Zenaida Arroyo

15
May
2014

Three Things Thursday, May 15, 2014

categories: Running, Three Things Thursday

1. I finally got a running coach. Coach Sara will be working with me on my three goals: 1) Run a sub-2 half marathon; 2) PR at the Chicago Marathon; and 3) Qualify for the Boston Marathon. I have a LONG way to go for #3 but I know I can do it.

Why a running coach? Well, I’ve been running for quite a number of years and haven’t made much improvement. I’ve followed different plans but it looks like they’re not working for me. Obviously I am doing something wrong. I know last year I went a “little” crazy and ran many races. Well, now it is time to get more serious with my running and hopefully achieve goals #1 and #2 this year.

2) I have been selected as an ambassador for the Fort2Base race on August 24. I ran this race last year and liked it a lot. There are two distances to choose from: 3 Nautical Mile (3.45 miles) and 10 Nautical Mile (11.5 miles). Please use discount code 2014F2BARROYO10 for a 10% off either distance.

3. How to be an Asshole Blogger in 5 Easy Steps is HILARIOUS!! Love it! There I said it. I admit it.

11
May
2014

New Running Place

categories: Chicago Marathon, Marathon Training, Running

As a runner living in Chicago, I’ve done most of my runs along the lakefront. There are so many runners out there that you’re bound to see many familiar faces and/or make new running friends. I love that there are water fountains and bathrooms along the route. Definitely important. Oh, and the view is amazing!

I also run around Midway Airport. Lately, I’ve also been running around my house which sometimes includes a stop at Dunkin’ Donuts.

On Saturday I met up with a few folks from the Western Cook Running Club at Brookfield Woods. I first heard about this group on Kelly’s blog. They host several meetups throughout the week such as Hump Day Hustle and Tuesday Night Tune Ups. On Saturday we met at 7:30am. There were about 8 runners that morning. We all started together but then got separated because everyone ran in different paces. That morning almost everyone ran in pairs. I thought I had to run 6 miles but then realized I had to do 8. The path was not crowded and there was plenty of shade. I saw the usual runners, walkers, and bike riders.

This made me smile!

Overall, I thought it was a great place to run and definitely plan on going back . My only complaint is that there are no water fountains along the way. I knew this so I took my water belt with two small water bottles. It was a hot morning and I finished both of my bottles close to mile 6. I’ve thought about investing in a hydration backpack/vest and now know that if I want to continue running there for long runs then I would need to take more water with me.

Do you have a hydration backpack/vest? Which one? How do you like it?

01
May
2014

April 2014 in Review

categories: Monthly Review, Running

Miles Ran/Last Month: 61.64/140.56. I took it easy in April while I recovered from my ultramarathon. However, I did run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon. The race was so much fun! I highly recommend you run this race. I do hope the event comes to Chicago.

Highest Mileage Week: 31.21. Ultra marathon week.

Half Marathons Planned/Completed: 2/1. I had planned to run the Salt Lake City Half Marathon but last minute decided not to go. I was feeling bleh and was not in the mood to travel nor run a race.

Current Ache/Pain: My right hip. It does not hurt when I run so maybe that is a good thing. I’ve been slacking on my stretching and need to make it a point to do it more often.

Current Challenge: 30-Day Plank Challenge. I am up to 90 seconds. Tomorrow it is 120 seconds!

Current Book: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Yes, I know I am behind so I am slowly catching up. I’ve had the chance to see the movie twice and each time I’ve refused to see it because I want to read the book first.

I also read What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self for my book club. I will admit it is a good book but I expected it to be better. There were some good and interesting letters but I guess I was waiting for an aha moment.

Current Song: Happy by Pharrell Williams. My kids LOVE that song. It makes them happy and that makes me happy.

Current Treat: Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel by Godiva. The Staples by my house is going out of business so all of the food is 50% off.

You bet I stocked up on my coffee and chocolate.

Current Excitement: I have 6 weeks to go till summer break. Enough said.

28
Apr
2014

Nike Women’s Half Marathon

categories: Race Recap, Running

This past weekend I made another trip to Washington, DC. I have to say that it is one of my favorite cities. I’ve been there numerous times and each time I always have a great time.

I got in on Saturday afternoon and made my way to the hotel. I was meeting up with a few girls from the Nike Training Club. I dropped off my luggage and made my way to the expo. I am used to an expo being in one building. Well, this expo was different because you had to go to three different locations to get your bib, your shirt, and other miscellaneous stuff. There weren’t many vendors plus it was crowded so I did not stay too long. I then found out that Shalane Flanagan was there. Dang!!

As soon as I got my bib and shirt, I saw this. Pretty cool!

The course map.

Found my name! It was so cool to also see my mother’s name next to mine.

Then I met up with the rest of the girls and then went to lunch.

I woke up at 5 on race day. I quickly got dressed and ate a ClifBar with some coffee. Then we proceeded to take the metro to the start line. It was a bit chilly and part of me wanted to go back to the room for a long sleeve shirt. However, I knew that eventually it would warm up and then I would be too hot.

Ready to run!

There were so many runners on the course. Even after one mile, the course was still crowded. It was then that I saw JB. She had flown in the day before after running The Garmin Half Marathon in KS (where she got to meet Meb). She is pretty amazing! She was running with a coworker and I managed to tag along. Yeah, we ran together till the end.

It was a gorgeous day for running. At various points there were so many spectators cheering for us. I did get hot and thirsty but overall felt good throughout the race. I began to feel a bit tired around mile 11. I told JB to go ahead while I walked. However, she is such a good pacer and part of me still wanted to run with her so I picked up the pace until I caught up with her.

Less than a mile to go. That is me by the letter “E”.

So close to the end.

Finally done. I love that instead of a medal, I got a Tiffany necklace.

It is a great race! It is not a flat course but isn’t too hilly either. The weather was gorgeous. I definitely recommend doing this race. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to go back next year.

17
Apr
2014

Three Things Thursday, April 17, 2014

categories: Running, Three Things Thursday

1. It is official. I am in. In October I will be running again the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I am very excited!!

2. Last week I attended a reception at Fleet Feet Chicago for the premiere of “Finding Strong”. I was in class most of the evening but made it with enough time to talk to Bart Yasso and David Willey. They’re both really cool guys!

3. It’s been 11 days since the last time I ran. I finally ran yesterday. I went to the gym and only managed 3 miles. Boo me. That brings me up to a grand total of 34.22 miles. I am behind in the Nike+ Leaderboard.

I guess I am still in recovery mode because I am so tired every single day. I was supposed to go to Utah this weekend for a half marathon but decided against it. No desire to race this weekend. Ha, better get out of this weird mood and be ready for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon on the 27th.