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Today is my goal 5k for the summer. The temperatures the past few days in the evenings have been beautiful (low to mid 70s with a cool breeze). Of course today, on race day, temperatures are expected to be in the low 80s by the time the gun goes off. I'm going to try not to stress about the heat. I did a 10 mile progressive run when it was in the high 70s/low 80s (but the sun had set) and I did a 6 mile "run" when it was 97 degrees so have done some things to prepare for the heat. Am I ready to run a 5k at PR pace when it is 82 degrees out? I don't know, but I'm certainly going to try. If it doesn't work out, I won't be crushed. That's the thing about 5ks, there are always a million of them. I can work towards one on a later date (there are a few on my radar in August and September). I am super excited that my coach will out there to spectate and cheer. I know I'm going to have a fun time, regardless of what the clock says. If you plan on being there, meet up with us!!

Yesterday I ran 5 miles around my neighborhood and almost got attacked by a vicious chihuahua. Yes, you read the dog breed right. This thing was growling, barking, and snarling at me. Thankfully I was able to keep it at bay, shielding my left shin with the bottom of my right shoe. Why do people have their dogs outside and not on a leash? I've had this scenario happen a couple times. Luckily I'm a dog person and try my best to remain calm, but people have to get their ish together. Now, speaking of dogs, I thought I would post this amazing photo my husband's uncle took of our pup.

I mean, I know our dog is adorable but I really, really love this photo. Would it be creepy for me to get this printed in an 8x10 to hang on our living room wall? I didn't think so either. :)

When I had my first meeting with my coach, I told her that I had some difficulties with progressive runs in the past. Since she believes they are a useful training tool, she has been suggesting them as part of my workout routine. I have to say, they are much less mentally challenging than they were when I started. As I've said before, I'm pushing my body to limits I've never thought to reach before. On the schedule was a 10 mile run this weekend. Temperatures were awful all day on both Saturday and Sunday so I waited until the evening on Sunday. The temps were still warm (high 70s) but the sun wasn't a factor and there was a small breeze. I don't want to fall into my old habits from last summer as I have to allow myself to acclimate to the heat. Last year I probably would have done this run on the treadmill to avoid any heat at all. Baby steps, right?

I headed out and did some loops around my neighborhood. In case I was feeling weak from the heat, I wanted to be close to home. In my area, there aren't a lot of sidewalks so I stayed within the busy street limits and the route got real boring real quick. That's okay though, it served its purpose and I got it done. The first 6 miles were to be at an easy pace, picking things up the last 4 miles. At first I was a little worried as to how things would shake out. I'd like to think this run was a success as I was able to do just that. I had to make a quick pit stop part way through the run to use the rest rooms but I made sure it coincided with my energy chew consumption to minimize the amount of time stopped.

Sweaty and ready for round 2

I headed back out and finished things up strong with my last mile being the quickest, yet I still felt controlled and challenged (yet not completely spent). It was a great run, but the next day my lower extremities were a little sore. Thank goodness for compression. It was a warm day so I wanted to see if I could get away with wearing my CEP Compression shorts under a pencil skirt.

SUCCESS

I only have one workout this week until the Jim Gibbons 5k on Thursday. It is a goal race and I already have several race day outfits laid out. If you are going to be completing the Jim Gibbons 5k, come meet up with us! It will be a fun time and the temps don't look like they'll be too bad. This really is a great race and I hope to see you there! Then, this Sunday is the Warrior Dash that I will be completing with my husband. I want to get a photo of us both jumping over fire together to hang in our living room. I think it would be a cool statement piece. :)

On Sunday I volunteered at a race for the first time ever. While all my friends were getting ready for the 13.1, I was setting up tents and unloading a semi trailer at Montrose Beach, setting up the finish line of the Ragnar Relay. I was a volunteer for Team Chicked which included my friend Kate S, running blogger Jess, and a few other folks you can learn more about on Jess' page.

We received a thick packet several weeks before the big day and I read through the materials to make sure I knew what was up. Volunteers were supposed to arrive 15 minutes early to be trained before their shift actually started. I arrived 30 minutes early (over anticipated traffic at 4:00am) and called the head volunteer coordinator. She curtly explained that I was early and the shifts didn't start until 5am. They were on their way and I had to wait. Maybe it was because she didn't have her coffee yet, but I thought that was kind of a rude way to respond, especially starting things off. While I was waiting, I walked around and took a few photos, watching the sun rise over Montrose Harbor.

The coordinators arrived and we all checked in and started unloading the semi truck. All of the other volunteers were friendly and most of them were runners which made for a some common ground. After we had unloaded the truck, we stood around for about 20-30 minutes while the coordinators talked amongst themselves to figure out the layout of the finish line party. Maybe it is just me, but if I didn't know how things were going to be laid out, I probably would have tried to get there early to figure it out so we have the volunteers working the whole time. After the layout was decided we put up tents and things started the shape up. I really enjoyed seeing the inflatable finish line go up.

Once everything was up, we were assigned posts. Luckily I was assigned the medals post. We took the medals out of the boxes and their wrapping, and put them on display. If you were part of an ultra team (only 6 people instead of the traditional 12), you got a special medal with an orange lanyard.

It was a scorcher and all of us volunteers were warm, breaking a sweat in the shade. I could only imagine what the runners were going through. My shift was up at 11 but I planned to stick around and meet up with Kate LF for lunch before her shift started at 4. The first teams started to cross the finish line and I started to get excited for the hours to come. We are at the first booth, passing out what everyone wants (other than water of course)... Medals! I was getting FB and text updates from Kate S saying simply that everyone was sick of the heat and just wanted to be done. I continued to pass out medals as Kate's proposed finish time kept getting closer. But their proposed finish time came and went when I received a text that they were way behind schedule due to driving to the wrong exchange (the directions provided by Ragnar were not very clear and they drove themselves versus having a driver), people off from their pace goals, and just a crappy day. I got another update not too much later that one of the team members had to go to the hospital due to dehydration. I felt bad for Kate and told my husband I'd be home later than expected. When I knew they were getting close, I started to walk along the course to try and meet Kate since she was running the last leg. Walking along I was a bit confused because the markings were quite poor. I ended up standing in the same spot for about a 1/2 hour helping tell anyone with a Ragnar bib where to go as many shouted to me "Do you know where we go from here?" After awhile, I moved down the course a little more, looking for Kate until I was about 1 mile out (according to the GPS on my phone). After a little more waiting (and more cheering), Kate called to say they were approaching the finish line, but due to Ragnar changes because of the heat, she wasn't going to be on the trail. (Apparently all ultra teams were encouraged to "double up" runners so that they would run the same amount of legs, but there were 2 runners together at a time because of the conditions. They didn't want anyone running alone.)

I started running back towards the finish line when I heard a runner ask "Do you know the way to the Ragnar finish line?" I told her to follow me as I was heading that way. She seemed grateful as it she was struggling a bit. The last leg is 8 miles and it was over 90 degrees at this point. I led the way and helped clear a path through the pedestrians. Several times the runner said "Thank you so much," and all I could say was "No problem." Us runners have to stick together. She found her team at the finish line as I walked back to the medals tent.

After a little more waiting, I saw the yellow shirts of Team Chicked as they were heading down the finish line. I ran out there to greet them with their ultra medals and congratulate all of them on a job well done. I think they were all happy to just enjoy their post race beer and relax while not in a van. We snapped some photos and then headed home. By this time I had been in the sun for 14 hours and I was ready to head home.

With Kate LF (left) and Kate S (middle) at the finish line

I gave Kate S a ride home and heard some more details on the race logistics. Apparently the end wasn't the only part where the course was poorly marked. They appeared to be a problem throughout the entire Ragnar route (not to mention, some kids messing around with the signs leading runners in the wrong direction). Forks in trails were left as a guessing game (with no van to help guide the way), courses through neighborhoods that didn't appear to be very safe, and country roads with 0 shade all made for an interesting 2 days. I'm sure Jess will have a full recap on her blog within the next few days.

In the end, I feel like this is a fun race with a lot of potential to be a great one. However, I think there are many kinks that need to be worked out. With such a gigantic course and the huge number of people running this race, there are bound to be some/many kinks. Hopefully things will get better as time goes on and Ragnar hears more feedback from runners. Who knows, maybe next year I'll be part of a 12 person team. At least, that is the plan! :)

I've done quite a few races this year and it seems that most races these days are offering tech or dry-fit shirts in their swag bags. I'm glad this is a popular trend as that means I'll be actually wearing the shirt. However, cotton shirts are still popular at smaller or lower-budget races and my pile of t-shirts continues to grow. I think the main question is, what do we do with these cotton race shirts??

I've put on my thinking cap and tried to come up with some creative ways to use those cotton race shirts. As we all know, no one will be running in them anyways.

Many moons ago my friends (Kate S and Kate LF) and I came across a Schwaggle deal for a half marathon in Wisconsin Dells. It was cheap and not too far away so we signed up. The plan was to run this together as a team and help lead Kate LF to a PR if possible. We drove up to Wisconsin Dells early Saturday morning and the highway lead us through the main road displaying all of the waterparks that make Wisconsin Dells famous.

We had an address for packet pickup and that was our destination address. We ended up driving right passed it because we weren't looking for a bar. Yes, packet pickup was at a local watering hole. There was 1 guy with a computer to look up our bibs and give us our shirts. On the website, the shirt was noted as "tech" and this wasn't the case. It was a cotton/poly blend and I will not be wearing it out for a run any time soon. Not to mention, it was gigantic and only "unisex" (aka men's) sizing. Oh well, for a cheap race, I wasn't going to complain (until now I guess). After picking up our bibs and "swag bag," we set out to explore the tourist shops along Broadway street. We even took a stroll down the river walk which was quite pretty.

That night for dinner, we stopped at Sprecher for a delicious dinner consisting of fried cheese curds (standard Wisconsin fuel), beer tastings (6 different varieties), and a portobella mushroom wrap with beer chesse mashed potatoes (it tasted as good as it sounds FYI).

Kate S and Kate LF with our beer tasters

Next up, we changed into our pajamas and took a walk to Cold Stone for dessert. I used to work at Cold Stone in college so I tend to like it made a certain way. These young kids just don't know how to make it like we used to. The ice cream was still delicious, I just had to mix it myself in the cup (kind of defeating the purpose). They also were singing some serious songs that brought me back to those days. I don't miss them (I only miss my 50% discount). After eating our ice cream we headed back to the hotel to try and watch some episodes of Workaholics before going to bed.

We got up nice and early, ate the continental breakfast at the hotel (we all had oatmeal), and headed to the race. We could see a small swarm of runners as we pulled up to the supposed location and we knew we were in the right spot. We overheard a few people talking that there were only 200 people running this race.
We snapped a quick photo and walked across the park to the start.

Me, Kate S, and Kate LF. Black and pink attire required

Before the race, the director (the guy with the computer at the bar from yesterday) told us where some of the big hills were, for those of us that didn't study the race map (raises hand). This worked out nicely when we were figuring out our run/walk strategy.

The first few miles were out on the main road with a bit of a hill at mile 1.5. This wasn't one of the hills the director mentioned so this had me worried. We kept on pushing through to mile 3 when we took our first walk break, as there was a straight hill from mile 3-4. It seemed like it would never end but when it did we picked it up and got moving again. There was another big hill at mile 7 that went on for about 1/2 mile. By this point the sun was starting to get hot and the little walk breaks became more frequent. We were still on target to make Kate LF's PR so we kept on moving forward. Since the course was mainly an "out and back," the previous one mile uphill meant a full mile downhill on the way back! After that downhill, we took some more walk breaks so we could run the last full mile. The last half mile was most uphill and Kate LF was struggling a bit. We cheered her on and she picked it up. When we turned the last corner, Kate LF picked it up into a sprint and we all crossed the finish line together with smiles on our faces. I really hope the photog captured the moment!

Along the course there were water stops (with both water and Gatorade) about every 1.5-2.0 miles. There was also a band playing at every water stop. I thought that was a nice touch and something unexpected along the course. Despite there being a small number of people running the race, there seemed to be lots of groups of people finishing together which adds a nice touch as you're struggling through the hills and sun together with strangers.

The finish line was behind the bar where we picked up our packets. They had hot dogs, chips, fruit, water, Gatorade, Mountain Dew (?), and granola bars all waiting for us at the finish. A fun band was playing some classic rock jams that kept the party going. We didn't stay long at the post race party as we had a 4 hour ride ahead of us. (Plus, we had to get some Spotted Cow on the way home, naturally.)


Overall this race was fun, small, and a nice time with my friends. I probably wouldn't do this race again, but us girls have decided to make this an annual tradition. Who knows where next year's half marathon will take us! If you have recommendations for fun, cheap, midwest half marathons in states other than Illinois, we're open to suggestions!

Today is National Running Day. How are you celebrating? I'll be running 5 miles tonight as recovery for my speedwork yesterday.

Every Friday my coach sends me my workouts for the upcoming week, which is nice because then I have time to coordinate my schedule and mentally prepare for the impending speedwork. This week's speedwork was a "ladder" as follows: 400, 800, 1600, 800, 400. As soon as I saw what I was supposed to do, I knew it was a workout meant for the track. When I told Toph I was headed for the track, he seemed confused that running in circles would be more fun than out on the trail. I haven't been on a track since high school so I was absolutely giddy at the mere thought of running on a real track. I arrived and instantly felt like I belonged there. (Maybe because I participated at a track meet at said track when I was in high school.) It was kind of a weird feeling. I ran around a few times to get in my 1.5 mile warm up and determine my preferred lane. I had a side cramp to start that went away once I got moving. Thank goodness for warm ups! Once I got rolling, I nailed all my splits. I know that you don't walk away from every speed workout feeling confident, but at this one, I did. I met my all of my goals and pushed it in the 2nd half. It was a great workout and one of those days when you can't help but think "OMFG I LOVE RUNNING!!"

I whipped out the camera and took some pics on the cool down as I couldn't contain my excitement. Smiles all around. When's the last time you had a workout that you couldn't help but smile (and maybe brag a little) about?

And the winner of the 5k entry is...
Congrats Marty! Please contact me immediately to claim your prize! runningkellometers at gmail dot com

I know that there has been some blogger buzz around the 13.1 half marathon this year in Chicago. I haven't talked about it much because I won't be running the race this year. However, like many other bloggers, I'd like to offer a reader the change to enter into the 5k the day of the race (Saturday, June 9). In order to be entered into the giveaway, all you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know you are interested. I will choose the winner by Wednesday, June 6 at 9am CST as online registration has to be completed by June 6.

Partnering with the 13.1 event is the charity, Give Your Sole. Some information is below on the charity and how you can participate.

Details: · Allstate Life Insurance Company and non-profit organization Give Your Sole are giving half marathon runners the chance to leave a unique footprint on local communities as part of a shoe donation program around Allstate Life Insurance SM 13.1 Marathon® Series races.


· Beginning with the Chicago 13.1 Marathon on June 9, race participants, spectators and local residents can donate moderately used athletic shoes to benefit homeless shelters and missions in race markets. All shoes collected in Chicago will be donated to Breakthrough, an organization that provides shelter, meals and other services to homeless men, women and children within the city.


· In addition to the Finish Line Festival, race participants and local residents will be invited to donate shoes at 2012 race packet pick-up events leading up to the race. Participating Allstate® agents will assist with collecting donations by inviting customers to drop off shoes at their local agencies. In Chicago, donations will also be collected at participating Fleet Feet Sports store locations (N. Lincoln Ave. and N. Wells St. in Chicago, and at E. Schiller St. in Elmhurst) until June 10.


· To celebrate the program launch in their hometown of Chicago on June 9, Allstate Life Insurance Company has teamed up with Chicago Bears’ 2012 first-round draft pick Shea McClellin to interact with runners and encourage donations at the Allstate Life InsuranceSM Chicago 13.1 Marathon® Finish Line Festival, held at the South Shore Cultural Center.

I plan on donating a few pairs (that I won't be wearing to the Warrior Dash later this month). Have you donated shoes before? If so, was it part of a race or simply at your local Goodwill or donation center?