Almost Sorry I'll Be Traveling

After another solid run today I'm almost sorry that I'll be traveling tomorrow and won't get a run in. I'm hoping that while I'm in San Diego I'll get in at least one run. This is the great thing when you get in a groove, you actually look forward to each days run.

I must say there's almost no better feeling when you running well. This year really has been great, while pain has been with me from time to time I haven't had any major pain. This is really a switch for me. Not sure if it's because I've been taking Joint Relief but I must say that since in my previous marathon runs I didn't take any supplements I have no other factor to attribute this too.

I must admit that I when I started taking Joint Relief I wasn't a big believer in supplements. But I figured supplements are no worse than chicken soup - like my Mom says not sure if it helps but it sure can't hurt either. Another lesson learned - Never doubt what Mom says.

Holiday and Travel make for a strange week

This week will be short and sweet as I will be heading to San Diego to watch my beloved Bears take on the Chargers. Hopefully I'll get in a run or two, but I've never been very good about running when I'm on business travel or vacation. Running away from home is tough - I don't know the routes and I really don't like packing all my gear.

With about eight weeks to go and running well a few days off aren't critical at this point. That's one thing great about starting my training earlier than normal - had I been running the Chicago Marathon which is just a month away - there is no way I could take off four or five days this close to race day - typically I follow a 16 week program that takes me all the way to race day - this year I started earlier and have actually been training for over 13 weeks with about 8 weeks to go - This month I will continue my mileage build with no long runs under 15 miles - If all goes well I'll be race ready by early October and can spend the month of October doing speed work and staying in shape

Hope everyone had a great holiday - will post again tomorrow

A Labor of Love

This past weekend was another reminder of the hard work runners go through to get their runs in. I was all psyched and ready to go for a nice long run on Saturday - figured I would get in 18 or 20 miles - rest up and then go watch the Fighting Illini, my Alma mater, play some football. I basically have two choices when it comes to long runs, Busse Woods or The Half Day Trail - both places allow me to run without worrying about traffic and have plenty of water available and restrooms.

So on Saturday I decided to run the Half Day Trail - unfortunately due to the heavy rains we had the trial was still under water and as hard I tried I couldn't find a path that would allow me to get the run in - I basically ended up running in circles trying to find a dry path - so instead of running 18 r 20 - the day turned out to be a warm up run for Sunday

Not wanting to take any chances it was off to Busse Woods for a nice long run - I really like running at Busse as I see all the runners getting ready for the Chicago Marathon which is only a few weeks away. Seeing these people is a reminder of just how dedicated you have to be to run a marathon - it truly is a labor of love.

I also have some good news - my friend with breast cancer came through her surgery well - although she won't be able to run this year I fully expect her to be back at next year - she knows the road won't be easy but she has a great attitude and strong family support - as much as I enjoyed my runs this weekend seeing her with a good attitude was the best part of my whole weekend