387.4 miles run in preparation for this and all I got was this cheap Bank of America medal! A medal I had a really hard time putting down last night. Wow, what a feeling! I did it and it was incredible. Along the way, I accomplished 3 of 4 of my goals...guess I have to sign up for next year to cross that 4th one off! I, in no particular order, A) Had Fun, B) Finished and C) Raised a ton of money for LUNGevity (Over $7500 incl $460 in raffle sales by HayHay!). I did not break 5 hours which technically wasn't a goal because "they" say that you shouldn't have a time goal on your first, but I couldn't not have a time goal, right?
Nothing could have gone better but the weather. I got a solid 8 hours sleep Friday, spent Saturday tinkering around, had a great night with Kim, Liesl, Kieran and my family Sat and slept like a baby sat night. Ride into town and parking went well, everything was just perfect. Probably a little t.m.i., but I was even regular....and that is crutial, any runner can confirm.
45,000 bibs were sold for the race, only 31,401 finished. In the 31 year history of the Chicago Marathon, only 419,000 have completed it and today, I am one of them. Less than 1% of the American population has completed a Marathon. Pretty elite group.
It is impossible to describe the energy and excitement of this race. My early morning road crew consisted of Kim, Kieran and Jared. Jared, the kid who sleeps like me. The kid that it takes 1/2 hour to rouse in the morning for school, was up and at 'em with one touch on this morning. The three of them helped navigate, holding my stuff and just being there for me. The crowd is electric and the chatter amongst the runners is that nervous chatter where nothing really makes much sense, but makes perfect sense all at the same time. Then the gun sounds and you wait and wait and wait, inching slowly towards the starting gates. Finally, after over 20 minutes, I am running. The course is the same start as the Shamrock Shuffle that I have run the last 3 years, but the crowd and energy is different. You know you are taking part of something larger than life.
While I could go mile for mile, I'm sure you all have better things to do, so here are a few highlights.
The Chicago crowd is amazing. Runners write our names on our shirts and complete strangers cheer for you personally. It's incredible. I must have hear "P-Daddy" at least 200 times. Totally cool!
The crowd at the turn from Sheridan, along Addison to Broadway were fantastic. Really loud, 15 deep, lots of energy.
If you want to party and watch, Boy's town is the place for you. Carmen Mirana dancers on stilts and Gay ROTC. Enough said.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The last one...
Today was the one...the last one. The last training run. Funny thing is that it was ONLY 3 miles. As recently as this spring, 3 miles was a long run. Today, I was lost. North on the Lake to my favorite point was for 5 miles runs...South to Adler was for 7-8 milers. Where do I run for only 3 miles??? Which way to go? Neither would get me that view that I so look forward to at the 1/2 way point, but I needed to be outside and I needed to be on MY running path on the lake for this one. I decided to go North and just deal with it, turn at Oak St Beach, it will be fine......as I was approaching Lake Shore Drive, I saw Navy Pier ahead and knew I had found my route for the day.
I know this is going to seem completely unbelievable, but I am not bs'ing you, and not exaggerating. As I turned onto the pier and the horizon came into view, no kidding, the sun was just waking up, showing 1/2 of itself over a calm Lake Michigan. It was a huge sun this AM, like a silver dollar, you know what I'm talking about. Curiously large, making you wonder why it's so big today vs. other days. Again, all kidding aside, the sun broke the horizon in full as I reached the end of the pier. Glorious. Sureal. Spectacular. I stopped and took it all in, turning back toward the city I love and enjoying the lights festival of amazing dawn colors dancing on the buildings. I immediately saw that spot that this whole journey became real to me on July 23rd. The day I knew why I was doing this and the day I knew I was a runner. I saw the South Shore Cultural center in the distance, the end of a hard 20 mile run. I saw the police boat pier that was the final loop before heading back to where I started on so many of my runs. What a breathtaking and humbling moment it was.
I am humbled by what I am about to accomplish and have grown more that anyone will ever understand. Life is much more in perspective now and while I will still work too many hours and forget to write back, still not have enough patience with my kids and will too often let life get in the way of what's important, trust me when I say that I'm a much better man than I was 5 months ago, for many reasons and on many levels. Each of you are a part of this evolution and I am forever grateful.
To help keep it all real, however, Elvis, aka Little sh*t, got sprayed by a skunk tonight, just as I added the spinach to my favorite pasta dish on the stove. So, while dinner got cold, I got to give my first "tomato juice" bath to a stinky mutt. Ah reality!
Not sure where my head will be this weekend, so for now, I'm out until after it's done. Thanks again for the amazing outpouring of support and generous donations. We're going to exceed $6500 together and TEAM Lungevity will pass our goal of $35k by the morning! Awesome.
I know this is going to seem completely unbelievable, but I am not bs'ing you, and not exaggerating. As I turned onto the pier and the horizon came into view, no kidding, the sun was just waking up, showing 1/2 of itself over a calm Lake Michigan. It was a huge sun this AM, like a silver dollar, you know what I'm talking about. Curiously large, making you wonder why it's so big today vs. other days. Again, all kidding aside, the sun broke the horizon in full as I reached the end of the pier. Glorious. Sureal. Spectacular. I stopped and took it all in, turning back toward the city I love and enjoying the lights festival of amazing dawn colors dancing on the buildings. I immediately saw that spot that this whole journey became real to me on July 23rd. The day I knew why I was doing this and the day I knew I was a runner. I saw the South Shore Cultural center in the distance, the end of a hard 20 mile run. I saw the police boat pier that was the final loop before heading back to where I started on so many of my runs. What a breathtaking and humbling moment it was.
I am humbled by what I am about to accomplish and have grown more that anyone will ever understand. Life is much more in perspective now and while I will still work too many hours and forget to write back, still not have enough patience with my kids and will too often let life get in the way of what's important, trust me when I say that I'm a much better man than I was 5 months ago, for many reasons and on many levels. Each of you are a part of this evolution and I am forever grateful.
To help keep it all real, however, Elvis, aka Little sh*t, got sprayed by a skunk tonight, just as I added the spinach to my favorite pasta dish on the stove. So, while dinner got cold, I got to give my first "tomato juice" bath to a stinky mutt. Ah reality!
Not sure where my head will be this weekend, so for now, I'm out until after it's done. Thanks again for the amazing outpouring of support and generous donations. We're going to exceed $6500 together and TEAM Lungevity will pass our goal of $35k by the morning! Awesome.
Monday, October 6, 2008
PDaddy spent after 20!!
Just got these pics from the Nike Ready to Run 20 miler. These need no words to tell you how I was feeling.....and yes...everything, and I mean every inch of me and everything on me is dripping in sweat. Nice...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
One week from RIGHT now....
It will be finished! This long, crazy, frustrating, exhilarating, learning, emotional and rewarding journey will be done. One week from right now, my legs will just be starting to tighten up and walking will begin to be a challenge. One week from right now, I will be with friends and family re-fueling with Bud Light and burgers! One week from right now, Lorraine will move on to her next project.
It's going to be a long, anxious week. Early weather reports are calling for a perfect morning for a run next Sunday. It will be hard not to overdo it this week. Annette already banned me from spinning on Wednesday. I am not sure how I'll keep it all in for 7 more days. Please send lots of love, prayers and positive thoughts this week.
Today, I went back to where it all began. 3 years ago, I completed the 10k Rotary Run for Wellness in Hinsdale. 3 years ago, it was the longest I had ever run, by 1.2 miles. 3 years ago, I prepared the night before like I will this Saturday. Big carb dinner, quiet night with family, early to bed. 3 years ago that first hill looked like a mountain. 3 years ago, I ran with Jon Aguilar. I was inspired to run this race again today when I learned that Jon was back on the road after some serious back issues. Jon and his buddy Derek ran today and Jon graciously told me to run on when the race started. He knew I needed a good run to take me to next week and a good run I had. Posted a personal best on the 10k and it felt great. Forgot how hilly this race was. Seemed it was a lot of uphill and not much downhill. Know that's not possible as we start and finish at the same place. Good last workout before the long, flat Chicago course.
The BEST thing about this race today was the Haley came to watch. This race is actually 5 races...a 10 step walk, a 3k run, a 5k run, a 5k walk and a 10k run. When we first arrived, Haley asked if I would run the 3k with her next year. I said absolutely. After the run, she said that maybe she'd like to do a 3k in the spring, a 5k in the summer and maybe try to do the 10k with me next year! Good plan to achieve a great goal! I look forward to taking the journey with her!
On the fund raising front, we are at $6191.20. Well above goal, but not done yet! Haley and her Girlfriend are selling raffle tickets this week and I've got a few more people to beg. Team LUNGevity is close to $32k, goal of $35k is in sight. I look forward to the possibility of meeting my team mates next week.
Off to enjoy this rainy Sunday on the couch watching football and probably catching a cat nap or 3! Thanks for the love and support.
P
It's going to be a long, anxious week. Early weather reports are calling for a perfect morning for a run next Sunday. It will be hard not to overdo it this week. Annette already banned me from spinning on Wednesday. I am not sure how I'll keep it all in for 7 more days. Please send lots of love, prayers and positive thoughts this week.
Today, I went back to where it all began. 3 years ago, I completed the 10k Rotary Run for Wellness in Hinsdale. 3 years ago, it was the longest I had ever run, by 1.2 miles. 3 years ago, I prepared the night before like I will this Saturday. Big carb dinner, quiet night with family, early to bed. 3 years ago that first hill looked like a mountain. 3 years ago, I ran with Jon Aguilar. I was inspired to run this race again today when I learned that Jon was back on the road after some serious back issues. Jon and his buddy Derek ran today and Jon graciously told me to run on when the race started. He knew I needed a good run to take me to next week and a good run I had. Posted a personal best on the 10k and it felt great. Forgot how hilly this race was. Seemed it was a lot of uphill and not much downhill. Know that's not possible as we start and finish at the same place. Good last workout before the long, flat Chicago course.
The BEST thing about this race today was the Haley came to watch. This race is actually 5 races...a 10 step walk, a 3k run, a 5k run, a 5k walk and a 10k run. When we first arrived, Haley asked if I would run the 3k with her next year. I said absolutely. After the run, she said that maybe she'd like to do a 3k in the spring, a 5k in the summer and maybe try to do the 10k with me next year! Good plan to achieve a great goal! I look forward to taking the journey with her!
On the fund raising front, we are at $6191.20. Well above goal, but not done yet! Haley and her Girlfriend are selling raffle tickets this week and I've got a few more people to beg. Team LUNGevity is close to $32k, goal of $35k is in sight. I look forward to the possibility of meeting my team mates next week.
Off to enjoy this rainy Sunday on the couch watching football and probably catching a cat nap or 3! Thanks for the love and support.
P
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The taper.
The anticipation is growing. Cubs Playoffs start tomorrow, Biden disects Palin on Thursday and in 12 days, I run the Marathon. Holy crap. I am so excited it's getting hard to keep it in.
Before I comment about how my 20 mile run helped me prepare, I owe a few long overdue shout outs..
1) Michelle "Mish" Seitz. The most bad ass massage therapist ever. Mish kindly donated a pre and post massages to me. She is the tiniest person but is insanely strong and knows how to inflict pain...in a good way!
2) Nicole Console. Neighbor and hostess with the mostess. Reads my blog religiously and posted a supremely inspiring comment after my 20 miler bummer post.
3) DeMarkus Purham. Watch for this kid. He's going to be something. DeMarkus did the incredible, one of a kind, art piece in our ballroom and generously agreed to try to capture a vision I had one morning running in a sketch for t-shirts for the fam on Marathon day. (equal shout to Jerry and Jeff at PSN for doing the shirts for us!) If you're Chicagoans, check out (and buy) DeMarkus' work at the Streeterville Artisans Market on November 7 & 8 at Northwestern's Lurie Center downtown.
4) Hillary "Hill" Cavan. The person who inspired me 2 years ago to take this journey and my biggest fan along the way. Couldn't have done it with her. Starting last week, Hill has been posting new marathon maps with the countdown on my door. Each points out different points along the path and an inspirational saying or race tip!
Thanks to each of you. You rock!
So, Sunday, I ran a half marathon. Not an organized one. Just me and the trail. It was perfect and just what I needed. Got my head in the right place and I enjoyed visions of crossing the finish line with friends and family cheering me on! The run took me over 100 miles for September. My biggest month ever.
So, what happened on 9/21. The Nike Ready to Run 20 miler. Amazing course. North from Foster for a 1/2 mile before turning south and running the lakefront path south to the South Shore Cultural Center, a hidden gem in our great city and a helluva long way from our starting point. Post race party in the park and buses to bring us back to Foster. A really amazing race.
I was super excited about this race and anxiously waited for the day to come. Well, in case you haven't guessed it...the run didn't go as planned. My last long run before 10.12 and I needed it to go well. Lesson be learned...if you are hosting a 1200 person event with Cindy Crawford (ei chi wa wa ) that goes to 12:30am and you have a race that starts at 6:30 am....you might not have a great run. Add huge humidity (reaching a Red warning level 2/3rd's in) and you should expect to struggle on 4 hours sleep. Regardless, I expected more of myself than I delivered. I ran 12 strong miles including passing the hardcore tailgaters preparing for the Bears game, taunting us as they stirred their bloody mary's and opened their Bud Lights in slow motion as we ran by. My breakdown happened at the aid station just past 12 miles. Training for the marathon includes learning how to fuel on the run. Rule is....walk the water stations. So, I had at miles 3, 6 and 9. At 12, I lost the mental game. After drinking 1 water and pouring 1 down my back, I chose to extend my walk to the next lightpost and then the next and the next, justifying each that if i did this now, i'd have legs to finish. It was a fatal mistake. I then justified 2 minutes of walking every mile. That grew and soon I was walking and running equal parts. It was easy to make this choice as many others, including many younger and fitter than I, made the same choice. I have trained alone to prove I can self motivate through tough miles. I learned in this race that I need to be much stronger mentally to not fall victim to excuses and self imposed "peer pressure". At the end of the day, I did it. I completed 20 miles and ran across the finish line. I learned a new degree of sore and enjoyed re-occurring and new blisters. Now, I'm tapering and in the long wait to 10/12. I can't prepare anymore except to learn from my 5 months of training and get ready mentally to run 26 miles 385 yards.
We have raised 113% if my goal, but those who know me, know that this is not enough. I am part of a larger team called Team LUNGevity and we have a goal of $35,000. We broke $30k today, but have $5k to go. As the "motivational speaker wannabe" I am, I sent a challenge to the LUNGevity team, urging them to fight for the tough dollars as they fought through the tough miles. Obviously, after issuing this challenge, we must carry our own weight. Please continue to network for donations. Together we can make the $35k goal for Team LUNGevity!
As always...thanks for reading.
P
Before I comment about how my 20 mile run helped me prepare, I owe a few long overdue shout outs..
1) Michelle "Mish" Seitz. The most bad ass massage therapist ever. Mish kindly donated a pre and post massages to me. She is the tiniest person but is insanely strong and knows how to inflict pain...in a good way!
2) Nicole Console. Neighbor and hostess with the mostess. Reads my blog religiously and posted a supremely inspiring comment after my 20 miler bummer post.
3) DeMarkus Purham. Watch for this kid. He's going to be something. DeMarkus did the incredible, one of a kind, art piece in our ballroom and generously agreed to try to capture a vision I had one morning running in a sketch for t-shirts for the fam on Marathon day. (equal shout to Jerry and Jeff at PSN for doing the shirts for us!) If you're Chicagoans, check out (and buy) DeMarkus' work at the Streeterville Artisans Market on November 7 & 8 at Northwestern's Lurie Center downtown.
4) Hillary "Hill" Cavan. The person who inspired me 2 years ago to take this journey and my biggest fan along the way. Couldn't have done it with her. Starting last week, Hill has been posting new marathon maps with the countdown on my door. Each points out different points along the path and an inspirational saying or race tip!
Thanks to each of you. You rock!
So, Sunday, I ran a half marathon. Not an organized one. Just me and the trail. It was perfect and just what I needed. Got my head in the right place and I enjoyed visions of crossing the finish line with friends and family cheering me on! The run took me over 100 miles for September. My biggest month ever.
So, what happened on 9/21. The Nike Ready to Run 20 miler. Amazing course. North from Foster for a 1/2 mile before turning south and running the lakefront path south to the South Shore Cultural Center, a hidden gem in our great city and a helluva long way from our starting point. Post race party in the park and buses to bring us back to Foster. A really amazing race.
I was super excited about this race and anxiously waited for the day to come. Well, in case you haven't guessed it...the run didn't go as planned. My last long run before 10.12 and I needed it to go well. Lesson be learned...if you are hosting a 1200 person event with Cindy Crawford (ei chi wa wa ) that goes to 12:30am and you have a race that starts at 6:30 am....you might not have a great run. Add huge humidity (reaching a Red warning level 2/3rd's in) and you should expect to struggle on 4 hours sleep. Regardless, I expected more of myself than I delivered. I ran 12 strong miles including passing the hardcore tailgaters preparing for the Bears game, taunting us as they stirred their bloody mary's and opened their Bud Lights in slow motion as we ran by. My breakdown happened at the aid station just past 12 miles. Training for the marathon includes learning how to fuel on the run. Rule is....walk the water stations. So, I had at miles 3, 6 and 9. At 12, I lost the mental game. After drinking 1 water and pouring 1 down my back, I chose to extend my walk to the next lightpost and then the next and the next, justifying each that if i did this now, i'd have legs to finish. It was a fatal mistake. I then justified 2 minutes of walking every mile. That grew and soon I was walking and running equal parts. It was easy to make this choice as many others, including many younger and fitter than I, made the same choice. I have trained alone to prove I can self motivate through tough miles. I learned in this race that I need to be much stronger mentally to not fall victim to excuses and self imposed "peer pressure". At the end of the day, I did it. I completed 20 miles and ran across the finish line. I learned a new degree of sore and enjoyed re-occurring and new blisters. Now, I'm tapering and in the long wait to 10/12. I can't prepare anymore except to learn from my 5 months of training and get ready mentally to run 26 miles 385 yards.
We have raised 113% if my goal, but those who know me, know that this is not enough. I am part of a larger team called Team LUNGevity and we have a goal of $35,000. We broke $30k today, but have $5k to go. As the "motivational speaker wannabe" I am, I sent a challenge to the LUNGevity team, urging them to fight for the tough dollars as they fought through the tough miles. Obviously, after issuing this challenge, we must carry our own weight. Please continue to network for donations. Together we can make the $35k goal for Team LUNGevity!
As always...thanks for reading.
P
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Coming to terms..
For any of you waiting a recap of the Nike Ready Run 20 miler this weekend, forgive me. It did not go as I had hoped and as my last long run before 10/12, I'm having a bit of a struggle coming to terms with the performance. Lots of logical reasons behind the experience, but none the less. It's weighing heavy. Back on the road (well treadmill tomorrow for a short one after spin) and hopefully I'll get back to where in need to be mentally.
Please send notes, ask questions, shout out, whatever. It's going to be a long couple of weeks until the race. Need lots of love from now until then and promise that I will recap Sunday's run one of these days.
Until then...
P
Please send notes, ask questions, shout out, whatever. It's going to be a long couple of weeks until the race. Need lots of love from now until then and promise that I will recap Sunday's run one of these days.
Until then...
P
Saturday, September 13, 2008
For Sweetness
Today ran a charity run for Walter Payton's charity. I learned of it yesterday morning and figured "What the hell?". Feels pretty good to be able to say "What the hell?" for a 9.5 mile run the next am and think nothing of it. 9.5 is an odd distance. The run is actually 16,726 yards...Payton's total career yards which stood as the NFL record until Emmitt Smith broke it. Those who know me know that The Cowboys are my team and I'm a huge fan of Smith, but there was no one like Sweetness. He was electric to watch and magnetic off the field. He too was taken from us way too soon by this terrible disease. He had lots of good left to do and thankfully his wife Connie and family carry on his legacy. I am proud to have run in his name today.
So when I got up at 5:45 this am... torrential downpour. I debated long and hard whether to go or not. Fueled up and checked the weather. Storm was big and we were in the middle of it. Regardless, decided to go...got upstairs and boy did the bed look comfy. Listening to the rain batter the house, I decided that at this point in my Marathon training, i shouldn't risk injury or illness, so headed for bed before I stopping and convincing myself that i should go..I have to run today anyway, may as well get a t-shirt for it. Loaded up the car and after carefully negotiating streets on the verge of flooding, I turned off and headed home. Too much water, how could they have the race? Of course, as soon as I got home, the rain stopped (Teresa is convinced it was Lorraine) and i got back in my car and headed out..
The rain stoppage was only a pause..it rained on us from 1st step to last. Sometimes light, sometime a downpour. The roads were full of mini lakes, rushing temporary rivers and amazing volunteers that helped us get through it. This was my first training run in the rain (Lucky to have a perfect summer to train). First time running in squishy shoes. It was interesting at best and my already gnarly running feet were now pruned and gnarly....Thankfully, it was 70 degrees, so the rain actually felt great. It was a great course and a fun run. Will be back in 2009 for the 6th annual.
Got 2 really cool e-mails this week. The first from "the other slow guy" from my initial Blog. Jon Aguilar and I did the 10k class together that started this strange addiction. He e-mailed that he had stopped running a while back and that he was motivated by my 7/23 initial e-mail and had been running ever since. He is training for the Clarendon Hills 10k, yep, same one we ran together in 2005. It is 1 week before the Marathon and luckily I have a 6 mile run on my schedule that weekend, so I'm running it with him and even got Dave, our coach, to run it with us. Jon reminded me that we finished 3rd and 4th from last in 2005, so our goal is to finish 4th and 5th from last (or better) this year! in addition, I learned that my buddy Rob in Puerto Rico signed up for a half marathon in January. Used to be a runner and has laced the shoes back up and started training. He's never run more than a 10k. While I may or may not have had an influence on Jon, Rob or anyone else, they made the choice to strap them on and get outside, I didn't. I'm inspired by them and even more motivated than ever to keep on trucking.
Today I logged my 500th mile on my Nike Plus. That's Chicago to Odessa, MO, home of Frank Stever, the kid's Great Grandfather. Pretty cool.
I appreciate every e-mail, phone call and comment on my blog. These are keeping me going, more than you'll ever know. Keep them coming. While the experience of this training has been great, the outpouring of support and re-connection with old friends is beyond words. It's humbling. Truly.
So when I got up at 5:45 this am... torrential downpour. I debated long and hard whether to go or not. Fueled up and checked the weather. Storm was big and we were in the middle of it. Regardless, decided to go...got upstairs and boy did the bed look comfy. Listening to the rain batter the house, I decided that at this point in my Marathon training, i shouldn't risk injury or illness, so headed for bed before I stopping and convincing myself that i should go..I have to run today anyway, may as well get a t-shirt for it. Loaded up the car and after carefully negotiating streets on the verge of flooding, I turned off and headed home. Too much water, how could they have the race? Of course, as soon as I got home, the rain stopped (Teresa is convinced it was Lorraine) and i got back in my car and headed out..
The rain stoppage was only a pause..it rained on us from 1st step to last. Sometimes light, sometime a downpour. The roads were full of mini lakes, rushing temporary rivers and amazing volunteers that helped us get through it. This was my first training run in the rain (Lucky to have a perfect summer to train). First time running in squishy shoes. It was interesting at best and my already gnarly running feet were now pruned and gnarly....Thankfully, it was 70 degrees, so the rain actually felt great. It was a great course and a fun run. Will be back in 2009 for the 6th annual.
Got 2 really cool e-mails this week. The first from "the other slow guy" from my initial Blog. Jon Aguilar and I did the 10k class together that started this strange addiction. He e-mailed that he had stopped running a while back and that he was motivated by my 7/23 initial e-mail and had been running ever since. He is training for the Clarendon Hills 10k, yep, same one we ran together in 2005. It is 1 week before the Marathon and luckily I have a 6 mile run on my schedule that weekend, so I'm running it with him and even got Dave, our coach, to run it with us. Jon reminded me that we finished 3rd and 4th from last in 2005, so our goal is to finish 4th and 5th from last (or better) this year! in addition, I learned that my buddy Rob in Puerto Rico signed up for a half marathon in January. Used to be a runner and has laced the shoes back up and started training. He's never run more than a 10k. While I may or may not have had an influence on Jon, Rob or anyone else, they made the choice to strap them on and get outside, I didn't. I'm inspired by them and even more motivated than ever to keep on trucking.
Today I logged my 500th mile on my Nike Plus. That's Chicago to Odessa, MO, home of Frank Stever, the kid's Great Grandfather. Pretty cool.
I appreciate every e-mail, phone call and comment on my blog. These are keeping me going, more than you'll ever know. Keep them coming. While the experience of this training has been great, the outpouring of support and re-connection with old friends is beyond words. It's humbling. Truly.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Well on our way!
Over $4000 as of this weekend!
80% of goal achieved and 5 weeks to go!
Still the top fundraising team for LUNGevity (by over $800)!
No time to stop. Let's blow the goal out of the water.
Thanks to all who have so generously donated and given your support.
p
80% of goal achieved and 5 weeks to go!
Still the top fundraising team for LUNGevity (by over $800)!
No time to stop. Let's blow the goal out of the water.
Thanks to all who have so generously donated and given your support.
p
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Within reach
I almost bailed on my 18 today...had an exhausting and stressful week and by Friday was toast, mentally and physically. I don't think I got more than 5 hours sleep any night and none of them were good nights of sleep. Regardless, I made all of my workouts. I was looking for inspiration Fri night and found it in 2 places....1) Stand up to Cancer. A Hollywood fundraiser for Cancer research. The spectacle didn't impress me, but the stories of the survivors and those who were taken from us by various forms of cancer did, especially the story of the survivor that had the same cancer that took Lorraine but was lucky enough to have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that worked. Why are we not being more aggressive in pursuit of this cure???? It's there, time to accelerate the process. 2) My pre-long run First marathon read was about a Nun who started running as a smoker when she was 50 and wound up setting records for her age group in the marathon and various other distances. Much to my parents dismay, I struggle with organized religion. Way to heavy for this blog, but this particular story brought light to my darkness about spirituality.....Sister Marion Irvine writes "Prior to running, I wasn't experiencing life, wasn't alive inside. Running gave me that opportunity. It changed my life in ways I never expected. I've had extraordinary experiences running the Washington Cascades, admiring God's canvas of natural beauty. I've seen bears in the river catching salmon for their lunch, beautiful mountain wildflowers that dazzle the landscape. It gives new meaning to the word spiritual. I'm not talking about organized religion here, I'm describing the spiritual process of getting in touch with one's self, i.e. our spirit, our inner self, our person. You don't have to go to Church to experience spirituality. Running can bring you to that place." Pretty cool and pretty true and might bring clarity to my struggle with my views on things........So anyway...
Woke up Saturday at 4:55 and knew there was no way. Realized that my Sat runs were always early due to the heat and that today was going to be mild. Convinced myself to get another hour sleep...so up at 6:15 and feeling horrible. nose running and lots of congestion. I fueled, including using a flat Mountain Due to get sugar and caffeine in (based on the legendary Hal Higdon's advise) and got dressed to go, having trouble breathing just standing around...I again thought that I'd be better off going back to bed and running on Sunday. For those of you who know me, this will surprise you......i actually took medicine...an antihistimine..i know, i know....as i was waiting for it to kick in, i read my 16 mile blog and was immediately ready to roll. First 2 miles were tough and then it kicked in. The run was easy, especially that back half. Miles were droping like flies. I was loving every minute of it. When I got to the fork in the road, I initially chose the known path, the one i ran last time as i knew it was flat....then, in a sudden change of plan, knowing this was my last long run on this path and wanting to see something new, turned and took the the unknown trail...I knew it was hilly...but didn't know how much. It was about 1 mile of rolling hills. some short and steep..some long and low, but to runners.....hills are hills.....someone asked afterward if Annette was yelling at me during the hills and for the first time, I can say nope, she was there, but cheering me on and proud of me....anybody but me see me growing up here??? Today's run was easy and interestingly enough, not emotional at all. During the run, I thought of the people I met Friday night during the Stand Up event, of Mark and Nelson (I added "I Still Believe" by The Call to my playlist. This was the main song we used for our production of Richard III at FSU and i enjoyed great memories of that show), my running support system, my family and Lorraine. It was a great run. Tonight, I am tired and sore and in awe of what i've done. I can't believe I'm this close. On an other note....my ipod died as it was giving me my stats...those who know me, know that I long for the praise that comes with a job well done and in running, it's Lance Armstrong on my Ipod congratulating me on a new personal best...I ended my run on Nike plus and as the woman was giving me my stats (Lance tells me good job after the stats) my Ipod died. battery dead. No Lance congratulating me....i was initially disappointed, but realized that I don't need that affirmation any longer...I know what i did and know what i will do. I don't need the "voice in my ear" any longer...I'm my own runner and I am soon to be a Marathon runner. Wow......Next stop...20 miles.....
Woke up Saturday at 4:55 and knew there was no way. Realized that my Sat runs were always early due to the heat and that today was going to be mild. Convinced myself to get another hour sleep...so up at 6:15 and feeling horrible. nose running and lots of congestion. I fueled, including using a flat Mountain Due to get sugar and caffeine in (based on the legendary Hal Higdon's advise) and got dressed to go, having trouble breathing just standing around...I again thought that I'd be better off going back to bed and running on Sunday. For those of you who know me, this will surprise you......i actually took medicine...an antihistimine..i know, i know....as i was waiting for it to kick in, i read my 16 mile blog and was immediately ready to roll. First 2 miles were tough and then it kicked in. The run was easy, especially that back half. Miles were droping like flies. I was loving every minute of it. When I got to the fork in the road, I initially chose the known path, the one i ran last time as i knew it was flat....then, in a sudden change of plan, knowing this was my last long run on this path and wanting to see something new, turned and took the the unknown trail...I knew it was hilly...but didn't know how much. It was about 1 mile of rolling hills. some short and steep..some long and low, but to runners.....hills are hills.....someone asked afterward if Annette was yelling at me during the hills and for the first time, I can say nope, she was there, but cheering me on and proud of me....anybody but me see me growing up here??? Today's run was easy and interestingly enough, not emotional at all. During the run, I thought of the people I met Friday night during the Stand Up event, of Mark and Nelson (I added "I Still Believe" by The Call to my playlist. This was the main song we used for our production of Richard III at FSU and i enjoyed great memories of that show), my running support system, my family and Lorraine. It was a great run. Tonight, I am tired and sore and in awe of what i've done. I can't believe I'm this close. On an other note....my ipod died as it was giving me my stats...those who know me, know that I long for the praise that comes with a job well done and in running, it's Lance Armstrong on my Ipod congratulating me on a new personal best...I ended my run on Nike plus and as the woman was giving me my stats (Lance tells me good job after the stats) my Ipod died. battery dead. No Lance congratulating me....i was initially disappointed, but realized that I don't need that affirmation any longer...I know what i did and know what i will do. I don't need the "voice in my ear" any longer...I'm my own runner and I am soon to be a Marathon runner. Wow......Next stop...20 miles.....
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Human Race
Last night i was proud to participate in the largest running event in history, Nike's Human race. In 25 cities around the world, organized 10k races were run. In addition, anyone with a Nike Plus, could run and download their run to the event. 3,047,578 miles were logged as part of the race. I am not used to evening running and had a family bbq planned, but couldn't miss the event (The James was a sponsor). The course was the same as the Soldier field 10 mile, but 3.8 miles shorter. Beautiful run south on Lakeshore Drive the across to the running path along the lake back to Soldier field. The spectacle was remarkable as all runners were in the same shirts. Nike actually imprinted the bib's onto the shirts, so it was a sea of red heading south on LSD. Cool. The best part was near the turn where you saw a sea of red in front of you and a sea of red coming back at you. 14,000 runners in Chicago (the largest organized race in the states) and 491,545 runner world wide. Amazing. Race finished with Fall Out Boy concert at Soldier field. The run was hard, but I set a Personal best for a 10k. I finished 157,429 in the world. Weird to put it in that perspective, right? Check out nikeplus.com and look for the Human Race page to see all the result. Lance Armstrong ran in Austin.
Great event and just what I needed to prepare for 18 this Saturday.....It's going to be an exciting week concluding with a new personal best for distance.....need all positive energy available Sat AM. Please send it my way!
Great event and just what I needed to prepare for 18 this Saturday.....It's going to be an exciting week concluding with a new personal best for distance.....need all positive energy available Sat AM. Please send it my way!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
14 is in the rear view mirror!
There is no other way to say it....I was nervous about this one. 16 miles. Nearly 3 hours. After my miserable 14 in Orlando, I was concerned about winning the mental game on this one, especially because they (whoever "they" are) say that once you accomplish 16, you can accomplish 26.2. Well...I did it and I did it well. Didn't even have to debate whether or not to take a walk break. 16 strong, running from first step to last. 16 miles, 2:56:52,11:02/mile, 2708 calories. 33 miles for the week. New Personal Bests all around! On the day of the Men's Marathon in Beijing no less. Slower than I wanted, but run was steady and consistent....Annette's lesson in Friday's spin class.
The morning started right...at 4:38am, I got the txt message from the Obama campaign naming Joe Biden as his running mate. Don't mean to get political, but I called this ticket at least 10 months ago, albeit the other way around. Regardless, I was stoked as I believe that Biden has the best plan to get us out of Iraq without leaving a mess behind and I think together, they will restore first, our faith in the government and then the world's faith in us. It is a great day!
It was a humid morning. Mother Nature trying to decide whether to make the weather reports truth or fiction. Temp was in the low 70's and it was overcast. I knew in the first mile that it was going to be a good day. Often times, the first mile can be the hardest. Today, it wasn't. The trail was relatively quite, but with a few characters more interesting than the wildlife of last weekend. A running club that I assume is training for 10.12 too was out. See them every weekend. A few cyclists, a few runners, a family fishing for tonight's dinner in the Fox river, a white haired couple with yellow highlights in their hair and mustache from the nicotine of the smoke hanging out of their mouths, 2 housewives sneaking a forbidden kiss on their morning walk, a kid with his hat cocked and baggie pants pulling up in Mom and Dad's car and talking to the dealers near the Elgin train station, Asian twins on an easy run, Casino workers preparing for a long Saturday and the oddest thing....more squished toads than I've seen in my life, almost as if the Toad Jim Jones formed a cult and asked them to sacrifice themselves yesterday. It was, to quote my buddy Brianna, random.
Every once in a while, the 14 mile run crept into my head, but I was able to squash the thought pretty easily. It was an interesting run emotionally. Right around 7 miles, I came upon the South Elgin train station where, some many times, after a long day of work and related entertaining, I drop Roderick (aka The Mayor) off at his car, both of us debating whether or not the light would be on when we get home. I thought of The Mayor and what his reaction will be when I tell him that I ran beyond that station, only to reach my 1/2 way point. I thought of he and his wife Mimi and how strong they are in raising Cassie, their daughter living with a form of epilepsy, and wondered if I could be that strong. A chill came over me and I suddenly became very emotional when I thought of Cassie and how strong that little girl is to live with this condition and love life as much as anyone I know. She is truly a beautiful and happy child who's love for life is contagious. If I can be 1/2 as strong as her, this marathon will be in the bag. I am lucky to have them in my life, but like so many other friends, we have let life get in the way of getting the families together. That will change.
On the back half of the run, the weather shifted and the skies began to clear. The humidity dropped and a cool breeze picked-up. Thanks Lorraine! In Orlando, she tried to help by blowing a breeze on my back during the final miles, but even she couldn't beat those conditions. As I approached the 14 mile mark, my head was spinning. I was going to do it. The perfect song came on to get me past the memory of that awful run. "All My Life" by Foo Fighters. As I took my first step farther than I had ever run, Dave Grohl screamed "Dead, dead, on to the next one!" in my ear and it was behind me. The Orlando run was dead to me suddenly and I was on to the next new goal. I was angry and elated. Screw you 14, I'm better than you. Oh boy....I am admittedly losing it as I sit here recalling it....the last 2 miles were easy. Usually, the longest miles,but not today. As my nike plus told me I had 1 mile left, I was trying to contain my emotion when Lorraine snapped be back to reality by dropping my ipod out of it's pouch to the ground. "Finish the run Pat, Jared's soccer game is starting" she was telling me.
Can't begin to put into words how amazing it feels to run 16 miles for the first time. Only 2 more long runs between now and 10.12. I can't believe it. Long post today, but lots going on up top here, so sorry and thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciate your support more than ever. 50 days until the race. Wow. Mind boggling.
The morning started right...at 4:38am, I got the txt message from the Obama campaign naming Joe Biden as his running mate. Don't mean to get political, but I called this ticket at least 10 months ago, albeit the other way around. Regardless, I was stoked as I believe that Biden has the best plan to get us out of Iraq without leaving a mess behind and I think together, they will restore first, our faith in the government and then the world's faith in us. It is a great day!
It was a humid morning. Mother Nature trying to decide whether to make the weather reports truth or fiction. Temp was in the low 70's and it was overcast. I knew in the first mile that it was going to be a good day. Often times, the first mile can be the hardest. Today, it wasn't. The trail was relatively quite, but with a few characters more interesting than the wildlife of last weekend. A running club that I assume is training for 10.12 too was out. See them every weekend. A few cyclists, a few runners, a family fishing for tonight's dinner in the Fox river, a white haired couple with yellow highlights in their hair and mustache from the nicotine of the smoke hanging out of their mouths, 2 housewives sneaking a forbidden kiss on their morning walk, a kid with his hat cocked and baggie pants pulling up in Mom and Dad's car and talking to the dealers near the Elgin train station, Asian twins on an easy run, Casino workers preparing for a long Saturday and the oddest thing....more squished toads than I've seen in my life, almost as if the Toad Jim Jones formed a cult and asked them to sacrifice themselves yesterday. It was, to quote my buddy Brianna, random.
Every once in a while, the 14 mile run crept into my head, but I was able to squash the thought pretty easily. It was an interesting run emotionally. Right around 7 miles, I came upon the South Elgin train station where, some many times, after a long day of work and related entertaining, I drop Roderick (aka The Mayor) off at his car, both of us debating whether or not the light would be on when we get home. I thought of The Mayor and what his reaction will be when I tell him that I ran beyond that station, only to reach my 1/2 way point. I thought of he and his wife Mimi and how strong they are in raising Cassie, their daughter living with a form of epilepsy, and wondered if I could be that strong. A chill came over me and I suddenly became very emotional when I thought of Cassie and how strong that little girl is to live with this condition and love life as much as anyone I know. She is truly a beautiful and happy child who's love for life is contagious. If I can be 1/2 as strong as her, this marathon will be in the bag. I am lucky to have them in my life, but like so many other friends, we have let life get in the way of getting the families together. That will change.
On the back half of the run, the weather shifted and the skies began to clear. The humidity dropped and a cool breeze picked-up. Thanks Lorraine! In Orlando, she tried to help by blowing a breeze on my back during the final miles, but even she couldn't beat those conditions. As I approached the 14 mile mark, my head was spinning. I was going to do it. The perfect song came on to get me past the memory of that awful run. "All My Life" by Foo Fighters. As I took my first step farther than I had ever run, Dave Grohl screamed "Dead, dead, on to the next one!" in my ear and it was behind me. The Orlando run was dead to me suddenly and I was on to the next new goal. I was angry and elated. Screw you 14, I'm better than you. Oh boy....I am admittedly losing it as I sit here recalling it....the last 2 miles were easy. Usually, the longest miles,but not today. As my nike plus told me I had 1 mile left, I was trying to contain my emotion when Lorraine snapped be back to reality by dropping my ipod out of it's pouch to the ground. "Finish the run Pat, Jared's soccer game is starting" she was telling me.
Can't begin to put into words how amazing it feels to run 16 miles for the first time. Only 2 more long runs between now and 10.12. I can't believe it. Long post today, but lots going on up top here, so sorry and thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciate your support more than ever. 50 days until the race. Wow. Mind boggling.
Monday, August 18, 2008
And then there was 5....
I'm amazed every day by this sport. On Saturday, 10 was a breeze. On Monday, 5 was a bitch, crazy, but none the less, got to my north side point and enjoyed my favorite view. I am learning now that the right nutrition is a full time job during this process, not a Friday night exception.....great meal tonight in advance of 7.5 in the am. Looking forward to the south loop. Hope there is another swimsuit photo shoot going on!!!!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The day 10 was just another run...
I am so disappointed that I couldn't blog immediately following my 10 mile run yesterday. It was amazing and I know that blogging 36 hours later will not be the same, but making the wedding in Grand Rapids was way more important.
It was a perfect morning.....6:15am, mid-50's, perfectly blue sky, the dew waking up and becoming fog hovering over the prairie. I am not making up the fact that during my run, I chased a chipmunk, a bunny and a doe off the path, AND...for the first time, 10 miles didn't intimidate me. I was relieved to have such an easy run....crazy right??? I had an amazing run and had awesome thoughts during it. And yes, I read a really incredible "First Marathon" story on Friday night!. The Mental game. I have to admit, (and i've only told one person this up to this moment...) during my difficult 14 mile run in Orlando, for the first time,I had a vision of quitting the marathon. It was as clear as an HD movie, me ducking under the rope, crushed, at 14 mile marker. Tragic, but it inspired me to keep going that day. On Saturday, the opposite. In addition to repeating Phelps ridiculous win in the 100 butterfly over and over in my head, , I saw Josey in Lincoln Park, Kari and Jillian on the west side, the Piaskowy;s and Console's in Chinatown, my family (incl Kim, Liesl, Kieran) near the finish and Pete and Hillary celebrating the run! Wow....This was a great day and a great run. I loved every second of it. LOVE/hate. That's what it's all about. yesterday was a LOVE day. Why not, Meg and Biddy tied the knot and we celebrated together with family, friends and made new friends. What a day!!!
It was a perfect morning.....6:15am, mid-50's, perfectly blue sky, the dew waking up and becoming fog hovering over the prairie. I am not making up the fact that during my run, I chased a chipmunk, a bunny and a doe off the path, AND...for the first time, 10 miles didn't intimidate me. I was relieved to have such an easy run....crazy right??? I had an amazing run and had awesome thoughts during it. And yes, I read a really incredible "First Marathon" story on Friday night!. The Mental game. I have to admit, (and i've only told one person this up to this moment...) during my difficult 14 mile run in Orlando, for the first time,I had a vision of quitting the marathon. It was as clear as an HD movie, me ducking under the rope, crushed, at 14 mile marker. Tragic, but it inspired me to keep going that day. On Saturday, the opposite. In addition to repeating Phelps ridiculous win in the 100 butterfly over and over in my head, , I saw Josey in Lincoln Park, Kari and Jillian on the west side, the Piaskowy;s and Console's in Chinatown, my family (incl Kim, Liesl, Kieran) near the finish and Pete and Hillary celebrating the run! Wow....This was a great day and a great run. I loved every second of it. LOVE/hate. That's what it's all about. yesterday was a LOVE day. Why not, Meg and Biddy tied the knot and we celebrated together with family, friends and made new friends. What a day!!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
The greatest.
What a night! Michael Phelps won that race because he wanted it more than anybody else. If you didn't see it, find it and watch. What an inspiration. Set a goal and achieve it. I'm in awe and inspired.
Costas just finished interviewing Mark Spitz and Michael together. Mark told Michael that when people ask him why he did it, he tells them for the mystery, magic, wonder and surprise of doing something you've never done before....how cool is that? I am scheduled to run further than I have ever run every other week for the next 8 weeks. I cherish the mystery, magic, wonder and surprise of each of those milestones. I will only run 16 miles for the first time once. I will only run 26.2 miles for the first time once. I get chills thinking about it.
I had the best run I've had in a long time on Thursday. The morning was magestic. That's the word that came to mind when I hit the lakefront. 7 miles. Nice and easy. Not my best time, but it was a great run and I could have gone on for a while. Too bad that darn work thing came into play. Enjoyed my first Butt Cramp...right cheek. Interesting working that out while running. Did the south route around the museums. Beautiful (and the swimsuit photo shoot happening on the east side for the Adler was an added bonus.) Today a good 5, north. Unfortunately, the point where I like to make my turn was closed for the Air and Water show, so didn't get my favorite view. It'll be there next week!
Getting late, 10 miles in the am than off to celebrate Biddy and Meg tying the knot. Thanks for checkin in on me.
Costas just finished interviewing Mark Spitz and Michael together. Mark told Michael that when people ask him why he did it, he tells them for the mystery, magic, wonder and surprise of doing something you've never done before....how cool is that? I am scheduled to run further than I have ever run every other week for the next 8 weeks. I cherish the mystery, magic, wonder and surprise of each of those milestones. I will only run 16 miles for the first time once. I will only run 26.2 miles for the first time once. I get chills thinking about it.
I had the best run I've had in a long time on Thursday. The morning was magestic. That's the word that came to mind when I hit the lakefront. 7 miles. Nice and easy. Not my best time, but it was a great run and I could have gone on for a while. Too bad that darn work thing came into play. Enjoyed my first Butt Cramp...right cheek. Interesting working that out while running. Did the south route around the museums. Beautiful (and the swimsuit photo shoot happening on the east side for the Adler was an added bonus.) Today a good 5, north. Unfortunately, the point where I like to make my turn was closed for the Air and Water show, so didn't get my favorite view. It'll be there next week!
Getting late, 10 miles in the am than off to celebrate Biddy and Meg tying the knot. Thanks for checkin in on me.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
59 days.......
59 days until 26 miles 365 yards.....scary.
As I continue to reflect on Saturday's tough run, i realize how mental this game is. In my last blog, i talked about how physically prepared i was for 14....reflecting back, i see a lot of things that prevented me from being mentally prepared and a lot of gut instincts that I ignored. 1) I am reading a book called "First Marathons". A collection of essays from first timers. I read a story each night before a long run. Friday, the story I read was from a man who was miserable during his marathon and has never run one since. It was a humorous story, but tragic and depressing. Instinct told me that in needed a more inspirational story to sleep on, but after a page of a new story, I closed the book and slept. 2) When i woke up, it was storming. I got up, knowing the storm would pass, which it did. Instinct told me to forget the trail as I didn't know anything about it and figured rain may have compromised it if a dirt trail and just run the neighborhood. I ignored it and drove around for over an hour trying to run the trail. This was a very frustrating experience and after a few f-bombs and steering wheel thumps, I talked myself down and drove home. 3) Instinct told me to just run 4.5 on Sat and get out earlier for 14 on Sunday. I ignored that too. 4) Finally, as i started running, i realized that my water bottle belt was upside down, tried to flip while running, but failed and had to stop. Somehow un-hooked the water bottle and as i started to run, it fell out. FRUSTRATED.
Think any of these mental hurdles got in my way from a better run?? I do. This is a mental and physical test. I need to be stronger in both areas and believe whole heartedly that where I was mentally Saturday hurt me as much, if not more, than the weather conditions.
Another lesson learned.
I promised to talk about how why I'm doing this is becoming clearer to me and I will. Just too late tonight and I've said enough already. Soon....
We went over $1000 in donations today. Extremely proud, but on Team LUNGevity, we're 4th in total dollars. Not good enough for me. How 'bout you? Is 4th good enough? Get the word out and let's make a statement. A big statement. Thanks. P
As I continue to reflect on Saturday's tough run, i realize how mental this game is. In my last blog, i talked about how physically prepared i was for 14....reflecting back, i see a lot of things that prevented me from being mentally prepared and a lot of gut instincts that I ignored. 1) I am reading a book called "First Marathons". A collection of essays from first timers. I read a story each night before a long run. Friday, the story I read was from a man who was miserable during his marathon and has never run one since. It was a humorous story, but tragic and depressing. Instinct told me that in needed a more inspirational story to sleep on, but after a page of a new story, I closed the book and slept. 2) When i woke up, it was storming. I got up, knowing the storm would pass, which it did. Instinct told me to forget the trail as I didn't know anything about it and figured rain may have compromised it if a dirt trail and just run the neighborhood. I ignored it and drove around for over an hour trying to run the trail. This was a very frustrating experience and after a few f-bombs and steering wheel thumps, I talked myself down and drove home. 3) Instinct told me to just run 4.5 on Sat and get out earlier for 14 on Sunday. I ignored that too. 4) Finally, as i started running, i realized that my water bottle belt was upside down, tried to flip while running, but failed and had to stop. Somehow un-hooked the water bottle and as i started to run, it fell out. FRUSTRATED.
Think any of these mental hurdles got in my way from a better run?? I do. This is a mental and physical test. I need to be stronger in both areas and believe whole heartedly that where I was mentally Saturday hurt me as much, if not more, than the weather conditions.
Another lesson learned.
I promised to talk about how why I'm doing this is becoming clearer to me and I will. Just too late tonight and I've said enough already. Soon....
We went over $1000 in donations today. Extremely proud, but on Team LUNGevity, we're 4th in total dollars. Not good enough for me. How 'bout you? Is 4th good enough? Get the word out and let's make a statement. A big statement. Thanks. P
Sunday, August 10, 2008
If you want it, you have to train for it.....
This was the message Annette (Drill sergeant instructor) delivered in Spin on Wednesday and on Saturday, I understood exactly what she meant...I took a week off after my 12 mile run on the 26th.It was a light week on my training schedule and a heavy week at work. I was exhausted mentally and physically and needed the break. My "break" continued and I only logged 9 miles this week before my long run on Sat. The training plan called for 14 miles. I wanted 15. 15 sounds sexier than 14, doesn't it? So, I'm in Orlando at the in-laws and do everything right on Friday. Good meals, no beer while poolside, found a trail to run and to bed early. Up at 5am, out the door at 6:30. Should beat the heat. Wind up driving around for an hour looking for the trail and once found, looking for parking...there was none to be found as the park district locks up the parks, I assume to keep teenage kids from hanging out. Thank God they didn't lock up the parks in Arlington, Tx back in the day, hell, I got to second base at one of Arlington's fine parks (Just kidding Mom)...at any rate, drove back to the Stever's and hit the road at 7:45. Sun was up and the temp was close to 80 already. Rainstorms overnight caused the humidity to be close to 90%.
I decided to break my run into 3- 5 mile "sets". First set felt good. It's a hilly neighborhood (small hills according to my m-i-l,but hills are hills) and I managed the hills pretty well (Luckily, Annette was at the top (in my head) making sure I didn't walk one of them!). Due to the heat and humidity, I figured I should be safe and take a 1 minute break between sets. Found the flat part of the neighborhood for the second set and was getting through, Sun was now beating down on me (no clouds, no shade) and the temp was approaching 90. I was struggling, but getting through. Finished the second 5 and knew that the last set was going to be a struggle. I was low on water and had to start rationing. A half mile in, my "road crew" found me and delivered water. I grabbed a bottle and downed it...mistake...and then filled my water bottle with a second. 4.5 miles to go...c'mon Pat! I had nothing in me and wound up taking several walk breaks over the next few miles, sucking down my water too much too fast. I sought out shade where ever i could find it, even just shade from the prarie grass that only reached my calves. Tree and the kids found me again with 1.5 to go, again, I downed a bottle of water and tried to get my legs moving again. I decided at this point to stop at 14, hit the training plan. After another break, i dug down and finished the last 1/4 mile to get to 14. Tried to start 1 more mile and my body said NO! 14 was it and while disappointed in my time, number of breaks and not getting that last mile, 14 is a new personal best and I am proud of it.
On a side note, I am the new Curt Shilling. Check out the shoe...yes, a little irritation on the left heel drew blood and left a reminder to me of this painful run.
I made several mistakes today. The first, no way I should have gone out as late as I did. I knew that, but decided another day poolside without a beer wasn't an option, so I had to do it...is that wrong? Sucking down the water when delivered was also a mistake. I had a good re-fuel plan during the run and it was working. Downing so much so fast hurt me and I gave it all back to mother earth when I was done. And most importantly, I didn't train properly for this run. If you want it, you have to train for it...lesson learned. I will be ready for 16 in 2 weeks and I will have better results.
I decided to break my run into 3- 5 mile "sets". First set felt good. It's a hilly neighborhood (small hills according to my m-i-l,but hills are hills) and I managed the hills pretty well (Luckily, Annette was at the top (in my head) making sure I didn't walk one of them!). Due to the heat and humidity, I figured I should be safe and take a 1 minute break between sets. Found the flat part of the neighborhood for the second set and was getting through, Sun was now beating down on me (no clouds, no shade) and the temp was approaching 90. I was struggling, but getting through. Finished the second 5 and knew that the last set was going to be a struggle. I was low on water and had to start rationing. A half mile in, my "road crew" found me and delivered water. I grabbed a bottle and downed it...mistake...and then filled my water bottle with a second. 4.5 miles to go...c'mon Pat! I had nothing in me and wound up taking several walk breaks over the next few miles, sucking down my water too much too fast. I sought out shade where ever i could find it, even just shade from the prarie grass that only reached my calves. Tree and the kids found me again with 1.5 to go, again, I downed a bottle of water and tried to get my legs moving again. I decided at this point to stop at 14, hit the training plan. After another break, i dug down and finished the last 1/4 mile to get to 14. Tried to start 1 more mile and my body said NO! 14 was it and while disappointed in my time, number of breaks and not getting that last mile, 14 is a new personal best and I am proud of it.
On a side note, I am the new Curt Shilling. Check out the shoe...yes, a little irritation on the left heel drew blood and left a reminder to me of this painful run.
I made several mistakes today. The first, no way I should have gone out as late as I did. I knew that, but decided another day poolside without a beer wasn't an option, so I had to do it...is that wrong? Sucking down the water when delivered was also a mistake. I had a good re-fuel plan during the run and it was working. Downing so much so fast hurt me and I gave it all back to mother earth when I was done. And most importantly, I didn't train properly for this run. If you want it, you have to train for it...lesson learned. I will be ready for 16 in 2 weeks and I will have better results.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Best of Me.
Wow. I did it. I have gone farther than I've ever gone this morning and i can't begin to explain the joy and emotion i am feeling at this moment. 12 miles, no walk breaks. Even fueled on the run. Paced 10:28 a mile. Dead on to where i've been on past long runs. The gas tank was empty as i reached my goal. I even got congratulated by Lance for setting a new personal best (those with the Nike Plus will know what i mean!) The emotion didn't hit right away. I was too spent. After sucking down 40 ozs of water and a recovery drink, i put the top down and headed home. The Foo Fighter's "Best of you" comes on the radio and i get charged up. Fist pumping in the air (the others on the road must have thought i was a lunatic.) and then what i had just done hit me and i lost it. It was pure joy pouring out. I gave it my best today and i accomplished this goal. 2 hours, 5 minutes, 41 seconds and 2031 calories later, i did it....and i'm almost 1/2 way there. Next long run will put me past the 1/2 way point of the marathon. I can't wait until then! 76 miles so far this month. Will add another 18 next week. 28 for the week. Both personal bests. It's been a good week.
Thanks to Tree for letting me watch Prefontaine last night and helping me carb up. Hill for checking in to make sure i was ready. Hadley and Gina for the Power beans and Chocolate Gel. Liesl for lunch on Friday and Lorraine for being with me on today's run. Wouldn't have made it without you!
Off to Margaritaville to "carb up"....1 Bud Light at a time! Fins to the left!
Thanks to Tree for letting me watch Prefontaine last night and helping me carb up. Hill for checking in to make sure i was ready. Hadley and Gina for the Power beans and Chocolate Gel. Liesl for lunch on Friday and Lorraine for being with me on today's run. Wouldn't have made it without you!
Off to Margaritaville to "carb up"....1 Bud Light at a time! Fins to the left!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
4.5 today. Beautiful morning. Went North to one of my favorite "turnaround" points on the lakefront....the point by Castaways at North Ave beach. If you've never seen it, you have to make a point to go there. One of the best views of the city. Felt sluggish again, but improved pace over Monday run of same distance. Not as good as last week, but better. I'm not sure if legs are just tired or working on blog until 11:30 or so and sleeping only 5 hours impacted it...duh! (thanks for kicking me out of bed Tree!)
Gearing up for Saturday. Can't wait to set a new personal best distance. it's time.
Gearing up for Saturday. Can't wait to set a new personal best distance. it's time.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Here we go...
As you can see, i started this blog well over a month ago (scroll down for original post). Part of me wanted to make it perfect before making it public and part of me didn't want to make it public because that would mean "no turning back"...well...he we go. No Turning Back now!
I've had a bad week. Made my miles so far, but they were hard. On Tuesday, i had that moment. Runners will know what I'm talking about...I was struggling though a 7 miler. The weather was perfect and i was on the Lakefront...perfect conditions, but my shirt was clinging and i felt every ounce of my fat old self punishing my feet and knees with every stride. I was busy beating myself up pretty bad asking "What are you doing? You're not a runner" for the first 3 miles. I went south and could only see the concrete path littered with goose poop and potholes in front of me. I went around the Shedd Aquarium and east along the lake to the Adler Planetarium. As I started to go around the Planetarium, I glanced back over my shoulder and holy crap Batman what a sight! The amazing Chicago Skyline, glimmering in the morning light blew my mind. In that moment, I knew exactly why I was there and that I was a runner. The rest of the run was not easy, but in that moment, i realized there was much more and as I took in the water in the lake dancing, the beautiful lakefront, the old man fishing, the beautiful museum campus grounds, the American Flag at the point whipping in the wind, the rows and rows of boats and all the rest of this mornings beauty, I knew that this dream of mine, this impossible goal..was possible and that on 10/12, I will be ready. It was a great moment and I can't wait until my next run.
I have a big week. Will set personal best for Longest run (12 miles on Sat), most miles in a Week and have already passed my most miles in a month. That's the easy stuff. Taking the step to make this public and share Lorraine's story with all of you makes it big week. Thank you in advance for all the support I will need in the weeks and months to come.
P
I've had a bad week. Made my miles so far, but they were hard. On Tuesday, i had that moment. Runners will know what I'm talking about...I was struggling though a 7 miler. The weather was perfect and i was on the Lakefront...perfect conditions, but my shirt was clinging and i felt every ounce of my fat old self punishing my feet and knees with every stride. I was busy beating myself up pretty bad asking "What are you doing? You're not a runner" for the first 3 miles. I went south and could only see the concrete path littered with goose poop and potholes in front of me. I went around the Shedd Aquarium and east along the lake to the Adler Planetarium. As I started to go around the Planetarium, I glanced back over my shoulder and holy crap Batman what a sight! The amazing Chicago Skyline, glimmering in the morning light blew my mind. In that moment, I knew exactly why I was there and that I was a runner. The rest of the run was not easy, but in that moment, i realized there was much more and as I took in the water in the lake dancing, the beautiful lakefront, the old man fishing, the beautiful museum campus grounds, the American Flag at the point whipping in the wind, the rows and rows of boats and all the rest of this mornings beauty, I knew that this dream of mine, this impossible goal..was possible and that on 10/12, I will be ready. It was a great moment and I can't wait until my next run.
I have a big week. Will set personal best for Longest run (12 miles on Sat), most miles in a Week and have already passed my most miles in a month. That's the easy stuff. Taking the step to make this public and share Lorraine's story with all of you makes it big week. Thank you in advance for all the support I will need in the weeks and months to come.
P
Friday, June 20, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Welcome!
Hello friends! Welcome to PDaddy's run for Lorraine. I'm new to this blogging thing, so have patience as I try to figure it out without showing my age...
On 10/12/08, I will be completing my first Marathon. At the ripe old age of 41, seems an odd thing to do... especially considering I've never been a runner. I didn't start running until I enrolled in a 10k training class at the Northwest Athletic Club....again, kind of a random thing, but when i got the postcard announcing the class, i was drawn to it. Thanks to Dave Wischmeyer (da coach) and Jon Aguilera (other slow guy in the class) I successfully completed 6.2 miles (10k) at the Rotary Run for Wellness in Clarendon Hills on 10/16/05. Only 10 weeks earlier, I couldn't run more than 3 minutes without having to walk for 2 to recover. And now, 3 short years later, almost to the date, I will have completed my first Marathon. Who wudda thunk?
So...you're probably wondering who Lorraine is, right? I promise that you will get to know her over the next few months and learn what an amazing woman she was. She was taken from us on 5/12 of this year after a hard battle with Lung Cancer. (coincidently, 5/12 was my first official day of training for the Marathon) Lorraine lead a healthy live and did not smoke. Kim, her husband, was the Best Man in my Wedding and a fellow student at Florida State. Liesl, their daughter and my God Daughter, is a beautiful and extremely (i mean extremely) smart student at Knox College in Galesburg, IL. Kieran, their son, is going into his senior year and is a amazing golfer and brilliant on the Trumpet, Piano and drums.
I have a lot to say about this wonderful family, a lot to say about the value of friendship and a whole lot to say about how it's too easy to let life get in the way, but that will come.
For now, I am going to shape up this blog thing and add my training calendar (so you can help keep me on track.) I will use the blog as my training log (any advise is welcome!) and vehicle to raise money in Lorraine's name for Lung Cancer research. More to follow.
5 mile run in the morning, so better sign off and get some much needed rest. Thanks for listening.
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