August 30, 2008 - 12 mile run

The last run of August 2008! The long run was 12 miles this week, which brings my August total to 125.88 miles! That's insane!
I decided to run three loops by my house instead of going to the lakefront today. I ran a 5-mile loop (1:00:03), a 4-mile loop (47:54) and a 3-mile loop (33:36) for a grand total time to run 12 miles in 2:21:33. The best part about this run was that I was just about spot on for a 12-minute mile for the first 9 miles then actually decreased my split time for the last 3 miles! Super de-dooper! My knee felt good and really only slightly more creaky than the other knee. My only complaint was that the top of my right foot was really achy for the last three miles. It's still achy now, actually. Not sure how to stretch that....

T.M.I ALERT!!!! T.M.I ALERT!!!!

Today for running I wore my new-ish (i.e. worn only once before) "Running of Faith" shirt that I purchased at the CDC expo. I like it because it's a snug fit and works well when I run with my hydration belt. It's also a tech shirt and great for warm days such as today. The problem is that since it is form fitting the fact that I sweat is much more visible. Much more. Sweating really isn't a problem in and of itself it's more in the manner in which I seem to sweat. I'll just lay it out for you, my chest gets sweaty. All of me gets sweaty but since my chest protrudes, due to being a woman, the area above it, i.e. my shirt, gets sweaty first. It's a lovely sight, I'm sure. A woman running around with giant (okay not giant...) sized sweat circles. What a way to draw attention to my chest! I guess it's still not as bad as the first time I wore my black sports bra (without washing it first) and ended up with black circles over my boobs. THAT was hilarious!

August 28, 2008 - 4 mile run

Today I ran my 4 mile loop in 45:29.

August 27, 2008 - 7 mile run

I ran the four mile loop and the three mile loop this morning. According to my Ti89 that totals 7 miles.

Total time to run 7 miles - 1:19:00

Total days until the IN marathon - 52

August 26, 2008 - 5 mile run

It was a 5-mile morning. It's definitely staying darker for longer. Soon I will need to switch back to afternoon/evening runs. I scared some sort of animal this morning and soon after smelled skunk. Hopefully I was not the one who scared a skunk. I guess as long as it didn't spray me. It did remind me to be careful of nocturnal animals though. That smell lingered for awhile and is not so fun for lungs trying to breathe normally.

Total time to run 5 miles - 57:53

Total time remaining to register for IN marathon at the discount - 5 days, not that it matters anymore because I registered today!!!! I am officially crazy!!!! But I'm not alone...Beth registered today too and she's running the Chicago Marathon the weekend before. I have a ways to go before I'm willing to do back-to-back weekend marathons. It's very surreal. If you had told me last March when I started this journey into running (targeting 5Ks, mind you) that I would be running a marathon in October, I would have said you were crazy. Now who's the crazy one???

26.2 miles? - bring it on!!!

August 24, 2008 - 16 mile run

Yep. You read it right. It's not a typo. Today's run was 16 miles. It went really well. I was worried about it, not really because of the mileage, but more because initially I was slated to run it by myself. This was an incredibly daunting idea for me. But yesterday afternoon, Beth called me asking if I was running this morning. Ends up that the heat and humidity of Saturday got to her because of her asthma and she "only" made it 8 miles. Let's pause for a second here: if it had been me that had "only" made it 8 miles of the 16, I too would have been disappointed and wishing I had finished. I may even toy with the idea of running the next day. Another few miles, maybe even up to the additional 8 miles. But I wouldn't be on the phone calling my friend to see if I could run the full 16 miles. So that alone shows you what a rock star Bethie is. Back to yesterday afternoon: needless to say I was excited she was wanting to run because it meant I had a friend to run with plus a pacer. Awesomely awesome! We decided running on the lakefront would still be the best and to start 6-ish a.m. to make sure to avoid heat.

This morning I got up at 4:20 (why I'm still awake right now, I have no idea). Since it was ridiculously early I ate some Cheerios with fresh blueberries (yum!) and watched Extra only to be inundated with bikini styles on bodies that I do not have. Not motivation for running faster, mind you, motivation to leave, definitely. I met Beth at her house and we caravaned down to the lake front. We decided to run North then circle back South because of a triathlon taking place downtown. The weather was perfect for running. It was absolutely gorgeous out. I was particularly chatty today too. My big worry for the run was my knee. I worked on my form focusing on running straight on my legs, striding evenly, not favoring either leg. I thought the run went pretty quickly actually. Beth was battling a mental block. It's completely understandable. She ran 8 miles yesterday! Seriously a rock star! She was apologizing for being crabby. I thought she was pretty reserved. Besides, I was in a good mood, an annoying good mood. I think, maybe, I was trying to be in a good mood for both of us. I was just so happy to have someone to run with! At mile 13, we stopped for a sanity, I mean, water break. I was complaining about my knee starting to feel a little off and Beth was feeling tired in general. While we were having our little pity party, a young man ran by us. What caught our eye was that this man had no legs, he was running with prosthetics. Seeing him running (faster than us) despite a physical difference shut us up pretty fast.

We finished our 3 miles strong. Beth walked 0.1 mile in the last mile. I think she felt guilty about it. I mentioned 8 miles yesterday trumps 0.1 mile walk of today's 16 mile run. In the end, my knee held up. I think two things helped. One, I had been good about icing this week. And two, I did not wear heels this week. I am so glad that my knee never felt worse than just a little off. Well, plus, I prayed about it. I'm thankful that God chose to say yes to that prayer!

Beth stretched my legs for me, which felt awesome! Then she headed out on her bike to meet Tina so they could watch the triathlon. I headed home but not before stopping at Dunkin Donuts to get a bagel ("You just want it plain??" they asked) and a strawberry banana smoothie (so good!). I still need to ice my knee but it feels so good! I'm so happy about that! (I will still ice though.) I also need to lay down and put my legs up for a while too.

All-in-all a most fun run.

Total time to run 16 miles - 3:16:13

Total time to register for the IN marathon for the cheaper rate - 7 days

August 21, 2008 - 4 mile run

The third day of my midweek runs also seems to be the hardest (mentally). Maybe because it's the third day in a row getting up around 4:30 a.m. Maybe it's because I had a dream that all my coworkers walked faster than I run and were asking "so...when are you going to start running?". Maybe because it's the final run of three mornings in a row. Maybe I'm just a whiner. I guess, if I really break it down, the run itself was okay. But I didn't feel that way until after already going 3.5 miles. Naturally motivation does increase when there's only a half mile remaining. I will try to focus on the positive sides like: I did not die, I was not abducted by aliens, I did not get lost, I did not spontaneously burst into flames, etc., etc., etc.

Total time to run 4 miles - 47:39

Total time to register for IN marathon at discounted rate - 10 days

August 20, 2008 - 6 mile run

Another good run today. Fortunately no tripping on this one. Yay! My knee felt good and I felt strong.

Total time to run 6 miles - 1:06:57

Total time to register for IN marathon at discounted rate - 11 days

August 19, 2008 - 4 mile run

This morning's run was awesome!! I ran a 10:45 pace which is a great time for me!! I was a little leery because of my knee but my body knew what to do. It felt so good. I did almost wipe out though. It was pretty comical actually. I tripped on the sidewalk and had one of those arms flailing-body contorting-big steps forward type of trip. I seriously thought I was going to eat sidewalk. But, thankfully, I was spared. I even think I wasn't seen (by anyone I could see at least). =) And my knee felt really good during the run too. Still keeping up with icing it though. This weekend's run is 16 miles. Hopefully my knee will hold up. Fingers crossed! Matt is doing a service project on Saturday though so I may be running solo on Sunday morning. This will definitely be a challenge but not an impossibility.



I've been listening to the Superchicks a lot when running. Their song "It's On" has become my theme song.

It all comes down to this

You take your best shot, might miss

You take it anyway

You're gonna make your move today

Got the will, you'll find the way

To change the world someday

Grab this moment before it's gone

Today's your day

It's on (and on) it's on (and on) it's on (and on) today's your day so come on, bring it on

(and on) it's on (and on) it's on (and on) today's your day so come on, bring it on

And the view will never change

Unless you decide to change it

Don't feel like it today

Just show up anyways

And though life will take you down

It only matters if you let it

Get up, go through, press on

Today's your day

It's on (and on) it's on (and on) it's on (and on) today's your day so come on, bring it on

(and on) it's on (and on) it's on (and on) today's your day so come on, bring it on

And though you wanna quit

Don't think you can get through it

You've come too far to walk away

It's not gonna be today

And no matter how you feel

It's what you do that matters

This is your moment to be strong

Today's your day

It's on (and on) it's on (and on) it's on (and on) today's your day so come on bring it on

(and on) it's on (and on) it's on (and on) today's your day so come on, bring it on

(no matter how you feel, it's what you do that matters it's your moment to be strong)

It's on (and on) it's on (and on) it's on (and on) today's your day so come on bring it on

(and on) it's on (and on) it's on (and on) today's your day so come on, bring it on

Total time to run 4 miles - 43:01 (Holla Holla!!)

Total time to register at the discounted rate for the IN marathon - 12 days

August 18, 2008 - Easy 1.5 mile walk

I walked to the daycare for tie-dying.

There and back is 1.5 miles. Walked for a total of 28 minutes. It was a nice way to loosen up my knee.

August 16, 2008 - 15 miles

I did it! 15 miles baby! I ran on the Lake Front path in the morning and it was gorgeous! (Although crowded with people because of the Air and Water show.) The run went really well. All until the last mile when my knee was sending shooting pains. I was in quite a bit of pain. I was determined to finish though. I trotted in with Melissa who was also experiencing a lot of pain. We figure next time we'll just strap our bad legs together, run a three-legged race and be good to go. I really need to be icing every day and working on strengthening that knee or I will not be able to finish a marathon. I'll see how this week goes before I consider a sports physician. But going to a doctor is definitely on my mind.

Total time to run 15 miles - 3:02:38

Total time to register for IN marathon at cheaper rate - 15 days

August 14, 2008 - 4 mile run

So I don't know what the deal is, but my motivation is so stinking low. My legs are tight or sore or something. I really, really just wanted to sleep this morning instead of getting up. But I got up anyway albeit an hour late. I really considered running after work but Matt has a meeting tonight and I didn't want to run at work. I reversed my 4-mile loop today and that did provide for some variety. I think I need some new loops so I don't get too bored. Knee strap is still a blessing and I had ducks on my socks which made me happy. I also passed this man with a red-and-white striped shirt on (looked like a soccer shirt). He was a little too smiley. What's to smile about when you're tired? We ended up passing again about 20 minutes later. He gave me a rock-fist sign of support and that ended up being just what I needed to finish strong. Hooray for soccer-shirt guy! I guess God knows what He's doing when he allows for little encounters with other people. And I bet that guy doesn't even know we passed the second time at just the right time. Makes me wonder how my actions can be a blessing for strangers that I pass...

Time to run 4 miles - 45:02

Time until 15 mile run - 2 days

Time to register for the IN marathon at the cheaper rate - 17 days

Time to dig deep - NOW

August 13, 2008 - 6 mile run

It felt more like running 1 mile today with a 5 mile warm-up. =)

I'm still happy with the addition of the knee strap. I also used my hydration belt. (BTW, I finally bought a hydration belt at the CDC expo. I love it! It's a fuel belt and it's SuperJulia blue...very appropriate.) My left leg was still very stiff, especially my hip. The last mile/mile-and-a-half felt good though. So that's happy.

I am getting very nervous about Saturday's run. It's 15 miles. 'Nuff said.

Total time to run 6-miles - 1:09:10

Total time until 15-mile run - 3 days

Total time to register for the IN marathon at the cheaper fee - 18 days

August 12, 2008 - 3 mile run

A few things about this morning's run:

1. My left leg is very tight. I imagine from overcompensating for my right knee. Therefore I did not run, I waddled. In my mind's eye it was a rather humorous sight. Naturally, I waddled past a couple cop cars today too. The MP cops are cuties! Too bad I looked like a penguin...oh...and I'm married... =)
2. I like the knee strap. Granted the instructions as to how to position it were talking about centering it over the patella tendon and I don't know where the patella tendon is exactly, other than by my knee and probably on the outside of my leg. So I expertly positioned it over the sore spot and adjusted as necessary. This highly scientific method must have worked because my knee was much happier.
3. New tech shirts are fabulous. Beth has more race shirts then she knows what to do with so she gave some to me. How great is that?! Today I wore the Shamrock Shuffle shirt. Most comfortable. Plus there were new socks in her hand-me-down bag. Vive le France. (Beth, if those were in there on accident, let me know!) Looking at her race shirts has motivated me to sign up for some of these races. Ah, more running!

Despite the incredible tightness, I had a pretty successful run. I am considering a massage soon. My body is all achy!

Total time for 3-miles - 33:34

Total time left to decide on IN marathon to get the cheaper registration fee - 19 days

August 10, 2008 - First Half Marathon

Today was the Chicago Distance Classic. My first half marathon. 13.1 miles.
Actually the course was long and recertified at 13.2762 miles.

It was awesome! I ran with Beth the whole time. She was an awesome cheerleader and a great pacer! The weather was perfect. It was the perfect temperature and the view, especially on the way back, was beautiful. I had a great time running with a large group of people. Honestly, I'm in a daze. If you had told me four months ago that I would be running a half marathon this summer I would have laughed at you. And yet here I am. I couldn't have asked for a better run. My knee did bother me for most of the race and I am at the beginning of a cold, but God gave me strength to finish and finish strong. My time was 2:29:40. This is a 11:17 pace. I am just so pleased and proud. Beth did awesome! She blasted her previous time by 9 minutes! So inspirational!!


Here's a picture of us after finishing:

I was so excited to have cheerleaders too! My mother-in-law and sister-in-law came down to support me! It was so great to see familiar faces while running. I saw JoAn and Sarah early into the race and they kept me motivated on my way back. Although I didn't see them on my way across the finish it was nice to know they were rooting for me!

At Beth's suggestion, I did label myself with tape that said "Julia's 1st 1/2 marathon" so I also got cheers for my name specifically and for "first half marathoner". Some were at Beth's urging, she can certainly work a crowd! =)

The best part about finishing is that everyone receives a metal! I love bling! And yes, I am wearing it right now. At home. Twelve hours after finishing. Because I want to.

Even Roxy, my car, has an added item. At the expo yesterday, I bought a "13.1" magnet which I ceremoniously applied to my car today after finishing the race.

All-in-all, a most successful day.

August 7, 2008 - 4 miles

Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow....this became my rhythmic chant in my head during this morning's run. My knee was okay and only a little stiff. My quads however...holy stiffness batman! I didn't realize my bones had turned to lead while I slept last night! Granted I did not get enough sleep (in bed at 12:30 a.m., up at 4:50 a.m.) but my goodness I felt like I was running in water. Despite fighting the urge to walk the whole thing, or better yet, stop and sleep on the sidewalk, I continued on in my quest to run a ridiculous amount. And despite my stiff legs, my run went surprisingly well. I saw two of the walkers from last Thursday so that was nice. And since I have only one running outfit, I'm sure they recognized me. =)

Total 4-mile time - 45:14

Total days to CDC - 3(!)

August 6, 2008 - 5 mile run

I've been enjoying running before work. It's significantly cooler, I don't feel like it cuts into family time, and it's quieter/less busy. This morning's run went really well. My legs felt great and have recovered from the 13-miles nicely. My right knee is still giving quite a bit of pain. Not enough pain to stop but enough so that there's no doubt it hurts. I forgot my ice pack today on the way to work so will make a point to stretch if I can. I also am going to look into that knee-strappy-supporty-thingy to wear when I run. Even with the pain, the run was great.

Total 5-mile run time - 55:33

Total days before the CDC - 4

August 5, 2008 - 3 mile morning run

It was very muggy this morning but the temperature was cooler so that helped. I ran a 3-mile loop by my house. My legs felt good. My right knee was still a little tender. I iced on the way to work (about 35 minutes) using a ice pack strategically held in place by a kitchen towel that I tucked under my leg. I may ice later at work too. Ice is my friend!

Total time for 3-mile run - 32:35

Total days until Chicago Distance Classic - 5

August 2, 2008 - 13 miles

I did it! I ran 13 miles! And I learned the benefit of running with a group. I joined Bethie's running group and ran along the lakefront. The weather was gorgeous and there was a good breeze. A couple of running observations. 1. I didn't realize it was kosher to stop for drinking. I had been at home but not as much as we did on our 13 miles. From now on I will not feel as bad about stopping for water breaks more often. 2. There are a lot of people running, walking and biking on the lakefront. I'm not good with group running rules because I'm so used to running on my own. 3. Pacing with other people ROCKS! I don't think I'll be able to join every Saturday but hopefully for a few. It really does depend on our family's schedule. It's not just my commitment to running, it's also Matt's. He's the reason I'm able to dedicate this much time to training. He's pretty awesome. So anyhoo, I'm sore. My knee started yelling at me about halfway through the run. But I finished. I felt strong. And I feel ready for the Chicago Distance Classic which is IN A WEEK!!!! I'm excited. I iced my knee several times yesterday and I will probably do some more tonight. My legs are hurting for sure. So I'll stretch tonight and am definitely looking forward to some easy runs this week.

According to Bethie, we ran our 13 miles in 2 hours 37 minutes.