Jan
2011

Is it a sign?

categories: Running
The SunTrust National Marathon is less than two months away and I still don’t know if I am going to do it.  Why you ask?  You see, the marathon is on a Saturday which means I need to miss work on Friday and fly out that morning.  Also, that Friday is the last day before Spring Break and I am technically not supposed to be off before or after Spring Break.  So, I wrote a letter back in October to the Superintendent asking for “permission” to be off on Friday.  I did not get a response so I sent it again in December.  Still no answer.  Really?  How long does it take to make a decision?  It is a simple answer “yes” or “no”.  So frustrating.
 
I believe that things happen for a reason.  Yes, I am a true believer of that even though many times I don’t like the things that happen.  I got a late start to my marathon training.  I am cramming an 18 week training program into 12 weeks.  I have had to increase mileage and I think I am paying for it.  The last week or so I have had a pain on my right hip.  Now I feel the pain extending to the inner thigh down to the inside part of the knee.  Yesterday I had to run 11 miles but could only do 4.  I wanted to keep on going but was feeling the pain and did not want to make it worse.  So, I asked myself Is this a sign?  Should I skip the marathon in March and instead take my time and do one in May?  Or is it just an unfortunate injury?

Any idea on what kind of injury it might be?  My guess is Iliotibial Band Syndrome but need to see a doctor to be sure.  I am a member of Athletico so I will start there and them do an injury screen.  Well, with this pain it means that I cannot run.  🙁  This makes me sad because I enjoy running and look forward to it.  However, being injury free is much more important. 


Jan
2011

S-L-O-W down…….

categories: Running
That is what I kept telling myself today during my long run.  I had to do an 11 mile run and at some point was running faster than usual.  I knew I could have but knew that I shouldn’t especially when it is cold and windy outside.  However, glad to say that it was a little bit warmer than last week.  🙂  Bottom line, it is difficult to run outside during the winter.  I am running again tomorrow.  I guess maybe I could get used to this.
 
I decided to run the Hartford Marathon this year.  Yep, no more Chicago Marathon and the crazy weather.  I had signed up for the Hartford Marathon 2 years ago but due to back problems I couldn’t do it.  Since it was on a Saturday and during the weekend before Columbus Day I had to leave on Friday and miss a teacher institute day.  Also, I am not supposed to be off the day before or after a holiday.  Well, I sure got grief about it from the superintendent.  I was told that I was not fulfilling to my obligations as a teacher and why did I have to go out of state for a marathon when there is one in Chicago?  Oh, I was so annoyed and maybe that is what contributed to the injuries.  JK.  Well, this year’s marathon is AFTER Columbus Day so I anticipate no problems from ANYONE.
 
I read a few blogs about the movie “Hood to Coast” and regret not watching it.  I hope either it will be shown again or available on DVD soon.  I have seen “Spirit of the Marathon” twice and got inspired each time I saw it.

Well, so far have ran 42 miles and have 958 miles to go.  I KNOW I will achieve that goal.
 

 


Jan
2011

Brrr, it is cold outside.

categories: Running

I have signed up to do a marathon in March and decided not to do all of my training on a treadmill.  So yesterday I head out to run around the airport.  I live close to Midway Airport in Chicago and each loop is about 4 miles.  I knew it was cold so I had three layers of clothing.  Apparently it is not enough because I was still cold.  I made it once and kept on to run another loop.  I did have to stop a few times because it was windy.  It order to feel better I told myself that at least it was better than running along the lakefront because I’m sure it was even more windy.  I met my goal and ran 8 miles.  Will I do it again?  Absolutely!!!  I am looking forward to it next Saturday.

I have Spring Break March 28-April 1 which is the week before the SunTrust National Marathon.  My plan is to fly out to DC on Friday morning, run the marathon on Saturday and stay there for a few days.  I just LOVE DC!!!  I swear that in a previous life I lived there.  Anyway, my nephew lives there so I plan to spend time with him and then head out to Philadelphia and Boston.  Three trips in one week and I am excited about it.

Next week we start with ISEL testing at our school.  These are standardized (yuk) tests given to elementary school students to test them on reading, letter recognition, spelling, and letter sounds.  As any teacher knows it is time consuming and I don’t really like it.  However, I do like to see the progress made by my students and see how they advance throughout the year.


Jan
2011

Not ready for Monday

categories: Running

Oh man, I struggled today.  I could not get up at 6 this morning.  I did want to get to school by 7 so I hurried to get ready and out of the house.  I made it by around 7:05am.  There was just so much to do that I still was not ready by 8:40 when the kids came in.  I am trying to cut down on drinking coffee (well more like stopping every morning at Dunkin Donuts for a coffee) that I decided to take my own.  I took one of those iced coffee from Costco.  It is actually pretty good but definitely did not have enough caffeine.   I felt it by 10 am.  I struggled the rest of the day.  At one point I asked my students to sit down and rest for 10 minutes.  Actually, it was an excuse for me to sit down and take a break.  Did I mention that I was tired?  The rest of the day went pretty quickly and I was out of the school by 3:10 pm.  I did not want to stay any longer since I wanted to go to the gym.

Fast forward 30 minutes later and I was at the gym.  It felt good to be there considering that I had not been there in 2 weeks.  I am sure the treadmill missed me.  I struggled to run 4 miles but stuck through it and made it.  Planning to be there again tomorrow.  I got a late start training for the SunTrust National Marathon taking place on March 26.  That is OK though.  It is not like I am starting from the beginning.  This will be my 4th marathon so I have a pretty good idea of what to do and feel that I have a pretty good foundation for my training.  At least I hope so!

 Send some motivation this way!  I definitely need it.


Jan
2011

Welcome!

categories: Running
Happy New Year and Welcome to 2011!!!
 
I have been thinking about starting a blog for over a year and finally decided to do it so here I am.  Perfect timing because I am looking forward to many great things happening this year.  I am a runner, a teacher, enjoy all kinds of food, and love to travel.  
 
I have been running since 2005 and to date have ran numerous races.  Why do I run?  Let’s see where do I start?  I love the way it makes me feel.  It is my own free time in which I can just think about anything or not think about anything at all.  I love the challenge whether it is a 5K or a marathon.  Well, why do YOU run?
 
So far this year’s races include:
March 26-SunTrust National Marathon, Washington DC
April  10, Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago, IL
April 16, CARA Lakefront 10 Miler, Chicago, IL
May 1, First Midwest Bank Southwest Half Marathon, Palos Heights, IL
 
One of my goals this year is to run at least 1,000 miles.  In 2010 I ran about 600 miles and I know that I can achieve my goal.  I just need to be more disciplined and motivated and not come up with excuses for not running.
 
This is my 2nd year teaching and so far things have been going really good.  At the beginning of the school year in September I had 29 students and now am down to 26.  I love my kids!!!  Oh yeah, I teach first grade.  It is challenge and exhausting work but many days I find myself pleased with what I accomplished that day.  I enjoy listening to my students and seeing their smiley faces.  I guess I am ready to see them all on Monday.
 
Tomorrow is the last day of my vacation.  Sigh.  It is a good thing I did some work early in my vacation as I did not want to wait till the last minute.  Now I need to make a few changes to my lesson plans and I am set.