Another Great Running Day

I didn't expect today's 4 miles to be so good. I started out a bit achy, with tight hamstrings that I've been fighting for awhile. So I walked and ran--did the hill down Ravine Rd--sweated up a storm. I've been feeling a bit more dizzy after my runs the last few days, so today I took a Succeed tablet as soon as I got home. I'll see how that works out. I naturally have very low blood sugar (90/50) so salt and I are good friends.

I came home and did a strong upper body weight lifting regimen. Honestly, I just can't get over how strong I've been feeling. There are times when I feel I'm too old to really buff up and get into the ultra running world...then there are days like today where I run pass the 20 and 30-something runners and think, "Yeah, this is what 48 looks like, so keep it up!"

xlbrooklyn.blogspot.com is in Chicago for business this week. I'm draggin him out on Saturday morning with my running group for 7 miles. Hopefully he'll feel up to running another few with me and my girlfriend Cathy, who is doing NYC Marathon, same as him.

I'll be in NJ next Sunday visiting Mom for a week--she is on a whirlwind of grabbing in theatrical performances (she just saw Music Man & Cats) so I told her to leave something for me to share with her. I can't wait!

Today I Was ON

5 Magnificent Miles---down to my secret hiding place--ravines, rocks and roots. A glorious run!! I should make it a lap event--it's really too beautiful to keep to myself. 10 laps---a 50-miler! We really need some ultras in this area.....hmmmmmmm.

And the energy....where did it come from??? Could it be the stuff some bad boy brought home last night???


Which bad boy you ask????

You're All So Patient

So what's those pictures about. OK---here's the scoop.......I think I'll go backwards.....

Monday
I have a new love....a new god....my water bottle...I'm naming him Bruno. See, he saved me....took the brunt of my fall today...I came crashing down this morning while out on a run and Bruno stepped up to take in the bruising and possible breakage. So I've raised him to god-like status...along with my Buddha....that's his new spot. He deserves it! He be da MAN!! Peacefulness from Buddha, Strength from Bruno. I'm a lucky girl!

Sunday
Hiking day! Haight and I took the pup and went out to my new favorite trail. We hiked for about 6 miles. It was just so peaceful and helped in getting the kinks out from my long run the day before.

Saturday
Ahhh...the best is saved for the last. What a wonderful day I had. I started the day with a long run with my group. They ran 10 miles--did great. For most of them, this was the longest they've ever ran--they all held up well. They all had water bottles--I'm so proud of my little group!

I went on for another 4 miles with Cathy, a gal from my running club who is also a pace leader on the lakefront. I'll be runnig Milwaukee & Chicago Marathons with her. Yep, we've lost our minds.


Saturday night Haight treated me to a night at Ravinia to see the performance of Gypsy! Starring Patti Lupone as Mama Rose! Mannnn....I was in freakin heaven!!! I MISS BROADWAY!! I MISS THE PEOPLE THAT GO TO BROADWAY!! It was unreal....the people (oh gay men I sooo miss you--my town is so frigging beige) and Patti was to die for! May she have many years of belting it out for us, sharing her amazing talent. GoPattiGo!!

Have you seen the show? The movie? Rosalind Russell as Mama Rose and Natalie Wood as Gypsy--a must-see movie!! Ya gotta have a gimick! ;)

to be continued (ran out of time)

Pouring it on

I love Fridays. It means I made it thru the week without telling upper management that they are mean people and I quit! Of course, I dream of telling them with a Brooklyn edge to my words. Ahhhh, the amazing thing about growing older and wiser is that I can manage the unfairness in this world with a shrug, and just move on. It is what it is, but it amazes me--my reaction, that is.

I was once a street smart girl. A tough chick. I once got out of my car when a car full of disco gals (like mine) tried to take my parking spot, walked up to their car, placed my crotch up against the edge of it, and said, "Go ahead, just try to park here." Oh yeah, I was tough---I wasnt even 21. And I looked like the girl next door.

Not many understood me back then. How could they....I mostly hid that behavior. Expressed it in wild situations like that. My friends were always shocked when I did things like that. I'm lucky to be alive from some of the antics I pulled. My folks had no idea. I was a great student. I loved to read. I looked sweet and innocent. Had a very calm affect about me. Helped me get away with lots. I was like two different people.

Anger brewing in this adorable young lady which would take years to work through. And not without some damage of course. but I made it. Why, I wondered. Why didn't I become trash..I really had no guidance. But I kept plugging along....going blindly ahead in life. Demanding an education. Craving it. Keeping my sweet look thru it all. Why???? two little words...unconditional love. By Mom & Dad. They had no clue of my behavior outside of home. But they loved me like crazy. Dad sparkled when I was near. Mom loved to listen. It saved me. And taught me a tremendous lesson.

And I have learned how to do it back. See, last night I went with my youngest...my baby...for college orientation. She is a bright girl...wants to be a pediatrician....but she messed up in HS. She was tough...street smart tough--but she, unlike me, let it all out. To anybody that got in her way. Had (has) a very big mouth--an attitude that nobody could beat her down. It got her kicked out of school, had to finish up at a computer-seated-loss-of-identity-storefront-makeshift-HS. But she finished. Walked down the aisle with the rest of them and got her diploma (with me praying the whole time that she wouldnt give them the finger as she crossed the stage)

So now she is going to a community college near home. All of her friends are leaving soon. Off to Colorado, Iowa, Univ of Illinois, Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Wisconsin. This beautiful, bright girl is staying behind for damage she has done--from damage done to her. A very hard lesson for sure. So I listened last night. On the car ride there and back. Through her tears and illogical expressions, I listened. And I told her I was proud of her. And that I loved her. And that she can do this. It didn't wrench my heart out. It's part of her journey to a healthier life. And I'll always be there. To listen. I've learned it's an incredibly rare talent. To just listen. But a few did it for me. And now I'm giving it back. And so it goes............

"Women are made to be loved, not understood." Oscar Wilde

My Goal for Today...

TO NOT EAT THE DQ DILLY BAR IN THE FREEZER!!

Keeping On...

Had a great weekend. Ran with the Saturday morning runners training for the Chicago 1/2 Marathon--did 8 miles with them. My little group is holding up...no physical issues so far. Next week is double digits for them, it's been pretty cool to watch them progress and get excited. That's the greatest reward in helping out.

Sunday I missed an email from Kent, my new ultra runner pal, so I went running myself at the beautiful trail he introduced me to. I was prepared for a nice, HOT, long run. I strapped my waist pack on with an extra Gatorade bottle, two packs of jelly beans, and a hand-held bottle.

I got to the trail and set out. Well, the trail is a bit confusing for a newbie. I ran all around for 7 miles until I found the right way to go!! Sheesh!! I was even concerned with safety. I've never run alone away from my neighborhood, and I wondered how it would be. There were about 15 bikers that passed me in two hours, and only two runners. Pretty sparse area, perfect for the peacefulness, but a bit scarey. I think it's ingrained in us women to worry when we're alone, and I knew that if anyone approached me, I could be in trouble. I hate that I have to deal with that, but it's reality. I'm sure I'd be good at the old "hard kick" all our Dad's tell us to do, but I wanted something a bit more concrete. So I bought a pepper spray at NB when I bought my new shoes. Just feels weird.

The next day I had the great pleasure of being bullied by Beast Woman...my fabulous masseuse. She told me something interesting regarding some of my aches and pains in my legs---ice your knees and at the same time, use a heating pad on your thighs. She says it confuses the nervous system. I got a real kick out of that. I'm a medical person....you want me to consciously 'confuse my nervous system'????? OK.....call me crazy...but I'm game. I did it that night.....guess what? Yep...the aches are gone. Go figure!! Are you brave enough???

It's TWINS!!!

6 lb and 8lb non-bouncing medicine balls!! They just arrived to join their cousins, hand weights and a stability ball, in helping me stay in shape.

Sheila recommended the book Strength Ball Training, which I'm waiting for delivery. In the meantime, I've been strength training casually. I know I have to pick it up steadily, my goal is three times a week, but this heat has drained me this week.

Hopefully, this will get me moving.

Alpine Runners Pizza Party

I've been away from my running group--the Alpine Runners for about a month now. It was great to see everyone. Todd, who ran with me at my pace, continues to give me grief for leaving him to be on the lakefront. But the gals in the pic I get to see often, two of them are also pace leaders with me. These are also the gals I'll be rooming with in Milwaukee and cutting up the Marathon course. Yep, we're crossing the border and gonna make some trouble!!

Weekend Stuff

I wish my dog was a running dog, but I guess I'll just have to accept that mostly he justs wants to hang and cuddle.

The plan for the Half-Marathon Training Group called for a 7-mile run on Saturday. I emailed the participants re: carrying water, wearing a cap, dressing properly and bringing nutrition. So what did I forget to tell them??? NO DRINKING ALCOHOL THE NIGHT BEFORE!

I was impressed cause one gal confessed to her alcohol consuption evening before we started and asked if I thought she should go with the run/walk group because of it. I said absolutely, and I'm sure the reason she survived the run was because she came clean. Not true for the 31 yr old male runner. He bonked at 4 miles--dizzy, nauseous, chills-- and when I tried to call a cab to have him brought in, a nearby physician said he needed an ambulance. One was called and the poor guy wanted to hide in the deepest hole. I told him to just get his blood pressure checked and if it was ok, I'd walk him in. Which is exactly what happened. I believe he learned his lesson!

On Sunday I had a real treat. One of the guys on the ultrarunning web group I'm on met up with me to show me a wonderful trail nearby. Seems the Des Plaines River Trail runs 30-miles, all the way up to Wisconsin. Although the temp said 80 degrees when we started, we were ready. (Well, actually, I should have brought a second water bottle, but now I know better!) It was beautiful--some runners and bikers were out, but not nearly as congested as the small trail near my home.

We completed a 9-mile run, enjoyed chatting with each other and the peaceful surroundings and I'm thrilled to know a place close by where I can escape. He had an extra Diet Coke in his car which he shared and I discovered why Coke is so popular after a long run. Refreshing and calming for the stomach.

Three of my running girlfriends are planning on running the Milwaukee Marathon as their 20-miler run and asked me to come along (Todd is doing that too, I think). I said yes not knowing it's a pajama-party overnight thingy!! Luckily these wild girls won't be able to party the night before (in all fairness one only plays bartender) but it should be lots of fun. They want to try out the Penguins run/walk theory and see how it works. So I'm game. Should be interesting--I'll let ya know!!

Sunday is Hiking Day!!

Haight and I drove up to Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin for a morning of hiking. We only came across one runner up there and four hikers. Almost all to ourselves.

We filled our camelbaks with water, made pb&j sandwiches, added fig newtons for dessert and we were off.

There are different loops you can take, each with different mileage and terrain. We chose the green loop for 4.3 miles, a rough terrain--some good uphills and downhills, then we returned to the rest stop and had our lunch. Back out there for the white loop, less hillier and less shade, but only 3.2 miles.

I felt strong throughout the 7.5 mile hike and am ready to hit the marathon training program head on! These last few small injuries threw me off schedule, and with my own little fear of doing speedwork, I've been holding back.

So now I'm ready to go...two marathons up ahead in my future, followed by my first 50k in May 2007. It's time for me to kick up my strength training which has been lagging behind. I haven't yet found the program to help me thru, so that search continues. In the meantime, I'll piece together exercises from a few books I have and start there. To the gym this week!!!!

Saturdays Run & Street Fest

A perfect Saturday. Had our group run at the lakefront-six miles. I'm down to 9 runners in my group, which is perfect. This week was much cooler than the high of 90s we hit last Sat, so the running was easier. Of course, Lora taking the wrong turn on the trail and having the group miss a water stop didn't help, but we all made it back in one piece for some great stretching and bonding time.

Haight and I went to a fun street fest in Chicago and even dragged my 22-yr old son and one of his buddies. That's Haight's hurricane I'm drinking--I'm a weakling, three sips and I had a buzz! Geeze--cheap date!!

Lingering Thoughts

All I want to do is run. If I let it, I could have it take over my life. But I stay balanced....not that that's so hard for me. I have a lot of responsibilities to handle...tho after this year they will lessen. I am ready for that. 22 years of parenting, 11 as a single mother, is plenty. I know my job is forever, but the day-to-day heavy stress should be over by then. At that point, it's all about me.

I put off so many dreams due to being a single mother. That was hard. Though I love my kids and couldnt imagine my life without them, waiting for them to grow up was challenging. My generation is a selfish one. I look at my Mom and realize all she gave up to keep her family together and my Grandmother, coming over to America at 16 yrs of age, leaving behind her parents and all she knew, and I know my challenges are small in comparison. For the most part, we Americans have it made. I try to keep that in the front of my mind.

So I am finally running. Not as much as I'd like, but I'm running. I was always an athlete but never really given the opportunity to seek it out as a teenager or young adult. I did the "acceptable" things as a young mother--Jane Fondas Aerobic tape, Jazzercise classes, gym workouts. I finally got really into running about 14 yrs ago. A casual runner, but I was running. I bought a treadmill against the wishes of my then-husband, and I used it several times a week for 3-miles a shot. It took me years until I figured out how to deal with my asthma and the weather, but when I did it was very special to me. I could run outside!! I could do races!! That was only 3 yrs ago. Small steps.

Now like a kid who's been kept away from candy all her life, I gaze into the candy shop and my mouth waters. Races, marathons, ultras, travel. I want it all but life still demands negotiating. Let me loose onto the trails with a backpack on and let me feel what I have been craving. Until then.....I dream.......

Taxi and Dreamin....

It's one of my favorite songs from my H.S. years. Each time I hear it, it stops me dead in my tracks and pulls me in....to remember where I've come from, where I thought I'd go, and accepting of where I am. Twenty-five years ago today, Harry Chapin died in an auto crash. A senseless death. Gone, but most certainly, not forgotten.

I went on a 2-hr bike ride today. All alone....which I'm getting to really enjoy in the wee hours of Sunday morn as not many people or cars are out yet. My path is a smooth one and I'm able to get lost in my thoughts. I pass by an empty storefront that has recently caught my attention. See, the last 8 yrs or so I've had a dream. A dream that I'd own my own little coffee shop, I even found a great location...until I heard how cutthroat this big chain out there could be....they open up right across the street and wait it out til you close down. I wasnt going to tempt that....and good thing, because they did eventually open a few blocks from the location I wanted.

But this store....well...it's right off the running/bike path. A good location to stop, take your helmet off, put your feet up and have a ........piece of pie! Homemade crust, fresh fruits --a dab of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. Yep...that's my new little dream. A Pie Place. I doubt it will come true....I know how dreams go at this point in my life. Reality kills the romance.....so I'll just dream about it every time I pass that spot. It always brings a smile to my face. That's just going to have to be good enough.

I ran with the running group on Saturday. Still some runners wearing long sleeves or long pants. Another lecture from me. Tho, after the run was over, they most certainly got it! We're having record breaking days here in Chicago...and running on the lakefront is brutal.

Good news, though....my leg feels fine. I've been stretching and strengthening my calf, along with icing it daily. I also went to the masseuse again after the run and her wonderful torture of me put me in fine form. Is part of being a runner mean you're also a sadist?? Or is that a masochist..you know, the one that inflicts pain on themselves and enjoys it?? Well, you all know what I mean....cuz you're probably one too!! We all even have the torture equipment...the stick, the IT band roller, the flexible rubber band....I should probably change my blog name to "Madame Lora". I bet I'd get more hits that way!! It is a strange world out there!! well.....naw......I think I'll just sit here quietly, drink my water and soon check if my pee is light yellow. Ahhhh, the simple life.

Carbs

There's a Farmer's Market a block from my home on Wednesday mornings. I always forget about it, but Haight doesn't. He disappeared this morn, only to return with blueberries, cherries, asparagus, dill, sugar peas and beautiful flowers. Now mind you...he doesnt eat most of them. He did that for me! Am I lucky or what.

I'm down another 2 lbs. I've discovered that the carbs I should eat are basically fruits and vegetables, any white products that go in my system sticks to my body in ugly ways. So I've basically eliminated them from my diet with great results.

I've avoided running since Saturday, biking every other day for at least an hour. I saw Beast Woman (my masseuse) on Monday and she brutalized my IT band. It feels better but not fully there yet. I'm icing daily and using the heating pad at night. I should be ready for the group run on Saturday--at least that's the plan!

Totem Pole

Saturday's Run....We met behind the totem pole, mile 3 on the lakefront path...down behind the tennis courts. There were about 15 in my pace group....three other pace leaders were there, with one more being recruited and one out for a race. I felt better knowing that. I had the slowest runners, just in front of the running/walking group. That suits me just fine cuz I like to do my long runs between an 11:30-12:00 pace.

I got someone to cover the back of the pack and I ran between the front and middle, chatting with everyone and keeping an eye on the ones that I thought would be struggling. Many of them were wearing the tee shirt handed out to them--a heavy poly/cotton mix...this was not going to work. Some had pants on. Now mind you...Chicago may get cold in the winter, but come July and certainly by August, we're hitting in the 80's to 90's...no matter what they say about the beautiful lake breeze, hot is hot when you run. Especially with that gorgeous body of water, Lake Michigan, acting as a full-body reflector.

We had just 4 miles to run and I questioned many of them about their experience. Most were brand new runners...having only run 2-3 miles at most. A couple did our recent Soldier Field 10-miler and one had done a half-marathon 2 yrs ago but was totally out of shape now.

I only lost one runner to a walk during the last mile--the girl in black pants. I talked with her about her outfit for next week, told her that gatorade is a must when running and made sure she stayed around for the stretching.

I'm thinking of asking for their emails so I can keep in touch during the week and give them weekly pointers. I'm liking this!

I've narrowed down my outer leg pain to the infamous IT band which I'm voraciously stretching and icing and the inner leg pain to a weak calf muscle. I only ran twice last week, I'll see what happens this week. I did a 2-hr bike ride today, covering 30 miles, which felt great. At this point, I still plan on doing the Chicago Marathon....but time will tell.

A bit scared...

My leg hurts...not when I run...just afterwards. I've been icing, resting, stretching and even strengthening. I'm running just under 20 miles/week and around 3-4 hrs biking weekly. Not much, I should be increasing now for the marathon in October, but who knows if that's to be now. I'll try a few more days of resting and icing and then I'll see the doc.

hmmmm.....are triathlons the answer????? Maybe I'll go swimming tonite. Lucky I'm female and can get away with this ever-changing-mind crap.

Happy 4th of July

Decided to make today my long run day since I will be running 4miles with the running group on Saturday. I guess I'll take it week by week as far as how to get my long runs in, which was always on Saturday, but the half marathon program I'll be pacing those mornings calls for much less mileage. I could wake up real early and get mileage in before I start with the group, or run afterwards. I'll see how it goes.

On Sunday I did a 2-hr bike ride....headed north to the Great Lakes Naval Base. I went a bit further but the area started looking a bit scarey....not even sure what town I was in. So I turned back and headed home. Got my speed up to 21 mph for just a smidge, but mostly staying around 17-18 mph.

Todays run was 9-miles. Lots of families out on the trails. I carried two water bottles with me, drank one every 45-mins and had 3 Clif blocks at mile 5, which was a great boost. My legs feel real strong, probably from the biking, but I still need to work on getting my strength training in. I do a little here and there. I have a nice range of hand weights at home (I'm really not a healthclub kinda gal) and I have a ball, so I really am set......just need to do it consistently. I'll just keep trying.

A New Position

I ran with my running club on Saturday...just 7 miles...still have that ping on the right side of my lower leg that I'm working thru (my masseuse worked so hard on it I have a black-n-blue mark!!) As I pulled into my spot and opened my jeep door, Reen popped her head in!! She's back!!! Walking first, but at least she's there--I've missed her so much at our morning runs.

After the run, we all went over to The Bagel--we sit outside now--it's the most relaxing part of my week. Well, Beth, who started up theAlpine Runners of Lake Zurich and now has also started her own training group, Illinois Runs Training Programs, pulled me over and asked me to be a pace group leader on the lakefront. Leave my friends in Lake Zurich??? No more bagel???? But how could I say no??? She is a terrific lady and I want to do what I can to help get her business going, so I said yes. Well, it seems there are 200 people signed up for this program which gets them through to the Chicago Half Marathon: Chicago Half Marathon, and there are only three of us leading them! Yikes!! OK---guess I just have to find a bagel place by the totem pole. Life is just full of changes!!

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