Windy and I were LIT (not like...how we know it now) during our run yesterday morning. My vest, headband, and Windy's harness and hands-free leash are extremely reflective! I wonder if you actually *could* see me coming from a mile away.
Snow had started falling probably an hour before we head out. We lap around the nearby park, and coming back around, I saw only our tracks. Guess no one else was interested in going this way.
Aw.<3
A little over four miles done, and I was hitting the TriggerPoint roller. My calves and hammies have been extra tight for a while. I've actually never tried working on myofascial release right after a run. I'll let you know how this goes after a bit.
Then it was off to work, where my fourth graders are working on their jump rope skillz. We were also working on checking our perceived rate of exertion, so I think they realized just how hard they were working.
Kinders were much more low-key with some Yoga.:)
Harry and I got the Furbo just before Christmas. It has been PRETTY interesting, spying on our pup throughout the day. I can talk and listen to her, and can also send her treats. I think she's a fan, too (about the treat part, mostly).
LUNCH = mac n' cheese and tomato basil soup. The snow had stopped, but the temps were dropping pretty quickly. It was like 54*F the other day -- it was 30*F at this point.
I taught my first and second graders, then worked with my sixth graders on Badminton. They looooooove it!
I head home right after school, got a ton done around the house, and started on dinner. I found these at Costco and ohhhhhmyyyygoshhhhh. We're the biggest fans! They're uncooked tortillas -- you just throw them on the griddle or pan, flip when they get bubbly, and blammo. They're SO fresh, non-gmo, organic, and just downright delicious.
Ummm, hung out with Windy for just a minute while dinner was in the oven...
Harry got home, and dinner was ready shortly after -- green enchiladas (I made five enchiladas, keeping in mind that Harry would have three, and I'd get two -- I changed my mind at some point and we went splities on the fifth ench) with Spanish rice. PERF for a Tuesday.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just a couple of FYIs:
If you ran the F^3 5K or Half Marathon last Saturday, they have FREE RACE PICTURES UP! I came out with some decent shots, which really never happens.:)
And a pretty good photo of us at the after-party (left to right: Jeff, Harry, Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!, James, and Michael). We're a pretty good-looking squad!
Also, ICYMI!!!!!!!! Our Suz had Yoshi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a FANTASTIC Wednesday, friends! I'm going to be stalking your bloggies, as well as Suz's insta for more pictures of Emilia, formerly Yoshi! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Do you have an intention set for today?
-I try to set one every day, and really seem to stick to it. If you haven't done this, give it a try...it really makes a difference in your day. How about a workout/training session?
-Yoga this morning, and running with the /R/iver /R/unners this evening! Do you take good race pictures?
Nope. Not usually.
Newsflash: It's my birthday. My wish is for you to have an absolutely wonderful day!
Yesterday, Harry and I got out to the F^3 Half Marathon for a couple of hours of *running-along-the-Lakefront-in-what-is-most-likely-F'ING-FREEZING-FROZEN* funsies. That last part (the F^3 part) wasn't the case this year; however, you're more than welcome to read my recap from the first time I ran this race in 2014, where the polar vortex moved in as we were running it!
With a 10:00am start, I could hang out most of the morning and watch some quality Netflix -- sometimes I get the hankerin' to binge a particular show. It varies between "Friends", "30 Rock", and "Scrubs".<3 ANYWAY, I got caffeinated, hydrated, and started getting ready to take off. I checked the weather and was slightly pleased to see that the temps weren't in the range of "Freeze your face off".
I took Windy for a nice, long walk before we left. She loves to get all of the smells of our neighborhood.
While I was out walking the pup, Harry was getting ready to run -- all Chicago'd out. This kid is proud of his city, and loves the design of the flag. Maybe a little too much? Nah.
Not seen -- a wristband of the flag.
I opted for nostalgia for my apparel.
Right off the bat, here are a few things that I noticed, comparing this year's event to that of 2014:
There were pace groups (which I don't typically take advantage of, but it's nice to know that they're there)
There was a list of mile-marked aid stations (there was much more support now, too!)
OBVIOUSLY, a pretty major course change from Montrose Harbor to further south down the Lakefront Trail, starting at Soldier Field
A nice, cozy place to warm up before and after the race and gear check, in the United Club of Soldier Field
A nice bonus: Some nifty discounts were made available for other local races and wellness venues as part of the swag.
Post-race activities and perks in the United Club -- i.e. vendors and massages
The race directors and staff were VERY, VERY supportive in helping everyone navigate around The Women's March. This event was ENORMOUS last year, and F^3 wanted every racer to feel comfy with regular updates.
Now, my mindset going into this race wasn't that of a race mindset at all. Much like the St. Jude Half Marathon we did last month, I was treating this like a glorified long run. I had been sick nearly every weekend leading up to this event, and thusly haven't properly trained for it. I did a 10-miler last weekend to see if I could hit up this race at all, and felt relatively *okay* after it. I did get a weird pain in my hip, which I foam rolled to death; it still worried me for most of the week. Friday, I made the decision to go forward with the 13.1. The hip felt fine, the foot (post-injury) felt fine.
Getting from the north parking lot to the start line was a cinch. Harry and I are the worst at getting to races early (we have been the last two across the start line at two different race events), so we didn't get to enjoy all of the pre-race fun.
The race started on time (YAY!) and in waves, which is always a nice thing. Everyone heading out onto the course at one time is often nerve-racking and overcrowded.
I took in the gorgeous scenery over the first few miles. Though it had warmed up just a tiny bit, there were huge ice blocks on the lake.
Around mile four, I spotted something strange...hilarious...brave...and I decided to pass it...
MY FAVORITE THING TO HAPPEN in any race where Harry and I are both running, and has an out-and-back course, is getting a high-five from Harry. I knew I couldn't miss him, wearing all that awesomeness.:)
BAM.
The aid stations had Krā available in small cups, and water in paper cups the size you usually find at most races. The first time I took the Krā, I found that it was VERY salty and concentrated. After that, I *Irish car bomb'd* it with the cup of water. I had completely forgotten to bring any Gu with me out onto the course. This water + Krā strategy got me through the 13.1 just fine.
There were a couple of moments where the course had to go off-road for a moment; but other than that, it felt very supported. There were so many volunteers out on the course, and so many people out there cheering for runners and walkers. It was a pretty great race day!
13.1 in 2:07:22. A lovely long run.:)
Finish line nutrition was right on! I *needed* that banana, and I sipped on the huge bottles of Krā and water they provided.
Harry and I found fellow /R/iver /R/unners, James and Jeff, whom had also rocked out their races, and we head over to Kroll's for some post-race food and beer. Michael, who had volunteered at this race, joined us shortly after we were seated.
I got the Chicago burger, which was fine.
Honestly, it has nothing to do with the race event itself, but this spot didn't seem prepared for the mass of hungry and thirsty runners. We had what seemed to have been two different servers, both seemed to be confused about their role for our table, and we ended up spending more time there than we had wanted. Don't get me wrong: We understood that people were probably overworked. Knowing that this was the post-race spot endorsed by F^3, we figured things would've been more organized. *le shrug* We got our beer, we got our decent food.
We all took off, and heading home, I figured a nap was in order. I took an awesomely warm shower, and Harry and I hung out with Windy for the rest of the day.
Y'all. Six weeks from today, I'll have run the Chicago Marathon for the third stinkin' time.
*Awe has ensued...*
Side note: 189 miles ran in August. Woot.
I've got my first 20-miler in the books. I'm not gonna lie: It was tougher than I had anticipated. It was warm and humid out, much like my 14-miler last week, but of course, I had another hour of running ahead of me. I stopped at every water fountain I saw, attempting to ensure that I could complete it. When I got home, I immediately made myself a Recovery Accelerator smoothie! We were out of milk, so I used half water, half tart cherry juice. A warm, soothing bath and my feet up in the air was all that was left for the day!
Harry rocked out his 20-miler, as well! To celebrate, we ordered some Leadbelly burgers (mine had bacon and egg on it!) with Garlic-Parm fries, and paired it with a honey kolsch. Mmmmmm...tastes like recovery...:)
Recovery miles on the dreadmill for Sunday (I walked the .1 miles for a cooldown). My leggies didn't feel too terribly trashed! A little stiff, and a muscle in my left quad is a little peeved, but that was it.
Afternoon hit, and we picked up the munchkin, along with her best friend for a sleepover! I WAS SO EXCITED FOR THIS! Sure, I'd run 34 miles in the past three days, but who cares?! We had to hit up the Apple store to get my iPhone's battery replaced (in case you didn't know, if you have an iPhone 5 and the battery is dying quickly, you could get it replaced for free -- check here!), and of course, we HAD to hit up the Lego store.
Harry, after fifteen minutes with two munchkins. Poor guy didn't know what he'd gotten himself into when he agreed to the sleepover.
We finally escaped took off from the mall and head over to Harry's parents' house for some family time. Grill, pool, good food, and BABIES. I snapped some uber cute photos of Harry with his nephew, Miles. What a happy baby!
We got home, ordered pizza, and the girls showered up and hit up the game cabinet. First thing they wanted to play with: Jacks. I was shocked.
Josi's Frozen Yogurt was a must. A MUST.
Two beautiful, happy, sugar-coated girls.
Luckily, we got home and the girls were happy to play with Play-doh and watch "Full House" before hitting the sack. I was exhausted, so Harry took over for the night shift. <3
Monday - 45 minutes cycling out on the Lakefront Trail Tuesday - 6.01 easy miles Wednesday - 5K race (F^3 Urban Hoedown 5K) Not a PR, but pretty close, and pretty awesome for an August 5K! Thursday - REST Friday - 7.01 easy miles Saturday - 20.03 long run miles Sunday - 7.0 recovery miles on the treadmill
43.15 miles for the week. A lower-mileage week than anticipated, due to a crummy, throw-in-the-towel run on Tuesday (which was supposed to be 9), and the 5K on Wednesday. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With school starting this week, I have some changes to make in my training. Nothing outrageous; mostly moving a couple of morning runs to the afternoon, where they might have to be completed on the treadmill. I don't like that, AT ALL, but it's what I gotta do!
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some chocolate-chip pancakes to make for the house.:) Nom nom nom...
Well, well, well...SURE, I'll run a half on the Lakefront in Chicago...in JANUARY...during a POLAR VORTEX. To be fair, the high for the day was about four hours prior to race start time (10:00am).
I spent my early morning (after sleeping in!) enjoying sipping some coffee and doing some blogging. Around 8:45am, I started getting dressed and we took off toward Montrose Harbor. No lie, I've never participated in a race that started this late in the morning. I was beginning to get hungry! Since I haven't found a good food to nom on before any kind of run, whether it be long or short, I just don't eat before taking off. I have successfully completed 14+ miles without food, so I figured today wouldn't be any different. I realized it sort of WAS different, since I usually run earlier in the day. Much earlier. Like hours earlier. Ahhhhh.
When we finally arrived and found parking, which was about a half mile from the race start, we realized that it was FIVE MINUTES until race time! My emotions were teetering on the fact that I didn't feel prepared, but that it was a chip-timed race, and I wasn't *racing* it, anyway. I could waltz over the start line five minutes after they began the silly thing if I wanted to. Luckily, they started the race in waves. There were parts of the path that would've been just downright frustrating having to deal with everyone at once. The best part about being late? SO MANY PORT-A-POTTIES! Not ONE was occupied. This isn't to say that I took my sweet time and chose the cleanest one with the most TP in it, but it was nice to not have to stand in a line. The first wave had taken off before I even got near the start line; the second wave took off just as I finished up and was ready to go!
Despite my ridiculous timing, this race was clearly extremely organized!
As you can see, it was REALLY tight at the beginning! Everyone was running right on top of each other, stumbling over patches of ice and mounds of snow. We even stopped completely at one point; for what, I have no clue. They had shoveled and cleared the entire route before the race, but the WIND kept blowing more and more snow onto it. I just concentrated on people's feet in front of me.
Meanwhile, Harry took some really wonderful pictures! Welcome to #Chiberia!
The first half was pretty nice! I sloshed through mud, shuffled through snow, and slid ever-so slightly over icy patches. I kept the pace extremely easy, as I was just treating this like a long run. I tried to pick up and tempo a bit, but I eventually hit more snow and ice, so I slowed back down. My feet started to ache from all of the bouncing and dodging around people and winter elements. Up top, I was burning up! I had put on two layers, knowing that the temperature was going go drop quickly. I was ready to turn my back to the sun. The wind eventually started blowing HARD, nearly knocking me over into the oncoming race traffic. It felt nice. :P
I hit the turnaround and thanked several volunteers for being out there. If I was freezing my tooshie off while running, they must be absolutely frigid!
Eventually, I started getting REALLY tired. Why? I'm assuming from running in ankle-deep snow and sand (SAND! Sand had gotten up there, too!) and from dodging puddles. I took a GU (see above about me eating and running...this goes for DURING, as well) around mile 7, as I felt my tummy turning over itself. When I say that I "took a GU", I mean "chewed a GU slowly over a mile". Now I had a GU-cicle in my tummy. Great.
Miles 8-12 were really just me putting one foot in front of the other. Times were tough. My feet were muddy and freezing, and my legs were heavy! I kept saying "I'm not of my body, I'm not of my body", attempting to control the mentally enduring portion of this run. I did not want to stop for anything. I saw so many people walking, which mentally messed with me...taunted me..."You know you want to walk, Tiffany...it's only a long run...you can stop if you want..."; with which I would fire back with "NO, I don't care, I can't stop...I'm not of my body..."
I finally got to mile 12 (after successfully watching every tenth of a mile tick-tick-tick away...*le sigh*) and I got excited. Hooooray, food is near!
Harry was settled about .15 of a mile from the finish line. Of course, I looked stupid-happy to see him. I looked forward to the finish line and smiled at every camera I saw. There's definitely nothing more humbling than running that far in that weather, in those conditions. Unless you were volunteering that day. Then you win. :)
Harry found me grabbing food and water. I was trying to show him that there were ice cubes in the water...you can see what I suspect as frozen snot. *le blush*
Aftermath mud!
All in all, this was an absolutely fantastic, fun, well-organized race! From packet pick-up, which had been situated in several locations all over Chicago a week out up to race day, to the traffic coordinators and volunteers. Plus, they had nifty Finisher's medals and 1/4 zip long sleeved race shirts! The hat was a gift from Harry. D'awwww.
Did you run in F^3 (EFFING FREEZING FROZEN)weather this weekend?
