2nd Half Marathon – new PR (for the year)

Well, I finished the Lake Zurich Half Marathon feelin’ good and in great spirits. This race, unlike so many others I have done, I actually ran all my miles at or close to my goal pace. I didn’t start out too fast, nor did I ever start slowing down. I think that made all the difference in the world because at the end, I was able to sprint in and pick off about 3 to 4 people. I kind of felt a little bad about passing them right at the end, but then on the other hand, it did feel pretty good. And the best part was I set a new PR for this year.

If anyone is considering doing a half-marathon next year, I highly recommend this one. The course is hilly, but manageable. The volunteers were awesome – always cheering us on and giving us encouragement, which is definitely needed right around miles 9, 10, and 11. There was plenty of water and gatorade on the course and volunteers were shouting out our times at every mile. The course was scenic as well, which always helps!

So now with this Half-marathon behind me, I can start to focus on the Chicago Marathon which is coming up in 19 days. This coming weekend, I will be doing my last long run before the marathon – 20 miles! And then after that I will start to taper my runs until the big day. I am praying that I remain injury free for the next 3 weeks and that the weather on marathon day is actually decent unlike past years.

I’ll keep everyone posted as to how these next 3 weeks turn out.

Peace.

6 days until my next half-marathon

It’s true, I have signed up for another Half-Marathon. This time I will be running the Lake Zurich Half Marathon on Sunday, September 20th. I am not sure if this is the best idea I have had, seeing as I am trying to heal an injured foot and the fact that there is only 3 weeks until the Chicago Marathon. But me being one not to turn down an invitation to run in a race, I decided to sign up. My friend is also going to be running it, so at least I will have some support .

In order to get ready for this Half, I plan on doing the following runs:

Monday – 7 miles; Tuesday – 8 miles; Wednesday – 6 miles; Thursday – 4 miles; Friday – 9; Saturday – 3

Not sure if all these miles are going to happen or if the foot will hold up, but I am going to try anyway!!  

Peace.

I just can’t stay away..

After only being gone from Kentucky for two months, I just can’t seem to stay away. Back in July, I made a whirlwind of a trip down to Parkers Lake and just last weekend, I went back. But this time, I had a 3 day weekend thanks to our Labor Day holiday, so I got to spend even more time in KY.

The trip started with me driving out to Roanoke, IN to pick up my former roommate and good friend, Ann. We then proceeded to make the 6 hour drive to Parkers Lake, KY. We left around 10:30 on Saturday morning, and should have gotten to Parkers Lake by 4:30; however, we happened to run into a little car trouble…we got a flat tire!! Thankfully, though, a nice KY man flagged us down and we were able to make it to a truck stop without blowing the tire. And go figure, the truck stop had a tire repair shop, so we were able to patch the tire and be on our way in an hour. God is so good!!

Well, we arrived in Parkers Lake fashionably late, but were still greeted by two of our good friends that we worked with. It was really good to see them. That night, we also made it to the Cumberland Falls ’square’ dancing night and got to see even more people that we knew. And the best part (at least for me) was that we made it right at the end of the dancing, so I didn’t have to get out on the dance floor – oh happy day!

On Sunday, we went to Grace on the Hill church and got to hear some amazing music and an awesome message by Pastor Tim. I really do miss that church. I would love to be able to move it and transplant it here in IL . After church, Ann and I stopped at our favorite ice cream place which is the Brown Cow – got to love their twist (a.k.a stacked) ice cream. After our ice cream, we headed on up to Jackson County for the BBQ that the Jackson House was hosting. It was a little weird seeing all the new volunteers, but at the same time very cool. I am still in awe at how so many people give a year of themselves to serve with CAP – it truly is awesome. At the BBQ, I also got to spend some time catching up with my good friends, Jenny, Jenna, and Shannon. Jenna and Shannon will be ending their volunteer time in the next few months, but Jenny has stayed on for another year. I so incredibly happy for her.

The best ice cream in Corbin, KY

After the BBQ, Ann and I made a second trip (yes, second!) to the Brown Cow and enjoyed another twist cone! We then attempted to see the Moonbow again (we missed seeing it on Saturday night by 30 minutes) but it was a bit too cloudy for it.

On Monday, Ann went to visit another friend and I decided to just relax in the trailer. It was like old times, me laying on the couch reading a book and listening to the falling rain. It was great. Somedays, I really do miss that trailer!

Around 12, we hopped back in the car and made the trip back home, but of course not without one last stop at Cumberland Falls. Oh and the Mellow Mushroom – yea for pizza!

Again, a great trip to Kentucky and another reminder to me that I really do love that state! And of course, I am already planning another trip back down..I am thinking perhaps November

Rainbow at Cumberland Falls

Peace.