Let the training begin!

Week 1 of Goofy training has begun! This is the first week of the training and I feel more prepared for a training cycle than I ever have before. I put in a lot of miles since May and the strength training I have been doing since December is definitely helping. I also have been working my core. My friend Liz is a personal trainer and she has been kicking my butt (core). I had a great 10 mile run on Sunday, one of those nice and easy runs. It felt great. I did a 5k on the 9th and did it in 34:59. It was very hot and humid that day so I'm happy with that time. I hope the next 20 weeks of training fly by, but I know I'll have plenty of rough patches. Let's hope they are few and far between!

For now,

Adding to the Adventure Book!

Some more Videos and Photos from the RNR Half

Here are some more videos from the Half.

The start:

Video Between Miles 4 and 5:

Dave's review of the PF Changs VIP Area:

That's it for now. Thanks to Dave for taking some great pictures and video. I appreciate you following me around the city, even if you did stop for Starbucks and almost missed me. Love you!

Adding to the Adventure Book!

Rock and Roll Chicago Half Marathon Race Report

I survived the Rock and Roll Chicago Half Marathon on August 2nd and I'll leave it until the end to let you know if I PR'd or not. We got down to Chicago Saturday morning and headed right to the Expo. Just as we got there they were announcing that Ryan Hall would be speaking in 5 minutes. I said to Dave, "Ryan Hall, way cool, we have to go" Dave said "Who is Ryan Hall?" We hightailed it over there and grabbed a seat. John "The Penguin" Bingham was there introducing him. Celebrity sightings everywhere! Ryan gave a great 30 minute talk about preparing for the race, pre race jitters, going out too fast, nutrition, etc. It's funny he was talking about 4:28 miles!! I can only imagine. After that we did a bit of shopping and then headed to the hotel to check in. Had an early dinner of my traditional spaghetti and meatballs and then off to bed early.

Up early and walked over to the starting area. Here is what I was thinking at this point:

Then Dave left me and went to start getting in position to get some pictures. I went and found my corral and began the long wait. It was a wave start so I had a 30 minute wait until it was my time to go. We were off and I of course start off too fast. My Garmin was messed up from the buildings so I couldn't tell what my pace was. I hit the first mile at about 11:00. Then the second one about 12:00, a bit better. Dave saw me here, but almost missed me. Here is the funniest portion of the race, caught on tape:

I felt good through out the whole race. It was crowded once we left downtown and hit the lakefront trails. I was concentrating on keeping track of my mile splits in my head. I was trying to keep under 12:30 miles. So what was Dave doing while I was running. Well we know he hit up a Starbucks, but what else:

Right about mile 12 was when I started to feel it. I dug in and kept pushing and before I knew it I was at the finish line. I crossed the line at 2:42:57. A 4 minute PR! Woo Hoo! I was tired and hot, but was immediately handed an ice cold wet towel. Best thing ever. I got my cool medal. Some water and a popsicle-what a great idea. I found Dave and he taped this. I was still winded:

It was a great race. I'll post some more videos and pictures in the next post.

So for now,

Adding to the Adventure Book

Ryan Hall

Speaking at Chicago RnR Half Marathon expo

Rock and Roll Half here I come!

It's been awhile.  I've been battling a sinus/ear infection and am finally starting to feel better.  Just in the nick of time too.    The Chicago Rock and Roll half is this Sunday.   We are heading down to Chicago tomorrow and so far the weather looks perfect for the race.   I'm hoping for a PR.  My previous best is 2:46:59.   Not sure if that will happen or not.   I did a 12 miler on Sunday and it was tough.   I'm going to go out and have fun and see what happens.   Check back here for next week for some pictures and video from the event.    

For now,

Adding to the Adventure Book!

My Signoff

Well folks we have a winner for my signoff.  Remember when I was looking for an idea to end all of my blog entries.   Dave came up with a great one.   It is inspired by the movie "Up".  For those that have seen the movie you will understand it immediately.   For those that haven't, let me fill you in.   Spoilers Ahead!!!!

Dave and I saw Up when it first came out.  The movie had a big effect on both of us.    We both were crying throughout the movie and still get misty eyed thinking about it even a month afterwards.  The movie is about a couple, Carl and Ellie.  Within the first 10 minutes we see how Carl and Ellie meet as young children, fall in love, get married and then ultimately Ellie passes away.  What got to Dave and I was that Carl and Ellie reminded us of our own relationship.   They had a jar that they put their spare change in to save for a big trip.   Dave and I have a large Campbells Soup tin that we throw our change in to buy something "fun".   It's just Carl and Ellie in the movie, no kids.  Same for us.  The big thing is that Carl and Ellie never got to take the dream trip that they always looked forward to.   Dave and I are lucky and we have already taken many dream trips.   The point of the movie is that you don't have to take a dream trip that life is a big adventure by itself.    Ellie created an "Adventure Book" that she put in everything they did and everything they wanted to do in the future.    I like to think that Dave and I have been creating our "Adventure Book"  and we are constantly adding to our own book.  So I will have my sign off be:   Adding to the Adventure Book!   I hope you all will continue to follow along.

So for now,

Adding to the Adventure Book!

A 5k on the 4th

Had  a busy 4th of July weekend.    Spent Friday boating and having fun at Blarney Island.  Then up early on the 4th for the Run for Freedom in Antioch.   I talked some friends into coming with and Dave even walked it!  Way to go everyone.  I was pleased with  my time: 34:34.   Much faster than last years 38:00.  I'm glad to know that I am getting fitter.   Sunday was a 10 mile run on very dead legs.   I muddled through it.   I bonked toward the end,  totally empty.  Needed another gel or something on the run.

Speaking of gels I've been very pleased with the Hammer Gels I ordered.   I heard about them during an interview with the owner of Hammer on the Run to Disney Podcast.    The guy had some great things to say and they made sense.  These are the first gels I have been able to stomach and they work great.   I had one about 10 minutes before my 5k and I'm sure that helped me improve my time.  

Spent the rest of the day yesterday just lounging around outside.   A nice relaxing afternoon and evening.  Dave made awesome ribs for dinner, his best yet!   

Less than 4 weeks until the Half!