Withdrawal

Last week I was out of town for a few days, and the weather was -- crap.  Rainy, chilly, ugly crap.  Then, I get back home to Chicago and the weather is also crap.  More rainy, chilly, ass-ugly crap.  Normally, I'd just scoff at the rain and put some warm clothes and a jacket on, but I've developed a nasty cold too.  Rather than let a cold turn into something serious, running had to take a short break.  Better to lose a few days of training than a couple of weeks.  Still, nothing was going to stop me from running in the Komen Race for the Cure 10k with my mother, a 10 year survivor, there to enjoy the festivities, and from what she tells me, in comparison to other Komen runs, Chicago knows how to put on a good show.  The race site was muddy from days of rain, and we got soaked by showers during the run, but it was still a great event to be a part of.  Afterwards, I started coughing, but it was worth it.  This entire week was spent trying to get over this cold getting as much sleep as possible.  Last night, I felt well enough for a 5 mile run, so I made my way to Niketown Chicago, and did my 5 with the Run Club.  Despite being benched from running for almost a week, I felt fine, but whether it was the run or the chill of the wind during the walk home, today, my nose is running more than I am.  Again I sit looking out a window daydreaming of running.  Right now, it's about getting outside, not about training.  It's about running as far as I can,  and not about checking the miles off a schedule.  I don't want to run.  I need to run.

Honoring Survivors on stage

New Personal Best Distance 20 Miles and Gear Geek Look at The North Face Enduro Boa

The entire week leading up to my 20 mile run was a mental preparation. While most of that time was spent dreading Saturday (seriously, how many people are afraid of Saturday coming? WTF!?), Friday night and early Saturday morning was spent planning. One of the most important preparations I had to make, hydration and nutrition during the run. I'd be out there for a few hours, so how do I maintain my intake over that time? My solution, The North Face Enduro Boa hydration pack.

I have never used a hydration pack before and was a little apprehensive about running with a pack for hours. After a little research, I decided on the Enduro Boa. It's harness type design, differing from traditional backpack straps, was very comfortable. The unconventional system redistributes weight "across the upper body; holding weight at the sternum instead of under the arms." I found the pack easy to adjust to my body and very comfortable over the 4 hours it took me to finish 20 miles. Two removable waste strap pockets carried essential GU and stuff. A nice sized main compartment carried a vest and arm warmers to counter any drop in temperature, but could easily carry more which really comes in handy on long runs where weather changes or night becomes day and vice versa. My run started just before sunset and ended in a colder, windy Chicago evening, so it pays to be prepared. The 1.5 liter hydration bladder was more than adequate as I still had half a pack full of homemade Gatorade left after I finished. What's homemade Gatorade? A little fresh squeezed lemon juice, salt, sugar, and a whole lot of water. Somehow, it didn't turn out so bad! Overall, The North Face Enduro Boa is a great investment at $120 for distance runners. Moosejaw.com makes it an even better buy at $99. Wish I saw that first. Only problem I have with it is that the Velcro closure on the waist belt catches on my running shirt. I have a few ideas to remedy this, so I'll let you know what works if anything does.

After completing my 20 miler, my legs hurt like crazy, but the next day, my legs felt fine. A little tired, but good enough to run. Though it took a great amount of physical effort, it took much more mental effort to make it to the end. Conquering new challenges is intimidating, but with a little confidence and self motivation, anyone can cross that finish line.

Chicago Half Marathon Post-Race Report

     September 11, 2011 4 A.M. - wake up and eat right away.  On the menu this morning, peanut butter on toast with lots of water.  The night before I prepared my race bag with snacks, water, clothes, and extra shoes, so the only thing I have to do this morning is get ready to run.  The weather report says it's 65 degrees, but it feels warmer as I step outside in the moments before dawn.  One 20 minute train ride later and I'm at the race site in Jackson Park on Chicago's south side.  It's a little less than an hour before start time and the area is swarming with runners and spectators.  As I wait in my start corral, I think I might have a PR in me somewhere.  That thought gives way to doubt within a few minutes after crossing the starting line.  My legs are stiff and my entire body feels heavy, but I've already started this and I'm going to do the best I can.  

     The first three miles wind around the park area before turning onto Lake Shore Drive where the course widens and the scenery improves with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.  The width of Lake Shore Drive allows the field of runners to spread out making it easier to pass and make up time lost within the crowds during the first few miles.  My pace improves by 20-30 seconds per mile, and I start believing again that I might just be able to PR this thing.  The sun is up, warming the air, but I still feel good with the view and entertainment along the course.  There are a couple of bands playing, music blaring through speakers atop bridges overlooking the course, and signs made by spectators encouraging runners to keep going.  Two of my favorite signs were one that said, "One day you will not be able to do this.  Today is not that day," and another that read, "You have great stamina.  Call me at ...."  I didn't quite get that phone number.

     I stick to my usual routine and wait till after mile 6 to take a drink and eat some GU.  Those legs that felt stiff at the beginning are starting to ache as I make it to the turnaround near mile 8.  It's not pain really.  More like an irritant.  Not anything I can't push through, or so I believe.  The turnaround flips us directly into the sun, and it's hot!  Race volunteers announce over speakers that condition levels have changed from green to yellow which means that things are slightly worse than ideal and that runners should take plenty of opportunities to drink.  It gets harder and harder to maintain my pace, so I go with whatever speed I think I can finish with.  Staring into the sun, my perception of the next few miles becomes hazy as all I can recall as I write this is me just trying to keep running.  I'm encouraged by a sign stating 1 mile remaining, and because I passed someone who flew by me almost an hour ago.  My legs are kicking as best they can, but my Garmin just hit 13.1 miles and I'm still running.  Where the ---- is the finish line?!  

     A gentle turn and the end is within sight.  I put my head down and sprint with everything I have left.  My breath quickens.  I maneuver between and around those ahead of me.  This hurts.  Really hurts.  I cross the finish line and I just want to get past the bottleneck of people before I puke from an increased oxygen demand.  13.24 miles in 2:11:08 (according to my Garmin).  No PR here and not anywhere close to finishing in 2 hours.  Despite my disappointment (and incredible soreness), I'm happy I made it through my first half marathon in over a year.  There are going to be days when you don't feel your best, but you run regardless.  Training and actually running a race is different.  It's good to get a feel for the road surrounded by people, with the adrenaline pumping, and struggling to finish better than before.   I didn't stick around to get my free pizza and beer, but I walked away with a shiny medal telling me what I already knew -- telling me all I needed to know.  I made it across the finish line.  I did it. 

10 Years After 9/11

       While the Chicago Half Marathon was a fun race, this entry is not about the race.  Today, I want to say how great it was seeing everyone dressed in red, white, and blue showing their patriotism in remembrance of the 10 year anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11.  It doesn't feel like 10 years have passed.  The events and emotions of that morning seem so fresh in my mind. There are moments in history that every generation carries with them all through life.  For many of us, it is the horrific images of the planes crashing into the World Trade Center towers that are burned into our hearts and memories.  Today, we remember the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001.  We will never forget. 

Chicago Half Marathon

     Tomorrow morning I'm running in the Chicago Half Marathon.  It is my first half marathon in over a year, so I'm excited to get back into it.  Training is a bit behind schedule due to issues with my foot, but since I'm training for a full marathon, finishing the half shouldn't be a problem.  I haven't' decided how I'm going to run it.  Should I run for a PR, or should I pace it so it fits into my training schedule?  By the way, I'm suppose to run 18 miles this weekend, so add a 5-miler after the race.  I'm tempted to put it all out there to see how I do.  This week I've added speed and intervals into my training.  Picking up the pace really gets the adrenaline pumping, and I know I'll get a serious high if I can PR the halfer.  It's a decision that will probably be made at the starting line.  I still have to make sure I can fall asleep early tonight so I can wake up at 4 A.M. to get ready, eat breakfast, and catch the train.  After getting my race packet at the expo at Navy Pier, I bought some GU Chomps from one of the vendors.  I'm trying a new flavor tomorrow, Peach Tea with twice the caffeine as regular GU.  I'll let y'all know how it is.  I usually start munching after mile 7, sometimes because I just need something else to do.  Also at the expo, I somehow got convinced to register for the ING Miami Marathon on January 29, 2012.  Thank you, Dave Scott, for signing me up!  So I'll be running in Miami just 2 weeks after running the Chevron Houston Marathon.  January is going to be one crazy month!

     Good luck to all runners tomorrow!  It's the 9/11 anniversary, so it'll be a spectacular sea of red, white, and blue clad runners flooding Lake Shore Drive.  I'll see you all on the other side.

   

On Weary Legs: 16-Miler

     Fall asleep.  Please, fall asleep!  As if my pleas would somehow help.  It's something something A.M. and I'm trying to rest before I run 16 miles Saturday morning.  5:00 A.M., I think I dozed off for half an hour.  It's not enough, and I have guests to pick up at the airport later this morning which doesn't give me time to run anymore.  No run today.  I try to sleep.  5:30 and I'm still wide awake.  That's it!  I have to get my miles in today or it'll never happen.  It's probably not the best idea to head out without any sleep and hungry, but I'm not sleeping anyways.

    

     It takes only 15 minutes for things to go wrong.  My stomach starts getting that not so comfortable feeling that can only be aided by a visit to a well ventilated restroom.  10 minutes later I make it to the first bathroom along the Lakefront Trail.  Locked.  Doesn't the park service know of runners' needs at 6 A.M.?!  I press forward hoping the feeling will subside.  No such luck, but I make it to the next facilities and find relief.  

     I'm back on the run and assuming a respectable rhythm.  The plan is to run 8 out then 8 back.  At 5 miles out, my hunger begins to affect me.  My stomach deprived of food has taken to digesting itself.  A few snacks I've brought along only help to stave off the starving pain until a little after the 8 mile turnaround when one problem gives way to another.  Incredible fatigue from a lack of sleep and increasing temperature starts weighing me down, and I'm wishing I had become a member one of the many running groups out training this morning if only so I could partake of some of their Gatorade their coordinators have set up along the trail.  I make frequent stops at water fountains, but I'm losing more fluids and electrolytes from sweat than a few sips of water can replace.

     My quadriceps tighten up, so I stop to stretch permitting my legs to sluggishly take me to 13.1 miles followed by a Gatorade station put up by Fleet Feet Chicago which saves me.  If there was ever a runner's wall, I was approaching it fast with every step.  I'm wishing I could hit that wall so I could quit.  I'm hoping each runner that passes me will knock me over and let me lay there motionless for just a little while.  I should stop and get a ride home.  I should stop.  Stop.  Please, stop.

     I keep going at whatever pace I can still muster.  I keep going despite the emptiness in my stomach and the pain in my legs.  I keep going, because I've already come too far to stop now.  I keep going.  My Garmin beeps telling me I can stop.  It ain't pretty, but 16 miles are done.

     Next week, 18 miles.  Bring it!

Pre-run Yummy and the Garmin 610

Fully loaded Polish dog at Costco 1 hour before a 6 mile evening run = running slower than I feel like I'm running

Finished the run regardless! Thumbs up!!

GARMIN FORERUNNER 610

     One month ago, I took my Garmin Forerunner 405 to REI and upgraded to the new 610.  I've had my 405 for 3 years, and it has been the best running partner, especially when I started half-marathons last year keeping me on pace mile after mile.  All but the band of the watch held up great, but, like all of you, I love new gear, so why not trade up?  

Forerunner 405

Forerunner 610

    The 610 looks great!  I wear it when running or just going out.  The touch bezel of the 405 has been replaced with a shiny new touchscreen that responds to slight pressure.  Users navigate by tapping and swiping through menus.  This resolves issues many users had with the bezel of the 405 going nutty when in contact with sweat or rain.  Literally getting a feel for the 610's touchscreen takes time, but after a few runs, it's gotten quite easy to navigate with.  Changes to settings can be done on the run without great difficulty.  I still prefer to stop running first when making adjustments to avoid running into any people, trees, or falling into the lake.  The screen is said to work well with gloves, but, it being summer right now, I'll have to wait and see.  Vibration alerts are another added feature to the 610.  Not only can you set it to beep, but the watch will also vibrate at any customized time, distance, calories, heart rate, or cadence.  The vibration alert option is good if you want to shut off the beep or if you listen to music.  The Virtual Partner function is still available allowing you to race against yourself, other users on Garmin Connect, or assist in reaching your race goals.  Interval workouts can also still be programmed into the 610 -- something I didn't know was available on the 405, but I'm looking forward to trying it next week.  With so many available functions, users likely won't utilize them all, but at least there's something for most everyone.  Satellite acquisition is noticeably quicker compared to the 405; however, running in the city amidst tall buildings still throws the 610's GPS off.  The 610 still isn't recommended for swimming use, so triathletes will still have to look to the Forerunner 310XT or other GPS enabled watches to track their swims and to use during races.  

   

     Overall, I really like this watch.  Having a GPS for training and racing is a wonderful tool, and from my experience, Garmin makes a great product.  The Garmin Forerunneer 610 retails for $349.99, or $399.99 with a heart rate monitor.