Boston Strong

It has been 1 year since the Boston Marathon bombings, and I found this article on www.runnersworld.com . 

This article is amazing.  I don't know what it was about that day.  I cringed when I saw it on real time on tv, while at the vet with Bella and my love.  I immediately texted all of my brothers.  My middle brother is a runner.  I was so impressed and moved how the city of Boston rallied together, prayed together, and found the suspects who changed so many lives that day.

Just 3 days before, my friend took this pic of me and my brother at O'Hare.  He covets that jacket, such a milestone in the life of a runner-the Boston Marathon. 

 
Keep praying for Boston, and those who are running this year on April 21st.  Many of those who are running and those who were injured.  They are also running for those who died. 

Boston Strong.

Soldier Field Ten Miler

The race I have been psyching myself out over was yesterday.  And I am here to write about it:) 

I have been prepping for the race, but I knew I wouldn't be that fast, and I am ok with that.  I have never run a race to win it, I am not an elite athlete.  I just want to run to run, run to be in shape, and yesterday, it was running for Memorial Day.  We ran as a team from work, approx 85 active duty Sailors on one team.  Not bad for a little Saturday run.  We also had about another 85-100 volunteer, by giving out water, etc etc.  Kind of awesome to see everyone work as a team!

The weather was perfect, but the course was rather crowded the entire route.  That is something I am not used to.  Constantly dodging people who were walking.  I think the race has almost gotten "too" big, because there was a lot of chaos in the beginning, and the usual, people signing up for corrals they have no business being in (i.e...dodging the walkers in the first mile).  I have learned a lot from the past two races I ran this past month, so now I know I'll be better prepared for my half marathon in September.  As long as I didn't destroy my body too badly yesterday!!  Still sore, so not sure how I will recover just yet.

I learned a few things from training.  I learned that cross training is important.  I learned that I love Bikram Yoga, and I can't wait to go to my next class, no matter how sweaty and nasty I get.  I also learned that my hamstrings hate me.  I can stretch and do anything, and no matter what, they hate me.  I will be for sure doing more sports massages to help relieve the tension I have there.  I did a lot of physical therapy 3 years ago for this, but there was zero progress.  I hope that with more effort being put into my hammies, I'll feel better, recover easier, and run faster!!

via Daily Mile.com

Running

Running a race this upcoming weekend, and I am a bit nervous.  I was swamped this week with school, work, and being under the weather.  Had a good training run this am..ran about 4 miles in a good time, so I am happy about that.  I just want to finish the race.  I need to get in one or two more solid runs and some cross training this week, but just not over do it.  I tend to get a runners high so strong, that a 4 mile run will turn into an 8 mile run.  No good:( 

I have been working out a lot lately, mostly running, Bikram Yoga, and cross training.  I wouldn't trade it for how I feel, and how I look.  Getting actual sleep every night, eating well, and working out religiously has definitely made me feel better than I have in a long time.  I just hope I can keep this up, because I love the compliments I am getting from Mike. 

Weekend ReCap

Wow..what a weekend!

Friday was date night, and it seemed like it flew by wayy to fast.  Mexican food, Dos Equis, watching the Bulls win.  Great evening!

Saturday I did Bikram yoga again, and as usual, it wore me out.  Can't wait to do it again on Friday!  The ever faithful Yogis say that it helps heal all of their ailments, helps them sleep better, etc.  I really want to practice one day a week (since it is 90 minutes long..and takes forever for me to recover).  Hopefully I can work it up to 2 days a week since it is such a great workout.

Sunday I did a historical run through Hyde Park with Allison.  So much fun!  Fleet Feet has scheduled runs and other events, so we thought we would try it out.  We ran 2 miles there, and then did 4 miles with the group.  After the run, it was Fish Tacos and Miller Lites at Benchmark.  Highly suggest you go.  Retractable roof+sun+Miller Lite=Bliss.  It is owned by the same folks that own Schoolyard and WestEnd.  Great memories at both places..usually pre/post Cubs or Hawks games!

Rockefeller Chapel.  University of Chicago Campus

Gorgeous flowers outside of the chapel.

Now I need to take a day or two off to recover.  Have to take care of myself so I can run the Soldier Field 10 miler!!

Fitness Update

I have been running, doing yoga, cycling etc like a mad woman lately.  Seriously.  I had a blast doing the 5K I did, but it was freezing outside:)

I love running, and am hoping to do the 5K for Children's Memorial Hospital June 18th. 

Anyone want to join me? 

Oh yeah, up to 10 pounds lost :)  Yay.  Lets hope I can keep the trend...

Via

Run to Remember

This year was a tragic year for the Chicago Police Department.  I think anyone who lives in Chicago, knows someone who serves on the police force.  They have a tough job, keeping our city safe every day.  Just like the military, they serve and protect, work holidays, and make many sacrifices. 

The city mourned the loss of 6 officers who died in the line of duty. 

The Run to Remember was this past Saturday, and it is in its 7th year.  Over 4,000 people ran a 5K to remember the fallen officers, and raise money for the Police Memorial Foundation.  I was fortunate enough to run along side some friends of mine who serve on the force, and even ran into a classmate from U of I.  You can follow Run to Remember on FB, and keep track of events for the Police Memorial Foundation.  I hope I can fly back to run it next year.

Run to Remember

Police Memorial Post 5K

Resolutions Update #2

So I know if I don't keep revisiting my "Resolutions", I will never do them.  Luckily for me, it is the end of March, and I am still going strong.

You can read about last months update here.

1. Make a cook book.  I started it, and wow is it a task..but well worth it.  If anyone has any recipes they would like me to try or contribute to the "book", let me know!

2. Invite friends over more often.  I was doing well with this until March hit because of travelling.  I am trying to set up a brunch for the ladies for April as soon as I get my calendar straightened out.

3. Work out more.  Definitely going well on this with the exception of the last week.  Its ok, got a run scheduled today. :)  I signed up for a 5K for April, and a Half Marathon for September!  I also got an appointment with a nutritionist just to see if there is anything else I can do to be "healthier". 

Still going strong on these 3, as well as my 30 for 30 challenge.  I have probably only spent $300 on clothes the past 4 months.  Just keep wearing what I have, and it saves me money and time doing laundry, etc.  I never realized how much money I spent on clothes until I did this.  I would buy an outfit for an occasion, and wear it once.  Not anymore!! 

Although, Spring/Summer are here..kind of.  So that means new clothes.  Lets see if I can pick up some awesome basics soon!  Watch out Jcrew..

Spring!!

I am excited that it is Spring, yet I have a feeling we will get at least one or two more snowfalls in the Windy City:(

I am looking forward to long walks with the pup, running outside again, Cubs games (bought a ton of tickets..some women spend money on clothes, I spend money on Sports and Food), wearing sandals, wearing Nautical stripes :),  and having my family visit soon!!

What are you looking forward to??

via Google

Running

So I have decided as some motivation to get me running more, that I would sign up for a few races this year.

I have signed up for the Run to Remember.  It is a 5k to honor the CPD fallen and their families. 

I also signed up for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon. In Virginia Beach.  Ah..Labor Day weekend in VA Beach..yup:) 

Anyone want to run with me?!?