Thanksgiving Day Run

We drove up to Sheboygan, Wisconsin on Wednesday night after work. It is so nice to be able to stay with family! My sister and her husband have a beautiful home and are always so willing to let us come and stay.

Thursday came rather fast. The weather was awesome. It was in the 20’s with a light breeze. We got up, got dressed and drove to the YMCA to register for the 10K. Let me tell you how cheap this was. We chose the no t-shirt option and paid $12.00 each. We waited in the car for a while and then we decided to go inside the YMCA to use the bathrooms. It was very nice not having to use a port-a-potty! This race was also a 2-mile fun walk/run for families. I found it enjoyable watching the kids and parents get excited. I found it very fun to watch the parents bundle up the kids in snow suits, boots, and mittens.

Chief and I went outside around 9:15 to wait for the start. I didn’t get too cold waiting. They had a strange start. There was no gun, no sirens, no one said “go” (that we heard). At 9:30 am people just started to run. And run we did!

Chief got in front of me and I was chasing while fussing with my watch. I have no idea if I started it when I began to run or if I hit start when I crossed the timing mat. Since we were chipped I didn’t really care too much. I just like to have an ideal of my mile splits. The race was an out and back along Sheboygan’s Lake Michigan coastline and nearby neighborhoods. I kind of wanted to stay with Chief as long as I could. Being that he got a head of me so quick it took me a mile to get on his heals. Unfortunately for me that is when I got to the bottom of the big hill. Chief is very strong with hills and I am not for two reasons: ITB and hills just suck! The course was not flat. There seemed to be endless rolling hills. I couldn’t get back to Chief but could see him in front of me for most of the first part of the race.

My splits seemed fast. I saw Chief go around the cones at the 5K-turnaround. As we passed by each other he gave me some encouraging words. When I got to the 5K-turnaround, the guy shouted “26:28”. Could he be serious? I looked at my watch and we matched. Holy Cow I never ran a 5 K this fast! I could no longer see Chief so it was up to me to keep up the pace. At mile 4 there was a small water station. After I gracefully choked on my drink, I decided to see how hard I could push. I felt so tired. My heart rate was around 93-95% and I really wanted to be done. I was happy to see mile 5. I latched on to some guy and toward the finish he thought we should “take it”. We picked it up and I saw Chief cheering me on the side of the road. I crossed at 53:07. Later I would find out that my pace was 8:33. Holy crap. Chief did well also. His chip time was 51:21. (Thanks for pacing me babe!)

Other than wanting to puke I felt okay. My knee held up and I was warm enough. What more could I ask for? How about water? Nope, they did not have enough water at the finish line. There was Gatorade and two kinds of Donut Holes but no water! They need to change two things about this race: more water at the end and a person at the start with a megaphone, starter pistol, whistle, air horn, etc., just to let us know when it is time to go. I guess that is why the race was so darn cheap.

After the run, we went to my sister’s to shower and pack up the car to head up to Manitowoc for Thanksgiving dinner with Chief’s family. We had good eats and “feats of strength” – Chief arm-wrestled his nephew. We are lucky to have a great family to stay with. This time we slept over at my other sister’s house. They recently moved to this very pretty home. I enjoyed staying there because it gave me a chance to catch up with my niece and nephew. I wish I lived closer. They change so fast and I really had a blast seeing the kids again. Friday morning came early and I got up at 4:00 am to drive to Green Bay and shop with another sister, niece, and mom. My niece and I had a fun time in the back seat snacking on jelly beans, pretzels, Pringles, and what ever else we had brought or bought. That night we drove back home to Illinois. We don’t usually get home for Thanksgiving because I normally work the day after. I am glad we had the chance this year. It was fun.

Keeping Busy

It is definitely getting chilly outside. You know you like to run when you get up at 4:50 am, turn on the weather channel to see the temperature and wind report, spend 10 minutes figuring out what to wear and then finally get out there and run. This is now my routine on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I have built up the distance and speed to run with Chief and TL. We do a 5-mile loop starting at TL’s house. If I feel okay at the end, I add a little bit and run home. It is really awesome that JJ is able to run with us too. I think the trick was building super slow. The problem is that I get so competitive with myself that I want to keep adding distance or running more frequent then I should. Take today, we ran 8 miles in 81 minutes yesterday at Waterfall Glen. I was ready to run with the boys this morning even though my knee is a little sore and I am physically tired. Chief woke up with me and said he would go with us if we would walk. So, we walked and I enjoyed talking and looking at the neighborhood. I think the boys like the break as well.

Yesterday the run was great at WFG. We got there at 5:45am. Chief bought a headlamp from REI and it worked really well. He lit up the path for all three of us. Dusty got a new running jacket (looks like a yellow Superman cape). He is a little guy with less fur than JJ so we are careful with cold weather and running him. He ran in his little jacket and he had absolutely no issues. When Chief got home, Dusty followed him to the den to hang it up. It was really cute.


Today I am returning to “Hot Yoga” class with my friend. She invited me last weekend and it was my very first yoga experience. I loved it. I am not flexible but that didn’t matter. I just did as much as I could. I admit when I was done I felt so relaxed. I got home and wanted to sleep. Today, I need to drink more prior to class. I think that will help me not feel so dehydrated later tonight.

This is Thanksgiving week and I have a lot to do. Normally, I work the Friday after Thanksgiving so we make a dinner for just us two and put up the Christmas tree. This year we are headed up north and I already have some time constraints. After working and a manicure on Wednesday, we will be driving to Sheboygan to stay with my oldest sister. We are planning on doing a 10K turkey trot in Sheboygan on Thursday morning. Then we have to drive to Manitowoc and get our butts going to be at Chief’s family gathering. We are staying at my sister’s house (different than the one referenced above) and she has her dinner at noon, which we are invited to as well. I told her we would just snitch a piece of turkey because we have to be at Chief’s brothers house by 2 pm for dinner at 4 pm. I will be going shopping with some of my family on Friday morning. I have never done the day after shopping thing. I am not a real lover of shopping but I wanted to spend some time with them. We are driving to Green Bay and Appleton for this. My mom’s dinner is on Saturday night, but we will already be back in Illinois because we are picking up a friend at O’Hare Airport on Saturday afternoon. Sunday, I will be getting started with Christmas decorating. Wow, we will need a vacation after this.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.

My 10K Race Report

On Sunday Chief and I ran a local 10K. I was worried because my knee was sore from probably too much spinning and I was also concerned about the weather. It was suppose to be windy, cold, and a chance of snow.

The day started early. Chief got going and took the boys for their walk. I got to "sleep in" until 6am and had to figure out how to dress. I had bought a few new cold weather running things as a birthday present but I wasn't sure if it was quite cold enough to wear them. With the temp being around 38 I decided on layers of 2 wick shirts and a pull over Sport Hill running jacket. I had my gloves, hat, and a layer of tights. I do have a heavy pair of tights but the zipper has dug into my Achilles and I haven't been brave enough to wear them again.

We got to the race, picked up our timing chips and waited in the car. About 30minutes prior to the race we decided to find a potty and wait in the tent for the call to the line. I was a little chilled waiting. I loved watching people before the race. I felt like a dork because I don't have a ritual. It was obvious to me that there were some very serious runners. I saw some use foam rollers and the stick to loosen up. I saw people doing crazy stretches and some weird duck walk thing. I was getting nervous. Why was I here? What did I sign up for? This was crazy. It was early, cold, and I just wanted to be done and go home.

We finally walked to the start. We went to the middle. The gun went off. Funny, how as soon as the gun went off my nerves went away. I told Chief to run ahead and have fun. I knew I was going to be slower and I didn't want to drag him down. Truth be told I am pretty much a loaner when I run. I don't mind running alone.

I was running comfortably. I felt that I was warm enough. I took off my gloves at the half way point. I started to realize that I was turning out 9 minute miles. I got to where the 5K and 10K course splits. For a moment I thought about bailing but I didn't. I figured I was out I might as well get in a good workout. It was with 2 miles to go that I knew I could get this race done in under an hour. I just kept telling myself to keep turning my legs. Keep the pace. Only 9 minutes until the next mile. I picked up some dude and he was running faster than me. He spoke Spanish and he would wave for me to pass him. I told him I was coming but I couldn't catch him. I was just past the 6mile marker and I saw Chief. It was cool to see him at the finish line. I ended up running in 56:12. I was so happy with my run and I am glad that I didn't bail at the 5K split!

They had great post race treats: bananas, apples, oranges, bagels, soup, hot dogs, McDonald yogurt parfaits, coffee, hot chocolate, and hot cider.

I chilled pretty quick so we grabbed a bite and left. I was pretty tired for the rest of the day. My legs were tired at spin on Monday and Tuesday my knee was sore with running. I went to spin today and it wasn't too bad. I hope to run with Chief and TL tomorrow. They plan on doing 5 miles.

My "Diamond" Day

On Tuesday, I drove up to Wisconsin to pick up my mom and sister and head to Green Bay to see the Neil Diamond concert. I was a bit cranky...long week at work, hard work outs, PMS so I guess my mood sucked from the moment I woke up. In fact that morning I ran with JJ to meet Chief and some friends. I over dressed for the run which made me hot and not happy which I am sure was a great impression. I took a ride home with Chief and felt guilty for not running longer. I changed into dry clothes and went back out for another 5K. On my second run I was thinking that I probably could get Chief a Green Bay Packers umbrella for his birthday. I knew he needed a new umbrella and he is also a Packers fan. So, when I got home I made a phone call to Dick's Sporting Goods in Green Bay. With my great mood I loved our conversation.

Me: Do you have GB Packers Golf umbrellas.
That guy: Yep, we have two.
Me: Could you hold one for me and I will pick it up tonight.
That guy: I really don't think we are going to sell 2 umbrellas on November 4th.
Me: Please, just put it aside. I don't want to drive 4 hours from Chicago and one not be there when I get to the store.
That guy: If you live in Chicago, why do you want a Packers Umbrella.
Me: It's a long story. We relocated and he is a Packers Fan.
That guy: You would never get me to relocate there.
Me: So, could you leave one for me? I will be up around 4pm. I should be able to swing by before we go to the Neil Diamond concert.
That guy: Neil Diamond eh.
Me: Yes. Do you need my name.
That guy: Nope, don't think we are going to sell 2 umbrellas today.

I was now late to get on the road. I quickly showered and packed. I headed to the tollway. The ride was uneventful. I was thrilled when I got to Milwaukee and I found a 24 hour Christmas music station. I totally love Christmas so this was helping me feel better. I got to Chief's parents house to pick up my tickets which I had left when the first concert got cancelled. Poor Chief's mom. I told her about my bad mood and just listened. She is such a sweet lady. I am lucky to love my in-laws. I then got to my mom's house. She was so excited. We had about an hour to spare before leaving to pick up my sister. There isn't much to do up there. I suggested we go to the local grocery stores. My mom thought this to be strange but I like to see what they have that I can't get here. I bought Chief some cookies and salted nut rolls. And off we went to Green Bay.

My sister, mom and me had a nice time catching up in the car. My sister is so funny. We made it to Dick's and my umbrella was waiting for me. We then found the Resch Center, got an awesome parking spot, and enjoyed the "Diamond Dinner". Because of my diet I only ate the roasted chicken and some carrots. There was also beef tips with mushrooms and gravy, mashed potatoes, rolls, and lemon torte. Oh, I did taste the torte. It was really good. My mom and sister said everything else was really good too. We thought we could walk around the venue until the concert started but we were wrong. They don't let you find your seats until one hour before the show starts. Since it was only 6pm we had some time to wait. I really wanted a beverage and when it was 7 pm my sister and I found the booze cart. We both enjoyed a cold one. Time to find our seats. Our tickets said section 219, ZA, seats 19-21. Okay, I knew they were not the best seats but I didn't think they would be the worst ones. This is not a lie. We were in the highest row. There was nothing behind us but the concrete wall. To make things worse, my mom is deathly afraid of heights. I had no clue that she was so scared of heights. We go to sit down and I could see how uneasy she was. She was a trooper but I could see she wasn't right. Later she tells us that she was dizzy just looking down and really thought she would die.

Now the good part. Now my mood gets better. We are waiting for the concert to begin when some guy named Jim comes up to us to ask if we would like to upgrade our tickets. Me being ready for a scam said that I liked these seats. My sister asked where the new seat would be and he said "that section down there". We are so high up that we can't tell what the heck section he is talking about. I asked how much it would cost and he said it was free. I wanted to know if we moved and I didn't like the new seats could we come back up here. He said we would not be disappointed. My sister asks to clarify which section and Jim tell us the section is where there is no one sitting now right next to the stage. Okay, say what? Right next to the stage. My sister then says to the guy "you can have our crap seats" and we gave him our old ticket and off we went to the good seats.

Oh my God, we got to sit at stage level row 1 for the cost of the crap seats Chief bought. We were so excited. My mom wasn't going to die now. I was so happy I had tears of joy. The concert was awesome. We sang and danced. I just wanted this to be special for my mom and I could tell she was happy. Neil was incredible. It was so cool seeing him up close. He even walked to our section and sang. I never thought I would be a crazy fan but I couldn't help myself. With my sparking Neil Diamond t-shirt I shouted "I love you Neil" and by God I know when he put his hand on his heart and mouthed "Thank You" it was meant for me. My day was complete. Great concert, awesome parking spot, spent time with mom and my sister.

I woke up the next day in the best mood ever. I went for a long walk in town. I hadn't done that in years. I walked to Jerry's Bakery and ordered some treats for work and for Chief. I also got Chief's dad a treat and dropped that off on my way out of town. I got back home in record time. I took out the boys, unpacked and headed to work. If I ever figure out how to get my pictures off my cell phone I will post them.

So, if you are in a bad mood maybe, just maybe, tomorrow will be your best day ever.

Beautiful Weekend

Gosh, it was such a pretty weekend. I looked at the trees today and I think we are in the peak of the fall season. It's suppose to rain this week and that will probably make the leaves to drop. That gives us yard work to do for next weekend.

Being that the weather was so very pleasant we ran on Saturday morning. JJ and I did 7 miles! I am so happy with my progress. I stopped my watch at 6 miles and it was on 59 minutes. This is a very nice time for me. After running I hurried home to take a shower. I had a manicure appointment at 10:00 and then we had a birthday party to go to at 11:15. A friend of Chief's turned 60 along with her husband. Their children gave them a wonderful birthday party at a banquet hall in McCook. The meal was awesome. We had soup, salad, rolls, pasta, beef, chicken, carrots, potatoes, and cake and ice cream for dessert. I made good choices but I also enjoyed a taste of Chief's chocolate cake and a bit of carrot cake. By the way, the cake was from Sam's Club and it was really good.

Today I went to Arlington Heights to meet some old friends for breakfast at Walker Brothers Pancake House. We meet once a month. My good friend and I share a birthday. She will be 60 and I will be 37. It's kind of cool how when you are an adult the age of your friends does not matter.

When I got home we took out the mountain bikes and went to WFG. My first loop on the year on the bike. We decided not to do 2 loops because both of us are tired from the run yesterday. Chief also is still riding his bike to work and he wants fresh legs for the morning. I think that he plans on riding just a few more days because it gets dark earlier now that the clocks changed. My knee was a little sore riding. I have noticed that it is bothering me just a little more than last week. I have been spinning more and I think I need to go lighter on the resistance. The pain is more lateral which is the ITB stuff. Where Dr. E injected it is fine.

We got new cell phones. I just spent an hour trying to find a ring tone because the ones that came with the phone suck. So, when you call I get to hear "Spirit in the Sky". I love that song. I have told Chief that when I die he has to play it at my funeral. I am not joking.

I just have to get through Monday and then I get to drive up north to see Neil Diamond with my mom and sister. I seriously can't wait.