Comments (34)

By kilax, September 21, 2010 5:03 am

When I visited my cousin Danielle in Milwaukee on Sunday, I had to get a guest pass just to get past the lobby of her dorm building. It involved filling out a form on a computer (first her student ID, then ALL of my info), getting our picture taken together at security, then going through a separate gate, where we showed both of our IDs to pass. And a secret handshake (not).

Jeez.

On the back of the pass, it says (among other things) I have to pay $5 for another if I lose this one.

I understand the security features and why they are doing this. But I just wanted to use her bathroom when I got there! I was worried the 15-minute free parking would expire before we even got to her room (it didn’t).

When I was in college (oh gosh, here we go, like I am old or something…) we just had keys to get in to our building. That was it. Maybe it was even unlocked during certain hours. I don’t recall. We definitely didn’t have these passes (and I lived in student housing from fall of 2002 to spring of 2004, just for the record).

What’s the craziest security you’ve had to go through to get in to a building? What was it like at your dorm/school? Do you have to go through security where you work?

At my office, I have to show an ID to get in. Guests have to go through a metal detector. When I first started working in my building, President-Elect Obama was still in it, so we ALL had to go through security like that every morning. Fun times. Ha. It wasn’t that bad.

I did see the full body scanners at *O’Hare the last time I was there, but it was unclear who they were selecting to go through them. I can’t remember any crazy security at the Vatican or White House or anything. Maybe I can’t remember anything because it’s only gotten crazy lately.

*Evil

Comments (37)

By kilax, September 20, 2010 5:05 am

To work? To see friends? To see family? To run races?*

52, 50, 62-540, unlimited! Well, the last three are mostly unlimited!

This weekend, I spent Saturday with Erin (so fun!) who lives 50 miles south of me. Then on Sunday, I drove to Milwaukee (62 miles north of me) to pick up my cousin Danielle so we could go to the outlet malls in Kenosha.

Danielle and Me with the Old Navy girls

Basically, I drive all over the place (take the train to work) and think this is normal. I think it is normal for the Chicagoland area, but is it normal anywhere else? Do you think it’s crazy?

What’s a normal travel distance for you to work, see friends/family, do other activities?

I don’t mind driving, especially on the Chicago highways, where you can go almost any speed you want (ha!) but I would love to live closer to my friends (and okay, family (sometimes, ha ha**)).

*This one’s aimed at you, Adam!
**Just teasing guys!

Comments (30)

By kilax, September 19, 2010 6:14 pm

My next race is the Chicago Marathon on October 10.

Running Highlights of the week:

1. Another new PDR – 20 miles!



2. Meeting up with other bloggers!


Bobbi, me and Erin.

3. Meeting a new running friend! (more on that below)
4. Seeing elk in Elk Grove Village during my 20 miler!



5. Hanging out with Erin all day after my 20 miler!

Day 330 | September 13, 2010: yoga

Ha, on Monday, it had been two weeks since I’d done any yoga. Oops! I did the YogaWorks 45-min Beginners DVD.

Day 331 | September 14, 2010: rest

Day 332 | September 15, 2010: 5 m run

I decided to be adventurous and try out the Deer Grove Forest Preserve (in Cook County) since I was nearby running an errand. It was kind of a disaster though. I drove through the park for a long time then it took me forever to find the actual trail. The whole time I was driving I was stressing out about how the park would close at sunset and I wouldn’t get my run in. Do you ever stress about getting your run in at the end of the day? I love running in forest preserves, but as the sunset gets earlier and earlier, it’s a sign it’s time to run in my neighborhood.

The run felt pretty blah. My chest still felt congested and my breathing was off (but the rest of my body felt okay). Bugs kept flying in to my eyes, and that was making me angry and annoyed. Another reason to avoid the forest preserves at night – all the bugs.

I should say though, the trail was heavily shaded and it would be nice to run there on a hot summer day. The trail was more loose and rugged that what I am used to in Lake County, but it was manageable. The whole time I was running I heard animals in the woods, and even saw some deer. It felt like I was in the middle of no where. Maybe I just needed to be around some people. I think I miss running with Steven a bit.

Distance: 5.0 | Start Temp: 70° | End Temp: 66° | Time: 52:09 | Avg Pace: 10:25 | 1: 10:00 | 2: 10:45 | 3: 10:27 | 4: 10:37 | 5: 10:17

Day 333 | September 16, 2010: 8 m run

This 8-miler was so much better than the 5-miler the night before, which is funny, considering the pace was nearly the same. I guess I felt better being close to home (just ran around the neighborhood) and I didn’t look at the Garmin (and couldn’t see the screen on it) except for miles splits.

I forgot to put my knee brace on (had worn it the day before) but I only had a hint of knee (and ankle, wtf?) pain, that went away. Yay.

This run gave me the confidence I needed to tackle my 20-miler on Saturday!

Notice the temps below? It’s almost fall!

Distance: 8.0 | Start Temp: 61° | End Temp: 57° | Time: 1:24:21 | Avg Pace: 10:32 | 1: 10:31 | 2: 10:41 | 3: 10:46 | 4: 11:04 | 5: 10:46 | 6: 10:22 | 7: 10:13 | 8: 9:54

Day 334 | September 17, 2010: yoga

I did the same beginners DVD as I always do. As you can see, I still have a lot of… potential left with yoga! Ha. I took this picture so I could see my Downward Dog form. Uh…

Day 335 | September 18, 2010: 20.1 m run

For my 20 Miler, I decided to participate in the new supported “20 Miler” being held in Busse Woods (about 30 miles from my house). I had originally been thinking about going down to Chicago the next day to do the CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler, but this one was closer, cheaper, and less fuss. I’m happy I decided to do it!

I thought there was a great turn-out for the inaugural event. I got to the run about 45 minutes before start and there were already tons of people there! We had to delay the start a few minutes just so everyone could get their bibs!

Funny story – I had to go to the bathroom before the start. They had porta potties, but there was also a public bathroom right there too. Why use the porta potties when the public bathroom is available, right? Well, because the two stalls in the public bathrooms had no doors and no seats. Yes, you squat over the seat, in the open. And yes, I did it! Ha, I even made a joke to the woman using the other “stall.” This must be a good pre-run stretch for our quads?

As you can see in the second picture in this post (above), Erin and Bobbi were at the run as well! It was the first 20-miler for all of us! We all run different paces, but it was fun to meet up before and encourage one another! And it was my first time meeting Bobbi. What a sweetie! I can’t wait to spend more time with her.

The 20 mile run went all over Busse Woods – I think we did a total of three separate out-and-backs. I didn’t mind them, except for when the super speedy were coming back already, and I felt like I was just getting started!

That’s Erin in the lime green!

The first half of the run went really well for me. Right away, within the first mile, I started talking to a runner with a Champaign Urbana Marathon (and half) shirt on. Her name was Shari and I ended up running and talking with her from most of mile 1-12, then miles 15-18! She was a bit speedier than me, so I used her to pace myself. I would take walk breaks (she didn’t) then try to catch back up! I slowed down a bit at 13/14, and when she saw me at 15 she turned around so we could run together a bit again! What a sweetheart! She had a great attitude and was a blast to talk to. She is running the Chicago Marathon as her first, and we exchanged emails so we can keep in touch and encourage one another. I took a picture of us but didn’t get her permission to post it, so her is a picture of her back as I try to catch up with her over a bridge (she’s in the blue).

Ugh. This is already getting too long. Sorry. That is what happens when you run for so long. So much to say!

So, the first half went really well and I felt on top of the world. I was around a bunch of other runners and that really kept me going and helped me keep the pace up! It made me confident that I will do well (for me) in Chicago with the other runners around and especially with all the spectators!

I started to sort of get tired around mile 13 though. I took an extra walk break at 14 and put my music on. I met up with Shari at 15, and it started to pour rain.

The ominous skies – sorry about the blurry picture!

Oh gosh. Did it ever POUR. And lightening. I was soaked within seconds. It poured rain for miles 15-18, then rained less hard the last two. I could taste salt pouring in to my mouth from my face (weird!). My shoes and shorts got so heavy. I was worried about all the electronics I was carrying, especially the camera. Shari kept up a great attitude, but the rain was really starting to get me down and make me feel miserable. Shari went ahead as we hit 18 and I took my last walk break. And didn’t really feel like I ran for that 19th mile. I felt so slow, like I could barely move. BUT… I picked it up and found my pace again for the 20th and finished strong! Erin even came and ran the last part of the finish with me, holding my hand! I was really happy she did that!

There was a little picnic afterward, so I had a veggie dog, chips and a banana. I rarely feel hungry right after a long run (do you?) but I make sure to eat anyway. Erin and I hung out a bit, then she had to leave to take people home (she carpooled), so I walked back the course a bit to watch Bobbi finish! She did great! Her longest run to date had been just over 13 miles and there she was doing 20! We hung out a bit, then I got in to my car, shivering, with prune fingers and blue lips from the rain. I drove to Erin’s house so we could hang out for the rest of the day (after we both took nice hot showers). We had a blast hanging out all day. It was the perfect way to end our 20 mile adventure!

Overall, my body felt good during the run, except for the bottom of my left foot, which I think I land on funny. I did have a lot of strange blisters when I got home, but I think that is from the rain.

I am excited for Chicago! I think I can do it!

Run stats: I took a vanilla bean GU at 6 (YUM! Has anyone else tried the Vanilla Bean GU?). I got hungry at 10, and ate half of a peanut butter Larabar at 12 and the other half at 15. I also ate a sample pack of sports beans at 18 that were handed to me on course (YUM!). I drank LOTS of water. All of my 4 eight ounce bottles, numerous cups from volunteers, and I even filled up each bottle once and some twice. I was thirsty (until it started pouring). I walked a minute after each third mile (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18) and took an extra one-minute walk break at 14. I wore the Adrenaline 10s without inserts.

And I wore a new bra! The Target C9 bra like many of you recommended. And… NO CHAFING!!!

As you can see in the photo below, it sits up high, above my chafe marks from the Moving Comfort bra. I lubed up like no other, and am really happy about this bra (so far!!!).

Distance: 20.0 | Start Temp: 62° | End Temp: 64° | Time: 3:45:21 | Avg Pace: 11:12 | 1: 10:46 | 2: 10:19 | 3: 10:51 | 4: 11:03 | 5: 11:01 | 6: 11:02 | 7: 11:12 | 8: 10:52 | 9: 10:41 | 10: 11:14 | 11: 10:44 | 12: 10:45 | 13: 11:43 | 14: 11:57 | 15: 11:07 | 16: 11:11 | 17: 10:52 | 18: 11:44 | 19: 13:23 | 20: 11:39

Day 336 | September 19, 2010: rest

Week Summary: 33.1 miles

This ended up being another funky week for me. I got really sick on Tuesday with a migraine and had to switch all of my workouts around. I don’t really think of running and yoga as a very “balanced” week. I think at this point, I should just focus on feeling good during my runs though! Once I get through Chicago, I can start worrying about strength and cross training.

Besides, I shouldn’t really feel guilty for missing those things – I ran 20 miles!!!

Comments (29)

By kilax, September 17, 2010 5:44 am

What is the funniest thing you have ever heard a kid say* or what is the funniest thing you have accidentally said to/around a kid?

This question was inspired by an encounter with a young boy in my neighborhood last Friday. I was outside walking Data around noon, when the boy got home with his mother (must have been in morning school).

Boy: I really like puppies!
Kim: (thinking he is confused by the crazy woman walking her cat) Oh, this is a cat!
Boy: When your cat dies, are you going to get a puppy?!
Kim: (trying not to laugh) Maybe!

He then went on to tell me all about his waterproof backpack and Mario Brothers shirt until his mom made him go inside.

Ha ha.

Another time (and I have mentioned this story here, but before I was using wordpress) I overheard a young girl talking to her mom in the bathroom at Borders.

Girl: (referring to her poop) It’s coming! It’s coming and it’s knocking on the door!

Hmm, never heard anyone say that before!

And for my “accidentally said around a kid” story… Last summer, I was in my parent’s speed boat with my mom and young nephew. My dad and Steven went by in the jet boat (photo below) and caused a huge wave of water to come over the boat we were in, soaking us. I was actually taking this photo when the water came over us, and jokingly yelled “You F*ckers!!!” and shook my fist…

Only to see my nephew shake his fist too and yell “You F*ckers!” Oops.

*Tori, I expect you to have a lot of good ones!

Comments (29)

By kilax, September 16, 2010 7:00 am

This stuff must actually work.* I only woke up once last night to use the bathroom and fell right back asleep. And I slept like a log on the train ride to work this morning!

What do you do when you can’t sleep?

I normally would not take drugs to help me sleep. I actually try to avoid over-the-counter drugs as much as possible. However, I haven’t been sleeping well for weeks. At first because we were in the hospital for so many days, and then because I had a cold. I thought being exhausted would help me sleep, but I think stress is keeping me up. My mind is racing at all hours of the night. I try to shut it off, but all these thoughs pop in to my head.

So my sister suggested I try these. Thanks Christina!

Hopefully this issue will go away soon.

*Or it’s a placebo and the fact that I was up at 4:00 am yesterday, worked all day, “ran” errands then ran 5 miles just made me tired enough that I could finally sleep.

Comments (27)

By kilax, September 15, 2010 6:30 am

The Chicago Marathon banners went up a few weeks ago, but my walk down LaSalle Street this morning was the first chance I’ve had to see them.

Last year, seeing the banners as I walked to work brought on feelings of dissappointment and shame. I was supposed to be running the Kansas City Marathon on October 17th, 2009, but couldn’t because of a stress fracture. I was majorly bummed.

However, watching the Chicago Marthon last year was incredibly inspiring. I shortly got back in to training a week later, and signed up for the 2010 Chicago Marathon as soon as I could this February.

Now we’re less than a month away! While my training has been less than stellar, and I know I won’t be running the marathon I have in me (no chance, no way) I am still excited. Seeing the banners this year just ignites that excitement. 10-10-10 will be here before I know it…

What’s exciting/inspiring you today?

And another picture to share – the view out of my office this morning – the sun rising over Lake Michigan! Really beautiful – until the sun heats up my desk and I have to turn the shades on. Ha ha.

Comments (42)

By kilax, September 15, 2010 5:34 am

I’ve been thinking a lot about Steven’s mom and the time spent in the hospital preceding her death. Honestly, my mind is quite jumbled right now. If you’ve talked to me in person lately, you may have noticed I am even more scatter-brained, random and babbly* than usual. Heck, you’ve probably noticed it on here!

I probably won’t share many of my thoughts, out of respect, but I did want you guys to know that there is still a lot on my mind, and while I am posting some light-hearted stuff here, that doesn’t always reflect how I am truly feeling. It’s just me trying to create a distraction for myself. So thanks for participating!

With that being said, one thing I do want to write about is how I tried to avoid crying throughout all of this, and how it bit me in the butt.

I arrived at the hospital in Kansas City on a Friday night (8/27) and was there until the following Saturday (9/4). I don’t want to go in to the details, but it was a roller coaster of emotions being there, hoping for the best, having doctors telling you to expect the worst, but then seeing Linda looking so peaceful, and so on. It was exhausting.

The whole time I was there, for some reason, I didn’t want anyone to see me cry. I don’t know. Did I want to be strong for the family? Does that even make sense? Maybe in a sleep-deprived, extremely sad head it does. Mind thinks if someone else looks sad or is crying, I should hold it together.

I remember I broke down in tears for the first time that Thursday, as I called my dad, then Erin. I couldn’t keep it together anymore. I went in to the lobby where I could cry by myself and let it out on the phone. Then I held it in again. Until that Saturday night when we got home, and I couldn’t sleep because I was hysterically sobbing. I called my sister that time (it was late!).

I will never be able to express how much I appreciate their support as I was letting it all out.

It happened again on Sunday a bit when I was talking to Erin again. Then again the next Monday when I was with my sister, aunt and grandma, and couldn’t make a decision about leaving my home town or driving back to Illinois. At this point, I was kind of an emotional wreck.  Little things were setting me off (obviously).

Then I got it back together to head back to work and told myself, “Enough! Pull yourself together!” But why did I feel like I had to tell myself that?

So, it wasn’t until this Saturday at the service, when Linda’s cousin and her husband were playing a beautiful piano/guitar version again of “All You Need Is Love,” that the water works started a bit again. How does music do that?! How does music make us feel so emotional?

As I listened to the Beatles song, I sat there thinking about how much fun we had had with Steven’s family playing Beatles Rock Band this past holiday season. Everyone was resistant to play at first, but once we started, they really got in to it. We probably played for a good hour or two, each of us taking turns at the instruments. I remember Linda particularly liked the guitar and singing. I remember having an absolute blast. I felt sad at the funeral we would not be able to do that again.

Jeez, think we have enough house plants?!

Oh look, a video of my awful singing!

But I’m really happy I have that memory.

So, I say not trying to cry bit me in the butt because when I did, I just felt so deeply sad and the tears were (sometimes) somewhat out of control. And made me feel worse. I am sure there will be more to come, as certain feelings or memories arise.

Has anyone else ever tried to hold back tears? Why do you think you did?

Thanks for reading!

*My made up adjective for “babbling” and “babble.”

Comments (20)

By kilax, September 14, 2010 5:18 am

In my Sunday Training post, Mica left a question asking if I drive to all of the trails I run on, and how far away they are. After I wrote her a response, I thought it would be fun to ask all of you where you like to run, and how far you have to go.

Where do you prefer to run? On what kind of surface? How far do you travel to run?

 Loading ...

I prefer to run on non-technical trails (usually crushed limestone). We live in Lake County, IL, and are surrounded by Forest Preserves with trails – see map below (click to see larger interactive map):

And… one is currently being built in our backyard! It will be 2.5 miles long when completed in fall of 2011, but will eventually connect to the Millennium Trail (purple trail in map above). The photo below shows where it will start, in our neighborhood.

The closest forest preserve to our house is 2 miles away. It takes between 10-30 minutes to drive to most others.

Does your city have a big trail system?

The forest preserves are probably the #1 thing I love about where we live – especially since they are building one so close to our house (our house is one of those in the top pic!). I am excited to watch it be built. You can expect to see progress photos!

Comments (34)

By kilax, September 13, 2010 4:59 am

Something I left out of yesterday’s post was how painful the shower was that I took after my ice bath (and 18 mile run). The warm water hit my back and I had to let out a little scream. Why? Here’s why (I decided the pictures were kind of gross, so I made them in to links to view at your own discretion).

My sports bra has been chafing my back for quite some time – as you can see in the first photo, there are scars from the older chafe marks below the new ones. I tried Body Glide and vaseline and they did not help. I have yet to try athletic tape.

I wear the Moving Comfort Dori bra. It’s time to try a new one, I think (or get a bigger size?). Any sports bra recommendations from my female running friends?

Does anyone else have an awful chafing story to share with me? Any tips? Where do you chafe?

I used to between my thighs, but now that I wear bermudas when I run, that hasn’t been an issue. It’s just my back and under my armpits. My sister has suggested that I just run “free.” I may have to try that. I wonder how far I will get before I knock myself out.

Comments (22)

By kilax, September 12, 2010 4:01 pm

Thank you for all of the thoughtful comments on my last post. They really meant a lot to me and Steven.

The funeral was last night in Kansas City. It was an absolutely beautiful service and it was great to see so many friends and family members.

My next race is the Chicago Marathon on October 10 (I had to skip the Chicago Half Marathon on 9/12 to be in Kansas City).

Running Highlight of the week: Another new slow PDR – 18 miles!

Day 323 | September 6, 2010: 2 m run

I thought this would be my 18-miler, but I got out on the trail and my left knee told me to stop.

Distance: 2.0 | Start Temp: 68° | Time: 22:19 | Avg Pace: 9:53 | 1: 10:40 | 2: 11:37

Day 324 | September 7, 2010: rest

Day 325 | September 8, 2010: 3 m run

Ugh, this is getting so frustrating! I felt fine until the last part of the third mile, then my left knee started to hurt and made me limp, so I quit running. I am going to try running slower.

Angry runner.

I was running by myself in the Rollins Savanna. Well by myself, meaning with all the bugs flying in to my face, and with my shadow. I pretended it was Steven saying “You’re limping! You better stop running!”

If Steven would have been running with me I also probably would not have been pissed off that only one ear in my headset was working (because I wouldn’t have been using them). Hmm. Think someone’s a bit moody…?

At least the temperature was right. I was cold when I had to walk a mile back to my car.

Distance: 3.0 | Start Temp: 65° | Time: 29:31 | Avg Pace: 9:50 | 1: 9:38 | 2: 9:58 | 3: 9:53

Day 326 | September 9, 2010: rest

Day 327 | September 10, 2010: 18 m run

Finally. I was worried I would never get my 18-miler done!

Per my running coach’s suggestion (that would be Coach Erin), I wore a knee brace and walked a minute after each mile. That seemed to do the trick! I was able to make it through with only slight knee pain every now and then.

I ended up starting on the Des Plaines River Trail at Independence Grove and running 9 miles out and back. I got to see “new” parts of the trail (new in the sense that I had never seen those parts before) and I really enjoyed that.

It was a beautiful morning! Can you see the teeny tiny Remax Hot Air Balloon in the picture above?

And despite having a cold and being alone on this run, I still had fun. I just blew lots of snot rockets and listened to a bunch of podcast!

Run stats: I tried two new GU flavors – Orange Burst at 7 and Tri-Berry at 13. I liked them both, but felt hungry at 16 miles. Maybe I should carry a bar or something. I ended up drinking eight 8-ounce containers of water (most of it in the last 1/3 of miles) and one 8-ounce container of Rain Berry Gatorade. I felt like the Gatorade made me more thirsty. Has Gatorade (or any sports drink) ever made you thirstier? I wore the Brooks Adrenaline 10s sans inserts.

I took a quick ice bath when I got home, because my legs felt really sore and stiff right away. I didn’t mention this before, but when I take ice baths, Data comes in to the bathroom and basically freaks out. He gets all worried and does a concerned meow at me. He bats at the ice, gets close to the faucet and this time he even got in to the bath with me (before I put the ice in) – see below:

Distance: 18.0 | Start Temp: 53° | End Temp: 68° | Time: 3:26:35 | Avg Pace: 11:28 | 1: 11:24 | 2: 11:26 | 3: 11:31 | 4: 11:33 | 5: 11:47 | 6: 11:06 | 7: 11:04 | 8: 11:09 | 9: 10:36 | 10: 11:04 | 11: 11:25 | 12: 11:26 | 13: 11:40 | 14: 11:24 | 15: 11:34 | 16: 11:43 | 17: 11:55 | 18: 12:36

Day 328 | September 11, 2010: rest

Day 329 | September 12, 2010: rest

Week Summary: 23.00 miles

This was a rough week for me. I am ready for things to get back to normal… exercise and life-wise.