Rock N Roll

Over the weekend I ran my second half marathon! Aly and I went to the expo on Friday to pick up our bibs and check out all the different vendors! We ended up spending way too much time there and getting a ton of free stuff: ...tshirts, water bottles, sunglasses, samples, etc...

Then Sunday rolled around and I had no idea how this race was going to go! Last half, I had Kami and her dad to help pace and just keep me going in general. This year, I was running alone. Since I was pretty nervous I decided to not worry about keeping the 9minute/mile pace but just run comfortably and finish. So the race started and I got to the first mile at 9:04, the second mile-9:01, third mile-9:00...what the heck!!! 

I was so surprised that I was comfortably and consistently keeping a good pace I decided I had to stick with it. There were plenty of times where I was struggling but tried not to think about it... There were lively crowds at just the right places which definitely helps keep you going. I look forward to all of the water/ Gatorade stops, which I did not utilize nearly as much my first half marathon and I also took some Gu, which was my first time using those as well. I was surprised how good the vanilla tasted :) I basically I wanted to use this run to try everything and anything to see what helped keep me going and if there was anything that slowed me down for the full.

While thinking about the full in October, I realized while crossing the finish line...I'll have to double what I just ran. . . I knew this before, but having that in my head as I crossed the finish line is a lot different then just sitting on my couch thinking in my head "yea, I can totally train for 26.2 miles and it'll be so fun!"!! I'm hoping the 13 miles seems like a piece of cake soon considering I have to run it again this Saturday as part of training. The more you put in the easier, right?  

Overall, I was and still am really pleased with the outcome of the race. I can't imagine how I will feel after a full marathon!!! I ended the day with a soccer game at Wrigley Field : Italy vs. Poland and then Burger Fest and quickly passed out in bed after all of that!

1/3 Complete

Well week six has been wrapped up with a nice 7miler with CARA and a realization that the Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half is next weekend!! YIKES! When did that get here??! 

Last year I ran this with a very good friend, Kami and her dad. Kami and I played soccer together in college and she is the one who got me out running. Without her I wouldn't be training for the marathon or spreading awareness about abused and neglected children! She is a great supporter and I'm very thankful to have her in my life!

My time was 2 hours and 4 minutes and I felt pretty good the whole way, minus the nice hill they had the last mile.... The weather was great, which may make it more difficult this year. I didn't have any training schedule at all last summer-- just made sure I got a 10 mile run in sometime before the actual race. Since I've actually been training for the marathon I'm interested in seeing how the half turns out this year!

I've missed soccer!

So before I started all this running on my own, I lived to play soccer. When I moved out to Chicago I figured I should start doing something active and what better sport then running--the lake shore path was the biggest draw for just going out on a run... I was never a fan of just running to run!

 In our training plan it mentions we shouldn't do too many sports with lateral movements but when I got asked to sub on a soccer team I couldn't resist! I figured a 50min soccer game, no subs, playing outside mid...that should cover my 3 miles scheduled! I don't know when the last time I played in a soccer game but oh my gosh, waking up on Wednesday, my body hasn't been that sore in soooo long, especially from just a soccer game! I absolutely love the feeling of being sore, but I'm a little disappointed one soccer game did that much "damage". I used to play 5 in one weekend and not feel half as bad! I still felt it this morning before my 10miler!

Speaking of the 10miles, due to heat, CARA decided to cancel all group runs this morning. My friend Aly and I still decided to go out running...5am to try and beat the heat... and I think every one else who planned on running this morning did the same thing! The funny thing is, I think 5am was hotter out than 8am and later! Oh well, it was great to see everyone still out running/biking!

On to week Six:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 3 Miles

Wednesday: 5 Miles

Thursday: 3 Miles

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 7 Miles

Sunday: Cross