The Windy City

10 Miles

     Yesterday, winds were estimated at up to 60 mph along Lake Michigan in Chicago.  This afternoon, I was able to go out for a run along the lake after the winds calmed down.  Reports of the Lakefront Trail being closed between Ohio St. and North Ave. forced me to head south.  45 degrees, 15-25 mph winds, and slight drizzling kept my run interesting and challenging.  When passing Museum Campus, I saw at least two boats wrecked in the water near the aquarium, part of the aftermath of yesterday's weather.  All I can say is, if it was my boat that sank, I'd cry.

     Good running everyone!

Gear Geek: The Homage in Columbus, OH

     If you happen to find yourself in Columbus, Ohio, I recommend stopping by a small shop called Homage.  In their own words, "Homage turns back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture."  They do this through a wide selection of t-shirts, hoodies, bottoms, and accessories.  Though located firmly in Buckeye territory in the popular Short North area, Homage has products giving props to many sports, cities and colleges.  I was able to pick up a sweet Baylor University t-shirt for myself and a University of Houston shirt for my brother-in-law.  For other U of H fans, there's a prize PHI SLAMA JAMA shirt still available on sale but in limited sizes.  And for Chicagoans, there's a nice shirt that reads, "CHICAGO AIN'T NO SISSY TOWN."  If you browse their website, product details include fascinating stories behind many of their t-shirts.  FYI, t-shirts are 50% polyester, 25% cotton, and 25% rayon and run a little small.  It's a vintage fit, so you may want to consider ordering a size up if you prefer a looser fit.  Hoodies and raglan shirts felt true to size.  The material of my t-shirts and hoodies feels great!  In fact, the hoodie is the softest I've ever had!  If you do happen to make it to the shop, pick up a complementary Coke with your purchase from their old school bottle machine.  Coke definitely taste better from a glass bottle!  Below are a few goods I picked up from my visit.  Cheers to A FINANCIAL STATEMENT of THE CLASS ROOM for recommending Homage!

WWW.HOMAGE.COM

Getting Back to Business

Night Run

     Injury, sickness, weather, work -- any one of these can ruin training.  Even a few days away from the run makes it hard to get back into a routine.  Though I've been able to get in a few runs after being sick, I just don't feel the same drive to get out and run.  Before, I was starting to get use to waking up at 5 A.M.  Some mornings, I could  even wake up without my alarm.  Now, getting up at 6:30 A.M. sucks.  What keeps you from running?  Whatever it may be, take your time getting out there.  Don't try to do too much too soon after being sick or injured.  You'll get back into rhythm again. I hope I do soon.  Though it's 80 degrees again here in Chicago, I know winter is just around the bend, and training for a marathon won't always be favorable in winter months.  

     The Chicago Marathon is this weekend and though I won't be running, I'll be checking out the expo.  Tonight, Niketown Chicago will have something special for Run Club as a jump-off for the weekend events.  Expect a good party.  Also, Olympian long distance runner Ryan Hall will be at the expo signing autographs and running in Sunday's marathon.  For more information on events this weekend, go to www.chicagomarathon.com.  Good luck to all the runners on Sunday, and good running to everyone.

     

Gear Geek: Nike Chicago Marathon T-Shirts

Available at Niketown Chicago

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.