Because... Bees (and let's talk about what's next)

So there are bees in Chicago in September. Not cute "honey nut cheerios" bees, more like "annoying, on the verge of stinging you" bees. They were EVERYWHERE. Well, everywhere outside including all along the 13.1 mile Chicago Half Marathon course. I'm going to post the full race recap in the next few days, but in the meantime I'll fill you in on some upcoming stuff...

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I have one more really long run and one more half marathon before the NY Marathon in November. The 20-23 miler was originally scheduled for next weekend, but it may have to change to this weekend (I'm still trying to figure out the logistics etc). 

If I could afford it, I would travel to a cooler state for this training run because I'm really over humidity right now. It was humid in Chicago for the race on Sunday (which did not help to control the bee situation); it was humid this morning when I ran; and it's been humid for the past four months. I think the last time I had ideal running weather was during the Miami half marathon in January. 

My upcoming half marathon (ZOOMA 1/2) scheduled for October will be run as a virtual race. I have a major work conflict that is going to prevent me from traveling but I'm being allowed to run it virtually (thankfully!) so I'm looking forward to that. 

Apart from those two major runs, the rest of my NY training (over the next 39 days) will consist of 10 mile long runs, 3-5 mile midweek runs, strength training, swimming, and waiting patiently to find out if I got into the 2017 London Marathon (I should know by October 18th!)

Once I know what the status is for the London Marathon I can start continue planning for next year. There are a couple of swimming events already scheduled (January & April), the Miami Marathon (January), and a Ragnar Relay (temporarily scheduled for May). 

2017 already looks like it's going to be a pretty busy year (I can't wait!)

How far ahead do you plan for races/events?

What does your 2017 running schedule look like?

Is anyone planning to run in the London Marathon next year?

Third Time This Year...

I'm back in Chi Town!!!! This is my third trip to Chicago this year, which makes so much sense since it's my favorite city to visit! In May I was here for the Chicago Spring 1/2 marathon (in June I was here for Ragnar Chicago) and now I'm here for the Chicago Fall 1/2 marathon (as part of the Chicagoland series).

I signed up for the series because... race bling (you get an extra medal when you do both the Spring and Fall 1/2 marathons). My May trip was a "mommy daughter" trip and I was able share my favorite city with my favorite person (Chicago is now one of Kai's favorite places too). This trip is a "girls trip" and I here with my mom, my twin sister, and my baby sister...

(Yup, we are all running/walking in the event on Sunday!!!)

My mom and Jule (baby sister) signed up for the 5K at the race expo and Sanya (twin sis) had decided to do the half with me several months ago (my bib color is different because of the Chicagoland series). 

9 miles + 11 miles...

I was thinking about the significance of today as I was driving home to type this blog post. Kai and I had just finished watching Sully (you should see it if you haven't already) and I was once again in awe of the miracle that occurred when that flight landed safely on the Hudson River. Today as we remember one of the saddest days in the country's history, most of which centered around New York, I was able to watch a movie that celebrated something amazing (which also centered around New York). I by no means mention the movie in an attempt to take away from the significance of today. September 11th 2001 will never be forgotten. We will always remember where we were when we heard or saw tragedy unfolding right before our eyes. We will never forget how we felt in that moment. This day will always remind us to never take any day for granted. To always tell the people we love that we love them. To thank those that risked their lives on that day, and those who continue to do so every day.

This morning's "9 + 11" run went well...

I'm Not Ready!

It's almost that time in the training plan... the big 20 MILE training run!!!

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Tomorrow will actually be the first of two 20 mile training runs scheduled for this training cycle. This one is going to be a "slow and steady ensure you get the time on your feet" 20 miles. The next one (set for some time in October) will hopefully be more of a "simulate race day" 20 miler.

But I'm not ready. Sure, I've been hydrating with only water this week (well except the two glasses of wine last night) and my diet has been "ok". I was doing really well and then there was a transient loss of judgment and I made some poor carbohydrate decisions (donuts... sigh). 

An Open Letter To My Brands...

Dear Garmin,
I should totally be a brand ambassador for your fitness watches...

There are several reasons for this but the main one is cause I love them and I spend a considerable amount of time strategically planning for when I can get the latest model. Don't get me wrong, my love for your watches isn't a blind stalker-ish kind of love. It is conditional on performance. But so far you have never disappointed me (although you really need to work on tracking open water swimming on all your multi-sport devices). By-the-way, thanks so much for Garmin Connect. Whoever thought of that should get a raise (you're welcome Steve... I'm just kidding I don't really know anyone named Steve that works for Garmin). Anyway, no pressure about the brand ambassador thing. It's just a really good idea (if I do say so myself) and you seem to be a company that has a lot of really good ideas product & promotion-wise. Anointing me "brand ambassador extraordinaire" would just be an extension of that. But like I said, no pressure.

Sincerely,
Your loyal "runner and expert open water swimmer-to-be" customer
LeAnne

P.S (my contact information is: thisismyfaster@gmail.com, you know, should you need it)