80 Days from "The Chicago" Marathon....

This weekend we head into the city for the Rock N Roll Half Marathon.  It's goal is to provide a check in for our marathon training.  It is insane to think last September I'd run a half marathon, now a half marathon is just a "check in" point on my MARATHON training schedule.  Things have been going pretty well, minus the heat.  It was not this hard to run in the heat last summer, but last summer was not this hot.  I am so looking forward to fall running again.

Then I get this email....about race day survival and how hot it is going to be!!!  I'm already upping my water intake today, tomorrow, and Saturday.  I'm going to try to enjoy this experience by remaining calm.  I tend to get a bit wound up when it comes to races like this!!!  I over think everything!!!! 

None the less I'm very excited to head to the city to do some running!  #MAKEITCOUNT

On to some Chicago Cubs news....they are finally winning again.... 14 of the last 19...that makes me smile!!!

Running with out tunes....

For months I have been hearing about the benefits of running with no music.  I have even had a few close calls where I heard that a race I signed up for didn't allow for headphones.  The only time I had run without music was a trail run and the warrior dash. 

A few weeks ago my new shoes were giving me problems, so my husband suggested a run without music so I could hear my feet hitting the ground and improve my strides.  That 3 mile run seemed to be horrible!!!  I kept hearing my tunes, and trying to pretend that I was enjoying the sights of my neighborhood. 

I went back to my ipod and did not think too much about trying music free again.  A few weeks after that my ipod wasn't charged or something random like that and I ran again with no music.  Hmmm that wasn't as bad as the first time.  This went on and off for a few more runs.

This week I ran with no music for the full week, except for my 3k on Saturday which was a race.  I think I'm hooked.  I think running with out music was actually enjoyable and I really could hear and feel what my body does when I'm running.

I hope this is a change I will keep put with!  I'm excited with the results so far!

Opening Day was a ton of fun and even got a run in by the lake while I was in Chicago this week for spring break.

We are heading into week 6 of the 10 miler training.  I'm feeling strong and confident.  My running is getting better each week!!!

I am in love with my Garmin

Last year when I trained for my half marathon I had no way of tracking my running.  We would simply bike or drive the route prior or estimate it based on our 10 minute pace that we thought we were keeping.  It worked very well, but often caused us to over plan our routes. 

This time around two wonderful things have happened.  The first is this amazing weather that has set in over the Midwest.  We have had so many days in a row with over 80 degree temperatures.  In the middle of March this is unheard of.  Today is actually the first day of spring and I've been running outside for the past three weeks with tanks tops.  The second thing that happened was I started using my garmin on my runs.  We are now able to just RUN.  We loosely plan where we want to go, but we have opened up so many routes. 

It has felt so great running outside so much!  Friday night is our first 5k of the season.  I'm so looking forward to it, as it was my first ever 5k last year that I entered!!!


Also my Cubs Season Tickets will be arrive soon!  I can't wait!!!!
Amanda :)

I've been waiting for this day for quite a few years now!

The day I signed up for Chicago Cubs season tickets I was only in college, the Cubs and baseball wasn't that popular...well it was gaining popularity with Sammy slamming home-runs.  I signed up for the list and just left it be.  As the year have gone by I have tracked my number and it kept dropping lower and lower.  Then last Tuesday I got an email from the Cub's saying my number is up and I can purchase bleacher tickets. 

We selected two seats out in the bleachers and I am beyond excited and happy!!!!!

I'm a Chicago Cubs Season Ticket HOLDER!