Hey...Little Miss Runner Pants...

This is for you, A.Maria...

4:59:59 - YOU CAN DO IT!

As most of you know, this weekend is the San Diego Marathon...and, if you're at all like me, you are ALREADY cheering for Little Miss Runner Pants. I think I want her to run a sub-5 almost as badly as she does. If you haven't already, pop on over to her blog and wish her a strong, fast day of running this Sunday. She leaves for Cali tomorrow, I believe...and I'm not sure if she'll be on much between now and the race. So...everyone give her some 4:59:59 Marathon Vibes!!

Now I don't think I have ever singled anyone out here on ever, but A.Maria just holds a special lil' place in this Jayhawk's heart cause she was one of the first running blogs I started reading. And like most of you out there, I was addicted from the first entry.

Even though I know it's a few days premature, I know lots of you are out racing this weekend and I want to wish everyone good luck!!

Death by Double Digit Race.

Well...we did it. I'm not sure how...but we managed to make it through the course without any major injuries. Ah..."winging it" is just so...so...stupid. Deep down I know neither of us were in any condition to run 10 miles, but in true stubborn bull fashion, we pressed on and jsut went for it. Right about now, both Mike and I feel like death warmed over, mostly a combination of being sore and sleepy. I'm due for a nice lil' nap at the culmination of this post. Let's see how fast I can get through this...

So this morning, I was up by 5:45 and getting ready. Mike trailed just behind me, waking up with a really sore knee. No bueno. After gathering everything we needed in our amphipods, we jet out the door...about 10 minutes later than scheduled.

Traffic was pretty bad on Lake Shore Drive. Everyone and their brother and dogwalker and pharmacist was trying to get off on the same exit...bit massive traffic jam. 15 minutes later, we parked and headed to gear check and chip pick up. While we were headed to the restrooms, the "last call" for runners was going on...so we hustled to the start.

I saw Judy and Larry from the Phoenix marathon very briefly and then we were off running. Good start...but by the time we hit mile 1, I knew I was in trouble. Little Miss Runner Pants was right, the 10 mile run is like the 1 mile, just 10 times worse. By mile 2.5 my hip was killing me and by mile 3, Mike ran ahead (speedy gonzales show off). Miles 3-8 were pretty redundant...just me gritting through the pain and fighting back tears. The grounds crew was great (minus the kids having a water fight at the 8.5 aid station) and one of the guys on the bikes rode next to me for a bit...he was concerned about my hip.

The race just reaffirmed how runners are so stinkin' cool. Even though I was one of the last folks out on the course, folks headed back to the parking lot were cheering me on, giving me high fives and what not. They were so nice and supportive. Some could tell I was in a lot of pain and just kept on cheering.

The last bit of the race took you all the way around Soldier Field and then into the bowels of the stadium. The course popped you out on the end zone and you ran up the side of the field to the finish at the 50 yard line. Very cool. Since my hubby is as fast as lightning, he was able to get some pictures of me on the field and jumbotron (very cool). You can't really tell it's me...but it is!! Final time? A sad little 2:17ish...I wasn't the last to cross, but I probably was the last in my age group. Oh well...someone has to be last, why not let it be me?

So after I crossed, the tears ensued and I was led off the medical area. I took some water and iced for a bit and was then directed to the NUHS area--yes, National University of Health Sciences had a designated area at the finish line (Mike studies Chiropractics at NUHS so it was fun seeing some of his classmates). I filled out some paperwork and waited for my turn (picked up and drank the post-race beer, too!)...they did a bunch of stuff for my left hip flexor to make it feel really good. Apparently I have a bunch of adhesions and trigger point issues going on down there. Brilliant. But Leeanne gave me an awesome soft tissue massage and adjusted my neck and back (ahhh....HEAVEN!). Post race, we hit up Portillo's for some fabulously greasy food.

I'm just so glad it's over with. Now it's time to go and relax and treat myself to a lil' napperoo. Bring on the ice!

Needless to say, it's been a lesson learned for running a race that we're not prepared for...until next time...Ciao!

Someone please remind me...

I can't remember what it's like to run 10 miles. Someone remind me? Cause tomorrow isn't going to be pretty.

We are so completely and utterly SCREWED!!!

Hot Hot Heat.

Yup. It was hot in there. Within five minutes I had rivers of sweat flowing all over my body like the Tiber. I was able to do about 75% of everything...I got super dizzy in the beginning and had to lay down a bunch. I feel like 5 pounds of sweat came through my pores...it was insane.

I've come to realize that Bikram yoga is more methodical rather than meditative. There was no calming instrumental music...no soothing voices...no relaxing wall fountains and wind chimes. It was a wise ass instructor...lights on...and a whole lotta heat. It totally rocked.

I can't wait to go back.

I haven't felt that flexible since my days of ballet and cheerleading!!

PSA: Chicago Marathon.

Okay runners...especially you runners who procrastinate.

The Chicago Marathon registration time frame is dwindling. Rather quickly. There are less than 10,000 spots of the 40,000 left. They're anticipating registration to close within the next week or so, quite possibly less. So what are you waiting for? Go REGISTER. Now. You know you want to. Don't deny yourself the opportunity to run in one of the best marathons out there. I still have the promotional DVD if you'd like a copy to watch...it has the race course on there, too. Let me know if you'd like me to send one to you.

RBFers Running Chicago Marathon: Running Jayhawk (that's me...Barbara), Out of Shape Guy (Mike), Running Rabbit (Sue), Running to Change (Nicole), Tara, Marathon Running (Leah & Jason), Run With Me (Elizabeth), and Dice's Running Shoes (Josh).

I know I'm missing a ton of folks...so, tell me, phantom lurkers out there...do you need to be added to the list? I'm sensing a fabulous RBF meet up that weekend. :) Perhaps a post-race meal at Giordanos?

This message has been brought to you by, the number 10, 22, 2006, and 26.2, the city of Chicago and by me...Running Jayhawk. :)

Holy Humid Heat Wave, Batman!!

Yesterday after work, Angie and I headed to Bikram City Chicago...you know, just to get a feel for the place, it's heat and get more info from the instructors.

Well...they let us step into the studio. and OH.MY.GAWD. I don't think I have ever felt anything so hot. I mean, I knew it would be hot...but 110-degrees humidity hot? I think I might die on Thursday when we take our first class. I don't do well in heat, and this could be a recipe for disaster, but the owner was great and very encouraging. Apparently no one has ever passed out in his class...and if we get dizzy (which we will the first few times), we can just lay down for a bit in the heat. [Side note: did I ever mention that Mike and I started dating after he came to my rescue after having a heat stroke? Yah. Homie don't do heat very well.] It is some nasty ass hot...I'd rather fall into a hot tub with my clothes on hot...more disgusting than an unventilated sauna hot (not but smelly as such).

Oof. Hot.

I guess that's why it's called hot yoga. Right?

We'll see how tomorrow goes. Hopefully well.

And a hypothetical question: If you were bowling...you know, pseudo-competitively, and for some reason, the lane just GIVES you a strike...a strike not earned, a strike not bowled, in fact, you didn't even bowl that frame! And you do nothing about it...is that cheating? [Just Kidding, Taylor!!]

No.STINKIN.Way.

Suddenly...my Garmin seems so...so...prehistoric?

Read more HERE.

I hate you, Charlie.

Ta-Town (Wichita) was what we expected and more...pretty boring. The wedding was a wonderful time, but Wichita in general (and no offense to anyone out there associated with this fine town), is rather...well, lame.

The flight was good...as we're descending they tell us it's 93 degrees in Kansas City. Say wha!? 93? I can't remember the last time I was in that kind of heat!! Chicago was a brisk 56 when we left at 3. So we land, Mike changes into shorts, and we get the rental car. And because the University of Kansas is having graduation while we're in town (ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK GO KU!!) they tell us they're out of midsize cars. Damnit. But have no fear, we're being upgraded. Woohoo! To a CONVERTIBLE. SCORE! Okay...so it was a silly little PT Cruiser convertible, and it was KU blue...so it was a lot of fun. We stopped to pick up a wedge pillow from my parent's house, grab an iTrip from Best Buy for our iPods, grab a sandwich and we're on our way.

We rode around with the top down all weekend...even on I-35 for 3 hours each way. And I've got the lobster-red shoulders to prove it. Me in my Chicago mentality had not thought to bring sunscreen...then again, why would I check the weather channel? That's for folks who plan...right? And planning...seriously...who needs to plan anything in life these days? Anyway, we get to Wichita, get settled into the hotel, grab Taco Bell for Mike and visit with my dear friend Laura for a few minutes before hitting the hay.

The "plan" was to get up early and run before the heat set in on Saturday morning. Alarms were set and mentally we were ready to do it. In true Barb and Mike fashion, we set the alarm super early to get a few snooze hits in. So bad. I know. Don't lecture me about this. In between one of the snoozes...my body literally jolted in bed from the most painful, horrid, excruciating charlie horse in my left calf. OH.MY.GAWD. It was so f'n awful. I wanted to keel over and die. I couldn't move at all...all I could muster up was to roll around on my back, squeezing my calf with one hand, and biting the other to avoid screaming. Somehow in this dramatic process, I manage to whack Mike in the eye...it wasn't a pretty sight.

After the pain subsides...I get up and my entire leg (including my piriformis) is really tight. It hurt to walk. Majorly sore overall. Needless to say, a Saturday morning run did not happen, much to my dismay. I couldn't walk, Mike could barely see...and I had to get to the bride's house to help her out with a ton of stuff. It was a brilliant start to the morning. DAMN YOU, CHARLIE!

So I guess my question to all you fabulous running bloggers out there...how do you avoid charlie horses? What do you do when you get one? I've had a few of them...most of them happening within the past 2-3 years...always while I'm laying in bed...always while I'm asleep. What is going on with my legs?!?

But the rest of the trip went well. We got in last night around 7 and went bowling with Taylor and Jacob. And I would like the record to show that yours truly ruled. I broke 100...three times (which never happens). I could attribute my mad skillz to this guy I dated once upon a time--he was the youngest person to bowl a perfect game in Tennessee (and apparently still holds the record)...but that was many, many, many years ago (like 8-10 years ago or something insane like that)...and we only went bowling once I recall...so any tips he may have offered have since vanished into the chambers of my brain. So I will attribute my mad skillz to natural talent. Move over, I'm the bowling queen. Hah!!

And I am totally counting bowling as our Sunday night cross-training.

Mike and I have a few runs scheduled this week...and that dreaded 10-mile race on Saturday...have I mentioned we are sooooo not prepared for that one? Cause yeah...we're still not ready. And come 7:30 on Saturday morning, we're definitely not going to be ready. So we just have to wing it, I suppose. Plus I'm serving as TNT race crew for it, so I can't exactly bail. I know, I know...it'll be a lesson learned.

Thoughts on Goals.

In my recent weeks of playing (and mastering) the role of slacker extraordinaire, I've done a good amount of thinking on what I hope to get out of this marathon.

I think, that having completed my first marathon in 6h30m-ish (which, should really be closer to 6:20 considering the amount of potty stops I made), I would really like to shave off a full hour on my time. It is possible? Certainly. We'll just see how well I stick to that plan. I know that Chicago has a strict time limit on the course, so I guess in theory my real goal should be simply to finish it before the course closes...but ya know what...I really just want to be in the 5:30 range. Which means I have to have around a 12:35/mi consistently. That would make me soooo stinkin' happy. And since all my fellow RBFers are out for a crazy time, there's no excuse for them not to cheer me on across the finish line (okay okay...I keed on that last part...I'll catch up with you kids later).

I wouldn't mind a 5:45 marathon either (13:10/mi)...but I really just want the 5:30. Okay...that's a lie. I really want a 2:30 marathon and piece of the prize purse...but I'm just trying to be realistic here. Cause we all know that your resident slow poke cannot average sub-6:00/mi. I'm estatic when I have a single sub-10:00/mi. Hah!!

So yes...goal numero uno: 5:30-5:45ish 'thon.

Secondly, I'm hoping to shed a few pounds during this training. I'm not going to keep the mentality that I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want, simply because I'm training for a marathon. It doesn't work like that (and yes, I learned the hard way). I'm not at a point to share with the general public just how much I'm looking to drop, but Nicole and Sue are in the loop. They're going to be my motivational coaches--Thanks gals.

So goal deux--I'd love to be at my pre-wedding weight by my birthday in late September (yah...got my 20-miler right before my birthday...how psyched am I?).

In other news...
I haven't run in about a week and a half. And next weekend is the 10-miler. Hahahaa...and I...well...Mike and I are completely screwed! (said in my most energetic, optimistic voice)

True confession: the last time I did a double digit run was in the marathon. I'm going to do what my dear RBFer, Audrey, does...just wing it. That girl amazes me.

Okay. So clearly that is not the most brilliant race strategy I've ever had. Yah. I know. But the plan is to go out there and simply have fun. Toss on my iPod...sing aloud as I hop, skip, shuffle my way through the course....and I am fully prepared to come in dead last. And I'm okay with that. Cause well...someone has to be last. Why not let it be me?

We're off to Kansas again this weekend for my college roommate's wedding. Maybe I'll pick up a few miles in Wichita...then again, maybe not. :)

Kick Off...and a movie.

Today was the TNT Kick Off party. Mike and Taylor (yay! she finally set up her running blog) are officially signed up with the program. Mike is doing the Chicago marathon with me and Tay is set to rock the Twin Cities Marathon. Good times. John Bingham was there for a little pre-training pep talk...and Mimi (the mother of a patient honoree) brought me to tears as always.

They had a Chicago Marathon video, that has me completely and totally amped up. Tovah lent it to me so I could make a copy! If anyone is on the fence about the Chicago Marathon...let me know. This mini flick will sell you on the spot!! If you'd like a copy...let me know.

All in all it was a good day.

Tonight we saw United 93. I'm still processing everything. I was in tears for a chunk of the movie. I know there's a lot of criticism about the film, but I felt it was very well done. Very respectful. Tactful. Serves it exactly how it's speculated to have happened with no bull shit. No glorification. No Hollywood glamour. No actor introductions. Little music. Emotional. Very real. While I wouldn't say that I enjoyed the movie (simply because I don't think this is a film anyone would really enjoy watching to begin with), I felt it was important for me to see...and I'm glad we went. Once is enough for me, though. But yes...considering the loaded content, it was well executed. Then again, I'm no film critic...and this is simply my opinion (my opinion also says that grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches are good cuisine)...so take it as you will.

Alright. I need to hit the hay...g'nite!

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

Not much to report here...

Weather has been crap lately...which seemingly fits my mood these days.

No running. Work has been insane.

And somehow, I'm still in one piece.

The TNT kick off meeting is this Saturday, John Bingham will be speaking...so I'm hoping that's the motivation I need to get my head in the right place. We shall see.

...Everything in its Right Place...

So this morning, disappointment ensued.

You know how there are just some thing in life you're super crazy psycho fanatical passionate about? Well, one of my massive obsessions is music. I looooooooooove music. Four bands have a particular special place in my heart--Smashing Pumpkins, U2, Self...and Radiohead.

The the past few days I have been SO looking forward to getting Radiohead tickets--they went on sale this morning at 10am. They're playing at the Auditorium Theatre...about 3000ish in capacity...and I love love LOVE them live.

So, I hop on my mums computer at 9:45 and get everything set up. 10 o'clock hits and I go to town (with Mike on a different computer trying to tickets to the second night)...the adreneline is rushing my body and I'm cheering the computer on...

...8 minute wait....

...12 minute wait...

...4 minute wait...

...1 minute wait...

SHUT OUT. [Expletive, Expletive, Expletive]

...and depression sets in.

My heart has literally dropped to the floor and I fought back tears (it would've been foder for Mike to poke fun...and I give him enough as it is, he didn't need any more!!)...

We keep trying ticketmaster for the next 45 minutes. Nothing. Nada. Nil. Zip. With a heavy heart I start to question whether or not I'm supposed to be going to this concert...but in true Barb fashion, I start exploring other avenues. I've NEVER been shut out from TicketMaster for a concert I really, really, wanted to go to!!

I'm about to give up hope. So I start scouring eBay and Craigslist...

I posted on Craigslist with something along the lines of "Super fanatical Radiohead nut remains Optimistic so that Everything will be in its Right Place and that a kind fan will not be a Creep and Just help a fellow fan out..." It went on for a bit incorporating the fine song titles of the great band. Some other song references incorporated were Dollars and Cents, High and Dry, No Surprises and Let Down.

I had several biters.

Someone wanting $1000 for a pair...and I saw everything from $500 and in between...

And then...out of nowhere....a wonderful fan and student from New York e-mails me. He and his friend were both able to get tickets, but his friend got the floor (these are in the balcony) and he offered them to me. Great seats, no less. He didn't want to charge an outrageous amount and wanted to make sure they went to a good fan. I'm flattered. And considering I thought the other offers were outrageous, I quickly agreed to $275 to help him cover flight charges from NYC

He's apparently received several dozen e-mails in the meantime, but has agreed to let me buy them from him. God love you, fellow fan!!

So have no fear....I'm going to Radiohead!


So yesterday's hilly run...I barely did 2 miles. The hills were just too.damn.much. for me to handle. I'm still sore behind the knees. Oof.

It's back to Chicago for us tomorrow...Roadtrip pics soon to come!

Not everything in Kansas is Flat.

Tonight, somewhere in the 8 o'clock hour, we board a plane and head to Kansas City. Typically, I have no problems with this ritual. I love going home and seeing family and friends. I do, however, have a problem with getting on a plane after finally watching the first few episodes of LOST. If our plane snaps in half and I end up in the tropical land with rampid polar bears and gargantuan wild boars, I am seriously going to be ticked off. Ok people?

So just cross your crossables that we take off and land with ease.

The plan is to go running in the morning [with my secret plan to hit Lawrence by noon...I don't think Mike will object]. Not everything in Kansas is flat, kiddos. My parents neighborhood is insanely hilly. I'm talking the only flat straight aways in the place are for MAYBE 100-150 yards...lots of ups and downs. So we're giong to count this as our hill training for the month (I.HATE.HILLS.) Here's an older satellite photo of the area...it's hard to tell, but it's absolute torture and insanity. The neighborhood is far more developed now...the entire right side is filled with houses. Google Maps needs to update their satellite feed!

I also want to take a quick moment and plug a fast little PSA about something going on down at the Univ. of Kansas the next few days. This guy I knew in undergrad, Richie Friesner, is going to be running up and down Jayhawk Blvd (the main stretch of campus) for the next three days in hopes of raising $3000 for the Jubilee Cafe (provides food to the homeless). He'll be running 22 hours each day, stopping only to nap and eat. He's an amazing ultramarathoner and finished Boston a few weeks ago in 3 hours. You can read the full article here. If you have a little change in your pocket, the Jubilee Cafe could really use your support. If you're interested in contributing to the cause, let me know and I'll point you in the right direction. Perhaps you could donate to Richie as your contribution to the BlogFather's Running Skirt Challenge?! Seriously...who doesn't want to see Mark running in a skirt? But what Richie is doing is a great thing. I'm hoping we can make it up to campus to join him in a lap or two.

In other news...I'm excited to share that one of my fabulous mentees has started a running blog. Pop on over and say hi to Margie.

Wednesday: 1.5 mile walk with the dog...around the city...played at the Newberry Library Park...he was one pooped out puppy.

I'll update from Kansas...see you on the flip side!

My Date with Dave.

First dates always give me a little case of the nerves. And today was no different.

I came home from work with a mission: To take my new Mizunos out for a run around town. There was some minor apprehension, very similar to the butterflies you have on a first date. You're unsure of how it'll go, but remain ever hopeful. You can't help but wonder if your date will be stable (believe me, I've gone out with my fair share of unstable nutso's), supportive, know how to hug you in just the right places and just make you feel good all around. The more I think about it, the more I realize that going on a first date is exactly like taking a new pair of shoes on their very first run.

I first met my shoes yesterday, sorta like meeting someone briefly for the first time at a bar. We had a few tender moments together, and with a tinge of instinct you think to yourself "okay, I think I can handle you"...and that was that. The initial spark where you're left with the general curiosity and yearning to learn more...

Today, the first mile or so was full of getting to know you moments. It was a completely different fit and feel. I wasn't used to the hug in the arch of my foot...but it wasn't bad. Just different. I was happy. No major quabbles starting out and it took some getting used to with a bit of caution.

Shortly after the first mile, we had our first minor tiff. The right side wasn't hugging tight enough. Enter predictable akward moment. I retied. Quarter mile later....my right toes were pins and needles. A wee bit too tight. Two or three reties later...we came to a happy medium and all was well again with the world.

Now the pain from my ex (the New Balances) was still there, mostly on the right side. But with a little bit of coaxing from the Mizunos, the pain subsided. Around mile 3.5 I couldn't help but wonder how I ran without these fantastic shoes before. Before I knew it, the ex, the shoes that had taken me hundreds of miles and through a handful of races (including my first marathon) were a mere memory. Bittersweet.

At the end of the date, I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. I was in a happy place. And I knew that my Mizunos are worthy of a long-term committment. You know how sometimes you just...well...know. Like my pseudo-date with Mike...I just knew when I got home after that first night that he was a keeper...I laid down with a smile and my tummy fluttered. Same with the shoes...just...a different kind of flutter...

So why is this post called "My Date with Dave" you ask? Easy. My shoes are Mizunos Wave Nirvana 2's. One would think it'd be easy to call my shoes something like Mizu's...but that's like Mizzou...and if you haven't noticed, I'm a Jayhawk (Univ. of Kansas) and we're bred to hate everything related to our border rival Mizzou (Univ. of Missouri). So Mizu was never even an option. Then I thought about calling my shoes Nirvi or something weird like that. But I just didn't like it.

While I was running I got to thinking about Nirvana (sparked from the name of the shoes...clearly) and how much I loved em back in the day...and it'd be too obvious to name them Kurt...but Dave...Dave Grohl. Oh how do I love thee?!?!? Foo Fighters music just gets me going. It's good stuff. Plus...the fact he's a gorgeous rocker dude doesn't hurt...

I decided on Dave Grohl as the official name for my shoes...immediately after confirming this with my feet, "Everlong" came on (my favorite Foo song). "If everything could ever feel this real forever, if everything could ever be this good again...the only thing I ever ask of you, gotta promise not to stop when I say when..." Left shoe's dedication to me. And after that, "Do You Right" came on the iPod...a dedication from my right shoe. If you're not familiar with that song...it's rather appropriate..."Like I said before and I'll say it once more, Knew you would make me feel so good, wanna do you right." :) My Dave Grohl shoes love me! They want me to be happy! They beg me to run fast and strong and swift. Dave and I will travel hundreds of miles together!! What a beeeeeeautiful friendship we shall have!

So take that, Dave Grohl. Bet you never thought I'd name my running shoes after you! Or that you'd end up in this fan girl's blog. Why don't you write a song about that, Mr. Rockstar?!?!

Oh Dave...I look forward to running with you again soon. Until next time, my feet are aflutter and my shins are smiling...

Today's total: untimed 5.3 miles...part of which, I concluded, that running through the city totally sucks. Traffic lights. Stupid pedestrians. Horrid construction blocking sidewalks. It's a nightmare. But I did it.

Simple Happiness.

There's something about new shoes that makes me smile. Isn't she a beauty?

Friends, I'd like you to meet my new Mizuno Wave Nirvana 2 shoes. They make my toes giggle and my shins happy. I can't wait to take 'em out for a nice lil jog around town.