What am I thinking?

Um..... 15 miles tomorrow? Really? What am I thinking????

Wish me luck!

Hoffman Estates Fitness for America Half Marathon

It has been very, very hot and humid recently.  Last week, the heat index soared above 100 degrees multiple times and it felt like a sauna by 7:30 in the morning when stepping outside.  Not fun running weather. I spent most of my week inside at the gym putting in a few runs before my half marathon on Saturday. 

I was very nervous for the race because of the predicted 92 degree high and the continuing humidity, but I planned to hydrate well and take it easy.  

The morning of the run was cooler than expected, but wet.  We had gotten a record rain fall the night before the race, so the course was already slightly flooded in areas, but in addition to that, the rain continued on and off while we were running.  I would complain about it, but I must say that I really enjoyed this run! The humidity was so horrible that even before the rain started, it looked like I had just stepped out of a pool.  So, when the sprinkles (and later heavier rain) started, it was very welcomed by me.  It felt very refreshing to be covered in water instead of sweat.  ;-)

I ran with a pacing group from Dick Ponds for the first time and I plan to do so from now on if I am signed up for a race without a friend.  This was a great way to meet people to chat with along the course and pass the time.  Before I knew it, we were rounding the turn at mile 10 with only a 5K ahead of us and I felt strong.  At mile 11, our pacer asked if we thought we had the energy to sprint to the finish (for the last few yards).  The group was indecisive, but I said that if I felt this good by mile 12, I was hoping to run up ahead and finish a few minutes ahead of schedule.  The course was hilly, though, so I was making no promises.  We hit #12 and off I went! I ran the last mile in about 9 minutes and finished in 2 hours and 17 minutes total.  What a great finish to a fantastic race.

I'm not sure if I will do this race again, though.  It's convenient because of the location (just 10 minutes from home), but I was disappointed by the lack of on-lookers and cheering squads.  In those moments when you want to quit, a cheerleader on the sideline might be the only thing to keep you from doing so and this race  had none of that…  It may have been the heat, humidity and rain that kept people away, but I still expected to see more people than I did.  Oh well.

Praise God for another fun race and for giving me the strength and endurance to finish another 13.1 miles! Next Monday I will be attempting my longest distance yet: 15 miles.  It will be a challenge, but one I am looking forward to.  This is the part of my training I've been excited about: the part where I finally begin to build and accomplish new goals.  I can't wait to tell you all about it. 

HOT HOT HOT!

I hate running on the treadmill, but this heat brings no relief from the boredom.  Safety first!

It will be interesting to see if the half marathon this weekend gets cancelled. Its supposed to be 92 degrees and too much humidity.  Can't wait (that was sarcasm...I will tell you since you can't see the expressions I make as I type).

No water pump?!?!?!

Today I met up with Anna Steeves to run 12 miles. We were so excited to get started having not seen each other in a few weeks.  Best thing I discovered today, which stole my energy and breath at about mile .3, Anna is running Chicago, too! I knew she was signed up for something, but I didn't know it was the Chicago marathon. SO: We get to run together! YAY!!! This actually caused me to leap and yell and probably frighten the woman running not very far ahead of us... whoops.

All the excitement had us heading out a little too fast and, while Anna seemed to feel amazing the entire way, I struggled in the last few miles.  I was so happy to have her with me to encourage me to keep going. =)

At around mile 11, we rounded the curve coming up to the much anticipated water pump.  Whereas a year ago I was weirded out about drinking from the water pump, I basically bathe in it now.  Plus, as Anna and I discussed, Ragnar has left us un-squeamish about many things. I guess baby-wipe showers and porta-potty  breaks over a 34 hour period of time will do that to you. It wasn't very long before we discovered the the pump was not turned on. Um, hello! Its mid summer and 90 degrees out and the water pump isn't turned on yet.  WHAT!?!?!?!

No Fear! Phillip is near! A quick call, a little stretching and a little resting in the shade later and Phil arrived with two water bottles filled with the most glorious tasting water I have ever had in my life.  Thanks, Phil! You're the best!

The last two - three miles were rough and long, but we finished! What I am most grateful for and what I cherish above all other running experiences is the friendships that I find along the way.  There is nothing like spending 2+ hours with a friend laughing, sharing trials, encouraging one-another and giving praise to God for his glory apparent in our very surroundings.