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By kilax, July 21, 2011 6:49 pm

Ahh! You know what I remembered during my run today*? It’s my six year blogiversary! I’ve been blogging for six whole years. Wow!

I think I say it every year, but the best thing about blogging is the people you meet. I’ve met my best and closest friends through blogging! And there are a ton of you I want to meet in person. Thanks for reading and supporting me!

As a thank you, I am giving away two $10 iTunes giftcards (there will be two winners)!

(Yeah, those are the actual cards – I apologize for any teeth marks on the pink one)

$10 iTunes Giftcard Giveaway Rules

1. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling me what I should do on my two staycation days next week. If your name is Jen or Bobbi tell me I should come hang out with you and go swimming.
2. This giveaway is open until 5:00 PM CST on Sunday July 24. I will use random.org to select the winner. I will announce the winner on Monday July 25
3. This giveaway is open to all readers.
4. There will be two winners.
5. Data is not included in the giveaway (sorry, Denise).

*Which went surprisingly well, considering it was 96 out when I started! I ran 8 miles and felt great!

Comments (15)

By kilax, July 21, 2011 2:24 pm

This week’s long run will be in Central Park! With Tracy! In the 95°F degree weather (<– ugh, let’s try to ignore that part)! It’s an organized long run, so I have a bib!

The bib says I can run 9:00 minute miles! Ha ha ha.

Ha.

Yeah… I can run that – in the fall! Lately, I am lucky if I can get in under 11:00 minute miles. That works for me! I am just happy to be running injury-free.

Where are you running lately? Do you like to try out new courses/trails?

I love checking out new running places – I just found a new (to me) trail in Indiana this week. And I have not seen much of Central Park OR run in it so it should be an adventure. Especially if Gina comes with me and we go get bagels afterward.

Comments (26)

By kilax, July 21, 2011 5:24 am

Ha! Another week of random thoughts:

• Yesterday when Steven was picking me up at the train station, a man approached him (as I was walking to the car) and asked Steven to help him with directions to a nearby hospital/clinic. Steven told the man how to get there, then he said thanks, and that he would walk the 3 miles to the hospital. We got in to our car and I said, “Don’t you think we should offer than man a ride?” It seemed risky (since we had no idea who he was), but with the temps near 100° and it being so frickin’ humid, I thought we should offer. We did, and he accepted. It’s a good thing we helped him because he had the address wrong anyway! If he would have walked, he would have gone a mile or so in the wrong direction. So, this guy took Metra 20 miles north to visit his friend who was ill, and was going to walk to the hospital. My oh my. I could tell he was European by his accent. He is probably used to public transportation being more readily available (or just used to all that walking) – I know I relied on it when I lived in Italy. Anyway, would you have offered him a ride?
• Okay, me telling that story totally reminds me of the time I got me and a friend from Verona to Paris with very little planning except having plane tickets. We ended up riding from the airport (60 miles away from Paris) in to the city with a man and his wife that I met on the plane. Wow (You can read about that adventure here, Feb 3 post) would you have done that (got in the car with two strangers)?
• I got my hair cut yesterday. When I sat down and the stylist started combing my hair she asked “Do you straighten your hair?” I said I used to, but haven’t for months. Then she said “Do you dye your hair a lot?” And I said “No… why?”  “Well, your hair is incredibly dry.” Great. Thanks. I don’t even do damaging things to my hair (straighten it, blow dry it, or dye it) and it still looks like crap. Wah wah wah.
• Brian had to cancel our strength session today. I am bummed! That was going to be my only strength workout this week. I look forward to them. Wah.
• I read Dead Until Dark while I was on travel (Erin loaned in to me in the winter). Look at me, reading books – woo hoo (it takes me forever to read a book these days)! Anyway, it’s the first in the Sookie Stackhouse books that the show True Blood is based on. I thought it was a fun read, and interesting (but I am not in love with the book or anything). Anyone else read the books or like the show?
• Oops. I should have read the instructions to my antibiotics before taking them (I didn’t read them until last night). I was totally out in the sun for a long time on Tuesday and have been taking the meds with my vitamins. Antibiotic FAIL.



• Anyone else running in this heat? I went out on Tuesday night in Louisville and put in 5 fun miles. I’ll probably be out there today too.
• I saw this note (below) where I started my run on Tuesday. It was on this plaque about Lewis & Clark. I almost feel like I should submit it to passiveaggressivenotes.com (does someone want to for me?).





• This is the first post in a long time that I have had ready to publish the night before! All of my posts used to be that way. Now they all seem to be on the fly. Do you have your posts pre-written and scheduled to publish?

Comments (15)

By kilax, July 20, 2011 5:37 pm

Last year when I was shopping at Kohl’s with my mom (for a Workout in the Park outfit for her) I stumbled across these bermuda length workout shorts. I didn’t think anything of it, but I used them the next day at the workout and feel in love with them.

They’re perfect for me – they’re long enough to cover my somewhat jiggly thighs, and they also keep my thighs from chafing when I run! The only drawback is that they get really heavy when you run in them in the pouring rain, but that has only happened once.

Anyway, once I found out how much I liked them, I went back to Kohl’s to get another pair. They didn’t have any. We drove by another Kohl’s later on in the month and I looked – they had one pair in my size, in gray. I got them even though I knew they would have sweat stains when I wear them (they totally do -I’ll spare you that picture).  Another month later I was very far from my home and stopped at another Kohl’s and scored another black pair – now I was up to three. But I couldn’t find anymore. Even online. Why do I need so many pairs of workout shorts? Well, I get really sweaty in the summer, so I can’t wear them more than once. And sometimes I workout more than once a day!

I looked for something similar and never found anything even close, so I stuck with the three pairs. That is, until I wandered in to Kohl’s this past Saturday to get my new luggage, and found a pair! In the wrong size. I had hope they would have my size online, and they did (but in a different style pattern – weird)! And only $16.80 a pair (plus you know I had a coupon). So, I did what any sane person would do, and ordered four pairs. Good thing I did – now they don’t have my size online anymore (but if you are an XS, S or M, here is the link)!

They came today, and they are perfect. YAY!

I know I am dorky to share this, but what can I say?! I was excited! And if anyone else is looking for this style of short… now you know where to (maybe) get them.

What type of workout shorts do you prefer to wear?

I can’t wear the bun warmer type ones. Maybe someday (ha)!

Comments (13)

By kilax, July 19, 2011 6:46 am

I got extremely ill at work yesterday before my flight left for Louisville. I felt irritated,  dizzy, feverish and sweaty, yet had goosebumps and chills at the same time… and a few other symptoms that I will leave out. I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to sit on an airplane for an hour and a half (which turned out to be much more). I sent my symptoms to my sister and Steven, who looked up what I should do and some Urgent Care addresses in Kentucky and Indiana. I downed a bunch of water and miraculously made it through the flight. I was feeling so much better by the time I got off the plane, but I still went to Urgent Care, and sure enough, had an infection. Yay, antibiotics!

The whole reason I am sharing this is because I could not believe how much happier I felt when I got off that plane and was feeling better. I was almost giddy with excitement that I felt so much better, more comfortable and like a human being. I think I sometimes take my health for granted!

Comments (18)

By kilax, July 18, 2011 7:14 am

Ugh. I have to go to Louisville today for work. Again. I am a bit sick of going there. Every trip (this will be the third) has been during one of the nation’s heat waves, and I have just felt so gross and hot and uncomfortable. Ugh.

But! I have something that will make this trip a bit better – new luggage:

Before I was using a carry-on bag that only has handles (the shoulder strap broke off) and while it is good for driving trips where I don’t have to lug it far, it was making me crazy carrying it to the office, and all over the airport.

Hopefully the new luggage will make the traveling part a lot easier. And me a lot less crankier.

Do you have decent carry-on luggage?

Comments (6)

By kilax, July 17, 2011 3:22 pm

I am training for the Milwaukee Marathon on October 2nd.

Day 631 | July 11, 2011: rest

Day 632 | July 12, 2011: 3.43 m bike + 15.37 m bike + 3 m run

On Tuesday I rode my bike home, then met my running club friend, Chris for a long and easy out and back ride on the Millennium Trail. We had a great time chatting. Chris is someone I’ve always wanted to get to know better, and it seems this week was my chance (I saw her every day from Tuesday-Saturday). We saw a beautiful sunset on our way back… something a photo just can’t capture (although her iPhone did a very decent job!). Seeing natural beauty like that really makes me love biking (and running!).

We tried to time our ride to get back before the entrance to the forest preserve was closed, and got there right as the forest preserve guys were showing up to close the gate. They waited for us, thankfully!

I ran 3 quick miles in the dark when I got home. I accidentally left the shoes on I was wearing for the bike ride – bad idea – they were my old Asics which have a ton of miles on them and are way worn out! I won’t be doing that again!

Bike Time: 19:28 | Distance: 3.43 | Average Speed: 10.6 mph
Bike Time: 1:16:16| Distance: 15.37 | Average Speed: 12.1 mph
Distance: 3.0 | Temp: low 70s (!!!) | Time: 26:41 | Avg Pace: 8:53 | 1: 8:56 | 2: 8:59 | 3: 8:44

Day 633 | July 13, 2011: 4 m (3×800)

So, Wednesday. I was originally scheduled to do my tenth strength session with Brian (which I had to cancel the Saturday before) but my train was late so we canceled (again). I was bummed, but… ended up going to my first speedwork session with the running club! We did 3×800, which looked really easy on paper, but I didn’t do so well: 3:30, 3:37 and 3:43. I mean, part of me is happy I could run that fast, being so much heavier than I was during the winter, but those are incredibly inconsistent splits. Boo.

Distance: 4.0 | Temp: low 70s (again!!!) | Time: 36:18 | Avg Pace: 9:04

Day 634 | July 14, 2011: rest

Instead of working out, I went to the Grayslake Running Club social, to have a short club meeting and meet new club members!

And play silly games…

Bobbi and I know all about the correlation between running and TP (unfortunately?).

Day 635 | July 15, 2011: strength + 2.5 m run + 8.16 m bike

On Friday I finally got a strength session in. It had been a week and I was missing it! I worked with an exercise ball and hand weights. I was surprised how well I did with the ball. I am always worried about those things since I have no balance, but I didn’t fall (okay, it’s not like I was doing a pike or anything and Brian was usually holding the ball for me). I am always impressed with all the different stuff Brian comes up with me to do. I think he is like an evil exercise genius. Seriously! I don’t think I have done the same workout twice. I mean sure, the same moves from time to time, but he really shakes things up.

In the evening, I ran 2.5 miles at the Grant Woods Forest Preserve, then biked with two girlfriends from the club. It was a fun and easy bike ride! We chatted in the parking lot for at least over thirty minutes after the ride. It’s just easier to chat without the wind blowing in your ears…

Distance: 2.5 | Temp: mid 80s | Time: 23:08 | Avg Pace: 9:15 | 1: 9:32 | 9:04 | 3: 4:30
Bike Time: 48:14 | Distance: 8.16 | Average Speed: 10.2 mph

Day 636 | July 16, 2011: 14 m run

Alright. So, long run day. Bobbi and I met early (5:30 am!) on part of the Des Plaines River Trail to beat the heat. Yeah, you know how it goes – whenever you do that, it’s already muggy when you get started. But, at least it wasn’t sunny. It was pretty much Bobbi and me running together from 5:30-6:30, although we doubled back at 6:00 and 6:30 to meet more club members. I was feeling okay, but toward mile 8 (I think Bobbi turned back at 7.5), knew I was going to run out of water and it wouldn’t be pretty. I didn’t plan well for this run. I was going to fill up at my car, but didn’t make it back, so I got a bit thirsty. And slowed down big time. It was kind of a crappy run. I ran to a gas station at 12.5 miles to buy a 34 oz water and a huge gatorade. I drank most of the water right then and there. Overall I drink about 70 oz. during the run (and took GUs at 4, 8 and 12).

There were also lots of gross bugs during this run, and I got a weird rash and bites. And was covered in trail dust when I left.

But… it was fun to spend so much time with Bobbi, and other people from the club!

Distance: 14.0 | Start Temp: mid 70s | End Temp: mid 80s | Time: 2:38:42 | Avg Pace: 11:17

Day 637 | July 17, 2011: 7 m run + 4.41 m bike

I decided to do some heat training and run right before noon (with LOTS of water). I ran in my neighborhood and the one next to ours. It went okay, but I did drink all of my water (32 oz) and have to stop in the shade a few times (our neighborhood is so new, we have few trees and little shade). And I was really happy to be done. When, I got back home, I immediately drank about 20 oz of water and ate one of our deformed popsicles (melted and re-frozen after we got power back).

Distance: 7.0 | Start Temp: 89° | End Temp: 91° | Dew Point: 71° | Time: 1:17:47 | Avg Pace: 11:06

Updated to add: In the evening, Steven and I went on a fun bike ride on the trail behind our house.

Week Summary: 30.5 miles

Comments (9)

By kilax, July 16, 2011 9:32 am

What do you guys think? Should I give it a try on my next long run? Yummy…

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By kilax, July 14, 2011 7:10 am

I’ve had a lot of random thoughts that aren’t amounting to full blog posts lately so here are the snippets:

• If your neighbors were outside being loud past 10:00 pm and you couldn’t sleep, would you do something about it? Would you try to talk to them or just call the police? I cannot tell you how many times we have had to call the police to tell our idiot neighbors to STFU. We tried to talk to them once and Steven was verbally assaulted so the cops have just told us to call them and not communicate with our neighbors. Will do. Had to last night. Sigh.
• Do any of your family members blogs? My sister started a blog this week. I will let her share it in the comments if she wants.
• I’ve noticed a lot of my tops and dresses are wrap tops or have belts/ribbons to tie around the waist. What’s up with that?



• I am on work travel next week, then on vacation for a whole week then in training the next week… meaning I don’t have to do downtown all that much for awhile. WOO HOO! I am so sick of the train commute.
• We are going on a short vacation to New York City!
• I was able (schedule-wise) to run track last night – my first time meeting with the club. We did 3×800. I am not sure if I should be happy I was able to run the paces I did, being so fat, or if I should be disappointed in myself for being so inconsistent, and fat. I run so much faster  (and it’s easier!) when I am slimmer. But I have known that for a long time and done nothing about it, so, yeah.
• Holy crap this book makes me cry (picture below). Why do animal stories always do that to me? Damn you, Dewey!