I know I'll have a "Perfect" Training Cycle - Chicago, 2011

I ended this week on a great note! My last 2 runs have been really enjoyable and...wait for it.....I can't wait to run again!? Whaaa? Yep, I'm actually looking forward to my next run.

Martin and I woke up at 4:30 this morning and got ready to meet Vivian and her husband, Brian for a run. I found the perfect pre-run meal for me: big plain bagel, toasted with peanut butter and coffee. We headed out the door at 5:30 to meet up with them at their hotel and it was so nice to see them in the lobby upon our arrival. Vivian and Brian are some of the sweetest people I know and I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent running with them this morning. We headed south on the path from Chicago Ave., ran down toward the Field Museum and back north. It was a steamy run, but nothing too bad. We ran the first 2 miles to their hotel and the Garmin got a little screwy with the buildings. We got in the next 5.3 miles together and then they split off to head back to their hotel. Martin and I ran north out to where the rave run photo in Runner's World was shot, turned around and headed south back home. I love running with him, we had a great time chatting and just being together! I didn't look at my pace again today. We finished up the run, got home, I juiced a few oranges for us and we headed up to our fav local hangout - the Yolk for breakfast/lunch.

Tomorrow is a rest/cross train day and I'll be doing the elliptical and upper body and abs.

Here are my splits from today:

1 00:09:55
2 00:10:57
3 00:10:10
4 00:09:54
5 00:10:21
6 00:10:15
7 00:10:25
8 00:09:29
9 00:09:36
10 00:09:22
11 00:09:22
12 00:08:45
13 00:08:31

Here is a picture you can add to your collage:

Natalie Wolf wrote:Here is a picture you can add to your collage:

SWEET! I'm doing it now! Thanks for that Natalie!!!! I'll post a pic in a few minutes of my updated collage

Very nice!

Just reading your first post. I remember that race. I was scared for everyone that day. But I was so proud of you. You seriously did something a lot of people wouldn't do and in 90 degree weather. This year will be your year and it's a great race, you deserve it. It sounds like you are taking the right steps with a positive attitude to get that perfect training. I missed what happened over there at TP but it sounds like there were quite a few issues with the site and some other things. Let's go back to the way it was 3 years ago. Those were my favorite days.

That looked like a great run with even greater company. I agree Viv and hubby are super nice people. PS: If you keep adding to your collage it will become wall paper soon. (don't get any ideas)

Mrs. Schuey wrote:I ended this week on a great note! My last 2 runs have been really enjoyable and...wait for it.....I can't wait to run again!? Whaaa? Yep, I'm actually looking forward to my next run.

Martin and I woke up at 4:30 this morning and got ready to meet Vivian and her husband, Brian for a run. I found the perfect pre-run meal for me: big plain bagel, toasted with peanut butter and coffee. We headed out the door at 5:30 to meet up with them at their hotel and it was so nice to see them in the lobby upon our arrival. Vivian and Brian are some of the sweetest people I know and I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent running with them this morning. We headed south on the path from Chicago Ave., ran down toward the Field Museum and back north. It was a steamy run, but nothing too bad. We ran the first 2 miles to their hotel and the Garmin got a little screwy with the buildings. We got in the next 5.3 miles together and then they split off to head back to their hotel. Martin and I ran north out to where the rave run photo in Runner's World was shot, turned around and headed south back home. I love running with him, we had a great time chatting and just being together! I didn't look at my pace again today. We finished up the run, got home, I juiced a few oranges for us and we headed up to our fav local hangout - the Yolk for breakfast/lunch.

Tomorrow is a rest/cross train day and I'll be doing the elliptical and upper body and abs.

Here are my splits from today:

1 00:09:55
2 00:10:57
3 00:10:10
4 00:09:54
5 00:10:21
6 00:10:15
7 00:10:25
8 00:09:29
9 00:09:36
10 00:09:22
11 00:09:22
12 00:08:45
13 00:08:31

Nice run! I hope one day I can hold that pace and we can run around Chicago together

ChasMcG wrote: Let's go back to the way it was 3 years ago. Those were my favorite days.

I love that idea! Do you still have the blue bracelet?

ChasMcG wrote:Just reading your first post. I remember that race. I was scared for everyone that day. But I was so proud of you. You seriously did something a lot of people wouldn't do and in 90 degree weather. This year will be your year and it's a great race, you deserve it.

Thanks for the props on the Chicago, 2007 race, Chas. You were such a HUGE support at the finish line and I'll never forget you crying when I crossed. You were so worried about everyone and that was so caring of you! This IS the year! I'm stoked about it....

P.S. - You are fast and we can run around Chicago together anytime you want to!

Kenny B. wrote:That looked like a great run with even greater company. I agree Viv and hubby are super nice people. PS: If you keep adding to your collage it will become wall paper soon. (don't get any ideas)

Hmmm...me thinks you just gave me a really good idea, buddy Kenny! I may just do that! Haha! It was a nice run and a good way to end a tough beginning to the week. Thanks for your encouragement!

Mrs. Schuey wrote:

ChasMcG wrote: Let's go back to the way it was 3 years ago. Those were my favorite days.

I love that idea! Do you still have the blue bracelet?

I absolutely have that bracelet! It's right next to the pic you made me for my birthday of me and Erin. Both are on the top shelf of our bookshelf with some added items from Kirk since his passing.

Nice negative splits on that run! I've always found progressive long runs to be really beneficial in building up the mental strength to push through the discomfort in the late stages of a race.

Good run today and good week in the bank. You are "off and running" now!!!

ChasMcG wrote:

Mrs. Schuey wrote:

ChasMcG wrote: Let's go back to the way it was 3 years ago. Those were my favorite days.

I love that idea! Do you still have the blue bracelet?

I absolutely have that bracelet! It's right next to the pic you made me for my birthday of me and Erin. Both are on the top shelf of our bookshelf with some added items from Kirk since his passing.

I'm so touched that you still have that bracelet and have it next to the memories of special people. Sending hugs your way (((hugs)))!

Mike MacLellan wrote:Nice negative splits on that run! I've always found progressive long runs to be really beneficial in building up the mental strength to push through the discomfort in the late stages of a race.

Thanks a ton, Mike! I think it's good to negative split the last miles. It's feeling good to get out there and just run and hit some nice splits. Tomorrow's a rest day, with Tuesday being my next run. I'm actually looking forward to it.

John Kilpatrick wrote:Good run today and good week in the bank. You are "off and running" now!!!

Thanks John! You're quite inspirational with the 75.5 mile bike ride followed by a 20 mile run IN 90 DEGREE HEAT! Outstanding to you!

Since I gave you the Brandi Chastain pic, I have to tell you this funny story from tonight. Scott just got the signed SI back this week, which is why I have her on my mind (he's having it framed for me) and it was sitting on the kitchen counter in its protective sleeve. Well, we had my dad, and etc., over for dessert and my nephew, Noah, sees it, and says "Aunt Natalie, I didn't know you were on the cover of Sports Illustrated!" He's 13 and a total smartass, but he was 100% serious -- he really thought it was me. I said, "Noah, that's one of the nicest things anyone has said to me in my entire life." He was so disappointed to have inadvertently paid me a compliment.

Lisa, I love the attitude in this blog! I love the song--thanks for sharing the link! I love the collage!

Now, since I don't get RW any more, you must post a link of the Lulu Lemon shirt you want!

Keep up the great running and keep loving it!

edited to add:

OK, whats with Lululemon? I just saw that they are opening a store at "The Domain", which is the upscale mall in Austin (think Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, etc) and I've never heard of it before.

Oh, and great run! The best part was hearing you say that you were looking forward to the next one!

Haha, you changed the title on my joke?

Natalie Wolf wrote:Here is a picture you can add to your collage:

Seem to see this somewhere. She is woman's soccer player?

Peg Coover wrote:Lisa, I love the attitude in this blog! I love the song--thanks for sharing the link! I love the collage!

Now, since I don't get RW any more, you must post a link of the Lulu Lemon shirt you want!

Keep up the great running and keep loving it!

edited to add:

Cute! Cute! Cute!!! http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-tops/Run-Swiftly-Tech-LS-32870?cc=0567&skuId=3396589&catId=women-tops

Work is a little busy today, so I'll respond to the other comments when I get a moment.

Mrs. Schuey wrote:I ended this week on a great note! My last 2 runs have been really enjoyable and...wait for it.....I can't wait to run again!? Whaaa? Yep, I'm actually looking forward to my next run.

Martin and I woke up at 4:30 this morning and got ready to meet Vivian and her husband, Brian for a run. I found the perfect pre-run meal for me: big plain bagel, toasted with peanut butter and coffee. We headed out the door at 5:30 to meet up with them at their hotel and it was so nice to see them in the lobby upon our arrival. Vivian and Brian are some of the sweetest people I know and I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent running with them this morning.

Now, how'd I miss this? Very cool that you got to run with Vivian and Brian. I slogged along next to her last month for a hot, steamy, rainy run in Maryland. Fun times!

Oooo I checked out that site. Cute stuff. Love the jackets!

Natalie Wolf wrote:Since I gave you the Brandi Chastain pic, I have to tell you this funny story from tonight. Scott just got the signed SI back this week, which is why I have her on my mind (he's having it framed for me) and it was sitting on the kitchen counter in its protective sleeve. Well, we had my dad, and etc., over for dessert and my nephew, Noah, sees it, and says "Aunt Natalie, I didn't know you were on the cover of Sports Illustrated!" He's 13 and a total smartass, but he was 100% serious -- he really thought it was me. I said, "Noah, that's one of the nicest things anyone has said to me in my entire life." He was so disappointed to have inadvertently paid me a compliment.

That IS a great compliment! I love how you mention that he was disappointed the he had inadvertently paid you a compliment...gotta love teenagers, huh?! Haha! BTW, LOVE the name, Noah!

Peg Coover wrote:Lisa, I love the attitude in this blog! I love the song--thanks for sharing the link! I love the collage!

Now, since I don't get RW any more, you must post a link of the Lulu Lemon shirt you want!

Keep up the great running and keep loving it!

edited to add:

Thanks Peg! Attitude was needed, as I've had to change mine leading up to this training cycle. The moment I heard my girl, P!nk's song, it struck a chord with me. Thanks for the hearts...sending some back your way, as you need them big time today!

Ken Mello wrote:OK, whats with Lululemon? I just saw that they are opening a store at "The Domain", which is the upscale mall in Austin (think Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, etc) and I've never heard of it before.

Oh, and great run! The best part was hearing you say that you were looking forward to the next one!

Lululemon is a place where happy, comfy and stylish workout clothes live....my friend that lived in our building wore it all the time. She said it was some of the most comfortable clothing she's worn.

Jerry wrote:Haha, you changed the title on my joke?

Nah...but if it makes you feel better, I'll let you take credit for making me realize that I could make just as much of a statement by being a bit more classy....

ChasMcG wrote:Oooo I checked out that site. Cute stuff. Love the jackets!

I know, right?? They had some cute running shorts too!!