Run with Jess

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Joyful to Run

I have a renewed appreciation for running this week. After being down with an pulled calf muscle last week, I'm on the run once again!! I gave it a test jog on Sunday with an easy 3 miles. While the muscle was a little sore, I was happy to know this injury was on the mend.

With the kids out of school for Columbus Day, I took them to the Forest Park Nature Reserve. We hiked 2 miles through the beautiful trails that wind up and down through the woods. I absolutely reveled in the beauty of autumn and thankful for being able to just walk again.

It felt so good that I snuck out for a 3 mile run that afternoon.

And this morning, I met up with with two of my BFF's for a gorgeous run along the Peoria Riverfront at the crack of dawn. I just love running alongside water. We went 4 miles, conquered the bridge and chatted away the entire time. {all smiles}

I'm still feeling tenderness of the muscle, but the pain is gone. My pace is slower and my stride is shorter... it's the toekick/pushoff that hurts. I've been icing the muscle twice a day, always immediately after any activity, plus a heating pad at night. I've also been working the calf with a foam roller and massaging with Absordine. Every time I get a sore muscle this is the routine I follow. So far, it's worked well for me.

My time goal for the Indianapolis half-marathon (Nov. 5) is out the window, but that's okay. Today, I'm just thankful to be able to RUN. The joy is back in my life...

To come later this week... photo display of all the prizes for

The Cupcake Classic virtual run Oct. 17-23.

Are you signed up yet?? JUST DO IT... here.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

The Women of the Chicago Marathon

The great Midwest race kicks off this Sunday. One of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the most exciting for this Midwestern gal. (The other Majors are Boston, London, Berlin and New York). I’ve made no secret as to my love for Chicago, especially its beautiful lakeshore that stretches along Lake Michigan, with over 20 miles of run/bike trails. Adding to the awe of marathon weekend, the first week in October represents the best of weather in my opinion.

Beginning in 1977, the Chicago Marathon has long been proclaimed the “people’s race” where anyone can come, run and enjoy. When the race debuted, it was the largest marathon in the world at the time with 4200 runners. On Sunday, nearly 45,000 participants will toe the line, with women representing an astounding 44% of them. And with every runner comes spectators… 1.7 million fans are expected to line the course.

For decades, Chicago has appealed to runners for its flat and fast course. In 2002, Paula Radcliff crushed the women’s World Record with an amazing 2:17:18. (A year later, she topped that in London with the standing record of 2:15:25.) In 2005, Deena Kastor took the top prize in her first big city marathon. This year, two-time champion Liliya Shobuknova tries to become the first female to win three straight titles at the Chicago classic. On the men’s side, racing icon Ryan Hall makes his Chicago debut this year, hoping to break the U.S. record after his dazzling 2:04:58 in Boston this past spring (which didn’t count due to course elevation).

While the speedy tales of the elite athletes are fascinating, I find more interest in the stories from average runners like you and I… who work double-duty as employees, spouses and parents while creating their journey to the marathon. For them it’s not about record times or cash prizes, but instead an inside glory of personal fulfillment.

Here I introduce seven great women

who will be running the 2011 Chicago Marathon…

Britt | Chicago Runner Girl

BRITT grew up in the Chicago suburbs and currently resides and trains within the city of Chicago. “As a teenager I would always go downtown with my cross country friends to watch the marathon and would be captivated by the energy of the day that filled the city. Chicago is a truly amazing city, and it becomes even more amazing on race weekend.” When Britt began marathon training, she was shooting for a sub-3:10 finish, but after a successful 18-week cycle, her legs are feeling super powerful and she’s not ruling out something even speedier. But like so many women, she says, “Those are just numbers and they don’t define me. I will be happy with whatever time I finish in as long as I give it my best shot and have fun.” Britt is also hosting a blogger meet-up for the race (details here). Follow Britt at www.chicagorunnergirl.blogspot.com.

Cathy Z.

CATHY is a good friend of mine that I met within a mommy playgroup here in Peoria. Once we discovered our shared passion for running, we were instant friends. Unfortunately, she is so much faster than me that I don’t dare try to run with her. We’ve exchanged training encouragement all summer long as I trained for Quad Cities, and her Chicago, where she hopes to qualify for Boston with a 3:35. Cathy’s first (and last) marathon was eleven years ago, so she’s just as nervous and excited this weekend as if it were her first. “I’ve been fretting about everything this week from needing to go to the bathroom, to the long lines at the start and eating the right foods. But I feel strong and ready.” I’ll be tracking Cathy throughout the race and can’t wait to celebrate her BQ!

Falon

FALON now resides in Iowa, but grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. So when she made the decision to run her first marathon, it was a no-brainer. “Holy cow, it’s one of the MAJORS! Chicago has always had a certain comfort and appeal for me. Plus it’s flat.” She plans to run solo, at her own pace and finish under 5 hours. Her excitement is undeniable and can be caught on her blog at www.ontheroadtograndmas.blogspot.com. Best of luck in your first marathon Falon!

Casey

CASEY is one of my fellow Sole Sisters and has a huge cheering squad here in Peoria. Chicago will be Casey’s second marathon (first one this past January). “Some of the pressure of the unknown is gone,” but Casey says, “This one is because I can. It’s personal for me.” She picked Chicago because of the reputation of being THEE marathon to run. “With over a million spectators, each neighborhood brings its own flavor to the race.” With several other friends by her side, Casey plans to enjoy the entire race and city of Chicago without worrying about a time goal. “I don’t run for the cash prizes, and I don’t actually do it for the health reason either. I sincerely love the personal challenge and how it makes me feel. 2011 marks my second full year as a runner… and I’m thankful every day that running found me.” Run on, sister!

Carolyn | The Life of Queenie

CAROLYN aka QUEENIE also picked the Chicago Marathon for her first 26.2 miler. “I wanted Chicago to be my first because I live so close to the city, only 30 miles away. It is a flat course, and considering I don’t like hills, it was an easy choice for me.” Even though this is her first attempt, Queenie plans to run a quick one (or at least much quicker than me!). “I've heard that your only goal for your first marathon should be to finish. But my goal is to run a sub-3:40.” She hopes running with a pacer for the first 21 miles will help her achieve that goal. Follow Queenie at www.diabeticqueen.blogspot.com.

Wifey

LORRAINE aka WIFEY is traveling from Atlanta to run Chicago because like Casey, she says it’s just one of those “must do” races. “I love the thrill of a BIG race - large crowds, spectators and excitement. When I was deciding which race to pick, so many people told me Chi-town should be the one.” This will be Wifey’s second marathon, which she’ll begin with four of her training buddies from the running group Get Fit Atlanta, and her trusty Garmin pal, Lola. With a goal of 5:30, Wifey is running for more than just the finish line. “I’m running to help create a world with more birthdays and less cancer with the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) DetermiNation team. I knew I wanted to run my next marathon for a cause, then in the spring I was invited to join ACS’s Blogger Advisory Council. Once I learned more about DetermiNation and all the great work ACS does I knew it was a perfect fit. I’m dedicating miles of my run to the loved ones of people who generously made donations.” I’ve been following Wifey’s blog for almost a year now, and she is such an inspiring woman. She claims she used to be the laziest person on earth, which I find hard to believe, but now she is a marathoner! “Believe in yourself and go for whatever your goals are… you’d be surprised at what you can accomplish.” Follow Wifey at www.RunWifeyRun.com.

Andrea and the Running Chics!

ANDREA returns to Chicago for her eighth marathon, fourth time in Chicago. She calls Chicago her favorite marathon of all. Residing in Missouri, she makes the trip with the Running Chics group… all whom are Chicago first-timers, many marking their first marathon this Sunday. “I always run because I can, though in honor of all those who can’t.” With a goal between 4:30-5:00, Andrea would make a great running partner for me. Follow Andrea at www.runningchics.com.

Good Luck to all these fantastic women!

I hope you have a great run and the wind of the Windy City is at your back.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

The Silver Lining

When I saw the quote below, I shouted aloud "Amen!"

Being on the DL is so much harder than running 26.2 in my book.

I feel a bit silly this week, almost bordering obsessive. Unable to run this week, I've had several breakdown of tears. I've snapped at my husband a time or two. The patience level with my children has been much lower than normal. And I've totally gorged on crap food.

And because I always try to find the silver lining...
This week I've caught up on the work front, tackled some lingering household projects, and even did a little yardwork. Wasted time on Facebook has been minimal, simply because I can't stand to see all the "running posts" from my fitness friends. My arms and core should be rock solid, since it's been the focus of my exercise this week. And I'll be totally refreshed and eager to run again... once I can.

No pity... I'm walking close to normal now. The calf muscle aches yet when I put pressure on it, but I'm holding out hope for a weekend run. Today I plan to revisit the boxing bag hanging in my basement and really vent.

What was your last running injury? How long were you out?
And how did you deal?!?!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

On the DL

This past weekend, I was back "home" visiting my parents in Wisconsin. I eagerly headed out on Sunday for a long run. I was hoping for 10, happy with 8. In the week since my marathon, I had only run once, so I was anxious to let my legs fly. I mapped out a neat course circling the scenic little river town of Omro.

It was a chilly 33 degrees at 7:00am. I pulled on my brand new Quad Cities Marathon jacket and I was ready to go. Within the first mile, I felt a throbbing in my left calf muscle. But I really wanted to check out the new fitness trail on the other side of town, so I pushed onward... past my old church, the cheese house, up and over the bridge, my childhood home, the high school... and then IT happened. It was like someone grabbed my left leg and threw me to the ground. I was done. I limped across town and back to my car, feeling completely humiliated.

I've been a basket case ever since. Yesterday, I moped around the house, breaking down in tears as I gazed outside at the beautiful fall day. Feeling totally depressed, I demolished a roll of cookie dough. ugh. I got a brief stint of "suck it up" and did some crunches, spidermans and pushups (to work off that cookie dough...).

After two days of rest, icing, rolling and gentle stretching, the calf muscle is improving. Not run-able yet, but healing enough for me to know it's not serious. I'm holding out hope for the weekend. It's absolutely perfect running weather here in Illinois this week, and I'm missing out on my favorite season. I can hardly even stand Facebook today... reading friends' posts about their awesome runs.

The one benefit of injury is that I finally had free time to write my marathon recap. For some reason, my new blog posts aren't showing up on the Blogger dashboard (help anyone?). So if you missed my Marathon Race Recap, click here to read the details of my proudest race adventure yet! Also don't forget to sign up for The Cupcake Classic virtual race later this month.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Race Recap: Quad Cities Marathon

Me & Hubby in the starting chute

It's taken me a good week to digest that I am now a MARATHONER. The Quad Cities Marathon on September 25 will forever be a special race day in my heart.

It was a rough night's sleep, but I awoke that Sunday morning ready and rearing to go. I wandered down to the hotel lobby for coffee and a weather check, which initiated a last-minute wardrobe change. It was low 40's and I decided to go with the full leggings rather than shorts. I downed an easy Marathon bar (appropriate for the day!), and I walked out the door by 6:45am with hubby by my side.

Walking up to the start, the photographer
stops me and says, "You look fun!"
Damn Right!

The starting line area was buzzing and fairly empty for a 7:30am start, but it filled in quickly. I jogged a little bit, just enough to warm up the muscles for an easy stretch. We chatted away with runners in the starting chute, finding quite a few from my town. I joked around with the 4:40 marathon pacer not to pass me today. (My goal was between 4:35-4:48, a finish under a 11:00 min/mile pace.)

The 5K, half-marathon and marathon all started together, so I got to line up and run the beginning with my husband. He's been such a vital part of my marathon journey that it was pretty neat to have him by my side as the race began. The gun went off and it a took a while for the mass of runners to move. The official race clock had already ticked past two minutes by time we passed over the starting line.

The starting chute (which also doubled as the finishing chute and post party area) was somewhat narrow. Once past the starting line, our roadway doubled and immediately relieved any congestion. I was in a super good mood, waving at spectators like I was the queen of the parade of something! No one could wipe the smile off my face. We saw a couple dressed up as Elvis, several marching bands and even a little Darth Vader!

That my Big Girl in there! My mother thinks up the best costumes & signs!

After about a 1/2 mile, I gave my hubby a kiss and off I went. The 5K runners went straight while the marathoners split to the right to make the climb over the bridge. As we crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa, I mentally went over my checklist for the day...

Have fun!
Encourage others along the way.
Thank volunteers
Take in the scenery and spectators.
Don't go under the 10 min/mile pace in the first half.
Enjoy the journey... I've worked 4 months for this day.

Miles 1 thru 3 - 10:21 avg

Mile 4 - 9:40

The first four miles had some gradual inclines and rolling hills through neighborhoods. There was decent crowd support and I chatted away with fellow runners. Everyone seemed to be in great spirits, joking around with me over my outfit. It was Sunday and the big Packers-Bears football game was later that day, so my Packers outfit initiated lots of comments and conversation throughout the day. I remember one guy coming up on my side, saying "You have great spirit. I like your attitude. Your outfit is really cute, but you've got the wrong team..." I'll take that as a compliment, thank you!

Mile 5 - 9:57

Mile 6 - 9:59

Mile 7 - 10:12

Mile 8 - 10:03

Just before mile 5, we came out of the neighborhoods and curved onto the riverfront trail, following the Mississippi River along the Iowa side of the Quad Cities. This four-mile stretch was by far the best part of the race. Beautiful scenery - I love running alongside water! Everyone was finding their groove by now, so not a lot of passing back and forth. For awhile, I ran with a 9 year old boy and his dad. It was the boy's first half marathon and by golly, he was keeping pace with me! Another group of guys kept me entertained, especially when they tried to lube their inner thighs without stopping. The spectator support through this stretch was nice too. Lots of music and bands.

Mile 9 and 10 - 10:43 avg

Now came the tough part began... the half marathoners split off at Mile 8 and the reality set in that I was in for the long haul. It suddenly got really sparse out on the course. I longed to turn right with the half-marthoners (I was having so much fun with them!), but I took a deep breathe and forged ahead. Today I become a Marathoner. Onward!

I passed under a bridge that was lined with spectators and gave a wave.
This was pretty much me the first half of the race... I was having a ball!

Inside mile 9, there was a short out and back stretch, which was fun as runners bantered back and forth. As I turned down the final stretch on the Iowa side, a little yellow jersey caught my eye... my Little Girl! My family was up ahead! This was the first time I saw them since the start because they waited for my hubs to finish the 5K. Little Girl came running out to give me high 5's. I gave a thumbs-up and turned to head over the Mississippi River once again.

I hit the mile 10 marker at the top of Centennial Bridge. What a view it was! I downed a GU Chomps, gave some waves to the honking cars, but felt pretty alone at this point. I remember turning around to see if there was anyone behind me. As we came off the bridge back onto the Illinois side of the race, I was thankful to see lots of cheerleaders, bands and spectators waiting.

Mile 11 - 12:17

Mile 12 - 10:35

Coming through downtown Rock Island was neat - spectators making lots of noise! I made my first water stop to refill my hand bottle and drop in a nuun. My family was waiting for me once again at about mile 11.5. This time Little Girl ran out to give her momma hugs! I stopped there to lube up my inner thighs that were starting to chafe. I hadn't worn these compression tights since last winter and something was rubbing wrong.

Mile 13 - 10:41

Mile 14 - 10:57

Mile 15 - 10:48

Mile 16 - 10:52

Mile 17 - 11:33

Mile 18 - 11:26

Mile 19 - 10:50

Mile 20 - 10:49

We crossed over a small bridge onto Arsenal Island, which is a U.S. Army foundry, closed to the general public. Almost 950 acres, the island lies in the middle of the Mississippi River between the Illinois and Iowa shores. I was prepared for this stretch to be fairly lonely without spectators, so until now, I hadn't used my ipod. I flipped it on and settled into a pace.

The morning had been pretty darn near perfect. The weather was cool and overcast, but perfect for running. Suddenly I looked up to see a very dark horizon. The rain began to sprinkle at mile 14 and by time I hit 16, we were in a downpour. This was not a fun portion of the race. Runners were pretty spread out, so it was easy to feel all alone out in the pouring rain. I slowed to a walk in mile 17 to take a GU and refill my water bottle. Everything was soaked, my feet got heavy and the chills rippled through my body. To make matters worse, we had rejoined with the half-marathon course. However, at this point in the race, most of them were walking, which made it incredibly hard to keep my legs running. To top it off, the volunteers were yelling, "Keep going, only 2 miles left..." Yeah, right.

At mile 18, I actually said out loud, "I hate you marathon." I didn't mean it, but I was really frustrated feeling tired so early. The only thing that got me through was knowing there were oranges waiting for me at mile 19. It's so funny as I think about it now, but while I was running, it was the only thing I could think about... oranges, oranges, oranges! And by golly, when I hit that outstretched plate of oranges, I was in pure heaven. Then my mind shifted to... only one more miles before we are off this God-foresaken island! I silently prayed that my family would be waiting at the bottom of the bridge. In this rain, I really needed my hat to shield my face.

The bridge came in sight and I happily made the climb to exit Arsenal Island. I could hear the crowds waiting on the other side. Low and behold, as soon as we hit the bridge, it stopped raining.

Mile 21 - 10:53

Mile 22 - 11:08

Mile 23 - 11:57

The crowds were huddled under the highway overpasses as we came off the island. My mind was kinda numb at this point... there might have been a band, not sure, but it was really loud. My family was indeed waiting for me. Hubby ran out with me for a short while to see if I needed anything out of my bag. I traded my soaking wet headband for a ballcap, just in case the rain started again.

I was drenched wet, but still managed a smile!

Again, the half-marathoners turned right to the finishline while the marathon went left for a 3 mile out and back. I can honestly say it was the longest 3 miles I've ever run to reach that turnaround. It was a boring stretch with very little spectators. And par for the course, my ipod died right at the time I needed it most. Another one lost to rain! My brain was kind of numb at this point. One step in front of the other. I had to focus myself and started concentrating on my Mile Dedications to distract myself.

The 4:40 pacer came up by my side somewhere inside mile 22. I tried my best to hang with her, but just couldn't hold on. Glancing at my watch, I knew the 4:40 was out, but thought I could still come under the 4:45 if I stuck with it.

Mile 24 - 11:36

Mile 25 - 11:25

Mile 26.2 - 13:27 (11:13 avg)

Once we hit the turnaround, I had a renewed energy, a second wind. My pace doesn't show it, but mentally I started to get excited about finishing. I got this! I am about to become a Marathon Finisher!! I pep-talked myself... you trained, you sacrificed, you're almost home now. You got this!

Now on the way back, I was passing runners on their first stretch out. There wasn't much conversation - but it was easy to read their faces. I felt so bad watching some of them struggle. And then a fellow runner yelled out, "Hey Jess! I read your blog!" That felt pretty neat!

At mile 25, they had the best volunteer at just the right spot. He was yelling at every runner with so much excitement. One mile left! I had waited a long time to see the Mile 25 sign and I smiled with silly glee. As I came into downtown Moline, the crowds and noise got heavy. Oddly enough, the last 1.2 miles went by extremely fast. I saw the finish line ahead and had tunnel vision as I tried to give one last push.

Cruising to the Finish Line!

Little Girl and her bright yellow jersey caught my eye. Ah, my family! I tossed them my water bottle and hat and headed to the finish. Crossing that line felt FANTASTIC!! It was a long summer of hard work and sacrifices to train for the marathon... but in this moment, it was all completely worth it.

Today had been the perfect victory lap.

Yes!! I did it!

Minutes later, my hubby was hugging me inside the post-party area. I've read many times that people immediately say, "Never again". It was definitely a challenge, but not nearly as painful as some of the stories I've read. I turned to my hubs and said... "I'm definitely doing this again! It was awesome!"

Official Finish Line photo

My wonderful mother thinks of everything and had flowers waiting for me at the Finish!

Official time: 4:43:27

(10:49 pace)

Age Division (F35-39): 31 out of 43

Females: 145 out of 238

Overall: 486 out of 655