September 28, 2013

Two weeks out

I ran on the the treadmill for the first time in a long time today. The last time I used the treadmill was when I was watching American Horror Story. After I finished that, I couldn't find anything that interested me on Netflix, so I was doing everything I could to avoid the treadmill. Today, I didn't have an option, though. Jerry wasn't home to stay with the boys, and there was no way that I was going to run circles around the block ;)

I decided to try watching House of Cards. I've heard nothing but good things about it, but I was avoiding it because I HATE politics, and it's a political drama. I figured I would give it a try, and I really hoped it would suck me in to make the treadmill more bearable.

I wore the new belt that I bought yesterday, to see if I could run without it bouncing. I wasn't sure how much stuff I'd be able to fit in there, but I think it'll work well for the marathon--I could fit two Gu's and 2 full packs of ShotBloks, along with my iPhone.


I had eight miles at an easy pace on the schedule, so I set the treadmill for 6.0 mph and tried to lose myself in House of Cards. The belt worked perfectly! First, I wore it with the pouch in front, and there was no bouncing whatsoever. It was very comfortable, and I honestly wouldn't have even known it was there. I decided to try moving the pouch part to the back, to see how that felt, and it wasn't as comfortable. It didn't bounce, but it felt a little weird with it resting on top of my butt. So I'll wear it facing front, and it's flat enough to fit underneath my shirt.

I wasn't as thrilled with House of Cards, unfortunately. The political stuff is very prominent in the show, so it definitely wasn't my taste; and I really didn't understand it. Usually, for shows like that, I end up asking Jerry a million questions about what is happening ;)  I watched the whole first episode, and then quickly (and totally randomly) picked something else to watch for a half an hour. I ended up with Gossip Girl, hahaha. I'd never heard of it, but it was entertaining enough for a little while.

Thankfully, my legs felt much better today, and I didn't feel as fatigued as I did the past couple of days. Physically, I actually felt really good today. Mentally, the treadmill was a big struggle, though. Anyway, I finished out eight miles.


My heart rate chart was back to normal today, without huge spikes and drops. It's interesting to me that my average heart rate was 135 today. It used to be so much higher when running at the pace! It shows that I'm getting more and more conditioned the more that I train. My resting heart rate has dropped quite a bit, too--it's now in the high 40's.

I'm now two weeks out from the marathon. This afternoon when I got the mail, I noticed that this came for me:


It's the participant guide for the Chicago Marathon. It's kind of scary! There are 38 pages in this book, all about the expo, and race, and directions, and start times, and all that. THIRTY-EIGHT pages. That's a lot to remember. I get really stressed out and anxious trying to find my way around unfamiliar cities, so the thought of getting to/from the expo, the hotel, the race, etc. is making me nervous now. I'm actually more nervous about that than I am the race itself!

Eli saw the guide, and was studying the pictures on the front. He asked me, "Mama, do you think you might win this race?" (Clearly, I look just like the Kenyans on the cover); I told him I would be happy to finish in the top 75%, hahaha. The kids really don't understand why I would run races if I don't plan on trying to win them.

23 comments:

  1. You should try watching Scandal or Revenge. I think you'd like them, and they're shows that definitely draw you in.

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  2. i agree with scandal and revenge. also damages is very addicting!

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  3. I got my book a few days ago. I highlight things I want to be sure to remember or want to be able to find. When I was going through it, I noticed that there are a lot of things repeated. I'm glad they listed every aid station with the mileage so I can plan when I'm going to use my gels!
    I'll be there on Friday with my sister in law who grew up in Chicago and will be depending on her for all of our going places. If I can help you out in any way, let me know.

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    1. Also, when I travel to a race by myself, I have everything I can think of looked up and printed out ahead of time. Things such as mapquest directions from my hotel to the expo location, directions to restaurants, the start, and anywhere I want to go after the race.

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  4. I recommend the United States of Tara. It's about a woman with Multiple Personality Disorder and her family. I thought it was pretty entertaining.

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    1. I forgot about that show! Yeah, that one is really good!

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  5. I tried watching House of Cards at one time too. I think I watched about 5 episodes and I just couldn't get into it. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one since it is so popular. I have a pack like the one you have. I really like it too. I keep my phone, my fitbit and a band aid in mine. It is the perfect size.

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  7. Katie,

    That would totally be like me - to worry more about finding my way around. Recently when I tried parasailing for the first time, my friend could not believe I was more worried about parking the car than parasailing. :)

    Michelle Christine

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  8. I do the same thing - I ran outside 3 times this week (vs my usual once) because I finished the 3rd season of Downton Abbey (which I love, but it's not for everyone). I also watch Once Upon A Time but now my kids are watching with me so I can't skip ahead while I'm on the 'mill (Season premiere tonight! Woot!).

    My kids get really disgusted when I tell them I'm not going to "win" a race. They're thrilled when I come home with a medal, though!

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  9. Have you tried "Once Upon A Time" I just started watching it and I am totally sucked in.

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  10. Hi Katie! I found you on Twitter (looking at #hansonsmarathonmethod). I'm running Chicago in two weeks as well and have also been training on Hansons. How is it going for you? I have found it challenging, but also feel like I'm in better shape than I've ever been before when training for a marathon! Good luck with your last two weeks of training.

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    1. Thanks for writing, Gina! I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about this method, especially because everyone else has been posting about their 20-milers. But I DO feel like I'm in better shape than I have ever been, and I feel more prepared than my previous marathons. I'm excited to see how it pans out on race day!

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  11. Gossip girl is the best!

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  12. Watch Revenge!!! Best show ever!

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  13. I have watched lots of differents series do to my work...something a little different and off the beaten path.....bomb girls... also enjoyed here comes the mid wives...these are shows of a different error...I like a show called the killing.....very good

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  14. Haha kids. When I tell my little brother what I placed he is most unimpressed. Oh 18th place? Lame. I try to explain its 18 out of like 380, but he doesn't care. :P

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  15. The Following is a good show too, scares the bejesus out of me! Definitely keeps your eyes drawn in. By the way, your Kenyan comment made me spit my breakfast out! LOL!

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  16. Katie, have you heard of the show "Hemlock Grove"? Several of my friends love it, and keep telling me to watch it. I haven't yet... you go first, and tell me if it's worth it! lol!!!

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  17. Katie - I've been following your blog for years and live in downtown Chicago. I'm happy to help you in any way! Or would love to meet up for coffee or a walk. Send me an email if interested...advorak@ghlaw-llp.com

    Amy

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  18. Chastity ;)October 01, 2013

    Scandal, Revenge, Fringe. Scandal is political though so not sure if it's for you.

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  19. That was me for the Diva. I had more nightmares about forgetting the spinach dip for the after-party and oversleeping than I did about running it!

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