Fox Valley Marathon 20 {2019 Race Recap}

On Sunday we ran the Fox Valley Marathon (Final 20). 

I had signed up to run the marathon a few months ago- it was going to fit in with my training perfectly as an easy long run. 

On Saturday, September 21, the day before FV, we said goodbye to our big dog, Hampton. His health had declined significantly over the past few months but Monday - Thursday of the week was nothing short of awful. He rallied and we had a good day Saturday, before freeing him of his failing body and mind. 

Sunday morning we woke up to rain and grief from losing Hampton. We drove out to St Charles and knew today would be a tribute to Ham, our big fox. 

I had planned on the Marathon as a training run + way to process all the emotions I had swirling in my head about losing our soul dog after almost 15 years. 

The weather was low 70’s, high dew point and humidity. I was feeling ok enough. 

I started with the 3:25 pacer who seemed to easily be clicking miles off 15+ seconds faster per mile than the 7:49’s I was expecting. I didn’t chase them. 

I walked through water stops and started running with the 3:30 group for a little bit. They also seemed to be running 10+ Sec faster a mile than 8:00- so I didn’t chase. 

Around mile 9 (my favorite number) a song came on my iPod which made me start crying because it reminded me of Hampton “someone you loved” by Lewis Capaldi. Luckily the course was spread out quite a bit so I was by myself.  Running + crying is hard. During this time I almost stepped on a chipmunk which darted out of the bushes. I can only imagine Ham Laughing at me saying he expected better from me since he trained me to be an excellent squirrel/small animal spotter. 

I made the decision shortly after to drop to the 20. I felt spent from the stress/sadness surrounding Hampton + the heat/humidity + possible hangover from celebrating CB’s life the day before.  I didn’t want to slog through the conditions for another hour more than I needed. 

Somewhere in the last 2 miles there was a group hanging out mimosas. I remember them from when I did the Half with Kim a few years ago. Mimosa never tasted so good!

After the 20 mile turnoff i was running with a few other ladies for a bit. We had all dropped to the 20 and also had Chicago marathon on deck in a few weeks. After finishing we all high fived and wished each other luck for the big dance in 3 weeks. 

The course is beautiful. It’s whats kept me coming back infrequently over the years- I’ve completed the marathon 2x, 13.1 once and now the 20. Its chill and well organized. 

In the second half I continued to walk through aid stations and take base salt (thank you Natali)

I also started walking a little in between running. When I’d run I felt good but I would start having difficulty breathing so I’d walk. 


S2 tribute for CB dog at the finish. 2:55, avg 8:45

I was very happy to finish. I was so hot and done and emotionally drained. L didn’t finish too far behind me and had a decent day as well. 

We got changed and drove to More Brewing to celebrate. 


This one’s for you, CB. “Space Boots”

I had a crazy Cobb salad with chicken - not my usual first choice post long run but it sounded the best. I was feeling nauseous for a while post race. 


My only goal going into FV was to finish upright. I did that. It was mentally and physically exhausting due to everything that happened. I’m so glad we didn’t bail - getting out of the house for a few hours definitely helped me a lot.  

Housekeeping:

Belvita almond butter biscuit thing in the car ride over. 

Water at all aid stations. 

Base salt at all aid stations. 

No gel/gu/carbs whatever. The plan was to run to depletion to train my body to run off fat. In Chicago I’ll take Maurten. 

Sunglasses would fog up due to the conditions, super annoying. 

Dedicated to our big fox, Hampton. 

Malort 5k 2019 {race recap}

On Saturday we ran our 2nd Malort 5k. 

We had a huge squad from our run club participating. 

You take a shot of Malort before starting your watch, run a 5k, then take another shot just before the finish. The winners get 1 bottle of Malort, and the last place finishers get 2 bottles. 

Section 8 co hosted the event which helped raise funds for the Fire for Food campaign , as well as the Chicago Fire soccer club.

Smiles and anticipation of what was to come.

We took our shots and started our run. It was super fun!

Despite having the taste of gasoline, number 2 pencil shavings and windex in our mouths, we were having a blast.

Pete B came out to spectate and snapped this great photo of us! And I got to pet his adorable puppies!

This was the first 5k I’ve ever negative split. At least that I can remember. 



After 3 miles we returned to the start which meant 1 more shot. 

Which was promptly chased with an old style.

Celebrations.

We even got medals for surviving this amazing race!

We had a lot of fun running and spending time with everyone.

Nothing more Chicago than an old style and Malort.

Done! 2shots and 3 beers before 10am. We were living our best lives!

10/10 will be back next year.

Post run group photo.

Post celebrations we went to the farmers market.

We had raclette.


It was the perfect end to a crazy morning. 

Rock N Roll Chicago 13.1 2019 {Race Recap}

Another week, another race. 

My legs were sore from the Redbull 400 until around Thursday. I haven’t felt that sore from a race since I legit started training for races years ago. The soreness was worse than any marathon in recent memory. 

I took this week a little easier due to: 1. My legs being sore. 2. The race. 3. That I would start Chicago marathon training soon and needed a slight break (only ran 40+ miles vs 60+). 

4 years of  RnR chi!

I had 0 goals going into this race. The weather was far from ideal at 70f and 75+dew point. I had planned to take it as a supported training run regardless as I’m not In PR shape. 


Saturday morning I ran with Ze. It was super hot and muggy out. I figured after that run that a pace around 8:15 would probably happen for Sunday’s half marathon race. I ended up averaging 8:12’s. 


Saturday we went to the expo. I ended up with 2 really large blisters on my feet from sandals I hadn’t worn in a while. 

We then went to Marz for lunch. 

And hydration. 

Smiles before 13.1 miles!

And a bunch of side eye. 

Race morning: we woke up super early to take the dogs out and walked over to the start with friends from our building.  The heat had broken the night before after the storms rolled through but it was still less than ideal. 

We ran into so many friends in the corral area. I have to say this dumb blog + our awesome running club has contributed to this sense of community for sure. It is super cool randomly running into people at races and events.

I started in the back of corral 1 and chatted with Pete and Dave and Erica and Carla pre race. The gun went off and we were on our way. Dave And I ran together for most of the race which was nice. Running with him kept my pace honest around mid 8’s- had I been alone, I would have slowed down due to not being engaged. 

At the awful out and back around mile 10-11 (seriously, just extend the course another mile to avoid this) I saw L not too far behind us. We attempted a sad side 5 and was so excited for him because he was on pace for something special. 

I finished in 1:47.18 a 2 second course PB!  20/591 in my AG and 142/4168 females. I felt good about the time since I kept the pace pretty easy and even the entire race. 

L got a 15 minute PR and became a member of the sub 2 club with a 1:55! (On tired non tapered marathon legs!) to say I’m proud is an understatement. Proudest coaching moment 💖🔥

We ran into a bunch of fellow MRC runners post race as we enjoyed our very cold Mich Ultra. 

CB wanted to participate in medal Monday so I took his pic- the Rock N Roll Instagram liked his pic so much they posted it on their page 💖

I was very happy with how I executed this race-sis gel pre race, and a caffeine sis around mile 7. I took water from each aid station and inhaled too much of it. (I should practice lol) or I should just bring water like I usually do. 

What’s next?

The Malort 5k! 

And... 

 Chicago marathon training. 12 weeks to go!