Minneapolis-Star-Tribune-runningkellometers

Right now I'm feeling extremely under the weather. What started as a few sneezes on Monday has turned into a full on head cold that intensified Tuesday night and has only gotten worse. I have had a bad cold twice in the past 6 weeks and it is not fun, let me tell you. This time, I asked my doctor what I can take for it. She said Mucinex would be alright so I took some last night before bed. Now that it is wearing off, I'm back to feeling exactly how I did yesterday. Fun times, fun times. Thankfully, before things got to be too bad, I was able to get in a workout this week. (I'm hoping to feel better by the weekend to get in another run, but we'll see.)

As some of you may know, my first marathon experience was no cake walk. (Well, I don't know if anyone's marathon existence has been "easy.") After watching my friends train through this past summer and run the Chicago Marathon, I gotta admit I was a little jealous. I know that it was the right decision for me to sit it out (because of the exam I was taking in early December). I was still able to go downtown, spectate and even run part of the race with my friends without worrying about the entire 26.2 distance.

Anyways, the point of this trip down memory lane is that I made a decision while I was studying. I wanted to try running another marathon. I had taken a year off and that made the desire that much greater. Using last year as a guide, I decided to run the Illinois Marathon. I was going to keep it a secret from most of my family and friends and run the race for me. But then, I told a few people about my secret (it was too hard for me to keep that big of a secret from my running friends). I trained through the winter last year... What would make this year any different? I could do my training just like last year and be ready to go by the end of April.


Well, the return of "normal" Chicago winter temperatures is what's different. My heart and lungs feel like they're working double time when the temps are in the single digits (and the "feels like" temp is in the negative double digits). And the fact that someone left our group at work and we all have to pick up some slack until a new employee is hired (aka a fair share of late nights at the office).

A marathon is a huge deal. It is a big commitment both physically and mentally. I thought I was there and ready, but instead I've decided to sit this spring out. I'm already dying of boredom at the mere idea of doing any of my runs on the treadmill.

The thing about marathons that is so wonderful is that they'll always be there for you, when you're ready for them. There are so many of them and they're everywhere. It looks like spring 2013 isn't the time for me, but that doesn't meant that fall 2013, spring 2014, or fall 2014 will have the same answer...

Have you ever committed to a race and then decided not to do it? I waited to register for the Illinois Marathon so this decision doesn't leave me with an unwanted bib. Although, I am disappointed I won't get the chance to meet Kathrine Switzer at the expo.

I woke up yesterday with a bad case of the sniffles and spent the entire work day sneezing and keeping a box of Kleenex close. I really didn't feel like working out but I feel that a good run can help clear the sinuses. Since I didn't think that running outside was a good idea, I headed to the gym to knock off a few miles on the treadmill.

You're seeing correct. I was the girl working out in her matching pink and purple outfit.

When I was at the gym, it wasn't as busy as I would have expected. There were maybe 8 other people using treadmills when I went in there (although, I was the only person actually running on the treadmill). Do you find this at your gym too? That a lot of people walk on the treadmill? Are you a person that walks on the treadmill? I am bored running on the treadmill and I couldn't imagine walking on a treadmill. That just seems more boring to me! If someone could help explain this, I would greatly appreciate it.

This weekend I'm heading off to Wisconsin Dells with some friends for a "couples trip" weekend. If you have any recommendations for restaurants or attractions to visit, please let me know!

Yesterday I hit the treadmill during my lunch break for a tempo run. Spoiler alert: things did not go well. The plan was to do a 1/2 mile warm up, 3 miles at tempo, and a 1/2 mile cool down. Perhaps it was a bit of an ambitious speed workout after not having done much in the past month. Maybe I was just having a bad day. And maybe I just need to strengthen my core more before doing this type of workout. Either way, my shins started hurting me part way through the 2nd tempo mile. I didn't want to risk anything so I cut the workout a mile short (and did some foam rolling afterwards). I'm looking to get on the exercise bike or rowing machine for some cross training today so that should be helpful. I'm not quite sure what happened. Maybe I'm trying to do too much too soon? Maybe this was too soon to try and incorporate some speedwork? I'll keep it easy the rest of this week and see how things go. I'm looking forward to my first "long run" in awhile this weekend!

After my workout, I was pretty sweaty and gross but was able to whip up a sock bun and look halfway decent for the rest of the work day (after taking a shower from the neck down, due to the adjustable shower heads in our locker room showers). Do you workout on your lunch break? If I'm working out during the work day, I try to take my lunch break later so I am only gross for an hour or two instead of more.

Sweaty post-run photo

Tuesday I got the chance to actually work out on the treadmill. I haven't run on a treadmill in awhile and I was reminded why I am not a fan of that device. I felt like I couldn't find a steady stride, and I kept getting static shocked from the "safety bar" whenever I would accidentally touch it. (I'm not sure if this is because my iPod earphones were rubbing against the bar or what.) Either way, it made for a very uncomfortable run. And, in true FWP form, the free wifi at the gym kept going in and out so I couldn't watch the old episode of The Office I was planning on. It was really annoying, but luckily I had some jams on my iPod I was still able to crank up. When you're out running by yourself, do you sometimes sing the words to the songs out-loud? Or am I the only one that does this? At the gym, I was mouthing the words, without saying anything out-loud and other folks around me probably thought I was a weirdo. It's alright, I was trying to have some fun while running on the treadmill. That can sometimes be hard to do. Lol.

Xaarlin (who blogs at Pain is Nothing) and I had made plans via Twitter to meet for lunch at the Chriskindlemarket in Chicago. Our first date was thwarted by rain so we rescheduled for yesterday. It was great to finally meet her in person (as it always seems to be when meeting fellow running bloggers). We chatted over some delicious potato pancakes, and oogled over all of the chocolate covered fruit and strudels while trying to restrain ourselves. We both bought some cool Christmas ornaments while talking a lot about or fur babies. I don't know what is up with me lately, but I didn't take a photo of the delicious food (I was too focused on eating it before it got cold). And then Xaarlin and I forgot to take a photo together too. I know, I don't know what I was thinking.

Tonight is our group run and I'm very much looking forward to it. Our group has grown quite exponentially lately and I think it has a lot to do with our consistency. Rain or shine, light or dark, snow or sunshine... we will be out there, at 6:30pm, regardless.

Here is our group from last Thursday (12/7/2012)... Love this group of folks!

This weekend, a bunch of Chicago Running Bloggers will be heading to Erin's house for a Christmas brunch after a fun run. The internets shall be aflutter with posts, Instagrams, and tweets of the event, you can probably count on it!  I'm having dreams of our Zooma weekend and I'm very much looking forward to it. We are doing a grab bag gift exchange too! It might even turn into a game of Yankee Swap so we shall see! There is also going to be a costume contest. I like dressing up so I'm going for the prize. I think I'm going to have some stiff competition though. We'll see who comes out with the win! If you're looking to follow the shenanigans checkout the hashtag #CRBholidaze to follow along on Twitter and Instagram.

Do you have anything planned this holiday season that you're really looking forward to??

I woke up today thinking it was Thursday. I hate when that happens! Things at work are picking up so I'm spending more time at work and riding the non-express train home (which adds and additional 30-40 minutes to my commute). This is also the time when fitting in runs becomes more difficult yet important at the same time. Difficult because I have to plan ahead and keep my gym bag with me (including multiple outfit options) on most days. Important because I need time to relieve stress and clear my head.

Yesterday I only had a short amount of time to get in some miles so I chose the treadmill (plus, I was able to watch old episodes of Parks and Recreation). The plan was 4 miles but once I was only able to squeeze in 3 before I had to rush out the door to make my train. I was disappointed but if I missed my train, the next one wasn't for an hour (changing my eta home from 9pm to 10pm). Sooo I did 3 miles easy and laughed out loud at P&R while folks around me probably looked at me weird. That show is so funny that it was totally worth it. Have you had to cut workouts short because life got in the way? Please tell me you've seen Parks and Recreation?

As I may have mentioned before, I'm kind of a big sweater. I sweat a lot. Recently I noticed a new sweat problem when on the treadmill--my elbows. Strange, I know. I feel it dripping off my elbows and I try to wipe it on my shirt, knowing I look like a spaz when I do it. Do you have strange sweat problems when running on the treadmill too? Please don't tell me I'm the only one...

I got home and decided to munch on some sweet potato chips as a snack while deciding on dinner. Mistake! I finished off the rest of the bag too easily. Those things are just so good! Now I have to stop at the grocery store to pick up more on my way home. (Yes, "have" to...)

Yesterday my dog had a play date at my MIL's house with her two best friends.

As you can tell, she is gigantic compared to them. She decided to take a nap yesterday and my MIL sent me this series of photos. I thought it was completely hysterical. I don't think she realizes how big she is and she thinks she's a lap dog.
At 60 lbs, she is most definitely not a lap dog, but still totally adorable.

Normally when it is raining, I don't mind going out for a run. Yesterday, however, I wasn't feeling it. I decided to hit up the treadmill as I passed the gym on my way home from working late. I knew that if I wanted to get my workout in, that was going to be the only way to do it. When it is raining, do you still run outside or stick it out on the treadmill? 9 times out of 10 I'll run outside, but last night I just knew if I went home, I'd sit and relax to watch the BL finale, eat dinner, and try to postpone my run until the next morning. I was glad to get it done regardless!

My gym is moving locations soon and I'm actually really excited about it. More equipment, larger facilities, I just hope they also have a small little room like this with the baby weights so I can do ab exercises and my core strengthening exercises without stares.

I didn't get the chance to mention that in addition to running part of the Illinois Marathon with Amanda, I also attended my cousin's bridal shower that same night. It took place on a condo building rooftop room and it was a lot of fun. My brother works at a nearby bar so we stopped by his work afterwards and had a fun night out.

enjoying a drink with the bride and some of the fellow bridesmaids

Me and the bride after the shower

I'm still recovering from my lack of sleep over the weekend (10 hours in 2 days), but it was a ton of fun and I got to enjoy doing both things!

Speaking of the Illinois Marathon, I accidentally took a video at one of the miles and it makes me laugh so I thought I would share it with all of you...

Because I haven't posted a photo of my dog in awhile, I thought it was necessary to snap a photo of her last night. She had her front paws crossed and I thought it was just the cutest thing ever. Don't you agree??

Yesterday I set my alarm to get up at 5am to go for a morning run. When my 5am alarm went off, I ignored it and went back to sleep, without even noticing. I woke up at my normal time and thought "Damnit!!!". I haven't gone for a pre-work run in over a year. I used to love getting up before work and get my sweat on. I seem to have lost the motivation for it. I know I'll get it back soon... I hope!!

The reason why I wanted to get my run done early is that I had a spray tan appointment after work. My cousin's bridal shower is this weekend so I wanted to give it an old test run. The thing is, once you get it done, you can't sweat for the next 24 hours. (#firstworldrunnerproblem) Thankfully I had enough time before my appointment to head to the gym and the treadmill. I decided to give my clearance Nike capris another try. Well, I forgot how sweaty I get while running on the treadmill, and I instantly knew these capris were a bad idea. I could feel the sweat marks forming and kept pulling down my shirt. I'm not sure if that made it better or worse. This time, I got a post-run photo. Yay for sweaty underwear marks!

After my 2.8 mile run, I rushed home, showered and headed to the spray tan place. Have you ever gotten a spray tan before? Please let me know what you think of them! Personally, I think they're fun, and I get to be tan for a short period of time--something that would otherwise never happen. My skin has two color options, porcelain or lobster. There is no in between. I love being pale, don't get me wrong. I just also like to be tan about 3x per year. :)

P.S. Have you entered the Oiselle raffle? Their running clothes are amazeballs! You should check it out, if you haven't already!!

Continuing with my plan, yesterday called for 3 easy miles. I wanted to get them done on my lunch break so I hit the treadmill. Once I got started, I remembered how much I haaaate the treadmill. I was incredibly bored before the first 1/2 mile but ended up completing my 3 easy miles at 9:40 pace. I'm glad the weather is getting nicer so I'll be able to run outside on my lunch break again soon. (I don't like lugging lots of layers of clothing in a bulky gym bag if I don't have to.)

Part of my office building's gym

Part way through my workout, I noticed a guy out of the corner of my eye that kept staring. He went over to one of the treadmills (there are only 4) and started doing these "stretches" so he was staring right at me while stretching. Then he kept walking back and forth behind me, and I could see his stares in the mirror. I was very happy to be out of there as this guy was majorly giving me the creeps. One of my coworkers was working out on an elliptical behind me so she saw all of this too (so I know I'm not crazy).

Tonight's workout calls for some interval miles at 10k pace. Based on last week's tempo attempt, I'm looking forward to another speed session. Now if only I can remember how to change average pace to current pace on my Garmin... And thanks for all your hat recommendations. I'm hoping to find what I'm looking for soon!! I always seem to forget about Running Warehouse. What a great site!! In fact, I just ordered this shirt and can't wait to wear it... all. the. time.