A Little Closure

On April 22, the local running shop hosted a Solidarity Run For Boston. There was a huge turn out of runners. My neighbor Geof also ran the Boston Marathon (we met up in Athlete's Village before the start). It was good to see all my runner friends and share our story of where were you when you heard what happened. The local paper interviewed us [here].

For me, the first week or two after a marathon is a little strange. First of all, you rest. Runners don't like not running, do they? Second of all you have to stop eating all those carbs. Carbs are so easy. Reducing your intake is a bit challenging. Third, you have to set your next goal.

I ran a 5k on Mother's Day with a bunch of my runner friends.

All women.

Beautiful day.

Good race.

So, one month, post-marthon, I'm feeling back in the groove!

Run Like A Mother 5k: 22:19

Running Log

Last week: 13.5 total miles

Run For Pie 3.14 was on Thanksgiving.

It's a local race that started last year with 1000 people — this year's registration was 2600. The race is a little more than a 5k — hence "pie" 3.14 miles.

And everyone gets a pumpkin pie!

So much fun to go to a race and meet up with your people! Warm up with them, start with them, run with them, see them at the end...positive energy, supportive through and through.

My time was 21:49, I finished 2nd in my age group, 16th for women.

One of my goals is to, one day, run a 5k under 20 minutes (hey, I'm even shooting for 19:59) before my age gets the best of me.  ;)

Happy Running, everyone!

Running Log

Saturday was the Navy Pier Perfect 10. Our neighborhood group dwindled a little bit from last year (click here for a recap), but it was fun nonetheless! It is truly a pretty race, running south along the lake front from Navy Pier and back.

As Lisa, coach extraordinaire predicted, I did surprise myself! I didn't run as fast as last year — close, but more importantly, my splits were very consistent — I maintained about the same pace for 10 miles and didn't slow down. My finishing time was 1:18:26 (only 1:30 slower than last year!). I'll take it considering all the grief my pf has been giving me.

All four of us ran strong - Renee, Sweat-Sister Rachel, Jen (not to mention a bunch of friends from our running group!). What a great feeling afterwards to say "We did it!"

Sunday was the Run for Kelli. The event is to remember Kelli Joy O'Laughlin who was a Freshman last October 27, 2011 when her life was taken when she arrived home, from a burglar. The funds raised go to the Kelli Joy O'Laughlin Memorial Fund to give children the opportunity to develop their greatest potential. 

The 5k was held at the high school and my daughter's CC team volunteered.

A tragedy that brings community together. Very moving morning.

(The story was on the news last night click here.)

Annie and I reversed roles — she watched me run her home course. Boy, is it tough to run on grass. Annie makes it look so easy!

Can You Hear That?

[selfie with dexter]

Stop.

Shhh.

Listen.

There is a pounding in my head. Literally.

At Saturday's local 5k, I ran strong, finishing in 21:17 (39th overall, 6th for the women, 2nd place in my age group).

But the strangest thing happened after I finished.

I got a headache.

And it hasn't gone away.

A headache makes doing regular things harder.

A headache inhibits complete thoughts.

A headache limits patience.

Do you ever feel like you want to just stop?

And be still?

No sound?

No interruptions?

I'm going to make today that day.

[found on pinterest]

I saw this on pinterest and agree completely! ^^^^^^^^^^

Running Log

Last week: 15 total miles

We were talking Saturday after our 3 mile run, and RFM looked down and picked a four leaf clover.

Then, within 30 seconds, he found another one.

I have never seen a real live four leaf clover in my life, and there I was holding two.

Double the luck!!

Last weekend, we ran a 5k, the third annual Run For Hope in Downers Grove, Illinois, for Batton disease.

And this weekend we are running another local 5k for Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Double 5k's!

Last Sunday's race was tough.

It was 80+ degrees and humid. My stomach was upset and I had been exhausted from having a two day garage sale (which may be my last garage sale ever). I thought I would take it easy this one, until my coach said in all her confidence in me, I would finish first or second for the women...

Game on.

I finished 9th overall, 3rd for the women, 2nd in my age group. I met Jennifer who finished ahead of me. Our kids are in the same grades, in the same classes! I think I found a running friend. Love that!

This Saturday's race will be a lot tougher.

More people, more competitive and as the weather is showing more hot and humid.

I am physically ready to run, all I need to do now is get mentally ready.

Did I mention I love a challenge?

Game on.