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.

Weekend Recap

This weekend was our pre-race trip the trails - 20 miles total (10 out and 10 back). The Chicago team went to New Jersey and ran actual trails (you know, dirt, rocks, trees, etc). It was hot and humid. Not one of my best runs, but now its done and the marathon is less then 30 days away! OMG!

This weekend is Reach the Beach. It's a 200 mile relay race in New Hampshire. We're heading up to NH on Thursday night and start running Friday morning. I am very excited - should be excellent.

Hottest run of the season

So this weekend was the hottest run of the season (and the longest). It was like 85 with an 85% humidity - I was sweating before I started running. Despite the heat, still managed to get in a long run. Coach Michael decided to change this up this weekend and we did a "Bridge Run". What's that you ask? We ran the bridges! Started at Riverside, ran down the Westside Highway, across at Chambers and over the Brooklyn Bridge (like last week), except we turned around at the Brooklyn side and ran back to Manhattan (too bad it was too foggy for a good view). We then ran up Centre to Delancy and out and back over the Williamsburg Bridge. Then up the East River Running path, up 1st Ave to 72nd and back to Riverside.

Total mileage: 19.33 miles.

And, on top of it being hot and humid and a long run - it was hilly! Never run over a bridge? Trust me - its a hill (both directions!)! Man was I tired afterwards!

Saturday Long Run

The hot and humid weather continues. During Saturday's long run, it was 75 degrees with 92% humidity. I have never sweated so much in my life. Did 14 miles, which was one less then my goal, but I would have died if I did the last mile, so I cut it short. Talked to the coaches and they said that was a wise decision. Running when your body can't handle it requires a longer recovery time and does more damage then good.
Got up early this morning and did some cross training exercises. Squates, lunges, pushups and ab work. Starting the week off right.

Recent runs

Training has been going well lately. Ran 13 miles over the week. Definitely felt tired at the end, but it was ungodly humid, so that's to be expected. Training was last night, did a tempo run. First 1 mile was a warm-up and then ran the next 5 at a tempo pace (not all out racing pace, but faster then a casual run). Felt good during the run. Made sure to hydrate all day and eat a good lunch. Definitely helped. 15 miles this weekend. Supposed to be hot and humid all weekend, always fun.