Weeks 14, 15 and 16 Recap: Is it October 14th yet?

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Hello everyone!  I'm still here and I'm still running.  I just haven't been blogging since I haven't really had much to say with regard to my training.

Truthfully, I would just like to get the race over with so I can take my life back.  I'd like to be able to run when I want and not because I feel like I have to run.  I'm looking forward to being able to wear my hair down and be able to sleep in on the weekends and in the mornings.

Mentally, I think I'm in a much better place compared to where I was last year.  I don't want to bail on the race like I did last year.  I completed a 20 mile run, which is a huge accomplishment saying that I didn't even run one last year.

My game plan is to stick with the 4:30 pace group, which is 10:18 per mile.  I think I can handle that.  I'll stick with them for as long as possible and try to pick it up at the end so I can achieve my goal time of 4:28.  That's an almost 20 minute cut, but I'm confident that if I maintain a run instead of dropping to a run/walk that it can happen.  I've also told myself that I never have to run a marathon again if I can achieve my goal time.  So, hopefully that will be incentive enough to get it done.  My performance will depend on a lot of things and weather will be a big factor.  I'm hoping for cooler temps like last year.

Week 14: 14.01 miles in 2:19:49 (9:59 average pace):  I ran along the DPR South with my training group.  Overall, it was a good run and I didn't have any major issues.  The weather cooperated too, which was nice.

I ran part of it with a woman who is training for the Ironman in Kona.  She's run the race there before.  I mentioned that I found out that former Pittsburgh Steelers, Hines Ward, was training for the race as well.  She mentioned that he's part of her team (Newton), but he's primarily advertising chocolate milk.  She said she met him once before.  How cool is that?  I totally look up to that woman since she's committed to being so fit and has completed multiple Ironmans.

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Week 15: 20.17 miles in 3:37:26 (10:47 average pace):  My little brother and I ran the 20 Miler at Busse Woods in Schaumburg.  My pace group leader and some other members from my training group were at the run so it was nice to see some familiar faces.  I was a little disappointed that I wasn't able to do a true dress rehearsal for the full.

I ran with my little brother whose training hasn't been going as well as he would like.  His longest run was 12 miles which he did a long time before the 20 miler.  So, it's crazy that he even completed the run.  He started to hit the wall around 14 miles, but was able to finish the run.

I stuck with him for 18 miles than took off.  I ran the last mile in an 8:46, which was way too fast.  I just wanted to get the run done!  I didn't pause my Garmin for any of my aid station breaks or our walking/stretching breaks.

My legs were OK and I worked out a pretty good eating and drinking strategy.  I also drank Gatorade and didn't have any tummy trouble so I was pleased.

Also, our pace group leader had to use the bathroom around mile 9 so we choose to run without her.  In retrospect, I kind of wish that I stayed with so I'd have the support of the group.  But, I'm confident that I definitely could have run faster so I will hopefully be OK for the full.

Also, the little bro and I decided that I should do my own thing for the race and not worry about sticking with him.  Plus, there will be 45,000 people running the race so it's not like he will be alone.

Week 16: 7.87 out of 12 miles (DPR North) - TOTAL FAIL:  I had some feminine issues going on the morning before so my mental focus was on that instead of my run.  I decided to run just 8 and didn't even finish that.  I suppose I could make up for it and run 4.13 miles later today.  I may do that after the game if I'm in the mood, but I doubt it. 

My philosophy is that I'd rather go in to the race a bit undertrained (which I would say that I am) instead of overtrained.  A plan like Hanson's would never be something I'd even dream of trying to complete.  Too many miles!!

My legs are feeling OK for the most part - my quads were a little sore post yesterday's run, which I will attribute to a hard PT session Friday afternoon.  Hopefully they'll be fine come race day.

In other news, my managing partner is also running the marathon this year.  He ran 21 miles one weekend and 20 the following.  He mentioned to my BQ marathoner attorney that he wanted to run the full 26.2 this weekend.  Personally, I don't see why anyone would do that.  Maybe it'd make him feel better mentally if he completed the full distance.  But, why risk getting injured?

Oh, and lastly, I mentioned to my pace group leader that my times to races have slowed down by about 2 minutes+ per event ever since I started training for the marathon in 2012.  He asked me if I should have trained with the 9:30 pace group instead of the 10:00 minute pace group.  I told him that I didn't think I could maintain the 9:30 pace for a long period of time.

But, maybe I could have and maybe I should have done that.  That way, I could run at the 9:30 pace as long as I could and then slow down.  Perhaps I would have been able to achieve my time goal.  Oh well.  What's done is done.  I suppose I could get back to my times from 2011, but that would involve the desire to do it on my part.  We'll see what happens after the marathon.  I'll have to reevaluate my goals and plan out what I want to do over the fall/winter and in 2014.

How's your training going??  Do you just want to get the race over with like me?  Would you ever run the full distance while training for a race?  Lastly, GO BEARS!!!!

Week 9: A Solo Long Run & Some Funny Race Day Pics

Week 8 Mileage: 24

Miles Run: 20.02

I ran the following: 3 Tuesday, 3 Thursday, 4 Friday and 10.02 this morning.  I was supposed to run 3, 7, 4, 10.  

I'm still having a hard time getting in the semi-long run during the week and I know I need to do this.  I'm going to have to suck it up and either A) wake up even earlier to make sure I get it done in the morning or B) go after work despite what the weather conditions may be like outside or run the miles on the dreadmill at the gym.  I don't really like option B so hopefully that will be enough motivation to go for option A.

I ran alone this morning because:

1. I failed to get ready early enough.
2. I was scared since I've been eating a little too much fiber over the last two days and wanted to make sure I could get home if any issues happened on the run (spoiler alert: they didn't!)
3. I wanted to test myself to see if I could run at my target pace solo.  Granted, I will run the marathon with a pace group, but still.
4. I wanted to see how my legs would hold up on the sidewalks instead of the softer trail.

Also, the outside of my right knee and the inside of my right knee are starting to bother me.  I will attribute it to going a bit too fast on Tuesday's 3 and not taking the full time to recover post run.  I'm going to give myself two days of rest and hopefully these issues will subside.  If not, I will pursue alternative therapy - a band for my ITB and therapy if it gets more serious.

My splits were: 9:44, 9:29, 9:36, 9:55, 10:06, 9:57, 9:57, 9:48, 10:20, 10:15.  I had a hard time slowing my pace down, but was able to get it to target pace later in the run.  I had a rough time at the end since it started to get hot and I just wanted to be done.  Mentally, I lost focus, which isn't a good thing.  But at least I got it done!

In closing, I leave you with these little gems** from this race.  

Does anyone have tips for me on how to keep my mouth closed while running and how to take prettier race day pictures?  

**These bad boys look awful  and I am seriously contemplating racing with a paper bag over my head (with holes cut out for the eyes and mouth) so I can avoid seeing these.  Why must photographers take pictures during a race anyway?!

Hopefully your long runs and training are going well!  Any plans for the weekend?  How are you liking the cooler summer days?  Yay for less humidity!

Week 7 Marathon Training Recap: Deception on the DPR

Training Mileage: 24

Mile Run: 26.1

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Oooh, I should have run another .1 so I could make it 26.2!  Ha, but that is over the course of a week not all in one go.

Anyway, I was super good about getting in my weekly runs.  I ran:

• Sunday: 5K race in my neighborhood
• Tuesday: 3 miles in the morning before work
• Thursday: 6 miles in the morning before work*
• Saturday: 14 miles with my training group along the Des Plaines River Trial (DPR) going north**

* I had to get up at 4:30 and was out of my house and on the road by 5:00 to get this run in.  I even had to wear my headlamp for a little bit since the sun had not come up yet.  I was happy to have gotten the run in, but I worry about what I'm going to do when I have to run distances over 6 miles during the week.  I simply refuse to have to get up before 4:30 and I prefer get the run done before work.  

^ This is because I live in the 'burbs (bought a house in 2011) and work downtown so I waste 2 hours each day commuting on the Metra.  It beats driving though so I can't really complain.

** Our pace group leader tricked me into running 14 miles (this is the longest I have run since the marathon).  

We were supposed to have a vote when we got to the half way mark.  He usually just adds 2 miles on at the end and whoever wants to run more miles will join him.  The novices (aka me, myself and I) will call it a day when we return to the parking lot.  He also likes to call me a young punk and he reminds me that he is 55 and is adding on more miles whereas I just want to go home, take a shower, take a nap and shove my face with donuts.

However, this wasn't the case during this run.  I'm not sure what got into him... maybe it was the amazing weather, which was in the high 50s.  We ran past 6 miles to the hydration point, which was at 6.5 miles.  I thought we were going to turn around, but noooooooo, he suggested that we run half a mile up and then back and then stop at hydration.  My mental math skills weren't working and there really wasn't any turning back so I agreed to it.  We even ran past the 7 mile marker since our Garmins still weren't at 7.  I was about to lose it, but I had no choice other than to keep running.  *shakes head*  Yay for peer pressure!!

In terms of the run, I actually felt pretty good and I definitely attribute it to the cooler temperatures.  My calves were a bit sore, but I expected that.  My ITBs (both the left and the right) acted up a bit, but nothing too serious.

Overall, excellent week and thank you to the weather gods for the cooler weather.  Just make sure to make it like 30 degrees on October 13th!

How long did you go this weekend and how did it go?  What do you eat during your long runs?  Do you prefer gels or shot blocks?  Or, do you eat something else?  I'd eat donuts (obviously), but they are too big and too messy.

Marathon Training Week 6 Recap: The Weekend Running isn't Over Yet...

Total Mileage: 18
Miles Run: 18

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My town hosts a 5K every April and I have participated in the race for the past three years.  However, I opted not to run the race this year because I didn't feel ready since I didn't run as much as I would have liked after the marathon.

So, I am now running this race in lieu of my missed hometown race in April.  The race ended up fitting well into my schedule since the long run this week was only 7 since it is a cutback week.  Ideally, I'd like to run a sub-25.  It would be even better if I could average a sub-8 pace, but I don't know if that's possible.  Look for my race recap to follow!  My brother and dad will also be running the race so it will be a family affair again.  We couldn't convince my mom to run with us this time.

The weekly runs were a lot harder to complete outside due to the stifling heat that has plagued the area.  I was able to run 3 miles Tuesday morning, but I had to run 5 miles Wednesday and 3 miles Thursday on the treadmill at the gym after work.  Running on the treadmill (aka dreadmill) sucks.  Mentally, it's awful since you feel like you are not going anywhere and the scenery doesn't change.  Thankfully Hell's Kitchen was on Thursday so I distracted myself with that while running.

The long run this week was awesome.  I ran 7.02 miles in 1:09:54 (9:57 average pace).  My splits were as follows: 9:55, 10:02, 9:42, 10:08, 9:55, 10:00, 9:56 and 10:18 for the last .02.  The weather wasn't too bad.  It was a little hot, but there was plenty of shade on the trail as well as a nice breeze.

Today, I realized how much I love having the support of a group for longer runs.  It makes the time go by so much faster as well since we chat while we run.  Also, I feed off the energy of the other runners and I am motivated to keep up.  I can't image running more than an hour by myself.  I run without music so it would be awfully boring.  Afterwards, I hang around to chat with the other runners from other groups and hearing their experiences is motivating to me.  Hopefully, as this training season continues, I will become more and more confident about being able to run the marathon well and achieve my goal time.

This has been a great week of training and I'm very pleased with myself for having run all the miles this week.  Of course, I would have preferred to run them outside, but it just wasn't possible for me with this heat.  Hopefully it will be cooler next week.

Good luck to everyone running the Rock and Roll Half Marathon tomorrow!!  Also, it is National Ice Cream Day tomorrow!  Who's excited about that?!  I know I am!  I'm planning on going to the best ice cream shop ever for my sweet treat.  Get the black raspberry chip if you go - you won't regret it!

Week 5 Marathon Training Recap: A Successful Long Run!

Week 5 Training Mileage: 21

Miles Run: 18

After last week's scare, I was absolutely terrified to run in the humidity this week.  And, to be honest, I'm a total fair weather runner and am a big baby about running in the heat.  I monitor my two weather apps on my phone like a hawk.  I love running in the 40s and the 50s.  The 60s are OK, but I start to get nervous when the temperatures go over 65.  I always add another 10 degrees for how I will heat up while running.

On Tuesday, I ran 3.02 miles in 31:08 (10:19 average pace).  It was already in the mid 70s when I started running at 5:25 that morning.  This did not make me happy.  I made sure to hydrate a lot before, during and after so I wouldn't have the same issues as the last week's long run.  I didn't have any issues, but it was not comfortable having to run to the bathroom more than usual.  But, I'll take more trips to the loo then a splitting headache and nausea!

On Wednesday, I was supposed to run 5 miles, but I felt pretty tired and again it was already hot when i woke up at 4:45 so I decided to take a rest day.  My body was craving it.  And, I don't feel bad at all about taking a day of rest.

On Thursday, I missed the opportunity to run in the morning when the temps were perfect (low 60s) because I slept in.  I had run in the evening after work which sucked big time.  The temps were in the mid 70s, but the humidity was not that bad.  I ran 5 miles in 47:24 and was pleased.  I got the run in despite wanting to just go home, sit on my couch and watch the MasterChef episode from the day before.

On Saturday, I ran 10 miles with my training group in a little over 1:40.  We ran along the Des Plaines River Trail south.  We start at the Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville and we ran south by the business district in Vernon Hills (my hometown).  Thankfully the temps were perfect!  They were in the mid 60s with not a lot of humidity.  There were also a lot of sections of the trail that were shaded, which was nice.  I didn't have any issues with dehydration or my stomach after the run so I was beyond pleased.

My only gripe about running on the trail is that my Garmin is super wonky.  My pace group leader has a Garmin 610, which is a more advanced model then the one I have and his paces still vary like crazy.  So, sometimes he compensates for a slower mile by running the next mile (or miles) faster.  It doesn't bother me if we don't run each mile at a perfect 10 minutes.  It only matters to me that my average time for the run is somewhere around 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, I forgot to restart my Garmin after we took a little stop for hydration so my mileage was way off.  I'm going off my pace group leader's splits for this run.  Another runner in my group told me that she doesn't stop her watch when we stop since the clock at a race keeps on going even if you have stopped.  That was a pretty good point.  So, maybe I'll try that next week.  

Next week is a cut back week and my long run will only be 7 miles.  I'm contemplating on running this 5k in my neighborhood next Sunday.  The race starts along my normal running route.  Plus, if I get my 3 miles in on Sunday, I won't feel bad if I don't run one of the three milers scheduled for Tuesday or Thursday next week.  I definitely think I can run a 5K after a 7 mile training run.  I may not race the 5K full out though.  My little brother and dad are game for the 5K too.  We may be able to convince my mom so it may be another family affair.  We shall see.

Overall, good week for training despite not having run all the miles recommended.

Do you stop your watch when you take a break while running?  If you run on the trails, how do you prevent your paces from jumping around when you feel like you're running at a steady pace?

Marathon Training Week 3 Recap: New Things on a Short Run

Week 3 Mileage: 15

Miles Run: 15

You can't tell, but my outfit was all green today. 
Also, I broke in my new shirt, shoes and socks.

I finally went out and bought a new pair of running shoes last weekend.  My previous pair was approaching 10 months old (!) so it was about time.  I'm not sure how much mileage I put on them since I'm not diligent about tracking that, but nevertheless, new shoes are always a good thing, IMO.

I went over to Running Away Multisport in Deerfield and picked up the newest model of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS shoes.

Looking forward to putting in some miles on these babies

I also stopped by Sports Authority and picked up some new running gear since they had some great deals on the clearance racks.  I bought a sweet Nike running shirt, Nike sports bra and UnderArmour underwear.  It dawned upon me as I was perusing the racks that running in cotton underwear is probably not a good thing especially for long runs.  I mean, the general rule of thumb is not to wear anything cotton (socks, shirt, shorts, etc.) so I suppose this rule applies to underwear as well.  In the alternative, I could run without underwear since my shorts have a lining, but I don't feel comfortable doing that.

 

I decided to skip the trail run with my training group because I had to feed my parents' cats while they were out of town.  Also, I secured my first (of probably many) PT sessions, which was at 9am.  The run would have started around 7 and I probably would have been able to make it, but I didn't want to cut it too close.  After all, it was my first PT session and I didn't want to make a bad impression!

 

So, I ran 5 miles in 45:54.  Splits were as follows: 9:19, 9:13, 8:54, 8:58 and 9:28.  Mile 3 was fast because I saw another runner running behind me and I didn't want her to catch me. Also, I wanted to catch this speedy woman running with a jogging stroller.  She turned into a park area along my route so I didn't have a chance. Mentally, I checked out on the last mile and got tired.  I have to stop fading in the last half mile.  It doesn't help me that my last half mile is on a straight stretch of road, which I despise.

 

I have to practice running on straight stretches of road on dead legs because the last two or so miles of the marathon are run on Michigan Avenue.  I had a horrific time those last two miles and I really did not think I would ever finish since the buildings looked so far away.  I also did not enjoy spectators yelling at me and telling me I had just a 5K to go.  I wanted to slap them and thankfully I did not have the energy to do so.

 

On the whole, my training is going well.  Out of the 12 runs, I've only missed one and cut back the mileage on another since I ran a race instead.  I also ran more on Week 2's long run.  However, running more than prescribed probably won't happen often. 

 

However, this is just week 3 of my 18 week relationship with training.  It's new, it's fun and it's fresh.  Hopefully I can keep up the love affair while it's still burning hot.

 

If you're training, how's it going? Any tips for not checking out toward the end of a run or a race?  Is anyone racing on the 4th of July?  Racing on a Thursday is a bit weird, no?

Run for Boston 5K Race Recap

23:30.05 - Garmin only measured 2.92

This morning I ran the Run for Boston 5k at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.  I signed up for the race right away as soon as I found out that 100% of the proceeds go to the Who Says I Can't Foundation to help those that lost limbs a a result of the Boston Marathon bombing.  Also, I was super excited that the race was held in Libertyville, which is the town next to mine.  Yay for local races!  I convinced my parents to run the race too so it became a family affair.

We headed to Independence Grove around 8 and snagged some free parking, which was conveniently located right by the start line.  My dad picked up our packets the day before, but they were also handing them out at the race too.

It was somewhat cold - in the low 60s and it looked like it was going to ran.  I had time to kill so I decided to walk/jog a bit so I could get the blood flowing to my legs.  I did not want to be sore after the race like after the North Shore Half.  That wasn't pretty at all.  Illinois Bone and Joint (a PT place) was out and they lead a pre-race warmup, which was really helpful.   I did a few of the exercises before I decided I was warm enough.

The founder of Who Says I Can't, Jothy Rosenberg was at the race!  He thanked all of us for participating and assured us that our race fees would go to a great cause and help people get back on their feet.  After that, we had a moment of silence for Boston, which was very touching.

And then we were off!  The race was not chip timed, but I still decided to start my Garmin as I crossed the starting line.  The course was basically a big loop through the forest preserve and was ran on the path and not on the trails.

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I hate looped courses for several reasons.  First, you can see the other runners ahead of you.  Second, you can see where you are versus where you have to be and it seems so far away.  Third, I like to be surprised, which happens more with point to point courses, I think.

Can you find me?

Mile 1: 8:16:  The start was a little crowded as most race starts are.  I was able to get into the groove once I dodged past slower runners.  I wanted to be conservative with the first mile, but not run it too slow since this race was only a 5K.  I was pleased to see a time in the low 8s, which I haven't seen in ages.

Mile 2: 7:56:  A sub-8 split?!  What?!  Who am I??  Needless to say, I was pleased since I haven't run a mile under 8 minutes in ages as well.  After Mile 1, I tried to hang with two women who looked about my age.  But, they were too speedy for me.  I passed up a few people on the way to Mile 3, but other than that, I was pretty much running alone.  I also kinda wish I had stopped for water at the aid station past mile 1, but again, it is only a 5K so I could do without it.

Trying to keep up :-/

WTF is up with my arms?! :-o

Split for 0.92: 8:13:  We climbed up a bit hill and the finish area was to our left.  However, we had to run around this circle to get back to it.  I was less then pleased.

The bad thing about running with headphones is that you can hear the sound of feet pounding and approaching you.  I had been running alone for quite some time and was like, "Ok, well let's just get it under 24 if you can and not let any other people pass you. If it's a guy, ok, but not a woman."

DOH.  Spoke too soon.  All of a sudden this chick comes up behind me and she is really gunning it.  I mean, like hardcore - good form, wide strides, arms pumping - the whole shebang.  I, on the other hand, am just dragging my ass toward the finish at this point having already exerted myself in the miles prior.

But, in the back of my mind I'm like, "Ha, I have an epic sprint in the bag so as long as I stay close I can reel her in and take her down!"  She must have read my mind because she sped up really fast after I surged a tiny little bit ahead of her.  She had the epic sprint that I was hoping for and finished ahead of me.  Boo.  Oh well, shit happens sometimes, I guess.  I can say that I didn't want to kill it and have that groin pain I had post North Shore Half, but let's face it - I just didn't challenge her because I couldn't.

Where'd that chick go?
Oh, shit, she is way in front of me!  Oh well.

Are we there yet?!

Checking Garmin as per usual

I watched my dad finish the race.  He ended up with a 29:xx.  I then tried to watch my mom finish, but missed it since I overestimated how fast she would run.  After the race, we munched on some great post-race goodies which included bananas, Oreos, pizza and 312 beer.  

Dad in yellow running along

And, I took a picture with the Chicago Running Bloggers!  I definitely saw some familiar faces since I read their blogs.  And, I introduced myself to Pete B (aka The Lakefront Trail) who has commented on my blog before.


Chicago Running Bloggers post-race

Overall, it was an excellent and well-organized race.  I definitely would run it again if they decide to make it a yearly thing.

Week 9 Recap

Runs:
Tuesday: 3 miles treadmill during lunch
Wednesday: 7 miles in the morning before work
Thursday: 0 miles, but did 4 on the elliptical during lunch because my legs were a little sore after the 7 milers
Saturday: 11 - program said 10, but went for 11.
Total Miles Run: 21.  Elliptical: 4.  Program: 24.

I felt GREAT this week.  I was extremely pleased with myself for being able to get the midweek long run done.  I woke up at 4:00 and was out the door by 4:20.  I ran 7 miles in 1:06:18 (sub 10 minute miles) which wasn't really what I wanted to do, but I had limited time since I had to get home, stretch and get ready for work.  I paid for it afterwards since my legs were sore the following day so I did the elliptical instead of running.

My commute really sucks.  I hate wasting two hours of each day on the train going to and from the city.    I know that I did this to myself.  I made the decision to by a house in the suburbs instead of renting a place in the city.  In theory, I probably wouldn't be saving that much time if I lived in the city.  There's no way I could ever live downtown (nor would I want to).  And, the thought of having to run along the crowded lakefront path doesn't really appeal to me either.

Anyway, I was just happy to be disciplined enough to get most of the runs done.

The 11 mile long run felt AWESOME!  I felt GREAT toward the end of the run so I was able to pick up the pace.  My group took a mini hydration break with probably about 1.5 miles to go.  Another runner and I decided to keep going so we ran it in together.  We caught up with the 10:30 pace group who I think only ran 10.  One guy picked up the pace to run along with us and he went ahead a bit, but I was able to catch him at the end and run strong through the parking lot and toward the finish.

It's so weird that I felt that good and it was ONLY 11.  I remember when the thought of 11 miles would be so daunting on me back when my maximum long runs were only 5.  Now, 5 is just a warm-up.

Anyway, the week was great and I definitely was excited about my progress.

PT went well and I only went once during the week.  My therapist decided to only see me once and wait until I got my detailed running report from the guy who did my gait analysis.  So, I had Friday off, which was a great start to the weekend.

Now, if only I could say the same for Week 10...

Marathon Training Group Long Run #1

I ran with my marathon training group for the first time yesterday morning.  It was a really great experience and I'm excited to run with them again.

Our long runs start at 6:45am and are at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville.  Old School is absolutely beautiful.  The group meets in a parking lot by the big sled hill.  I arrived at around 6:40 and there were already lots of people there.  Most of the runners were wearing their hydration belts and I felt like a totally newbie since I literally jumped out of my car, grabbed my keys and put my shoe tag on.  Oops.

There were 8 of us total - 2 group leaders (Dave and a woman whose name I cannot remember), three guys (2 probably in their late 20s to late 30s and an older man probably in his 40s), two women (early 30s to early 40s?) and me.

We were supposed to run 5 miles only, but we ended up running 6 miles.  It was hard for us to keep a 10 minute mile pace since the weather was pretty awesome (mid 60s) and we were only doing 6 miles. We ended up running in 59 something for a 9:48 mile pace.  I tried to stick with my group leader Dave for the entire run and I tried very hard not to run in front of him.  Toward the end of my run other group members just went for it and ran ahead, but I stuck with him.

I learned a bit about the people that I ran with and it was pretty run.  The two guys in their 30s and the woman probably in her 30s (?) had run the Ragnar Relay in the beginning of June.  I believe all three of them were running the marathon for charity.  The marathon will be the women's first.  She got inspired to run it after Ragnar.  She's a teacher and lives in Grayslake.  One of the two men has an injury, but I couldn't detect what it was.  One of them has a wife that is a physical therapist.

One woman is training for her fourth (!) Chicago marathon.  I did not ask where she lives.  The other woman is from Highland Park and she had run a marathon when she was younger and she asked her husband to make sure she never ran one again.  She decided to try for it again this year.

I talked to other group members about my ITB pain, how to fix it, etc.

Toward the end of the run, I talked to my group leader a bit more.  I asked him how he is able to train his body to run at a 10 minute mile pace for miles at a time.  I told him a bit about my running background and he was impressed that I was able to run under 2 hours in the half.  He asked how old I was and he said that I was a "pup" and that I have a lot more time to get faster, etc.  He started running when he was in his late 40s and has since run 9 marathons.  He most recently ran the Big Sur Marathon.  I ran the Big Sur half in the fall so we had a bit to talk about regarding that.  Also, he asked me if I was Filipina and I said that I was.  His ex-wife was Filipino so we talked about the Philippines for a while.

After that, we stretched for a little bit and I ran another two miles with Dave and another guy named Gary who is 59 and has also run 9 marathons.  We chatted some more and I really just was in awe that they had run 9 marathons each.  I hope that I can accomplish that.

Overall, the run went really well.  I was glad to be running with people and I also was not worried about my pace or time since we had a group leader who was supposed to be focusing on that.  I could just focus on the run and enjoy the beautiful sites and scenery.  On the run, I saw a deer twice.  The trails were awesome!  They were a little challenging with some inclines.  I also enjoyed the shade from the trees around us.  And, my KT tape held up pretty well.  I still have to learn how to tape my ITB properly, but other than that, all went well.  :)  The legs feel OK today, but my ITB was a bit tight and pulled a little when I was walking.  I've got to use the foam roller to stretch it out.  

Can't wait for the next run!

Gear:

Total Miles: 8

Total Time: ? (and I'm perfectly OK with not knowing!)

Clothes: Green tempo track shorts and dark gray CARA tee shirts.  

Gear: Brook Adrenaline GTS 11's

Image Credit: http://chicago.blockshopper.com/news/story/800142282-Kellogg_Co_exec_lists_5BD_home_in_Mettawa