Call me crazy, but I am now registered for Half Marathons in September, October and November. Here's the logic (I can picture my husband raising one eyebrow questioning the wisdom of such a move already):
September - Oak Brook Half Marathon
I've mentioned this one before; this has been in the works for awhile. You would think that since it's been in the works for awhile that I might be better prepared. Or prepared somewhat. Or at all. I've run here and there, but not with the consistency you need for a Half Marathon. My half-ass training for the Half is partly due to me nursing my IT band injury and partly due to our vacation turning into a vacation from running too. So, I'm scared. I'm scared at a dismal performance, a miserable time to the finish and possibly injuring myself more. It is a nice race in that it's close to home, my husband (he's running it too) and I have a hotel room right near the Start and it looks like it will be a pretty course. And while I don't want to throw the registration money out the window, I have to say that if my husband begged out of this, I would beg out too. The other option is to go have a good time, actually enjoy getting a good night sleep before a race and go as far as I feel comfortable, even if that's only to mile 8.
Yes, I'm torn about this.
October - Monster Dash Half
This looks like a fun race on Halloween (and it will be done early enough so not to interrupt with the kids' trick-or-treating.) I wanted to do a run on October 9, the same weekend as the Chicago Marathon to keep my mind off the fact that once again, I'm not meeting my Marathon goal this year but turns out that an October 9 Half will conflict with my son's football game. So, on a whim, I registered for this.
What can I say, they got me with the swag.
November - Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, this means that I probably won't be among the 4 a.m. Black Friday shoppers in order to stay rested for the race. It's thisclose to my house so easy to get to and not too expensive. This one is 13 weeks out so I actually have time on my side to properly prep for this one.
So . . .crazy? Maybe. Stupid? Probably. I think with these races coming up though, it will help me stay on track to eat better, exercise more and for once in my years as a mother, drop some pounds and get fit. With that in mind, I've joined some blog world friends (and Suzanne!) and joined Courtney's 100 Day Challenge. We just started, it's Day 3 and so far, so (pretty) good. I made myself go to the gym to run after the kids went to bed even though I was exhausted, and I'm glad I went. I've also been watching what I eat pretty carefully. I messed up last night and ended up skipping my planned strength training class, but plan to pick up the class on Thursday. The 100 Day Challenge is definitely making me think of how I approach eating and exercise differently, even this early in the game. Thanks again to Courtney for the idea/organizing it. Check out my fellow participants' progress here.
Ok, I've finished my Whole Foods Asian Brown Rice salad (see I told you I was eating healthier!). Time to get back to work.
Jenn
p.s. Are you on Twitter? Follow me @jennrunschi
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Six Weeks to Get My Butt in Gear!
Let me start by saying this past week was my worst training week ever. I only managed to get 1 (yes that’s uno) workout in which is pitiful. Yes, I had a busy week but it’s no excuse. I should have and could have gotten my workouts done and I didn’t - it’s that simple.
Six weeks! That’s how long until the Urban Cow Half Marathon. Need to get my butt in gear and get going…no more excuses and it’s time to get serious.
I’m not going to continue to beat myself up since it’s not going to help and/or change anything, and instead focus on this next week’s training. I’m energized and ready to get back on track! And I know Jenn is going to help keep me accountable and motivated (please!).
This week my training is: 4.5 miles/3 miles or x-training/4.5 miles/50 minutes xtraining/7 miles.
Jenn and I have both signed up for Run Courtney Run’s 100 Day Challenge. I needed something like this to get me motivated and going again. Thanks Courtney!
Hope everyone else had a better week than me! And good luck to everyone this week…we can do it! On your mark, get set, RUN!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Six weeks! That’s how long until the Urban Cow Half Marathon. Need to get my butt in gear and get going…no more excuses and it’s time to get serious.
I’m not going to continue to beat myself up since it’s not going to help and/or change anything, and instead focus on this next week’s training. I’m energized and ready to get back on track! And I know Jenn is going to help keep me accountable and motivated (please!).
This week my training is: 4.5 miles/3 miles or x-training/4.5 miles/50 minutes xtraining/7 miles.
Jenn and I have both signed up for Run Courtney Run’s 100 Day Challenge. I needed something like this to get me motivated and going again. Thanks Courtney!
Hope everyone else had a better week than me! And good luck to everyone this week…we can do it! On your mark, get set, RUN!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Suzanne Has A Bright Idea and Buys a New Pair of Shoes
Today I actually had a good idea! As I was stressing about how I was going to fit a workout in – especially because I haven’t run since Sunday – it occurred to me that I could run around the park during my daughter’s soccer practice tonight.
Honestly, I have never seen anyone do that or had it ever occurred to me that I could. Usually, I just bring my chair, my organizer or a book, and watch practice. So today I tried it. Luckily my daughter was fine with me not sitting right there and I was able to squeeze in a couple of miles. And, I was still able to watch practice – for the most part – and stopped so I could be there for water breaks to give her words of encouragement (it’s her first year playing soccer).
So I’m excited that I now have another way that I can get a workout in if I need to.
Oh, and good news…Mama got a new pair of shoes! After trying on quite a few different shoes at Fleet Feet I ended up with the same brand as my last ones – Saucony . They are so comfy and light. What is your favorite brand of shoes?
And to Jenn – I know all too well the disappointment that comes with not being able to run the marathon…the goal we both set out to accomplish. You are absolutely making the right decision for both your body and health. I’m proud of you for completing the half marathon (it’s a huge accomplishment) and now I’m excited for our half marathon adventures to continue!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Honestly, I have never seen anyone do that or had it ever occurred to me that I could. Usually, I just bring my chair, my organizer or a book, and watch practice. So today I tried it. Luckily my daughter was fine with me not sitting right there and I was able to squeeze in a couple of miles. And, I was still able to watch practice – for the most part – and stopped so I could be there for water breaks to give her words of encouragement (it’s her first year playing soccer).
So I’m excited that I now have another way that I can get a workout in if I need to.
Oh, and good news…Mama got a new pair of shoes! After trying on quite a few different shoes at Fleet Feet I ended up with the same brand as my last ones – Saucony . They are so comfy and light. What is your favorite brand of shoes?
And to Jenn – I know all too well the disappointment that comes with not being able to run the marathon…the goal we both set out to accomplish. You are absolutely making the right decision for both your body and health. I’m proud of you for completing the half marathon (it’s a huge accomplishment) and now I’m excited for our half marathon adventures to continue!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Monday, August 9, 2010
Fourth Time Is Not The Charm
Sigh.
Alright, before I get into that . . .Congrats to Suzanne on her first Half Marathon!!!!
Next, I know I've been absent from the blog for quite awhile . . .too busy and too lazy at the same time and I'm not going to bore you with the countless reasons (excuses?) I have for not posting. Fortunately Suzanne (she was always more organized :) ) has kept it alive and well for both of us.
I haven't been posting but I have been running. In fact, I recently finished the Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon in Chicago. Problem is though, that I aggravated my IT Band around mile 4 and finished slowly (even for a turtle like me) and painfully. Enough so that my husband talked some sense into me and I realized that the Chicago Marathon is not in the cards (again) for me this year. So . . .Sigh.
Yes, I'm a little depressed and dejected about it. I mean, how many times can one attempt the Marathon? I must be setting a record. Deep down though I know the smart thing is to pull back. I know that if I keep adding miles, especially in the teens, I'll just be asking for trouble.
So back to Plan A: Focus on Half Marathons this year and staying healthy.
I'm not ruling out the Marathon forever. For 2010 yes. For 2011, maybe. For 2012? Who knows. Maybe I'll be able to convince Suzanne to fly to Chicago in a few years to run the Marathon with me :)
Next up . . .getting this IT Band under control. I rested for a week and ran for 30 minutes yesterday in no pain. Going to run this week but take it easy . . .trying to stay healthy enough for the Oak Brook Half Marathon, a Labor Day race my husband and I have been planning to do together. (And when I say together, I mean, we line up together and 0.10 seconds after the start, he is way ahead of me, I keep him in my sights for a little bit and then eventually lose him. And find him again when he's patiently waiting for me at the Finish.)
There's also a Half Marathon not too far from me on October 9, the day before the Chicago Marathon. If my IT Band cooperates I may just run that too. There's also a Half very close to me the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I know, I know, here I go again, asking for trouble. I think though, if I stay in line with 13 miles as my max, I might be okay. Better than adding 14s and 16s and 18s into the mix. Heck, I just might qualify as a Half Fanatic!
Oh, I am going to volunteer for the Marathon. Figure if I can't run it I might as well be out there handing out water or bananas. My sister, cousin and Mom will be volunteering too. So Mike W., Maurissa, Jim M., Brittany, Scott C., Tina, Nic C. and Cubicle Dad, look for me! I'll be watching out for you and cheering you on.
Ok time to get back to work. I promise I'll post on a more regular basis now (really Suzanne, I do :) ) Are you on Twitter? Follow me @jennrunschi.
Jenn
Alright, before I get into that . . .Congrats to Suzanne on her first Half Marathon!!!!
Next, I know I've been absent from the blog for quite awhile . . .too busy and too lazy at the same time and I'm not going to bore you with the countless reasons (excuses?) I have for not posting. Fortunately Suzanne (she was always more organized :) ) has kept it alive and well for both of us.
I haven't been posting but I have been running. In fact, I recently finished the Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon in Chicago. Problem is though, that I aggravated my IT Band around mile 4 and finished slowly (even for a turtle like me) and painfully. Enough so that my husband talked some sense into me and I realized that the Chicago Marathon is not in the cards (again) for me this year. So . . .Sigh.
Yes, I'm a little depressed and dejected about it. I mean, how many times can one attempt the Marathon? I must be setting a record. Deep down though I know the smart thing is to pull back. I know that if I keep adding miles, especially in the teens, I'll just be asking for trouble.
So back to Plan A: Focus on Half Marathons this year and staying healthy.
I'm not ruling out the Marathon forever. For 2010 yes. For 2011, maybe. For 2012? Who knows. Maybe I'll be able to convince Suzanne to fly to Chicago in a few years to run the Marathon with me :)
Next up . . .getting this IT Band under control. I rested for a week and ran for 30 minutes yesterday in no pain. Going to run this week but take it easy . . .trying to stay healthy enough for the Oak Brook Half Marathon, a Labor Day race my husband and I have been planning to do together. (And when I say together, I mean, we line up together and 0.10 seconds after the start, he is way ahead of me, I keep him in my sights for a little bit and then eventually lose him. And find him again when he's patiently waiting for me at the Finish.)
There's also a Half Marathon not too far from me on October 9, the day before the Chicago Marathon. If my IT Band cooperates I may just run that too. There's also a Half very close to me the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I know, I know, here I go again, asking for trouble. I think though, if I stay in line with 13 miles as my max, I might be okay. Better than adding 14s and 16s and 18s into the mix. Heck, I just might qualify as a Half Fanatic!
Oh, I am going to volunteer for the Marathon. Figure if I can't run it I might as well be out there handing out water or bananas. My sister, cousin and Mom will be volunteering too. So Mike W., Maurissa, Jim M., Brittany, Scott C., Tina, Nic C. and Cubicle Dad, look for me! I'll be watching out for you and cheering you on.
Ok time to get back to work. I promise I'll post on a more regular basis now (really Suzanne, I do :) ) Are you on Twitter? Follow me @jennrunschi.
Jenn
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Suzanne’s Next Half Marathon Adventure
It’s been almost 2 weeks since I completed my first half marathon! I’m still pumped that I was able to successfully complete it, despite those darn San Francisco hills! I expected to be in a little more pain afterwards, but surprisingly I felt pretty good. Yes, I was a little sore but nothing more than I usually felt after my long runs.
Originally the plan was to take it easy but for some reason – my competitiveness I suspect – I really want to run a half marathon completely healthy and see what I can do. And, as you all know, I want to run a FLAT one this time.
So, after doing some research I’ve decided that my next half marathon adventure will be the Urban Cow Half Marathon in Sacramento on Sunday, October 3rd. A little earlier than I probably would have liked but I have 8 weeks to prepare. Oh, did I mention it’s FLAT….and all finishers receive a cowbell.
This time I will be following Hal Higdin’s half marathon training schedule. My training schedule this week is: 4 miles/2 miles or xtraining/4 miles/40 minutes of xtraining/6 miles.
Enjoyed my vacation last week, including my long walks (5.3 miles was our longest) with my Dad and husband that actually included hills if you can believe it.
Looking forward to continuing my running adventures and will keep you updated on my training.
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Originally the plan was to take it easy but for some reason – my competitiveness I suspect – I really want to run a half marathon completely healthy and see what I can do. And, as you all know, I want to run a FLAT one this time.
So, after doing some research I’ve decided that my next half marathon adventure will be the Urban Cow Half Marathon in Sacramento on Sunday, October 3rd. A little earlier than I probably would have liked but I have 8 weeks to prepare. Oh, did I mention it’s FLAT….and all finishers receive a cowbell.
This time I will be following Hal Higdin’s half marathon training schedule. My training schedule this week is: 4 miles/2 miles or xtraining/4 miles/40 minutes of xtraining/6 miles.
Enjoyed my vacation last week, including my long walks (5.3 miles was our longest) with my Dad and husband that actually included hills if you can believe it.
Looking forward to continuing my running adventures and will keep you updated on my training.
Happy Running,
Suzanne
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