One Fish, Two Fish

Thursday already?  This week is flying right on by.  The fact that I was off of work on Monday & I have a 1/2 day tomorrow might have something to do with it.  This weekend, LC and I are headed north for drill and to enjoy some Wisconsin State fair goodness :-) I can't wait for a roasted corn :-) 

Last night my friend Courtney and I went to Jazzin' at the Shedd.  It's a music event hosted by The Shedd Aquarium where you can listen to live music, sip fancy drinks, and walk around the aquarium.  It's $12 to get in & if you pay an extra $6, you also get admission to the special exhibits.  Not too bad considering the regular price of admission.  I'm so glad we went to this because I've been wanting to see the jellyfish exhibit since I first saw it advertised and it was pretty amazing.  With the music they play in the exhibit, I could sit and watch those things all day...so relaxing!

This morning, I woke up pretty early and full of energy {which was a surprise considering the two delightfully strong cocktails that I enjoyed the previous night}.  Since I had a lump removed from the left side of my torso on Monday, I decided to take it easy and stick to a 3 miler.  I had to change up my normal route because of Lollapalooza, but it was a good change, because I got to enjoy this view and appreciate the fact that I live in such an awesome city :-)

I finished 3 miles in about 32 minutes.  One thing that I want to work on, when it comes to running, is my speed.  I can outlast my hubs when we go on runs together, but when it comes to sprints, he's definitely got me beat.  I've got great endurance when it comes to distance, but I'm slow.  I know a lot of this had to do with pushing myself outside my comfort zone, which I need to start doing.  But to be honest, I have no idea on where to begin to make times faster.  Any runners have any ideas?  I'm off to start packing for WI and to make some dinner.  Enjoy your Thursday!

When Real Life Happens

You dont' have time to blog for two weeks...Oops!  Well I'm back just in time for the first day of marathon training, which should be interesting because my ankle still hurts from time to time.  My PT friend said that I should still be icing it since it's still a little swollen (two months later).  I'm going to give it a go and just see what happens.  There's always next year... 

So what's been going on in my world the past two weeks? 

26 days until the wedding, so lots of waiting around for response cards at this point and tying up a few loose ends.  Waiting is the worst.  We still have about 25 response cards outstanding and they're supposed to RSVP by this Friday, so I'm just a little bit annoyed.  More so at the people who we know are coming (bridesmaids & groomsmen). We need to know what to feed you people!    

I completed my training for The Bar Method front desk job & last Friday morning was my first day.  The training definitely took a lot out of me.  The job itself isn't hard, it's the waking up at 4:30am that's the tough part.  Training was about 2 weeks long and it completely exhausted all last week.  Thankfully, the 5:30am part is one day a week and right before my weekend off.

LC and I found a tenant for our condo in Milwaukee.  HOORAY! My sister's been living there for the past three years and has been an exceptional tenant.  It's been nice having her there because we knew there would be no problems and it was always nice having a place to stay when I went to visit.  I don't think the new tenant would appreciate me crashing on her couch for the weekend...My sister is going to Texas for some training and will be gone through November.  I will miss her dearly :-(  So for the first time, we are now officially "real" landlords.  Definitely not by choice, but the condo market is what it is right now.

I celebrated my last single night out with all of my ladies this past Saturday.  I had a blast & my sister definitely went above and beyond yet again :-) 



My wonderful bridal party & I

We started out in the community room in my apartment building.  We sipped on some cocktails, played some games & ate some Chicago style pizza :-) Perfect pre-drinking food.  After that, the trolley picked us up at around 9:30, we drove around the city, took some more pictures, went to Kit Kat Lounge & hopped back into the trolley.  Drove around some more & ended up at The Hange Uppe.  It was my version of a perfect bachelorette party. 

As far as marathon training day #2 goes, I'm supposed to run 3 miles today BUT with a heat index of 100 degrees, I maybe running it on the treadmill or going to Bar Method tonight.  For sure, waking up super early to run tomorrow.  Also, getting back on track with week with healthy cooking! We've been so busy that the past two weeks have been quick, packaged meals :-( I can't wait to cook something this week that does come from a frozen bag!!!  Good news is, I'm about 8lbs away from my 1st goal weight/wedding goal weight. I know that I won't lose that in 3 1/2 weeks but hopefully I'll come close. 

Back into the (Silent) Groove

Yesterday was my second run since my ankle injury last month.  It felt so good to get back into the running groove.  When I first set out to run last Thursday, I had no time or distance goals.  I didn't wear my headphones.  My only goal was just to run.  And run I did for two miles.  My ankle didn't give me the slightest problems.  I ran 2 miles and I could have ran more, but I didn't want to overdo it.  I was so happy that I was back at it that I almost cried tears of joy.  Friday morning, I woke up and went to Bar Method.  I had to work off those 'ritas & chips I consumed the night before.  My mom came to visit me this weekend.  We spent the weekend going to brunch and walking around on Armitage (one of my favorite places in the city).  I found the earrings and bracelet that I'm going to wear for the wedding.

Yesterday I took advantage of the beautiful day.  I took Oliver for a long walk & then I came back, laced up my shoes and headed out the door.  This time, my ankle was bothering me at the start of my run, so I decided to stop and stretch then I continued on for a slow, comfortable run.  It got better as time went on.  I went on another music-less run.  And I actually liked it.  I've always depended on my music to help power me through a workout.  There have been times when I've gotten to the gym, only to leave before I even workout because I discover in the locker room that I forgot my iPod.  But I really enjoy running through the city without Britney & Rhianna blasting through my ears.  It's relaxing and it allows me to concentrate on my breathing.  I think I'm onto something new.

On another note, Spring has officially sprung here in the Windy City! Yesterday, I swapped out all my sweaters & boots for sleeveless tops & flip flops.  I hope this weather is here to stay.  

  

Ole!

Look at what I did today...

 Hell to the yeah...

Now I'm off to enjoy some of this...

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!

Light at the End of the Tunnel

What a week it's been here in our casa.  On Saturday my ankle was feeling better, so I tried out the stationary bike.  All was good.  Then I pressed my luck with the elliptical trainer.  Pretty good, except for the changing intervals that jerked my ankle.  And then I sat in "stop and go" Chicago traffic for about an hour, trying to get to my BFF's son's first birthday.  FAIL.  So  happy to see the little guy on his birthday (I'd post pics, but she doesn't have facebook for the reason of not wanting his pictures online. A choice I totally respect).  I had so much fun catching up with my ladies, but the drive up there really put my ankle back at square one.  Too much too fast.  Needless to say, I did not make it to the baby shower on Sunday.

Instead, Oliver and I sat outside our apartment building and watched the people race in the Shamrock Shuffle.  They couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.  I ran this race with my sister last year when it was held in March and the weather was less than favorable.

So I sat outside, and dreamed about the days when I could run again.  I'm getting super antsy if you couldn't tell.    

 

While I watched the runners and cheered on fellow co-workers & friends, Oliver was off in his own little world.  Oddly, he kept licking the cement and I couldn't figure out why because I made sure there was nothing on the ground where we sat.  After I saw my friend and passed her a high five, I decided that it was time for us to go in.  Oliver was not acting his normal self.  He was very tired and passed out on the couch.  I figured it was because of the sun and being outside for so long.  As the day went on, Oliver became sick.  Monday came, and LC said he had some interest in food but nothing like what he normally would have.  I came home and Oliver seemed back to his playful self, so I figured it was definitely something he ate outside and that it would just pass.  Tuesday morning, at the love hour of 1:30 a.m. I wake up to a puppers whining in his kennel.  It was unusual because he hadn't done that since the first night we got him.  LC got up and saw Oliver made a "mess" in his kennel.  Our 6lb was sick from both ends.  

LC wanted to take him the ER and I told him that he was ridiculous.  It was 2 a.m. and I told him to come back to bed and we'd call the vet first thing in the morning.  We got him in and our vet told us that it could be either pancreatitis or just something bad that the ate.  He stayed at the vet all of yesterday.  When I brought him home, I kept him in the kitchen just in case if he had any other accidents.  I woke up this morning to this face.            

I took him on a walk today and he's feeling a little bit better.  I told LC, that between me and Oliver and all of our emergencies, he was going to trade us in for a new family. He told me that he would never :-) 

My doctor gave me good news today! I can say adios to my air cast.  I can resume all low-impact activities right away.  I can start back at Bar Method on Friday.  He kept reminding me to "listen to my body", something I for sure have trouble with when I have a goal set.  Bad news: I have to stay away from all running paths for about another month.  At least I'll be back in business just in time for marathon training to start.    

Never Will I Ever...

• Complain about working out or going for a run ever in my life.  I've never wanted to run so much as I do today.  It probably has to do with the fact that I can't right now.  
• Run without my cell phone.  I'm sure some passerby would have had one, but I was really thankful that my iPod was not charged yesterday.
• Be without my insurance cards. We definitely would have gotten to the ER faster, had I not insisted on stopping back at the apartment for them. I know that I would have been fine, but I didn't want to deal with that mess later on.
• Be embarrassed to use crutches. It beats hopping out of the hospital with one running shoe and one hospital sock.  
• Take my legs & mobility for granted.  I never thought about what a gift it was to be able to walk around the grocery store, walk to the L station, or take Oliver outside.

Even though I miss working out, being injured has freed up some of my time for other things.  Like wedding things I've been putting off :-/ Hopefully this week, I can finish printing out menus and reply cards.  Although, those HGTV marathons sounds much more appealing :-)

Ka-Boom

My fitness goals for April were to run outside 3 days a week and attend Bar Method Monday through Friday.  I knew it was going to be tough, but my first wedding shower is in a month and I really wanted to look and feel my best.  So today, I laced up my running shoes, put on my Garmin and headed out the door.  It was an overcast day.  The temperature was just perfect for running.  Not too hot, not too cold with a slight breeze.  For my first outside run this year, everything was going perfectly.  I ran my favorite route.  I had no problems with my calves cramping up.  Smooth sailing.  

 Can't wait for the fountains to turn on. Then it's "officially" spring.

 The two ladies walking in this picture are lifesavers. I am forever grateful to them because, shortly after I took this picture, I continued to run and before I knew it was falling into potholes, scraping my knees & elbows, and rolling my right ankle.

 Thankfully, I had my cell phone with me and LC was home.  The two women helped me off of the running path and onto Lake Shore Drive so that LC could find me easily.  I don't know if it was the pain, or the fact that I've never fallen before while on a run, but I couldn't stop crying.  LC picked me up and we headed straight to the ER just to make sure nothing was fractured.  Since it was 10 am on a Monday morning, the ER wasn't busy at all and it didn't take long for someone to see me.  The nurse took me back to take X-Rays of my ankle.  After the X-Rays, I was wheeled back into the emergency room and had to wait to see a doctor.  I'm very grateful for my pedicure, because the doctor looking at my naked foot was very McDreamy-like and very young! I almost wished my single, younger sister had been there instead of LC :-)  McDreamy looked at my X-Rays and shouted to us from the triage area that I had no broken bones.  LC gave him a thumbs up.  Very professional :-) He gave me an ice pack and an open air cast.  They offered me crutches or a cane and I declined both.  I didn't want to make a spectacle of myself over a sprain.  Although, as we were walking out to the car, I had wished I would have accepted the crutches, but oh well.  So here I sit, with an ice wrap on my ankle and an afternoon of HGTV's Selling New York. I guess it's Marathon Monday here on HGTV...
       

Even though I really don't want to, I've decided it would be best to take off from any physical activity besides walking to and from work.  Maybe I'll throw in some free weights later this week.  This is a major bummer because I was so motivated to get back outside and run! Please send fast healing wishes my way.

The Long Road Ahead

Today, I woke up at 5:30 this morning, went downstairs on my treadmill and ran.  I ran for 25 minutes and then hopped on the elliptical for about 15 minutes.  At no point during my run did I think I would be running a full marathon this year.  By lunch time today, I was entering myself into the 2011 Chicago Marathon.  Dear Lord, what have I done? 

 

This is something that I've been thinking about doing for a while.  It's on my "list". Last year I ran 2 half marathons, which is something that I never thought that I could do.  The only thing that was holding me back from signing up this year was my lack of time.  I thought that I'd be stressed out with the wedding and everything else going on this summer, but I figure (and hope) this will be my escape from the stressful events in life.  Right? Right.  I still have knots in my stomach as I think about it, but I had those same feelings when I signed up for the Rock N Roll half marathon last August.  As you can see from the picture above, I have a long road ahead of me.  I'll be back at it tomorrow morning! 

 

Today, I had a good day of eating.  For b-fast, I had a protein shake after my workout and then an Odwalla fruit smoothie at work.  For lunch, LC met me at my office we ran some errands and then we went to Mista. I had the margherita pizza on whole wheat flatbread.  For dinner, I made tilapia (prepared from whole foods) asparagus and zesty risotto.  Oh so good! Also, add in a Reece's peanut butter egg and a glass of red wine for dessert.  

Holy Balls!

I just signed up for the 2011 Chicago Marathon. I guess my love affair with running will be rekindled whether he likes it or not.  I ran two 1/2 marathons last year, but what did I just do? 

Here I go again!

A good friend of mine from high school, M, is getting married about a month before me. To get in shape for her wedding, she's been running. A lot. The other she posted on facebook that she was about to run 10 miles after work. Ugh!

After I ran my first 1/2 marathon, I've been lacking some serious motivation to go out and just run. It's easier for me to run when I have a goal or something to train for. You would think my wedding dress would be motivation enough. Not so much. So, last night I signed up for another 1/2 marathon that M talked me into running with her. Yes, even though I felt my body had been hit by a truck the following day, I am running another 1/2. I'm officially addicted.

The race is at the end of October, which gives me 6 1/2 weeks to train. I started running again this week and doing cross training. I WILL stick to a training plan and make it my top priority for the next 6 1/2 weeks. I made the mistake of not training properly the first time around and I have learned from my mistakes.

So here I go again, 1/2 marathon #2!

Run 1/2 Marathon...CHECK!

Well, I have one more thing to cross off of my bucket list. On Sunday, my sister and I ran our first 1/2 marathon together. It was by far the hardest thing my body has physically endured (and this includes basic training). I started training a few months ago for it, but because of my decision to take a summer class, time to train became less and less. My goal on Sunday was just to finish with my sister by my side and I did just that.

We started running her pace, she runs a little slower than me and it was really hard for me not to speed ahead. Almost painful. But I did my best to stay with her. Finally, by mile 5, she told me to just go ahead that she felt bad for holding me back and that I will meet her at the finish line. So I went, and by mile 6 I was feeling really great. Like I could do anything. The longest I have ever ran at this point was 6.2 miles so the fact that I could go further made me so proud. I had rediscovered my love of running. At mile 8 I was getting bored and I decided to stop and wait for my sister. I already wasn't going to get the time I wanted because I started out running her pace and not mine, so what difference does it make? She couldn't have been that far behind, right? I waited 15 minutes for that girl before I finally just said, "The heck with it" and I ran off. By mile 10 I wanted to die, and my love for running was gone. I pushed myself to keep going and I finished 13.1 miles...right behind my sister!! How and where did I miss her?! As I crossed the finish line I looked and I shouted, "Melissa!" She had a big grin on her face and we high-fived each other!


The last few races I've ran with people, it's really hard to stay together on the same pace especially when you're not training with them. So when she moves to Chicago (fingers-crossed) we will train for our next 1/2 together and run that thing side by side, start to finish.