A Lesson in Limits

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I signed up to run Fleet Feet’s Women’s 10k this morning.

I ended up running a 5k.

It was 80 degrees at the 7:30am start.  I was sore from bootcamp yesterday.  By mile 2, I started to overheat and could feel my arms getting cold.  Even though 6 miles is something I could have done on any other day with no problem, I knew today was not the day to push it, not with this kind of heat index.

So, I listened to my body and veered to the left with the 5k runners when the course split.

I schlumped to the bus feeling pretty defeated.  In my head, I rattled off the reasons why listening to my body is important but there was still a lingering feeling that I “should” have been able to push myself, I “should” have run what I signed up for no matter what.

I have spent the rest of the day with a massive headache, drinking tons of water, sleeping and generally feeling like crap.  Thank goodness I didn’t listen to those “shoulds”, aka my ego.  Thank goodness I recognized my limits today.  Being active and being an athlete and pushing ourselves to greatness is amazing but there is a limit to be recognized on any given day otherwise the cost could be health or safety.

Sure, there will be other days where I will push myself when I’ve hit a wall, be it 6 miles or 26 miles.  But today my lesson in limits, in my limits, hammered home that listening to your gut can really keep you safe.

Goal Line Glory

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An hour and thirty-seven minutes later and I completed the Soldier Field 10 Miler by sprinting on to Soldier Field to cross the finish line at the 50 yard line.  Running through the tunnel onto the open field, people cheering and hearing the announcer say my name was one of the coolest experiences- short of being in the NFL, who gets to do that?!?  Goal Line Glory, indeed!

Not one to be left out of the action, Luna Bell experienced her own Goal Line Glory the second we got home by taking a nap on the new stadium blanket we received at the conclusion of the race.  Tough life that cat has.

Dressing for the Derby

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The 137th running of the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday which begs the question: if I were Kentucky-bound, what would I wear?

We saw tons (36 to be exact)of Philip Treacy hats last Friday at the Royal Wedding.  This Philip Treacy is my pick– perfectly tilted, an absurd amount of flair and the brim is still large enough that it could provide some shade (hey, a girl’s got to be somewhat practical).  I’d pair it with this Karen Millen dress, keeping it simple but still enough going on should your hat come off (perhaps after several mint juleps):

And wedges.  You can’t have your heels sinking into the grass.

Sadly, I’ll be cheering “Pants on Fire” (my scientific method of choose a horse: funniest name) on from Chicago but chances are, I’ll be doing it wearing a hat with a cocktail in hand.

Happy Friday!

Dear New Running Shoes,

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Dear New Running Shoes,

I know it’s time; I figured my days were numbered when my sides started ripping a little and my treads were so worn that they were nearly smooth.  I am sure you are perfectly good shoes, in a brand new, shiny, not a speck of dirt on them sort-of-way.  I know you will do things for Nina that I can’t do anymore, like give her proper support so her knees don’t hurt.  I bet you also do not smell as bad as I do. Let me just give you some insight into your new job.

Nina laces her shoes too tight when she sets out for a run so get used to making a stop about 5 minutes in to do some re-tying.  Her favorite run in on the Lake Front Path so you are in for some spectacular views.  She’s also a pretty friendly runner so you’ll be saying hi to lots of shoes that are running past- work on your “I’m doing my job but how-do-ya-do” smile.

Keep in mind that you are in Chicago so while some runs will be on impossibly beautiful days, just as many will be cold and filled with puddles.  Oh and about the puddles- sometimes, Nina thinks that running makes her rugged and hardcore.  This leads to giving no regard to tromping you through mud or puddles.  Don’t worry- she is not actually rugged (at all) so you will get cleaned up right when you get home so that dirt doesn’t get in the apartment and so you look nice for the next run.

You’re in a pretty important position because you get to be a part of the days when Nina has great runs (high five!) but also the days when pounding the pavement is the last thing she wants to do.  You’re both working toward some fun races this summer and the Big Kahuna in October.  Be good to each other and don’t forget- I’m in the back of the closet if she goes all crazy and decides to do one of those Mud Buddy races.  No need to dirty you up for that.

Love,

Nina’s Old Running Shoes