Saturday I had my first of three 20 mile runs for this training. And it actually went really well. I will not take all the credit for this. There are a few other factors to consider:
*It was 70º. Seriously. That right there will make a difference.
*I was also having some major chaffing in recent weeks so I splurged on a new sports bra. I know I could/should buy an anti-chaffing stick. I have no excuse for why I haven't done that except I haven't. The point is: 0 chaffing on Saturday. Zero! Wahoo!
This is from the 19 miler the week before.
I often get asked how far 20 miles is... so... to my fellow Chicagoans I start a bit north of Belmont and run south to 43rd street (I looked on Saturday just for you), then I turn around and come back.
What do I think about for 20 miles since I don't listen to music? I have no idea. Sometimes I work things out and come up with how I want to handle life situations, but it's also just my break. My break away from everything.
Sometimes I chant, 'Just keep running, just keep running.' in my head.
Friday my friend checked in with me on my marathon training and how it's going.
Last weekend one of my roommates from Mexico asked me if I was doing it again. I said yes and she went on (clueing her friend in) about how I ran the whole time we were in Mexico. Honestly, I think that's one of the ways I kept my head in that crazy time.
I seriously thought it was so sweet for both of them to check with me.
I work really hard to prepare for it (it's especially hard this year when I'm traveling, but I do it). I stick to my schedule. Yes, this is my fourth marathon, but if I run 20 (which I won't) my 20th marathon will still be a big deal. It's not something I just walk out on race day (like I might for a 5K). I train for weeks. The schedule is 18 weeks, but I start easing my way up before that even starts. I said how my 20 mile run Saturday went well, 10 weeks ago I would not have been able to run 20 miles without walking. Saturday I did. (If you're curious, in my timing system, I did it in less than 3 hours. I'm not speedy and never said I was. Hopefully I will continue to get faster, but I'm trying to listen to my body.)
It's still a big deal & I'm still proud of myself. Everyone has their thing. This is my thing. I enjoy it, but I also enjoy pushing myself, which can be hard. Last week I ran 54 miles.
I can't help, but get excited sometimes. Like when I'm running down a "hill" (a hill by Chicago standards might not get the accreditation of a hill from a Missourian). I had about 6 miles to go and sort-of just flew down it and continued going faster until I finally checked-in with myself and realized I was going too fast. I let myself run it out to the water stop about a half mile away and then got back into my stride.
Constant check-ins!
Have you had a chance to look at America's top 10 cities to run in?
Guess what #1 is?????? Chicago "The Windy City’s paved 18-mile running path winds along the shore of Lake Michigan, offering cooling breezes in the summer, majestic skyline views and gorgeous park scenery to keep you going year-round. During warmer months, you can drink from the water fountains scattered along the path."
I've run in the top three and that is it.
So the way I see it, I'm super lucky I get to run in the #1 city all the time!
I seriously love Chicago! (for many reasons besides just running...)
*That may be the most random post ever so if you made it through... props go to you!!!
Thanks for reading ;)
*It was 70º. Seriously. That right there will make a difference.
*I was also having some major chaffing in recent weeks so I splurged on a new sports bra. I know I could/should buy an anti-chaffing stick. I have no excuse for why I haven't done that except I haven't. The point is: 0 chaffing on Saturday. Zero! Wahoo!
This is from the 19 miler the week before.
I often get asked how far 20 miles is... so... to my fellow Chicagoans I start a bit north of Belmont and run south to 43rd street (I looked on Saturday just for you), then I turn around and come back.
What do I think about for 20 miles since I don't listen to music? I have no idea. Sometimes I work things out and come up with how I want to handle life situations, but it's also just my break. My break away from everything.
Sometimes I chant, 'Just keep running, just keep running.' in my head.
Friday my friend checked in with me on my marathon training and how it's going.
Last weekend one of my roommates from Mexico asked me if I was doing it again. I said yes and she went on (clueing her friend in) about how I ran the whole time we were in Mexico. Honestly, I think that's one of the ways I kept my head in that crazy time.
I seriously thought it was so sweet for both of them to check with me.
I work really hard to prepare for it (it's especially hard this year when I'm traveling, but I do it). I stick to my schedule. Yes, this is my fourth marathon, but if I run 20 (which I won't) my 20th marathon will still be a big deal. It's not something I just walk out on race day (like I might for a 5K). I train for weeks. The schedule is 18 weeks, but I start easing my way up before that even starts. I said how my 20 mile run Saturday went well, 10 weeks ago I would not have been able to run 20 miles without walking. Saturday I did. (If you're curious, in my timing system, I did it in less than 3 hours. I'm not speedy and never said I was. Hopefully I will continue to get faster, but I'm trying to listen to my body.)
It's still a big deal & I'm still proud of myself. Everyone has their thing. This is my thing. I enjoy it, but I also enjoy pushing myself, which can be hard. Last week I ran 54 miles.
I can't help, but get excited sometimes. Like when I'm running down a "hill" (a hill by Chicago standards might not get the accreditation of a hill from a Missourian). I had about 6 miles to go and sort-of just flew down it and continued going faster until I finally checked-in with myself and realized I was going too fast. I let myself run it out to the water stop about a half mile away and then got back into my stride.
Constant check-ins!
Have you had a chance to look at America's top 10 cities to run in?
- New York
- Portland
- Boulder
- Washington D.C.
- San Francisco
- Austin
- Minneapolis
- Boston
- Atlanta
Guess what #1 is?????? Chicago "The Windy City’s paved 18-mile running path winds along the shore of Lake Michigan, offering cooling breezes in the summer, majestic skyline views and gorgeous park scenery to keep you going year-round. During warmer months, you can drink from the water fountains scattered along the path."
I've run in the top three and that is it.
So the way I see it, I'm super lucky I get to run in the #1 city all the time!
I seriously love Chicago! (for many reasons besides just running...)
*That may be the most random post ever so if you made it through... props go to you!!!
Thanks for reading ;)
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