Thinking Out Loud: Positive and Funny Things

Eh-oooooooh!  Happy October!  This is one of my favorite months of the year...everything gets quiet, cooler, leaves turn beautiful colors (here in Chicago; not so much in Texas -- we don't really have Fall, heh), and the world seems so peaceful in the morning during runs in the dark.  Baking somehow seems more fun; baking bread, cookies and muffins.  It's one of my faves. I get the urge to crochet again.  Cozy things, right?

All good things running around in my head lately.  Teaching and coaching has kept me busy busy!  I'm lucky to have enough time for training, for real.  I'm also lucky enough to have a positive attitude about everything that's going on, where it might have seemed like a whirlwind of YUCK to a Tiffany from years ago.  Blessed, blessed, blessed.  I say "thank you" every single day, as anyone should.  Thursdays, of course, are for Thinking Out Loud, and that helps me re-focus on goals, check my attitude, and allows for the silly things to come out!  Thank you, Amanda!

1.  A new pair of shoes.  Is there anything finer?  I've been training in these, as well as my Mizunos, during this training cycle.  I was nearing 300 miles on the old pair and needed some that will get me across the finish line in 12 days.

2.  Things are getting orange, brown, and yellow around my neighborhood.:)

3.  Some badass running tunes.

4.  Parachute lessons.  Is there anything better in P.E. than the parachute?!

5.  The skies in Chicago are so dynamic.  The lake and cool air cause cool things to happen.

6.  Meh, only 140 miles for the month of September (took a couple of sick days), which hasn't stopped me from being overwhelmingly hungry.  For whatever reason.  *le shrug*

7.  And speaking of which...

8.  Chicago:  Keepin' it classy.  Too bad this street isn't on the marathon route.

9.  The forecast weather obsession begins tomorrow. 

10.  Another way to countdown to the Chicago Marathon.  My girl at 26.Yikes is going to do eggsellent on race day!  I told her that I might do this with donuts.  :oops:

I hope you have a fantastic Thursday, and an AWESOME October, friends!  <3

Marathon Training: Week IV

So it's been a much more restful week than previous ones.  No visitors, no Sophia, but lots of social engagements.  We ate out four or five times this week.  Good grief!  I still got the majority of my training done, without swimming or cycling.  Our Fourth of July was VERY low key, thank goodness.  Turns out, Navy Pier and downtown were way worse in terms of violence and danger as they were last year.  I'm happy that we chose to stay in and watch fireworks from our back deck.  People were letting them off from everywhere!

 Saturday, we met up with some of Harry's family for a family outing.  Softball, BBQ, grilled burgers and hot dogs, delicious potato salad and taco dip were had by all.  Harry and I brought dessert, cookies and apple pie, in which we decided to throw on the grill, as well.

I broke in some brand new ZOOT Ultra TTs this morning.  This is my other rotation shoe, paired with my Mizuno Wave Riders.  These pairs alone probably won't get me to the finish line of the Chicago Marathon, but they will be there throughout nearly the entirety of the training cycle.

Harry ran a few miles later int he morning.  We hit up our favorite yogurt shop around the corner directly afterward.  I was in a fruity mood today, rather than craving chocolate.  I treated myself to some mango froyo with fruit and some of those squirty beads.  Mmmmmmm!  Harry shamelessly got a LARGE sized cup, and filled up that bad boy with what his tummy desired.  It just so happens that Harry's tummy wanted Rice Krispie Treat froyo with cheesecake and cookie dough bites.  o.O

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Week Four Wrap-Up (STEP BACK WEEK):
Monday - 30 minutes of Yoga
Tuesday - 4.1 easy miles
Wednesday - 30 minutes of Yoga, 6.04 speedwork miles
Thursday - REST
Friday - 4.03 easy miles
Saturday - 10.1 long run miles 
Sunday - 5.1 easy miles

29.37 miles for the week, and as a step back week, that's fine by me.  

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Y'all don't forget that ZOOMA Chicago 10K and Half Marathon is coming up in about four weeks!  Use my discount code CAMB14 for 20% off either distance if you want to run with me!  :)