TGIF Happy Friday!!

Some random thoughts about the week because I can't devote an entire post to one thing....

• As week 1 of Fox Valley marathon training comes to a close (following 2 more workouts), I feel excited and anxious for my goal of a BQ -5.

• While I managed to PR and get a 1:47 in this half after 6 weeks of solid training post hip flexor injury, I have no confidence I could pull off a similar pace per mile in the marathon. Even though I felt like I could have kept going after the race.

• I just need to remind myself that I respond well to consistency and after the next 13 weeks, I'll be stronger than ever. and not think that that 13.1 PR was on a short course...





• I love this view and can take a photo of it every time I run by. In fact, I usually do. It makes me
Happy, which I think is one of the keys for staying injury free.

• Bad runs make you appreciate the good runs more. And pinpointing what caused the "bad" gives even more confidence.

• Eating a somewhat large lunch 2 hours later than normal and then running = a really uncomfortable run. Pair that with a possible case of food poisoning and it's even worse. Lesson learned.





• That might be the only reason I'll ever say "thank god for navy pier and its bathrooms."

• Finishing a 7.66 mile workout strong when you wanted to quit at mile 3 is really a defining moment in your life as a runner.

• My Friday has been awesome so far. I found the exact Nike tank and Nike pro compression shorts at Macy's that I've had my eye on. Score! And I got to use my gift card thats been burning a hole in my wallet for almost 7 months.




• Passion fruit bubble tea from Argo puts a huge smile on my face. Always.





• This guy also puts a huge smile on my face. Can't wait for our run tonight!!

What's happy about your Friday?

What's your favorite pair of running "booty" shorts, or regular running shorts?

-I'm always on the hunt for more shorts and find I like the snug fit as opposed to regular shorts.

I have:
•Lululemon booty shorts. They are ok. I'm starting to like them less and less.

• Aspaeris Pivot shorts. Love them. Don't ride up at all, but can be hot.

• Oiselle Stride short- Love these, don't ride up, but have given me one bad case of chafing so far. I'll attribute it to user error ;)

•RRS compression shorts- so far no complaints.

• Under Armor- I absolutely hate these. They ride up and I've gotten chaffed bad a few times, even with body glide. Maybe I had gotten the wrong size? I'd give UA another shot though.

Happy weekend!!

- xaar

Cold is nothing.... (Chi-Town recap)

Cold is nothing compared to what it feels like to give in.

40 miles this past week.
240 miles for the past 6 weeks... wow!

(who said running is simple?? For this race: Nike headband/ear protector from the cold, iPod, chomps, salt stix, bloks for pre race, Nike longsleeve, Saucony jacket, moving comfort sports bra, race number, garmin, gloves, fluid recovery mix for post race (drank muscle milk instead) Nathan pack to hold my transit card, road runner sports capris, CEP compression socks, Nike lunaracer +2)

It was bitter cold for the Chi-Town half. Maybe 30 degrees at the start? And it was a little windy.

I achieved a PR by almost 7 minutes. I ended up with a 1:53.17 I am thrilled. I cut nearly 12 minutes off since my last half marathon- the soggy,cold US half in November 2010.


Race highlights:

• There seemed to be an ample supply of port o johns
• The race started on time
• The start was one of the smoothest I've experienced in a while. I wasn't dodging walkers for the first few miles like other races. Everyone lined up by their anticipated pace. It was a dream!
  
  

• The course was scenic, but I wasn't a fan of the parts of the course where runners would cross each other going in different directions.

• There was ice in some of the tunnels... happy I didnt slip, or see anyone else slip

• There were some a lot of TALENTED runners out there. In fact, I was surprised at how good the field was. For such a small field- 640 something finishers, the times were SMOKIN! 

• I got 20th in my age group. For a "local" type race in the san fran area, I would have been in the top 5 (for AG) with the same time I ran for this race. Chicago is a running city for sure. I am motivated to train harder and do better. I know i am not at full potential yet. I plan on joining a club to train for the Chicago Marathon.

• I am happy I did this race. I had some thoughts the day before about how cold it would be, but after watching "Spirit of the Marathon" the night before, I was pumped to run. I especially wanted to see if all the training Ive been doing the past 6 weeks had paid off.

• The training definitely PAID OFF. quality miles= much better time!

• This race was the first half/ full marathon where I wasn;t looking for a port-o-john during the event. That is huge for me- every long run, every half marathon I've done- i needed to stop. I didnt drink anything before the race- except a sip of water to wash down my luna bar an hour and a half pre-race. I also drank at nearly every water/ gatorade stop. I ate some watermelon chomps, and a few salt stix and felt GREAT! YAY!
• This is the first race I've used music. I'm not sure if it helped or not. Although about 5 minutes before I was to cross the finish, Chariots of Fire came on... I pushed the pace even more. :)

No injuries, no muscle soreness. I jogged back a mile to the L to catch my ride home. (maybe i could have run harder? lol)



The medal! (wish the date was on it...)

Post race had an awesome eggs Benedict with the most delicious bloody Mary EVER. Mmm




Life is so good. Im ready for the running season now!