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.