Something New...

I'm testing out a new blog template design for a little while to see if I like it more than the one I was using before. It has more purple in it so there is a good great chance that I'm going to LOVE it more than the previous template. But... I'm open to feedback so let me know what you guys think ok?

In addition to sprucing up my blog template I've been thinking about checking out a local blogging community group that I heard about a few months ago...

I haven't been doing much running this week. I only did 1.5 miles on Monday...

New Decor and *Random* Updates...

I decided to change my medal display and showcase my race bling a little better...

There are 5 medals that didn't "make the wall" because I didn't buy enough Keys. I need to get at least two more (and eventually run more races) so that all the medals can be displayed evenly on each side of the marathon plaque. The Chicago Marathon photo plaque came in the mail yesterday and that's kind of what sparked the whole medal redisplay project...

*I'm going to run another race in Chicago next year and keep that as an annual tradition. I already have 2 years of Chicago running in the books (2014 was the Zooma Chicago 1/2; 2015 was the Chicago full) so it just makes sense to continue. I was initially looking at doing a Spring or Fall half marathon, but then I came across this...

Random Wednesday Thoughts...

My post-marathon rest week has officially turned into a 10 day rest session. I'm being lazy. There is nothing wrong with my legs except for the fact that my sleepy brain won't allow them to get out of bed to run or go to the gym in the morning (or in the evening for that matter)...

At the follow-up appointment with my orthopedic surgeon it was recommended that I take "4-6 weeks off running". Weeeell that kind of conflicts with the fact that I have two half marathons within that general timeframe. For the record, that has nothing to do with the fact that I have not worked out at all this week (apart from crunches and wall sits) I have really been feeling lazy. I'm not making a lot of promises about what the rest of the week will look like, but I will definitely workout or run this weekend. I'm 95% 87% sure that I will workout. Probably.

So What Happens Now?

A lot of things have changed recently. A lot. Including my plans for the rest of 2015 (and early 2016). I have mixed emotions about the changes. It's hard when you have your heart set on something and it doesn't exactly work out the way you want it to...

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First... I'm definitely going to cancel the Naples Half Marathon next month :(
I contacted the race organizers to see if I could defer the race entry until 2016 but I haven't heard back from them yet. I really don't want to lose the race entry fees, but physical therapy co-payments will cost more so I'm trying not to get too distressed about it.

Second... I'm definitely going to change Miami from the full to the half marathon :(
I wanted to do the full marathon for soooo many reasons. It's such an epic event and I had such a great time "redefining amazing" when I did the half marathon in January this year (see race recap HERE). Sadly I just don't think my body will be ready for the full. I'm hoping I won't be too heart broken about it when January 2016 rolls around and will still make it to the start line for the half. It just won't be the same though.

When You're NOT Running 26.2 Miles...

I managed to do other things a few other things in the Windy City besides run through the city streets. I tried really hard to post frequently while I was traveling but there were so many hiccups along the way (including Internet connectivity issues at the hotel....in 2015!!! I know right?!). I wanted to get the race recap posted (you can read that HERE if you haven't already), so now it's time to share some highlights from the rest of the trip.

I got to Chicago on the Friday before the race after a very long travel day. And on Saturday morning my parents (who also flew to Chicago on Friday), Kai and I made our way to the Chicago marathon race expo...