Chicago Re-cap

Well, the Chicago marathon has come and gone. And let me tell you, it was one for the books. While I finished, it was most definitely one of the hardest things I've done. It was super hot in Chicago - so hot in fact that it was record breaking. Yup, record breaking. The temp reached close to 90 degrees. It was insane out. I just tried to drink as much water and gatorade as possible in order to stay hydrated. It was not an easy job. I was drinking 2 cups of gatorade at every station and pouring as much water on me as possible to stay cool. I was also putting ice in my hat to keep my head cool. The ground was un-godly hot. By Mile 17, my feet were on fire. And to top it all off, at Mile 23.5, the marathon was CANCELLED. That's right, cancelled. We were allowed to continue, but we're encouraged to walk. I still got to complete the entire 26.2 and cross the finish line. It was unreal. There were ambulances everywhere and people collapsed on the side of the course due to the heat. The heat just got to everyone.

I did finish, and I am very proud of it (especially considering the heat factor), but I do feel like I missed the true Chicago experience (although I won't be running there again for a while). Some of our team members weren't even able to finish! Ramon is organizing a team for the Philly marathon on November 18th for people who feel "cheated". I am seriously considering running it. Hmmmm. I'll be making a decision soon.

Things I learned this weekend...

Things I learned this weekend courtesy of the NJ Marathon:
1. Chocolate GU is repulsive after 22 miles. Vanilla from now one please.
2. Gatorade really is the drink of champions.
3. Local marathons are very different then big city marathons. Running through people's streets/neighborhoods, not so much fun
4. On a loop course (each loop equalling 13.1 miles), miles 12 and 13 are very depressing. Having everyone yell "Only 1 miles to go" or "You're so close" when you really have 13+ miles to go is not a great motivator.
5. TNT truly does have the best coaches :)
6. Coach Ramon and his cowbell will make anyone smile at mile 26.6

Alumni Fun Run!

Ready for Fall season? Missing our wonderful coaches? Come to the Alumni Reunion Fun Run on Sunday! Details below:

Sunday, April 22nd - Adidas Central Park 4-miler (click here to register: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/r0422x00.asp)
9:30am - Meet at Bethesda Terrace (south side)
10:00am - Run/Walk begins
11:00am - 1:00pm : Gin Mill (81st & Amsterdam Avenue )
and……
FREE breakfast & $3 mimosas

You know I'm there for the $3 mimosas :)

Make sure to wear your purple singlet and show some TNT pride!

As Coach Ramon says: Behave!

Long Run

Ended up doing a 12 mile long run instead of 14. My left calf was starting to bother me at Mile 11, so I decided to cut it short rather then risk injuring myself. Definitely a good idea. Even Coach Ramon agreed. Now only 1 long run left before the marathon - the Brooklyn 1/2 Marathon this weekend.

Races for the Month of April

In the home stretch of training before the marathon, but that doesn't mean I'm done racing. Here's whats on the ticket for April:

April 14 - NYRR Half Marathon Grand Prix: Brooklyn - working on my guaranteed entry for the 2008 NYC 1/2 Marathon. Although, I will be using this as a long training run. Ramon made me promise not to race it.
April 22 - adidas Run for the Parks (Central Park) - This is going to be a TNT Fun run to recruit alumni to come back for the Fall season. It'll be followed by a free breakfast and $3 mimosas at the Gin Mill. Check back for more details
April 29 - M-Day! New Jersey Marathon in Long Branch.

Pacing

Last night we continued to focus on pacing (something I was not so good at during my last marathon). We started at Bethesda and ran up East drive, across 102 and down the West side for 30 mins. Then we turned around and ran back pushing ourselves a bit. I managed to run back faster then I ran there (which is good). Ran just over 6 miles total.

Spoke with Coach Ramon about this weekends training run. Wasn't sure if I needed to run long again or if I should begin to taper (taper is when you start running easier to prep your body for marathon day). While my mileage will go down, I don't actually get to taper. According to Ramon, I need to run 14 miles on Saturday: 6 very easy and 8 hard. Making sure to push myself on the last 8 is key. Weather should be in the 40's on Saturday, making it great running weather.