Chicago Marathon Crew Doppelgangers

In an effort to keep this training train on track, even whilst on vacation, I got up this morning and with a little help from The Squirrel went for a run.  Today's schedule called for a 5 mile run and I knew that Katie and Betsy were not going to slack off just because we were out of town so we strapped on the ole kicks and headed out.  I had been thinking earlier that I could skip this weekend's run since what I enjoy most is the quality time I get to spend with my new friends and without them here in Mississippi this run would be really boring.  The Squirrel was having none of it. 

Right out the front door we were greeted by two of what Josh is calling our Chicago Marathon Crew (hereafter referred to as CMC) doppelgangers.  First there was the one with all the energy.  Happily circling us and just giddy with anticipation of our new adventure together.  Her name is Annie but for my peace of mind this morning she was Kyle.

Annie: AKA Kyle

Kyle did his job today leading the way.  Whenever he'd get bored with our conversation he'd take off down the road a bit and see what was coming or if there was anything going on we needed to know about.  When he'd get to feeling left out he'd circle back and join us for a bit.

Kyle's co-hort this morning, greeting us at the door, was Pete.  Pete's a good sized pit-bull mix.  He has the same enthusiasm as Kyle but he's a bit older and wiser and doesn't have that urge or energy to necessarily waste.  He's not quite the sprinter that Kyle is either so he stays with us most of the run and doesn't venture off.  Well, Pete was going to be my Betsy for the morning.  I knew Betsy would be there, maybe a little slower than Kyle, but right by my side the whole way.

Pete: AKA Betsy

So the 4 of us headed down the driveway and decided which route we were going to take.  I looked down the road and saw our path and thought "this may not be so bad after all."  I have to admit my wannabe in-laws live in a pretty great place.  Miller Hill is beautiful!

Our Route

Not more than 100 yards down the road we ran in to the other half of the CMC doppelgangers,  John and Katie Gregg.  Now these doppelgangers didn't necessarily exude all of the same characteristics of John & Katie but they made me smile which is what John and Katie do on every run and I'm always happy to see them.



Horses: AKA John & Katie



Now although The Squirrel was taking this journey with me...we happened upon his doppelganger as well.  In my mind, every time we run, he's waiting for me to die.  Staying 3 paces behind me hanging on my every (gasping) breath waiting for it to be my last.  I don't think he wishes me dead so much as he just has a habit of envisioning the worst case scenario and he thinks I'm REALLY old and could keel over at any moment.

Buzzard: AKA The Squirrel

We made it the whole 5 miles with my stand-ins for company and had a really nice run.  I'm really glad The Squirrel got me to do it.  I'll be happy when Tuesday rolls around and I get the real thing back though.  These guys were nice for a break but the conversation wasn't nearly up to par with the real thing.

On a side note the leg is hurting less each day. I ice it after every run.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

I hate to complain but...

Seriously, I'm really not that big of a whiner but...

In an effort to give my sore leg (Josh thinks I've got a tight-tendon...whatever that is) a rest, I went to the LJCC at lunch today for a swim. I swam for 30 minutes and didn't count my laps. I was trying something new. I hated it. I'm a counter. I need that sense of accomplishment at the end or at least the mental goal of "only 5 more laps" to keep me motivated. I'll be back to ticking off those laps one by one next time. No worries, it was a nice experiment and now I know "me" a little better.

It's now 5:00 pm. 4 1/2 hours after my swim and I still have TWO ears full of water. It's driving me crazy! I need some pointers from a professional. Maybe I'll hit up one of my heros, like Jason Lezak, on the Facebooks and see if there is an alternative to earplugs. I really don't want to deal with keeping up with earplugs.

Okay...maybe I am a bit of a whiner. I'm just learning all sorts of new things about myself today!

Pushing The Needle Too Far

Here I go again! At least this time there seems to be a purpose to this blog, at least for a while.

I must have recently lost my faculties because, almost on a dare, I signed Josh and I up to run the 2011 Chicago Marathon. I'm an idiot. Let me clarify. I'm a COMPLETE idiot. At this time, the farthest I have EVER run in my life is 5 miles, and I couldn't walk for 3 days after that. There is no logical explanation for my behavior nor is there any reason to believe I will actually be able to complete this task. I've got some great training partners who are full of encouragement and positive feedback but I don't think they understand how bad running actually hurts me. Sharp pains in my shins, sore back, sore hips and as we trot along at what Josh and several of my pals consider a leisurely pace I am winded and can't begin to carry on a conversation.

I refuse to give up though!! If Oprah can do it, then by golly I can too. The pain in the shin is the only thing that really concerns me. I have faith the others will pass with training. This morning marked only my 5th day of training and I couldn't even do 4 miles. Had to stop with 3 because my shin (just the left one) really tightened up. I'm going to give it about 2 more weeks and if I'm still suffering then I'll check on a Dr. visit.

I'll keep you updated. Wish me luck!! I'm gonna need it ALL!! The journey's gonna be a lot of fun anyway!!