Chicago Marathon

I left bozeman on a wednesday and just beat the snow. phew.  Wednesday afternoon i met Marie Purvis and Renisha James for coffee and a chat.  I was so nervous to meet Marie.  I have met a lot of famous people from rockstars to actors etc and I think I was more nervous to meet Marie.  She was so sweet and positive and normal!! :)  And Renisha is just a sweet heart too.  She is a warm and fuzzy person from right off the bat.  

Thursday Pops and I went sailing and it was actually too windy.  Seems like an oxymoron but its true--all the boats were coming in under motor power or with just the jib sail.  Lake Michigan is gorgeous aqua in color and still pretty warm for October. 

Friday was the day Britton and Sonya arrived and the day to pick up our packets.  This was B's first marathon and my 5th.  We had fun at the expo and I was glad we went Friday to beat the crowds. 

We then met up with friends for dinner. I began my carb loading with some delicious lobster mac and cheese.

when I was in Chicago in June-this was the exact same face Mason made in pics.

Saturday was a rest day--try to stay off the legs etc.  We had some amazing sushi for dinner and relaxed most of the day.  We had to leave the house at 5 am to be sure we made it to the start on time.  So we woke at 330 so we could eat adn have coffee etc.  Then it was OFF TO THE RACE!

For the number of people that ran the Chicago it is handled so efficiently.  There are so many supporters, spectators, aid stations, portapotties, etc.  We began our race conservatively.  staying at our goal pace.  This was hard because the crowd and spectators really pumps you up and motivates you to  GO! But I wanted to make sure I had enough steam to finish strong and stay my path.  At the half we were feeling good so we picked it up a bit.  At mile 16 I grabbed a water and looked up to thank the volunteer and it was Renisha!  It was so random and really boosted my spirits.  Between mile 20-21 Britton had to take a few walk breaks but he would catch back up, then between 22-23 he fell behind.  I picked it up.  I knew even if I walked the last 2-3 miles I would still pr but I was feeling great so i steadily increased my speed and my last mile was my fastest and it was an uphill finish!!  It felt great though--I rallied up that hill and smiled through the finish. I had a huge grin the last three miles knowing that my goal was going to be met.  

Once you crossed the line, however, you walked and walked and walked then walking became shuffling and finally i had to sit on the pavement.  it was forever to reach the post race party zone.  I drank a gatorade and then finally ambled to the meeting spot.  Soon enough Britton appeared!  He ran an incredible first marathon!! Stayed strong for a long time and is already planning to run another one!! :)

I was so ecstatic to see my twitter handle on the #ownchicago billboard.  That was such a great bonus to an already awesome race.  I finished 3:55.  i was so happy to have sub four and I finished strong and know that I could push it a bit more from the start.  I believe the NTC really helped.  The plan Marie gave us definitely worked.

Chicago Marathon is a great one--I know why people go nuts over it.  I hope to do it again.

A week and two weeks...

It is beginning to set in... It is really happening.  The waiting is almost over.  Am I ready?  Can I do this?  Am I nuts?  Yes yes and yes!!  I leave bright and early on Wednesday (that's actually a lie--it will be pitch black even after the plane takes off!) for Chicago.  I am almost packed--just need to finalize a few ensemble choices.  Then I hope to run the race of my life Sunday.  As of yet the weather is holding at the perfect temperatures. I try not to stress too much about the weather, however, it is WAY out of my control.  I fly back to Montana on Wednesday and then the very next morning I hop on another flight to San Francisco.  This is where it gets very EXCITING.  Yes--psyched for Chicago and I love going there etc.  But this trip to San Francisco is the trip of a lifetime for me.  It is ala NIKE.  I am going to a place I have never been and not at my expense.  They have been providing me with gear, support, an awesome training plan via Marie Purvis (who is also running Chicago and I can't wait to meet!).  All of this has been leading up to this trip.  We are being put up in a great hotel and I will finally meet my #SistersInNike.  

Today I put my sewing machine to use.  It was so fun and I have been missing it. 

I ordered this custom ribbon and it was supposed to be grosgrain, but its not and the printing is not of the best quality.  So I bought some Tiffany Blue ribbon in honor of the necklace we receive and the awesome Lunarglides that Nike has manufactured on behalf of this event.

I made these for all the girls, one for Marie, three for @Nikewomen, and one for one of the ambassador's friend's that will be at our hotel too.  I hope I haven't forgotten anyone...

THis will probably be my last post until after the events, depending upon the time I arrive back in montana (I will be in the state for about 12 hours!) on that wednesday.  Feel free to follow my journey via twitter: @turtlegirl00

Best of luck to everyone running Chicago and San Fran!!  And any other races happening! And safe travels to all!!

Tolerating the Taper

This week was a plummet to the miles.  I had a lot of yoga to do , NTC and minimal running.  A 6 mile tempo run and and 18 miler long run.  I loved the yoga and NTC but it was mentally a bit odd to not run very much.  Sunday I was registered for the Bozeman Half Marathon and took at least two minutes off my time from the half last month. I did it in 1:48:??.  And it was a blast.  I just wanted to work on pacing and it went really great.  This event is very well organized and efficient.  Last year was the first year and I took at least 6 minutes off my time from last year.

The sunglasses, although not in a color I would choose normally, are great for running.  They don't move, they weigh next to nothing and the lens is great in a variety of light. LOVE 'EM! They are Nike miler sunglasses.

Sunny came over to cheer me on and take photos--THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT SUNNY!!--and then we went on a sewing supply shopping spree.  I have several projects in the works and am working on several christmas presents. more will be revealed on that later.

This week the taper continues.  A five miler yesterday, 6 at race pace today, and a 15 miler on saturday.  Lots of NTC and yoga. It has been ridiculously smokey here.  we lucked out sunday am and had decent air quality but by noon you couldn't see the mountains again.  Yesterday when I was loading up my car for work it was ashing outside like snow.  It is very sad and depressing.

I always have struggled with the taper.  It is a mental struggle.  When training you want to push yourself and hit all the targeted workouts and then you begin this downward slide to allow one's body to heal--one side of my brain gets this--the other not so much.  I panic a bit, thinking, "gee, maybe this taper is too long? will i lose fitness in this time frame?"  I just have to keep reassuring myself about the healing process within the muscles so I can push myself hard on race day.

We are in the homestretch of this race training for fall 2012--and I have so enjoyed the ride.  I am now becoming quite excited about the Chicago Marathon and super excited for the whole experience in San Francisco.  The Nike Womens Marathon looks like a stellar event. I am looking forward to the expo, our gorgeous hotel, seeing the city while racing, and of course meeting my #SistersInNike.  I am already wondering what the heck to pack... workout stuff obviously, but then what else will we be doing? hmmm...

San Francisco Here We Come!!

More exciting updates on this experience of a lifetime i have been having!  Nike sent us our flight and hotel information.  Woohoo!!!!  it feels official now!!  We are staying at the Sir Frances Drake in Union Square.  It looks amazing.  I am still waiting for someone to pinch me and this dream bubble to burst...

I am LOVING the lunar glide 4's.  They are so supportive and and cushiony without being bulky or heavy.  I can't go too minimal with sneakers and run long distance--my feet start aching and my shins begin to hurt.  I have tried easing into the minimal movement, and I appreciate the light weight factor, but I definitely need support and these sneakers most certainly offer it.  They feel custom fitted to my feet-hugs in the correct places, room for movement in others. Mine are a funky dark purple with a fluorescent coral color accent--i just love 'em!! Why did I stop wearing lunar glides?  I think because I lost my pair in our camper and couldn't remember what i liked so went with swifts.  They aren't bad--but the glides are amazing!! 

i also love the nike running socks.  They are light weight, and short so no funky tan lines.  They don't rub or change shape even on long runs.

I am so looking forward to this trip.  I have never been to San Fran and hear all these amazing things.  Since I will be running the half-marathon there a week after the full in Chicago I am planning on running with my iphone and taking in the sights!  i.e.: not running for time--running for FUN!! :) 

Hubbee wants to go to San Fran.  And don't get me wrong, I want him to be there since he is not going to Chicago.  BUT... it is also my time to bond with the girls.  He is great at entertaining himself and says he knows he probably will be on his own a lot--and he is good at that.  I do want my first time to san fran to be with him too--plus he will only be there for two days since that alegiant flight is only for the weekend.  We have a friend who lives there that can also entertain him :)

Any suggestions on what not to miss please let me know!!

New Kicks!

The fed ex man showed up today with two boxes.  I was ecstatic since yesterday Tiara posted some pics of new gear from Nike.  One box had LunarGlide 4's in it and the other 12 pairs of nike running socks.  

These shoes feel so comfortable and stable and supportive!

I may even try them today for my tempo run... 

Whenever I receive a package Tubbs feels as though she is receiving a prize as well!!

I can't thank NikeWomen enough for stellar gear and now new kicks!  I loved the lunarglide 2's. I am sure I will love the 4's even more!