Week 1 of base building for races next year

I find that when I have long term goals, recapping my weekly training keeps me motivated to stay on track. And since I won't have any "goal" races until 2016, I want to build the best base I can to be successful at whatever I decide to do. Currently I'm contemplating a spring marathon and then a couple of triathlons. Whereas before I used to be content with being a "runner," my focus has now shifted to being a more complete athlete. Since I have been injury prone in the past, mixing up running with cycling and swimming as well as strength circuits will suit me better for my longterm goal of being healthy and injury free. Because healthy & injury free > any PR.


Monday: 10 mile cycle

Tuesday: REST

Wednesday: 21 mile cycle

Thursday: 5 mile cycle, 1 mile run

Friday: 4 mile run

Saturday: 10 mile cycle

Sunday: 10 mile cycle

Total: 61 miles, 4:30

56 miles cycled, 5 miles run


Goals for next week:

• Manage time better.
• Run more.
• Wake up earlier to complete workouts before work.
• Start swimming again.

Other stuff:

• On Saturday I went to a bike store to look at road bikes. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) with all the knowledge I gained from that initial visit. I am excited to try some bikes out later this week.

• I finally was able to use the gift card I received when I won the Mikkeller Beer Run back in May. It took a while, but the shirt and shorts I got finally arrived this past week. 

-Xaarlin

This is How We Spectate. #ChiMarathon

Early Sunday morning we left our place to get some coffee before heading to mile 23.5 to spectate the Chicago Marathon.

Michigan Ave was completely empty and devoid of spectators and runners- this was the final stretch. Around mile 26. 

We took the EL down to 35th ave to hang out near the Goose Island bus to spectate. This area isn't too crowded and is a prime spot to take photos.


After seeing some  wheelchair athletes fly by, we saw the men's leaders. It is incredible how they make 4:xx pace look so effortless and easy.
A little while later we saw the women's leaders.
And then saw complete bad ass Deena Kastor on her way to a 7th place finish in 2:27 and 10th place Sara Hall who had a huge PR to finish in 2:31!
Eric  who had already volunteered in the morning came out to join our little cheer station. We had a lot of fun cowbelling and cheering and taking photos of our friends who were running this year. Huge congrats to everyone who ran this year!
After seeing many of our friends run by, we decided to to get an IPA from the Goose Island bus to take with us on our walk back home. Instead of taking the EL back to our place we decided to walk along Michigan ave- there was no shortage of spectators with fun signs to read.
On our way back up Michigan ave, we stopped by Motor Row brewing to rehydrate. Spectating is hard work! We continued watching the runners from the bar on their 2nd level.
We eventually made our way back up to our condo and I cheered for runners while handing out pretzel rods. We brought the Whistle Pig downstairs in time to cheer for one of our Mikkeller Running Club runners who was completing his first marathon. At mile 26 we congratulated him and all took a small shot of whiskey with him to celebrate.
This is how we spectate.


-Xaarlin

A busy day

At 2:30 am CB woke us up. We quickly threw on our clothes because we knew not to question him. We took the elevator to the street where he proceeded to vomit multiple times and have diarrhea. Crisis averted! I then take 20 minutes to google his symptoms/home remedies and found that not giving more than a few teaspoons of water at a time helps prevent additional vomiting. Whereas letting him drink all he wants would induce more vomiting.



A few hours later the same thing happened and I jumped out of bed and took him out so he could once again relieve himself.



Another 2 hours pass and I take him out one last time before heading to work. He barks at small kids in the elevator which makes me slightly less concerned about him being sick. I give him a few probiotic treats and don't give him breakfast.

I feel bad leaving him to go to work, but L was working from home so I knew CB was in good hands.



At work I had to go to a different building and count our inventory of supplies. 4.5 hours later the we got to take a break and see some gorgeous views of Chicago which made me feel just a bit better.



On my way home I got CB some oatmeal, rice and carrots to cook a super bland meal that he will eat for the next few days until things return to normal.



He ate all of the small amount of food I gave him and looked at me with those sweet blue eyes begging for more- which I declined due to the early AM events.



He ended up sleeping through the night without incident and now seems to be back to normal. I have no idea what caused this stomach bug but I'm happy he's feeling better.




-Xaarlin