Half Crazy

 

CHICAGO was a lot of fun this weekend. I continued my race day morning tradition of getting up early, getting dressed, and walking to the closest coffee shop. I got a small house coffee and tried to give myself the "poop talk."  You don't want to start a race needing to go to the bathroom...it's not fun at all. Of course, I couldn't go. 

We drove near the race and parked. After walking for a bit, my friend needed to go to the bathroom. So, we used a Dunkin' Donuts as our victim. :)

I believe I finished at 2:35. I ran the entire way, except for mile 12.5.  There's a pretty good sized incline that I would definitely call a hill. I was on pace to set a personal record...At the 12 mile mark, I was at 2:08. I planned on running up that hill with all my force, but I got hit with shooting shin splint-like pain from my ankle bone to my knees on both legs. I actually started feeling dizzy like I was going to collapse. I've never felt this kind of pain running before.  So, I decided to walk. I walked for about 10 minutes until the Finish Line was in sight, and slowly made my way across it.

I'm not disappointed at all. It was a hot day and considering I got the time I did, I was happy with it. I didn't stop at every water station...I felt like I made good choices about when to hydrate. 

At this race, you get a free beer at the end. From Week 1, I told myself that this would be the only beer I consume during my training. In the past, my friends and I usually drink beer and eat a cheeseburger after running. This time, the beer just didn't sound appealing. So, I cheated with something else. *GASP* 

At the finish line, they were giving out small samples of smoothies from Jamba Juice. I took one because the only thing I could eat was a warm banana. It was so delicious that I told myself that I want a smoothie as my cheat.  After getting back to my friend's apartment and eating my 12 PM meal, I googled the closest Jamba Juice.  It was a 20 minute walk. I didn't know what the neighborhood was like, so I opted for Starbucks since I knew where that was and the walk felt safe. 

I purchased a Grande Strawberry Smoothie and enjoyed every minute of it! I know, I know. I could have done much worse, but trust me. I beat myself up the entire drive home over drinking the smoothie--the whole 2.5 hour drive. I looked up the nutrition and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was. Regardless, I gave myself a pep talk and told myself to bear down this week and work harder in the gym. PUNISHMENT. 

P.S.  I have to figure out why my pictures are so blurry on Blogger...Hmm.

P.P.S.  This is my 100th post!