Trashcan Annie

the Achilles spasmed.  So I cut this run short, and walked home.  I didn't even know it was tight.  later on, as I massaged it, it felt like a guitar string.  But eventually it loosened up a little, and became quite sore.  It's not a major issue, I can tell at this point, but it is annoying.  I guess that's what taper is for, to "find" these little things and sort them out.

30min @ half marathon effort  (5:55 p/m)
I stayed true to form, actually a little conservative the first ten minutes, 6:00pace, to feel out the achilles (which is much better), then the second ten I inched down to 5:56, felt great, last 10 minutes 5:52... and then I got a little over-zealous and dipped to 5:49 which definitely felt faster than half marathon effort. but it was only for four minutes. achilles is fine. tight and sore but fine...

I am going to miss Gold's Gym! I've just gotten all those meat heads used to me! Just this week we were flexing our muscles together "grrrrr" (their's are a little bigger than mine, just a tinsey bit)... *sigh* I'll have to find new meat heads. :(

By the way... I predict a 2:43:00 or under! 6:13ish pace

37:55 for the marathon pace (6:19 p/m)  Well now I know what I'll run on a bad day.  I am so sick and tired of that stupid hilly loop.  Every hill felt like a life time.  I'm glad Jenny has us run all of our MP workouts on it, because it makes us stronger, but OHMIGOSH, I don't want to run it again for months.  My lungs were not challenged, but my legs were on fire.  I was happy when my training partners all said they had a similar run!

RAn with Jenny!  woohoo...and the rest of the gang.  This was a really fun run.  Looking forward to the marathon!

It was pretty humid out today.  I'm hoping the weather improves before the marathon! 

Workout

1 mile MP (5:39... um not)

1 mile easy

1 mile MP (6:09... more like it)

I had a long talk with Jenny yesterday about race strategy.  We both agreed that we didn't know enough about me to know whta my training indicated for a goal pace, and that I should race based on feel.  I asked what sensations I should experience if racing the correct pace, she said I should be "slightly uncomfortable".  So my goal today was to experience those sensations during the run.  One glitch... I have very little experience "racing" anything longer than a 10k (and I've only done 3 of those).  So guess what happened on the first one?  I ran the first one at around 10k pace, "This is a little uncomfortable" Duh!  the second one was way way more reasonable.  I wish I had practiced this sensation a little more.  I am feeling my infantcy more acutely right now than ever!  I think my plan will be to set my timer on my watch for 6:10-6:12 pace at the beginning and reassess every 10k.  I am a little excited.  There is so much to gain and nothing to lose.  "Freedom is just another word for nothin' left to lose"... The late, great Janis Joplin!  I think based on long runs and training that is THE most reasonable plan!

well this was a pleasant run.  I only timed .8-1.8 miles and 3.2-4.2... on the way out I ran a 6:19, then the made a conscious effort to slow down and on the way back that mile was 6:42.  I guess I am feeling rested?  Chest a little tight.  I still have 3 days until Mday so I'll befine.  I'm missing my babies though!  I can't wait to see them.

ran with casey

easy in chicago

"you can't always get what you want...." 

That's the theme for this race.  CHICAGO MARATHON....

It was very very cool to toe the line with the Constantina, Colleen... and my new friends Adriana, Zoila, and Stephanie (my three faves).  Three miles in I didn't feel right.  7 miles in I had an idea it wasn't my day (as 6:25 felt like 10k effort), 10 miles  in I got mad and tried to force my body to snap out of it.  By 12 miles I knew that was a lost cause, but forced my stupid body to slog out two more miles just because.  My goal wasn't simply to finish.  My goal was to see the fruits of my labor pay off.  The body would not cooperate.  At the med tent my respiratory rate was 28, and my pulse was 76 (my face was numb).  I made a good decision, but it was a very hard decision.  (with those numbers who'd know if I'd have finished even if I tried to finish.)  I wanted "my day" to occur on 10/12 in Chicago, in front of my family, friends and acquantances.  It didn't but I have faith that there's a reason.  I have faith in my training, and after the infllammation in my lungs is gone I will toe the line again.  HOpefully November 1st.  Historically October has never been my month.  It's been a while since I've tried to race in October and I had hoped I'd grown out of that... Guess not.

still feel like I can't get a complete breath. But a little better than sunday.

Still tight. Can breath in deeper, it hurts but I can do it. however, that isn't important, sunday isn't important. I got shocking news today when I took Willie to the eye doctor.

Will is severely nearsighted. I am having some of my first real mamma bear feelings.  This will be one more thing that makes him totally different from Me, Casey, and Cooper.  None of us need glasses, neither did anyone else on either side, until they were in their 40's.  His perscription is 4.75 in one eye and 5.00 in the other.  Those are some thick stinkin' lenses.  Poor kid got my asthma and allergies, now Mr. Magoo glasses, at least he's built like a brick outhouse, with the strength of Hercules.  The rest of us are svelt... and Cooper and Casey have zero health issues.  Not even one allergy!  He's going to think someone dropped him off at our door step!  I think I'm going to buy pretend glasses to wear so he doesn't feel so different.