What a Show!

Wow! Saw The Airborne Toxic Event out of LA last night at The Metro. In all my years in Chicago, I had never been to the Metro until last night. A shame. A really great venue. This is the 4th time I've seen ATE this year and each show is better than the one before. Last night, they did not disappoint. The show has matured beautifully. Nice acoustic set in the middle (see picture) and an all out jam session with the boys from Red Cortez and The Henry Clay People. When asked how the show was this morning, only one word came to mind....Epic.



Thanks for another great show guys. Come back and see us soon!

Mile 23 2009....

High Fives from Hill!

Thanks for the photo Dickey.

70 Seconds

70 Seconds. 1 Minute and 10 Seconds. Not a lot of time but an eternity to me. 5:01:10 was my official time on Sunday. 70 seconds beyond the goal. 1 less walk break, a shorter line at the port a potty, not dropping my iPod case during mile 26, a couple less hugs along the way (and for the record, wouldn't trade in one of those hugs for a few seconds!). Any combination of these and I would have made it I would have achieved my goal of finishing under 5 hours. 70 seconds too long. Damn. Guess I got to do another....

What an amazing day it was. The outpouring of support from my fans and the Chicago fans as a whole is humbling and the 34,000 runners of the 2009 Chicago Marathon are the luckiest runners in the world to have such dedicated support. I can't image running this beast anywhere else. And, as is tradition, I have to mention the sunrise. Another brilliant show as the day came to life.

Last year, it took me 4+ months before I had the desire/courage to strap the boots back on and go for a run. It took me almost 11 months to post my post-run blog. Last year, I experienced post run blues that included insomnia that led to anger and frustration. I couldn't deal with my internal sense of failure. Yes, I ran a freaking marathon, but in my mind I failed. THIS year, I'm not only back on the road a week later, I'm setting a personal best on my favorite 5 mile route on the lakefront and can't wait for my next run. I'm eager to post this blog and haven't missed a wink of sleep. I am looking for my next challenge and more focused than ever. What a difference a year makes. Not sure if it was simply because I knew this time. Knew what to expect, knew that I could do it, knew that my friends and family were the with me, knew that regardless of my results, I was a marathoner. Who knows, but what a different post run experience. I add the two pictures below as evidence of the difference in attitude and focus:





Of course, there's a little trickeration in these photos...not only was the weather more cooperative this year than last by nearly 40 degrees, but these pics are mile 3.5 vs. mile 23...guess which is which...

I had a terrible season of training. Sick for most of July, heel and achilles problems in August, too many excuses to put in the day to day miles. Made my long runs, but know I didn't prepare properly for this race. As you know, I adjusted my goal after the Ready to Run 20 miler. Just finish and do so under 5 hours. Forget the No Walk Policy.

So the day started brilliantly. Everything on time and my road crew the same as last year plus the lovely Kelsey on her man Kieran's arm. Headed out on schedule when out of the blue, 10 minutes from home, I realize that I forgot my iPod. A quick F-bomb from me and we're turning back. I swear I've never seen an Indian drive so fast! Thanks Kim and thank God I remembered when i did and that I allowed extra time in my plan...wound up downtown in plenty of time. Enjoyed the energy of the crowd and symphony of clothes being tossed through the crisp air as runners stripped down from comfy clothes to running clothes. Instead of a lengthy recap, how about a top 11 list of my favorite moments....here we go:

11) Claudia jumping out of the crowd at Broadway and Addison, scaring the sh*t out of me and trying to hand me her coffee!
10) The start, standing next to a group of 5 first timers and their coach. They couldn't stop talking. Nervous chatter. They were so excited. I'll never forget them.
9) Tree, Liesl and Ashley at Cozi. My first "spot" to look for people. My first eye contact on the run. 1 mile down. Thanks for the energy.
8) Jen, Claudia, Claudia and Dina- Pulling for me at miles 11 and 23. High fives for all!
7) Nile + Power zone. My pals Ryan, Gretchen and Mike work their Nike Magic to pull off "And there's Patrick Hatton from Bartlett, IL. Look up buddy, you're on the Jumbotron!" over the loud speaker. Too cool!
6) Dickey, Cavan and The Zach Character at Mile 23. Man did I need that love!
5) the Whole damn fam at Malcolm X. Thanks to Tree for being the team's "Paul Revere" spotting me a ways out and running back to the crew screaming "The Fat guy is coming, The Fat guy is coming!" and to JD and Sean. How cool to have my punks running to me and then running back with me to the fam. Kieran was the keeper of the supply pack and made sure Kim handed me a banana instead of a bic this time. Thanks for all the hugs!
4) The after party at Jake's. So humbled to see everyone there. Forgive me if I miss anyone...Andy, Hill, Dickey, Jen, Anthony and Kari, Kari's Sis (a marathoner that day) and Hubby, Kari's brother, EV and Byron, Arcenia and her hubby, Claudia P, Claudia E and Theresa, Mama, Kim, Liesl, Kieran, Kelsey, Jen, Trin, Morgan, Dina, Mom, Dad, HayHay, JD, Sean, Tree and, of course, both Lorraine and Joe in spirit. The service sucked, but the company was brilliant.
3) Crossing the finish line. Looking for the Fam. First sighting is Sean. He's with Tree and Hayhay. He sees me, casually waves and goes back to whatever he was doing. Hello??? Can you tell the others you see me?? Oh Sean....
2) Amazing pre race notes of encouragement and support from Papa Joe and Hill. Read them both more than once before the race. Both are profoundly inspirational to me.

and...my favorite moment of Chicago 2009.....(and I answered this question less than 2 hours after the race when asked)

1) Mile 3.5 (picture above is from this moment). Family had Sunflower Balloon, so I could see them about 25 yards out or so. As I approached, I was clowning and begging for cheers. Dad in the damn street taking pictures as he promised. Saw Mom...one who dares not show her emotion in public...eyes bright red and swollen with tears. Dad, hiding behind camera, drops it after the picture above to give me a high five....eyes red and swollen with tears. They gave me a ton of crap for coming up from Florida in for the race. "Fixed Income", "So Cold", "Starts too early", "Have to take PUBLIC transportation??" etc...classic Catholic guilt. Words cannot describe how cool to see your parents, silently so proud of your accomplishment. We work our whole life to make our parents proud,how special those moments are when you know that you have. So cool. So cool. (guess who's eyes are red and swollen writing this??)

On 10/11/09, I ran farther than I have run before. Yes, I ran the marathon in 2008. But after 15 miles, I was forced to incorporate walk breaks into my run. I ran 18 miles without walking in training for 2008. Only made 16 miles this year. On 10/11, I pushed myself through 15, 16 and 18. I ran 19 miles without walking. I achieved this through discipline (stuck to my pace plan) and will power. When I decided to take a walk break after I passed the 19 mile mark, it was by choice. Last year, I had no choice, I was defeated and had to stop running. This year, it was a choice and my walk breaks were positive and active. I wanted to make my goal and at 3:30, I thought I could manage my walk/run time and finish those last 7 miles in time, but didn't obsess about it. I missed by 70 seconds.....70 seconds. So close but yet so far away...

So, what next? Plan was to move to Triathalon program for 2010. Love the Bike, so why not, right? Why not? Well.....because despite a poor training season, I took 23 minutes off my 2008 Marathon time. 23 minutes and I didn't even train...I know I can do 4:40...4:40 is much sexier than 5:01:10, isn't it? I know I can do it. I know it....and Chi10 is on 10.10.10.....how cool is that? After last year I never wanted to run again. After this year, I know what I'm capable of and back on the road already.....oh decisions, decisions....I have a few months to figure it out. For now, I'm going to enjoy my pride in being a 2 TIME MARATHONER and let what happens happen...

Much love to those who were there with me through it all and will be there with me in my next challenge. You know who you are and I love you all dearly.

1 and done

Last year, my last run before the Marathon was a memorable run to the end of Navy Pier in time to see the sun rise and have a perfect vantage point to see both my favorite points from my training. Today....not so much. Typical Chicago Fall morning. Cold, Rain and Wind. Perfect! Despite need to stay healthy, I decided that I needed to go for it and I did. Not too bad. Had to dodge puddles to keep the feet dry, but otherwise, just another run....until the end of the pier. As I approached, I noted the flags at the end flapping relentlessly in the wind. You could feel the tension in the threads of the fabric being pulled and stretched. Sure enough, as soon as I passed the end of the building, bam, the wind hit and pushed me to the right. I made it to the end and stopped to take a look around. As glorious as last year, but in a totally different way. It took only a matter of moments before I decided I had seen enough and headed home.

I've noticed in the past few weeks that the runners on the path(s) are different then during the season. Those in training far out number those on a casual run. You can see the difference in their faces. This is the grind. You have to fight with yourself every morning to get out and run. These are not the hard miles, they are the tedious ones. Long runs in the rear view mirror and Marathon day dangling like a carrot in front of you. There are no milestones to achieve, nothing to celebrate, simply easy runs to keep your body in tune. When eye contact is made with others in the grind, no words are exchanged, but there is a deep sense of appreciation for what each other has accomplished and a nod of support as if to say, "Good job, almost there." It's a comforting and uplifting non-verbal conversation. Today, however, was different. The mood, despite the weather was upbeat and energetic. The end was here and everyone had a more lively step and smiles replaced the furrowed brows of the days before. Those in from out of town for Chicago '09 were obvious as they ran the lakefront path in awe of the track we are so lucky to train on. Despite the gloomy morning, the spirit of the runners rose above the cold and the rain and made for yet another glorious run.

Looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and chilling on the couch all day. Sunday will bring closure to this chapter and while I don't know how it will end, I'm confident it will be good.

The Enormity of it all

Had a really beautiful 5 miler in the Lake this am. As usual, I was in awe of the sunrise and it's reflection on our beautiful city. I was a little early today and believe me or not, I hit my favorite point near North Ave Beach as the sun broke the horizon. It was an inspiring sunrise as evidenced by the numerous photographers waiting for the perfect shot. As I reached the point and looked back upon the city, I had to stop and take it all in. I watched Lake Point tower, a dark building against the southern sky, wake up with the bright yellow of the sun creeping floor by floor up the tower. I watched a city come to life.

As I watched the buildings light up, I was suddenly taken by the enormity of it all. Not just the city, but everything. The vastness of the sky and intensity of the sun. The calm lake with gentle ripples as far as you can see. The dark reach of so many diseases for which we cannot find a cure and the courage and strength of those they touch. The Marathon itself, 26 miles, 385 yards. The task of waking up, everyday, and trying to do good. Do good at work, do good for others, do good for self, just do good despite so many excuses and obstacles. The enormity of all that we don't know. It was humbling to say the least.

Coming back in, I found my void and floated back to the city with a sense of clarity and purpose. I am ready for Sunday and regardless of the enormity of this race, I understand now why I have to be there. This is a nice place to be 56 hours out. Quite a different place than a year ago.

A Mother, sister, confidant and friend.

The following is an e-mail we got from our sister in law Jane last night. Her father's journal is accesible through the Caring Bridge link on the right. I thought a beautiful and simple reflection on their life long relationship. Thanks for sharing Jane. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Your family's positive perspective through this is inspiring. P



Friends and Family~

I just wanted to offer you and update on my Mom's condition. My dad has written a very nice piece on her CaringBridge website if you would like to read it (see link below).

I was just up in Minnesota for 4 days and my mom is at a beautiful hospice house. She has a private room and a window with a view of the farmland and a windmill - very Southern Minnesotan. She is getting the best possible care for her situation. She is in the very last stages of Parkinson's Disease and is barely eating. However, when she is eating it is ice cream so I am happy to know she can still enjoy that.

I had a really nice visit with her as well as my dad and my brother. She knew it was me and it was great to be able to talk to her about what a wonderful mom she had been to me and how much I loved her. I know that Dad and the hospice staff are taking the best possible care of her as she has had a "comfort kit" prescribed so the nurses can make her as comfortable as possible and Dad is there at least twice a day, talking to her and massaging her legs. Seeing the two of them together after 50 years has given me so much inspiration. They were truly meant to be.

While I know it won't be long and it saddens me to see her in pain, it has given me time to reflect on all the joy and happiness she has give me and others. I'm sure my college friends can remember her "not having time to write much" to me and then writing me 12 pages or my high school friends will remember her picking us up from movies or letting us eat M and M's at all hours of the night and playing games with us. Others of you may have only met her briefly at a hockey game or my wedding but I'm sure her sunny outlook on life came through.

Please keep her and my family in your prayers for the next few weeks. While we know that she is ultimately heading for a better place, it is still hard to let go as I'm sure most of you can relate to.

Thanks for listening~

Love, Janie

Anxiety is the time between the "now" and the "then"

Three days. Three long, anxious days of waiting. I feel the tension in my back, in my jaw and in my neck. I feel like my shoulders are above my head and nothing sounds good to eat. Time seems to be standing still and everything little thing is annoying ...ah, the days leading up to The Marathon.
I've been here before and know what to expect, but that doesn't make the anxiety any less. My mind is going 100 mph, knee bouncing and focus becoming a challenge. Three days. So much to do between "now" and "then". So many decisions to be made. Got the menu knocked out today. Check....so much yet to do, so much yet to decide...ah, the days leading up to The Marathon.

I thought it might be easier this time around. After all, I've been here before and know what to expect....

It's going to be a long couple of days. Thank you in advance to putting up with me. I appreciate your patience.

Release the hounds!!

Killed a great 8-miler today on MY path. Normal route closed at 2 miles, so came home and took the road less travelled south. Fall was in the air and the path was damasked with sunlight hidden by the leaves through the summer, now peaking through as the trees shed their summer green. Pace was 2 full minutes faster than any other 8 miler I've run. Weather was ideal and hopefully a preview of next Sunday. This week will bring lots thinking and finalizing strategy. Should I run with 11:00 or 10:45 pace group? Should I cut carbs next 4 days and carb up last 3 or manage day to day? What do I wear if in the 40's? 50's? Raining? What is the perfect dinner Sat Night? What needs to be packed for my road crew to best support me? Lots of questions. None of which will make or break my performance.

Funny end to my run today. I thought I lived in Suburban Illinois, but was suddenly in an Old English countryside as my run came to a close. Coming home from the South on the Il Prairie Path, about a mile out, there is a series of downhill "steps" made from railroad timbers. As I approached, I ran into 4 horses coming up the steps. The riders were properly dressed in traditional Red jackets, jodhpurs and hats. Interesting I thought. Just after the steps, I cross the tracks and make my kick home, running hard to the edge of the parking lot. Feel great after strong run with really great pace. I'm parked on opposite side of the street. As I approach the street, I look left and see this:



It's the Wayne, IL annual fox hunt. Approximately 30 Hounds and 200 Horses approached and turned right onto the path I had just vacated. It was a sight to be seen and if not for perfect timing, I would have faced the entire "herd" and forced off the path. An admittedly unique ending to my last run on the path for this training season. 3 more runs before 10/11. Plan on my favorite routes. South to Adler for 7 on Tues, North to the point for 5 on Thursday and an easy 3 to the end of Navy Pier to take it all in on Friday. It's going to be a good week.

Check out the new stuff I added today on the blog. 2 documents from Joe about PD and his history with it and a link to Darryl Hill's journal of Shirley's journey with the disease. In addition, I have added some new great pictures from Chicago '08 from Kim to the slideshow. Love the new series of pics from Chinatown...says it all!

thanks for reading and have a great week. P

Oh My God Soba Pasta Salad

Another winner from Mark Bittman.
Click the header for tasty, simple Soba Pasta spinach salad. The recipe has no measurements, so do to taste. I did equal parts Mirin, Miso paste, Soy and the juice of 1 lime. I also added a little crushed red pepper and a touch of honey. In addition, I added Chicken stir fried with garlic and ginger because God forbid I don't have some form of meat in my dinner!

Eating it cold out of the fridge as I type. Delish.

Enjoy.