So I believe I pushed myself a little too far today.  I ran 6 days straight until Saturday and put in 27 miles.  I then ran a 15K (not an official race just on my own time) and felt like absolute death after.  I sat in my bathroom trying to throw up for a half hour to no avail.  I then proceeded to wait 3 hours to eat because I felt so crappy.  Now that I ate I realized not eating was a huge mistake.  I am usually on top of things with my nutrition but I've been slipping lately.  I need to get back to my normal self this week.  Definitely taking a break from running tomorrow. 

I completed the longest race of my life on Saturday, 10 miles.  It was enjoyable.  I thought it would be a lot tougher but the miles went by fast.  The worst part was the fact that my headphones broke on the 1st mile so I had no music.  I can't stand listening to myself and others breathe while I run.  The course was beautiful and of course flat Chicago style.  The best part of the race was the finish.  We finished on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field (where the Bears play).  There were tons of people cheering runners on at the finish which is always nice.  After finishing the run, I now know I am prepared for a half marathon.  Next year it's on to the full!

Today I ran the Run to Remember 5K in Chicago to honor fallen Chicago Police Officers.  I really enjoyed the environment as I am a huge supporter of the police and an aspiring officer.  The course was pretty good.  Pretty hilly at times and monotonous as the lake shore trail by the yacht club is getting old (I ran another 5K a month ago with that same area in it).  The only gripe I had was the end being on an uphill.  However, the end was inspiring as they posted pictures of the officer's who have been killed in the line of duty on the way to the finish shoot.  I ran my fastest time since getting back into competition this year and I am proud of that.  I was even nursing some runner's knee. 

I ended up running it in 26:54 with 8:40 miles.  I am happy because I have improved in every single 5K I've run this year.  I thought the worst today with this knee pain but I pulled through.  I was also happy to know I beat a substantial amount of cops.  I guess I'll be good at chasing the bad guys someday

Over the past few months of training, I've compiled a list of my pet peeves in my head that I am sure other runners encounter.  I live and run around Chicago so my pet peeves are catered that way.

-Mindless walkers who take up the entire sidewalk even if they see you coming

-Approaching a slow walker from behind and the fact that they can't hear my loud breath amazes me

-People smoking cigars/cigarettes (I know this can't be controlled but it's still annoying)

-People who dart out in front of you from a storefront when they clearly see you coming

-Cars not using turning indicators and then getting pissed at you when you run in front of them

-Cars blocking crosswalks

-A new one I encountered today: A random fat guy asking me "why are you running skinny?".  Uncalled for.

-Lake trail pet peeve--People who walk in packs across the entire track (both ways) and don't get out of the way.  Have some sense people.

I ran the Wrigley Early Start 5K in Chicago today.  The weather was perfect.  Sunny and about 55 degrees when it started.  The course was flat with a few foothills (what's new in virtually flat Chicago ).  My fiance' actually participated too.  It was his first 5K ever.  I ended up beating him by 10 seconds but that was because he has a nagging knee problem right now.  He was about a minute ahead of me until the last half mile when the pain set in.  As for me, I had no pain at all.  I didn't set a PR but I am happy with how I did for my first 5K since high school cross country.  My unofficial time is 27:40.  Their clocks were way off so hopefully the timing chip results are more accurate.  I enjoyed the course but the first quarter mile was ridiculous in terms of overcrowding.  The start shoot was way too narrow and it was a battle getting around all the slow people.  After a quarter mile or so people spread out so it was easy to go.  The scenery was nice as most of the race went along the lake shore trail and up the museum campus back to Grant Park.  I always love seeing that finish line too .  Time for more training and another 5K on the 25th this month

I ran my first 8K of my life on Sunday March 21st in Chicago.  I participated in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle.  I've been training since January but had a set back on February 13, 2010.  I was running in extremely worn out New Balance shoes and suffered a stress fracture.  The doctor confirmed it through a bone scan on February 28th.  Ever since that date, I have been in an orthopedic boot and going crazy because I couldn't run.  On March 14th, I went out for my first run since and completed 3 miles.  It felt great and I continued throughout the week and did 15 miles.  By Sunday 3/21 I was ready for the shuffle.  Technically, I was not supposed to run it as I am supposed to be in the boot until the first week in April but I couldn't help myself. 

I toughed it out and went down to Columbus and Monroe to run the Shuffle.  It was far too cold for my liking but what more can be expected in Chicago!  The worst part was waiting for the gun to go off-I just wanted to run and warm up.  The gun finally went off for my wave at 9:20 am and we were on our way.  The first 2 miles were very easy and flat.  The last 2.97 miles were challenging but my pain was non-existent.  I definitely learned 90% of running is mental.  I kept my head in the game and would not allow myself to stop and walk like a ton of people I saw.  When I was in high school, I did not care much for running and would walk part of 5K's nearly every race.  This race, I didn't allow it to happen.  I toughed it out and made it through.  The end of the race was the most challenging as there was a huge hill up Roosevelt at about .30 miles left.  Once I got to the top of the hill, it was a downhill relief and the finish line was in sight.  I gave it all I had and crossed the line at 46:29.  This averaged out to about a 9:21 mile pace and I couldn't argue with that considering I have a stress fracture and it was my first race since high school.  I would eventually like to race with 7:30-8:00 minute miles but I have to heal before that can happen.  I am definitely ready now for racing season to begin.  Bring it on.