A productive day

I ran the Lincoln to Lincoln 8 Mile Run this morning. It was a lot of fun. Out on the trails, beautiful morning. I had a good run. I can honestly say I enjoy every mile. I was never just hoping to be done. For me--regardless of time--that's how you know it was a good race. I was even pleased with my time. It was one of the most enjoyable races I've ever done, if not the most enjoyable.

After I finished, they did a kids' fun run. It was probably about 1/2 a mile. It was a riot. All of the kids started down in their track stances. The UNI women's basketball team was helping out with the race, and I had fun visiting with them.

I came home and worked on cleaning and re-organizing the house now that Bill has moved out to Denver to start his 10-month job at University of Colorado. It's been a while since our house has been so uncluttered. Our office even seems semi-organized which is a miracle. I will have to take some pictures for Bill.

I also cleaned out the Mazda after taking it to the car wash. I vacuumed it, wiped down the inside, washed the windows...This is pretty rare for me and I'm pretty of myself. I have to admit, however, that vacuuming the seats barely touched the dog hair. I just know not to ride in the car wearing black pants. And I also have a lint roller in my office. It's a life saver.

I think the cleaning frenzy was partially because I didn't want to sit down and think about how Bill, Alice, and Gus-Gus were all the way out in Denver. It'll work out fine and I will get used to it, but it's a little sad. It just seems a little quiet around here. I am excited that I get to visit them all next weekend though. I'm also excited for Bill to start his job. It's a great opportunity for him.

1st Week Down (Almost)

I've almost made it through my first week of the fall semester. Things are going fine--no major complaints. Tomorrow Bill leaves for his 10-month appointment at the University of Colorado-Denver. He's out tonight with some friends who wanted to bid him farewell. I'm only semi-sad right now--I leave a week from tomorrow to visit him for Labor Day weekend, so maybe that's why I don't feel like this should be a big dramatic goodbye. Luckily, with the semester starting, I won't have too much time to feel sorry for myself anyway.

This weekend I am planning to do a race on Saturday and go out to lunch with my friend Christy on Sunday. I also have some work stuff to do, so I should be fairly busy. Oh, in addition, the Little League World Series continues, and I've been really into that, although all of the American teams I've been rooting for have been eliminated. It's strange how much Little League I've been watching lately since I can't even stand watching pro baseball anymore. The major leagues seem so boring, but I can't get enough of watching the kids.

So...about running...my mileage is down a little this week. I did 6 on Monday, 5 on Tuesday, and 5 this morning. I'll do maybe 5-6 tomorrow. Part of my reason for my little cutback is a taper for Saturday's race (which is 8 miles), but I've also been running really slow lately, even for me. I'm not sure if I just don't feel like pushing myself or if I'm fatigued. I'm also wondering if maybe I am getting too used to the pace I use when I do long, slow miles on my weekend runs. I shouldn't be running 14 miles at the same pace I run 5 miles, but I have been. So I've been asking myself, Am I just worn out? I'm not all that concerned about it. I will never be an incredibly fast distance runner anyway. I am just happy to be out there, and I am more proud of the distances I run than the pace at which I run those distances. However, the reasons behind why I'm slower lately are a little bit more concerning than actually being slower. Probably nothing some rest can't cure. Cooler weather will probably help, too.

Long Run

Yesterday I took off for my long run at about 9:00. I should have left earlier (story of my life). It got pretty hot by the end. I did 14 miles again. The biggest challenge was finding somewhere to fill my water bottle. There is a park with a disc golf course that is about 1/2 a mile off the trail that doesn't have a drinking fountain (I thought it did) but did have restrooms with running water. I filled my water bottle, which was originally filled with G2, with warm water from the sink. It was better than nothing. It was hot enough that I eventually took off my shirt and just ran in my sports bra. I don't do that very often, but the shirt was soaked and heavy. I couldn't stand it anymore.

So, I ended up running 14 miles on 20 ounces of G2 and 20 ounces of water. I could have used a little more G2 at about mile 11 or so. All in all, not a bad run. I felt pretty good most of the way. I had thought about continuing to 15 or 16 miles--especially since I feel a need to continue to build my long run--but it just got too hot.

I did discover a few places recently where I could refill my water bottle. They are a little bit off of my typical routes, but that's not a problem. One is at a ballpark around here. I stopped there the other night to get water and these kids were making out. Perfect. There is also a vending machine I found that has water. Of course, I need to remember to carry money for that. In addition, there's a gas station on Ansborough I can buy G2 at if I want. I'd prefer to stay on the trails, but those aren't too far off my route.

I am realizing that I can do these long runs with minimal water and fuel (and have done them without before) but it's really a lot more pleasant if I drink water, Gatorade, eat my Sport Beans, etc. Of course, things are a little hairy if I don't refuel when it's 85 degrees with 95 percent humidity...like it has been lately. I can run 5, 7, 8 miles without water (not that I always should), but 14 is just not do-able.

The thing about races is that it's nice that there are people every mile or so to give you fluids. You don't have to worry about it. It's those long Saturday morning runs where it's harder to stay hydrated. I have to say that there are a lot of things that make races easier than long training runs. No one is there to encourage you to to finish your run on a training run, and there's no live music. Nobody is going to give you free bagels from Panera after you are done. I give myself a lot more credit for getting up every Saturday to run 11-14 miles on my own than I do for finishing a half-marathon. The other thing is that no one really knows if I don't do my long training run....I have to rely on intrinsic motivation.

Here is my race schedule for the rest of the summer:

Aug. 28: Lincoln to Lincoln (8 miles)
Sept. 11: Park to Park 1/2 Marathon
Sept. 18: Promise Run 10k for Cedar Falls Lutheran Home

This week I will taper maybe a little for the Lincoln to Lincoln, but I don't anticipate cutting back my mileage all that much. Then I would have one more long Saturday run before Park to Park (if I don't do a long run additional this weekend to the race). Then I might back off those long runs, or at least not increase my long run anymore, UNLESS I decide to run the Des Moines Marathon or 1/2. I guess I'll decide that for sure after Park to Park.

I often run in Calvary Cemetery, which is at Fletcher and Falls Avenue in Waterloo. It's a nice cemetery, although it doesn't have running water like Waterloo Cemetary on Kimball. Sometimes I do a few laps to make my runs a little longer. Anyway, I've sort of taken some ownership in Calvary Cemetery. As I run, I often pick up trash. This isn't a big deal since I'm there to run anyway. I just grab stuff and run it to the trash can. So, yesterday, I realized that whoever had mowed the cemetery had done a poor job. The open areas were fine, but it was pretty spotty between graves. The interesting thing was how upset it made me. Maybe it was because I have somewhat invested in keeping the cemetery nice by picking up trash, but someone else didn't care--even though they were getting paid to keep it nice. I'm sure, however, mowing a cemetery is not an easy job.

Bill and I have been obsessed with watching the Little League World Series as of late. If you haven't caught any games, check it out. We are predicting Connecticut will win out of the US pool.

Last Day Off

Today is my last official day off before the fall semester begins. I have mixed feelings about this, but overall I am just really lucky to have a job that I enjoy. So no complaints. However, it does mean a new routine for weekdays, and it means I will have to make more of an effort to plan when I will run since I will be back to working 50+ hour weeks.

Wednesdays will be, and always have been, my craziest and busiest day of the week. This semester, I will take Murphy to daycare, teaching from 9-11, have office hours from 11-1, and have meetings from 2-4. Then I have to hustle to get Murphy from daycare before they close. Sometimes I will have another meeting from 5:30 to 7 for our non-profit. This will likely be a good day off from running, but we'll see how things go.

Tuesdays and Thursdays I don't teach until 11, so as long as I don't have meetings, I don't need to be at the university until 10 or so. I can run in the morning on these days, and even do fairly long runs. Monday and Fridays I should be able to get away to run in the late afternoons, as long as I don't have meetings. I am looking forward to doing some runs on and around campus again. I really do love our campus. Especially in the fall. And it's great to have access to water fountains and bathrooms. (This is a disadvantage of the trails.Where are the water fountains on our trails?)

I didn't run today because I ended up with somewhat of a busy schedule with doing some orientation stuff at the university. I also took the day off because I did 7 yesterday and would like to do a long run in the morning. I haven't looked at the weather yet. I am hoping for a cool and rain-free morning.

I signed up to do an 8 mile race on Aug. 28. It's the day after Bill leaves for his 10 month appointment in Denver, so I figure I'll keep busy. I'm excited about the 8 mile distance. It's not so long that I am dreading the pain that will come with it. It's not a 5k--which sometimes I almost think isn't worth getting up for since I am not into doing short distances right now. It is the first 8 mile race I've ever done--so for sure it will be a PR if nothing else.

In pet news, Alice has crystals in her urine, and Gus-Gus has an ear infection. We continue to support the college funds of our vets' kids.

Top Ten Lists

Tonight I went out and ran about 7.5 miles. Since I'm not very fast, it took me a while. Sometimes when I do long-ish runs, I make Top Ten lists in my head. Sometimes it's something like the Top Ten Vacation Spots I've Been to, or maybe the Top Ten Vacation Spots I Would Like to Visit. A few weeks ago it was the Top Ten Jobs I Would Like Other than the One I Have. Tonight, I was thinking about the Top Ten Products I Can't Live Without. In no particular order:

1. Garmin GPS 405 Watch

It's amazing. I can't figure out how it does the things it does, like mapping my run when I am through. I would feel naked running without it. It's surprisingly more accurate than the old model of the Garmin we ran with before this--and we thought the old Garmin was pretty damn cool when we got it.

2. Splenda

I know I am a little all over the place here, but bare with me. I probably consume more Splenda than anyone else on the planet. I put it in oatmeal, smoothies, cookies...You name it. If they ever say it causes cancer, I'm done for. I think Splenda is one of life's little miracles.

3. Tivo

We know have a DVR in our family room, but we have Tivo in our office. Tivo was where it started. An ex-boyfriend introduced me to Tivo. Although the relationship didn't work out, I am forever grateful for how he exposed me to a new world that changed my life for the better. I got over the boyfriend--but I still haven't gotten over Tivo yet. I will never stop loving you, Tivo. You are amazing.

4. Sedu Flat Iron

This is my current flat iron. I've tried others, but I think I like this one the best. I am absolutely obsessed with straight hair. I always tell my husband that if I turn up missing, he needs to see if my flat iron is gone. If I've left without it, I've been taken against my will. Although there are a lot of things I refuse to spend my hard-earned money on, a flat iron is not one of them. I have discovered that this is one area where you get what you pay for.

5. Sleek.look Blow Down Extreme Creme

Again, my quest for straight hair has given me away. I discovered this product about 4-5 years ago. I think it's the best straightening product on the market. If you use too much, your hair gets greasy, but using about a quarter sized dollop works well for me. Unfortunately, it's expensive. About $16 a tube. I've tried to replace it with cheaper products but always regretted it and gone back.

6. Yak Trax Pro

I could not run outside in the winter without these. They are amazing, and not just for runners. I know several people who are scared of falling on campus during the winter and invested in a pair....with great results. A great bargain for $30.

7. Paula's Choice Skincare

Although I've tried her make-up and found it to be average, the skincare products are outstanding--particularly the AHA exfoliants. I also really like her teeth whitener because my teeth are too sensitive for Crest Whitestrips and stuff like that.

8. The Furminator

This is the best product for brushing pets, no question. I get more fur off my pets in 2 minutes with this than I do with 10 minutes using a traditional brush. After I use it, it looks like we have an extra, and very furry, pet on the carpet. We have a smaller one. If they were a little cheaper, I'd invest in the biggest available size for Karl.

9. DROID

It's not just a phone, it's a DRIOD. Need I say more? What did I do without you, DROID? We could use better reception in our house, but that's not the DROID's fault.

10. The Gentle Leader

The designer of this product was genius. Murphy is at least 200% better behaved while running with the gentle leader on than without. He even resists the urge to participate in his favorite past time, rabbit-chasing.

And it cools off...

I ran 7 miles tonight and fortunately the heat wave appears to be over for the time being. Don't get me wrong--I am not one to typically complain about the heat. However, I feel like lately my running has suffered a little due to how warm it has been. Anyway, I ran tonight when it was about 70 degrees and it felt great.

On Saturday morning, I ran 14 miles. It was a pretty good run. It's funny that the Saturday before I couldn't even make it 12, but this time 14 seemed fairly easy. I got home and took an ice bath--and I didn't really have any soreness or anything. It was a nice long run for me.

Tonight on my run I was reminded of something that I do need to keep in mind. At mile 2, I felt like crap. I was a little bit light-headed and almost dizzy, and I just didn't have it. I told myself I'd only go 4 miles since it wasn't my day. However, by mile 4, I felt pretty good and was able to keep running. It's a good reminder that if you can push through a hard spot in your run things often do get better. I really don't know why.

The Chicago Half was another good example of that for me. At about mile 3, I was thinking I was going to have a miserable race. That feeling continued for a few more miles. At about mile 8, I was thinking things were okay. It doesn't make sense that I feel better at mile 8 than at mile 3, but it happens. I need to always tell myself to hang in there when the going gets tough because it's likely things will improve. (I know that's some deep life lesson as well...but I don't feel like getting into that.)

Heat Wave, Cont.

Tonight I ran 8 miles in the oppressive (and I do not use that word lightly) heat. Surprisingly enough, it was a good run. I took some G2 (the low cal Gatorade) to sip on and that helped. I didn't think I'd do 8. When I left the house, I was thinking more of 6-7. I planned to go this morning but it was already hot and humid when I got up about 8. I waited until 7 tonight to run at dusk. I'm glad I did. It took me about an hour and a half (probably a little less) so I got back about 8:30ish, just as the sun was going down. I was absolutely soaked, just like I had gotten out of the shower.

When I got home, I did an ice bath, and I'm tired, but I feel pretty good. I've also been using this Gatorade Recovery drink lately after runs over about 6 miles. It has electrolytes, sodium, and also some protein. I think it's working well, but the jury's still out. It's rather expensive, so it had better be doing something. Also, I recommend the mixed berry and the strawberry-kiwi. I tried another flavor (can't remember what it was called) and it was horrid. Be warned--the Gatorade Recovery drink is a little like Gatorade mixed with milk. It takes some getting used to.

I've run over 36 miles this week. I am unsure if I will run tomorrow, or take a rest day and do a long run on Saturday. Bill suggests I back off a little bit before ramping it up again for the Park to Park on Sept. 11 and maybe for the DM Marathon or Half. I can tell my body is getting a little worn down from doing a lot of miles in the heat. I think the ice baths help, and I know eating and drinking smart helps as well. 

One more week before classes start but back in the office tomorrow. I've been in and out this summer, but I will probably be more in than out until school begins. I have a few meetings tomorrow--meetings are probably the thing I like least about my job. My syllabi are done, but I need to set up my e-learning (WebCT) sites.

Part of me dreads school starting, but I do like my job and sometimes I think I do better when I'm in more of a routine. I look forward to summers but I never seem to really know what to do with myself when I am working a reduced schedule. I feel like I look forward to free time, but during my free time I look forward to when more of my time will be occupied. I think this goes back to my lack of hobbies. Anyway, it's something I'd like to modify about myself.

Off to bed.

Hot Child in the City

It's been hot in Waterloo. If you don't run before 7 a.m., be prepared from some heat. I think it's getting the best of me. I'm tiring out earlier than I should on my runs. I am told, though, that it will be more manageable next week. Right now I am wishing there were drinking fountains on my run route.

We aren't getting too much flooding here in Northeast Iowa, but the central part of the state is having a rough time. The Iowa State campus is a mess. I don't think most people out of the state realize how badly Iowa floods about every other year. I guess we have to have basements so we can go there when there's a tornado (although nobody does), but sometimes I think we should just build houses here without basements. A typical conversation starter in Iowa in the summer is, "Is your basement dry?"

In other news, my quest continues to find shorts that are not spandex-y but don't ride up when I run. I'm not sure if they really exist. I have a new pair that are Nike Be Strong Long Shorts. They are semi form-fitting, but long enough to hopefully stay in place. I can't imagine how much money I've spent in this qwest over the past 5-6 years. It might help if my thighs were smaller, but I read that some female elite runners have the same issue.

Bill said he heard some female runners at the half marathon a few weeks back discussing the "riding up shorts" issue while running. I am not alone. You'd think someone could have figured out a solution by now. I guess there are those spandex-y form-fitting shorts, which I usually do wear, but they just aren't really "me." However, there are people in the world who have worse problems, so I will stop myself from going on and on.

When it comes to online shopping (particularly for running gear), I've realized lately that I have an odd habit. I go to shopping website, put stuff in my "cart" but never order it. I've decided that it must somehow fulfill my shopping needs without the actually spending of money. It's like I'm asking myself, "If I were to buy stuff from this website, what would I buy?" I am thinking this might be similar to dieters who chew but then spit the food out.

Pictures from this week

My new haircolor which looks a lot like my old haircolor although I was determined to make a drastic change

Alice, the very dog-like cat who comes when called--She is more Bill's cat than mine, really.

Gus-Gus, rat terrier mix

Karl, English mastiff and overall comic relief

Murphy, beagle mix. He's too cool to look at the camera.

Gus-Gus, again (the dog so nice they named him twice). Isn't he photogenic?

A few photos we've taken in the last few days. The one of me was taken because I recently colored by hair a light brown, but it's not as drastic of a change as I expected and it's not too noticeable in the picture. Next time I might try a little lighter. Sometimes you just need a change.

Had a lazy day around here. Bill and I took Murphy to the vet this morning for a check up and some shots. His pancreas counts were just slightly high, but other than that he's doing well. His behavior at the vet was another issue. Murphy has anxiety issues, and his anxiety at the vet has only gotten worse since he was hospitalized last fall at Iowa State Vet Med. It is a joy taking Karl to the vet (he is such a good sport), but it is not so much fun with Murphy and Gus-Gus. Gus-Gus has always been bad, and Murphy has gotten worse recently.

I am getting ready to go for a run tonight when it cools off a little. I think it hit almost 90 degrees today. I slept too late to run this morning. I am thinking about doing 6-8 miles, something in that ballpark. I took yesterday off after Saturday's ridiculous heat and 12 mile run.

I got a new pair of running shoes this week. This isn't very exciting because they are identical to my old running shoes, except they are blue. They were on sale because the new model has come out, so I only paid $58 for them, which I was pumped about. Of course, I bought them online--because that is pretty much the only type of shopping I do anymore. I haven't worn them yet but will break them out soon.

I was thinking recently about how it is recommended you wear running shoes only about 300 miles before replacing them. Well, right now I've been running about 30 miles a week (or more) so that means I only have 10 weeks in each pair of shoes. That's not very long--about 2 1/2 months. I should keep better track of the miles I have on my shoes because I know I don't do a very good job judging by feel. I can't tell when they get worn out because it's such a gradual thing. I need to be careful with that since running in broken-down shoes is a good way to get injured.

Speaking of buying running gear...I have some go-to websites I use for shopping, and my latest is http://www.sale.com/. It's amazing. You can search the site for sales going on at online stores. You can also put in your favorite stores and have it notify you of sales. I highly recommend checking it out if you buy stuff, especially clothes and sporting goods, online.

Of course, everyone also knows of my love of http://www.zappos.com/ for shoes and now for clothes as well. They have a new running "department" in addition. I appreciate Zappos because they are FAST with free shipping both ways and have amazing customer service!

Congratulations to my husband Bill who completed his dissertation and sent it to his committee today! He has his defense on August 23. I edited the whole thing yesterday and was very impressed with it. He actually found something useful and important--unlike mine...Anyway, although he is--of course--nervous about the defense, the hard work for him is finished. He's really worked hard this summer to get to this point.

A hot, long run

I did a long run today and it was a rough one. I wanted to go 13 or even 14 miles, but only made it 11.75. I actually walked over a mile home, so I guess I made it 13 miles or even a little more if I include the walking, but I was a little disappointed.

I meant to get going a lot earlier than I did, but it was raining when I woke up. By the time it stopped raining, it was 10:00, so I didn't leave until maybe 10:10. The rain had cooled things off, but it did get hot by the time I was finished. The 11.75 miles that I did run took me seven minutes longer than the 13.1 I ran last weekend in Chicago, so I was pretty much moving at turtle pace. I did take two G2 bottles with me (the small ones) and finished both by about mile 8. I really needed at least one more. I also ate some Target fruit snacks ate about mile 8. By the way, Target fruit snacks taste a little like styrofoam. Not recommended. I do like their organic "fruit strips" though.

I came home and took an ice bath since my legs were so dead. Hopefully that will help with recovery. If I remembered anything today, it was that in August you can't finish your long runs at 12:30. They need to be done at closer to 10--at the latest.

The good news is that, when I got home, Bill had picked up a coconut water for me at the store. He had also made salsa with the tomatoes a colleague gave us from his garden. Bill has a homemade salsa recipe that his mom gave him that is awesome. I'm sure Bill would enjoy it if it were spicier, but he makes it mild enough that we both can enjoy it.

Tonight we are meeting some friends in Marion (by Cedar Rapids) at a place called Zoey's for some pizza! I probably need a nap between now and then.

Indecisiveness

My latest dilemma is whether or not I should do a marathon. I am considering doing the Des Moines Marathon on Oct. 17--it is only about 10 weeks ago but I could be ready as long as I'm not trying to run 3:45 or something like that. I could also wait until next spring/summer/fall and do one.

If I do that, the leading contender is Grandma's Marathon up in Duluth. Everyone says it's a fun race, and I'm not raring to do another huge city marathon after Chicago. I'd like to think getting to Duluth and to the race would be less stressful. I think Grandma's is typically mid-summer, and that would give me plenty of time to get into good shape after the winter. Grandma's also wins awards for its hospitality. I've thought about other marathons as well, particularly those in the Rock & Roll series. I also would actually consider the Fargo Marathon, as crazy as that sounds. It gets great reviews from runners.

Part of me is afraid to do the marathon because it might increase my chance of injury. However, I am sort of needing a new challenge. The half marathon is a race that I love, but I know I can do a half marathon. It may not be fast, but I never doubt that even if I'm not in great shape I can gut out a half. I guess part of me feels like I always have to have some sort of goal in my future. Last year, I did the swimming goal because I was on the running DL. Five or so years ago it was the triathlon. I did walk/run a marathon in Des Moines last October ten weeks after knee surgery. I think the next logical step is to sign up for a marathon. Like I said though, I don't want to push my luck and get hurt. I've been doing so well this year training pain-free.

So, anyway, some stuff to consider...

I taught two aerobics classes yesterday and then ran about 4.5 miles--and I am feeling it today. This is mostly because the aerobics classes involved resistance training, which I don't do a lot of lately. My upper body is feeling it. I should do more strength training, but honestly I have little motivation and just think it's boring. Maybe in the winter when I can't be outside as much...

Tomorrow I would like to get a long run in. Not sure how long is long yet. We'll see. It is supposed to be hot, so I better get my butt out of bed early. Tonight we are meeting one of my favorite former students for dinner, and tomorrow we will go to Cedar Rapids to meet some good friends for pizza. Looking forward to both.

Chicago

We got back from Chicago (and the Chicago Rock & Roll Half Marathon) this afternoon. It was a fun weekend. We left Saturday and ran into a huge traffic jam in Dubuque, of all places. It was due to RAGRAI. Also ran into some traffic issues in Chicago, but that was expected, although we had hoped it would not be so bad on a late Saturday afternoon.

Picking up our packets at the McCormick Center and finding our hotel were stressful. By the way, The Red Roof Inn on Ontario Street is not recommended unless you REALLY are on a budget. The beds were uncomfortable, our room was tiny, the windows were filthy, the bedding was ancient, the AC was LOUD, the bathrooms were unclean, shall I continue? Then we went to California Pizza Kitchen where I felt I needed a drink, although I never drink the night before a race (unless it's like a 5k). I had a glass of white sangria, which was amazing. Probably a bad idea in retrospect, but sometimes you just need a DRINK. We also walked about 5-7 miles Saturday in Chicago--because neither Bill nor I will take a cab unless we absolutely have to. Maybe walking so much was also a bad idea. I don't know.

We got up at 5:20 or so to get to the race in time. Both of us had a less than adequate night of sleep. I'd like to blame that on the squealing and clicking noises coming from the AC in our hotel room. We walked over 1.5 miles to get to the start, waiting in line for about 30 minutes to use the porta potty, and then we were off.

I give the Rock & Roll Marathon people credit. They have put on lots of races, and they know how to do it. They put people in "corrals" based on expected times. We started with corral 9. The elite runners started at 6:30. We started at about 6:42--12 minutes later. I knew at about mile 3 this wasn't really my day. I was fine, but my legs felt a little dead.

I finished in about 2:06. I had hoped to be in under 2:00, but that's okay. I have to say I worked pretty hard for that 2:06 since I was a little off. Bill came in at about 1:56, I think.

There were 13 bands along the course--some better than others, but most were really good. There was a band at about mile 12, Powwowwow, that we both really liked. I also liked this Irish band that had some cloggers that was around mile 5. Some of the bands were doing original music. Others were cover bands. The cover bands were good because for some reason it gives you a burst of energy to hear a familiar song.

It was a really fun course. Of course, you run down Michigan Avenue, you see the Chicago landmarks, and you also run on the path along the lake. My only complaint is that the path along the lake is a little narrow at times for such a large crowd. This is also toward the end of the race, so you have people stopping to walk, and you have to maneuver around them. It was a pretty warm morning (high humidity) and at about mile 11 they gave us cool sponges, which was awesome. They also had a couple of "misting" stations, which was sort of like running through a sprinkler. I wish they had put out more of those, actually.

I have to give the people who Rock & Roll Marathon people props. The race was well-organized. They really have it down to a science. Medical support was present at a few places throughout the race. The water and Cytomax stations were good, and that's no small feat when 25,000 people run a race.

After the race, we walked back to our hotel, showered, and walked back to the post-race concert, which was Five For Fighting. After hanging out there for a while, we walked to have lunch at a great sushi place that had wonderful sweet potato rolls. Then we walked to Nike Town (where I bought some overpriced stuff) and also visited the Garmin store briefly. After that we took a nap. Obviously, we ran 13.1 miles this weekend, but we may have walked more than 13.1.

Things I saw during the race:

• Several people running barefoot or with just tape on their feet.
• Lots of people running for a cause--including the American Cancer Society and homeless pets in Chicago. (I wondered what the homeless people we passed though of that.)
• Girls running in tutus--ALWAYS! I'm sure it seems like fun until you get to mile nine or so.
• A chocolate lab doing the race. It's not allowed but they gave him a medal at the end anyway. He and his owner were with me until about mile 5. I think they beat me in the end.
• Several runners talking on their cell phones when running.
• LOTS of people with i-pods or other musical devices. Why would you sign up for a "rock and roll" marathon and then do that?
• People running with signs on their back as a tribute. Mostly "in memory of mom."

Chicago Rock & Roll Half Marathon Photos

The morning of the race before leaving the hotel

The night before the race drinking sangria at California Pizza Kitchen