LoraRuns

My First Grandchild!

2009-07-17T05:33:00.002-06:00

I am blessed!

Rocky Raccoon 50-Miler

2009-02-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

I did it!! I finished!!

The Hat Girls

2008-12-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrating my birthday with Jan.

West Palm Beach Marathon!

2008-12-08T22:19:00.003-07:00

Bye Bye Puppies

2008-11-28T04:52:00.003-07:00

My daughter's dog had ELEVEN puppies. We were able to give away 5. Today the rest go to a shelter.

So just for a bit, I was a Great-Grandma!!

Thanks for the cuddles Puppies--have a good life!

Strict Training Tips

2008-11-25T06:46:00.002-07:00

With my main race the Rocky Raccoon 50-miler in February, I'm tightening up my training to make sure I complete my goal to finish! I'm not so concerned about my time, I just want to be out there with these wonderful ultra runners (they were so helpful last year), and feel that incredible feeling of the finish line! Here's my current training to get me to my next Marathon--West Palm Beach--but it will just be a training run.

So here's the plan for now:

No walking in my training, my walking is down pat--it's all about running now.

Run 5 days a week.

One day of speed training.

One day of tempo training.

Pilates Class followed by a recovery run.

Long run---half of it done at Marathon pace.

Two gels per hour of training--one water bottle per 45 minutes.

Recovery run followed by strength training.

Low-fat chocolate milk within 20-30 minutes of workouts lasting over 1 1/2 hrs.

Tighten up my eating--strict vegetarian diet (I can't believe how much this helps!!).

Good form while running--good posture throughout the day.

Respect the warm up and cool down.

Increase water throughout the day (know where all the toilets are in my neighborhood!!).

I must say that I am shocked how my body responds to this. I guess I still can't fully believe I can change my body at my age, but I can! So all you youngsters out there that are dragging your feet with your training...if I can do it, so can you!!!!

Have a yummy Thanksgiving, with lots of loved ones surrounding you all!

I am grateful for my health, loving friends, good kids and any day the sun comes out in Chicago during the Winter!

Life is good.

Runners eat well!!

2008-10-28T14:26:00.001-06:00

We love this place to eat! But, damn, the temp is too cold for October! Looks like a cold winter coming. Thank goodness I'm training for a warm weather marathon get-away!!

Chicago Marathon2008

2008-10-13T06:24:00.002-06:00

What a great experience I had! This was the first time I paced a Marathon, and it was such an amazing day for me.

I have had some disappointments at races over the past year, which considering the losses I had in my life, it could have filtered over into that. I'm not sure what it was or even if it's over, but this is quite the journey of life I'm on, and I take each race as a process along the journey, with lessons to be learned from each.

I was asked to pace at 5:45 for this Marathon. I was quite honored to be asked, and was a bit nervous as I've been dropping out of races lately, so I really didn't know if my drive was strong enough to get me, never mind others counting on me, to the Finish. But I decided this just may be what will shake me out of my funk. And it certainly turned out to be!

First, I got my pacing outfit mailed to me a couple of weeks ago: sleeveless technical top, long-sleeve technical top, shorts, awesome jacket and a very cool watch. All from Nike. I practiced in the clothing and had no chafing issues, so I was off to a good start.

Paul Miller, our wonderful leader, gave us all times to volunteer at the Expo and I was expected to be there on Saturday morning from 9-12, fully outfitted. There were lines at the entrance before 9!! I was shocked to see that. I made my way over to the Nike Pace Team booth (quite the big booth!), and was given instructions from Paul's sweet wife, Lindsey. I set myself on a chair, got water to keep hydrated and waited for the runners. In no time there was a line waiting to sign up with us! Lots of questions from the runners, which I had plenty probably due to my pace being a real beginner time. So many excited runners, of course, and it was a fun morning. I had a good time with the other pacers that were there, about 15 of us in all that morning. Each pace had between 3-7 pacers, with 3:50 thru 4:30 looking like the busiest of all. A bunch of them were going to the pace leader dinner that night, which I was signed up for also.

The dinner was a fun time and I brought along my friend, Anu, who had been in my Half-Marathon training program I led last year and was now signed up for her first marathon. She was so excited, but very hesitant that she'd finish the race (which was absurd...her training went perfect!) and I knew this would be an inspiring night for her, so I had to share. We listened to many stories from these experienced pacers, had lots of laughs and enjoyed a good pasta meal. I was certainly emotionally ready for my race now, finally believing I could do it.

Had a rough night sleeping, which is normal for me, and finally gave up by 3 am. Putzed around on the internet for a bit, then started getting ready. I left my condo by 5:30 am, picked up Anu, and headed down to the race. I love Chicago in the wee hours of the morning, especially on Marathon day. This was to be my 4th Chicago Marathon, and my 6th Marathon total. The air was fresh and I knew there was lots of activity going on out there, with 45,000 runners getting ready for their big day. My adrenaline was flowing!

I parted from Anu by the Chicago Hilton, which is pumping with Marathon fever--many runners meeting up in the lobby. I headed over to the pacer tent and met the two other ladies at my pace. It was great to have a chair to sit on, tables to place my bag and time to get ready and relax. Paul ordered water and food, but it hadn't arrived just yet, which got me a bit nervous as the bottle I carried had my drink powder in it, but was in need of that water!! I had a banana with me, had a scoop of peanut butter before I left my condo, so that was good.

I knew four of the pacers from my running group, clocktowerrunners.org, to it was great to get hugs and encouragement from them. One of the guys, Willie, is planning on doing Rocky Raccoon with me, and he was a great support (and I suspect the one responsible for me getting this pacer job).

Our tent had a wire fence around it with an open area to the street so we were able to see the beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan, always inspiring. It also allowed the runners on the street a bit of access to us, and some were coming over and asking last minute questions. It was great to feel like a bit of a help to ease their last-minute jitters.

Paul made an inspiring speech, thanking all of us for helping out, with some last minute tips on what the weather may bring. As most of you know, last year's Marathon was cancelled during the run and the weather report for this day was looking like it was going to hit 80 (I believe the high last year was 87). The course was more prepared--more water stops, sprinklers, misters and ice was expected out on the course. I still worried a bit, since back-of-the-packers are at the mercy of the upfront runners not using up all the supplies. I have often seen banana peels, licorice and ice on streets of a course that ran out when I got there. One of our pacers was a Preacher, so we were treated to a blessing before we started, and I noticed some of the runners on the street clinging close to the fence to get a bit of that blessing. As a Jew, I never have a problem with being blessed from other religious leaders, I've always respected their positions and enjoy the good feelings they pass on to me.

We headed out of the tent for a few pictures and then headed out to the course. As the "sweeper" pacer, we were the last on the line-up, up against the entrance to the back of the course. The course closed in 6 1/2 hours, very generous for a Marathon, so I knew we would have people behind us struggling to complete the race. The three of us pacers were bombarded with lots of questions, everyone very excited for this race. The main question was how were we going to run the race. Each of us pacers had a different tactic--Amy was running straight through, though walking through the water stops, Betty was doing a 2:1 run:walk pace and I planned on a 4:1 pace. Though, of course, we would mostly be close to each other, the running parts would separate us a bit. I was wearing two watches, my Garmin with the GPS feature and the Nike watch we were given out which was ready with the timing feature just in case the Garmin died on me. I trained with a 12:45 pace and a quick walk which gave me the overall 13:10 pace, though the walks through the very long water stops were going to mess that up, so I had to be very alert and be able to do catch-ups.

I had about 20-25 people around me that wanted to stick close by. Two of these runners ran right next to me and loved calling out "run" and "walk" during the first part of the race. A few of the runners wanted to carry the pace stick, which I was happy to share, though nobody wanted it after we hit the half marathon point.

We had a good solid run the first half. The heat was starting to hit us, so I yelled out to everyone to throw water on their heads at every water stop. So far so good, most of the runners seemed to be listening to me and we were a fun, chatty group. One of the guys running with us showed us an engagement ring--he was planning to propose to his girlfriend at the finish line!! I lost him along the way, so I don't know what happened, but it was very cool to know that was going on.

At the Half point, there was a loud-speaker announcer stating that the warning level for the race had changed to RED and we were advised to take it easier and to stop if we experienced dizziness or nausea. I had about 15 runners close by me and reiterated what the announcer said, adding that we were going to find every bit of water available to throw on our heads or soak us down and that I'd get them to the finish if they listened to me, as long as they didn't have any of those symptoms. Now I felt a huge drive of commitment. One of the ladies next to me said she was not going to be gypped out of a finish, like she was last year and I promised her I'd get her through. Unfortunately, at around mile 22 a blister got to her and I lost her.

I told the runners that now was the time to ignore the crowds, as wonderful as they were, and to focus on their forms. At every walk I had them roll their shoulders and deep breathe. Whenever I saw a sprinkler (many Chicagoans open up their hoses to spray us down--what a great town this is!!), I yelled out "sprinkler on the right", and we all headed over to it for a good soaking. Ice started to appear around mile 16, and I learned later from my faster friends that they never saw Ice. I was impressed to think the race director held out handing ice out just for the back-of-the-packers, a great strategy, as were we in great need of that to keep us out there for so long. I forgive him now for last year's let down. I yelled for the ladies to put the ice down their bras and, at first, they didnt believe me, but then they yelled out, "My "ladies" are happy!" so I knew they were listening.

My wonderful girlfriend, Hannah, met me around mile 18 and carried my sign and brought SNICKERS!! YAY! I had a couple (Halloween size) and she shared with the runners near us. I noticed now that the course was changed from the previous years, which had me a bit disillusioned as to where I was, but the scenery was SO much better that I wasn't disappointed. I got my runners to get excited about the dragon in Chinatown and that kept them focused and a bit chatty. We weren't disappointed--at mile 21 the dragon appeared and everyone got a renewed sense of excitement. I was surprised that I still felt good and finally realized my hard training was paying off and it would get me to the finish.

My group started trickling off, but new runners kept joining us....having abandoned their faster pacers and desperate to finish. I have never seen so many walkers at this pace. We had to zig-zag through them during our running pace. That was shocking to me. Lots of ambulances could be heard in the distance and two even had to cut us off while we were running. I gave my group an encouraging speech after seeing those ambulances and a few runners down on the course, telling them that as long as they weren't dizzy or nauseous, I was going to get them through. Helicopters were hovering above us, firefighters were out on the course opening their hoses as they had last year, and I was very impressed with how the RD really was prepared this year.

At round Mile 24, I started to feel crummy. Wow! I was thrilled it took that long! I realized we were two minutes off our time, so I made the runners around me dig in a bit to catch up to the time. Of course, we lost some of them, but we made up 30 seconds and I gave them a good walk and encouraging speech when we hit our walk. I didn't see the other 5:45 pacers and was told they were behind me. I was shocked but also afraid we might be behind them and I really didn't want to be last, but knowing I couldnt push any harder, and really wanted to get these runners near me to the Finish. I was left with about 6 women surrounding me, not knowing how many were keeping me within eyesight. I used the stoplights now to run/walk. These ladies needed a visual, and it worked. I kept instructing them to deep breathe and relax their shoulders during the last two miles. As we rounded onto the last .2 of the course, I had only three women next to me and told them we made it and they took off a bit quicker. I ran in the middle of the road, with a big smile on my face, waving my pacer sign, the crowd cheering wildly. It was awesome!

I got hugs after the finish from the three ladies that stuck by me the whole way and it was an overwhelmingly satisfying feeling! I headed to the pacer tent, where I found only one of my pacers--she was right on target. The other pacer showed up 15 minutes later, having struggled the last few miles. I learned a faster pacer wound up in the hospital, getting IVs, but, luckily, going home by late afternoon.

I went out for food and drinks with Willie, Anu and Alex, another of my runners I trained for the Half Marathon, and just finishing his first Marathon. We shared great stories and Willie and Alex convinced Anu and I to join them and Paul at the West Palm Beach Marathon on Dec 6th!

I'm busy icing my legs and hips, but all in all, I feel real good. I am thrilled and proud of myself, and am going to bask in that for quite awhile. I deserve it!! Thanks for sticking by and reading!

Happy Columbus Day!

One of my best memories of the Teton Race!

2008-10-06T05:49:00.001-06:00

With that awesome gal, Dusty!!

Lora Returns to the Tetons

2008-09-14T16:01:00.000-06:00

Mums the Word

2008-08-20T11:45:00.001-06:00

Just saw these this morning at the local grocery store in my neighborhood. This means Fall is on its way, which also means that "other" season is creeping in.

I'm not happy about this and I'd like to know who I can call to complain!!!!

Sundays Run

2008-08-17T17:21:00.004-06:00

I survived my second Sunday of doing 7 hrs on hills!! What a surprise to find my girlfriend, Hannah, waiting for me at the hill!! Her wonderful hubby, Rob, and their pup, brought her over and she stayed with me for 6 hrs!! I'm thinking she should put an ultra on her list of things to do...I'll work on that.

We covered our ears as the Air Show over Chicago continued and the unbelievable Blue Angels circled overhead!! Luckily, I got there early so I didnt have to deal with the traffic that was driving around just a few hours later, desperately looking for a parking spot. Every time we went to my trunk (our little aid station) we were asked by quite a few cars if we were leaving.

Saturday night was the Runners Group Pot Luck at my place. The last pic is of Anastasia (don't you just love her name!) with some yummy dessert she concocted!! And, yay, for leftovers!!!

My Pace Group

2008-08-16T14:15:00.005-06:00

Are they a good looking group of ladies, or what??!! They are always happy and smiling, even when I cut their water stops short! I'm lucky they are with me, as I will get to bring them through the Chicago Half Marathon Race as their pacer. They think I'm doing them a favor, they don't realize how much they give to me while I'm out there training alone and I think of how much this race means to them and how hard they're working on getting towards their goal.

We were challenged today with the Air and Water Show going on at the lakefront. Lots of walkers with big thermos', chairs, strollers in the way. And the cooking smells--how unfair is it that we smell people grilling and they don't offer us a thing!! Harumph!!

But we had great treat--one of the runners brought frosted cupcakes for us all, which we shared halfway, at the 6-mile point. I told them all that this is how we eat at Ultras. I'm thinking some may be heading into the dark side of running shortly!!! So make room for these purty ladies on the trails!!

Weekend Runs

2008-08-11T16:38:00.007-06:00

Saturday I ran 1 1/2 hrs before hooking up with the half marathon training program. I was one of the very few out there on the lakefront, so I got to see the sunrise over Montrose Harbour privately!! Also took a pic of a few of my girls stretching at one of the many water fountains on our lakefront. These ladies are so good!!

On Sunday I had orders to run 7 hrs with hillwork. I packed up my car with new foods: rice krispie treats, chocolate peanut butter cups, pumpkin seeds, pretzels, jelly beans, mountain dew, orange soda and water. I was pretty tired of bloks and salt tabs and Heed drinks, so I thought I'd push it a bit and see what happened. Well, it all worked out ok!!

And lots of scenery on the lakefront - I chose to run around the "hill" on Montrose Ave, which has the trail next to it along with bathrooms and water fountains nearby. I lucked out because the 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer was coming through, and that was very inspiring. A group of men had a picture of a young lady on their backs, walkers carried posters of pics of their Moms, Aunts, Dads and friends. It was pretty emotional. I made sure to get a pic of the pink fairies on their bikes too!! A wonderful old car parked in front of me (I love old cars!!) so I had to take a pic of it (any guesses on what it is??)

Freds Mountain & Tunes

2008-08-06T07:11:00.004-06:00

My orders today were to get on the treadmill and up the grade til it hurts. "Think Fred's", said Coach Lisa. Fred is a really steep part of the Tetons that freaked me out when I was at the training camp. Lisa had to run in front of me to get me adjusted to it before I took it alone.

That's dear ol' Fred in the distance.

I decided my music of choice would be the tunes I downloaded into my ipod titled, "Wyoming". While I was at Lisa and Jay's home, I enjoyed Jay's choice of music so much that I scanned through his selections with him, and jotted down the recently played CD's.

Here they are:

French Cafe

Laid Back - Happy Dreamer

Costes - La Suite

Yael Naim & David Donatien.

It must have worked because I hit Grade 11!! Oh yes....watch out, Fred!! I'm taking you down boy!!

Mt Parking Garage

2008-08-03T17:49:00.007-06:00

I had to do 5 hours of hill running today. Because my nephew is in town and I wanted to spend more time with him, I took the easy way out and just ran up and down my parking garage. Of course, the pounding on the pavement and the scenery leaves a lot to be desired, but it was a good run. My new shoes, in a bigger size, proved to work out well, so thank goodness for that.

I used my car trunk as my home base, just to make sure some of my stuff wasnt confiscated again!! That worked out well....I walked the uphills, stopped at my car, and then ran back down. 12 Levels!! I drank only Heed, ate cliff bloks every hour and after I got tired of them, had a Cliff bar. Was dreaming of potatoes with salt on them and M&M's--so maybe I'll prepare that for next time.

I had my ipod on the whole time, which I dont always use, but it was a big help today. There were lots of songs with meaning to them, of course, and I spent a good part of the run mourning my Mom and Dad. Lots of tears, but laughter too. My Mom always made sure we all laughed, and as my siblings and I are picking out what to write on her tombstone, a funny joke is so tempting. My nephew said, "How about, "Knock, Knock!" or "There was a preacher and a Rabbi." Guess Mom's sense of humor has passed down.

I've come to see how strong I am on the downhills, and it has me pretty surprised. Who woulda thunk it!! So I'm getting a bit more confident about the race in the Tetons, still in shock over shooting for a 50 so soon (I thought I'd do it in Feb at Rocky Raccoon), but Coach gave her orders and I'm a good student.

My daughter, who joined me at Rocky Raccoon last year along with my Mom, stated she wanted to go back with me since it was also her last time of seeing my Mom. I told her it will be a very powerful trip and she's ok with that. So I'm hoping she'll follow through--it will be very special to have her there again. Though I'm not sure I'll let her run with me in the dark again!!

The pic is my daughter, my nephew and my son's girlfriend.

Shoes, Sunrise, Skyline

2008-07-30T06:48:00.004-06:00

I've been wearing running shoes 1/2 size bigger than my regular shoe size. I decided to try a full size bigger, especially since my feet have been aching after longer runs. So today was the first day with my new Pearl Izumis. It was only an hour run, but at least I didnt trip over my feet. This weekend will be two long runs, so we'll see how they work!

Some pics from my morning run--sunrise at the rocks of Northwestern University and the skyline of Chicago in the distance.

I've also FINALLY figured out how to use the new Garmin that I got about 2 months ago and have been frustrated with. Not so sure I like this one so much, but it's what I got for now.

And--the situps and pushups are getting easier. Coach will probably increase them now that I opened my mouth!!

Waterfall Glen 10-Mile Extreme

2008-07-27T13:00:00.006-06:00

My orders from Coach, at the beginning of this season, was to do three races. This was number 2. I had heard about it from my Ironman friend, Fred, who knew the race director and said the course was a little tough.

Well, he was right. There were plenty of little hills to wear you down, along with the beating of the hot sun, with not much relief (as in shade). They only served water on the coarse, so I was well-packed.

My plan, per Coach, was to do a run:walk at 4:1 for the first 7 miles at a talking pace, and then take off, no walking and pushing it hard. I did just that. It was tough!! I was sweating like crazy and popping salt tablets and enduralytes every hour.

The hardest part was the last 1/2 mile, which was run right by the finish line and they had already started giving out awards by the time I hit that spot!! It was such a small course that we had to go out in waves and I was the last wave, 15 minutes later than the elite. The awards started 2 hrs after their start. So trudging hard through GRASS was no fun while listening to their applauds. But----I did it!! I pushed through!!!

I walked most of the hills in order to save myself for the last 3 mile push, and that seemed to help. I really didnt want to run straight through those last 3, but orders are orders, so I reverted to my ever-helpful nursery rhyme technique, "Hickory Dickory Dock the mouse ran up the clock." I am ever so tired when I resort to this rhyme that the clock only strikes 1, over and over. Keeps the mind from being used up!!

So....another race down the hatch. I was hoping for a 2 hr time. But I was 6 minutes off. Not bad, given the sun and the hills. So I'm pretty darn proud!!!

Now for the big news.....I was planning on doing the Marathon at the Grand Tetons over Labor Day, but nooooooo, Coach wouldnt hear of it!

Sooooo....this should be my time to shine at a 50-Miler! Lord have mercy on me!!!!!

Runners Pot Luck Dinner

2008-07-21T06:15:00.003-06:00

I still meet once a month with some of my runners from last years Half Marathon program. Most of them have moved up to the Marathon level this year. I am like a proud Mama with them!!

Willie, one of my Ultra friends, is serenading us with his banjo. He will be joining me at the Grand Teton Races!!!!

Chicago Half Marathoners-In-Training

2008-07-21T06:13:00.003-06:00

I am in charge of the Chicago Half Marathon training program here on the lakefront. Here's a group shot of the runners, those that showed this past very-rainy Saturday. They're trying to hide from the rain, under the Waveland Clock Tower. But there was no hiding out on the course! Not all showed up for the group run...I'm hoping they all trained on their own!!!

Confiscated!!

2008-07-18T13:29:00.003-06:00

My Water Bottles!!

I was out doing my run.....up and down my parking garage for 1 1/2 hrs and I placed my extra water bottles on the top floor.

Well.....I came up the second time around and they were gone!! A City of Evanston truck pulled up and asked me if they were mine--I said, "Yes, what's the problem??" They said it was dangerous leaving them out in the open, don't I know what's going on at the airports!! I told them this wasn't the Middle East and this is really taking things a bit too far.

The guy agreed and kindly gave me back my water bottles. But he told me I MUST place them in an inconspicuous spot so that no crazy teenager will come and throw them over into the street for fun!!

Have we totally lost our common sense in this world?????

Driggs, Idaho is looking more and more appealing to me!!!!!

Lisa Smith-Batchens Training Camp in the Tetons!!

2008-07-01T11:14:00.003-06:00

Listening to Jay tell us about the next day's activities.

Leo, in from England, ready for his CrazyMan competition (what is it called-anyone?) and returning to MdS in March!

Judy - an amazing runner who will figure out what to run next!!

Chandler, sitting, thinking: how can I get another meal, I'm starving!?

2008-07-01T11:09:00.000-06:00

Matt - Daily 6:15 Yoga Nazi!!

OK--yes, I felt better after doing it.

2008-07-01T11:02:00.003-06:00

Jay, offcamera, instructing us on our next day's morning run.

Lisa listening attentively.

Bob - going for his second attempt at Badwater in two weeks, calculating out how much time in the sun he will get.

David - worrying that, yet again, Jay will make him powerwalk.

Julie - wondering if she can truly do Hardrock (oh yes, Julie, YES!)

2008-07-01T10:56:00.001-06:00

The start of our runs....Grand Targhee Resort patio.

2008-07-01T10:53:00.001-06:00

Jay making sure we have all the equipment to hit the trails.

2008-07-01T10:45:00.001-06:00

Dusty - with her newfound treasure from the road....a porn DVD!! And she asks ME what they're doing in the pictures!

2008-07-01T10:44:00.001-06:00

Lisa and Jay - sharing all their knowledge with us!

2008-07-01T10:33:00.001-06:00

M calling Jay to confess we got lost and now we are stuck at an electrified fence!!

(open the damn gate M!)

Note to future Camp Runners--NEVER let two city girls go out alone!!

2008-07-01T10:30:00.000-06:00

My Girl, Dusty--keeper of secrets!

2008-07-01T10:28:00.000-06:00

My adopted son, Chandler, who we expect amazing things from!! Watch for him!!

2008-07-01T10:18:00.001-06:00

Matt taking a quick rest in Lisa's home.

2008-07-01T10:16:00.003-06:00

Dusty and Steve, who hasn't done anything crazy like this since he's 50.

So Steve is training for the Grand Tetons Marathon - way to let go of your fears, Stevie! ;) I'll be right behind you!

2008-07-01T10:16:00.001-06:00

M on the trails!

2008-07-01T10:14:00.000-06:00

Ready to Run!!

George Carlin

2008-06-23T06:54:00.002-06:00

To me, he was the "Hippy, Dippy, Weather Man" from the Flip Wilson Show. I loved his sense of humor, and followed him all these years.

Thanks for all the laughs, George. I hope you're telling jokes to my parents now.

She's Got Sole 8K

2008-06-22T17:40:00.003-06:00

Well, I made it!!

It was iffy, though. It was pouring and thundering just before we started and the air was pretty thick. But the RD said we'd still start at 8 am, and, sure enough we did.

Coach Lisa had my plan set out for me: Warm up for 15 minutes, Run the first 2 miles at a talking pace, then 4:1 run:walk until the 5K mark. Then hit it!!

The humidity really hit me--my asthma kicked in,and then under one of the underpasses, someone was expressing his right to smoke, so that really set me back.

But, I followed the program and pushed through.

55:25--25 seconds longer than my PR. I'm happy!!!!

Wednesday I'm off to the Grand Tetons to train with Coach Lisa and 9 other folks. She said we won't have much free time, so I'm expecting that she'll be kicking my butt.

I can't wait!!!

Sign

2008-06-20T13:25:00.000-06:00

Bayley

2008-06-20T06:19:00.003-06:00

I picked up my puppy's ashes yesterday. Bayley was almost 9 years old when he died from cancer. It's been a rough year of losses, but I'm determined to put all that grief into my running...especially while training others.

This will all culminate at Marathon des Sables 09....back to the desert wandering as my people did so many years ago. I hope it will cleanse me of all this pain.

Rest in peace my precious puppy....I miss you mucho!

New Member of Family

2008-05-22T14:49:00.003-06:00

Say hi to "Johnson", my son's new pup!

So just guess who gets a new running partner next year??!! :)

Moeben Sleeves

2008-05-19T18:19:00.003-06:00

Have you tried them yet??? I'm in love with them. Perfect for running on the lakefront in the morning. As the sun gets stronger, I can roll them down to my wrist. And then, when the wind picks up again, they're back up as sleeves!!

Can you see my pup peeking through???

Will does Ice Age

2008-05-19T18:16:00.003-06:00

Imagine this--Willie had NO clue what the terrain was like! But that smile stayed on his face the whole way!

I wasn't able to pace him....had hip pain that needed time to heal. Good news though--it's all better now and I'm back on track.

Damn proud of ya, Will!!!!

Heading to Ice Age 50

2008-05-07T15:47:00.002-06:00

My friend, Willie (the one with the Cubs hat), is running the 50-miler up at the Ice Age course this Saturday. I'll be running him in the last 10-miles. (How clever am I to pick the time when he's the most exhausted!!)

I'll take pics--so stay tuned!!

The ladies I'm training for an 8K

2008-05-04T07:20:00.002-06:00

Howl at the Moon -- Again!!

2008-05-02T15:54:00.004-06:00

Howl at the Moon 8-Hour Race will be on August 9th this year. I'm hoping I'll be able to do more than 8 laps. And if you really think I'm there just for the beautiful scenery while running...check out the showers we have afterwards!!

Then that night we all hang out in our tents!! It's like Woodstock...well...kinda....sorta.

Anne and Lora

2008-04-27T04:40:00.002-06:00

My crazy girlfriend who wants to run MdS with me (we're at her daughter's wedding this past Saturday night)!!

Marathon Des Sables

2008-04-24T07:46:00.004-06:00

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4714647&affil=wls

I'm on the list!!

Hopefully, Jay and Lisa will have room for me!! If so, this year I will be training heavy--and it's all about Mom. She was so proud of me when I did Rocky Raccoon, one of my cousins from Israel emailed us her answering machine message, which we read at the funeral, where she talked about it (and my brother transferred it over to a file that I now have on my computer). So this is for you Mom! I know you'll be watching me the whole way!!

I"ve finally started to lose weight. My head just wasn't in it. I have been watching my weight since I hit puberty and it's so damn tiring! I have a real sugar addiction, especially chocolate, so it's really a life-long thing. But when I started getting close to hitting 50, I felt like enough is enough. At this age I should eat whatever I want, whenever I want it! Right??!! Wrong!!

This extra 20 lbs I gained (and most of it from my old office job--geeze, the crap everyone keeps around by their desks is evil! I'm back in the field seeing patients, so bye-bye office and all your sugar-shit!!) just has to go.

I've been running outside again. The weather in Chicago has finally broken, so I'm running during the week by Northwestern University, and on Saturdays I'm back with my running group on the lake in Chicago.

It's been a bit of an adjustment being outside due to my asthma, but I'm working on it. Slowly but surely I'll get it all back.

I'll be leading the Chicago Half Marathon training program again this year. We had 200 sign up for it last year, and they are predicting more this year. Unreal how many are getting into running. The Chicago Marathon just closed -- hitting 45,000 already!! So I guess it'll continue to take me 25 minutes to get to that starting line!!

I've also signed up for a Women's Only Running Camp in June led by Coach Lisa. It'll be in Wyoming in a beautiful resort Grand Targhee Resort so I'm really looking forward to all I'll learn there. And Lisa told me there'll be someone there that walked the MDS this year, which is my plan next year. I'll be pulling lots of stuff from her brain!!

and so, life does goes on...........

New Goals

2008-04-07T06:30:00.003-06:00

After a long walk with my pup on Sunday, I realized I need a big goal to keep me occupied. So I called Coach Lisa and told her my idea. She told me to wait a week or two before I make a decision. So I'll wait to tell you all.

Some hints:

It's in the desert,

This year's just finished,

my Coach has lots of info about it on her blog.

Can you guess??????

Back Home

2008-04-03T17:13:00.002-06:00

I came home this evening, a very rough week it was.

I am still in shock, and anger is now breaking through.

The last time I saw my Mother was at Rocky Raccoon.
I just might have to get back there next year and beat that baby.

Spring seems to have broken through - hopefully, I'll get outside tomorrow morning for a well-deserved run.

Thank you all for your wishes and prayers. It helped.

Mom

2008-03-27T01:49:00.000-06:00

I lost my precious Mom yesterday.
Life will never be the same.

Rocky Raccoon

2008-02-05T19:18:00.001-07:00

Bottom Line......I made 40 miles and couldn't go any further. But I had a blast!!

Friday....Got a call at home from the airlines that the flight was cancelled. Made new reservations for 3 hours later, but when I got to the airport, that was delayed two hours.

While waiting for the flight I heard my name being called. It was Juli Aistars, a runner from my running club, and a great ultrarunner. We chatted until the plane boarded and she gave me lots of encouragement and tips. She was going to be pacing a first-time 100 miler(and she was successful--the runner was DFL!).

We got in too late to make it to the packet pickup, so I woke up earlier on Saturday to figure out how to get to the Start. My daughter was driving me there, leaving my Mom sleeping so that my daughter could come back, sleep some more and have breakfast with Grandma.

Coach Lisa saw me as soon as I walked into the packet pickup and told me to get moving, the race was starting in 1/2 hour. I thought it was an hour later!! Yikes!! I got my number, my chip and went outside where Lisa introduced me to other Dreamchasers (she had 40 of us there!). I set up my chairs and drop bag by the Dreamchasers tent and lined up. I threw my daughter a kiss goodbye and took off. Soon enough I was one of the last runners....which was just fine with me.

I kept an easy pace....enjoying the beautiful scenery and the runners around me. I carried a water bottle and had a fanny pack with salt tablets, Cliff Bloks, electrolytes and tissues--and many notes of encouragement from friends. I made it to the first aid station. I saw Deb, a long-blond-haired lady, who wrote on the ultra list that she'd be at this station and I introduced myself. She was as sweet as could be and chatted with me for a bit, showing off her 500 mile jacket. As I ran off, grabbing a handful of m&ms, she yelled out, "Best advice I can give you is to have fun!" This became a joke as I wished other runners passing me to "have fun" and they made comments to the affect of--"if this is fun, we're nuts!"

I was going along easy, marvelling at how many runners passing me in the other direction were voicing encouragement. I passed Bad Ben, recognized him and yelled back, "Hi Ben", and he yelled out, "Hi Lora". Funny this whole blogging community. I also recognized Kim from the Trails and Tribulations blog--quite smart looking in hot pink! Catra was also on the trail. How cool is all this!!??

The first loop of 16.6 miles took me 5 hours. I was on track. Coach Lisa predicted 15-16 hours for me, so all was good. I took off on the next loop with the walkers that Lisa introduced me to, Colleen and Marisol. They were a blast, and the three of us were busy admiring the guys that were running towards us (another bonus of being a runner!!). I lost them after about 6 miles, so I trudged along on my own. I continued eating M&M's at the stations, along with oreos, potatoes dipped in salt and chicken soup. I had no problems with my stomach and no issues from sweating.

Between Debs aid station and the next, I noticed a very young, fit guy running ahead of me. He had no shirt on and his back was full of salt. He was at the next aid station when I got there and I knew that couldn't be good for him if he was keeping up with this old lady. He stayed in front of me on the way back to Debs aid station, walking most of the way. When I got to her station I asked him how he was doing. He said he was wiped out and that this was his second attempt at a 50-miler, the last one he DNF'd. I mentioned that he lost a lot of salt, and asked if he was taking any supplements, "No Ma'am" he said (love these Southern men!), so I gave him my last salt tablet, walked a bit with him and then he took off. I hope he made his goal! I saw Bad Ben again and we high-fived each other--he looked fresh and I suppose he must have been on his 3rd lap, going for the 100. How inspiring!

I struggled after about 13 miles on the second loop. As I got closer to the Start, I called my daughter to come find me on the trail and help walk me in. She asked if I was going out again and I told her I had nothing left. But when I got back to the tent, Coach Lisa wouldn't hear of it. She asked me what was bothering me the most and I told her my feet were killing me. We checked that I had no blisters--I didn't-- and she said she had "magic" shoes, and made me put them on. Then she told my daughter to put my shoes on. I got my headlamp on and accepted that I had to go back out there. My poor little Jewish Mother was not happy. She begged me to go back to the hotel, but I told her I'd be okay with Steph with me and she was more accepting of it. I found out later that Colleen and Marisol drove Mom back to the hotel so she wouldn't have to wait up til midnight waiting for me. Thanks Gals!!

Steph and I took off. It was around 6:30pm and darkness was setting in. I had never trained in the dark and I was actually pretty excited about it. My daughter, though, was freaked out. The further along we went, the more scared she became. My focus became her, and I told her how cool the aid stations were and she looked forward to getting there. But after we left the first aid station, things got worse for her. She clutched onto me and I had to soothe her while I was struggling myself to keep moving. The next aid station was 2 1/2 miles away, and I knew it seemed like it would take forever to get there based on my last two laps. The noises in the woods were thrilling to me, but to Steph it was totally creepy. I kept soothing her but she started to cry and when we finally made it to the next aid station, I knew I couldn't go on. One guy at the station tried to refuse to let me drop. He gave me an awesome foot massage, where he had all the guys around him admiring my high arch. Gosh--runners are weirder than I thought!! :)

We had to walk 1/2 mile to the next aid station, off the trail, in order to get driven in. This was even creepier for Steph because here there weren't even other people around with their headlamps (some had awesome yellow, green and red lights!). But we made it, and she stopped crying. She felt terrible that she made me drop, but I assured her that my feet and legs were hurting terribly.

We met up with Lisa at the tent and I was nervous about telling her that I dropped out before finishing, But she was great. She said something I'll never forget---"Anyone can run a marathon, but very few can run for 40 miles." Thank you Lisa, for all you've given me to get me here.

What's next?? I'm not sure yet. But I know I'm not done here.

Coach Lisa & Moi

2008-02-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

My Daughter, Me and Mom

2008-02-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Rocky....here I come....

2008-01-31T05:13:00.000-07:00

We're expecting a storm to come through late this afternoon in the Chicagoland area....will I get out Friday morning??? Will I make it to the race?? Should I mapquest the drive to Texas just in case??

Well...I'm getting ready. Got a drop bag to pack (my very first one!) besides my suitcase. Hopefully, I know what I'm doing and I'll have everything I need. I'm one of those that packs too little---I know....strange for a woman! But I've just always been like that. And don't think I'll go shopping if I'm missing anything...I hate shopping!! Too much testosterone in me maybe. Whateva.

I must say I don't feel ready to run 50 miles. I'm just feeling slow lately. Well, lately has been for months. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm going to get out there and have fun and see what the day brings me. I'm looking forward to meeting people from the Ultra list and more bloggers.

My Mom is meeting me down in Texas and my daughter is flying down with me, so I have a super supportive crew. I was hoping for a friend to run with me, but it looks like business responsibilities have kept him from training. Oh well--maybe it's best I don't have someone to distract me.

Orders from Coach Lisa is to just keep moving--"eat, drink and move"....so that will be my mantra. I'm placing encouraging words from my coworkers in my fanny pack and I've printed out encouraging words from the ultrarunner that encouraged me to do this race (thanks Dave Bursler!).

So what's my goal? Coach thinks I'll do the 50 in 15-16 hours, so there it is.

Okay now.....BRING IT ON!!!

winter, winter go away

2008-01-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Challenged!!

2008-01-10T04:16:00.001-07:00

Mr Will---my buddy from www.leannesslifestyle.com has challenged me to a weight loss. First one to lose 20 lbs is the winner......the loser then wears the title of Queer. These English boys are so cute......check him out........

MySpaceTV Videos: Leanness Lifestyle - training with Tayah!! by Mr.Will

Red Runner

2008-01-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

All ready for my run on Saturday. Orders were to go a total of 5 hours---3 hours in the parking garage attached to my condo building, powerwalking up and running down, and then another 2 hours in the streets going 4/1 run/walk.

I made it for one hour in the garage, then the cold got the best of me. I'm already tired of the winter here in Chicago. It just gets worse for me each year.

So I went back to my condo, changed to shorts, and went to the gym for the rest of the run (the gym is in my building).

I made it another 3 hours before I totally pooped out. I only brought gels with me and I guess that wasn't enough nutrition. So I'll be more prepared next time.

Four weeks until Rocky Raccoon!! Holy Crap!!

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

Dinner, drinking and dancing....what a way to celebrate!!

That's me and my girlfriend, Anu, spreading good cheer.

Hope the new year brings you much joy and many hours out on the trails!!

Cleansing Diet

2007-12-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

Yep....it's that time again.

Master Cleanser, Lemonade Diet, Beyonce Diet Neera Super Cleanse

I'm starting the cleansing today.....and plugging away on it for 5 days.....so don't say anything that will make me cranky!!

Saturday Long Run

2007-12-23T10:02:00.001-07:00

where I ran on Saturday for 3 hours............

where I was running two weeks ago.......

Life isn't fair!!

somebody doesn't have the xmas spirit...

2007-12-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

Drugs In Sports

2007-12-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

In light of what's going on with the drug exposure in baseball--I found a very interesting commentary from Joan Nesbit Mabe regarding our sport:

songs of experience » Drugs Killed Ryan Shay

May we all enjoy our sport, and every sport, honestly some day.

Tucson Marathon

2007-12-11T08:29:00.001-07:00

I arrived in Tucson the day before the Marathon and was thrilled to see the magnificent hotel we were staying at! The Hilton El Conquistidor was surrounded by mountains with a glorious long-drive entering the compound. I splurged on the room as this was my 50th birthday celebration to myself!!

We all met up at the Expo and got our race bags. Coach Lisa was manning the table with race accessories to buy, so I introduced myself! It was great to finally meet her!! She introduced me to her friend, Greg, who was helping her out and running his first Marathon the next day. And she introduced me to one of her clients, manning the Muscle Release Spray booth, also running his first marathon. I, of course, bought his product to keep in my drop bag for the end of the race (it works to relieve muscle aches and pain).

Afterwards, my running group went for snacks in the hotel lobby (where this pic was taken) and shared our excitement for the next day. Three of us were running the Marathon, the other four were doing the half marathon. One was shooting to qualify for Boston, as she obviously couldn't do it at the Chicago Marathon, and this race offered us disappointed Chicago Marathoners a discount for entry. Thanks Race Directors!!

We all had signed up for the pasta dinner, so after running back to our rooms, we met back there. It was a fun dinner, the MC was very engaging and almost all of us got prizes! I got mine for having a close birthday (a hat and a running bottle with a handle!).

A crazed gal ran into the room while all this was going on and stated she had just been proposed to! It took her awhile to catch her breath and state this, and the MC was pretty nervous as to what he was dealing with. She flew out of the room as quickly as she flew in, and we were all in a state of amazement over her looney approach. The MC regained composure and we all had a good chuckle over it.

Shortly after we all went back to our rooms to prepare for a hopefully sleepful night. I decided to order room service then, as it wouldn't be open at 4 am (we had to catch the bus to the start by 5am). Luckily, they were okay with getting me a pb&j sandwich and a banana (Elvis would be envious).

I slept well, woke up, got dressed and headed out to the buses. I wished the half marathoners good luck and we parted ways. I didn't know anyone on the bus, so I chatted with the gal next to me (running her first marathon and hoping to BQ) ate my breakfast and watched outside for the sunrise. The driver stopped a couple of times to check his map. Ohoh! Sure enough, he got to the top of a mountain, tried to turn around and then asked us all to disembark since he was stuck in mud!! Now this was an adventure!!

We all got off the bus, cheered him on as he got out of the mud and tried to get our cell phones to find service as the driver was lost! Well, no luck with the phones--but the driver called to the front of the bus one of the runners that had told him she had driven the course the day before. He found the correct turnoff (he was wearing s Sox hat--so no wonder he couldn't find his way!!!) and we finally got to the lineup with the rest of the buses with 45 minutes before the start.

I stayed on the bus to remain warm, sipping on my newly won water bottle and watching the sunrise. Well, if you've never been to the Southwest, do put it on your list!! The sun rises creating all different shades of reds, oranges and the shadows on the mountains just leave you breathless. No wonder Georgie O'Keefe settled close by to paint her magnificent portraits.

I finally got off the bus and trecked up the hill to the first two buses which were where we had to leave our drop bags. I lined up at the back of the runners, knowing that this was my first non-flat race, and the hill was probably going to be my great challenge.

We listened to the "On your mark, get set, GO" guy, and took off, realizing that we never sang the National Anthem!! ohoh---don't let us be jinxed now!!

I had my running orders from Lisa---just run/walk for the first five miles at a pace that allows you to talk. Okay---talking down the mountain was a challenge, so I walked more than I would have liked. I found myself at the back-of-the-pack quickly and started chatting with three big guys who were running together and having quite the good time. I also met a former Chicagoan, doing the relay, who filled me in on his new life in Tucson. (Did I mention that I was considering Tucson as a place to retire and this was one reason for coming here???) So he told me how much he loved it here, and I discovered I was running waaaaay too fast and slowed myself up ( 1 1/2 minutes faster than I'm supposed to!! ohoh)

We all kind of ran close to each other and soon picked up another guy at our pace. This guy was all bundled up around his head and stated this was his first marathon and the longest he'd run was 13 miles. I told him to stick with me and I'd get him through. After chatting a bit, I realized he was one of the guys Coach Lisa introduced me to, so we now had a lot more to talk about.

He, Greg, was carrying two water bottles and was not a happy camper over how much Lisa had told him to drink. He soon needed a potty break, with no porta potties in sight. I told him to just head off the trail a bit, and I'd walk so he could catch up to me. Well....when he caught back up his legs were all scratched and bleeding!! My "Nursey Hat" immediately flew on my head, and I offered to clean him up, but he refused, stating he was really okay, it was just stinging. So I "chucked that hat" off and resumed being a runner. Meanwhile, Greg started entertaining me with some of his wild life stories, and I found myself not paying attention to my watch and giggling and loving the scenery way too much!!!

The 10-14 mile section of the race is uphill and downhill and I decided to mostly walk the uphill. We soon found ourselves at the back of the runners, with about only 7 people behind us!! We also had to stop at each porta potty so Greg could get rid of all the water Lisa was pushing down his throat! Though I must admit, one stop had me using the potty too!! Well, I realized I was waaaay behind the time I was shooting for, so I decided this race was going to be about totally enjoying myself and just getting through it.

I started to get tired around the 21 miler mark, and Greg, who probably could have taken off ahead of me, stayed with me to keep me going!! Boy how quickly the tables can turn!! We met up with two guys, one who was 19 and not trained for the race, but being coached by a friend, and kept up with them a bit, but the competitive Lora decided to blow the 19-year old out of the water, so Greg and I took off, leaving him to eat our dust! (in reality I came in only about 2 minutes before him but I just love that "eat my dust" saying!!).

At around mile 24, the medic on the bike came by us to see if we were okay. By now, the truck was coming by to pick up the cones off the street!! I yelled at the driver, but he ignored me! Hey---we're still out here!! And we didn't know where to go!!! The biker Doc said he'd meet us up ahead where the turn into residential streets was supposed to happen.

Well, we got there ahead of him, but saw him up ahead, so we made the turn. The truck that follows the racers was there and asked us if we wanted a ride in. NO WAY!!! Greg didn't care about his time, he just wanted to finish. So we just trudged in, and at around mile 26, I got a call from one of my Chicago runners asking if I was okay. I told him I was almost there and they all came to see me run in. Greg finally took off ahead of me, and made it in one minute before me.

So my time???? 6:22!!! Crazy I know---but I just loved this race, I had a wonderful time and didn't care that I blew my goal AND the race ended at 6 hours!! Know what?? I just love that I can be out there, meet new people and have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Mother Nature has bestowed on us. I also love that I have this attitude. Gratitude! That's what it's all about for me now. Thank you legs for letting me do all these races! I'm happy where I'm at---and I have lots ahead of me in terms of running. I'll fill you in soon!

In the meantime----I'm training for Rocky Raccoon 50-miler! It's another present to myself. Fifty miles for my 50th year!! No time constraints!! I just want to get out there and do it without any injuries. So here we go again...............

Go Bears!!

2007-11-09T04:46:00.001-07:00

Bears party this Sunday with some wild running friends above. Making my favorite salsa dish. Can't wait!!!

Sometimes ya just gotta party!!!!!

Whole different way to Train

2007-11-05T04:44:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting ride with my Coach. I keep having to ask her if I'll be ready for this upcoming marathon. Four weeks away, and no recent 20 miler!!! But she says I'm ready.

I did a lot of Saturday and Sunday long runs. Lots of cross training during the week. And now I'm focusing on getting my Quads strong as the course is all downhill. Hard to find hills in Chicago to train on, but they have a man made one on the lakefront. So this past Saturday I ran up and down it for 2 3/4 hours. Hope that counts!!!

My weight stays the same, but I'm tightening up. I've gotten real tired of watching the calories (or Points--25 nurses at work have joined Weight Watchers, so the meeting is at our office!) I joined in with the group.....but I'm not behaving!! I'm supposed to get 7 points for my workout days, but the leader says we can't take more than 4!! What's up with that???!!! I'm hungry, damnit!

So I'm rebelling from the "diet" and just eating healthy (well, don't count the animal crackers I like to munch on late at night!)

I guess I'll just stay a size 8---cant complain about that now, can I???

I've gotten a small group of runners to continue on from the half marathon training program. We do monthly pot luck dinners, and now we started a book club. First book is, "Eat, Pray, Love" (my suggestion). Four are coming with me to Tucson to do the half marathon. I'm loving this!!!

Body Changes.....FINALLY!!!

2007-10-18T18:13:00.000-06:00

I'm finally starting to see the effects of all my hard work. My body is firming up -- blows me away actually because I've started to believe that I'm just too old to ever see the body I've always dreamed of---well, ladies and gents....I am here to announce it is NEVER too late!!!

Today's workout:
20 mins on treadmill with incline
20 mins on stairmaster
10 mins on rower

10 mins stretching
3x (5 frog hops and 5 mountain climbers)
2 x 2 min wall-sit

No wonder this body is changing!!!!

Frank Shorter Speaks out on Chicago Marathon

2007-10-12T06:18:00.000-06:00

Running Into Trouble - New York Times

Chicago Marathon cont.....

2007-10-08T20:23:00.000-06:00

Great headgear, huh!! Glad I'm familiar with the Badwater Marathon for that extra clothing idea!! And that bump on the top of my head--ICE ICE BABY!!!!

Well....I'm just kinda in shock over this whole experience. I only found one water stop that ran out of water....I don't use the Gatorade, so I have no clue what was going on there. The runners behind me must not have had water though, since, at my pace, we were grabbing whatever was left.

I do believe the water stops were not prepared and that there should have been sprinklers and ice at each one. The weather was no surprise, the forecast had stayed the same for the past five days. So how could the race officials not have had time to prepare. They also knew how many 1st timers there were out there. Those are the ones that most need to be helped out.

Thank goodness for the spectators! They were fabulous! Bringing us water, ice and turning their sprinklers on! I had my salt tablets and GU every 45 minutes, and Sharkies every hour. I brought Heed in plastic bags to empty into my water bottle, so my calories were okay.

Some people ignored the police telling them to quit and went all the way through. I'm not that kind of a rebel (anymore). I decided at the 3 mile mark (the second water stop) that this "race" was going to be a fun one and time had no significance......I just wanted to finish. I wanted to enjoy this race. I removed my earphones, and just took in the crowds. Being my third Chicago Marathon, I pretty much knew what was out there.....but this was one wild day, and I didn't want to miss what was happening!!

The firemen!! I can't say enough about them. They were out there on their engines, spraying us down!!! On the ground handing us water. Someone near me stated they just wanted to see the chicks in wet tee shirts, but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt! Thank you Chicago Firefighters!! You were awesome!!

The police!! Yes....they made me stop. But they were very busy keeping an eye on each runner that fell, waiting for an ambulance to come and help.

The Chicagoans!!! Wow!! What a big heart these folks have!! Great big thanks to the people of Chicago for pulling us through!!

All my friends made it in okay. No casualties here!

Now check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCRyQBCz5eg Blogger Todd is the big guy getting interviewed, AND, my pace leader for my first marathon is the guy at the end who takes off his glasses!

It seems the man who died had a heart defect that had nothing to do with the weather. My sympathies go out to his family.

More and more people are taking up running. I support that 100%. But there doesnt seem to be a need to keep increasing the size of a marathon. This year had 5000 more than last year! It took me 25 minutes to get to the start line. Thats just insanity!!

So what have I learned from all this? Maybe it's time to learn to run with a camelbak!

Chicago Marathon

2007-10-08T05:21:00.000-06:00

I'm okay. I'll add more later. Just a crazy day out there! I was forced to stop at Mile 16. While I trained for an 11:20 pace, I had to hit a 13 mile pace by mile 3. They had no water at the seconde water stop.

People were going off track to hit the water fountains on the lakefront path, some bought water in the stores.

By the third water stop, we were all over the people with the big water containers. They didn't even have time to fill the glasses. Neighbors were bringing out water, turning their hoses on. Every medical tent was filled. They ran out of ambulances!

Firemen turned on the hydrants and hosed us down and finally blocked the streets off at Mile 16 and made us walk in 4 miles to the finish. All the hydrants were open the entire 4 miles! It was nuts!!

But I'm okay--much too sore for only 16 miles! Crazy experience!!!

Marathon Eve

2007-10-06T15:19:00.001-06:00

Prep time!!

Went to the Expo today and tried to zip through it quickly, as Coach suggested, but you know how that goes.

There were great deals on boxes of Gu and boxes of Nuun tablets that I HAD to search around for them.

And since RED is my fav color...and lo and behold a booth for "Dirty Red Athletic Wear for Women" appeared, I just had to hit that place!!

Well....I gotta say I'm nervous. The forecast is for a high of 88F. Not good. I'm hoping to meet up with Haight at the half way mark and further on down so he can pass me ice in a bandana. Hopefully, kind souls along the way will provide us with ice.

And I have something wonderful to look forward to. Rene, who ran with me two years ago at this marathon, and has been healing from her pelvic fracture ever since, has just gotten back to running and will run me in the last few miles!!!! She was my lifesaver when I hit the wall way back then. So I'm sooo looking forward to having her run me in.

I am dedicating Mile 21 to my wonderful Coach who is presently sitting on her butt pedaling her bike across the desert to accomplish another one of her amazing goals. And mile 25 is dedicated to Jack, who today ran his first Ultra back on our home shores.

So I'll have plenty to think about. I have strict instructions from Coach on eating and hydrating every 40 minutes which I'll have to write on my hand so I don't forget.

And tonight is another cooooooold bath. BRRRR! I think that's the absolutely worst part of long-distance running!!!

Here's to tomorrow and whatever it brings!!!!

tapering and carb loading

2007-09-29T16:39:00.000-06:00

It's going to be a long week! Gotta get in lots of carbs. Here's my marathon group at breakfast after our last run together. They're all focusing hard on the menu. I think the restaurant is still getting over our visit!

Haight is doing a 5K tomorrow. He picked up his race packet today and the jacket they put in it (and a hat too!!!!) was too small for him.

Lucky me!!!!

Future Race...

2007-09-27T04:50:00.000-06:00

I put my 2009 wild goal race to do on the sidebar.

Lord help me now!!!!!! When does the craziness end?????

Why I Run....

2007-09-21T06:36:00.001-06:00

I run because I need to feel deeply. I don't like to spend day after day just shuffling along with the average Joes. I need depth of emotions, soulful experiences, powerful situations and deep moments of appreciation. It took me a long time to understand this....it's why I love being a nurse of folks trying to live comfortably through the last years of life. It's why I love supervising the nurses that give hard to these fascinating folks.

And I need to remind myself of that. It came back to me strong this past week. I was off one week of work to spend time with my Mom visiting from NJ, and to share the holiday meaningfully with my family. It was a great week---just quality time with those I love most dearly. But I missed my work family too. So it was rewarding getting back to work this past week.

But my running has been disappointing me. I fell off the wagon, so to speak. I forgot why I run. I've been following my wonderful Coach's training program, and I'm loving it, but I started to get very worried that I won't be able to do the Chicago Marathon under my goal of 5 hours.

So Coach Lisa had to shake me up--I got my pep talk. I remember now why I run. And I will run--for my depth of feelings will get me to do what I need to do so that I can be awash with those emotions throughout those 5 hours. Just watch me!!

Beginning of Race

2007-09-17T04:42:00.001-06:00

Me and Mom at Half Marathon

2007-09-17T04:41:00.000-06:00

My Group

2007-09-17T04:40:00.000-06:00

Tucson Half & Whole Marathoners TO-BE

2007-09-14T21:01:00.000-06:00

Half Marathon Reunion

2007-09-14T20:59:00.000-06:00

Chicago Half Marathon Results

2007-09-12T05:56:00.001-06:00

Well....I bonked at 8 miles!! All was going okay....I got there early, met up with my friends at the RoadRunner tent, even bumped into two bloggers, Denise and Josh!! (I stole this pic from her site---thanks Denise!!)

But I should have realized the day was going to be an "off" one when I took my digital camera but left the battery in the charger on the wall!! I used my phone's camera, but I don't know how to get those pics on here (geeks out there help!! I think that's Travis for sure) AND---I lost my garmin 305!! That made me real anxious as this pace was a bit faster than I run naturally, so I was concerned about keeping pace (not a good thing for a pacer!!). Two strikes for me already!!

The pacers lined up and I was asked lots of questions by the runners. This year they used different colors for the race numbers--white if this was your first time doing this race, blue if you're an old-timer. So it was helpful in answering questions, Soooo many first-timers!!! The race this year had 2000 more runners!! The marathon has 5000 more runners!! This sport is going wild!!

A man came by with a camera, saying he was from AP, and took our pics. He said he'd email them to me, but I have yet to see them.

Many of the runners I trained for this race were sticking with me. I was excited to have them around as I really wanted to see them come in on time. I found a girl with a nike whachamacallit that keeps the pace, and asked if she'd run right next to me. She was happy to do so (She'd probably regret it later as you'll see).

We took off and I had a large crowd around me. It was already in the mid 60's and I warned everyone to keep hydrated throughout the race. The first few miles went real well, and then we hit Lake Shore Drive, which is an 8 mile loop in the steaming sun. Haight met me at the 4 mile mark with a new water bottle filled with Succeed Ultra, but I forgot to tell him to give me the extra S!Caps, which may have really cost me.

As we neared 7 miles, I started to get a little lightheaded. That's when I realized I didn't have the extra salt tablets. Damn!! I drank a lot but I just got more dizzy and then the chills started. That's where I draw the line, so by mile 8, I gave my pacer stick to the sweet girl with the Nike thingamajig and told her to just keep going! Her look was priceless!!!

I went over to the side and put my head down. Meanwhile in the background there was the sirens from emergency vehicles for the past 10 minutes blaring at us. I was hoping I wouldn't need an IV, so I paid close attention to my symptoms. When I felt a bit better, I started walking.

I met up with one of my runners I trained who was having bad IT problems and we walked in. His partner was on the sidelines around 9 1/2 miles and I left when I finally found my Mom and Haight. Mom was very worried, but she was counting on the fact that I never do anything that would endanger me (as far as she knew!!) and was hoping if I didn't feel good I would have just stopped.

I walked back to the Roadrunners tent, deciding not to finish the race. I was actually very okay with what happened to me, I was just worried that my pace group wouldn't make it in.

BUT THEY DID!! They bonded together and kept each other going. I waited for everyone to get to the tent and I was beaming at all of them! They were just so proud of themselves--it was great to see!!!

The next morning I woke up with a sore throat, so I may have been running with a slight fever, as I was sweating like crazy.

I emailed Coach Lisa and she recommended new salt tablets and electrolytes just to make sure. I'm waiting for them to come in the mail.

The Chicago Marathon is in 4 weeks, so I'll work on getting my act together before then. Today is a 1:20 run with speed surges. I'll see how that goes.

In the meantime, I have to order a new Garmin!! Damn it, Janet!! (do you know what show that's from?)

Purchases :)

2007-08-30T04:20:00.000-06:00

So Coach Lisa advised me how to avoid the messes I got into at Howl. I now own Kineses Sunscreen spray and three pairs of Injinji socks. No more sunburns or blisters for this girl!!

While I had the credit card going, I finally went for a Running Skirt. Girls---if you haven't tried one, check it out!! Running Skirt, GymGirl, MarathonGirl, Nicole DeBoom, SkirtSports, TRIKS I'm really loving it!

And just what is that necklace you see above?? Well, I went to the Expo for the Accenture Triathlon here in Chicago to see all the "stuff" and found a wonderful exhibitor called, "I Run Like A Girl". I just had to have their necklace!!

Yesterday was my hardest track workout. 1 miles x 3, with as long as I wanted in between. I pushed myself to make each mile harder, but cut it short on the last mile as I lost all my steam. I'll ease up a bit next week.

Today is an easy hour run with 10 minutes on stairs. Then a day of rest!! Am I the only one loving the rest days???!!!

This Saturday is the last run with the Half Marathon training group. I've really loved being out there with their wonderful enthusiasm. A handful will continue training with me as we head towards the Tucson Marathon. It's been a great ride so far.

CPR

2007-08-22T01:16:00.000-06:00

30:2 Those are the magic numbers. Thirty compressions for every two breaths. Remember them!!

A blogger recently collapsed and needed CPR here in Chicago. So realizing it was used twice in just a few weeks, I thought it would be smart to pass on to all the runners out there the importance of learning it.

We pass our time in a sport that requires we know this. You can contact your local Red Cross to find a course in your area.

In the meanwhile, here are the basics: http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont4979_lang0_1757.pdf

If you do nothing else, read it and remember!! And pass it on to your loved ones!!

Howl At The Moon

2007-08-12T19:38:00.000-06:00

What a wild day this was! We arrived 45 minutes before Start time, having stayed at a nearby hotel. Tents were set up all around the Start, with people finishing up their morning coffee, stretching and getting over to the scorer who kept track of your laps, to sign in. I found my friends and we schmoozed a bit and then Haight set up the area where I would stop at each lap to refill my Succeed powder, grab a GU and do anything else I needed. My own personal aid station. Everyone had one, it was great after each 3.29 loop, even though they had a "Margueritaville" aid station halfway. Always nice to have your own personal stuff available.

It was going to be a hot day. Temps were expected to hit the lower 90's. I planned on drinking my water bottle with each lap, along with having a GU and a salt tablet. I had never eaten anything else on a long run, so I wasn't sure about the aid station food. I was going to try the food available and see how my stomach handled it--good test for my 50-miler.

300 people started out - runners and walkers alike. The walkers had numbers on their backs so you could "report" them if you saw them running, which would lead to disqualification. We all took off--very casual start, which is the great part about Ultras.

As I was around the 2 mile mark, I saw a group of people on the side, some kneeling over someone. A man was down---and they were doing CPR on him! I got closer to see if they needed a nurse and found out an EMT was doing compressions, and Juli A, an oncology RN, (that's her in the pic with me) was doing the respirations.....an ambulance had already been called and the RD was being notified. I didn't think it would help if the crowd got larger around him, so I took off with a heavy heart. I said a little prayer for him. Unfortunately, we found out later he didn't make it-- two others would need to go to the hospital before the day was out, but they were okay.

I continued to follow the 3:2 run:walk then 10 minute walk that Coach Lisa prescribed for me. I walked a bit more, feeling that my longest run of 13 miles wasn't really enough and the heat was certainly a cause for concern.

I found Todd along the trail and stayed with him for quite a few laps. At the Margueritaville aid station, I dosed my head and body with the cold water they provided from a hose. I screamed each time, but asked for more. After about the fourth lap, I decided to try the food. I went for the cooked potatoes in salt. mmmmmm---perfect! The next lap, I tried it again along with the cookies. My stomach held up real well. I never felt lightheaded, so I knew I was taking in enough water and electrolytes.

The last lap I pulled Haight to join me for a walk. It was the only lap I fully walked. My feet were hurting so much. They felt like they were boiling in my socks and shoes. I wished I had brought my Keen sandles as they would have been perfect for the last few laps.

I did 8 laps--just a smidge over a marathon. I never expected I could do that. I was actually hoping I could last 20 miles, so this was a great accomplishment. I never "hit the wall". I realized how strong I've become and how well my training has been going.

The best part was taking my shoes and socks off!! Oh heaven!! Though I discovered I had a blister on each foot. I popped them, applied neosporin and covered them up. My first blisters!!

Afterwards, we all went to the 4-person outdoor shower to wash off the salt. We were all a saltlick of our own! The line for the shower was long, as we shared stories and watched those ahead of us soap up.

Most people were staying the extra night in their tents. Haight and I had no idea this was a weekend party, so next year we'll be more prepared.

A wonderful experience--with great jobs by all the volunteers and an awesome RD. My thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of the runner we lost. He was in his early 50's -- way too young, though the RD said he was a lover of the trails and if he had his choice of how to go, it would be this way. Still.........

Day Before Howl at the Moon: 8 Hour Race

2007-08-10T06:11:00.001-06:00

We leave tonight for Howl at the Moon! It's a 3 1/2 hour drive, and I remember Rob, Running Further, telling me you're not supposed to drive further than the race distance, so I think I have that right this time!!

I'm having the usual dreams of forgetting my water bottle, getting lost in the woods and not having my running shoes with me. Now I know I'm really excited!!

I don't know what to expect and that's part of the fun. I have never tried anything like this so I'm just going to enjoy the experience and see what the day holds for me.

Coach Lisa instructed me to do a run/walk at 3/2 minutes with a ten-minute walk and to rest for 5 minutes each hour. Then, when I really have to, just walk. So those are my orders and I'll stick with it.

Haight has his lounge chair all ready -- and the cooler will be filled with his favorite beer. Why do I feel he may have the better deal here????? What a lucky man he is!

Interesting info: the website states that they got the name Howl at the Moon in honor of the RD's brother who passed away and was a lover of wolves. I just love that. So no, I won't be howling at the moon anytime soon - but I will honor the memories of loved ones lost.

And away I go................

Officially NUTS

2007-08-04T19:01:00.001-06:00

I have a crazy race coming up---Howl at the Moon 8 Hour Race!! I've never done anything as nutty as this so now I am at peace with the fact that I've totally lost my mind when it comes to running!!!!

I emailed Coach Lisa, who is recovering from an amazing Badwater Double Relay, and she gave me my strategy. I set my Half marathon runners up with my girlfriend to get them through their training run of 13 miles since I won't be there. I told them why and, of course, they think I'm nuts. That's okay---I give them a few years....we all know what will happen!! ;)

So that's the latest in my life. I've actually just been busy with my own training and keeping in close touch with the people I'm training for the Chicago half Marathon. I'm loving it all!! These runners in training are just great to train. They share their fears and their excitement and it's great to share their journey towards a wonderful goal.

My dilemma---I was asked (begged) to be the 2:30 pace leader again at the Chicago Half Marathon. That would mean I won't be able to run with the people I've been training as they will be with the 2:40 pacer. Though that pacer is the man that paced me through my first marathon, that's our picture from last year, and he is a great and inspiring guy. So, I'm thinking I'll pace again and meet up with my training group at the finish line.

I had a visitor on my run today. BUBBA!! That's him showing his medal after he completed Ice Age 50-miler! As I was at around mile 11, he spotted me in front of my group and joined in!! Most of them were just asking about the distances of triathlons, and here in real life was an Ironman!!! I think Bubba got a kick out of being a little celebrity in the group!! It was great catching up with him...he's doing IM Wisconsin and I'm thinking of being on the sidelines to cheer him and others I know out there towards their finish. That is, as long as the weather is nothing like it was last year!!!!

Life is pretty darn good!!!!

Beatiing Up the Thighs

2007-07-10T07:05:00.001-06:00

I asked Coach Lisa to kick it up a bit with my thigh workouts. So today she ordered:

Spin Class

Stair Master for 20 minutes

Rowing Machine for 10 minutes

I think she got the message!!

My daughter's puppy that she rescued comes home from 2 weeks at Boot Camp today!! Let's see if it worked!! Wish us luck!!

Wrigleyville Summer Fest

2007-07-08T09:07:00.000-06:00

Headed down to Wrigleyville (GO CUBS!!) to see the fun bands, Too White Crew and Elevation (cover band for U2). Haight's sister, Amber, visiting from Sarasota, enjoying the crowd with my daughter and I. I LOVE summer in Chicago!!

Fourth of July Picnicing and Gay Pride Parade

2007-07-05T04:26:00.000-06:00

Chicago Half Marathon Site Coordinator

2007-06-24T08:07:00.000-06:00

A lesson.....if you keep showing up, they'll eventually ask you to take charge!!

Yep......they asked me to be in charge of the whole half marathon training group. I learned it's the only site in the Chicagoland area for this race. So that means 205 people!! As expected, most don't show up....I've never understood that, since they've already paid...but that's the way it is.

I must say, though, I truly enjoy it. Especially with the beginning runners....which the majority are. They are just hungry for information, and absorb it like a sponge. I'm still training my little 12:00 pace group, which is about 25 folks, and that is a great experience.

So, I'm combining my half marathon group runs with my own marathon training. This week, the group had to do 5 miles and I added another 45 minutes on my own. We were lucky to have a slightly overcast and drizzly morning, great to keep you cool, though the humidity was still high. I wind up drinking so much more on those days.

I'm amazed at my training program. I havent even done a 20-mile week yet! Though my cross-training is intense, involving: rowing, spinning, powerwalking with weights, weight training, yoga, core workouts, jumproping and speedwork. I do feel much stronger...especially my arms and thighs. So time will tell if it all comes together.

Hills, Pacer Promise, Books & New Wine

2007-06-10T18:49:00.001-06:00

I went to the wine shop in my town, telling the owner that I can't seem to find anything that compares with Santa Marguerita Pinot Grigio, and he recommended Bracco Pinot Grigio. So, I've saved it for the last episode of Sopranos. Pasta and a new Pinot---what a way to go!!

Saturday was hills again. But this time running up them!! My girlfriend, Anne, decided to join me, and since we're planning on running the Marathon together, I was thrilled to have her with me.

She's the one that helped me pr 1 1/2 yrs ago at a zero degree 5 mile race with crazy winds. She's done the Chicago Marathon 13 times!! Well, she kept me running those hills yesterday--six times!! She LOVES to talk---was great in helping me ignore any discomfort. SO--I asked if she would pace me on my 50 miler in February. SHE SAID YES!! I'm sooooo thrilled!!

Sunday was my yoga class and weights. I'm feeling stronger and stronger. I'm really enjoying this training, it's great to believe that I'm really on the right track with my training. Coach Lisa has been quite the inspiration.

I've become so narrow with my reading choices. Seems this past year I keep reaching for the books that are about running. I'm in the middle of reading Amazon.com: Under an Equatorial Sky: Books: Rebekah E. Trittipoe and Amazon.com: Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why: Books: Laurence Gonzales and then to really top it all off, I LOVED watching Amazon.com: Running on the Sun: DVD: Gabriel Flores (II),Lisa Smith,Jack Denness,Nick Palazzo,Eric Clifton,Ephraim Romesburg,.... Am I addicted to this sport or what???!!!!

HillWork

2007-06-03T10:31:00.000-06:00

Saturday was a hill workout. There are none close to my home, so I headed back up to my old house, parked across the street, enjoyed that the new owner hadn't yet changed much, and started out.

The first thing I noticed was this screeching noise off in the distance. What was that???? Ahhh yes the cicadas!! They have arrived. Actually, they were all over the course, getting crunched by me. I plugged my ipod into my radio doodad, and took off listening to NPR. The talk was about the new book for boys, and they discussed how to make a go-cart. How that brought me back! When I was young, a new development was going up by my home, the Paedergat townhouses, and my friends and I would go there at night and take some wood--we found some wheels somewhere, and made our own go-carts! No, this chick was never dainty!

Anyways, I did a 10 minute running warmup, but had to throw a little walking in as it was terribly humid, and I made my way to the hill. I absolutely love that I'm pretty much by myself down there, but also quite bothered that nobody makes use of this beautiful area. There were four walkers and two bikers. That was it!

Something that I don't understand is while I'm running, I pass through cold spots and then hot spots. The first time it happened I thought my body was freaking out, now I realize it's something with the weather. It's bizarre, but I enjoy it. And being a city girl, I have no clue as to what it's all about.

So, I powerwalked the uphills as instructed, and ran the flats and downhills. I drank like crazy, though I'm starting to think of adding a waist pack instead of holding two water bottles---maybe it would help to free up one hand. I'll have to look into what feels comfortable.

This year, I've again been asked to pace the runners in Lincoln Park for the Chicago Half Marathon every Saturday morning. I loved doing it last year, so I ran it by Coach Lisa and she absolutely agreed I should do it. It will be great to have her guiding me towards the Marathon this time, as last year it was terribly confusing mixing up the two training programs.

I'm starting to get real itchy to do more races now. So we shall see what comes to pass.

Soldier Field !0 Miler

2007-05-27T17:52:00.000-06:00

What a fun race!! About 5000 runners were signed up. Though it didn't seem as crowded as that.

I followed Coach Lisa's instructions and warmed up for 10 minutes, ran easy the first two miles of the race, then did a run/walk combo, and kicked it in the last two miles.

I was hoping for a 2 hour time---I made it in 1:56:26!! I'm real pleased as I'm just starting to get back into the shape I was last year and it seems with my Coach's new plan, my body is responding quicker.

I've added the Tucson Marathon to my list of races for this year and I'll be celebrating my 50th birthday there as it is close to my real birthday. Coach Lisa will be there with a bunch of the folks she's coaching, so it should be a fun time!!

I'm treating myself to Ben & Jerry's Mint Chocolate Chunk tonite (don't tell Coach!!).

Not Even 3/4 of a Glass???

2007-05-19T14:31:00.000-06:00

I had a difficult run today---why would that be?? I tried to think--I slept hard last night==why would that be??? Well.....I'm a cheap date. I only need 3/4 of a glass of wine to hit the "tipsy" status. Yep...real cheap date. Went out with the girls from work to celebrate one of them finishing chemo for breast cancer and I had my favorite wine. Geesh....am I only left with cursing as my only vice??!!

Saturdays I've been running along Lake Michigan, along the parks of Evanston, IL and meeting up with the magnificent campus of Northwestern University. It's mostly trail running, so my legs are happy campers. I love seeing all sorts of folks out there, running, walking, hiking, picnicing. There was some sort of Walk for the Family going on with lots of strollers and lil tykes out there. How fun!

I bought the radio extension for my ipod and am sooo enjoying NPR while I run. I sometimes need a break from just music, and laughing during my run is most enjoyable.

And, you'll all be glad to know, my jumproping is getting better. I'm just about at a full 2 minutes of it!!! Next Saturday is my next race...The Soldier Field 10-Miler....where we wind up on the 50 yard line at the finish. Too cool, huh???

The Greatest Gifts in my Life....my babies...

2007-05-14T05:57:00.000-06:00

I feel so blessed to have the gift of children!!

Volunteering At 40mile Aid Station--Ice Age Trail

2007-05-13T07:36:00.000-06:00

With Bubba

2007-05-13T07:35:00.002-06:00

With Travis

2007-05-13T07:35:00.001-06:00

With Julie Berg

2007-05-13T07:34:00.000-06:00

Training Has Begun

2007-05-06T19:26:00.000-06:00

I got my first two weeks schedule for training. Interesting to see that my coach fully believes in a mix of running and walking and a day of powerwalking. I've discovered I'm a much stronger runner when I mix the two together.

She has me starting slowly, the first two weeks I suppose is to see how I do and then know where to proceed from there. I've done my first yoga class already and loved it. Of course, as my luck would have it the intstructor who so impressed me is leaving for the summer! The class was packed......so interesting as ten years ago yoga was only known in very small circles.

I went to dinner with three guys that use my coach, well actually two of them hire her, the other enjoys learning from his friends. These two were wearing Marathon Des Sables teeshirts and were happy to share their experiences. They believe that will soon become my goal too. Well, I've learned never to say never! I certainly never thought I'd be training for a 50-miler when I was heading towards my first marathon!

So far, I've done running/walking, powerwalking, the elliptical, spin class, core exercises and a yoga class. She had me buy a weighted jumprope too---can't ever remember the last time I used one!! I was probably 10 years old!!

When I told her about my puppy eating my $500 custom orthotics she recommended I purchase this: Treat-Heal-Cure: Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs which I have and noticed I had no shin pain while running. Spending $30 is much more appealing to me, so I'll see if it continues to work in the long run.

She also has had me track my eating over the last two weeks. I don't think she'll like seeing the few cups of ice cream I indulged in, but ya gotta live, don't ya??

I'll be at the Ice Age Race this coming Saturday, serving at the 40-mile water stop. My daughter will be joining me, and will help me cook our family's special chicken soup for the runners. So stay tuned for pics!!

My Plan for this Year....

2007-04-18T18:17:00.000-06:00

This year has been pretty erratic with my running. Trying to get used to my early work hours has been challenging for me and has affected my running. I am not going to make it to do Ice Age 50K--I haven't been able to get a long run beyond 15 miles in. Well, I think I"ve finally got it going steadily again, but I've made a big decision. I'm hiring a coach!

I've been pretty conservative with my running. Like many of my constant readers know, the girlfriend I ran my first marathon with got a pelvic fracture during that race and to this day has not been able to run. That and hearing about the many injuries that runners succomb to has made me ever so careful with my running. Though I must say I've always enjoyed myself, but I've always held myself back. I've hardly done any speed training.

So I went and asked Lisa Smith-Batchen - Endurance Athlete & Personal Coach to coach me through the rest of the year.....right into my first 50-miler Rocky Raccoon---and she said YES!!

I told her my goals were to run a 5-hour Chicago Marathon (last year was my PB at 5:14) and to just finish Rocky Raccoon. She said she could absolutely help me obtain those goals. Oh boy.....I must admit I'm scared but also verrrrry excited. She said last year she helped 20 of her clients achieve this goal and they had a big dinner there the night before. Wow---how amazing does that sound??!!

So this is my 50th birthday gift to myself--wanna come and help me celebrate???

The Beauty of a Teenager

2007-03-22T19:45:00.000-06:00

My daughter is in her first year of college. So far she's gone through 4 different decisions of what she wants to be when she grows up. A surgeon, a pediatrician, a lawyer and now, a psychologist. Recently she told me she's reconsidering this decision.....she feels she will be too confined in any of these fields and asked me where can she best feel free to express her depth of emotion out in the real world.

Oh I remember this stage well enough. I went through five different majors before I settled on nursing. And my last year at school had a considerable amount of "staying with it" talks to myself as I was ready to quit over and over again.

Yes, my job confines me. I have more passion in me than I'm able to express during my day. I want to curse at some of my coworkers, I want to make a face at some of them, ask them "Did you skip the line where they were giving out common sense??? Do you really need to waste my time with THAT??

But I control myself. And, I must admit, I don't have trouble with it. Know why??? Because I run.

It's when I run that I can really allow myself to fully let out all that I need to. I can focus on a strong thought and work myself through conversations, speeches and lashing outs until I'm all used up. I had a run like that today. I lost 3 miles being so focused on my thoughts. It was quite the workout of mind and body. I havent had such a great one like that in a long time. I'm happy to have it back.

And so, I tell my daughter.....Run, baby girl, just run!!