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October 07, 2005
Windy city...here we come!
Despite race nerves, I am very excited to visit Chicago. I've never been to the windy city and I've heard great things about it. Call me a tourist at heart. I love to travel to new places and since I began running, I love to explore by running. I've done my internet "research" and have found places to shop, eat, get a massage, and maybe get some culture in if we have time. Kind of ambitious for 2 1/2 days, one of which will be taken up by the marathon, but we gotta make the most of our time!
I ran 3 miles and lifted upper body lightly last night. Plan to do 2 miles on Saturday. I have a standard routine for the week leading up to a marathon that has worked well for me in the past: 6, 5, 4, and 3 miles Monday through Thursday, Friday off, and 2 stroll in the park miles on Saturday. As I was leaving the gym, I ran into T, my fav spin instructor. I told her that I was looking forward to coming back to class and building more strength in my legs this winter. I'm not much for participating in group exercise classes, but it is one of the rare classes where I actually feel like I work hard.
On my drive home from work today, I was down for a brief moment because I was thinking how I hadn't achieved any of my running goals this year. But on the other hand, I did 1) learn to swim properly after a lifetime fear of drowning and 2) complete my first triathlon. Not running, but at least I'm not the loser I was beginning to think I was. :-) Then I started thinking of a million winter time and 2006 exercise goals - none of which involve a marathon...yet.
To answer Blondie's question, I boxed during and after college for a total of 5-6 years. I only had one match and that was in Kuwait against an Army girl when I wasn't even boxing anymore. I did spar at least once a week against gals bigger than me (because there simply aren't many 105 lb boxers) and men during a shortlived kickboxing career. I was beat up A LOT and once knocked down by our star boxer who was going pro, while a Washington Post reporter snapped photos. How embarassing. As you can surmise, boxing wasn't for me. I absolutely loved the intensity, but I didn't like the stinky, mildewy basement gym with concrete floors or the fact that I was never going to amount to anything in the sport. So, it was destiny that my coach told me to run to get in better aerobic shape. I ended up loving running so much more. Being outdoors, exploring new places, pushing yourself and winning (even if you're not in first place) - now, that's the stuff. And these "why did I start running?" thoughts are just the happy thoughts I needed going into Sunday.
Good luck to everyone running Tufts and any other races out there! I can't wait to hear the race reports.
Posted by Leilani at October 7, 2005 05:54 PM
Comments
I hope you get this before you go - BEST OF LUCK IN CHICAGO! I will be thinking of you. Whatever the outcome, know that it's your best for that day. Can't wait to hear all about it! I know you will surprise yourself!
Posted by: Beth at October 7, 2005 06:31 PM
It never ceases to amaze me that athletic, goal-oriented people like you say thing, even if they are partially injest like being a loser because you haven't reached certain athletic goals. Reading your post about the survival training you attended and completed to me that in itself is an amazing feat that should given you confidence and such a sense of accomplishment. . Good luck in Chicago!
Posted by: Dawn at October 7, 2005 06:44 PM
Good luck in Chicago! I'll be thinking of you on race day. I hope you also find time to do some exploring in Chicago!
Posted by: Caitlin at October 7, 2005 07:17 PM
GOOD LUCK in Chi-town! Have fun in one of my favorite cities and I can't wait to hear all the details!
Posted by: MandM at October 7, 2005 09:57 PM
In case you're still checking e-mail/blogs...I wanted to add my good wishes to the pile for Chicago. Kick some butt and enjoy!!! And you are not a loser :) And I like your taper plan a lot.
Posted by: Audrey at October 9, 2005 02:03 PM
I saw your results and wanted to say congratulations. I look forward to the whole report, both of the race and of your weekend in Chi-town!
Posted by: MandM at October 10, 2005 09:52 PM