RunnerGirl - Janeth Salazar-Ohst

Congrats to Mac's Pac Alumni Finishers

2010-10-11T11:42:00.002-05:00

Congrats to all of Mac's Pac Alumni finishers at the Chicago Marathon 10-10-10.

All of our club starters finished the race in some not so nice weather conditions. Way to gut it out!

Ann Coles - 3:21:03
Laura Pearson Sanders - 3:54:16
Julie Snow - 4:17:49
Terri Costello McHugh - 4:37:21
Lisa Obermaier Creger 4:51:06
Judi Grein O'Connell - 5:23:17
Donna Obermaier Wilkins - 6:08:50
Laura Smith Newman - 6:12:04

Chicago Marathon

2010-10-08T21:06:00.003-05:00

Good luck to all Mac's Mac Alumni club members running this Sunday at the Chicago Marathon! I will be a course marshal at the 3k mark and when release can go to catch most of you at the half, 16 mile and finish line. Smile big when you cross the line as Mac will be watching the finish line.

PAMA!!

Club Members running:

Ann Coles
Donna Obermaier Wilkins
Lisa Obermaier Creger
Julie Snow
Terri Costello McHugh
Laura Pearson Sanders
Judi Grein O'Connell
Laura Smith Newman

Mac's Pac Alumni Club Communications

2010-10-08T07:41:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!
A new yahoo groups has been created for our club and the great thing about this is that in order to send out communications to everyone in the group all you have to do is send email to macsrunners@yahoogroups.com BUT you have to join first. Invites have been send to everyone on the contact list and by the end of this week (10/10/10) mass emails will only reach those who have joined the group.

Why a yahoo group? The original email contact I had set up doesn't like the mass emailings being sent out and would periodically freeze me out of sending mails. Eventually yahoo would have yanked the account. A yahoo group is what yahoo requires groups to use. Macsrunners@yahoo.com still exists and is still the contact point for new members and can be used if you want to just specifically ask me a question. I check it ALL THE TIME.

Calling all members of Mac's Pac

2010-09-07T14:12:00.024-05:00

Okay ladies, this is Mac's last year of coaching! When Mac retires he will have been Schaumburg's Cross Country and Distance Track coach for 30+ years...wow.

Let's put our heads together and see what we can do to make this year extra special for Mac. I have a few ideas but with all the runners that have gone through the program I'm sure there will be some better ideas out there.

But first we need to start searching for as many people as we can. Direct everyone to this blog and/or have them email me at MacsRunners@yahoo.com. I was only at Schaumburg for 4 years like the rest of you so there are definitely people out there I have no idea about. I need names (if married a maiden name also), contact info (email is best), and year you graduated. As of 9/25/2010 I have 40 contacts and we really need to ramp that up!

2010 Cross Country Schedule:

I want to encourage everyone to attend meets if you have time. Especially invitationals. Get a group of old teammates together and drop in and say hi to Mac and cheer on the girls. We have a really great team this year. Here are the meets that are left:

9/18 Peoria Notre Dame Invitational - Detweiller Park (same place state meet is held)

9/22 SHS vs Hoffman Estates - at home (Hoover Elementary School). Mac's nephew is now the coach there.

9/25 Bartlett Invitational

9/30 SHS vs Barrington/Fremd - at home

10/9 Sterling Invite

10/16 MSL Conference @ Busse Woods - FS Girls 9:30am, Varsity Girls 10:30am, JV Girls 11:30am

10/23 IHSA Regionals also at Busse Woods - 10:00am

10/30 IHSA Sectionals - SHS hosts this at, you guessed it, Busse Woods - 10:30am

11/6 IHSA State Meet - Detweiller Park Peoria!

First event planned - October 30, 2010:
Volunteer and cheer for our girls at the Sectional Cross Country Meet on October 30th at Busse Woods. Schaumburg is the host school and Mac always needs workers for the course and finish line. The girls run at 10:30am and the boys at 11am. Parking is atrocious so plan to arrive early. The meet takes place at the far west side of the Busse Woods off of Higgins Road (south side of Higgins) within sight of I290/IL 53. After the meet is over lets all gather for pictures and a little video that I need for a short movie I'm planning on making for Mac. Email Janeth at MacsRunners@yahoo.com if you are coming to the race so that we can give Mac the number of volunteers that will be showing up. If you can only work part of the time that's perfectly fine, let us know, or if you choose you can just come to cheer on the girls and say hi to Mac, its all good. I should be there but I will be on crutches so I won't be doing much in the way of volunteer work. If you need more specific directions to Busse please email Janeth at macsrunners@yahoo.com

November 3, 2010 6:00pm - 9:00pm - Fall Sports Awards Night:

Current member of Mac's Pac, Karen (senior), has invited all alumni to attend the fall sports awards night at Schaumburg High School main gym. She has created a facebook page so please check it out. Search on Mac's Last Pack to find invite. If you are on my FB network I have already forwarded the invite to you. She would like us to wear past CC shirts if we still have them...if they still fit I say to myself! haha. Unfortunately awards night is the Wednesday right before they leave for State so we won't be able to celebrate the very very high place they will finish but we can do that on Saturday in Peoria at the State Meet!

Future plans:

Attend the State Cross Country Meet in Peoria the week after sectionals.
Design and make Tshirts for all interested Mac's Pac alumni.
April 16, 2011. Volunteer and cheer for our girls at the Saxon Invite Track Meet (now called the Mike Rebeck Invitational) and after the meet is over run a lap with Mac....something he said he really would like to do! It would be awesome if we had those tshirts on for this run.
Have an end of the school year Alumni Reunion/Retirement party

Request:
Photos please. Lots of them! And if you have your year book a scan of the team photo and the year it was from. Imagine if I could get every single team photo ....wow! Send to MacsRunners@yahoo.com. I'm working on a video for Mac for the end of the year party.

If you would like to be part of the contact list we are putting together please leave your name, contact info (email is best, or phone number), and year of graduation to MacsRunners@yahoo.com

Also if you have a certain expertise in something (like tshirt design) or special contacts (like a big venue we can host the end of year party at for cheap) please please let us know.

Also send us any ideas you have in the comments or to MacsRunners@yahoo.com. If it is something really involved I can call or email you back and we can get the ball rolling on whatever you have in mind and post that here as well.

Thanks everyone and please spread the word as far as you can. We have over 3o+ years to cover!

American Grands!

2009-09-04T08:22:00.004-05:00

Kyla and I will be participating in American Grands this coming January and I'm so excited! This is a grand piano event and it's grand in every sense of the word! You sign up for your level of playing, you get your music, practice, then come together for rehearsals. Each piece is performed on 12 grand pianos with two or more people per piano. There is a conductor leading. It's like an orchestra of pianos! This is going to be a blast! I will be performing with my teacher.

Text and photo below taken from http://www.cordogans.com/community.htm

Since 1994, Cordogan's has donated the use of 12 grand pianos for an annual
fundraising concert called American Grands, in which over
300 piano students of all ages -- and from all over Chicagoland -- get to
perform alongside their peers and teachers. This concert is always completely
sold out and helps benefit Elgin Community College's Visual & Performing
Arts Center.

If you haven't experienced the power of music lately, thirty seconds of
sitting in this audience will remind you. Seeing children as young as 7 years
old wearing tuxedos or sequined gowns while gaining the unique stage experience
at the hands of over 1000 concertgoers is a most memorable site!

Over 300 performers sharing twelve grand pianos is the essence of the
Cordogan's sponsored "American Grands" concert annually held at Elgin Community College.

Arrangements for Nina Ohst

2009-07-27T08:47:00.002-05:00

It's hard to make sure everyone gets notified of the arrangements so I'll post them here and hope they get passed along.

I know it's hard during the week to attend such things so please don't consider this an obligation of any sort. If you can make it that would be wonderful, if not we already know that our friends are thinking of us and supporting us.

Visitation:

Wednesday from 4pm - 8pm

Hultgren Funeral Home

304 N. Main Street

Wheaton, IL 60187

630-983-7712

Funeral:

Thursday 11am

Peace Lutheran Church

21W500 Butterfield Road

Lombard, IL 60148

630-627-1101

A Tearful Goodbye

2009-07-24T23:23:00.004-05:00

Tonight a little before 9pm my mother in law Nina passed away. She was battling leukemia but she actually died of pneumonia that she contracted after her 2nd round of chemo. I am honored to have been at her side, along with her children and husband, at the very end. She has been a blessing in my life and I will miss her very much as will the entire family.

Below is the prayer Sister Ann prayed over Nina early today and this prayer now is my very favorite and indicative of the way Nina lived.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
when there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand,
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Bastille Day 5k - 2009

2009-07-12T18:41:00.007-05:00

Thursday July 9, 2009
7:30 PM
1st Overall Female
18:51

Well this year I was definitely a lot more excited for this race. Injuries behind me for months now and steadily dropping 5k times had me ready to see what I could do on this super fast, super flat course. My main goal was to get myself back under 19 minutes again and I thought I had a good chance today. This race is a company sponsored race so I would be with all my running co-workers and they always make me happy and ready to go! Extra bonus this year was that Andy was coming as well and would be filming the race for me and everyone on the team.

So the day of the race comes and the weather is beautiful, unlike last year's massive rain, thunder and lightening. I warmed up with no feelings of anxiety or stress. I looked around a bit and saw just a few women who might pull me under 19 minutes. I chatted a bit with a few friends, did my strides, got a kiss from Andy and lined up.

The start:
As usual everyone went out FAST and I pushed a little bit harder than was comfortable but nothing crazy. One girl was out like a bolt and was soon out of sight. She was looking like she was going to run under 18 with the way she went out. I concentrated on getting around the first few turns and running strong, there was one other woman in the same area as me that I could see. I felt in a groove almost right away which was a really good sign.

Mile 1 - 5:59.9
Great! By this time I've dropped the woman that was near me at the beginning but I still cannot see the lead woman. I focus on getting to that next mile mark in as close to 6 minutes as I can. Gotta keep things going!

Mile 2 - 6:03.5
Yes! I'm working hard but breaking 19 minutes is looking like a reality for today but who is that I see? It's the lead woman! This is going to get interesting because I believe she is coming back to me...but will I have enough time? She still is way up there. I hate coming home after a race with regrets so I pile on some more pain and go after her. I see Andy about a quarter mile before the 3 mile mark and she has maybe 10 seconds now. A few more turns and I make my move past her. She fights and gains, I pass again and this time she let's me go. I'm in serious serious pain at this point and that 3 mile mark seems soooo far away. I briefly worry that I made my move too soon but I'm committed and I can't back down.

Mile 3 - who knows?!
I'm almost there! I just keep pushing and pushing, praying for that last turn that will take me to that finish line. I'm aware that my form is crap but I just can't get it together so I just keep grinding way. 5K's just hurt!

The finish - 18:51 (6:48.61 for last 1.1 miles)
No. Regrets. :-)

Once I recover, and I seriously thought I was going to lose my lunch, I shake hands with the 2nd place woman and go to see the rest of my co-workers finish. I find Andy filming at the last turn and help cheer everyone on. Most everyone had a great race out there! Congrats to all my co-workers (Brian Gaines, Kelly Roe, Kim Heitzman, David Chin, Jim Wood, Paul Clement, April Nowakowski) and a huge kiss to my husband Andy!

Results for top 5 women. Just look at the age of these women! No wonder I'm so tired, it's tough work fighting with 20 yr olds!

First Name	Last Name	Age	Time	Pace
Janeth	Salazar-Ohst	42	18:51	6:05
Heidi	Sarna	27	19:07	6:10
Kelly	Shuma	24	19:09	6:11
Kara	Ciccarelli	27	19:51	6:24
Amanda	Shike	23	19:58	6:27

NFA Runs Bastille Day 5k - 2009 from RunnerGirlJaneth on Vimeo.

Until the next race..

Peace,
Runner Girl

A great big thanks!

2009-04-29T08:10:00.002-05:00

A great big thanks to everyone who went out to view our entry in Nike's Believe in the Run contest, voted for us and helped us spread the word.

The contest allowed photo and video entries with awards given to each category. Our video finished in the top spot for all video entries and was 4th overall. It is now up to a panel of Nike judges to decide who will win in the video and photo categories. The score depended on votes, viewings, reviews left, and how "viral" the entry was. We were able to score points with viewing and votes coming from Europe, Asia and Africa, along with all the votes from the United States.

It was exciting to watch the video climb up the ranks but I'm glad its finally over so I can stop being so nervous :-)

A very special thanks to the following people:
My husband for helping me with footage, especially the sunset runs, and his never ending efforts to spread the word among his "non" running friends. The JustImagine site showed almost 5 thousand hits after they put up a link to our video.

My daughter for her ideas and willingness to be in my video project

AND drum roll here....
to Wendy, with great appreciation and admiration, for putting the bug in my ear about the contest and giving all her talents into putting the footage, photos, and voice over elements together in a way that truly represented the message I wanted to deliver combined with her own love of THE RUN. It wasn't just my story!

Have a great day everyone and I will let everyone know when the final results come out

I Believe in the Run - We are Back On!

2009-04-18T23:40:00.009-05:00

My friend Wendy and I put together a great clip for Nike's Believe in the Run contest. We ran into a problem when we realized that the original song used violated copyright laws so we had to scramble to replace the soundtrack. Unfortunately we have to start all over from 0 votes.

Please help us by clicking below, watching the clip and voting for us. Tell everyone you know and have them do the same! You can vote daily. I recently found out that leaving a review helps our score as well...so if you have time...leave a review :-)

My special thanks to Wendy for helping me tell why I Believe In the Run

Please hurry the contest ends April 28th!

Thanks!

Janeth & Wendy

BELIEVE IN THE RUN

Sponsored by Visit NIKE USA

Boston Bound

2009-04-17T16:11:00.005-05:00

It's hard to believe that its been a year since I had the honor of running Boston! I'm not going this year but I want to wish all my friends who are going.

Katie Owens (bib number 14158) ~ making her return appearance to Boston after running a PR 3:34:58 last year. Always humble Katie isn't making any claims of a great race ahead...WHATEVER...she will do fabulous as usual.

Val Trax Hattabaugh(bib number 18614) - is making her first appearance at Boston using her one and only marathon time from the 2007 Chicago Heat-athon - 3:47:57. A Boston qualifier the first time out! I immediately worked on convincing this "one marathon and I'm done" girl to go to Boston. Obviously she wasn't sold on it fast enough to run in 2008 but was able to enter the 2009 race. I'm excited to see how she does and I'm so glad she decided to run a marathon one more time.

John Garcia (bib number 8563) - the running news guy, see his blog http://runningnewsguy.abc7chicago.com/ is headed to Boston this year as well. Training has gone well and he's on a high after welcoming his fourth daughter into this world just recently.

Dick Pond Racing Team - Fast feet to all the members of my racing team that will be running Boston this year. Represent our team and sponsor with pride!

Remember all runners can be tracked during the race. Go to www.baa.org on race day. Click on the links that will only be visible on race day and by using their bib number you will be able to see every 5k split.

It's going to be hard to concentrate on work that day :-)

Run smart! Run fast! Enjoy!!

It's been a while!

2009-01-19T15:21:00.003-06:00

Happy 2009!

I can't believe I have not posted anything since Jenny's first pro competition in August. I got a little wrapped up in facebook and I've had a number of nagging injuries that kept me from really racing much.

I'm currently coming back from a really painful case of runner's knee and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm going to finally be able to move forward after several attempts. Next week I get my new orthotics. It's costing me a bundle but I've really put it off for way too long. My original orthotics were stolen along with my shoes in a health club over 4 years ago and I've been limping (literally) on store bought inserts since. I'm up to 3 miles now every other day with my temporary orthotics. It feels good to run again but I still worry about every little tightness thinking that things are going to break down again AND I feel like a fat out of shape slob. I've not been able to run for some 8 weeks now.

My friends have accomplished many things over the last half of 2008 and I've neglected to post on that as well. I will see over the next week if I can put that in.

Here is to a great 2009, good friends, and great running!

RunnerGirlJaneth

Jenny Garrison's First Pro Triathlon!

2008-08-26T13:54:00.005-05:00

My good friend and triathlete goddess Jenny Garrison competed in her first triathlon as a pro on August 24th right here in Chicago!

It was a tough day for her out there but Jenny showed us what a true athlete does on such days...you keep moving, plain and simple.

Jenny is just five months from giving birth to her second child and she is already out there competing. She kicks my butt, that's for sure.

Congrat's Jenny, I'm so proud of you!

Read all about it http://www.jennygarrison.blogspot.com/

Bastille Day 5k 2008

2008-07-21T10:49:00.001-05:00

Thursday July 10, 2008
7:30 PM
6th Overall Female
1st AG 40 - 44
19:09

I will admit that I was not quite in the right frame of mind for the race this year. I've had a really good spring based on all my training for Boston ...but once Boston was over the bottom had kind of dropped out. I was excited about getting back into training for my fall marathon but my body just didn't want to go along for the ride. Well after a really dismal 10k race in June my good attitude followed my body out the door and I got sloppy with my training and eating and I was feeling less than comfortable around my waist! Then less than 2 weeks before this race I strained my hamstring. It was minor and I had to take a real easy week of runs of no longer than 2 miles with lot of days off, I got my eating in order focusing on nutritious food and tried to get some good sleep. The day of the race my hamstring was almost 100% but I just was feeling out of shape and under pressure considering I had done well at this race last year.

The good thing about this race is that it was a company sponsored race so I would be with all my running co-workers and I love that energy!

So the day of the race comes and the skies start looking very ominous and the rain starts coming down hard. Great. I was already working hard to be up for this race and racing in a thunderstorm isn't one of my favorite things to do. I try to keep my mind on my work and I'm either hoping it storms like crazy and they have to cancel the race and I can just go home or it better just clear up already! Well it did clear up and everyone got dressed and started the walk to the race less than a mile from the office. Andy wasn't with us as my parents were sick and could not watch the kids, I was kind of bummed about that as well.

We got about half way there and I started my warm up. I planned on really doing a good warm up, lots of drills and some stretching so that my hamstring would be ready to go. As I started running I felt like crap. What is wrong with me? I basically had to give myself a pep talk to knock off the bad attitude. Warm up, race as well and as smart as I can, and for heaven's sake just enjoy being with everyone. The air is a little thick but there is a good breeze and the temps are dropping a bit.

As I warm up and do my drills I see the competition. Oh boy! It was going to be fierce. There were some really fast ladies warming up. That's fine I tell myself, people to chase, and to be truthful knowing that winning wasn't going to be realistic took a load off my shoulders and I started to feel better and my body relaxed and got into a better groove. Weird, eh?

I look around for any of my co-workers to wish them luck but I only run into a few of them and I had to get to the starting line. I chatted with a few people up front but then it was time to fly.

The start:
Everyone went out like bats out of hell!! I felt like I was standing still. It was crazy but I held my pace. I wanted to avoid going out too hard and going into oxygen debt and I wanted to protect my hamstring a bit. So many women around me, looked like I was going to have a lot of company. The lead women were already way ahead and out of sight.

Mile 1 - 6:08.7
Not too bad and worlds better than the opening mile of my 10K a month ago...still it would have been better to be under 6 minutes. I now start hunting. I have no idea at this point what place I'm in (10th) but I know its time to really focus and get as many places and I can. Between mile 1 and mile 2 I pass two women.

Mile 2 - 6:09.7
I don't look at my watch at this point as I keep my focus on form and the next woman to pass. I feel strong but not exceptionally fast. Looking at my splits later I'm really pleased to have come back only 1 second slower so even though I'm not in the best of racing shape I'm still plenty strong. I see the next woman and she looks fit and fast but I'm catching up to her so I pass halfway to the 3 mile mark. Things are getting uncomfortable and I don't see any other women so I just continue to try and bring my form back in line every time I notice I'm getting sloppy. Constantly reminding myself to keep the turnover going, bring the arms in, keep my chin down, control, focus, push. The 3 mile mark is coming into view and HEY, what is this? Another woman in sight!

Mile 3 - who knows?!
I dig in for a fight and attempt to take the next place right at the 3 mile mark. She responds for maybe a second but since she was wearing headphones she never heard me coming. She was a sitting duck and I got her.

The finish - 19:09 (6:52.33 for last 1.1 miles)
Once I pass headphone girl I push as hard as I can around the corner and to the finish line. At this point I still have no idea what place I finished in but I felt like I put in a good honest effort and it was faster than the 19:30 that I thought I would run.

I get a Gatorade and go back to cheer everyone in. As I wait the storm clouds return complete with thunder and lightening. I fail to spot any one of my co-workers coming in and as the downpour begins I give up and run back to the office.

People start showing up at work all drenched and I get a chance to touch base with everyone. I'm ready to go home and so is everyone else. Hopefully we will get better weather next year.

Final results show that I won my age group 40 - 44 and was sixth overall. My winning time from last year would have earned me 4th place this year so obviously the competition was much deeper this year.

I'm glad I made it to the start and it definitely was a lesson in staying positive and focused on what is important. Its not always easy but I do love running and racing!

Good job to all my co-workers, Kelly, Brian, Paul, Jim, Kim, and poor David who was really sick and should have gone home!

Live to race another day!

Peace,
Runner Girl

Hard Choices lead to Best Decision - Mohican 100 Miler

2008-06-23T11:34:00.005-05:00

Brian started his first 100 miler on Saturday on great pace but in the end succumbed to foot blisters on feet that may not have been completely healed from his last 100K on May 3rd. Attention for the blisters were taking more and more time (by medical staff and by Brian) and the pain reached a level where continuing on would have required more suffering than was reasonable. Brian still completed an admirable 52.2 miles and had to contend with some scary weather as well.

The allure of the ultra distance race. Formidable challenges with NO guarantees. Hats off to Brian and his first attempt. We are all proud of you!

As my old coach used to say:

"Live to race another day."

Brian going for his first 100 Miler

2008-06-18T11:03:00.004-05:00

I guess running a 100K is not enough for Brian as he will be participating in his first 100 miler this weekend (June 21-22). This boy has caught the ultra bug BAD and it sure has been fun following all his ultra adventures. This one should be the best one yet!

Go to his blog http://briangaines.blogspot.com/2008/05/i-gotta-feverand-only-prescription-is.html to read on what led Brian to sign up for this event.

See http://www.mohican100.org/ to view the race website.

As usual I will be sending "run fast and free" vibes out to Brian everytime I think of him and hopefully I will be able to track his progress with his new SPOT GPS toy. :-)

Best wishes to Brian and his crew support Kelly.

Boston Marathon Race Report

2008-05-08T09:59:00.005-05:00

Finish time: 3:08:02
Overall Place: 2,115th out of 21,963 finishers
Overall Female Place: 133rd out of 8,935 finishers
Overall AG 40 - 49: 24th out of 2,980 finishers

Its been a long long winter of training and I was FINALLY here. Boston Massachusetts. Andy and I arrived on the Thursday before the race to see the sights, take in the Women's Olympic Trials race on Sunday and of course run my race on Monday. It was great to just walk around and enjoy the time with my husband. Boston is a really cool city.

Part I - Seeing the sights

We arrived in Boston in the late afternoon and after buying our "Charlie Card 7 Day T-Pass" we navigated Boston's public transportation system to our hotel. We were advised to avoid renting a car and to just use the "T" and it was darn good advice. You can get everywhere in Boston on a subway or bus and even to the outlaying areas via commuter rail (like our Metra) and it's very organized and cheap! Streets are narrow and confusing making for bad driving. Boston itself is really very small and we found ourselves walking more than anything else.

Over the next two days in Boston we did the tourist stuff by checking out some of the historical sights on the "Freedom Trail". This is a marked path throughout the city that brings you to Boston's most famous historical sights. The weather was beautiful and sunny, it was obvious by the end of the day that we had not worn any sunblock.

Me on the USS Constitution - oldest, still in commission, ship in the world!

Bunker Hill Momument - 294 steps to the top window. I had to take a pass on that.

Andy took this picture from the top of the Bunker Hill Monument to share with me when he came back down.

Friday we had dinner with an old high school friend of mine Leslie Liu (nee Lin) and her husband Ling Yi in Chinatown. I haven't seen Leslie since 1991 and we had a really great time. The food ordered came off the menu that only could be read by Ling Yi so you know we were doing it "authentic" and all. We didn't know what everything was but we ate it and it was delicious!

Saturday morning I went by myself to the 16 mile mark on the course, the beginning of the famous Newton hills of which the last and biggest one is known as Heartbreak Hill. I took the T out to Woodland, jumped off and ran the course all the way to Boston college (about 4 miles). I'm glad I did this as I felt it was important to see for myself what these hills really looked like. My opinion, decent sized hills and something to be respected but not so bad if prepared. Took the T back to the hotel from Boston college. The area around Boston college was absolutely beautiful. To think I could have gone a million different places and I chose Iowa. If only I could do college all over again...

Saturday afternoon we joined up with the sub3 guys (Kevin, Tom and some of their friends) at the expo where we tried unsuccessfully to do something about my assigned corral, hoping that recent performances could get me a better starting spot. Nope, brick wall a.k.a. Boston Marathon Association. Move on. The expo was a mad house and was just rocking with excitement both for the upcoming race and for the Olympic trials. Ryan Hall was there giving autographs but we got in line too late. I got my official Boston marathon jacket, soaked in the energy.

Part II - Women's Olympic Trials Marathon

I was so excited for this! The Woman's Olympic trials was to start and end in the same area as the Boston marathon finish area and they were going to run multiple loops. It was going to be so easy to see the race unfold! Everyone expects Deena Kastor to win and qualify for her second Olympic team having brought home a bronze medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic games for the marathon. Deena's best time was light years ahead of the other competitors...but one never knows. My friend Dot McMahan was running in the Hanson's uniform and we were planning on showing our support for her the best we could. I briefly ran with Dot on Chicago's Universal Sole running team a number of years ago. Back then I knew she was trying to make a decision whether or not to quit work and give training professionally as a runner a shot. Well she took that jump by apply for and getting accepted into the elite Hanson's running team where she has been for a few years now. I was praying with all my heart that today she was going to shine!

Well we got there early at the starting line and watched the women come on out to warm up and get ready. I was shocked at the emotion I felt, it was totally unexpected but I started crying. All my memories and feelings from having run the 1996 Olympic trials and my buried disappointment that in the years since I had not managed to qualify again due to ....well life I guess. It felt like such a loss. Hindsight is 20/20 and if I had known I would have savored that time so much more. Andy noticed my emotion and quietly put his arm around me. The feeling passed and I came to realize that this was yet another example to live fully in the now and that's is exactly what I was going to do.

The women are lined up ready to go. On the front line far left is Magdalena Lewy Boulet, 5th in the 2004 Olympic trials (originally from Poland), next to her is I believe Mary Akor (orginally from Nigeria?), then Kate O'Neill (one of the favorites), then Elva Dryer (another favorite and two time Olympian), Blake Russell 4th at the 2004 Trials after leading most of the way (she has some unfinished business to attend to I believe!) , Deena Kastor (Bronze medalist 2004, American record holder, aka as Queen Deena), Zoila Gomez. Dot is on that front line but she is hidden by the officials on the far right side.

The race gets off and pretty quickly Magdalena takes the lead while the pack stays very conservatively behind. It seems like every Olympic trials has a person that goes out hard from the beginning just to get swallowed up and tossed aside but this seems a little different. Magdalena isn't running out of this world splits and the main group seems just plain slow. There will be a point in this race where Magdalena will be 2 minutes ahead of the main pack with only a 10K remaining.

The main pack finally breaks up as Deena goes after Magdalena with Blake Russell following and Desiree Davila(Hanson's runner) looking to challenge Blake for the 3rd spot.

We see Dot (front left) several times during the race and she looks strong and is slowly moving up the ranks.

Joan Samuelson running a steady pace in her characteristic running form. Joan will end up breaking the US 50 - 59 AG group record.

Deena Kastor

In the end Deena takes the lead past the 22 mile mark but Magdalena holds for 2nd and Blake Russell finishes 3rd. Dot finishes an outstanding 8th place (2:35:02) with a more than 8 minute PR, running the race I always knew she was capable of. I was so proud of her.

1. Deena Kastor 2:29:35
2. Magdalena Lewy-Boulet 2:30:19
3. Blake Russell 2:32:40
4. Zoila Gomez 2:33:53
5. Tera Moody 2:33:54 (former Illinois high school runner)

Best wishes to our marathon Olympians in Beijing!!

Part III - Boston Marathon

The day of my race dawned and it was cool, cloudy and gloomy looking. I feared rain but the weather reports said not to worry so what could I do. I left my room at 6am to meet the sub3 guys at the bus loading location on Tremont alongside of the Boston Common park. The pick up location was within walking distance of my hotel (nice little unexpected perk there). Andy would leave later to take the T to the top of Heartbreak Hill a little past 21 miles which would be hours from now. I'm really used to seeing Andy a lot during my races but the way this course is laid out it's about the best thing we could figure out, kind of a bummer for Andy as a spectator and for me for hubby support but I knew this ahead of time and I didn't feel bothered by it. It was all cool.

The sub3 guys were in good spirits as were the rest of the crew that came with them. I was happy to be in the company of friends and we got on our bus. It was really wild to be on a bus just packed with runners all buzzing with energy. We got on the expressway and it was a never ending line of yellow school buses...I found it really amusing. I felt relaxed and excited to be here.

Once we arrived in Hopkinton we entered the Athlete's village and found a spot for our group under the massive tents they had up. I called home to chat with my kids before they left for school, talked to my parents who were taking care of my kids, and I called Andy. I couldn't wait to get going! I thought they were going to call us out by range of numbers to go drop off our stuff and line up but you really couldn't understand what the announcer was saying and there just came a point that my group decided it was time to go and we got ready to leave. I took off my sweats and put on my ultra high-tech garbage bag for wind block and we left. There were buses after buses with race number ranges on them. You hand your bag of stuff to someone hanging out the window of your assigned bus and go line up. It felt like a pretty long walk from the Athlete's village to the actual starting line but it probably felt like it because there were so many people around.

Kevin and Tom bid me goodbye when we reached the 8th corral (my start) and they moved on since they had higher corral starts. I wormed my way as far up the corral as I could and then just waited like everyone else. Everyone seemed in great spirits and the sun came out and it started to warm up.

Elevation chart:

The Course:
"Run" the course in about 4.5 minutes with this really cool compressed video tour.
http://www.boston.com/sports/marathon/course/video/

I reviewed my race plan which was this. Just go with the flow when we cross the start line don't worry about pace and don't expend energy weaving. As things open up slowly move up in pace. I hoped to be able to start running my real splits after 5-6 miles. The half way point should still be comfortable and as I approach 15-16 miles get ready for the Newton Hills. Take the hills with good strong form coming out at 21 miles with energy to continue strong to the finish. Nice plan, eh? Let's see how I did...

First 5 miles

Gun goes off and we start a slow walk/trot. I don't know it at the time but it takes about 4:13 to get to the starting line which isn't all that bad considering I was pretty far back from the starting line. I feel relaxed and definitely not in "real" running mode. I'm already passing a lot of people but only when a hole opens up to allow me to flow through. Leslie had given us a tour of the first 16 miles of the race on saturday so everything I see looks comfortably familiar and I'm humming along. The first mile or so is a pretty big drop in elevation with a small rise right before 5. Somewhere in the 2nd mile there is a quiet part and I listen for a moment and I hear the footsteps of 12K+ runners and a steady even breathing. I look ahead and there is an endless stream of people ahead of me heads all bobbing up and down...a little surreal but very cool. I cross the first timing mat at 5k and I visualize my friends tracking my progress and its weird but I feel this connection with the people I care about who care about me and it just fills me up with energy. (you would of thought I was on some happy drugs). I felt this on every timing mat I crossed. A little "here I am!" to my friends every 5k. I also know some of my friends were watching my splits carefully so it was a nice "see, I'm running smart...so far". Paul Clement was texting Andy as I crossed each timing mat as well, so it was also my link to Andy.

1 - 7:39.41; 2 - 7:22.60; 3 - 7:14.10; 4 - 7:05.81; 5 - 7:21.91
5k - 22:59

First few minutes of the race. I'm somewhere about 8 thousand people back. See me? I'm probably still standing still.

Leaders reach the first mile. I've probably just cross the start line 30 seconds before this.

Miles 6 - 10
These miles click along at a nice pace, nothing exciting and I resist the urge to go sub 7 because believe it or not my quads are telling me that the downhills have not gone by unnoticed. The space around me has opened up a bit. The streets are narrow and the spectators are pretty much right on us. The positive energy flow is something else. I'm still just passing and passing. I'm not really talking with anyone as I'm running the pace that people in the 3-4 corral were probably running so there is no one to really stick with. Did I say already that this course is just fantastically beautiful?

6 - 7:06; 7 - 7:10.15; 8 - 7:09.76; 9 - 7:04.09; 10 - 7:09.19
Total 10 mile time: 1:12:23
10K 45:22 (5k split of 22:23)
15K 1:07:28 (5k split of 22:06)

Miles 11 - 15

These miles start to roll a little more and we start entering some bigger towns. The crowds are getting bigger and its definitely starting to get warmer. I should have worn my hat. I'm staying well hydrated but I only started with 20oz of Gatorade on my belt and I'm going through it faster than I had thought I would . I start making more use of the gatorade stations. I'm still fighting the urge to go sub 7 because I'm feeling the quads a bit and I know the Newton hills are coming. Shortly before the half way point there is what people like to call the "Scream Tunnel" or "Scream Alley". The girls of Wellesley college have a long standing reputation of coming out on marathon day and literally cheering non stop from first runner to last. They stick their hands out to high five the runners and a lot of the guys stop to steal kisses from the girls. (Um, no I didn't do that). I could hear the Scream Tunnel before I could even see it. I asked the runner next to me if the noise was what I thought it was and he was all smiles as he replied "Yup! Enjoy, its just awesome." I was getting goose bumps from the excitement that seemed to rise up from everyone as we got closer. It was just this surreal love fest and I jumped right in high fiving a ton of spectators and was lucky to not have dropped a 6 minute mile here as the energy was unbelievable. I believe that somewhere before the 16 mile mark I pass Kevin and Tom. I raise my arm to them as I pass and they cheer me on. Slow climb to 15 mile mark then a big drop before the Newton Hills start.

11 - 7:13.69; 12 - 7:05.31; 13 - 7:04.04; 14 - 7:01.06; 15 - 7:12.97
Half - 1:34:30
20K - 1:29:45 (5k split of 22:17)
25K - 1:51:38 (5k split of 21:23)

(Boston.com Staff Photo / Dana Giuliana)
(Boston.com Staff Photo / Dana Giuliana)
(Boston.com Staff Photo / Dana Giuliana)

Just before the half way point. The Famous "Scream Alley" - Wellesley College. You can hear them cheering before you even see them. I still don't understand how they manage to be so loud. It's truly awesome.

Click to hear the scream tunnel for yourself

Miles 16 - 20

Okay, this is usually the worst part of a marathon for me but I was having none of that today!! I was hungry for those hills and looking forward to seeing Andy at 21. I felt mentally fresh and eager to finally go. My quads were not the happiest due to the downhills but the uphills actually were a relief on my quads. I see Newton hill number one, check, hill number two, check, hill number three, check. I chant "form form form" in my head as I pass hundreds of people. I felt like I was on top of the world. I take mile splits but I don't look and I even miss taking the 17 mile mark - I was on a mission. I keep my breathing steady, my eyes forward, my form quick and efficient and I think of nothing but the next step that is before me. The next and biggest hill comes after the 20 mile mark. The splits in this section vary quite a bit as the sections in between the hills were either downhill or flat and I think I was just keeping my hill effort throughout, maybe should have taken the in-betweens a little bit more relaxed.

16 - 6:43.92 17/18 - 14:19.74; 19 - 6:56.92; 20 - 7:14.99
20 mile total time: 2:23:16
30K - 2:13:34 (5k split of 21:56)

Mile 21 - 26.2

Heartbreak Hill!! Ha! A doozy but didn't break my heart! I see Andy at 21 and he runs down the sidewalk with me for about 20 seconds cheering for me the whole time. God, I love this man! The crowds in this area are thick, the road has widened, and the cheering is all around us. Some people are struggling up Heartbreak and the crowd sends those people concentrated cheering. I'm thinking at this point that Boston spectators need to get medals - they just rock. Now that the toughest part of the race is done it is time to set my sights on the finish. The downhills come hard and furious here and I have to keep a check on form and ignore the rising tide of discontent from the quads. I remember the posters about town that say "My quads were screaming but the crowd was screaming louder." Yup I'm starting to live that about mile 24. I finally see the famous Citgo sign that is supposed to signal a mile to go and I can't do anything but just keep form the best I can. I was running with some women from 22 to 24 but I can't stay with them anymore so I focus inward again and I can hear the announcer from the finish line that of course is hidden around a turn (why do they do that??, ugh). I see that finish line, I'm hurting and I'm pushing to the end. Total time 3:08:02. Done!!

21 - 7:27.31; 22 - 6:54.86; 23 - 7:10.95; 24 - 7:00.16; 25 - 7:19.16; 26 - 7:20.28; 26.2 - 1:34
2nd Half split - 1:33:32 (negative split, yeah!!)
35K - 2:35:49 (5k split of 22:15)
40K - 2:57:59 (5k split of 22:10)

The Aftermath

Wow! What an incredible day. I have never in my life run a marathon with such a great crowd! There is all this hype surrounding "doing" Boston and I wasn't disappointed. As a course Boston is definitely a course requiring a sound strategy. The downhills slowly but steadily do their damage and of course the hills have to come at the back end. I'm so glad I listened to all the advice given to me on how to run this course, by listening to them I was able to really run this course well.

I only got to see Andy once during the race, he couldn't even come to the start with me, and he had a really tough time getting back to the finish line. The T was literally jammed with people and Andy had to get on a train going the opposite direction just to be assured of a spot when the train returned. I called and we decided I should just go back to the hotel. It was hours before he got back. It was a beautiful day so I just kind of shuffled back to the hotel with all my stuff. I wasn't able to find Tom or Kevin but I talked a while with their friend Steve.

Time to give thanks:
Thank you Sub3 guys - Kevin, Tom, Mike for inviting me to train with them for Boston. I'm glad to have become friends with you all and I hope to continue training and racing with the Sub3 guys!

Thank you Leslie Liu and Ling Yi for your hospitality and to Leslie for an unexpected drive of the first 16 miles of the course and taking me to the grocery store to get everything I needed for the morning of the race (I know you needed a nap badly). Your kids are great and it was a pleasure to see you again after so many years.

Thank you Dan Iverson, and Jon Sinclair for sound race strategy. I listened.

Thank you Paul Clement for tracking my race online and texting Andy. It helped Andy to know that I was okay and moving forward.

Thank you to all my friends who tracked my progress throughout the race. I touches my heart that I have friends who care and I take great pride in your accomplishments as well.

A big thanks to my parents for taking care of my children during our trip to Boston!! I know it was a lot of work and we really appreciate it!

Thanks to my children for "bragging" about your Mommy at school and for letting me hear your sweet voices the morning of the race. Love you both!!

Big hugs and kisses to Andy as usual for his support before, during, and after the race. Won't you run a marathon some day so that I can return the favor? No chance, eh? :-)

Congratulations:
To Katie Owens for a monster PR at Boston, a 17:32 minute PR to be exact! The Boston Association allowed her in after just missing the qualification time at the Chicago Heat-a-thon (which was a PR as well). Katie definitely proved she deserved to be there. You rock Katie.

Okay I better end this monster of a post.

Peace,
Runner Girl Janeth

RunnerGirl Kyla Shines in First Mile Race

2008-05-02T15:49:00.005-05:00

Kingdom Youth Run - April 26th, 2008
3rd Overall
2nd Girl Overall
1st AG 10 and under
8:47.5

Let's hear it for RunnerGirl Kyla in her first full mile race! She had done a few of those short little dashes a race sometimes puts on but today she was doing the "big kids" race. A whole mile! She wasn't even nervous!

I ran with her so I got to see the whole race right up front and it was really interesting watching her race. She hurt for going out so fast, not being experienced in running a full mile distance, but her ability to push was a little scary. I told her before the race that I wanted her to have fun first and foremost but there was nothing that was going to squash her competitiveness that day! I seriously thought she was going to dry heave mid race. She eased back just a bit, powerwalked twice for a few seconds each time, but as we circled around the block that would lead us to the finish line and with about a quarter mile to go she put the pressure on, broke the three boys or so that were still around her, tried to chase down the lead girl and flew through the finish line. She looked amazing.

8:47.5. I barely could run that fast as a 12 year old! She was all smiles at the end.

Kyla - making it look easy!

Brian and Kelly's Very Busy Weekend

2008-04-02T16:35:00.011-05:00

Congratulations to Brian on his outstanding finish at the Clinton Lake 30 miler. The Clinton Lake 30 miler is a 3 x 10 mile trail loop near Bloomington/Normal and having run just one loop there last Thanksgiving I know it's definitely some challenging terrain. I certainly struggled with it. Good job Kelly on going along with Brian on his last loop. By Kelly's description she had to work to keep up with Brian and this was his last loop. This bodes well for Brian's 100K in May. Get to work Kelly, we can't have him showing you up again, he gets so annoying when that happens! (totally kidding)

It was awesome to hear that Brian performed better than he had expected! It was driving me crazy all Saturday not knowing how he was doing so I had to call before the day was over. Hey race director how about a chip mat to mark each loop and a way to track online? Oh I forgot, that would be very un-ultra like, I guess I'm one of those spoiled marathoners :-) I'll just have to drag my butt out here next time to watch for myself!

Read all about the race and see this year's results at http://www.secondwindrunningclub.org/Clinton/Clinton.htm

Brian completing his 1st loop

The next best thing to an ice bath - a freezing cold lake!

Now where would we be without our crew support? - Brian and Kelly

Okay now we aren't really done here because then Brian and Kelly show up on Sunday to the Shamrock Shuffle 8K and race yet again! Aren't they tired yet??

Congrats Brian! Its going to be a great year!

For Brian's complete race report see
http://briangaines.blogspot.com/2008/04/clinton-lake-30-mile-trail-run-race.html

Shamrock Shuffle 8K

2008-04-02T13:30:00.007-05:00

Time: 30:00

Place: 7th Female Overall, 1st AG 40 - 44

Team Place: Dick Pond Co-ed Team 1st

Okay let's just say I didn't really know what to expect today but I was hopeful. I've been marathon training for Boston (just 3 weeks and 1 day from this race) and marathoning training does not usually make for quick shorter race efforts. On the other hand my training has been going so well and the strides I have been doing recently had been feeling effortless and smooth so I thought maybe, just maybe I might be able to pop a good race today.

The weather forcast for Sunday was dreary and cold and it was. Sigh. I don't know a single Chicago runner who isn't tired of this weather already! I bundled up and my husband and I left the house about 6:30 or so. I felt oddly calm and relaxed, hmmmm. We hit the city and found a nice little sitting room in the Congress hotel on Michigan.

By the time it came to warm up the wind has lost some of its bite and I wasn't too uncomfortable warming up. I felt light and ready to go. My adrenaline was up a bit as I anticipated that this race was going to hurt a bit but I didn't feel panicked at all just getting mentally ready for it.

Kelly and Brian showed up to the hotel and we all went to meet the rest of our company teammates at Buckingham fountain. I ran ahead and snuck in some strides and drills before meeting up with everyone for pre-race pictures. I headed off for my starting corral and Andy was to take my sweats from me from the side lines. I get to the start and I had a little mini panic. There was no way for anyone on the side lines get to the corral! They had like 20feet of dead space on either side of our corral and the final fencing before the side walk was nothing anyone would be trying to climb over that's for sure. I had no idea where Andy was nor how he was going to get to me. I took a deep breath and knew that if he didn't show up I would just have to lose my super expensive sweat bottoms and my Dick Pond team warm up jacket to the dead space and hope that somehow I would get them back. I was a little frustrated but I needed to not freak out so I did my final strides with my sweats in my hands and looking over everyone once in a while to see if Andy was trying to talk his way into the corral and eventually that is what happened. They let him in the dead space area he ran up got my stuff and off he went.

I made small talk with other teammates in the corral but soon we lined up to go.

The start: The first few seconds of the race I couldn't believe how furiously fast everyone was going. People were passing me like I as standing still and believe me I wasn't! I concentrated on staying relaxed and not blowing it all in the first half mile.
First mile 5:54.23. Perfect. Didn't even feel that bad. I was thinking that 6:05 would have been more appropriate but this felt good. There were big groups of women ahead of me and at this time I had no idea where I was place-wise. I start my plan of attack, to move up in place by picking up everyone who went out too fast and was now starting to come back to me. I take splits on my watch for the rest of the race but I don't bother to look as I keep my eyes focused on every female runner I can find ahead of me.
Second mile 5:58.44 By this point I had passed about 5 -6 women and there was another group in my sights. I felt strong and really aggressive. I briefly worried if I was making my moves too soon but I just didn't feel like I had a lot of time. I hear familiar voices in the crowds. I might of heard Ann and I could have sworn I heard Mac (my former high school coach). I drive forward.
Third mile 6:02.97 Passing more women but things are definitely hurting more. I ignore the tiredness, focus on form, keep driving forward. I want to see that 4 mile mark where I plan on trying to shift even deeper for the last short mile (for my non runner friends 8k is just short of 5 miles). I see only one or two woman ahead of me but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get them in time. What the hell! Go for them anyway! I pass them.
Fourth mile 6:03.88 Negative thoughts keep trying to get into my head and I keep pushing them aside. Form is getting harder to hold as I strain to keep the turnover going at a pace I'm just not used to. I hear Andy, I see another woman, and I go for the pass, Andy yells I'm in sixth now. Sixth? I dig hard as we turn onto Michigan Avenue knowing that I don't have much more time. On Michigan I get passed (not by the one I just passed) and I refused to let her go. I dig even deeper and I lock my eyes on her back. I lose a little on the bridge but then its time for the sprint home. I'm not going to be able to get the girl ahead of me but I continue to fight just in case someone is coming up my back. I see the clock and I'm still under 30 minutes, HOLY COW! Just how fast have I been running?? Can I make it under 30? Can I? I'm throwing myself all over the place, making ugly faces with the strain of getting to that finish line. The finish line guy yells that I'm fifth as I finish.
Finish 30:00. Ooo so close. I was stunned! Well I guess hoping for running around 32:00 was way off base. I see Bob Lyons in the finish area and I get a great big hug from him. I'm hoping that I'm the first masters runner in (I am). I tell everyone that I finished fifth but it turns out I was 7th, but no matter I'm happy. I start walking through the finish area kind of in a daze, kind of just floating through as I process the whole thing.

Fellow co-worker and fellow Chia runner Paul once again sets a PR! Now if we could only get him to cut the cord he has with his watch and really let loose!

Brian Gaines finishes his second race in two days. His first was a 30 miler on Saturday at Clinton Lake where he ran an outstanding time on a crazy hilly trail. More on that in my next post. Kelly runs as well even after running the last 10 miles of Brian's 30 mile race on Saturday. I'm such a slacker compared to these two!!

Congrats to all the rest of the NFA crew that ran the Shuffle. It was fun to see familiar faces and be able to have people to talk with about the race come monday morning, people who were actually there!

Congrats to my teammates on the Dick Pond Racing team as we placed 1st AND 2nd with our co-ed teams. We had a lot of new faces and they all just kicked butt! Nell comes back in great fashion after a very long injury and my new friend Kristin West helped in the team standings. I look forward to getting to know everyone during this year.

Sam continues his comeback from his heart attack last summer. Way to go Sam!!

Top 25 Women. How sweet it is to run among the young!! (note the ages of those around me) . Click on results to see a bigger clearer picture.

Boston less than 3 weeks to go!!

Peace everyone,
RG

Homework help via 911

2008-03-26T15:52:00.000-05:00

Funny!

...but I better have that "911 only in emergencies" talk with the kids again!

Racing Season Has Begun! March Madness Half Marathon March 16th 2008

2008-03-22T18:41:00.012-05:00

Distance: Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Time: 1:27:42 (1:27:45 gun time)
Place: 1st Female Overall

Well let's just say today didn't go at all like what I had expected. Fortunately it went better!!

I arrived at this race intending on using this race to "discover" where my threshold pace lay over good sized hills in preparation for my race in Boston five weeks from now. I was relaxed and not really in the competing mindset. I was confident that I could easily run 6:50's or so and my training over this winter had been very good thanks to the Sub3 guys (Kevin, Mike, Tom, and sometimes Heather).

After some discussion with one of my running partners, Dan, the plan was to run threshold pace (estimated to be about 6:50's) till 8 miles. If I felt good then to drop the pace a little and by 10 miles if all continued to go well then go with whatever I had. I doubt that anything would really change after 8 miles as finishing strong on hills in a distance of this length wasn't something I had been able to do in a number of years.

Sunday proved to be colder than I had hoped it would be so I stayed in tights but only had a long sleeve coolmax shirt under my team singlet. I tend to over dress so I tried not to make that mistake for this race. (Turned out to be just perfect). I warmed up with Kevin, Tom and Mike, did my drills and lined up. It was fun seeing everyone after the long winter and of course Pony-Tail Guy was there in just his Hawaiian short and no shirt (I will never understand that guy).

Gun goes off and I'm running comfortably and looking for the rhythm I would settle into. I was right with the Sub3 guys and

the first mile was 6:35. Okay that's faster than 6:50 but the first mile is easy with a lot of down hill so I eased back a bit.
2nd mile 6:42 and of course the Sub3 guys start razzing me about how I said I wasn't going to race this course etc. I listened to them but also I have a particular knack of being able to sense where my threshold point lay and honestly this pace was easy enough for me to make jokes and chat so I figured I would stay with how I felt.
Mile 3 6:38. Okay now this was getting a little silly so I really pulled back and tried to distance myself from the Sub3 guys.
Mile 4 6:51. Now this isn't accurate because I missed the 4 mile point but as soon as I realized it I pressed my lap button. I'm not sure how off it was. Continued to feel good, breathing was not labored at all and we've hit a few good hills already.
Mile 5 6:31. This will not be accurate because mile four was marked late but whatever. Hills are starting to really come in now so I make sure I don't fight the hills but allow some slow down to stay within threshold pace effort. The people around me are keeping steady pace and I can see the Sub3 guys ahead.
mile 6 7:06. Comes after a nasty long hill but still feeling good and not worrying at all about the time. I've lost sight of the Sub3 guys.
Mile 7 6:59. Everyone on the course telling me I'm in 3rd, which is fine, and remembering that last year at this point I was already falling apart so I feel things are going well. The guys around me seem to want to push me to run faster and one guys spots a girl not to far ahead. He of course doesn't get why I'm not gunning for her but then after about half a mile she walks off (bandit runner). Good.
Mile 8 no time. I see mile 8 and feel really good so I make the shift in effort to slightly faster than threshold and duh I forget to take a split. Whatever. I catch up with the Sub3 guys right about the time I start making the shift and run with them. More razzing ensues. :-)
Mile 9 13:03 (a 2 mile split). A tad over 6:30 pace. Good! Mile 9 is a fast mile on this course but mile 10 is not.
Mile 10 6:45. Good. I decide no more holding back time to run race pace over this last 5k which is pretty hilly. I catch up to Tom and he says "So you are racing now?" and I say "No." in a why do you ask voice, then I laugh. I'm not sure Tom heard the laugh but Tom was able to stay ahead of me to the end with some great splits of his own. Oh yeah, I see the 2nd woman and its someone I know. Kristin West. Good, someone to chase. I never really entertain the thought of being able to truly catch up to her as I'm pretty well aware of her abilities but I was having fun and I kept her in my sights. She was still pretty far ahead.
Mile 11 6:46. Not watching splits anymore but just working the hills and keeping my sights on Kristin ahead of me as I start to gain some ground. I hear Ann in the crowd cheering me on. Ann is an old training partner of mine from the Olympic Trials days and owner of a 2:37ish marathon PR so I listen to her! :-) Good to hear her voice.
Mile 12 6:46. Okay, now it is becoming clear that Kristin is within striking distance and I have to make some decisions here. I'm already running quite hard, and the hills just don't seem to ever end, so I search inside to see if I have the strength to dig a little deeper. We are getting very close to Three Oaks Road that will take us to the finish line and of course the guys around me are just salivating at the drama unfolding. We make that turn onto Three Oaks Road and onto the sidewalk and she is there. Bob Lyons (one of my past coaches) gives me the last push I needed, I gather myself and GO as we start to climb that last incline. I pass Kristin within sight of the 13 mile mark.
Mile 13 6:28. Oh everything hurts and I'm all arms and high knees driving and driving as I make the last turn and into view of the finish line. Someone yells from the side lines "The first woman was a bandit, you are running for first!!" Like I needed any more drama!
Mile 13.1 38seconds for a finishing time of 1:27:42! I kind of stand in the finish line area a little astonished at how everything had gone. I ran over 4 minutes faster than last year and I felt strong and confident and did I just beat someone 12 years my junior?? The old lady can move it....occasionally.
Cool down. Long slow 4 mile shuffle.

Congrats to all the Sub3 guys, Kevin, Tom, Mike. We all finish within sight of each other and times were all positive feedback on this winter's work. All hail Kevin for being the coordinator of our workouts.

Congrats to fellow ChiADead Paul for SMASHING his half marathon PR!

Congrats to Jim who followed Paul into the finish chute. PR??

A big "wow" to fellow ChiADead Brian who ran this race AFTER doing 20 miles at Clinton Lake the day before. Clinton Lake is a 10 mile trail course and its a bitch. A true ultra runner!

Congrats to fellow ChiADead Kelly for a good solid run on her way back from some difficult winter months.

Next on the plate The Shamrock Shuffle 8K on March 30th, which I will be racing. See you all there! :-)

Peace,
RunnerGirl

NO SCHOOL!

2008-02-01T10:49:00.002-06:00

It's a snow day!!

Jenny Crain Making Great Improvements!

2008-01-02T09:39:00.000-06:00

The latest update from www.JennyCrain.net.

It’s been over four months since Jenny’s accident which occurred on August 21, 2007. While the first three months showed positive but slow change, in the last few weeks Jenny has taken significant strides forward in her recovery.

On December 23rd, Jenny spoke for the first time saying both her name and Merry Christmas! Since that time, she has also recited the days of the week, the months of the year and has read the time off the clock on the wall of her room. She has verbally recognized her mom and other family members, an incredible Christmas gift to all! While her speaking is whisper-like at this time, her care staff assures us that this is a natural starting point in terms of talking.

Another significant step in Jenny’s recovery is her ability to take a few steps with the help of her physical therapists. She is spending three hours a day in various therapy sessions and is also staying awake for a majority of the day.

Jenny’s trach was removed in early December providing her better mobility of her head and neck, however, she continues to be dependent on a feeding tube for nutrition. Her ability to eat will determine the timeline for removal of the feeding tube. A main focus for therapy is her mouth and jaw in an effort to increase muscular strength and mobility in these areas.

Jenny and her family continue to offer all of you our gratitude and thanks for your ongoing support. We feel a great sense of hope as we turn the calendar to 2008…Happy New Year!

Santa Speedo Run - Spectator or Participant?

2007-12-17T13:09:00.000-06:00

Get in a speedo, wear a Santa hat and run through Boston.

the following taken from http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2007/12/12/dashing_through_the_cold/

The first Santa Speedo Run in 2000 was essentially a meaningless stunt conjured up by five friends in their mid-to-late 20s who thought, "we should do something stupid like we used to do," said Jonathan Ianelli, one of the founders of the race.

Their "stupid" idea was to run around the city wearing nothing but red Speedos while taking turns holding a portable stereo that played Christmas music by the Muppets. Passersby were stunned and amused by what they saw. Holiday shoppers stopped to cheer for the scantily clad pseudo-athletes.

"Just from that reaction, we realized people really liked it and that we could probably do something good with it," Ianelli said.

The fivesome began recruiting more friends to join the run and decided to charge a registration fee that would be given to a local charity. In 2003, they raised $14,000. In 2005, they raised over $50,000. This year, they're giving the money to the Women's Lunch Place in the Back Bay.

"It's great because we'll actually run by the church where they have the shelter," Ianelli said.

The day begins with morning drinks and registration at Lir, an Irish pub on Boylston Street. Participants have to raise (or pay) $250 to participate. It's free to watch, of course, and over the years, spectating has become part of the day's fun.
The run starts at about 1 p.m., and since the race is short, it's usually over within a half hour. Then it's back to Lir for more partying.

Kelly Fitzgerald, one of the first women to have run the Speedo event, says participants and spectators should expect to be social. After all, she met the man she married at one of the runs. "The first day I saw my husband, he was in a Speedo," Fitzgerald said.

The greatest compliment to the group of friends who originally started this race as a gag is that other cities have copied the idea. Runners in Austin and Toronto have contacted Ianelli about starting up Speedo races in those cities, and the Springfield-area rock station Lazer 99.3 is running its own Santa Speedo race on Sunday in Northampton. Ianelli doesn't mind the copycats.
"As long as they're doing it for charity," he said.

Missy "the dog" Ohst - At Peace

2007-11-26T09:22:00.000-06:00

Late last night (11/25/2007) we said goodbye to our very old dog Missy.

I let her out last night and when she did not return I went out to look for her in the field behind our house that she loved so much. I took a flashlight and silently scanned the field (no use calling for her since she hears very little). I found her collapsed near her favorite grove of trees. She was awake but barely acknowledged me. I tried to coax her into getting up but she made no effort. I ran back across the field to get Andy and a blanket. Andy and I carried Missy by placing her on the blanket, I took one side and Andy took the other and we lifted her up and home.

In the kitchen we tried to comfort her and warm her up and figure out what the hell happened. Andy says Missy had been running across the field earlier in the day. She had not shown any signs of being sick or in pain other than the usual difficulties getting going in the morning due to arthritis. She had eaten fine and when I let her out she seemed perfectly normal.

We called our vet to get the emergency number off of the recording and after a short conversation with the assistant at the Lisle Emergency Vet clinic we loaded up the car and the whole family went. We knew this was probably going to be it so we wanted the kids to be able to say goodbye.

To make a long story short it turns out that Missy had a very large, possibly cancerous tumor in her lung and the vet thinks perhaps a portion of it had broken off and lodged in her spine and now Missy no longer had control of anything from the neck down although she did seem to be able to feel things. There was nothing that could be done and Missy appeared to be going into shock. She was sedated to be more comfortable and to give us time to explain to the children.

We agreed that we would tell the children about the tumor and what we thought was wrong. We would then say that the dog was to spend the night to be cared for so that they should say goodnight to Missy with the understanding that she most likely was not going to make it through the night. Kyla was crying but went in and comforted Missy with all her heart. The staff gave us all the time we needed and we were in there for a long time crying and hugging Missy. Erik was the only one who didn't seem to know what to do, maybe not really understanding it all. We all went back out into the waiting room and the vet put Missy to sleep. Then just Andy and I went in and I cried like a baby into the fur on her neck. We left. The children will be informed after school today.

Since it is the holiday of giving thanks I will do so here for Missy.
I am thankful for the wonderful dog that has been in our care for over 17 years. She was an incredible running partner while I was training for the Olympic trials and she added a great amount of security with her company on cold dark mornings/nights of training. She LOVED when we did fartlek sessions, waiting for that next burst of speed and it was with such joy! I give thanks for her patience with the kids, never biting them, always watching out for them. I am thankful for her calmness and lack of need to bark for every fool thing. :-) When the doorbell rang she ran up to it and then waited...unless of course we were not there then she would bark her fool head off (at least that is what the UPS man says). Missy was sweet and playful and until age made moving quickly difficult, hearing and sight limited, she would run to greet us every time we came home. We thank Missy for the love she showed us the way only animals do and even as she aged and caring for her became a lot of work we did it as a way to return our thanks to her. I give thanks, for Missy was the dog I had always wanted.

I miss her so much...

Absurd News

2007-11-07T12:05:00.000-06:00

Cow Falls Off Cliff and Hits Van

By Associated Press
12:51 PM CST, November 6, 2007

MANSON, Wash. - Charles and Linda Everson were driving back to their hotel when their minivan was struck by a falling object -- a 600-pound cow.

The Eversons were unhurt but the cow, which had fallen off a cliff, had to be euthanized.

The year-old cow fell about 200 feet from the cliff and landed on the hood of the couple's minivan, causing heavy damage.

A Chelan County fire chief, Arnold Baker, said the couple missed being killed by a matter of inches in the accident Sunday on a highway near Manson.

The Eversons, visiting the area from their home in Westland, Mich., to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, were checked at Lake Chelan Community Hospital as a precaution.

Everson, 49, said he didn't see the cow falling and didn't know what happened until afterward.

He said he kept repeating: "I don't believe this. I don't believe this."

Can you tell I'm really bored today??

Officially In! Boston Bound 2008!

2007-11-07T10:41:00.001-06:00

Finally got my official "your are in" e-mail from the Boston Marathon organization! I was getting a little worried since it's been a month already since I applied for the race and I already have airline tickets bought and all.

The training continues....

Memorialize a loved one in a Diamond??

2007-11-07T10:07:00.000-06:00

Okay so this has nothing to do with running, and that's okay because it's my blog and I can blog about whatever, right?

Well anyway I was bored and I was reading news off of www.dailyherald.com and there was an advertising link to a company that will make a diamond with the carbon of a love one. LifeGem is the name of the company and I guess they are based in Elk Grove. Check this link out http://www.lifegem.com/index.aspx?BannerType=QuigoText&BannerMessage=LoveLivesOn.

At first I was totally creeped out by the thought, then I thought hmmmm, then I was creeped out again.

What do you think?

Naperville North Girls Cross Country Team bring home 3rd place State Trophy!

2007-11-04T10:05:00.000-06:00

Congrats to my training partner Dan Iverson as his girls once again saved their best race for last and brought home a State Trophy by placing 3rd. This was indeed a very competitive year and the road to the state meet was challenging. Through this season's up-and-downs I had a sense that with a solid team effort this team could grab that last trophy spot, the question remained as to how many of the seven girls who stand on that starting line in the championship season would find it in them to really lay it on the line and race. Well enough of them did to secure their place and I breathe a sigh of relief. I know how hard these girls work all year, and I know how much time and energy Dan gives to this team, and I'm very happy for them.

Unfortunately many good teams and individuals could not race at state as the qualifying round of meets had most of the best teams in the state all in one sectional. Naperville themselves placed 4th at this loaded sectional. The top four teams at state all came from this one sectional. Seems like the IHSA needs to look at a better way to walk that line between regional representation and a state meet that really means something with all the good players in place...

Congrats again to Dan and the Naperville North Girls Cross Country team, the seven that ran and the rest of the 90+ girls that make up this team. They are all winners!

(Can you imagine trying to coach 90+ high school girls, yikes!)

Brian Completes 50 Miler and Paul Completes 1st Marathon

2007-10-30T09:27:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Brian Gaines and Paul Clement for their race finishes on Saturday.

For Brian this was THE race he had been planning and preparing for all year. A stress fracture in June really held Brian back as he missed months of training while it healed. As soon as he was able he was back on the road and was able to put in a 10 miler (speed walked), two marathons (one walked, one run), and a 33 miler before getting on the starting line of his 50 miler. (my apologies if I forgot a race or two).

Although the wind provided some challenge in some parts, and physically there were some rough patches Brian had to work through, he successfully made it to the finish line and did so in admirable and respectable fashion. We are all so darn proud of him! Way to go Brian!!

Here are some pictures take by fellow ChiA runner Kelly.

Brian during Loop 2, on his way to Northerly Island, with the Adler Planetarium in the background

In the final stretch, spelling out 5-0 with his hands

All smiles after 10 hours, 11 minutes, and 57 seconds of running

Now we go to Paul. A.K.A. "Mr. I don't run more than 6 miles and I don't run on pavement Paul." Its been quite a year for Paul as he not only ran more than 6 miles on a regular basis he actually ran in his first marathon after not having any real plans to do so until just recently. He picked the most low-key, no frills marathon I've ever seen and did a great job with it. (No miles splits on the course, can you image that?? You guessed it I'm not an ultra runner!) I guess he figured all the training he went through to help pace Kelly in the latter half of her marathon needed to be put to good use. I love stuff like this! Way to go Paul!

Paul finishing his first marathon. 4:46:31

Chicago Lakefront 50/50

2007-10-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

Best of luck to fellow ChiAs Brian Gaines and Paul Clement as they run the Chicago Lakefront 50/50.

Brian will be running the 50 miler after having completed the 50K last year (31.0685 miles, hey I got that from a converter)

Paul will be doing his first marathon as the race was gracious enough to offer a timed marathon this year due to the issues at this years mega-sized Chicago Marathon on October 7th.

I won't be there to cheer you on but I will be sending positive go fast energy your way all morning. Correction...Brian has requested a longer sending of positive go fast energy so I will continue through until the late afternoon just to be safe :-)

-RunnerGirlJaneth

Val Finishes Her 1st Marathon in Boston Qualifying Time!

2007-10-18T13:49:00.000-05:00

Special congrats to Val Trax-Hattabaugh, a co-worker of mine, for her awesome Chicago Marathon finish - 3:47:57. Awesome in many ways:

It was her first marathon
She did it in the brutal heat
It's a Boston Qualifier and she wasn't even trying!

Val isn't expressing much interest in running Boston but we are working on her!

...and while we are here let me just say ONE more time - I not only knew Val would run under 4 hours I predicted a Boston Qualifier months ago! So satisfying being right. :-)

Congrats again Val and I do sincerely hope this isn't your one and only marathon because I know you can go way faster and I kind of suspect you actually liked doing this marathon.

Farmdale 33 Miler - Yikes!

2007-10-18T09:34:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Brian Gaines and Gayle Wagner, fellow ChiaDeads for completing last weekend's Farmdale 33 Miler! A 3 x 11 mile looped trail course in East Peoria.

This is the longest footrace ever completed for both of them and Brian now looks to his 50 miler on October 27th. On top of it all Brian had run the Chicago Marathon just the week before. He makes me feel like such a lazy bum as I'm still in "recovery" mode from my marathon.

For information on next year's race and this year's results go to http://www.farmdaletrailrun.com/

Time to Say Thanks

2007-10-10T21:42:00.000-05:00

I usually consider my fall marathon to be the end of my racing season for the year as the next few months are recovery and a shift back to base training with a few 5k's thrown in for fun. So its like the end of the year for me and I always get to thinking about what has happened through the months both good and bad but I think especially of those people I feel I owe thanks to. So don't read if you don't like the mushy sentimental stuff... :-)

Kelly Roe & Brian Gaines: The last few years I had been struggling with the balance between my running and the rest of my life. I was burned out, not racing well, had growing responsibilities that came with my growing children, and I plain old was tired. I had recently let go of my coach and was truly bummed. But one cannot be bummed about running and racing with Kelly and Brian around. Thank you both for helping me find my "inner" runner and bringing me back to truly love what I do. You both have helped me more than you can know and I totally love being involved in your races.

Jenny Garrison: Jenny is a two time national triathlon champion and about 11 years my junior. She just burns with energy and I have benefitted so much from being able to train with her. Thank you Jenny for being on my door step at 5am twice a week and many times on the weekend. Running your workouts helped get some of that turnover back into my old legs and I love how I can talk to you about anything. Jenny is one fierce competitor and she helped wake up my competitive drive again. Now have your baby already and get back, I miss you.

Jen Skowronski: Jen is my personal trainer and owner of Fitness Inside Out. I started with Jen over 2 years ago to address the weak points in my running form which centered mostly on poor core strength. Not only is Jen a great trainer she has become a great friend. She personally tailors my training for my running needs and has helped me become a more physically and emotionally balanced athlete. Thank you Jen for truly caring about my goals and dreams and especially for listening to me as I sorted out how to balance my personal life with my running and racing. You are the best!

Dan Iverson: Running partner of over 10 years now and coach of girls cross country and girls distance track runners at Naperville North High School. Thanks for being on my door step at 5am 3 times a week and for all the countless long runs on the weekends. I know I can always bounce ideas off of you and get an honest educated answer. Your knowledge of training is vast and the energy you put into your coaching makes you one very special coach. The runners at Naperville North are very fortunate to have you. I'm fortunate to have you as a friend!

The runners I meet during races: It seems that in the majority of my races I have met up with other runners who end up working with me to get to that finish line. I often never learn their names but I wanted to thank them all the same. Thanks to Dave Schaefers for Bastille Day, pacer Bob at Chicago Distance Classic, Tom at Milwaukee, unnamed runner at the 23 mile mark at Milwaukee, and a series of guys with names unknown for the Fox Trot 10 Miler and March Madness Half Marathon. What a great sport this is!

Non-Runner friends: To all my non-runner friends who often seem a little confused by it all but support me all the same with their sincere well wishes and congratulations. They often seem amused by all my dashing around but my friends know what's important to me and they are there for me. Especially you Mary!

Fellow bloggers: To those runners who consistently post on my blog and also give me much to read and think about on their blogs especially Sam and Wendy. I give thanks to God for the fact that Sam is with us today by providing all the necessary angels he needed when he had his heart attack. Glad He decided you needed to still be here with us and I look forward to your first race back. Wendy, you are just cool and your blog rocks!

To anyone who has said I inspire them: That inspires me, period. To be a positive for someone gives me nothing but joy.

Now to the person I have everything to be grateful for:
Andrew Ohst: To my husband, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the years of support you have given me, for giving me the time to train without struggle, for understanding that "runner" is an important part of what I am and not asking that I change that. I love you and the family we have together. xoxoxoxox

OMG! - if you live through all that mushiness you deserve a medal!! :-)

Peace everyone!
RunnerGirl - Janeth

Milwaukee Marathon 2007 - Race Adventure (Report)

2007-10-08T18:11:00.000-05:00

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
October 7, 2007
3rd Overall
3:19:30

Its been a long road to my marathon this year but I was here and lined up for my Boston attempt. I had several concerns weighing me down as I had not really been able to train much over the last 8 weeks due to a knee injury followed by ankle tendonitis. My weekly mileage was minimal and the number of 20 milers completed was a grand total of 1. I had e-mailed the race director to let her know I wasn't coming and I let it go...or so I thought. The ankle was getting better slowly and I thought if my ankle was in good enough condition come race day I should just go get the job done on what I had. It wasn't going to be pretty but it was not unreasonable considering the shape I was in before the injuries and the strength I knew I still had. I felt confident that all would be well and I did what I could running wise, took care of my ankle the best I could, got my sleep, and ate well. I never even thought that race day would bring temps in the high 80's low 90's. My confidence started to drop. I SUCK in hot weather. The last time I ran in a marathon that had a starting temp over 70 degrees was a disasterous and tearful DNF in a very high profile women's national race (Grandma's Marathon 1994). To add to my concern was that my 9 year old daughter had asked to come and help and I had said yes so I definitely didn't want Kyla's first close up view of a marathon to be of her mom crashing. I had to get my act together and keep it together, it was important.

Okay so here we go.....ankle wrapped, very little training, hotter than hell, loved ones in the front row seats.
Oh boy...

crew member - Kyla

The Start

The early miles were pleasant. It was already 71 degrees but there was plenty of shade and a nice breeze. My plan was to stick between 7:30 and 8:00min/mile so of course my first two mile splits are 6:58 & 6:59. Of course. I swear there were a lot of downhills! Really! I pull back letting go of a nice pack of runners I thought would be fun to run with.

Over the next 2 miles there is small chatter with different groups of runners as we all check out what goals are and see if there are people to click in with for the long haul. I find myself with a guy who seems to be comfortably in the same area with me and we slowly gravitate to each other and start matching pace. Mile 3 - 7:21 was much better but Mile 4 - 7:16 comes too fast again. Again we had some nice downs but also there were a lot of women passing me and I was working hard not to go with them. Mile 3 saw the pack in general surge up and mile 4 had 4 women passing me all at once. Resist, resist.

Course starts to roll and after the 5 mile split of 7:11, Tom and I finally settle into the pace we need to be running which is in the 7:35 - 7:25 range. I see Andy and Kyla around this point and all is well, I'm comfortable and I take my first GU and drink some. It is getting warm and we lose some of the shade we had been enjoying. I keep my head wet with each aid station and I drink freely from the bottles of gatorade on my fuel belt.

Tom to my left. I'm reaching for my gatorade

Miles 6 - 10

Miles 6 - 10 are beautifully steady even with a lot of annoying inclines. It's Tom and I with a group of about 3 other men including one guy who keeps sprinting forward, then walking, then sprinting forward again. Idiot. It's getting really hot but we are gifted here and there with shade, residents with water hoses, and at mile 7 we get a half mile of "cold" Lake Michigan air. That was heaven but it was short lived. Somewhere in this stretch we come upon Bonnie Blair Olympic speed skating champion. What?? Okay let me explain. There are relays in this marathon and there was a relay made entirely of Olympians (including Bill Rodgers) running to raise money for Jenny Crain's medical expenses (a local elite athlete suffering brain injuries after being hit by a car). I have posts on her if you care to look. We make a big deal about meeting Bonnie and she apologizes for being a terrible runner and we all laugh and tell her how sorry we were for her, gold medals and all. We leave her and continue on. Splits: 6 - 7:34, 7 - 7:34, 8 - 7:23, 9 - 7:25, 10 - 7:35 for a 10 mile total time of 1:13:19.

Miles 11 - 15

Okay so far things are good but I'm am working just a little bit harder than I had hoped at this point so I tell Tom that my plan is to not give any of the inclines much energy and take what I could from the downhills and he says that fine and stays with me. So after the 11 mile split of 7:25 we don't see anything under 7:30 for the rest of the race but that was no issue and really was just a small shift needed to deal with the heat and rolling hills. As we approach the half way point I start seeing the women come back to me and I'm starting to see a lot of walking. According to Andy it was really hot at the half way point. I was still in control and not letting the heat get to me mentally. He notices the women coming back to me and some dropping out. Later he tells me it was like they all died exactly at the same time. I was in 7th place at the half and then just a few miles later I was in 4th. Splits 11 - 7:25, 12 - 7:33, 13 - 7:36, 14 - 7:33, 15 - 7:35. Half way point was 1:36:48.

Miles 16 - 20

Okay now we enter what I affectionately call the "BLACK HOLE" of most of my marathons. Typically after 14 miles I start to lose focus, I start to feel overwhelmed by the distance that is left and I slow down tremendously till about 19 miles. A lot of time is lost in here and I usually don't remember much other than being pissed. Well not this time!! I think a lot of this had to do with how well Tom and I were working together and the care we took with most of our previous miles. Tom and I take turns being in control of the pace without saying anything, it just seems that when he is feeling crappy I'm feeling strong and when I'm feeling crappy he is feeling strong. Works well. The carnage around us is growing as there seems to be more people walking than running, a lot of drop outs, but the residents are out in full force with water hoses and positive energy, not something you normally get with this marathon. We pass one of the women on the side of the road crying and she appears to be bleeding. She isn't alone and she is being taken care of so we move on. I'm in 3rd now but I'm feeling a little somber as I realize how difficult this race is and I worry about my friends out on the Chicago course. There are some significant inclines in this section of the race and after 18 miles I have lost Tom after going through a water stop. Having all my gatorade with me allowed me to sail efficiently through the water stops taking only what I needed to douse my head and take a small sip, the rest came from the bottles I had on me. Thank God I had decided to wear my fuel belt, something I NEVER do when I race. We see Andy and Kyla multiple times during this section and everytime I see them I get a great lift. I toss them some of my empty bottles. Splits 16 - 7:33, 17 - 7:36, 18 - 7:39, 19 - 7:33, 20 - 7:35 for a total 20 mile time of 2:29:03.

The Last 10k

10K to go! I'm very hot now and tired and alone. All I can think about is the famous drop at 23 miles and hopefully the cool lake air as somewhere past there we have the lake to our left with nothing inbetween but open park area. I'm struggling with the inclines but mentally I'm still okay as I know that my Boston Qualifier is no where close to being in danger. I've shift to mile splits over 8 minutes but I'm okay with that, I can go way over 9 minute miles if I have to, but of course I don't want to. The course starts turning a lot as we go through some neighborhoods that remind me of the rich north shore. I turn a corner to see the 23 mile mark and then it hits me. My head starts spinning, I feel like I'm going to throw up. Its over, I'm done I pass the 23 mile mark and I collapse on the grass right next to the owner of the lawn sitting in his lawn chair. In retrospect it was kind of funny. I wait for the wave of failure to wash over me and then I say to myself "Damn you, you have 50 minutes to get 3.2 miles completed. Sh*t I could probably walk that, it would be embarrassing but it would be a Boston Qualifier. I also thought about Kyla and Andy and just at the moment I hear a voice saying "Let me help you up, you can finish this, you gotta get up" A fellow runner had stopped, stopped for me, someone he didn't even know, and he wasn't in any great shape either and he got me going again. I wish I knew who he was but wherever you are THANK YOU. I did a few yards of power walking then I started jogging. The woman at the corner was just cheering her head off at me as she saw the whole episode and she yelled out to me that there was a special treat for me when I turned the corner.....and there it was THE GREAT DOWNHILL DROP and the LAKE. The temp felt like it dropped a whole 10 degrees (I'm sure it didn't but it felt like it) and I was back! A little while later I pass the runner who had helped me and he was walking. I put my hand on his arm as I passed and gave him what encouragement I could. Quads are starting to cramp but I know I'm almost home. Now its just one mile after another as I hear the announcer in the distance and the rest takes care of itself. Splits 21 - 8:01, 22 - 8:00, 23 - 8:11, 24 - 8:26, 25 -7:59, 26 - 8:11, last .2 - 1:36. Finish time 3:19:30.

The Aftermath

After I crossed the line my quads staged a mutiny and cramped up and I was stumbling through the finish area. The volunteers at the finish area, bless every one of them, were working hard holding everyone up and bringing them safely into the arms of their families. I was escorted to Andy and Kyla and I was so happy. I asked Andy to take me to the medical tent because I was getting dizzy and my quads were still being a problem. I spent about 15 minutes in the medical tent and I was released after drinking 2 cups of gatorade and once my blood pressure stablized. Throughout the race I had consumed over 35oz of gatorade plus the water I took at aid stations.

After all these weeks my ankle decides to be silent, whaddya know!

News From Home

After showering and returning to the finish area for the awards ceremony, which we knew we missed but just in case they were running late, we spoke with the race director and got news of the war zone the Chicago Marathon was turning into. Kris told us that they were telling everyone who had not reached the 16 mile mark by 3:30 to stop running because the race was being cancelled. Immediately I was concerned for all the friends I had running in Chicago but I knew I probably wouldn't know anything for a while. As we left Milwaukee I took out a piece of paper and started figuring out what pace you had to be on to make that cut off. It was pretty funny with me converting time to minutes, dividing things out through long division and talking to myself the whole time about where I thought each of my friends could have been at that time. I felt pretty confident that everyone I knew should have made the cutoff as long as they weren't already in trouble with the heat. Knowing the course I was pretty sure that Chicago's course wasn't giving the runners the breaks we got in Milwaukee. I was worried but all I could do was wait.

Andy, Kyla and I of course stopped for lunch at the Brat Stop on highway50 and I94 on the way home. Eating lunch here after the Lakefront marathon is a tradition from back in my olympic trials training years. For every member of our training group that ran the marathon we would all celebrate a race well done here. It is here that the team helped Ann and I celebrate qualifying for the olympic trials. We popped champagne and made a lot of noise. The following year we all celebrated Jane's qualifying run. I was tired but I ate my traditional brat with gusto.

I did get a call eventually from Kelly reporting in that she finished but that it was absolute hell. I spoke with Brian as well. It was almost 5:30 pm at this point and my family and I were just arriving home in Naperville. That was one long day for my Chicago friends.

Well I'm going to wrap up here. Congrats to all who ran the Chicago marathon, whether they finished or not. It was not a kind day and there were many personal struggles.

Goodbye October 7, 2007!

Marathon Weekend

2007-10-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon

Okay we are now entering Marathon Weekend!!

I wanted to wish Kelly, Brian, Val, Wes, Katie, Wendy, Mark, and members of the Dick Pond Racing Team, the swiftest of feet!

Val will be running her first marathon (she says it will be her one and only...we'll see).
Katie will be shooting for that Boston qualifying time.
Kelly will be attempting to add to her string of incredible PR's this year
Brian is happily returning from his injury.
Wes is running his first marathon and is raising money for Children's Memorial where he was once treated for Hodgkin's Disease. He was only 15 years old at the time. He is now an adult with a wife and beautiful daughter.
Wendy will attempt to walk/run the marathon as her back permits. Take it nice and easy girl!
Mark will be leading the 4 hour pace team.

I, of course to be difficult and different, will be running the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon on the same day. I will be shooting for that Boston Qualifier.

Run fast ya'll!

-RunnerGirl

Jones Finally Admits Steriod Use

2007-10-04T22:00:00.000-05:00

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/10/04/jones.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

US sprinter Marion Jones, winner of 3 golds and 2 bronze medals at the Sydney Olympics has finally admitted to using steriods in the years prior to the Olympics. She faces jail time for lying to federal investigators during the BALCO scandal, and she will most likely face the loss of her medals.

Just this year I was in Belize where our tour guide proudly pointed out the Marion Jones sports stadium she helped build. Marion's mother is from Belize as is much of her mother's family . Marion holds dual citzenship US/Belize. They are so proud of her there. What will they think now? What legacy does she leave for her son?

I'm sad but not surprised.

Why do you love me?

2007-10-01T13:42:00.001-05:00

taken from http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/why_do_you_love_me.jpg

New World Record - Men's Marathon!!!

2007-10-01T10:07:00.000-05:00

An unbelievable 2:04:26 for Haile Gebrselassie in Berlin! That's just under 4:45 per mile back to back for 26.2 miles. It hurts just thinking about it.

An amazing athelete who gives generously of his race earnings to help fight poverty in his native country. Currently is lending his support to a clean water project for some of the more remote areas of his country. Clean water definitely is not a given for many parts of the world, something Haile knew very well during his childhood. Learn more at http://www.vickyswaterproject.com/

Training Log - September 24th - 30th, 2007

2007-09-30T14:06:00.001-05:00

Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 28.3
It was an interesting week as the ankle really has taken a turn for the better. Pressing just below my ankle no longer causes any pain. I am keeping my ankle wrapped at all times, except when I'm sleeping, to be safe. It was also kind of a tough week to get out and do my runs. Two days where I had planned on running in the evening were effected by family needs, and with my trainer gone on vacation I didn't get in the usual pilates reformer session that really helps keep me loose and flexible, and I think that kind of put me a little off center.

One more week till the marathon! I probably won't do anything much different in the coming week, running wise, since I don't feel the need to taper from basically doing very little. I will concentrate on getting my sleep and hydrating during the week. I'm excited for next Sunday but also anticipate that its going to be a little uncomfortable in the later miles due to lack of long run time on my feet. I really have to be patient with my pacing....boy that's going to be hard!

Monday - 3.1
Treadmill at health club. Another fun day on the treadmill. No ill effects from yesterday's 10 mile tempo run. :-)

Tuesday - 0
Unexpected day off. Family drama in the evening kept me at home. Ugh.

Wednesday - 5
Northwest Side Run Shortened. Things continue to feel good as ankle is barely talking. I'm keeping things wrapped just to be safe.

Thursday - 0
Little boy sick and I was exhausted. Even missed piano lessons today :-(

Friday - 4.9
River Run. Nice beautiful evening run.

Saturday - 7.5
Things felt oddly difficult today. Ran with Church guys. Miss my pilates instructor as she is on vacation, maybe that's why my hips and hamstrings feel tight and out of sorts.

Sunday - 7.80.
Run with Dan. Better than yesterday but still feel tight and not very smooth.

Trailer - The Spirit of the Marathon

2007-09-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

Will give you chills! Found this on another runner's blog and I had to post it too.

More info just in!

This film will be shown at the Chicago International Film Festival on October 5th! One of the Chicago Endurance Sports members is in the movie. Here's a link with schedule and ticket purchase info:http://www.chicagofilmfestival.org/cgibin/WebObjects/CIFFSite.woa/wa/Films/1001238

Brian Gaines Race Walks the Fox Cities Marathon

2007-09-26T11:43:00.000-05:00

Fellow ChiaDead Brian Gaines (a.k.a "Leadfoot") completed the Fox Cities Marathon on September 23 by race walking the entire distance! He finished the course in an average mile time of 13:22 finishing in 5:49:56. Not an easy "feet" to walk so fast for so long. (puns are just a riot aren't they?)

With no foot pain resulting from this race we are all confident that at Brian's next check up with the podiatrist he will get the okay to get back to RUNNING marathons.

Way to go Brian!

Not sure if he will post a race report to his blog but if you want to check out his blog its at http://briangaines.blogspot.com/.

Training Log - September 17 thru 23 - 2007

2007-09-23T20:48:00.001-05:00

Weekly Summary
Total Miles - 27.5
During this week the ankle really started improving dramatically and then I was stupid enough to do a run on friday without any brace and it hurt the rest of the day. On a good note I was good enough to do a 10 mile tempo run (what I normally would do two weeks out from the marathon). I needed to see where I was at condition wise after all these weeks of limited running and no hard workouts. I was thinking that staying under 7:30 pace would be tough but I was pleasantly surprised to be able to average 6:52 a mile. My running partner rode his bike part of the way and was able to help monitor my workout. He said my form looked great and that I was running well. Great to hear as working on my form has been something I've really been concentrating on for the last few years.

I am considering running the marathon on October 7th to get my Boston qualifier in. I won't be able to "race" it but based on strength alone the qualifying time of 3:50 should be do-able. I will go for 3:25. I will see how things look the week of the marathon.

Monday - 3
Time 12noon.
Warmed up on the eliptical and it really felt awkward, I then went outside. Kind of tough in the city with red lights all the time but I took it real easy and the ankle faired okay. It actually felt better a few hours after the run, didn't swell.

Tuesday - 2.6
Time 7:15 pm.
Run 15 min prior to pilates session and then run home after.
7:30pm - Pilates session
Really hammered out a great session

Wednesday - 3.1
Time 12 noon, 31 minutes
Nice and easy 5k on the treadmill at work. Today I only wore the ankle brace during my run. Things are really starting to feel better :-)

Thursday
ELECTED DAY OFF

Friday - 6.8
Northwest Side Loop at 05:00 am with Dan.
Ran without a brace since the ankle was feeling so good but it was a mistake and it hurt most of the rest of the day. Back to running with a brace on.

Saturday - 2
6:50am - run 15 min prior to pilates session and then run home after.
7am - Pilates session

Sunday - 10
Time 7am/ 1:08:48 (6:52/mile).
Tempo 10 miler.
Ankle was sore to start but warmed up after a few miles. I set out to do a steady tempo 10 miler to see what kind of shape I was in for the marathon. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought staying under 7:30 might be tough but I averaged 6:53. Splits: 1 - 7:41 (ankle sore needed to warm up, partner needed to warm up too), 2 -3: 14:23, 4 - 6:49; 5 - 6:40; 6 - 6:28, (at this point I pulled back a bit as I was getting faster than aerobic pace and I wanted to stay true to keeping it a tempo pace); 7 - 6:43; 8 - 6:43; 9 - 6:42; 10 - 6:35.

Training Log September 10th - 16th, 2007

2007-09-17T08:57:00.001-05:00

Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 22.3
Well it was an up and down week with the ankle business. Some days it felt better, other days it just hurt and I needed to keep my ankle support on all day. I think this coming week I'm going to start incorporating more biking and/or eliptical training to keep myself moving and in some sort of shape as I feel like that is sliding away fast on me. I joined the health club here at work so that will give me access to the equipment I need. "Keep it moving" will be my motto and soon I hope to be able to run full strength again. :-)

Anyway its hard to be down when its CROSS COUNTRY SEASON. I love cross country and I'm a total junkie when it comes to following the high school team results!! With many friends serving as coaches at the high school level I kind of have a vested interest and I get all the "news". Love it!

Monday - 0
Elected day off

Tuesday - 3.73
am: A lot of ankle pain to start, warmed up during the run but I had to hobble around corners. Ankle did well the rest of the day with only slight soreness.
pm: pilates. Great session.

Wednesday - 3.73
Same-o same-o

Thursday - 0
Elected day off

Friday - 4.8
Ankle did much better on this treadmill. Improvement continues but slowly.

Saturday - 0
Elected day off

Sunday - 10
am: Time: 1:18:59 (7:53 min/mile). Ran with Dan. The usual, ankle hurts, then warms up, then hurts etc. Limping around turns etc. Ran with my ankle brace on. No change in ankle through rest of the day.
pm: 8 miles of biking riding with the family.

September 16, 2007 JENNY TRANSFERRED OUT OF ICU, CONDITION UPGRADED

2007-09-17T08:45:00.000-05:00

The latest news on Jenny, taken from the hospital care pages web site...

Tonight Jenny was moved from ICU to 5NW Room 18 at Froedtert Hospital. This is an important milestone reached by Jenny. Jenny will been taken off all of her antibiotics by Wednesday indicating that her infection has been successfully addressed. For the third straight day Jenny’s eyes are open and moving. She seems to be showing increased eye movement and is occasionally following objects around the room. Jenny is also beginning to exhibit some muscle resistance in her arms when her family is helping her with range of motion therapy.

Jenny’s family is deeply appreciative of the entire care team in the ICU. Please join in thanking the medical team for their outstanding treatment of Jenny.

Yesterday Briggs and Al’s Run occurred on the streets of Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on the event reported it this way: “Jenny Crain wasn't there Saturday to defend the title she has won the past two years at the Briggs and Al's Run and Walk for Children's Hospital. But her spirit was certainly in attendance. Crain, the well-known Milwaukee marathoner, remains in critical condition at Froedtert Hospital, where she has been since Aug. 21. On that day, Crain was hit by an automobile in Milwaukee while on a training run. Crain, 39, who had been given a strong chance of making the 2008 United States Olympic team, is suffering from head, jaw and neck injuries. The three-time winner of the 8-kilometer Al's Run's was in the hearts and minds of many of the competitors and spectators at the event, which is in its 30th year. "I have never run in this event before, but I wanted to be here today for Jenny," said women's winner Bethany Brewster, 27, a six-time All-American runner at the University of Wisconsin from Madison. "It felt good to come out here and race for her." Many of the runners and spectators wore "Make it happen" T-shirts supporting Crain. Al's Run organizers gave space to the Crain supporters to sell the T-shirts, the proceeds of which will be used to help defray her medical costs.”

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=662679

Training Log September 3rd - 9th, 2007

2007-09-12T14:57:00.001-05:00

Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 41.5
With my knee issue finally resolved I had hoped to put in a stronger week starting with the Park Forest 10 miler as a hard workout. My daughter became ill the night before the race so I didn't race but that was probably good as my ankle that had been mildly sore through my whole knee issue was starting to take front and center on the pain scale. I had also hoped to finish the week out with a 20 miler as my marathon is just about a month away. That too didn't come to pass as I only did 10 due to the pain in my ankle. I still did manage to put in just over 40 miles this week and I'm pretty convinced the ankle thing is either really bad tendonitis or its just strained from the race and hasn't healed or both. I'm currently wrapping my ankle and it is improving slowly and I'll keep the mileage low and schedule cross training for some of my days next week. I'm pretty sure I won't be doing my marathon this year as I am woefully behind on my long runs and I'm not doing anything close to the amount of work I feel I needed to get done during these last few weeks. I'm okay with that and I'm going to focus on getting these injuries healed so I can get back to full training again. :-) I've got to be healed enough to run around at the Chicago marathon cheering on my friends :-)!!

Monday - 7
Had to back out today's race but in late afternoon I attempted a tempo run. I ran mostly in the 8:10 - 18:15's and it was very hot. It was a lot more work than it should have been. Definitely lost some conditioning over the last few weeks, but it was a good start as my first harder effort since all this knee business started.

Tuesday - 0
Work and family issues

Wednesday - 6
Easy run with Dan. Now he's the one with knee issues. I ran the last two without him. :-( Ankle really starting to talk a lot. Dan talked to me a little about how to tape my ankle for extra support.

Thursday - 6.1
50 minutes. Too hot to run outside for what I wanted to be a hard effort. Warm up 20 minutes, 3 x 6' with 2' easy run, run easy remainder of time. 6' intervals were done at 8.3 mph (7:13m/mi) 0 grade, and warm-up/cool down/recovery was done at 7mph 2 percent grade. I was pretty tired and the first 6' effort was very uncomfortable but the next two were much better. A few hours later my ankle was just screaming at me. Running on 2 percent grade probably wasn't such a hot idea. Ice and took some ibuprofen.

Friday - 7.5
With ankle wrapped very nicely I was able to put in a longer run and an easy tempo.

Saturday - 4.9
Time: 40:02 - 8:10m/mi. Ran a faster tempo today but it felt like more work than it should have been. Ankle wrapped well

Sunday - 10
Time 1:19:45 - 7:58m/mi. I decided to end this run with Dan at 10 miles to be safe. The ankle really hurt at the start and then would warm up, then would start hurting again etc. It was a good 10 miler at a good pace that didn't feel sub 8 at all.

Off Injury List

2007-09-07T13:51:00.000-05:00

So I went to my PCP on August 29th to have my knee checked out. Of course knowing this wasn't a sports doctor I was not optimistic that I was going to get what I needed without
"defending" my status as a runner.

Well doctor comes in and immediately gives me the impression that he wanted to be done for the day. Well excuse me but if I could go home whenever I felt like it ... Anyway he listens to my story and then says he's no fan of running. Okay now this is getting worse...until he admits he's a fair weather runner and has knee issues of his own. He's still giving me some attitude but proceeds to try and twist my knee in all sort of weird ways to try and get it to hurt and he couldn't. Okay so now I look like I'm complaining about nothing.

He tells me that in his opinion it is nothing but a strain but if not that then it would be a meniscus issue but I needed to give it more time. He feels I shouldn't be taking big chunks of time off but run a little everyday to keep the joint moving. I kind of look at him but I don't say anything. He is going to do me the "favor" of putting in the paperwork to get an MRI and if in two weeks I still "insist" that my knee hurts I can go ahead and make the appointment with the specialist.

Success!! I totally was okay with waiting a bit longer since it had been getting better but happy with the path cleared to move on if the problem did not resolve itself.

Long story short. My knee doesn't hurt anymore and the insurance rejected the request for the MRI anyway. Insurance wanted me to see an orthopedic first which would have been fine with me but kind of assumed that an orthopedic had to be the one to do the MRI anyway so if he didn't feel I needed one I wouldn't have gotten one. Whatever.

So now I can concentrate on complaining about my left ankle which hasn't stopped hurting since the damn race! This is a pretty common problem for me for decades as my feet are the perfect example of completely and utterly flat with the added bonus of a bunion on my left foot. Never stopped my training - mostly aches a lot.

I'm feeling pretty out of synch with my training because of the time spent on this stupid injury so I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. I'm contemplating scheduling a later marathon but many are already closed. We will see.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Peace
Runner Girl - Janeth

Race Report - Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon - August 12, 2007

2007-08-30T14:14:00.000-05:00

11th Overall
3rd 40 - 44 AG

*all pictures in this posting taken by Brian Gaines

I'm very late posting my race report due to the fact that I left on vacation the same day of the race and when I came back I had a really tight deadline on a work assignment. So here it is for what it's worth.

I considered this race to be an "A" race as I was going to use the results as a way to determine what my marathon goal pace would be in October. I didn't run very well here last year as I took it out quite aggressively and died big time in the last 5K, going from being in the top 10 overall to finishing 23rd. I still cringe when I remember that race. But anyway that was then and this is now and I was determined to make it a smart and strong race. I arranged to stay at the Congress hotel the night before the race, arranged for the kids to be with the grandparents, and brought my number one support guy along (that would be the husband, poor guy rarely gets any mention). It wasn't the best week leading up to the race training wise and there was a lot of work and vacation planning distraction but I felt like I would be focused when the gun went off.

I woke up at 3am on the morning of the race to the sound of thunder. There was a regular light show going on outside with plenty of rain. I lay there trying to get back to sleep but I couldn't and I got up around 4:00 and I ate my breakfast. I had told fellow chiadeads Kelly, Paul, and Brian that they could drop by my room before the race if they wished to drop stuff off and after the race they could use the shower. I was pretty sure Paul was coming and I waited for his call and I monitored the weather from my window.

The weather cleared up, Paul showed up, and Andy, Paul and I left for the starting line about 5:40ish. It was humid but not the beastly heat that had been the norm all week so I was grateful for that. We got to the starting line and I left to do my warmup and strides, Paul went to go find Kelly and Andy waited near the starting line. I felt okay during warm up but I still felt really distracted and I worried about how warm it might get. I got more positive as the warm up progressed and I headed for the starting line. I had decided to stick with the 1:25 pace group and I hope to be able to make a move ahead of this group at the 10 mile mark if I could so that I could make an attempt at sliding in under 1:25. I met Bob the pace group leader and he was upbeat and ready to go. I met a few others that would be joining the pace group and I felt that this could actually be fun. The gun went off and I became part of the blob known as Bob's group or the 1:25 group. I heard Andy's voice cheering me on but I did not see him.

Bob's group....The guy holding the yellow flag is Bob and I'm on his right side hidden from the camera.

The early part of the race was smooth as the pace was comfortable and easy to match. As a group we actually had to hold back as a few of our splits were a little fast. First few splits 6:34, 6:28, 6:25, 6:20, 6:25, 6:32, 6:29, 6:36. I heard Andy several times during this section and a few other people calling my name and I motored on. It was about 8 miles that I started to feel that things were getting a little harder. It was getting warmer and I regretted not taking any GU with me. I had planned on it but I left the hotel room without it and I didn't return to get it when I realized I didn't have it. I put that out of my mind and focused on trying to keep with Bob's group. The group seemed to keep humming along while each incline caused me to slip a bit from the group until I would catch up again on a flat or decline. The 10 mile mark was a really good 1:04:50 for me but I had serious doubts on being able to stay with the group much longer. I lost Bob's group about half a mile after that slipping to more like 6:35's. I was with another cluster of runners at this point and they helped keep me going at this pace up to 12 miles. My 13th mile at 6:56 was definitely a low point but I didn't lose faith as I knew I was still running better than last year and hell I was flipping almost done! The multiple tight turns in the last mile of the race didn't do much to help with a struggling pace but I would say it was really more the humidity and heat that I was kind of fed up with that contributed to that mile. It was in this section that I heard Andy and Brian cheering me on and Brian took some really great pictures of me. Thanks Brian! I made the last turn for the finish, turned on the sprint and finished in 1:25:41. I talked with Bob in the finish area and I spoke with several men from the pace group. I promised to stick with them to the end next year and I thanked Bob for his work.

Overall I was happy with my time as I beat last year's time and it wasn't the march into hell it was last year. It seems as if the 10 mile mark is kind of a threshold for me as I had a drop off after 10miles in my half marathon in March, of course the drop off in this race wasn't as bad and the whole race was at a much faster pace. Somehow though I just know I should have been under 1:25.

Andy and I returned to the hotel (slowly, I was tired) and I showered. Paul, Kelly, and Brian showed up after their races, changed and we all went to get a bite to eat. It is always fun getting together with friends after a race to share our experiences and I got a look at Brian's pictures of the race on his digital camera.

Now my vacation started and it was off to the Wisconsin Dells for a week of family bonding, very little running, and a lot of time playing in water and going down the slides. It was a blast and much needed vacation.

Congrats to all who ran the race!

Kind-of disabled list

2007-08-28T08:57:00.000-05:00

If anyone is wondering why my training logs have not been timely (okay so they are pretty much absent) is that I'm nursing a knee issue. I'm not sure what the deal is but it points to something a little more serious than just "runner's knee" My running is happening once every 2 -3 days and usually not much more than 3 -4 miles. I've finally secured an appointment to see my primary care physician and start the process of trying to get him to send me to someone who can actually tell me what the deal is. Most likely I will be cancelling my next race (Park Forest 10 miler) and depending on what I find out I may have to pull out of my marathon in October.

Pain started with my first run after the Chicago Distance Classic. Since I left on vacation the day of the Distance Classic I didn't run until tuesday and I had this weird sensation that my knee wanted to lock. I would be running and I would get this twinge of pain deep in the center of my knee joint. I can't even touch the area where the pain is coming from. Its not consistent pain but it happens maybe 3 -4 times during a minute of running. Downhills trigger pain and turning sharp corners does also. I walk without pain....I can just hear the Dr. now "Don't run".

I'm bummed but what I really want is a clear understanding of what is happening so that I can do what I need to do to get back to the roads. I'm definitely hoping we aren't talking surgery here but if that is what is needed then so be it. Of course it could be something really minor and it just needs time....I just don't know and I've never had this injury before in all of my years of running.

I see my primary care physician tomorrow. Let's see what happens.

Peace,
Runner Girl Janeth

Training Log August 6th - 12th, 2007

2007-08-27T08:50:00.001-05:00

Monday - 6.8
Super humid day, it was insane. I was rested and tolerated the humidity okay.

Tuesday - 4
Matt Pilates with 4 miles of running afterwards. Humidity continues to be pretty brutal.

Wednesday - 6.8
Not feeling so great. Running is sluggish

Thursday - 4.5
Warm up, 6 x (1' pickup with 2' recovery jog), cool down. Each pickup felt forced and uncomfortable. By the time I went to bed my tailbone/lower back was so tight I could barely bend over. I suspect a new exercise I did in my pilates session strained something.

Friday - 5
Back a little better but I can feel it down hills and around turns. Tightness centered on my tailbone.

Saturday - Back better after warming up. Busy day packing for stay downtown for the race AND packing for next week's family vacation which will start promptly after the race is over. I feel distracted and out of sorts :-(

Sunday - 14.1 miles
Warm up and strides, Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon - 1:25:41. 11th Overall and 3rd in 40 - 44 AG. Warm and humid but not as beastly as it had been most of the week. Thank God! I ran with the 1:25 pace group until 11 miles when I had to let them go as I was struggling with the pace, in a matter of seconds they were too far ahead to ever hope to catch up with them again, definitely disappointing but I put my attention to trying to keep it together the best I could and get to that finish line. my 13th mile was poor but I was able to sprint and finish faster than last year and weather conditions this year were definitely not as good as last year. Things were definitely difficult after the 10 mile. When I ran the half in March it was the same thing, althouth it was at a much slower pace as I finished that in 1:31:02. The 10 mile mark seems to be a sort of a threshold for me. Hmmmm, I'm going to have to think on what to do about that. Of special note is my 10 mile split of 1:04:50 which is faster than I ran at the Fox Trot Memorial race in 1:05:12.
Splits: 1 - 6:34; 2- 6:28, 3 - 6:25; 4 - 6:20; 5 - 6:25; 6 - 6:32; 7 - 6:29; 8 - 6:36; 9 - 6:24; 10 - 6:33; 11/12 - 13:09; 13 - 6:56; 13.1 - :44.

Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 44.9
Just a weird week. The taper felt crappy and I had a lot of trouble keeping focused all week. Work issues and the hectic schedule of getting ready for our vacation didn't help. I think I'm just due for a really good break and that's just what I'm going to do with my family. Next week will be what I like to call "active rest". Run if and when I feel like it. Sunday's race was good but still felt short of what I had really hoped for which was to slip in under 1:25.

Continuing Information on Jenny Crain

2007-08-24T11:08:00.000-05:00

August 23, 2007 at 08:15 PM CDT
THIS MESSAGE IS FROM JENNY CRAIN’S FAMILY
“Positive & Hopeful”

Today Jenny’s family met with the multidisciplinary medical team caring for her. She has not gotten worse and seems to be minimally improving. Doctors are putting in a tracheotomy and feeding tube today. This is a very good development because it will provide her more comfort and the nutrients needed to promote healing. Her condition remains critical, with continued focus on treating her brain, vertebrae, carotid artery, and jaw injuries. The care team cannot get a full assessment of the brain injury until the swelling in the brain subsides, which as been decreasing in very small increments. The family had many questions about the brain injury, with the doctors unable to give an accurate assessment until the swelling decreases. While Jenny has broken vertebrae the doctors did report that it does not appear that she has spinal cord damage. While this is hopeful news, it is not conclusive. Jenny is not in a coma. She is under heavy sedation and receiving pain medications to keep her comfortable. Jenny does not have any broken bones in her legs, arms and torso. The focus is on her head and neck injuries. The doctors were positive and hopeful at this early stage of Jenny’s long road to recovery. Because of her excellent physical condition Jenny is at an advantage in her fight to recover. Jenny is such a positive and hopeful person. The news today reflects her spirit. Please keep praying and sending your positive energy to Jenny. We will post additional information as it becomes available.

Jenny Crain in critical condition after being hit by a motorist

2007-08-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

I've recently received news that Jenny Crain, a very talented elite runner living in Wisconsin, was hit by a motorist and is in critical condition at Froedtert Hospital. Froedtert Hospital has something called CarePages, and there is now one for Jenny that has been updated a couple times today. Sign on at www.carepages. com. You'll need to get an ID set up. Once you do, the page you're looking for is supportjennycrain.

The most recent update on her page is as follows:

After undergoing surgery yesterday Jenny is in critical condition. The
extent of her injuries has become clearer. As a result of the accident she
suffered brain damage, broken vertebrae, damage to the carotid arteries, among
other injuries. The most serious concern now is bleeding on the brain. The
neurologist has indicated that Jenny is now in a waiting period to see if the
bleeding will stop. Please keep Jenny and her family in your prayers. We will
update this site as frequently as information becomes available.

Jenny is well known in her community for her volunteer work and kind nature. It is heartbreaking to hear of this news knowing how much she has worked and sacrificed pursuing her dreams.

I pray that she recovers and somehow can return to what she loves. I pray also for the ones that love her, that they can have the strength to support Jenny come what may.

For you triathlete fans!

2007-08-09T21:44:00.000-05:00

Take a look at Jen Harrison's site http://www.jenharrison.com/!
She's a friend I met through some runner friends a few years back.

So let's count all the Jen's I know.
Jenny Garrison (triathlete and training partner, at least for the running part)
Jennifer Harrison (friend and sometimes race competition)
Jennifer Broughton (friend, neighbor)
Jen Skrowronski (my personal trainer)
Jenny Spangler (college teammate, old training buddy)

Reminds me of a skit I saw on the comedy central show Kids in the Hall where one of the guys does a song about all the Dave's he knows and by the end of the skit he's singing his song while walking down the street with all these Dave's following him and singing along
"These are the Dave's I know, I know, I know, these are Dave's I know!"
Very funny, really. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b-N28eG2go
Thanks Russ for this link :-)

By the way I also work with 4 Dave's .... all in the same department!

Training Log July 30 - August 5 - 2007

2007-08-06T13:07:00.001-05:00

Monday - 4.9
7:30pm River Run. Time: 41:36 (8:29/mile).
Easy run. Not feeling all that bad after my long run yesterday. I'm thinking that taking the GU during the run yesterday helped save my legs a little for today.

Tuesday - 9.38 miles + 2.6 miles
4:30 am. Time: 1:14:56 (7:59/mile).
Intervals. Warm up 1.5 miles, 10 x half mile with 1.5 - 2 min recovery jog, cool down. This was a long workout but I didn't do all that bad. Halves started out between 2:59 - 3:01 but after the 5th one it slid to more like 3:03 - 3:05 and I took the 2 min recovery jog instead of the 1.5 min. I wanted to do a hard effort mile afterwards but I ran out of time and I was pretty done after the halves. Splits: 1 - 9:17; 2 - 7:38; 3 - 7:49; 4 - 7:07; 5 - 7:31; 6 - 7:36; 7 - 7:45; 8 - 7:34; 9 - 9:10; 9.38 - 3:26.

7:15 pm - Pilates session 1 hr

Run to and from pilates session 2.60 miles.

Wednesday - 7.4
8:30 pm. Time: 1:04:43 (8:44/mile).
Legs a little slow tonight but I enjoyed the night and it was nice to work out a little of the junk in my legs from yesterday's workouts. Splits: 1 - 9:01; 2 - 8:35; 3 - 8:42; 4 - 8:30; 5 - 8:50; 6 - 8:50; 7 - 8:44; 7.39 - 3:28.

Thursday - 10
8:30pm. Time: 1:24:40 (8:28/mile).
Nice 10 miler over rolling course. Really felt good in the last 3 miles. Splits 1 - 8::42; 2 - 8:29; 3 - 8:34; 4 - 8:37; 5 - 8:34; 6 - 8:35; 7 - 8:35; 8 - 8:07; 9 - 8:07; 10 - 8:17.

Friday - 8.25
6:30 am.
Prairie Path run with Dan. A little tired from last night but not bad.

Saturday - 20
6:30 am. Time: 2:29:00 (7:27/mile).
Thought I would try a 24 miler today with the group out in Barrington but as I took on the hills and did so with a group running faster than I had in a long time I thought sticking to a high quality 20 would be the best. I ran with the group through 18 (they all stopped) then I did 2 miles on the track at the school putting in a last mile of 6:55. I was tired but this was definitely one of the best long runs I've done in a long time. The running group I was with were so positive and supportive. A great day.
Splits (I only have splits 1 - 14 and my last mile as my GPS watch lost contact) 1 - 8:01; 2 - 7:27; 3 - 7:21; 4 - 7;23; 5 - 7:29; 6 - 7:24; 7 - 7:22; 8 - 7:30; 9 - 7:35; 10 - 7:17; 11 - 7:33; 12 - 7:11; 13 - 7:21; 14 - 7:16,...20 - 6:55. Finished with nice blister on left heel from hole on inside of shoe. It was the last run in them anyway. New shoe time!

Sunday - 0
PLANNED DAY OFF
Tired and a little tight but not so bad really. I could have run something short or even make it to the trails race everyone else was running but I needed some "home" time.

Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 62.5 miles
This was a good solid week for me. My interval workout and long run this week were a real pleasant surprise as they went way better than expected. I was tired during some parts of the week but it wasn't that deep fatigue type of tired. My stomach issues from last week seem to be resolved and everything is going well as nothing really hurts. Back down week for Chicago Distance Classic. Hoping for nice weather - see everyone there!

Training Log - July 23 thru July 29 - 2007

2007-07-30T10:13:00.001-05:00

Monday - 8
7:45 pm. Time: 1:06:07 (8:15/mile).
Started out okay but by the end my calves and achilles really were tight.
Splits: 1 - 8:24; 2 - 8:05; 3 - 8:16; 4 - 8:10; 5 - 8:14; 6 - 8:14; 7 - 8:19; 8 - 8:21

Tuesday - 4
8:30 pm. Run 1.45 before pilates and then finished up the rest after. Run to pilates felt like crap! I've had stomach issues all day and calf and achilles were so so tight. Much better after pilates session!! Thank you trainer Jen!

Wednesday - 9
4:45 am. Time: 1:15:28 (8:23/mile).
Warm up, quarter repeat simulation 16 x 90" with 1' recovery jog between each, 4' jog recovery after the 16 "quarters", 1 x 6' hard effort, cool down. Calves and achilles much much better. Leg turnover wasn't the greatest so things stayed at moderate effort but it was a relief to not have my achilles and calves hurt anymore. Workout done as a continuous run. Splits: 1 - 9:14, 2 - 9:08; 3 - 8:09, 4 - 8:07; 5 - 8:04; 6 - 8:25; 7 - 8:02; 8 - 7:43; 9 - 8:38.

Thursday - 9
7:30pm. Time: 1:15:45 (8:25/mile).
Continuing stomach problems so I had to make a quick stop at the library. Run a little labored but it was also warm. Splits: 1 - 8:47; 2 - 8:20; 3 - 8:25; 4 - 8:15; 4.47 - 3:38 (potty stop, turn off garmin), 5.47 - 8:19; 6.47 - 8:28; 7.47 - 8:25; 8.47 - 8:21; 9 - 4:42.

Friday - 6.8
5:00 am.
Easy paced run.

Saturday - 7.63
8:00 am. Time: 1:06:17 (8:41/mile).
Pretty tired after a tough pilates session. Ran into pregnant friend pushing her baby jogger and I spent a little while run/chatting with her before moving on. Splits: 1 - 7:42; 2 - 8:23; 3 - 8:33; 4 - 8:22; 5 - 8:20; 6 - 8:17; 7 - 8:42; 7.63 - 8:07.

Sunday - 17
7:45 am. Time: 2:18:22 (8:08/mile).
All running partners gone I had to face this run on my own and I was kind of bummed as I really hate running long by myself but it needed to get done so out the door I went. From the first few minutes I knew it was going to be a good day. Course was rolling hills with it being harder in the second half.
I used today's run to experiment with different energy gels and hydration to see what I might start leaning to for the marathon in October. I used GU, shot blocks, Accelerade, and plain water. Every half hour I took something and plenty of water. Turns out that I get more from GU then from the shot blocks but I'm not sure on the Accelerade vs plain water. Will play with that next time.
Splits 1 - 8:29; 2 - 8:08; 3 - 8:10; 4 - 8:14; 5 - 7:51; 6 - 8:21; 7 - 8:20; 8 - 8:15; 9 - 8:05; 10 - 8:00; 11 - 8:00; 12 - 8:07; 13 - 7:54; 14 - 8:04; 15 - 8:11; 16 - 8:06; 17 - 8:10.

Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 61.4 miles
Kind of a hard week as I was fighting stomach/intestinal issues all week. Nothing bad enough to keep me down but a drain most of the week. The week did end up good as I finally got better and I had a solid long run on Sunday and I just popped over 60 miles for the week. I plan on working next week very hard before backing off again for Chicago Distance Classic on Aug 12th.

Hawkeye Head Women's Track Coach Loses Two-Year Battle With Cancer

2007-07-27T11:57:00.000-05:00

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070724/SPORTS0205/707240408/1093/SPORTS0205

http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/w-track/iowa-w-track-body.html

James Grant, head track coach at Iowa, died on Monday morning at his home. Coach Grant started at Iowa in 1986 when I was just a freshman. Although my time at Iowa was not a happy time I do remember Coach Grant fondly. He started as the assistant coach and his responsibilities were to the sprinters on our team, therefore he wasn't my coach. He was well liked and I enjoyed the few conversations I had with him. His Jamaican accent was priceless! My favorite memory was when for some reason, and I'm not 100% sure why, he needed someone to drive his BEAUTIFUL sports car from some parking lot to the field house but I think he needed to remain on the bus with the rest of the team. He didn't really know me well but I was the only girl on the team who knew how to drive a stick shift and I volunteered. He was SO nervous, I could have sworn he was shaking when he gave me the keys, but I made it safely (even up that crazy hill that passes the dorms and leads up to the fieldhouse)...and it was a beautiful car!

My prayers to his family, and all the athletes that have had the honor of working closely with him. I wish I could have been one of those athletes.

Training Log - July 16 thru July 22 - 2007

2007-07-24T21:38:00.001-05:00

Monday - 8.21
4:45 am. Time: 1:12:23 (8:48/mile).
Partner was a no show but I ignored my desire to just go back to bed and went out the door. Not such a great night of sleep so I felt and ran pretty slow. Splits: 1 - 9:21; 2 - 8:58; 3 - 8:46; 4 - 8:44; 5 - 8:47; 6 - 8:48; 7 - 8:37; 8 - 8:32; 8.21 - 1:47.

Tuesday - 9.45
7PM. Time: 1:13:31 (7:46/mile).
Mile "simulation" repeats. Warm up 1.5, 5 x (6' broken out this way: 2' @ tempo, 2' @10K pace, 2' @ 5K pace; 2' jog recover between each), 4' recovery jog before this one - 1 x 6' hard effort. Cool down.
Mile simulation workouts are hard to do on my own but surprisingly I felt strong and smooth. No indication of thursday's race left in my legs. Repeat number 5 wavered a little but probably because I knew the 6th repeat at hard effort was next. Entire workout done as a continuous run.

Wednesday - 6.80
7pm. Pea soup outside really struggled during the run. Had stomach problems.

Thursday - 4.90
5am. I felt terribly today. Running partners no shows again but I still went out that door. Humidity is still high.

Friday - 4.90 miles.
Felt better than the previous two days. Temps are much cooler now also. Should be good for race day tomorrow. Also did 6 strides afterwards. Calves are tight and right achilles is sore.

Saturday - 12
Warm up 2 miles plus strides and drills. Race Xtreme 10 Miler Waterfall Glen. 10 miles. Time: 1:06:55 (6:41/mile). 5th Overall and 2nd 40 - 45 AG.
Splits: 1 - 6:31, 2 - 6:28, 3 - 6:49, 4 - 6:51, 5 - 6:50, 6 - 6:43, 7 - 6:36, 8 - 6:39, 9 - 6:37, 10 - 6:47. Not the best of races but a good solid tempo over a hilly course. Problems with calves and right achilles worse now. Iced and took some ibuprofen. See race report for full details.

Sunday - 0
Planned day off of running, race recovery day. Rode bikes with the family over 7.6 miles. Calves and achilles just as tight as can be, its hard to ignore. More ice and ibuprofen.

Weekly Summary:
Total miles: 46.3 miles
This was a tough week for some reason. I didn't feel well most of the week, I had trouble dealing with the humidty and I wasn't sleeping well. Tuesday's workout really took more out of me than I had expected and my saturday race was solid but below what I had hoped for considering the break through effort I had at Bastille Day. Well weeks like this happen and its time to buckle down again for the next two weeks to prepare for Chicago Distance Classic. I need to get this calf and achilles thing resolved so I will prepare a plan for training but I will evaluate day by day what can or cannot be done. I don't think I actually injured a muscle as much as I need to get these muscles stretched out after these last two big races and all the hill running on saturday.

Race Report - Xtreme 10 Miler @ Waterfall Glen - July 21 2007

2007-07-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

Xtreme 10 Miler, July 21 2007, 8am
5th Overall
2nd 40 - 45 AG

Xtreme 10 miler is a great race run through Waterfall Glen in Darien, IL. Many of us like to train there because its really a great preserve with a great crushed limestone path and plenty of hills to give a long run something a little extra! This year was the 4th running of this race and gaining in popularity as it is now a CARA circuit race.

For some reason I just didn't feel very enthused about the race this year. I don't feel like I did very well last year when I came here tapered and rested and spent the last half of the race running "backwards" as I was constantly passed - somehow that bad feeling still hung on me. I also came to the race this year planning on this race being more of a "B" race as I wanted to train through this a little because the Chicago Distance Classic Half coming up in August is of more importance to me. This was a scheduled race on my Dick Pond racing team circuit so I was committed to run.

Temps were perfect for today's race and my general plan would be to go out very conservatively and get through the early hills (including "Big Bertha" starting somewhere after the 2 mile marker and ending after the 3 mile marker), then see what I could lay down in the second half of the race. Nell Shields, Christen Meyer, Jenni Goebel, Gert August, and Rachele Hegele from my team plus Suzanne Ryan currently taking no prisoners in any race she has entered this year were present and ready to race.

My friend Jenny Garrison showed up to warm up with me, I did my drills and strides and joined my teammates to the cross country style start at far end of a big field. We talked among ourselves as to what we were going to try for, we wished each other well and we lined up. The gun goes off for this elite wave (3 waves altogether, elite, open men, open women). I went out really easy as the footing is pretty bad and within less than 2 minutes the race narrows onto a small dirt trail and passing is absolutely impossible. That lasted maybe 40 seconds or so and then we are on the main trail and I was able to get settled.

First mile 6:31. That's great I thought since I was really running comfortably and mile two was 6:28. I can see about 3 women ahead of me but I resist the urge to speed up and pass since I know "Big Bertha" is coming up and I had a feeling they were going to come back to me anyway. Insert evil chuckle here. ;-)

Big Bertha comes up, I keep my steps quick and efficient and I don't worry about speed here. There a few level offs during Big Bertha's ascent and I put in little pushes here and I've got my 3 women passed by the end. I thought I would have held out until after Big Bertha but they came back sooner than I had thought and I just went with it. Miles 3 - 6:49, 4 - 6:51, 5 - 6:50. Big Bertha may be big but its really only the start of a series of hills over the rest of the course that definitely brings up the mile splits.

After mile 5 during one of the sharper turns I catch a glimpse of the woman behind me and its Gert one my teammates and also a masters runner. Okay its time to start moving I think to myself, if she hangs with me fine, she's a teammate, but she's going to have to come with me cause I'm not playing anymore. Do I really say these things to myself when I race?....Yup, I'm a dork. The next splits are 6 - 6:43, 7 - 6:36, 8 - 6:39, 9 - 6:37. All hilly but I'm no longer easing up the hills as I concentrate on pulling in as many people as I can. I'm starting to feel significant tightness in my right achilles, in both calves, and I'm fighting off a side stitch (ugh!). I keep the side stitch under control (but it never goes away) and I keep plugging away.

Okay its mile 10. I try to drop the hammer as I only have half a mile before we leave the main trail, run the narrow dirt trail, and re-enter the field and going back to dealing with tall grass and bad footing for about half a mile. I enter the field and surprise of all surprises I hear Andy's voice and my children yelling "Go Mommy!" I had left them all sleeping in their beds this morning!! Even though I'm struggling to keep my pace going though the rough field I do my best to look good for the kids and I give them a quick smile. Mile 10 - 6:47. I finish 2nd Masters runner and 5th overall in 1:06:54. Christen Meyer grabs 1st and Gert grabs 3rd in our age group. Christen ran fast enough to finish in the top 3 overall, very impressive. Suzanne Ryan wins the race easily. My little girl Kyla is the first to give me a hug and offer me a bottle of water. "Mommy you have to drink," she insists. :-) Andy and Erik come next and I'm so happy to see my family.

Initially I was pretty disapointed with my time. Its about what I ran last year and I had thought I could do better even with a more relaxed strategy this year. After another look it turned out to be a nice solid tempo race with the hills I really needed for my training on a beautiful day in a beautiful place with lots of company! :-) I didn't have a super high mileage week but I had put in a really hard tuesday night workout and a solid week and wasn't as rested as I was last year when I really put out all I could...so no grumpy face allowed for this race. Will just have to come back next year?? :-)

Splits: 1 - 6:31, 2 - 6:28, 3 - 6:49, 4 - 6:51, 5 - 6:50, 6 - 6:43, 7 - 6:36, 8 - 6:39, 9 - 6:37, 10 - 6:47.

Next race Chicago Distance Classic, August 12th

Peace everyone,

Runner Girl

Training Log July 9 - July 15 - 2007

2007-07-17T09:49:00.001-05:00

Monday - 0
Planned Day Off

Tuesday - 4.9
5:10am. 43:40/ 8:54 a mile. Grumpy. Annoyed by having to run alone and annoyed that evening was going to be so booked up that I can't run in the evning. I hope I'm not grumpy like this all day.

Wednesday - 4.25
Easy run. River/Oakton route plus strides after. Feeling great, rested, smooth and strong. Strides felt "race" ready. There's a good race in me wanting to come out! :-)

Thursday - 6.41
7:30 PM. Bastille Day 5k. First race as a masters runner. Warm up 1.5 miles plus strides and drills, race which turned out to be 2.91 miles, and cool down 2 miles. Race time 16:55, estimated 18:01 5k time, first woman overall. I haven't won a race in such a long time I almost forgot what it was like! Dave Schaefers helped with pacing providing almost continual positive words the entire race and I pulled this time right out of my @ss! Love ya Dave!!! I haven't run under 18:40 in YEARS! I'm so pumped! What a blast being with my friends from work, husband running the race too, and a cool $250 gift certificate to NikeTown. I was just drooling over their stuff when I was there to get the race packets. Looks like its time to go SHOPPING!! Team finishes 6th out of 48. Very cool. See Race Reports for full details.

Friday - 0
Planned day off. Old lady needs a day to recover.

Saturday - 5.9
Easy run. 51:12 (8:40/mile). All seems to be well (no back pain, no quad pain, etc) but I do feel very flat. Splits: 1 - 8:39; 2 - 8:37; 3 - 8:22; 4 - 8:42 starting to peter out a bit; 5 - 8:48, 5.9 - 8:01

Sunday - 10.38
Went to the Morton Arboretum to get in a beautiful long run with some good hills. Run went okay but my legs still feel heavy with thursday's race. My ankles and lower calf feel a little beat up from racing in my "go fast" shoes which of course have little to no real support. 1:25:41 (8:15/mile). Splits: 1 - 8:51; 2 - 8:24; 3 - 8:13; 4 - 8:04; 5 - 8:11; 6 - 7:52; 7 - 8:15; 8 - 7:53; 9 - 8:10; 10 - 8:32; 10.38 - 3:16.

Weekly Summary
Total Miles : 31.8
This has been such a good week for me. I couldn't be more excited about thursday's race. To be able to race on that edge again felt like something from a life time ago. To have an old running friend just show up and pace me, to put all his energy in supporting my effort and telling me afterwards that he owed me at least that for the support I showed him when he was just starting out really opened my eyes. I had no idea that I had had that effect on him. I am truly grateful that just going about my everyday business of training during that time that I was able to help someone, even if I didn't know I was and then having it come back to me years and years later....interesting how things work, eh? Well I must move forward now to next week. I'm going to see if I can put in one really hard effort, some moderate runs and a pull back in preparation for saturday's Xtreme 10 miler at Waterfall Glen. Its a tough course and a race I did especially poorly at last year. Let's see what I can do to turn that around. If I'm not too beat up I will try to tack on some more miles after the race.

Race Report - Bastille Day 5k July 12, 2007

2007-07-13T19:03:00.000-05:00

Bastille Day 5k
Thursday July 12, 2007
7:30PM
1st Overall Female
Corporate Team 6th out of 48 teams.

Hi Everyone! Well another race, another race report. This one is for the Bastille Day 5k which I ran with my co-workers from NFA. This included fellow ChiaDeads Kelly, Brian, and Paul. This was to be my first race as a masters runner as I turned 40 on June 9th.

Its been a number of months since I've done a 5K and things have really changed since then. I've been training more consistently and with a new positive attitude and I just had this feeling that perhaps I was due for a breakout race soon... I really wanted to do well so I really cut back this week and focused on getting my sleep. I was excited also to be running with a lot of my co-workers and even my husband would be running instead of at home watching the kids. The run I did Wednesday evening was effortless and the strides I did afterwards felt "race ready". I was excited but I didn't want to say too much to anyone...."don't advertise just deliver" an old coach of mine used to say. I did look at last year's results and I'd thought that a top 3 - 5 finish would probably be most realistic but I knew that I was going to fight for something even better.

Well I woke up at 4am to take the car into work so that we (hubby and I) could easily get home after the race. I left the house at 5am, got cash, got gas and was in a parking lot at Monroe and Des Plaines by 5:45am and at my desk at 6am. Then started the long day of trying not to think about the race and do my work. It was so hard. I would be typing and then I would think about hitting my splits and my heart would start racing and I couldn't remember what I was supposed to be doing. Finally the end of the work day came and I got dressed and Andy, fellow ChiaDead Paul, and I started the walk to the car to drop off our stuff and then continue on to the race area. I felt better to be moving and although it was a tad warmer than I thought it would be, it wasn't the oppressive heat of earlier in the week, thank God for that!! We got to the race area and soon after the rest of the crew showed up. Fellow ChiaDeads Kelly and Brian ("Bootsie") were there. Due to Brian's stress fracture he planned on walking the course with his big boot on. Also in our group were many of our co-workers.

I started an easy warm up around 6:40pm since I just couldn't stand around anymore. I did my drills around 7pm and then I headed for the start to jog and get ready to do some strides. I was feeling really focused and just wanted this race to start. I was hanging around the start and I bumped into Dave Schaefers. Brother of Ann Schaefers-Coles one of my training partners when I was training for the '96 Olympic trials. I first met him after the trials and he worked out with our club for a few years until I went off to have kids. He was too late to sign up so he offered to pace me and I was totally for that. Oooo I thought I'm really gonna run fast now knowing he would help me to keep myself together mentally through the whole race. I knew I could take some chances with an aggressive pace now. I thought perhaps there were 2 -3 women warming up that looked like they would be my primary challenge. Dave and I talked about what I wanted my opening mile to be, we did our strides and lined up.

Gun goes off. I pick a pace thats not crazy but is definitely on the aggressive side. Mile 5:48, fast but I feel good. I'm breathing hard but the legs are going strong so I just keep at it. Dave is around giving positive comments almost continually. His voice kept my concentration on nothing but the race. We approach the 2 mile and it beyond fast, like world record fast, damn the 2 mile was short, I didn't bother to take a split it wouldn't have meant anything. At this point Dave informs me that there isn't a woman in sight behind me. I decided that I had the luxury to gamble a little so I dig even harder for mile 3 clock. The 3 mile clock gives up a total time of 16:18, again not anything realistic but I just feel it, I know we are cooking so I just keep it going. In this race the finish line is hidden behind a turn (I hate finish lines like that as the sight of that finish line works so well for me when I'm driving for home) so I do what I can to really dig down deep with no finish line in sight. We round the corner and I finish first woman overall with a 16:55.

Dave and I recover and give each other a look concerning the finish time. Short we both say but I'm happy. I tell him I will gps the course and figure out the mile pace and extrapolate what a full 5k would have been. I thank him profusely for all his help and he says he owed it to me for the years I encouraged him during workouts and smacked him around everytime he started to whine and complain (I'm not very tolerant of that especially when I'm working on ignoring my own fatigue). Well I didn't think he owed me anything but he definitely was instrumental in helping me race like I haven't in YEARS. We did a cool down, I said goodbye and I went to meet up with my team.

I ran into Kelly and Paul. Paul's GPS said 2.91 for the distance. Later that evening using http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ I came up with the very same distance. Kelly and Paul had run great times but were understandably a little miffed about the distance being wrong. I had a feeling once we figured out the average mile paces using the correct distances and then using that to figure out a 5k time that they would be happy. The course was a flat as you can get without stepping on a track, it would be hard not to run a good time. :-)

Once I was home I verified the course distance, figured out my average mile pace of 5:48 which is about a 18:01 5k. I was so excited and really pleased. For years I've been running anywhere from 18:40 - 18:55 and just couldn't seem to get back down any further. Finally, and without a coach. I guess I made the right decision back in January to step back and let go of my coach for a while. The next day both Kelly and Paul figure out their 5k times and I'm happy to report that they both ran very well. PR's for both of them. Kelly is the PR queen!

Brian covered his walk in under 50 minutes (don't remember the exact time) and it was cool seeing him come in, boot and all.

Even though we are only half way through this year I want to say what a year it has been so far. In January I was tired, burnt out, didn't think I would continue running much longer. I just was having a hard time accepting my slower race times, and I wasn't even sure where running fit in if I wasn't going to be racing fast anymore. I let go of my coach and started feeling sorry for myself. It was then that I started listening to some of the runners around me, really listening to how much they strived for being the best they could, how they built their relationships with other runners to share the road and races with, how they all supported each other. I was really taken back, the running world didn't just exist of runners trying to qualify for the trials, trying to win every race they entered, fighting for the limited amount of prize money that floated around. It was a different perspective and it was starting to make a lot of sense to me. Running for the love of the sport, to be strong, healthly, to have races to run, but most of all friends to share it with. I was on fire again and I felt that I owned my running and not the other way around. I reset my sights and I developed a running schedule that respected my responsibilities as a mother of two children, with a great husband, a full time job, and allowed me to pursue my piano studies. It all seems to be working and although I'm always in pursuit of fast times it is not the only reason I train and step on the starting line. It's turned into much more than that.

Okay that's my race report and therapy session all in one and I'm done!

Next race Xtreme 10 Miler at Waterfall Glenn July 21st.

Peace everyone,

RunnerGirl

Training Log - July 2 thru July 8 - 2007

2007-07-09T21:23:00.001-05:00

Monday - 9.79
11:30am. Splits 1 - 8:20, 2 - 8:14, 3 - 8:35, 4 - 8:37, 5 - 8:30, 6 - 9:01, 7 - 8:45, 8 - 8:47, 9 - 8:50, 9.79 - 5:51. 1 hr 24 min 34 sec. Waited a little too long to get out for my run and it was pretty hot but it was scheduled to be an easy run.
Tuesday - 10.1
4pm. Pilates
5pm. Hill workout in Springbrook. w^ 3, 8 x hill, 4.5 miles home. 1 hr 26 min 51 sec. HOT! Hill repeats good but after these plus the hour of pilates beforehand I was pretty slow on the way home.
Wednesday - 6.61
12:30pm. 1hr. Took it really really easy out on the praire path in Wheaton. Splits: 1 - 9:07, 2 - 8:57, 3 - 9:02, 4 - 9:05, 5 - 8:50, 6 - 9:15, 6.61 - 5:44.
Thursday - 8.46
8:46pm. Steady state run. Used the loop around my subdivision for this workout. Each loop is a tad over 2.1 miles. w^ 1 subdivision loop, 2 subdivision loops of steady state, 1 subdivision loop cool down. Splits: 1st loop 8:36, 8:18, :55; 2nd loop 7:03, 7:09, :45; 3rd loop 7:00, 7:09, :39; 4th loop 8:21, 8:48, 1:02. Would have like the steady state miles to be more like 6:50 pace but all in all things felt strong and smooth from warm up to cool down.
Friday - 6
5am. A little tired from last night's workout but not too bad. Easy pace.
Saturday - 7.58
7am Pilates
8am. run through Springbrook. Hot and hilly
Sunday - 15
5:30am. 2hrs, 1 min, 28 seconds. Miserably hot and humid. Started at 74 degree and ended up over 80. Run was work from beginning to end. Running partner had trouble with heat ( ran up and back to give him recovery time). Tough day but felt like I still stuck to it and had a quality long run. Splits: 1 - 8:46; 2 - 7:53; 3 - 8:02; 4 - 7:54; 5 - 7:57; 6 - 7:40, hit lap button by mistake 6.33 - 2:35; 7.33 - 7:50; 8.33 - 7:52; hit lap button again (ugh) 8.9 - 4:39; 9.9 - 7:48; 10.9 - 7:51; 11.9 - 8:00; Dan started running into trouble here 12.9 - 8:41; 13.9 - 8:43; 14.9 - 8:11; 15 - :56.
Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 63.7
Finally did it, I got over 60 miles in one week and I did it all without a double run all week! I felt very good on my interval days and I made sure to take recovery on my easy days by keeping the pace easy. That seemed to work very well. Anyhow I'm now at the end of a six week build up and its time for a "active" recovery week. I will put in one interval type day and a quick steady state paced 10 miler this weekend instead of a long run. I will race a 5k on thursday which will take the place of my second "interval" day. All other days I will keep the miles light and pace easy with at least one day off entirely.

Brian finishes Leadville Trail Marathon

2007-07-08T08:07:00.001-05:00

Looks like Brian's foot held out and he was able to complete yesterday's marathon, which by the way is a bitch of a marathon! 7+ hours on his feet....wow.

He promises us a race report soon http://briangaines.blogspot.com/.

Way to go Brian!

The news is in, Brian will attempt Leadville Trail Marathon

2007-07-06T15:25:00.000-05:00

After an unexpected foot injury on June 23rd that has put fellow ChiDeads Runner Brian Gaines on the injured list it appears that Brian feels the foot has healed well enough to attempt the Leadville Trail Marathon tomorrow (July 7th)!

We all hope for the best for Brian tomorrow. Hopefully results will be up quickly at http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/merchant.ihtml?id=1423&step=2.

See Brian's blog for the "drama" leading up to tomorrow's marathon. http://briangaines.blogspot.com/

Training Log - June 25 thru July 1 - 2007

2007-07-03T10:29:00.001-05:00

Monday - 8
7:30pm. Hot and humid. Felt sluggish.
Tuesday - 7.5
5am. warm up 15", 4 x 20" strides, 5 x 3' (varying paces for each min) with 3' jog recovery. Finish run.
Wednesday - 6.8
5am. Tired.
Thursday - 0
Utterly exhausted. Went to bed at 8pm. Fighting off something I think, stomach/cramping issues.
Friday - 7.3 + 3.25
5am. Much better today, not the exhausted creature I was yesterday.
6pm. Felt good enough to do an easy 3+ miler. Easy pace.
Saturday - 7.42
6:50am. Ran to pilates session, after that finished off by running the preserve path. Pilates session was just okay, didn't feel very strong but run felt great.
Sunday - 15
5:30am with Dan over rolling hills. Weather was great this time around, not hot at all! Splits are:
1 - 8:52; 2- 7:54; 3 - 7:42; 4 - 7:52; 5 - 8:14; 6 - 8:15; 7 - 8:11; 8 - 7:47; 9 - 8:00; 10 - 7:40; 11 - 7:54; 12 - 8:08; 13 - 8:25; 14 - 7:49; 15 - 7:30
Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 55.27
At the beginning of the week I was totally exhuasted so I backed off on my more aggressive plan for 67ish miles for the week. I only did one double run day and that was near the end of the week after I started feeling better. I was definitely fighting something off and I had stomach issues for a number of days. I'm also not surprised by the fatigue as I have not been doing anything much over 40 miles a week for a long long time and I had been ramping up the miles pretty hard over the last few weeks. Probably time for a slight dip down. I was pleasantly suprised to still have finished in the mid 50's and I was able to get in one good speed session and one good long run which were key. I will see how next week goes and plan out my runs day by day.

Jenny Garrison Wins Triathlon Nationals for 2nd Straight Year!

2007-07-01T19:14:00.001-05:00

Training partner Jenny wins triathlon nationals again.
http://www.insidetri.com/portal/news/news.asp?item=109723

Congrats Jenny, I am so proud of you! You are one tough chick!
Now hurry on back because its your turn to do MY workouts with me :-)

Training Log - June 18 thru June 24 - 2007

2007-06-25T11:18:00.001-05:00

Monday - 0
Terrible night of sleep preceeded by two nights of not enough sleep. Took today off to try and get myself geared up for the rest of the week.
Tuesday - 6.3 + 3.38
Slept in and did my miles before and after my pilates session. Felt really good. Pilates session also very good.
Wednesday - 6.05 + 3
AM run a little tiring because of last nights run but not too bad.
PM run hard as it was really hot and I was pushing Erik in the jogging stroller.
Thursday - 5.3 + 3.8
AM still not getting the sleep I need. Cut run a little shorter than planned.
PM run better but I really took it at an easy pace.
Friday - 6 + 2
AM things continue to not go well for me in the sleep department. Why is there so much to get done every night?? Tired run with Jenny and Brian.
PM Pilates and 2 miles afterwards.
Saturday - 15.15
High 50's and relentless rain without the usual running partner kind of led to a slower than usual run. 2hrs 6min (no mile splits). Didn't feel like a struggle but there was this underlying feeling of fatigue and I felt cold by the end of my run. Took a good nap later in the day.
Sunday - 8
Covered the miles by running to the triathlon in Naperville and running around the course to cheer on my friends Jenny and Kelly. Parts of run where hard efforts as I dashed to different parts of the course. Due to the difference in start times for Jenny's and Kelly's wave I was able to cheer for each individually as Jenny was done before Kelly's wave even started. This was fun and a great way to end the week. Jenny won the elite wave and Kelly looked focused and strong during her wave (21) improving on her last year's time.
Weekly Summary
Total Miles : 58.98
I entered this week with the goal of popping over 60 miles. Its been a while since I've done that kind of miles and I've been building for a few weeks so I thought I would drop the intensity and add a number of double runs to see how I did. Its been over 8 years since double runs were part of my daily routine and they can take their toll. Well thanks to a terrible week of sleep (some my fault, others not so much my fault) it wasn't the best of weeks. I had to lower distances at several runs and I was always playing catch-up on sleep on the train (Andy had to actually wake me up when we got to Union station on one morning as I wasn't even aware that the train had stopped). Okay so I got the message. This next week will have to be better. I plan on double running only on tuesday and thursday and upping the mileage a bit on my single run days. Lets see how it goes....

Jenny and Kelly compete in Subaru Women's Triathlon in Naperville

2007-06-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

Jenny wins yet again (yawn). Just kidding. Training partner Jenny looked comfortable and relaxed as she won the elite wave of the Subaru Triathlon this weekend.

Kelly successfully completed her course and improved on her last year's time (wave 21). Kelly looked focused and strong throughout.

My apologizes to both ladies as I failed to get the pictures I busted my butt around the course to get. I just don't understand how my digital camera works and it turns out that even though I thought I took over 30 pictures I ended up with 3. I was so hoping to give these ladies some great action shots. :-(

Congrats and great job to the Jenny and Kelly. I had a blast running around cheering you both on.

Training partner Jennifer Garrison wins HyVee Triathlon

2007-06-18T12:05:00.000-05:00

My training partner wins yet another triathlon. She is such an inspiration and she also gets my lazy butt out the door at 5am on tuesday and thursday mornings. Congrats Jenny!

http://www.pem-usa.com/racedata/hyvee07/results/HV07agegroup.html

Training Log - June 11 thru June 17 - 2007

2007-06-17T14:07:00.001-05:00

Monday - 6.8
7pm. Hot. Just put one foot in front of the other as steady as I could.
Tuesday - 7.5 + 3.25
5am. Warm up 15'; strides; 5 x (3' with varying speeds for each minute within the 3', I can't remember what they were exactly but mostly tempo, 5k, 10k with various combinations of each, this was my training partner's work out so she has the combinations with 3' recovery jog between each); cool down.
7:30pm. 3 mile run then pilates session, then run home.
Wednesday - 0
Life.
Thursday - 7.5 + 3.25
5am. Warm up 15'; 3 x 8' @ tempo with 2' jog recovery; 5 x 1' @ 10k with 1' recovery jog; cool down.
5pm. 3.25. Hot and slow.
Friday - 7.6
5:15am. Run at Springbrook Prairie. Nice rolling hills.
Saturday - 6.09
7am. Went to run with my church group but I guess I didn't get the memo that no one was going to meet today so I went off on my own. Splits: 1 - 8:26; 2 - 8:12; 3 - 8:13; 4 - 8:18; 5 - 8:11; 6 - 7:52, .09 - 46seconds. It was hard to get going. It was a rolling course but I just couldn't seem to get it consistently under 8min. Anyway I kept the perceived effort at moderate instead of trying to push to get under 8 as tomorrow's long run is what is more important.
8am. Pilates
Sunday - 14.12
5:30am. Very muggy with temps rising the whole run. Ran with Dan over a rolling course. We did well. 1hr 51 minutes. Splits: 1 - 8:46; 2 - 8:15; 3 - 8:06; 4 - 7:49; 5 - 7:35; 6 - 7:41; 7 - 7:43; 8 - 7:31; 9 - 7:29; 10 - 7:52; 11 - 7:46; 12 - 7:45; 13 - 7:39; 14 - 7:37, .12 - 1:00.
Note to self: BRING MORE WATER.
Weekly Summary
Total Miles: 56.11
Much better on mileage this week and nothing hurts, yippy. I really feel like I'm in a good groove. I have some days where runs are not the most comfortable but I really made sure I got my sleep this week and for the most part I felt strong all week. Hopefully I can pop up into the 60's next week. Only 4 pounds from goal weight!

Training Log - June 4 thru June 10 - 2007

2007-06-10T11:39:00.001-05:00

Monday - 7.5
8PM. Not bad, steady pace, relaxed. Back greatly improved.
Tuesday - 8.8 + 3.3
4:50am. Warmup 15'; 3 x (20" with 40" jog); 3 x 8' @ tempo; 5 x (1' @10K, 1' easy jog), cool down
7pm. easy 3.3
Wednesday - 6.8
Thursday - 0
We ended up in the emergency room with my daughter. She fractured her clavicle in gym class and even though the school nurse thought she was fine, I disagreed and the x-rays confirmed my opinion. Didn't get home till late and I was in no mood to run as I had to tend to the poor girl. Her birthday party is this saturday and its a climbing party of all things...ugh.
Friday - 6.8
5am. Muggy and slow.
Saturday - 12.75
5:30am. Long run with Dan (right around 1:40). Beautiful cool weather made for a really nice long run. Its been a while since I've done a long run and this was to be my first in this year's marathon training. Splits:
1 - 8:11; 2 - 7:42; 3 - 7:51; 4 - 7:51; 5 - 7:48; 6 - 7:58; 7 - 7:52; 8 - 7:41; 9 - 8:01; 10- 7:42; 11 - 7:47; 12 - 7:45; .75 - 5:40
I was really happy that we stayed mostly under 8 minutes without really pushing too much. Dan is a great pacer. Next week I will aim for 1hr 50 min.
8am - pilates scaled back a bit for my back which is almost 100% again :-)
Oh I almost forgot, I turned 40 today....
Sunday - 0
Kyla's birthday sleepover party had me up till really late last night and I was wiped out. Wanted to give the back another day off also. Kind of kills my weekly mileage but still the thing to do.
Weekly Summary
Total Miles - 45.95
This week was a little off with Kyla's emergency room incident and the party on saturday and allowing for my back, but I made sure to get in at least 1 hard effort day and one quality long run. Now that my back is pretty stable and Kyla is healing I hope for a better week next week.

Training Log - May 28 thru June 3 - 2007

2007-06-04T09:08:00.001-05:00

Monday - 13 miles
Race day. Fox Trot 10 miler. warm up 2 miles, cool down 1 mile, race time 1:05:12, 3rd female overall. Great weather, consistent mile paces. Cool down was really hard as I was spent after the race. See race report for details
Tuesday - 3
5am. A slow and torturous 3 miler. Plans were for 5 miles but I was so sore, my back hurts, and there was just no go-juice in the legs.
Wednesday - 5
5am. Much better today but back is still not right. I will have to keep tabs on this as the last time I did something to my back I was out for 8 weeks.
Thursday - 7.75
5am. Warm up 20 min, 8 x (15'' @ 5k, 1' easy jog, 30" @ 10K, 90" easy jog). Not too bad today and I had some nice easy flowing turnover. The back is improving but it did talk to me a bit during the workout.
p.s. come evening I was so tired I totally crashed on the couch after dinner
Friday - 6.75
5am. Easy run, back still being a pain. Will address with heat and ice this evening and take some advil. Got a race tomorrow that I may have to call off but I will see...
Saturday - 9.2
Race day. Warm up 1.5, cool down 1.5. Wheaton Run for the Animals 10K race time 39:59, fifth female overall, 1st AG 35- 39. Started off too fast but rest of splits just a slow decline mile by mile. Just plain tired and worried about the back. Still not all that bad in that I wanted to break 40 minutes and as always I love racing with my team. We took the top 7 spots!! See race report for more details.
Sunday - biked
Decided that I needed to cross train today and I went out and biked around to get the legs moving. Continued with icing my back.
Weekly Summary:
Total 44.7 miles. Very pleased with my 10 mile race results. It was a good indicator of where I'm at in my condition and I know where to go from here. I will have to give more consideration to the idea of taking the day off after a race (or some form of cross training), my body just isn't recovering as fast as it used to and the course in Elgin is not the easiest. Unfortunately I had to follow the 10 miler up with a race only 5 days later (team commitment) and that was tough.

RaceReport - Wheaton Run for the Animals 10K 2007

2007-06-04T08:58:00.000-05:00

Wheaton Run for the Animals 10K - June 2, 2007 7:30am

Hi everyone!
I hope everyone who raced this weekend had fun.

I ran the Wheaton Run for the Animals 10K this weekend and most of my team was there (Dick Pond Racing Team).

The day started out a little weird as I overslept a bit and kind of had to rush out of the house. I couldn't do my warm up at home and when I got to the race I had to park a few blocks away which was annoying but no biggie. During my warm up I could still feel the tightness in my back from Monday's race, I felt sluggish and the humidity felt really high to me. Good thing Wheaton has great big trees and most of the race would be shaded. I will admit I was worried about my back. Last time I did something to my back I was out for 8 weeks. My goal was to stay under 40 minutes, and with a good race I really wanted to try and average 6:20ish per mile.

I lined up with my teammates and off we went. Oops, right off the bat I started out too fast and I hit a 6:01 first mile. I had been shooting for 6:15 or so. I was with 8 of my teammates and I figured I would just do the best I could to keep with them. My back was talking to me everyone once in a while and I did my best to relax and run with good form. During the next few miles 4 of my teammates broke away and the rest fell behind me so I was alone for most of the 2nd half of the race. I kept my teammates in my sights and tried not to fall too far back. Although I hit my split watch at each mile I don't look at my watch so I went on feel and I felt like I was slowing but not falling off per say. In the last mile some guy decided to play cat and mouse with me, sprinting ahead of me, then falling behind me, then sprinting ahead of me etc. This always makes me laugh but it at least gave me a target to go for during that last mile. I finished solid with a fifth place overall and first in my age group (39:59). My team grabbed the first seven spots overall.

Using my Fox Trot 10 mile time which was an average of 6:31 I really thought I could average closer to 6:20 for a 10K which would have given me a 39:20 but messing up a bit in the first mile, the concern I was having with my back, not being as focused as I was at the Fox Trot, and still feeling tired from monday's race had its effect. I still managed to barely stay under 40 minutes so goal was accomplished on a day that I didn't really feel "on", so it was a good day on the whole. :-)

I took Sunday off for my back and biked instead. I did a lot of heating pad and then icing and that has made a big difference today (Monday). I was going to run twice today but I decided that giving my back another 12 hours and just running this evening would be the best. I don't race again until July 21st.

Splits
1 - 6:01
2- 6:24
3 - missed, don't think it was marked
4 - 12.57 (ave of 6:28 for mile 3 and 4)
5 - 6:40 (in Northside park, some mud, some crushed gravel)
6 - not marked
6.2 - 7:55 (ave of 6:35 for 1.2 miles)
total 39:59

The trail run you guys all did seemed like a lot more fun! The pictures told the whole story.

Peace,
Janeth

Race Report - 30th Annual Elgin Fox Trot 10 Mile 2007

2007-05-29T08:49:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!
Fox Trot 10 Miler May 28, 2007

Yet another Fox Trot Memorial day. I first did this run as a junior in high school in 1984 and I’ve loved this race ever since. Today was beautiful weather and it was a great day to race J

I did my usual wake up insanely early ( 4:15am ) to put in an easy mile run at my house. This comes from my college days when I saw how the Wisconsin girls (a huge cross country powerhouse at that time for women) would go out and run a few easy miles around the hotel before getting ready for breakfast and leaving for the course. It is great for helping me ease the pre-race tension that usually results in multiple bathroom visits….’nuf said.

During my easy mile at home I could tell the weather was going to be good and my legs felt nice and loose. I was a little worried because the previous week everything felt like a struggle from workouts all the way down to my easy runs.

I went back in, had my light breakfast and put on my racing team uniform and sweats, packed some dry clothes, water bottle, kissed the hubby and the kids goodbye and I left around 5:15am . Half way to the race I realized I totally forgot my racing flats. After hesitating for a second I decided that I was going to have to race in what I had or see if the Dick Pond’s truck had something for me. I then proceeded to try and convince myself that racing in training shoes would be just fine….just in case I had no choice. I got to the race just before 6am , insanely early as usual, just the way I like it! I found the Dick Pond truck, bought myself some racing flats and I was a happy camper. I had a lot of time to sit around and review with myself about what I wanted to get from today’s race, how I was going to start out etc. I mentioned to Kelly and Brian at work that I thought a good day, good conditions would give me about 65 minutes but I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out. My plan would be start out comfortable and then find a steady pace and see how long and how successful I could hold that pace throughout the race. If done right this race could serve as a benchmark for my summer marathon training.

Warm up was good but I didn’t see Kelly or Brian or Paul until I went up to the starting line. It was great seeing them but they left quickly. I met up with Jenny Spangler (‘96 Olympian, former college teammate) while doing strides and we commiserated on getting older and slower. I ran into Derek Olenek and we commiserated on getting older and slower and reminisced on how we had both won this race in the same year back in the 90’s but we couldn’t remember what year that was, funny. I looked around and it seemed like the woman’s field was little loaded especially with Jenny and Suzanne Ryan being there but I reminded myself that place wasn’t my primary goal here. I lined up with Jenny and off we went.

So far so good first mile 6:27. Feeling comfortable. Around mile 3 I hooked up with a group of men that seemed to be steady in the 6:30 ’s and just what I needed. I chatted a bit to get myself into the group and once I was in I let them do all the talking. Four mile mark was off the pace ( 6:41 ) but I hung on with my group and things smoothed out again with the following mile in 6:27 . Miki joined our group in the out and back part. Miki is Jenny Spangler’s husband and a pretty good even paced racer. At the turn around I saw that I was 3rd overall with a lot of women much too close for comfort behind me. My guys made sure I didn’t miss seeing that and I knew I had some work ahead of me. If I could hold on to 3rd my sponsor would pay me a premium for being in the top 3. Unfortunately, all Fox Trot old-timers know what is in store for them in the later parts of the race and I started mentally preparing for facing that while being stalked from behind. I figured if I stuck to my group which seemed to be ready to run 6:30ish for the rest of the week I would be fine. This worked well but the group started to break up a bit as some of them started to dip under 6:30 ’s. I kept them in my sight and Miki plus a few others were still around. Nine mile split was off of pace ( 6:43 ) but that was not unexpected so I just laid out the best last mile I could and finished as 3rd female overall ( 6:14 split 1:05:12 total). The last mile hurt more than I would have liked but I finished over a minute head of 4th so the steady pace earlier probably took care of that and I finished right around what I thought would have qualified as a good race. I waited till later to review my splits on my watch (I didn’t really look at the splits too much during the race) and I was even happier, just what I wanted to see, consistent mile splits in the mid 6:30’s or under (of course expecting some off ones due to hills etc).

Afterwards I thought about all the times I have raced on this course over the last 23 years. I’ve raced here as a teenager, I even broke an hour here just a few weeks shy of turning 18, I’ve raced here pre-marriage, pre-motherhood, and I think I’ve won this darn thing at least 4 times, and I also had a DNF. Those fast times may be gone but I think I’m learning to take away something more from my racing. Something about personal challenge, something about understanding how running and racing fit in with the other loves of my life such as family, something that allows me to group together with complete strangers and support each other over the course such as the men I raced with today, and finally something that is just the love of running and racing. Its all cool!

Thank you Kelly, Brian, and Paul for cheering for me on the out and back. I hear every voice that yells my name during a race and I take that energy even though I may not even look or know exactly who did the cheering, beside you guys were moving pretty fast and I would have missed you anyway! J Special congrats to Paul (“I don’t run farther than six miles”) for finishing his first 10 miler. Kelly works her good influence magic once again as she convinced Paul he could do the race and then personally supported his effort by pacing him step by step! Good run Brian, LOVE your blog and the pictures.

Splits
1 - 6:27
2 - 6:30
3 - 6:27
4 - 6:41
5 - 6:27
6 - 6:33
7 - 6:30
8 - 6:36
9 - 6:43
10 - 6:14
total 1:05:12

ORN: 3 miles of slow torture. I felt flat and sore. Not unexpected though.

Peace everyone!
Runner Girl (Janeth)