportive women you will ever meet. There is never competition, there is never a negative thought. They are incredibly inspiring, and I am very lucky to be a part of this team. We snapped a few pictures, finally got in line to start, and my running partner expressed her nervousness to me, and I assured her I would NOT leave her side, and that she would be fine. The race started, and as most races are, the adrenaline started, and we went out pretty fast - faster than I had planned for her so that she could reach her goal time. I told her we needed to slow down a bit, that we needed our legs for later. She willingly agreed, and we settled into a nice pace. I kept this pace for her, very steady through about the first mile. <br /><br />First bathroom break. 40 seconds......but we gained our friend Karin!<br /><br />OK. so, I analyzed the time we lost, and picked up the pace to gain it back. I don't think Mel even noticed. Mission accomplished. So the three of us ran together an a really nice tempo. We swapped stories, then, about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ironman</span> Louisville race she had just spectated, where many of our friends competed. Then I told her about my horrible race at Chicago, and before we knew it, we came up on mile 5. We gelled, and got some fluids, and kept on going! Just then, we see our spectating Luna's - Mel holding up her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ironman</span> Sign for the other Mel "Mel Your Butt Looks Great In Those Shorts", <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MJ</span> with her huge, encouraging smile and cheers, Mel's husband, and her adorable two kids, who, by the way, were handing out LUNA Moons along the course! LOVE IT!!!!! This was just the boost that Mel needed to keep pushing ahead! A little emotion, no tears, close, but not gonna happen, and on we ran!<br /><br />Into the wooded trail we went, and onto the hills. This is where things become a little more difficult on this course, and hill training definitely helps. Mel's determination, though, would not falter on this course. She was working hard, but having a great time. <br /><br />2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nd</span> Bathroom Break.........40 seconds.<br /><br />OK, now, we are on a more difficult trail, and 40 seconds to make up. So, we pushed on. Water stop........We lost Karin. Shoot. I couldn't let this impact Mel, though, so on we went. Time made up, another mission accomplished. As we came around the corner, we see the 10 mile marker. Mel is now starting to fatigue. So, I tried to come up with anything and everything I could to get her through her last 5K. Pretend we just got off the bike, Mel, this is the last leg of our Sprint <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tri</span>, we just have a 5K to go. Good. This was helping. Then, I just blabbed on.....to kill time. It was helping. But a half hour of blab.....that would annoy anyone. So, I just kept encouraging her, and would NOT let her walk. She had made it that far, and we were NOT walking. I slowed her pace down a bit to allow her to breathe more easily, and keep her comfortable. <br /><br />Mile Marker 11. I see a woman I know from around town, and one we had seen at the beginning, had passed us before Mile 1, and here she was in front of us. I told Mel, "We need to beat her". Mel didn't say much, just smiled. We passed her and her friend. Nicely done!!!!<br /><br />Mile Marker 12. OK. 1.1 miles left to go. More encouragement. We rounded the corner, and a woman behind us gets on her CELL PHONE!!!! Can you believe it?? "I'll be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ther</span> in 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">mintes</span>....watch for me". 5 Minutes. I looked at Mel (can it be that the cell phone caller just helped us??) and said, "Hey, 5 minutes. Can you keep this for 5?" "Yes". "Good, "Let's finish this". We come around the corner, under the bridge, and the two women we had passed decided to kick in for the last 200 meters. Shoot. OK, "Mel, what do you have left? Can you pick it up to the end?" "Yes". We pick it up, almost a sprint, pass those two biddies, and into the finish shoot! During the run we had planned to go through the shoot hand in hand, arms up, and that's exactly what we did. Mel hugged me, she had tears in her eyes, and said "That hurt". I just laughed and said, "Yea, but you did it!" Then she says.....what was our time?........<br /><br />Today reminded me of why I started running in the first place. It wasn't about the numbers. I ran because I had fun. I enjoyed just running. It wasn't about how fast I ran, or who I beat, or who beat me. It was just about running, finishing, and feeling really good. Today was that day for me. Yes, we had a goal, but we also had much more than that. It was my first experience pacing someone, and quite frankly, it will not be my last.Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-41799444231122920632009-08-31T10:05:00.000-07:002009-08-31T10:27:21.687-07:00Chicago Triathlon 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjBqmHxgavewgp7xqmv5SDx9JKocXdhjps5QiE7tzZUPCVxgcBa8Dsr48OiABmsxZXZuOrmtIeXEDBN0ElfiQYAUXpqCM5WRa__7I_Xsri3aaDPwjtKQ6JPQhwW6SCEp4lWOoyFmhFXof/s1600-h/2009+Chicago+Triathlon_4256+PROFILE.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376180797044980002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 233px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjBqmHxgavewgp7xqmv5SDx9JKocXdhjps5QiE7tzZUPCVxgcBa8Dsr48OiABmsxZXZuOrmtIeXEDBN0ElfiQYAUXpqCM5WRa__7I_Xsri3aaDPwjtKQ6JPQhwW6SCEp4lWOoyFmhFXof/s320/2009+Chicago+Triathlon_4256+PROFILE.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's been a REALLY looooong time since I have updated my blog, but there have not been too many significant races for me this season. Beginning with winter of 2008 through spring of 2009, I have dealth with health issues, and getting back my athletic base. This was definitely a recovery year for me, but with the best intentions of racing, and just having fun, not braking any records!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, ahhh.....Chicago Triathlon. I spent a lot of time this summer perfecting my swim into a smooth glide, my bike to a solid, consistent ride, and my run, well, just getting some speed back. I was completely prepared for Sunday from an athletic point of view, but not so prepared for the frigid temps of both the air and the water. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I began my morning at 3:30, with the alarm buzzing through my room. I had prepared my gear and coffee the night before, so I rolled out of bed, put on my new, and totaly awesome, Tri-Smart Coaching uniform in a very cool black/red/white color scheme (with FLOWERS across the butt!), threw on some sweats, got my coffee, loaded the car and headed for downtown Chicago. We arrived at approximately 4:45 am and Joe unloaded my bike, my transition bag, and me at the corner of Monroe and LSD. I headed to transition, had a hell of a time finding my wave due to the way they number the racks, found a decent spot I felt sure I could remember, then set up my area. I walked the bike out/bike in route, the run out route, and then found my friends. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The sun was still not up, but the sky was cloudy, and the air temp was about 54 degrees. The water temp.....62. Not fun. We were all cold before we even started. As the morning progressedm, and the sprint waves began, we found a spot on the grass and literally huddled together to keep warm. Once the clouds drifted to the west, we had a little reprieve from the sun, but it was still chilly. Once in the wetsuit, it was actually much warmer. I headed for the swim start at 8:35, my wave was set to go off at 8:44. I easily found my way in, watched the swimmers already in the water, smiled and waved at Joe, who was snapping pics for me, then entered the water. Cold??? Yea....really cold. It was like jumping into a bucket of ice water. Fortunately, at Chicago, you tread water before the start. My wetsuit quickly warmed me up, and I felt acclimated to the water and ready to do the swim I had practiced so many times this summer. The horn went off, and we were off. I was trying to work my way around the clysdale men in my wave, did I mention I ended up in a co-ed wave with overweight men?????, I had just found my rhythm, when BAM, I get kicked in the sternum by one of those overweight men in a wetsuit doing the BREAST STROKE! The wind was knocked out of me, and I COULD NOT BREATHE. I flipped on my back immediately, but had already taken in a lot of water. I began to panic, looked to the side, spotted Joe watching this whole horrific event taking place, and started to attempt my way to the side of the harbor. Out of pure luck, I happened to the side at a ladder, where I hung on, trying to catch my breath. No sooner did I arrive there, than a race official came to help me out of the water. Gasping for air, I could not speak to even tell them what had happened. I got out of the water, and managed to finally breathe again after about 10 minutes of wheezing and coughing. Then I lost it. I was so mad, and frustrated that all my training was going to be wasted. I decided to finish the race. I couldn't let this stop me. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, I got out of my wetsuit, got on my bike, lost about 15 minutes of my swim time, but I went into transistion, got lost because I was so shook up by all of the past events, changed and went on the bike course. COMPLETE CHAOS on the course. People were supposed to be riding on the left, passing on the right. Not happening. Did I mention the 20 mph winds out of the north? It was cold, it was windy, and people were riding all over the place. LSD is like a whack-a-mole game of potholes, so that game, in and of itself, makes the ride seem very stressful. With the tailwind on the way back, I found myself cruising, but saw a NASTY wreck, an ambulance, broken bike frame, and plenty of scrapes. Later found out that Andy Potts was the victim of that accident. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I couldn't get off the bike fast enough, wasn't feeling very good, but changed into my running shoes, grabbed my hat and number, some GU and headed to the race course to finish the 10K run. As soon as I started running, I knew it wasn't going to be a good run. My chest where I was kicked was very painful, and I couldn't catch my breath. I played this cat and mouse game the entire 6.2 miles. During this run, because I opted to wear my Zoots, my neuroma also flared up. Couldn't have been more of a comedy of errors for me. Seeing the finish line was the best part of my race. I did finish, and oddly only 5 minutes slower than last years race, but I finished. That was an accomlisment in and of itself. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, what am I taking away from this race today? Simple. Next year, I am racing Pleasant Prairie Olympic, NOT CHICAGO! It has just become too big, it is not safe, and I just don't finish it thinking "I can't wait for next year". </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now, what good came of today? Well, that's simple! My friend MJ finished Ironman Louisville 1st in her age group and qualified for Kona World Championships (she is a rockstar and the biggest stud I know)! And my friend Melanie completed her first Ironman (Louisville also) with a stellar performance that just puts the biggest smile on my face! Hats off to you ladies, you are my inspiration to not hang up my bike shoes and my wetsuit, and call it a day! Next year is always around the corner!</div>Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-30200431938047028952008-12-06T20:36:00.000-08:002008-12-06T20:42:30.965-08:00Addiction, or just plain NUTZ?So, winter is here, I am back in the gym, but am desperately seeking a goal. I can't just work out and be "ok" with that, I need something to work for! Some of my training partners have decided to do the inaugural Illinois Marathon in April.....yes, that's right, a marathon. What's one more in less than a year? I am craving a goal to work for, and this just seems to fall or shall I say "fit" right into what I need right now. The last few months have been stressful, and I need an outlet to displace my insignificant mental blocks. This should be perfect. Marathon trainings starts next week, perfect timing! It should keep the holiday weight off, keep my mind focused, and give me something to work for before next years Triathlon season starts. So, stay tuned...I'm off on another adventure - cold weather and all - because we are training OUTSIDE!!!!Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-35675685715561550502008-10-14T18:18:00.000-07:002008-10-14T18:28:25.560-07:00Chicago Marathon MadnessToday is bittersweet. I am officially marking the end of the racing season for this year. I happy to not have to train for a while, and just work out for the fun of it, but I will definitely miss the thrill of the race. On Sunday, I went to the Chicago Marathon with hopes of simply finishing. I have been suffering from Morton's Neuroma, a painful nerve condition, in my left foot. I had all but given up on even running the marathon because of the amount of pain I have been suffering during this last month of training. I missed 2 long runs, and several weekly training runs. But, I knew I had to at least lace up, and show up in that starting corral that I worked so hard to earn. So, on Sunday, October 12, 2008, I made my way to starting corral C, and started running. The thrill of the spectators made the first 4 miles fly by. I got to five, my heart rate was still a little higher than it should be, but I started to settle into a nice rhythm. At mile six, my foot began to ache. Not a lot, just a little. All I could think was, "Please just let me get through at least half". Oddly, by 7, the pain had started to go away, and I was thrilled!! I stayed pain-free for the next 14 miles! The heat began to rise, and my legs began to tighted around 18, but I was still running! I made it to 20, and my foot began to ache again. I assumed it would do the same thing it had before, and go away. By mile 23, I was in full inflammation, almost in tears. I had to talk myself through the next 5K of the marathon, doing a walk-run sequence to get me to the end. Although my pace was slow, I was making my way to the end. Joe was on his bike, riding next to me, encouraging me all the way. At mile 25 I made up my mind, that no matter how bad I was hurting, or how slow I had to run, I would run the last mile. I stayed strong, listened to the cheering crowd, thought about my brother, my kids, my husband, and my impending victory for finishing the marathon. Just as I was about to round the last corner on Roosevelt up to the Mile 26 marker, I saw MJ. She ran out, ran a few steps with me, cheered me on, then sent me up my final stretch to finish. I completed the marathon in 4 hours, 19 minutes and 3 seconds, in a lot of pain, but with a smile from ear to ear.Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-69759939948107970782008-09-25T19:51:00.000-07:002008-09-25T20:00:59.963-07:00To Marathon or Not To Marathon....that is the question....I am faced with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dilemma</span>. I have a foot problem that doesn't look like it's going to go away anytime soon, much to my dismay. So, they call it "Morton's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Neuroma</span>" and apparently, it's not all that uncommon - I just wish I wasn't the "common" part of this equation. So, this lovely thing causes a great deal of pain in my toes when I am running longer distances. I have been able to tolerate it up to now, but I had to finally break down and seek medical advice. As of right now, I am getting alcohol injections in my foot, directly into the nerve, to attempt to shrink the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">neuroma</span>. Unfortunately for me, my pain threshold is rather high, because the size of this sucker indicates that I have had it for a <em>minimum</em> of three years. In the past, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">every time</span> I have felt this stinging pain in my foot, I go out and buy new shoes. I have a lot of shoes. The pain usually goes away, and I am off and logging my miles. This time, when I bought new shoes, the pain didn't go away. I'm trying everything to get through this issue, through tears and frustration, and hopefully I will. I'm taking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MJ's</span> advice, and biking instead during this taper time before the marathon.<br /><br />On October 12, I will lace up, go to my starting corral (that I earned, by the way...) and do what I can to finish the marathon this year. I am hoping I will get through this, but in the mean time, the question remains, do I marathon this year? or do I call it a season and look ahead to next year.....Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-61974175923649741402008-09-09T17:23:00.001-07:002008-09-09T17:33:22.578-07:00A Training GlitchI don't have a race to write about today, but in a way, it will directly impact any races I do. I have discovered the trials and tribulations of marathon training. The more miles you log, the more aches and pains you get. In the last two weeks, the pain in my left foot has gone from "deal with it" to "unbearable" while I am running. On my 18 mile training run this past weekend, I had on my brand-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">spankin</span>' new shoes, was totally psyched to get going, and convinced 100% that the shoes I had worn down to nothing were the culprit of my toes burning so bad they feel like they are on fire, around mile 8.<br /><br />So, there I went through scenic, hilly, Waterfall Glen with my CARA pace group for our Saturday morning long run. I felt a little sluggish at first, just needed to get the old legs warmed up, get the blood flowing, and get going. We hit our 8:30 pace right on, then sped up a bit, then got back on pace. This followed suit for the first several miles, and I was fine with it. I like to vary my speed a bit on my training runs, just to get my legs used to the tempo changes. Around mile 6, I started to feel the slightest hint of a pain in my left toes. I disregarded it because it was minor, but, it didn't go away. We stopped at our water stop, and my toes immediately felt better. Good news. Once back on the trail, about 1/2 mile in, there were the toes again. This time, they were in full force <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">inflammation</span>. I decided that I needed to be tough and learn to "run through" this pain. By the last two miles of this run, yes, 16-18, I was in a tremendous amount of pain. I couldn't wait to get back to the trail head because I knew we had a physical therapist on site that day. Once we stopped at 18, my legs almost instantly cramped up, my toes were killing me, and all I could think about was....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">GEEZ</span>! How am I going to make it to 26.2 with everything falling apart at 18!<br /><br />Once back at the trail head, I talked to the physical therapist, and he immediately knew what the problem most likely was - Morton's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Neuroma</span>. A tightening of the nerves in the metatarsal arch. It causes pain up into the toes, and can require surgery to correct. He gave me some pointers, and this week, I am going to concentrate on keeping my feet healthy. I ran my 5 mile training run today, had some discomfort, but finally went out and bought the metatarsal inserts for my shoes. Tomorrow will be a big deal. If my toes still hurt, it's off to the podiatrist I go...but one thing is for SURE. I WILL FINISH THIS MARATHON!!! (And do it in under 4 hours......)Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-14671812860167181402008-09-02T17:43:00.000-07:002008-09-02T17:55:31.807-07:00A Weekend Of Racing...or Just Running<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahh</span>.....Labor Day weekend. A wonderful specimen of weather conditions, and an OK weekend of racing, or was I just running?? Saturday morning at 7:00 am, I decided to run (or drive) over to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McCullum</span> Park in Downers Grove to run the St. Mary's 5K. This is the second year for this race, and I run it because the two little girls across the street go to this school, and it is the easiest way for me to do something to help their school raise money. So, I filled out my form, wrote my check, and headed over. I arrived in plenty of time, and to my surprise the folks from Runners Grove (my favorite running store) were there. Sat and chatted with them, then went to the race start. I had no intention of running a PR today, as I was still recovering from A<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ccenture</span> the weekend before. I started off fine, just felt so sluggish and tired. This was my first 5K since June! I have been running those crazy endurance races... Anyway, I was well on my way, and felt not too bad through the race. I almost forgot my 5K race strategy that I have used in the past, and even on this particular course. I finished the race at 23:54, not my best, but definitely not my worst. I guess it's time to get back to the speed workouts....might help me improve that time. I really want a 22 something by the end of this running season.<br /><br />Then, Monday came. I rested by the pool all day on Sunday, but had decided the Thursday before Labor Day weekend to run the Oak Brook Half Marathon. Crazy, I know. But, I needed a 13 mile long run this past weekend, anyway, so why not just run a half? I wasn't going to race, I know I need to save my legs for the marathon, so I was using this run as a training tool. The day was gorgeous, and the run was fun. A little hillier than I expected for Oak Brook, and the paths we ran on were pretty narrow, considering the number of runners. I fell into a great 1/2 marathon pace, and just kept running. I got my nutrition dead on, and was on pace for a 1:45 finish time. Then, around mile 6, my left foot started to really hurt. I tried to ignore it and run through it, because this happens from time to time. By mile 9, though, I had to stop running. I actually considered, for the first time EVER, dropping out of the race. My toes had cramped up so bad, and my foot hurt so bad, I didn't know how I would go 4 more miles. I knew I needed new shoes, but the fact that there is absolutely nothing left in the forefoot of my shoes tells me to get shoes before I run another mile. I did manage to walk for a few minutes to let the throbbing subside, then I began running again. I actually got my pace back to where it was, but the time I lost threw off my finish time a considerable amount. I finished at 1:53:04, not bad considering I stopped and walked, but I will probably get new shoes....this week. I have an 18 mile run this weekend, and I know I can't make it through on what I have. Plus, I'll get those new bad boys nice and broken in before the Chicago Marathon! Now, all I have to do is decide what to buy....go back to Nike or move on......I think I might actually move on.Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-17886798220847644842008-08-26T07:01:00.000-07:002008-08-26T07:31:28.630-07:00Accenture Chicago Triathlon<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbghfjDxfbpDNQOLZFUkuUIqcsAbDu4lIDqVQSkixqc9BhkXNHkA77UDyx8fcB_85k2veZV7lJXc3_kJ9LG_cdHZyeFCZkhXLU9amSNbgnMPsE43tQhSDbqbqdNwd-bWAofIh_rCmS-qg/s1600-h/2008+Accenture+_Liz+%26+Lori2555.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238832454634563250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbghfjDxfbpDNQOLZFUkuUIqcsAbDu4lIDqVQSkixqc9BhkXNHkA77UDyx8fcB_85k2veZV7lJXc3_kJ9LG_cdHZyeFCZkhXLU9amSNbgnMPsE43tQhSDbqbqdNwd-bWAofIh_rCmS-qg/s320/2008+Accenture+_Liz+%26+Lori2555.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I DID IT!!! I DID IT!!!! Sunday was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Accenture</span> Chicago Triathlon that I trained for this summer. Didn't think I was going to be able to do this, but, I DID!! And, it was AWESOME!!! I am so hooked! So, here's how it went.....<br /><br />I woke up bright and early, after not sleeping at all Saturday night, at 3:15 am. Got dressed, had some coffee (yes, I drink coffee before my races. It wakes me up and makes me feel warm and fuzzy), grabbed my gear that I had so diligently packed the night before, and hopped in the car. Joe was wonderful to get up with me and not only drive me down, but my friend, Julie, too. We arrived downtown in record time, about 4:30 am. Traffic is a breeze at 4 in the morning! Joe dropped us off at Monroe and LSD, we shuffled off to transition, set up our gear, and all I could hear in my head was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MJ</span> going over my set up. Made some adjustments based on the advice she gave me at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Naperville</span>, then found Lori - who, thankfully, was in the same wave with me. We walked through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">transition to f</span>ind our Swim In route, Bike Out/Bike In, then Run Out. All seems pretty simple from our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">transition</span> location. Then, we grabbed Julie, and waited.....and waited....and waited!! We sat and ate breakfast, chatted, watched the Sprint go off, and finish, then finally at 8:00, we started getting on our wetsuits for our 8:49 am wave start. So, I should have taken a few more lessons in getting this thing on, because - man, it was so hard to do!!!! We <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lubed</span> up with Suit Juice, helpful, but not entirely, and thankfully Joe was there because he had to help me! After finally suiting up, we were ready to go! YES!!!! I was so excited, not nervous like I was at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Naperville</span>. Best part of this - it was my first open water swim, in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wetsuit</span>, nonetheless, and I felt great!!! Weird......<br /><br />8:49, we are in the water, ready to go!!! Water temp for the day was 72, which to me was just perfect! It felt great! Air temp was in the 70's, so the day couldn't have been more perfect for this! The swim started, coed wave, but oddly, all the men were in the back? I was about 2 rows from the front, Lori was dead front - she was the smart one. I didn't feel that my swimming was as strong as those who would be in front of me, so I held back a little. Shouldn't have done that. my swimming is fine, as I learned once the wave spread out a little. I made it smoothly to the first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">buoy</span>, and started heading to the Swim Out - which was quite a ways down! I got into a great rhythm, and just swam. The water, surprisingly, was so calming - and quiet. I didn't realize how peaceful the swim can actually be. Joe ran along side the entire swim, and kept yelling to me, and I heard him <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">every time</span> I turned for air or to sight. It was great!! My biggest fan!! I finally reached the Swim Out, and made my first small mistake. I took off my goggles and swim cap before unzipping my wetsuit - totally rookie error. At least I know better for next time!!! Got into T1 splendidly, found my spot easily, and started to change out of my wetsuit, which was already down to my hips, changed to bike gear, and off!!!<br /><br />The bike....was great when there wasn't a pothole in the road. LSD was in horrible condition. There were a ton of potholes, rough patches, and debris everywhere. Lots of flats on the course, lots of water bottles flying when people hit a hole, and a lot of people riding in the middle of the road - instead of the left - who were on bikes that my grandma could ride. That was a little frustrating. So, I used my voice, and yelled at them to get out of the way!!! Going north, the wind was a little cumbersome, but going south, with a tailwind, my average speed skyrocketed! It was so much fun!!! But, I had an incident that really screwed me up for the rest of the race. I went to do my first gel at the 1st turn around, hit a bump, and it went flying out of my hand. Now, I only had one more gel on my bike. With the condition of the road, and coming up on stuff so fast, I was almost afraid to take my hands off the handlebars, and my nutrition plan went out the window. I was so afraid that if I took my last gel too soon, that I would have nothing for the run. So, when I finished the bike, at at nice 19.4 average speed (good for me, especially since I was playing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Frogger</span> the whole ride), I changed my gear, and grabbed the gel off my bike as I started the 6.2 mile run.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVW8g5ZnfeI14O8ANgiDcPGum5p7pL9hOeVlF88xEgfwEQ7OumPVU0TOLV7tTFKmlvC7-BmW9S6IplFpv-o9xlTjL3WfD_bnBY8mWMqVBts35QZh67JHZCF4eqP4E_mPqsecRWLOjaE439/s1600-h/2008+Accenture+_Fountain+2571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238832651244034434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVW8g5ZnfeI14O8ANgiDcPGum5p7pL9hOeVlF88xEgfwEQ7OumPVU0TOLV7tTFKmlvC7-BmW9S6IplFpv-o9xlTjL3WfD_bnBY8mWMqVBts35QZh67JHZCF4eqP4E_mPqsecRWLOjaE439/s320/2008+Accenture+_Fountain+2571.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I felt HORRIBLE on my run. As a matter of fact, this was usually my strongest event, was most definitely my worst. My stomach started cramping up so bad that I had to grab water at every water stop and walk. I would drink my water, then run to the next stop, grab water, and walk. I didn't realize it until it was over that I probably should have been taking the Gatorade to replenish the electrolytes that I didn't replace on my bike. I made it through the run, my slowest run in years, but I did finish, and I felt a great sense of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">accomplishment</span>, just with a horrible stomach cramp!<br /><br />So, I have done my first Olympic Distance Triathlon, and I learned a ton from this experience. The most important thing I will take from this race is that 1) I can do better on the swim 2) I need to put a better nutrition plan in place 3) I can't wait for next year!!!!!! </div></div>Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-58471409528801807502008-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:002008-08-26T07:29:18.610-07:00Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q3jCwTnV7TYq5yNm9RuixszOUDNHX17HXgp7tStxcd_M3SZlTswncwh81KqD_ZK_Rx-wh3mDhGDsURmMKFBjczowvvixFmhYTdjjWnBfqUmuK1Ft9tHEaaKQn3eu59na_Fh3_RJ9K5q_/s1600-h/2008+Crop+Distance+classic_2476.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238833306180910418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q3jCwTnV7TYq5yNm9RuixszOUDNHX17HXgp7tStxcd_M3SZlTswncwh81KqD_ZK_Rx-wh3mDhGDsURmMKFBjczowvvixFmhYTdjjWnBfqUmuK1Ft9tHEaaKQn3eu59na_Fh3_RJ9K5q_/s320/2008+Crop+Distance+classic_2476.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div>Sunday morning brought woke me at 4:00 am to get downtown in plenty of time for the 6:30 am race start time. I prepared coffee the night before (because I can NOT do <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">anything</span> without at least one cup of morning <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">joe</span>...and I am not talking about my husband....) and made my PB & J to eat later in the morning. I geared up, and left the house with Joe around 4:45. We arrived downtown and parked around 5:30. The sun was coming up and the temperature, well, seeing as it was August 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>, was AMAZING!!! Beautiful light breeze coming off the lake, and 60 degrees!!! It was a beautiful morning to run! We walked over to the race start, I changed into my shoes, stretched a bit, and waited for the start. My friend Lori came to cheer me on, which totally made my day! Having two fans there really got my motivation going! All I had left to do was exactly what I came here to do - qualify for a starting corral for the Chicago Marathon....<br /><br />At 6:30 the first wave went off. I thought I was in that wave, but much to my dismay, I was just about 10 feet too short. So, I waited for wave to to leave the start. Off we went, packed in like sardines! The first mile was fast then slow, then fast, then slow. I was going <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nutz</span>. All I wanted was to get around those in front of me holding hands, and cheering to the crowd along the way. I thought I had started up far enough in front to avoid these types, but, I didn't. Anyway, we hit the McCormick place tunnel, ran along LSD, then finally, around mile 3, we were thinning out, and I really hit a great pace! So, off I went. I kept my pace going, and kept with my plan to gel at mile 4. When I finally hit the split, I was disappointed to find that those first two-three miles of slower paces were just slow enough to really throw off my goal end time. I was still in contention for a starting corral, but I had to keep my pace for the next 6.5 miles. I was determined! At mile 8 I did my next gel, just to carry my through on my pace to the end. I was feeling really good, but the wind coming off the lake was making things a little more difficult than I had hoped! So much for the "light breeze", it was definitely more like wind.<br /><br />At about mile 9, I noticed that my left quad started to get a little sore. All I kept telling myself was to run through it - only 4 miles to go. I kept pushing my pace, trying to concentrate on staying steady, rather than the ache in my leg. At mile 12, I started to slow a little, and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsCXep_FWcm6R5mdaTBj84loN8ech90njQj4DFkmsR_luw_-MOiU1ilyfvkSWNilNd5MHxCATUMrnkPFaXFeSjax6jdlKDTyQZkxuDVfPaCI6K8wd7ZEY6qSPlUDw3hys0JbLJIPF8jRH/s1600-h/2008+Crop+Distance+classic_2478.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238833175703260690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsCXep_FWcm6R5mdaTBj84loN8ech90njQj4DFkmsR_luw_-MOiU1ilyfvkSWNilNd5MHxCATUMrnkPFaXFeSjax6jdlKDTyQZkxuDVfPaCI6K8wd7ZEY6qSPlUDw3hys0JbLJIPF8jRH/s320/2008+Crop+Distance+classic_2478.JPG" border="0" /></a>starting thinking more about my quad. CONCENTRATE!!! So, push, push, push, just a little further, 1.5 to go...I finally rounded the corner with about .5 to go to the start, and there are Joe and Lori cheering me on! And Lori, what a godsend - she wore her running shoes! She jumped into the race with me and paced me until about 100 yards to go, talking me through the last portion of the race! I swear, I can't thank her enough!!! She dropped to the side, and off through the finish chute I went!! And, looking at my time, slower than I hoped for, but qualified me for the corral I had hoped for! YAHOO!! Collected my finishers medal, grabbed some water and grub, and there was Lori waiting to congratulate me! She took me to Joe where there was more congrats!! I am really glad this one is behind me. Now I can concentrate on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Accenture</span> in two weeks, then just the marathon after that!<br /><br />Now, from what I have read on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Internet</span>, many are saying the course was approximately .4-.5 too long....hmmm....if that's the case, then maybe my time would have been faster! Oh well. I can't dwell on this. Moving forward....... </div></div>Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-6912686033370318512008-07-28T18:40:00.000-07:002008-07-28T18:57:53.625-07:00Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10So....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">argh</span>. Saturday morning was the Waterfall Glen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Xtreme</span> 10 trail race. I really didn't prepare too terribly much for this particular event, mostly because I figured that all the miles I am logging for the marathon, doing long runs at Waterfall Glen and all the triathlon cross training have to account for something along the way, right? Yea....right.<br /><br />I woke up, wanting to hit the alarm and go back to sleep, but I dragged my butt out of bed and went directly for coffee. Morning ritual. Nothing gets done with out at least one cup of coffee. Made my peanut butter and jelly toast on wheat, went upstairs, got dressed, and headed out for the race. Once I got there, I found parking easy, and went to pick up my packet. It was pretty cloudy, humid, but not hot....yet. This year they decided to do a pace group wave start, so I was in the "yellow" group, which went out third. once we started across the grass, I realized how uneven the ground was, and took it fairly slow until I reached the trail. Once on the trail, I felt good, and felt like I needed to get around the pack of people in front of me, or I would not get anywhere. Well, this feat proved more difficult than I anticipated it to be because of all of the OTHER people on the trail that day NOT participating in the race. So, I had to deal with runners coming in the opposite direction, bikes in front and behind us, plus the 800 people out for the race.<br /><br />After the first hill, I was finally able to pull away from the larger pack of runners and get some breathing room on the trail. I kept a pretty steady pace, but the clouds started to clear, and the sun was coming down. It was starting to get pretty warm, actually. About three miles into the race there is a hill nicknamed "Big Bertha" due to its slope and length. I knew that this hill would really stretch out the racers, and once I was at the top, and "conquered" this hill, that the rest would be a little easier. Not so fast. The hill stunk. It was longer than I had remembered, probably because I always run down this hill. (I like it better this way.) So, up the hill, steady and kinda slow, I went. I knew that I needed to conserve energy for the remaining 7 miles of hilly terrain, and blasting sun. My pace became relatively steady, and around mile 4 I met up with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Noriko</span>, a very strong runner. She said, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">c'mon</span>, let's go, don't let those men pass you". So, I stayed with her for the next 4 miles. She kept me going, pacing me, and encouraging me. She is coming off a knee injury, so our pace was probably much slower than she is used to. Nonetheless, she was killer help. Around mile 8, she needed to take it easy and sent me on my way with a "Don't stop running. Just keep going". And off I went. I'm not sure if staying with her helped or hurt, but in all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">honestly</span>, I was just really happy to have someone with me. By now, the temperature was really starting to slow me down, and make me feel crappy. But, I knew I only had two miles to go, and cold water and food were not far away. I went on, thinking only about water....<br /><br />I finally reached the .5 mile to go, and went back into the grassy starting field. There were sticks and other debris on the ground. I almost rolled an ankle a couple of times. In this field, there was no relief from the shade, and I was dripping wet. All I could do was search for the finish. I finished at 1:25:34, a lot slower than I had hoped, but I finished!! Felt like I was hit by a truck later in the day, and the heat really effected me for the afternoon, but, what doesn't kill us will make us stronger, right? I must be getting really strong.......Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3929771423151699882.post-84905376999871828332008-07-04T06:12:00.000-07:002008-07-04T06:22:42.143-07:00What did I sign up for??Well, here I am in my first year of Triathlon, how I got here, I'm not quite sure. I started running to lose baby weight, that led to numerous 5K's, which then let to strength training, and just plain ol' "working out". BORING! So, upped my anty to longer distances, and set some goals to train for. Jumped into 1/2 Marathon's, and we all know where that led......the almighty Marathon. Well, that's just too boring. Bought a bike - a nice bike. Love my bike. So, why not train for a Triathlon? Cool! Here I am a year later - joined a triathlon team, the "Luna Chix" - love them!! An awesome group of women getting ouside to play. The perfect compliment to my life, actually. So, with outfurther ado, did my first Tri in Naperville a few weeks ago, now I'm really hooked. Leads me to this -<br /><br />So, a friend of mine convinced me to sign up for the Accenture Triathlon downtown. No, not just the sprint distance, the international distance. Why not just go for it my first year? So I ask myself, what did I just sign up for?? I know I can do the bike, I know I can do the run, but that swim, man!!! Not so sure about that! Everyone keeps telling me I'll be fine (the same enouraging words I heard before Naperville - and they were right - but that was basically a pool - this is Lake Michigan...) I am working hard to train for this, and oh by the way, the Marathon in October, too, and a 1/2 Marathon in August. Maybe I'm crazy, or maybe I'm just addicted to adrenaline. Who knows. All I know this that this damn swim is going to make me crazy, and a nervous wreck. Suppose some open water swim practice might just come in handy. Anyone out there have a wetsuit?? Maybe that's what I should get for my birthday.......Tri-ing Like A Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02005742215926868354noreply@blogger.com1