On Eagle's Wings

Long Weekend

So, I'm at my parents' place for the holiday weekend. They live "up north" (a Wisconsin term), and there's not much around here. There's a little town with almost no sidewalks, and a lake, a river, and numerous farms.

Yesterday morning I decided to postpone my run to the afternoon. Good call, because it warmed up over 40 degrees in the afternoon. Beautiful! Sun shining, sky incredibly blue, and snow melting... what perfect running weather.


Hot Stuff

So, I pulled out my running skirt and long sleeve running shirt, and got ready to head out. But wait, are there any hunters this season? Maybe turkey hunters? Not sure. To be on the safe side, I grabbed on of my parents' bright orange reflective vests. They are big enough to fit comfortably over their winter coats, so needless to say I was looking super hot!! I'm not sure how all the local farmers managed to stay on task when I ran by in such attractive gear. ;)

These country roads happen to be en route to a nearby reservation's casino, so some of the drivers are in a big hurry to get to their slot machines. Fortunately, with my crazy attractive vest, everyone saw past their visions of jackpots enough to see me and move over to the other lane as they passed. So kind.

HOT STUFF!  Look out!

Country Road View
How do you stay visible on country runs?

Confession

I'll admit, I have not run much since my half marathon two weeks ago. Between recovery time, the cold weather, and the chaos of work/home life in the wake of being gone, it's honestly been difficult to make the time. Also, my first run out after the race was what I'm coming to accept as a "bad run." I've been reassured by the BF and other friends that "that happens," but this was new to me. Sure, I've had runs that were not as smooth as others, but for that first post-13.1 run, I felt like I was running under water. I couldn't believe that just days before I comfortably ran a nice, albeit slow, half marathon.

Fortunately, after yesterday's country road run, my discouragement from my underwater run has passed. Yesterday felt great! My runny nose took a hiatus while I ran, which was nice. I took a pretty fast-for-me pace, and held it fairly steady. Even heading into some note-worthy wind, I did well. I felt comfortable, I enjoyed my surroundings, and I was once again in the "I'm a runner" groove.

Yay!


Soaring above

My highlight of this backwoods run was my running partner. Well, I guess it was more of a travel partner. I saw a bald eagle! We journeyed together for maybe half a mile, and I gladly slowed my pace to look up and appreciate its beauty. It soared low enough above me that I could make out all its colors and the detail of every feather. So beautiful.

After a while, Mr. Eagle felt the need to stay back and enjoy the open field. I continued on into another wooded section and headed back to my parents' place. Returning home, all lit up and refreshed, I shared the news of my eagle sighting with my family. The munchkins were unimpressed, and my dad explained that it would be more surprising if I did NOT see an eagle while being outside around here. Nonetheless, I felt inspired and energized, glad to be back into a groove again.

I felt once again glad that I am a runner. Glad, even if sometimes my reflective vest clashes with my running skirt. ;)

Thanks for reading.

　

Defense Mechanisms!

I will NOT get sick! Not only does this potential cold I am NOT getting put a damper on my outdoor running plans, but it really ruins my singing.
I've got a huge amount of rehearsals and performances scheduled for the next week and a half, and I have NO TIME for this sore throat and runny nose.

You hear me, germs!?!?!?

Here are my defense mechanisms. They've worked for me all winter. My optimism says they will work now, too.

What works for you?

Rewarding Myself

Milking It

So, it's coming up on the week anniversary of my big half marathon accomplishment...

ok, I know that's ridiculous.  I am aware that marking an anniversary of a race is nutty, but I'm starting to realize that it's not a far stretch from how much I've been milking this whole 13.1 deal.

In all fairness, this was some kind of miracle accomplishment for me.  I mean, I've been on the treadmill for months, only leaving it once for an outdoor run in Chicago.  Hours of Weeds and Mad Men have been run through the Netflix account, (I'm not THAT far into Mad Men yet, though, so don't spoil anything for me), but I hadn't actually hit the pavement much at all.  Who knew how I would do?   Prior to this race, my biggest accomplishment (in 4 years) was the 5 mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving.

So, going from a five mile race to a 13.1 is pretty cool, in and of itself.  But then to think I had only trained to walk-run it... but I ran it all?  I mean, slow or not, that's pretty sweet.  Ok, I know no one is gonna make a movie out of it or anything, but I have sure enjoyed the thrill of it.

Bumper sticker, Facebook posts, tweets, and of course blog posts... even I can now admit that maybe it's time to start moving on.

(reluctantly) 


So Now What?

I have this odd conundrum.  I had planned to run my first half in fall.  I was going to walk-run this one, do my Bellin Run (10k) in June, throw in some other 5ks or so in the meantime, and work toward my September half.

So what do I do now that I jumped the gun?  Sure, I'm still gonna run the Fox Cities Half www.foxcitiesmarathon.org, and you bet your butt I'm aiming for a much better time... but what do I do in the meantime??

I'm the kind of gal that needs a carrot.  Constantly.  It's the biggest reason I race.  I will stay more disciplined if I have a race that I'm working toward.

So, tonight I officially registered for the Bellin Run.  www.bellinrun.com
And now I begin the search for whatever else might motivate me between now and June, and then June to September.  Of course, I'm after the cool medals and fun swag, too.  A great race t-shirt goes a long way with me. :) (thank you, www.tyranena.com/beerrun/ )


But One More Treat

I finally ordered myself a new running skirt.  I've had the same lovely skirt since I started back up running last May.  I have since lost 30 pounds, and am on my second pair of running shoes.  Yet, I have still been wearing the same running skirt.  For every single run.   It's held up beautifully, but seriously.  Can you fathom how often I'm washing my running gear?  UGH!

So, I figured I'd milk the half marathon accomplishment one more time, and treat myself to what I've been dreaming of for months: a new running skirt.

I took advantage of the free shipping from www.runningskirts.com and dared to buy a different brand.  Fingers crossed that I love it, or I'll kick myself for not being loyal to www.sparkleskirts.com.  It's just such an investment.  I had to grab onto the lower price and free shipping.  I'm hoping at the very least, I'm doing a little bit less laundry.


Rest Is Over

Tomorrow, I pledge to end my big period of rest, and get back running.  Between returning from the trip and the overwhelming events the Munchkins have had this week, I haven't been able to get to the BF's to use the treadmill.  No more excuses!  Tomorrow I don the tights and layers of ugly winter gear, and go for a morning run!  Outside!  (with my skirt, of course)

brrrr....




Thanks for reading!

2013 Rock n Roll Marathon + 1/2 Race Review

Race Morning- Corrals and Snacks

The BF and I woke and headed out to the race early, as recommended by Rock N Roll Marathon organizers.  Anticipating high metro traffic, we headed out a little after 6am (race started at 7:30).  The Metro was fine.  There were a number of runners, sure, but plenty of empty seats to choose from.  Cool.  Things were looking good.

Our view walking to the start line after the Metro

We got to the start line to scope it out.  We had one of the last corrals, because I had an estimated finish time of 3 hours.  The BF also wrote that as his time, so he could start with me.  It wasn't until we were about to start that we realized they didn't put us in the same corrals anyway.  Whatever.  The corrals turned out to be kind of a joke anyway.  People all moved forward slowly as the waves went out, and all the lines blurred.  I'm still not sure what corral we actually ended up starting in.

Anyway, the corrals had port-a-potties right in them.  This turned out to be one of those good thing/bad thing deals.  It was nice that you didn't have to leave your corral to use one right before the race, but the lines also got in the way as the waves headed out and people moved forward.  Nonetheless, we made use of them while waiting for our wave to start, so I'm thankful.

After finding our corral, we headed to the gear checks, (by way of some snack tables).  I grabbed a banana and two little water bottles.  I had my protein bar packed, but I was glad to add a banana to my morning meal.  It was nice that they were full bananas, rather than cut in half like some races (and thus brown and slimy).  I also ended up carrying the second water bottle for the first three miles or so, which was nice (I'll get to the water stop mess in the race summary). 

Gear Check

So, we got VERY lucky with regard to the gear check.  Arriving as early as we did is clearly a MUST.  I'm guessing using the BF's last name initial (S) was helpful, too.  After we dropped our gear and headed back around to the starting corrals, we saw the lines get longer and longer.  They used buses for gear check.  Because it was so early in the morning, it was hard to see the letter groupings labels on the buses, which was a bit annoying.  The only signs we saw were on the back doors of the buses, where they loaded.  It would have been nice to have a bigger sign on the sides as well.

Gear Check near the Washington Monument



Starting Line

I was very cold at the start, and freaking out a little bit about the gear I chose.  Almost everyone around me was wearing way more layers than I chose.  I was wearing my skirt (of course) (http://www.sparkleskirts.com/) and my long sleeved shirt.  That's it.  No gloves, no knit hat, no tights.  I HATE getting over-heated, so I usually err on the lighter side gear-wise, but I was worried about almost everything before this race.  Why not gear, too?

I was not much fun to be around before this race.  I had tons of doubts swimming in my head.  The BF asked if I was excited and got various responses that ranged anywhere from my desire to vomit to my thoughts of bailing.  Of course, I would not bail.  I would hate myself if I didn't do it.  There's also that bit about how I lecture my children about not being quitters.  I wouldn't have a leg to stand on with them in the future.  Perhaps most importantly, I wanted that dang medal!!!

As I said, the corrals were each started a few minutes apart.  We were supposed to start in corrals 32/33, but I think by the time everyone pushed ahead, we started in maybe corral 30 or 31.  Either way, we crossed the start line at 8:19am.  (The first corral started at 7:30).  Being so far back, we barely knew when the anthem was being sung, much less heard it.  That bummed me out, because I really like the anthem.


And we're off!

I fully intended to follow my training by running 4 minutes, walking one minute, and repeating for 13.1 miles.  But forget that!  Early on, there was no way you could walk if you wanted to.  Even in our ridiculously late-starting corral, there were too many runners for the first couple miles to make room for anyone to walk.

That was fine.  I didn't feel like walking anyway.  The weather was perfect.  It was supposed to be cold and rainy, but it turned out to be 40s with little to no wind and overcast.  It even got warmer and clear skies by the end.  Beautiful!  Of course, this Wisconsin girl, who has been tethered to a treadmill for months, would've been pretty good with anything snowless.  :)

Prior to the race, I put on the temporary "pace tat" to keep me at my nice, slow pace.  With it, I was aiming for 2:52 (I told you it was slow).  Early on, my Nike+ told me I was pushing more at a 12:20 pace. 

I got mine on Amazon, but their web site is www.pacetat.com

But I felt so great!!!  I couldn't believe it!  A nice, slow, steady 12:20-12:40 pace felt perfect- like I could go for hours.  And so I did!

The hill at mile 6ish was tough.  I had read about it, so I knew it would be my biggest challenge.  Here's the cool thing, though: you can see it coming.  I mean, quite a time before you're there, you know it's coming.  Perfect!  I walked a little bit right before to store some energy, because dang if I was gonna walk that hill.  I am a runner!!!

So, I dug in.  Head down, shortened stride, I ran, (very, very slowly) up that whole hill.  It wasn't even possible to count the number of people I passed who were walking it.  In fact, I only saw a couple other people who WERE running it.  Crazy.  After the hill was the only time in the run where I debated taking a puff of my inhaler. 

Finally, the crowds started picking up.  That was nice, because the race was pretty quiet up until then.  It was nice to get some energy from the people cheering and playing music.  The bands on the course were fun, but just too infrequent to really keep you going.  I was glad I had my headphones.

Finish Line

 Miles 10-12 had mile markers that were difficult to find.  I was glad I had watched the video laying out the course at the expo, because I had a decent idea how far I was.  I also had my Nike+, which was off about .2mile, but still helpful.

Like too many races I've run before, I thought the finish line was difficult to see.  The BF spotted me about .2mile before the end and was there for encouragement.  Didn't need it.  I rocked this dang thing.  Slowly, but it was MY race.  I passed a lot of t-shirts that read "I got this" and I thought, "no, I got this!"  All I wanted to know was where the line was, so I could kick it up a bit at the end, without killing my asthmatic lungs.  The BF told me where it was (around a curve, you couldn't see it until you were almost there), and I headed off to finish.

After the Finish Line

Unfortunately, it was a long time before I would see the BF again.  What a mess!!!

Finishing was sadly anti-climactic.  No BF in sight, some little girl handed me my medal all wrapped up tight in plastic, and I shuffled through with the other cattle to get some food and drink.  Supply was fine.  Obviously, they used more of their volunteers in the chute than they did on the course.  Still, it was a mass of humanity.

I couldn't find the BF, and I was starting to feel junky.  I wandered, slowly and in a haze, looking for his red shirt and white hat.  Nothing.  So, I started looking for the reunion spots.

Not only could I not find the reunion spots, I couldn't find a volunteer anywhere to ask.  When I finally found some medical volunteers, they only had a guess as to where to send me.  So, I slowly wandered farther, chugging Gatorade, toward the incredibly loud band.

Praise God, I started seeing reunion letter signs!  I aimed for the "C" as planned, and stood there.  I stretched a bit, ate a power bar, and stood there.  I looked around, my stomach turned, and I stood there.  No BF.  Where's my BF?  I want to see my BF!  I just finished my first freaking half marathon, where is my BF?!?!?

Yeah, the poor BF was stuck in line at Gear Check for an eternity.  What a mess.  When he found me, we high-tailed it out of the noise and crowd.  Forget the free beer and "after party".  Too much noise for us.

Apparently, many other people agreed.  We didn't get far before we realized the huge block FULL of people standing around near the bus stations was actually the line for the Metro!!!  FORGET THAT!!

We decided to walk a bit and try and hail a cab.  So did many other runners, unfortunately, because any cab we saw was either full or not stopping.  So, after my first 13.1 mile race, I walked another 2.2 miles back to the hotel.  Yikes.

And yet, I survived.  Thrilled at my accomplishment.

After we got showered and settled, the BF gave me a card.  Inside, was a magnet bumper sticker for my car.  I got weepy.  (sniff sniff)  I had always said I wanted a bumper sticker, but not until I could run the ENTIRE 13.1 miles.  The BF thought I needed one when I finished, regardless of how I did it.

Well, here I am, with great pride, holding my medal and bumper sticker (thrilled that I ended up running it all in 2:44):

I DID IT!!!!!!



In Summary

A List of Pros:
1) Port-a-potties a plenty.
2) The bands they had were fun.
3) Location, location, location... running in D.C., past Lincoln, the White House, etc. was incredible!
4) Metro in the morning was well run and not too crowded.
5) Photographers were everywhere.  I am already tagged in about a dozen pictures.  Fun for my first half, even if they are NOT flattering at all.  :)
6) Expo was fun, but plan for Homeland Security to slow your entry.


A List of Cons:
1) Not enough volunteers!  The water stops were poorly staffed, and there didn't seem to be enough Gatorade.  Major fail.  At some points, they were dipping cups in buckets of Gatorade to fill them, and using hoses to fill water.  I felt bad for the very few people there were, trying to keep up.  They had no chance.
2) The corrals were a joke.  Nice try, though.
3) Post-race chaos was out of control.  Better signage would've made a big difference.  The BF said it was VERY congested when he finished (about 2 hours) and it took him forever to get through.  That's why he figured he would have time to get to Gear Check while I went through the chute.
4) Transportation after the race was a NIGHTMARE!  Plan something else, or have a cab company in your phone to call... something!  Walking back to the hotel afterward was less than ideal, but it was better than standing still indefinitely waiting for the Metro.
5) Gear Check lines were incredibly long.  Expect to spend a lot of time there.



But did I mention I ran the whole thing???!?!?!??

:)

Thanks for reading.



2013 Rock n Roll USA Marathon + 1/2 - Expo Review

The Expo Day Finally Arrived!

The BF has always giggled at me for saying (with passion), "The expo is important!"  It is important! If it's not enough that you get your bib, t-shirt, and ever-important swag bag, it's also the point where you really start to feel the energy and excitement of what is about to happen.

"The Rock n Roll Marathon + 1/2" (as they call it) had an expo that did not disappoint excitement-wise.  Well, at least it was dang exciting for me.  The poor BF got some heat from me for not walking fast enough to the expo.  :)

When we arrived, I snapped this quick photo of the sign, assuming I'd be able to come back and get another one of me there later.  Unfortunately, Homeland Security was pretty strict there and would not let me back. 

 



I was disappointed in how the race dealt with my registration.  As I mentioned before, they lost me.  I nagged a lot, and they found me, but I had a lot of troubles getting the registration form to print.  In some areas of their site, I was still missing.  Likewise, when my family went to pay the ridiculous $2 to track me as I ran (that should totally be free, that's bonk!), the system couldn't find me.  So, at the expo, I went to their "Solutions" booth to ask them to solve this issue.  They suggested I freaking try again.  I did, on my phone, with their special app, right in front of them, and it still failed.  They said having gotten my shirt and walked through the expo should have magically activated it.  Again, I showed them it did not.  They suggested I try the web site itself and come back if that didn't work.  Forget them!  I was annoyed and left.  So, good news, my family couldn't waste the $2 if they wanted to; bad news, they couldn't track me if they wanted to. 

That was a fail on the race's part, of course in addition to my registration snafus.

But nothing was getting me down at this point.  Instead, I was beginning to freak out.  I mean, FREAK OUT! 

They showed a video on screens of the half and full races.  Man, did that seem long.  I kept telling the BF that I didn't know what I was thinking, and that I felt sick.  His "trust the training, trust the taper" mantras were not cutting it.

WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING???!!?!?!?!



"This seemed like a good idea 3 months ago"



 

 

 

Anyway, I was sure feeling the emotion of this shirt.  It was a rip off at $25 for a crazy thin material, or I'd have bought it.

 

We had fun trying power bars, getting free samples, and looking at gear.  I tried on a Bondi Band and finally got the BF to understand that I am not the kind of girl who can pull one of those off.  He agreed that it was, shall we say, not flattering.  :)  Instead, I got myself a new visor with the race name and year on it.  Yay!

Fun Stuff We Found
 



 

My favorite find of the expo was SHOE BLING!!!  For real!  How perfect is that?!?! 

 

I was all over it!  I bought the one below, as well as a heart shaped one with tons of sparkle that said "I rock DC 3/16/13".  (I can never pass up a two-for-one deal.)  I only put the smaller one on my shoe for the race, because the BF reminded me of the "no new gear for race day" rule.  I felt comfortable with the little, light one (below), but the heart worried me.  In hind sight, I would've put both on.  I never felt it at all, but I did feel the joy of my blinged-up shoe.  :)

 

 

Please note that the "." in the "13.1" is a little rhinestone.  Fun!

 

Anyway, to get your own, go to www.beecausecharms.com

 

 

 

While at the expo, the BF and I also found these great dealios:

 

 



I don't have it closed up correctly, because I just threw it together to take a picture, but you get the idea.  They're a little Velcro do-dad that you slip under your laces (no need to undo the laces) and then tie your shoe, and then close it up with laces inside.  Even the BF broke his "no new gear on race day" rule to use these.  LOVED THEM.  I never once thought about my laces during the race.  They were so light, I never felt them, and there was no worry of the laces coming untied.

 

I think the man who designed and makes them was the man in the booth at the expo.  He said his son did a lot of cross country, and was having trouble with his laces.  So, the dad made these.  Awesome!  I bought them not only because they made sense and there was a two-for-one deal, but because I liked the guy selling them.  Made in the USA, clearly, and by this cool guy.  Try them!  You'll love them.

 

www.lacelocker.com

 

 

 

 So, all in all, a fun and fruitful expo.  The metro to and from was smooth, and we got there at a good time before it was too crowded and crazy.  I'm very happy with my shirt (women's cut, nice!)  and bag, as well as all the fun free goodies we got while we were there.  Here's the haul:



 

Since we didn't get the photo at the expo entrance, the BF got this one of me after we left (I'm still wearing the dress I wore to my work conference that morning.):

 

 

 



Race review to follow soon.  Thank you for reading!

 

 



I did it!!!

I RAN A HALF MARATHON!!!!

I ditched the run-walk plan, and ran the dang thing!  I can't believe it.  Details coming soon.  For now, here is proof:

More Than a Race

In the Air on the Way to Baltimore, via Detroit...

It's been a long time since I've seen a flight attendant that seemed to enjoy his/her job. Is this just me? I get that it can be boring and redundant, continually telling people to fasten their seat belts, lift their tray tables, and especially droning through that safety dealio at the beginning of every flight. But still, someday you'd think I'd see a happy one. One who seemed really glad to be doing what he/she is doing.

Anyway, whatever.

I've had a hectic morning in preparing to head out. I saw the kiddos off to school with big hugs, went to a meeting, dictated countless case notes, and finally got to head off to start the trip. I met the BF at his place to drop off my car. He gave me a ride to the airport. He's flying out tomorrow, and we're coming back together. Seems silly to park two cars at the same airport. That meant airport smooches for me. (yay!)

He seemed pretty glad he offered, when I was all lit up and giddy on the way there. I could finally just let go of all the planning and packing stresses from the last couple weeks, and just enjoy the fact that i was going.

A Business Trip

I'm very excited about this upcoming race, but the reality is that this conference I'm attending is also a huge thrill for me.

I'm a patient advocate. I help people who have little or no insurance get access to programs for free medicine. It's an incredibly fulfilling job that I love very much. I serve adults with mental illness, and get to work with amazing case managers, nurses, therapists, and doctors. I love my job. I truly love it.

Loving it as much as I do, I am always excited to find ways to to improve. I'm constantly in search of discounts, new programs, etc. For several years, I've also been daydreaming of attending the annual national conference on Patient Assistance Programs. I was so thrilled with the thought of a conference based around this thing I do. As it is, anytime find anyone in the area who also does Patient Assistance, I do what I can to connect with them. So many places don't have one set person as an advocate, so, the idea of meeting other advocates from all over, (with all their own unique experiences and knowledge), is just really exciting to me.

In addition, Presidents and Vice Presidents of pharmaceutical companies attend. Likewise, their head people in charge of the programs themselves- all attend this conference. Geeky as it may sound, learning from those people and having opportunity to discuss my experiences and ask my questions is a huge deal for me.

So, for several years, I've asked if I could go. I've gone through several years, the middle of March, knowing this conference was going on while I was sitting there in Wisconsin, doing my thing as usual. So, last year I finally convinced the powers that be that my attendance at this conference was worthy of the cost. I found a scholarship.  I made my case, and with the help of a really cool direct supervisor, the manager was convinced to put my trip into the budget.

How awesome is that?!?! And it could not be better timing! With all this Health Care Reform, Patient Assistance as I know it will likely be completely overhauled. I'm about to have a sneak peek at what things will look like in the near future!  (insert cheering and clapping)

OK, you get the idea. I'm excited.

So, needless to say, a conference I've been drooling over for years, combined with my very first half marathon (a destination race, no less), leads me to be one incredibly pumped girl!!!
For now, I sit in Detroit's lovely airport, waiting for my final flight.

Patience is not a quality I am good at it.  I'll see if I can find it, and blog more later.

Thanks for reading!

Quick Run to Chicago

On the Road Again

The BF and I headed to Chicago last night after work.  We were packed and ready to go.

On the trip down, we hit Kopp's Frozen custard.  I got a Tiramisu sundae... heaven! 

We found a place nice and close to the Art Institute of Chicago (Club Quarters, Central Loop).  Our main agenda was the "Picasso and Chicago" exhibition, and a run in a new place.  We used the free wifi to scope out our run plan while sipping wine before bed.

Saturday Morning Run in Chicago

We woke up and got ready to run the Lakefront Trail (or LFT, as I've learned it is called- according to the internet).  It was raining/sleeting when we headed out, but nothing too hard.  We walked the blocks (maybe 5-6) from the hotel to the trail as our warm-up.  I had the BF snap this photo of me on the way:

I was bummed to have to wear my dumb running hat, but it did keep my ears warm.  Tights were necessary, as well.  Of course, I still wore my skirt.  Believe it or not, I didn't see any other running skirts while I was out.  Why not, I wonder?  What's up with that???  Chicagoans don't wear skirts?  Well, I do!  Nothing says you can't wear tights with your running skirt.  It works!

Anyway, it was so great to run outside again!  I've been stuck on the treadmill for months, in great fear of falling and getting hurt on the horrible roads and sidewalks this endless winter has given us.  I'm so glad I got a chance to get out before my race next weekend.

It felt great to be outside, even though my body has been a little angry since.  I was surprised to have my Nike+ tell me what a decent pace I was keeping.  I've only been training to run-walk this upcoming half marathon.  My app has me run 4 minutes, and walk 1.  I didn't use the app for this run, so I just ran a while and then walked when I felt I needed it.  So, while on the treadmill I've kept a 13-14 minute/mile pace, this run was more like 10:50, and I felt great.  Maybe the treadmill is way off.  Maybe I just felt so great to be back outside.  Whatever the case, I feel much more confident going into the half marathon this Saturday.

Anyway, I have to spend some time talking about the Lakefront Trail.  If you go to Chicago, and you're a runner, you MUST run the trail.  Even in the winter it was beautiful.  But it's more than that.  It's like a little runner's hang out.  During my five-or-so miles on it, I saw maybe four bikers and two walkers ( and a golf cart and police car), but everyone else was running.  I lost track of the number of running groups there were.  They made me jealous.  I want a running group.  I doubt I could find one that was willing to crawl at my slow pace, but how fun to be in a group of 6-12 people all running the same route together.

And maybe the best part:  I heard the leader of one group yell "ice!" to warn her peers.  It was a little messy out there for a while.  Beware the ice near the Shedd Aquarium!  It's hard to see, and in MANY places.  It melted by the time I came back on my return, thank goodness.

So, what I really want to say is this trail is a treasure.  You run along the lake, beside the hubbub of Chicago's Lakeshore traffic, past the Buckingham Fountain and numerous other sites, all while experiencing this special sense of community with other runners.  Some nod.  Some smile.  Some even say hello.  Many just stay in their own little zone.  But everyone is your peer on this trail, on this morning, in this little community of people that... get it.

When I got back to the meeting spot, I had beaten the BF.  I messed up the setting on my Nike+ and ended up having to do a couple loops.  Anyway, I snapped this photo of our meeting spot.

Lighthouse in the distance; big chunks of ice breaking up along the shore, and stairs leading down.

Before you know it, the BF arrived:

Then it was time to walk back (cool-down) to the hotel, shower, and get ready for the Art Institute.
We hit Starbucks for a quick bite on our way back.


Millennium Park in Winter


We decided to hit Millennium Park before the museum, because we love it there.  It's a sentimental place for us, and who doesn't love the Bean?

The ice rink was up in full swing, so we watched the skaters a bit before settling into Park Grill for lunch.  I was so tempted to skate, but I'm too afraid of getting hurt before my very first 13.1

Me watching the skaters before lunch:

To my delight, we were seated right by the window, where we could watch the skaters more.

Loved it!

After lunch, the Bean!

Art Institute of Chicago- What I Learned about Picasso

We took the bridge from Millennium Park to the Modern wing of the Art Institute.  It's a fun way to enter the museum. 

The lines to get into the museum were ridiculous!  We got there after lunch, as I said- not when they open or something.  Yet, we found the lines out the door!  Crazy!  I've been there several times before, and have never seen that.  I can only assume it was due to this Picasso dealio.

And about that...

ok... so I'm the kind of girl who likes the stuff most people like: Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, etc.  I enjoy a lot of the other things, too, but I've never been really big on Picasso.  Some of it is very cool, but the cubism stuff is too much for me.  Still, the BF and I got a whole new perspective on Picasso after having spent some time not too long ago with Ursula and R.S. Johnson.  We were excited to see so many pieces that were from their collection.  We only met them at their gallery, but they were so cool.  Meeting them was an experience we both felt richer having had.

That being said, I learned a lot about Picasso in this exhibit.  Keeping true to my love of lists, here is my summary:

1) I like the stuff before the cubism much better.
2) I lost count of how many women were in his life, but if they weren't fat, he sure painted them that way.  The plaques said, "voluptuous," but these pieces of art were not of women I would call voluptuous.  I hear "voluptuous" and I think curvy, a little heavier, but not what these women were.  I'm so curious what the sizes of his women were.  The two photographs they had posted (of only two of the numerous women) were thin women.
3) The sculpture in Daly Plaza is of a woman's head and shoulders.  I had no idea what it was, but I would not have guessed that.
4) Picasso had a thing for minotaur.  A very icky, sick, twisted thing.  I don't want to even describe the numerous scenes I saw in his drawings of minotaur and women.  Ickity ick, ick, ick.
5) Picasso had children.  And did I mention the numerous women?


Anyway, having been to the Art Institute several times before, the BF and I decided after the Picasso thing to hit some of our favorites.  We had spent a long time in that one area, and I was wearing down.  I didn't even choose to see one of my favorites: the miniature rooms!

Instead, we saw the Monet, Renoir, Degas, Seraut, etc.  Of course, the Chagall windows as well.  I even posed (at the BF's request) as they did in Ferris Bueller.

I really do love art museums.  I'm so excited to go back to the National Gallery of Art... this weekend!  To think, the BF and I will have been to two incredible museums in the span of one week.  From Chicago to Washington, D.C.  Love it!

It was a beautiful weekend.  I love Chicago.  Sharing it with the BF is always special, and taking a run this time was a really great addition to the experience for me.  Try it if you go.  It'll be fun.

For now, I had better get moving.  Time to focus on the next trip: a conference for my job (one I'm very excited about), my first half marathon, crab cakes in Baltimore, art in the National Gallery, and some monuments to boot.

I'm so pumped!

Until then, thank you for reading.

Run Away From Home

Is it Friday yet?

The BF said it best in a text today, when he wrote, "Planning Chicago on a Monday night makes the rest of the week seem agonizingly slow."  Well said, BF!

We have been planning to catch the Picasso exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago ever since we first heard about it.  Unfortunately, between the kiddo time and a number of other events, we only have two weekends available before the exhibit ends.  One of the options is this weekend.  So, in debate about it, I looked at Expedia last night, and found a great deal on a hotel right off Michigan Avenue.

$99 for that kind of location, with free wifi to boot?  Sold!  "Let's do it!" we agreed, and a few clicks later it was booked.

The BF and I love little road trips, and we love Chicago even more.  And the Art Institute?  Seriously, what is not to love about Chicago?  Don't get me started on Millennium Park!

But, wait a minute!  Check the weather!  Holy snow!  They're apparently getting dumped on today.  (deep breath)  No matter.  Chicago knows we are coming, and all will be well by our arrival Friday night.  Right?  Right!

So, what a perfect opportunity to do a dry run for packing for the big trip next week!  I've been getting really nervous about the Rock 'n Roll Half in D.C., and packing is just one of the reasons.  What if I forget something?  What if they lose my luggage?  What if I don't pack the best running gear for the weather?  Forget about the main reason I'm taking the trip.  Conference shmonference.  It's all about the race!

I've been googling like crazy, trying to find suggestions for packing for a destination race.   I love lists, (and have already begun several in preparation for this trip), but a quick jaunt to Chicago is a perfect opportunity to test myself!

So, I texted the BF that I think we should run while we are there.  He's on board, because he's awesome...  Also because he needs to get a run in this weekend anyway, and he's hoping to get another getaway run logged onto his Garmin. 

So, sweet!  It is set.  I have a perfect excuse to begin immediately obsessing over the preparation for my D.C. trip.  Eh, who am I kidding?  I've been way beyond obsessing for a while now.  :)

Let the packing list begin:
Running Skirt (priority #1, of course)
Smurfy shoes
socks
contacts and shades
sports bra
ear buds (iPhone is a given)
arm band
Gu (I probably won't run far enough to need it, but I'm still testing them to find the one I love best)
running shirt -- long sleeve?  yeah, probably :(
gloves?
some regular clothes and shampoo and things
Burt's Bees

Yep, that ought to do it!

Chicago, here we come!         On Friday.  (wah, wah, waaaaah)