The Journal of an Amatuer Triathlete

If you were in a rock band what would you name it?

2011-06-22T09:30:00.001-07:00

The Flying Masochists

Ask me anything

What's your favorite pasta dish?

2011-03-23T07:23:00.001-07:00

Fetticinni Alfredo with chicken

Ask me anything

Karlita - One year later....

2010-12-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since my last real post on my blog. I've been having a couple of ups and downs in terms of winter training. My knee has been giving me problems. I thought I'd take time today to write on my cousin's one year since her passing.

A year ago today, the family was rocked. We had lost a precious little girl who was taken too soon. She had battle with cancer her entire life. I remember the little moments that I had with Karla. One time in November, she was in the hospital and I had stopped to visit since my work was just nearby. We were watching cartoons, Phineas and Ferb. That one episode the two smart kids created a time machine and started to mess with their history. I said to Karla, "That is just like Back to the Future." To my surprise she had never seen any of the Back to the Future movies. And I told her that I would get all the Back to the Future movies and we will watch them. Sure enough, I got all the movies and we watched all three in one week. She really love the movies, she got excited on the interesting parts and laughed at the good parts. I really enjoyed that time with her. There are other little moments with Karla and the family but I introduced her to the best movie ever and that is my little moment with her.

Now ever time I see the movie on TV it will always bring me back to that time I shared with her. Later on, after the funeral and the family gathering together at my aunts house, her big sister Lety would tell me that Karla had mentioned that she loved it when I came over to the watch those movies with her. That really made me happy and I'm glad that I was able to make her laugh when she was in a great deal of pain.

I hope that wherever Karla is, she would be laughing and laughing really hard at all the jokes and funny scenes of Back to the Future.

I miss you Karla!

What is the best thing that happened in 2010 and would you do it over??

2010-12-25T10:13:00.001-08:00

What is the best thing that happened in 2010 and would you do it over??

Answer here

When did you start running?

2010-12-25T09:54:00.001-08:00

I started running in January 2004. My friend and I started working out regularly when we got 3 months of free Bally's membership with the Discover National Body Challege to see how much weight can lose. I don't think I lost very much weight but I did start running. One mile became two, then three, then I signed up for my first marathon that year. One of the coolest thing I did that year :)

Ask me anything

How do you train and how early do you start training for a run?

2010-12-25T09:50:00.001-08:00

I train by running (duh!) and cross train with whatever else, swimming, biking, weights, etc. If I have a lot to do in the evening, I try to go before work, which is as early as 5am. When I train with my group, we start 6-7:30am on Saturdays. Other days I go after work or whenever I wake up or whenever I feel like it. :)

Ask me anything

What do you like to do before a big run?

2010-12-15T20:13:00.001-08:00

I like to prepare everything that I need for that big run the night before. I make sure I have the right gear, clothes, the garmin watch fully charged, and tunes ready to go. And if I know the race course, I try to picture it in my mind what the run is going to be. Its kind like when I go on a big trip... but without all the luggage :)

Ask me anything

The family and I dancing...

2010-12-13T19:04:00.001-08:00

The Start of the Running (or Active) Revolution

2010-11-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't been writing much lately. My IT band has really given me problems. After 3 miles or so, the outer part of my left knee gives me a shooting pain. I dropped out of the Chicago Monster Dash Half Mararthon and gave the bib to my sister (she PR'd in that race). I did however run the 5k Carrera de los Muertos and I did my personal best in that race. So for now I'm sticking to 5ks and yoga and massages to help heal this injury.

This blogger inspired me to write today:

Chris Russell's blog: RunRunLive.com
"We need to help create more runners"
http://www.runrunlive.com/we-need-to-help-create-more-runners

We need to help create more runners
To help – we need to be prepared.
It’s time that the running community banded together to do some good. How? We are in a unique position to positively affect many of the ills that currently affect our society. We can take up the banner quite easily and, ifnot attack, at least nudge the obesity crisis.
We need to use our strengths to become evangelists, advocates and advisers to a new generation of endurance athletes. We’ve got momentum. We’ve got a beach head, but it is still a small parcel. Our members are affluent and educated and first world. We need to make sure that this running boom continues and cascades throughout the culture of our societies and economic strata.
How do we do it?....Read more

This blog kind of got me going, wanting to tell more people be active and start living a healthy lifestyle. I hope it does the same to you!

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What's next??????

2010-10-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been about 2 weeks since the Chicago Marathon. And tomorrow winter training begins. Chicago Endurance Sports has winter half marathon training program called Winter Warriors. It goes all the way up to January. It's perfect since I don't want to lose my "marathon" legs. I tried this program last year but I didn't really follow the program day-to-day. This time I'm going to really try.

I've been having some knee troubles and I've been told it's my IT band that's affecting it. I've been doing some yoga and even tried hot yoga. The knee pain goes away after I do the yoga. I guess I need to lose up the thighs and the IT band more.

I'll be running the Chicago Monster Dash and the UNO 5k Race of the Dead. I don't intend on making any PRs on those so it'll just be fun to run with friends.

More later this week. I hope to raise more money for Children's Memorial Hospital - http://www.heroesforlife.org/goto/carmenguzman4karla

Very Inspiring....

2010-10-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

I got this from my fellow blogger - @WeightinVain or http://www.weightinvain.com/

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Marathon Day is Dedicated to Karlita

2010-10-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'd say this was probably the best race I've done considering the hot weather. I was fully prepared for whatever happened. I knew it was going to be hot so I hydrated and hydrated some more.

I actually overslept. My friend was supposed to meet me at my house around 5am and she actually called me at 5:15 to wake me up. I had all my things ready so I just needed to get ready. We go the charity village and dropped off our stuff. It was my friend’s first marathon so she was very nervous and I was giving her some pointers. Not sure if remembered any of them.

We walked over the starting corrals and it was just total chaos! I’m glad I went ahead of my family and asked them not to come with me. The starting area should really be for runners only.

I started to remember how exciting it was being around a group of runners waiting to start running the marathon. I didn’t get to the start line until 20 mins. after the gun went off. I started off slow just like I had practiced in my head. At least that is what I thought I did. I saw family at the State St. so that was pretty cool.

My Garmin said I did 8-9min pace the first two miles but it was off by .75 miles the whole way so I need it was incorrect. Besides the buildings could have disrupted the signal. I kept my other watch at the 5min run /1 min walk interval. I didn’t meet up with my usually pace group so I was basically all on my own. My friend fell behind and I probably lost her around mile 5.

I saw my family again around Addison and Belmont, they gave me water and check to see how I was doing. I was feeling great that time. And then I saw them again around Chicago Ave, shortly before heading west. I didn’t start to feel the heat until after arriving at Little Italy. That is when I started to take it easy. I walked more and slowed even more. That was also around the area that I started to feel hip pains. I put on my arthritis pad that I got from the goodie bags. What was so cool was that people whose houses were on the route, brought out their hoses to help cool off the runners. And some even gave ice away to the runners… and they weren’t even volunteers. I wish I could get their names so that I can thank them.

I couldn't fight back the tears.

When I reached mile 20, which is my Pilsen area, I was getting to the wall. I took it easy and took in all the people’s cheers. That’s when I saw my family again. I gave them all hugs and tried to fight back the tears. When I saw my cousin, Diana, who had a banana in hand, I couldn’t hold it in. She hugged me and walked with me and even got wet with one of the hoses with me. It was great to see her because I didn’t even know if she was going to be out there. So I left her there and she probably stayed to help other runners. My other cousin, Elena, and her daughter, Sara, were on Halsted and she also was there with Gatorade and even helped me stretch a little. I went to the Aid Station to get some Tylenol to hopefully get rid of some of the pain. At the this point, everything hurt. This whole street with my family being there, really help motivate me. I felt like I can really do it.

After reaching Chinatown, I knew that I was going to finish. My sister, my brother and a sorority sister were there in the final miles. And even though I was dead tired, I still had the little strength in to finish. I saw the turn to go north on Michigan avenue and I was just relieved. I kept on going and saw the tall buildings were getting closer. Then I saw the turn on to Roosevelt and I just started sprinting. There was literally no pain and I just went fast. Even with that God-awful incline, I didn’t feel any pain.

My brother took this at Mile 23.

After the finish, I think I was just in a daze and kept getting food. I even got my free beer. And I totally forgot to stretch, which I’m paying for it now (I’m all sore and wobbly). I gathered up with my family and friends and even met up with my fellow runners who also ran for Children’s Memorial. I believe that having my family and friends there really, really helped. I think even that my race was in memory of Karla really pushed me to finish. I really could not have done it without my family, friends, and Karla.

At the finish corral with 312 beer!

More pictures:

3.

Follow me on my marathon run - 10.10.10

2010-10-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

If you would like to follow me during my marathon run, you can use the map below. Remember to refresh a couple times. Or you can go to my InstaMapper page: http://www.instamapper.com/ext?key=3965186445481040023

Or on your mobile phone: http://mobile.instamapper.com/ext?key=3965186445481040023

Or get real-time updates via e-mail or text message throughout the race. Updates will be received as runners cross the 10K, halfway (13.1 miles) and 30K checkpoints, as well as the finish line. Go to the following website to sign up your cell phone: Online Runner Tracking
Bib#: 21777

THANKS FOR FOLLOWING!!

GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com

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The Journey of my First Marathon

2010-10-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

My very first marathon was back in 2004. It took my six years to finally decide to do another one. Not that I haven't tried to do another one but this is just the one was meant for me to run. A lot of things happened, life happened in between the marathons.

In 2004, my best friend and I decided to join the gym. It was just after New Year's that Discovery Channel was hosting this National Body Challenge. It was a challenge to lose as much weight as we can. It was a reality show on the Discovery Health Channel and they were following a couple of participants. This was the second year that they were offering free 3 month membership to Bally's. We had heard about this and decide to go sign up. The catch was that we need to be a the Discovery Channel very early because they had limited amount of sign up sheet with the Bally's membership. And the Discovery Channel store was in Oak Brook Mall which is an outside mall and we had to wait outside in the January cold. But was waited 2 hours outside and got the membership.

Before this challenge, I never really did any type of workout. I was just not motivated to do any physical activity and I wasn't really the overweight type either. My boyfriend at the time was really into running marathons and he had already ran two of them during our relationship. But he never really helped me get motivated to start running. Plus the fact that he was living in Texas and I was in Chicago, motivation in a long distance relationship is kind of hard.

This was also the year that my little cousin Karla was admitted to Children's Memorial Hospital to start her chemotherapy on the neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer. This was a real blow to the family. Her diagnosis made me realize how precious life was.

I think I also began running as a form of therapy. With my little cousin being sick, a boyfriend in another state, I had so much on my mind that I needed an outlet and a time for myself. The introvert in me loved this.

So the three months of doing running on the treadmill and working out really got me going. I started to feel better about myself and felt even healthier. I've heard about the Shamrock Shuffle 8k and convinced my brother and cousin to do the race with me. It was my first race and was instantly hooked. I remember feeling the excitement and thrill. After we finished the race, I announced to my family and friends, "I'm going to sign up for the marathon." No one really knew if I was serious or not. I think that same week, I sign up for the marathon.

I also signed up for a charity, Kid's First Marathon Team for Children's Memorial Hospital. I had a sick little 7 year old cousin in that hospital with tons of chemotherapy treatment. It hard to feel hopeless and not be able to do something about her illness. This way running for her hospital and in her honor is my way of doing something about it.

I would like to say that the summer was going to be a great start. But when life gives you lemons.... The relationship with the boyfriend (of seven years) was spiraling downward. I decided to end the relationship that was going no where. And it so happened that he had also signed up for the same marathon. What made it easy was that he lived in Texas but what made it hard was knowing that I would see him again for the marathon. I didn't sign up for the marathon for him, so I still continued to train for it and make it my own. Besides, I had my fundraising to think about and also to help with my family and my little cousin as much as I could.

That summer the marathon training was all by myself. The ex-boyfriend called once in a while to give me advice but I followed Hal Higdon's online training program. Some friends and family helped me along the way. For the 20 miler, I had friend meet up with me along the way to help me complete it. The mental toughness on the training for the marathon was all me. Like I said, it was very own therapy. My marathon this year is very different in which wrote about in an early blog entry: #Runnerds.

The time came for the big race. I remember feeling nervous and preparing for it with all the right gear and mentally. That weekend I did meet up with my ex-boyfriend at the Expo but I did not make it all about seeing each other again. This was going to be my first marathon so it was going to be all about ME :)

Start time came quickly. I had my friends with me at the charity tent and my family meeting up with me during the course. When the start horn went off, it was game time. It was great rushing out with a large group of people, moving towards the same direction, all running for one goal.... running to the finish line. It didn't matter if you ran fast or slow, didn't matter if it was your first or 100th race. We all have our own struggles in races but it started really early for me.

Around mile 6 near Lincoln Park, I went to the port-a-potties for a pit stop. There was line of course. When I went to back to the run, there was something odd going on with my right foot. I was able to keep running but there was a gnawing like pain on the ankle. I brushed it off and thought that it was going to away. Mile 7 came, and it didn't go away. Miles 8, 9, 10, 13.1 - the pain was there, would not go away, and probably got worse. The whole way I was thinking, "I'm not a quitter, so keep going. Karla felt pains worse than this."

I met up with a couple people, my family, and friends. It made me feel better that they are out there for me. And it actually helped with the pain. The injury really slowed me down. But I didn't let me get to me and kept going. I don't even think I "hit the wall" during this marathon. I finished in 5:59:59. I was so glad I finished, even if was longer than I imagined it would be. My family and friend all congratulated. I did my first marathon in honor of my little cousin and I think that helped me push through, knowing that she would be a the finish line waiting for me.

Now with the marathon this year, she's going to be with me every step of the way...

Here's a video of my first marathon:

In 2005, I dropped out the training because of an injury a month before the marathon. In 2006, work got in the way of training. In 2007, I was training for my first triathlon, only to have an emergency appendectomy a month before the race. So I tried again in 2008. In 2009, I did you half marathons with a month of each other. Now this year was my second triathlon and my second marathon.... feels kind of cool!

Real-Time GPS Tracking for Running

2010-09-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

I discovered something really, really cool!!

I have lots of friends and family that are very excited that I'm running the marathon. I especially have family from Mexico who are rooting for me from afar. I've been trying to figure out a way for everyone who is able to be at the race course and for those who live thousands of miles away to track me while I am running the marathon.

The marathon website says that there will be real-time runner tracking via text messages. However, this feature is only for those in the U.S. and people in other countries are S.O.L. So I was still stuck with the predicament of enabling my family in Mexico to track me.

I use to have this free application on my Blackberry called BiM Active (Bones in Motion) that would track an activity live via the web. Unfortunately, the application is not longer active and Adidas took over the company and developed the free miCoach application but it does not do live tracking.

So back to the drawing board, until .... that's right, I Googled "runner tracking live gps" and I stumbled upon a blog: GPS Runner: Live Broadcasting GPS Track. He explained the different was you can get live tracking using other applications but that InstaMapper.com is by far the best. And I AGREE!!

I took if for a test run today. I downloaded the application to my Blackberry. I did all the settings to my liking and went for a run. I asked my brother to track me while I went for a run around the neighborhood. He was able to located where I was during my run. And he knew when I was heading home. The only thing is that he had to keep refreshing the page but it was pretty damn accurate.

The cool thing about this is that it gives you the option to enable or disable sharing of your live tracker. When you enable sharing, it set up website by giving you a regular weblink, a mobile weblink for those who are tracking you via non-smartphone, and codes to put it on your website or blog. Once you disable the sharing of the live tracking, it will not give out your location. It will say "Location Unavailable" on the website. And the InstaMapper is only on when you go to the application and leave it on. Once you exit the application, it will stop tracking. It doesn't drain your battery either. I believe that if I can disable all other apps on the phone, I can use for the entire marathon.

It also gives you the option to save a track that you activated on your phone. The map below is an example. Although, when you are viewing a live tracking, you don't see the lines below. There will only be a red dot of your location and the user needs to refresh the page every couple times to update your location.

GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

This is a very interesting application and will definitely be using this for the marathon. My family is going to ber very psyched about this. This is also very good for security. I sometimes go out to run in forest preserves and for the most part I feel that they are safe. But this gives me a piece of mind that I can have someone track me while I run in the forests of Illinois. You hear about GPS saving phones and lives: GPS Tracking Cell Phones Saves Kidnapped and Man tracks his stolen iPhone using GPS app. And hear about this more and more in the news: Google news on police using GPS on phones

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5k, 8k, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra Marathons, Triathlons - What's the difference?

2010-09-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Real conversation:
Guy: Yeah, I run 5k marathons.
Me: Really? Oh, wait 5ks or marathons?
Guy: 5k marathons are 3 miles or so.
Me: Haha.. um..no there are 5k's and there are marathons? A 5k run is only 3.1 miles.
Guy: Oh, so how long are marathons?
(long pause)
Me: 26.2 miles. A marathon is an actual measurement so there are no "5k marathons" just 5k or marathon.
Guy: Oh...
(awkward silence)
I think he was really trying to impress me but ended up little bit embarrassed.

Yes - all of those distances are different. I don't really get annoyed with any newbie from knowing the difference right away. If regular runners don't know the difference, I almost would like to smack them.... but I kindly correct them and drop them some knowledge. Then there people like the guy I mention above who front like they run "all the time" - I will immediately them shut down. Kind of mean but I'm not impressed by ignorance.

So here is the breakdown:

5K = 3.10Miles
7K =4.35Miles
8K = 4.97Miles
10K = 6.21Miles

12K = 7.46Miles
15K = 9.32Miles
20K = 12.43Miles
40K Marathon = 26.2Miles

50K, 100K Ultra Marathon = Anything greater than 26.2 M (30 miles, 60 miles, 100 miles, even multi day)

Triathlons involved 3 disciplines: swim, bike, run. Triathlons have various distances.

Triathlon Distance	Swim	Bike	Run
Sprint	0.5Mile (750m)	12Miles (20km)	3.1Mile (5km)
Olympic/International	1Mile (1.5k)	24Miles (40km)	6.1Miles (10k)
Half Ironman	1.18Miles (1.9km)	56Miles (90km)	13.1Miles (21.1km)
Ironman	2.3Miles (3.8km)	112Miles (180 km)	26.2Miles (42.2km)

Sorry if this is not new to anyone but I figure I would put it out there before I snap at someone. But I'm sure that we've all heard someone get the distances wrong and it even might be your pet peeve, like mine.

So tell me, have you even had to correct someone about the distance of a marathon? I would love to hear your story....

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20 Miler - 9/18/2010

2010-09-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

The 20 mile run was much better than the Half Marathon the week before. My lungs were not congested and I was breathing a lot better. I wasn't sure how this run was going to turn out, but I kept thinking "5 miles x 4" and I kept counting down the stages. The pacers did to, "First quarter done, second quarter, etc". "Biting the elephant one stage at a time."

The first 5 miles was from North Ave to the mile marker between Soldier Field and McCormick Place. It was a pretty good stage. I took a salt stick before the run so I think it worked pretty well. The second stage was also went well, I had to make a pit stop before the next stage and I decide to go then before heading north where there was hardly any restrooms.

The third stage was when I start to slow down a bit. I was having trouble keeping up with the pace group. I was pushing myself to keep up. But as soon as we approached the turn around, I knew that I will not be able to keep up. So I just kept at my own pace. 3 miles from the end I caught to another runner who fell behind and I joined up with her. I was really starting to hurt by this time. I was not looking forward to the walk breaks because my legs would tighten up. My running partner was not able to keep going around mile 18, her knee was really hurting. I kept going but this time I didn't stop until I go to the finish. I knew that if I stopped I would not be able to keep going.

Once I got to North Ave finish, I hurt all over. Every part of my legs were tight. I tried to use the foam roller and did all kinds of stretching. I went home and dipped myself into the cold tub with ice. It seemed to do the trick. I tried to take a nap but was not able to because my legs were still too warm. So I filled the tub for the second time. Then I remembered that I had compression socks and tried them on. I think it really helped. I even slept over night with them and the next day I was surprisingly less sore than ever!!

I think this was a great practice for the marathon. I got to use salt sticks and they worked out pretty well at helped at the beginning. Towards the end, everything started to hurt, but I pushed through. And I'm glad I did because it started raining after I finished. Finishing is the most important part.

Update on the breathing problem: Doctor says that my breathing is irregular but nothing to be alarmed about. If the hard to breathe keeps occuring, I should go see him again.

Chicago Half Marathon - 9/12/10

2010-09-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's taken me a while to write about my third Chicago Half Marathon experience (it's actually my 4th half but my third time do the Chicago Half in September). And I believe I haven't written about it because I was so disappointed with this race.

The whole season I've been doing well. No injuries, which is key. And I really wanted to do well during this half but something just wasn't right. The very first time I did a half marathon was about 6 years ago and I did that in 2hrs and 28mins.

I met up with my usual pace group from Chicago Endurance Sports. I really like this group and especially doing the run/walk pace. I felt really good at the start but then I started to notice that I was getting tired really fast. Right around mile 3, it felt like I could not get enough air in the lungs. It was like that through the whole race. I want to speed up a little but I was just not able to break from the 11:30min/mile pace. Every time we would walk, I relieved so that I can try to catch more air.

Even in one of the pictures from the race you could that I was really struggling. But I kept at it and instead of trying to speed up I just stuck with the pace group. I remember thinking that I became exhausted too early, too fast. And I was taking it easy it but my lungs felt congested and not allowing me to take in a full breathe. On top of it all my Garmin watch stopped working on my 20 seconds into the race!! WTF!!

My official race time was 2hrs and 31 mins, 2 mins faster than last years Chicago Half Marathon. I just wish I would have enjoyed it. I was actually really glad to be done with that race.

Once I was done and getting all my finisher goodies, I started to feel the wheezing and coughing from all the congestion in the lungs. My dad even commented that I looked more tired than usual. That's when I decided to go to the doctor that week.

The doctor examined me and suggested I take an asthma test. He could not say for sure that is or is not asthma but I should proceed with caution until he could say for sure. I followed his advice and proceeded to do the 20 miler the next weekend with caution :)

20 miler is next blog....

My Second Tri of the Chicago Triathlon 8.29.2010

2010-09-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Tri was just two days after the party! The Saturday before I went to the expo and I picked up my packet info. I forget how much fun these expos are. Lots of free samples, check out new gear, and especially, you could feel the excitement in the air. New and returning athletes getting ready to do their best in the race! I know the Chicago Marathon expo will be the same.

I got some Cliff Shot Bloks and Sports Beans, a couple of free water bottles, and I was good to go. I got home and started to put my things in order. I think mentally the transition portion was all good. I fixed up my bike a little and put things in order. This year I tried to minimize the stuff I had in the transition area. I was worried that people will be knocking down my stuff so I put my stuff in the bag and made sure my bike gloves and glasses were hanging with the helmet.

My bike, pre-race.

The Day of the Triathlon:
I wasn't so much nervous about the race itself, but more worried about the heat. It was going to get humid and hot, 90F. My wave didn't start unitl 9:40am!!! So I tried not to think about. I had my brother take me to the transition area around 5am - transition closes at 5:45am. I got there in perfect time, and I set up my stuff. I found a perfect spot between two trees. I decided to put my shoes in the bag but not far enough inside that it's almost being held my the straps. The bag, by the way, was from the RAM Terrapin 5k goodie bag - some swag is useful for other races :).

Transition Area

The transition area was filled with excited triathletes, of course. Everyone was getting ready to get their race underway. I walked around to kind of get feel for where I would running in from the swim and running out with the bike and run in with the bike to go to the run. My spot was pretty cool. It was a step away from the from the running path. After I got a feel for where everything is and where I would coming in, I mentally prepared for how the transition would be.

I put the swimsuit on in the car! :P

Then at 5:45 am, I went home.... there was no sense for me to stay there until 9:40am so I just went home, took and nap. I think that was a good call. The nap really did well for me. My parents and my sister were coming with me so we all left the house around 8:00am to give us enough time to find parking and walk towards the swim start. I put half of my wetsuit on in the car, LOL, I didn't want to be struggling to get in on in front of a bunch of people.

Swim:
We got to the swim start around 9:00am. We get there and the crowd was great! So many spectators, triathletes getting ready to swim, runners passing by just starting their run portion. It was great! I got myself organized and gave my back pack to my sister. I had some change of clothes and towels and water bottles for post race. One last body marking, just in case, and some sunblock and I was good to go. I knew that some of the sunblock was going to be rubbed off from the wetsuit so it didn't hurt to put some on. I had left some sunblock in the transition area with my stuff.

The heat was noticeably on high. Even with the wetsuit on halfway, I started to sweat a lot. Many of the other women in my transition also didn't put on their wetsuit on all the way. We started to line up and get ready for the swim. One of my CES friends was volunteering and was holding up signs for the wave numbers. She said that it was just getting really hot at the hour. I again didn't worry because I would soon be in the cool water.

Heading for the swim finish.

It was time to get in the water and start the race. I stayed behind the pack so that I would not get smacked too much. But once the horn sounded it was a free for all. I did get smacked a little but nothing major. The swim went very well. I did have to stop a couple times but not for too long. I did at one point rest a little and floated on my back and do a little bit of backstroke. There were dividers that held on to and pulled myself for a while. One thing I hated was near the turn around the Fire Department or Police department had a motor boat nearby that was throwing obnoxious fumes. It was really noticeable and every time I came up for air, I inhaled the fumes! So gross!

Bike:

Will get original photo soon

When I got out of the water, my watch said 43 min but they don't clock you until you get in the transition area. The official time was 47 mins in water. This is about a couple minutes less than my first triathlon swim time.

Everything was the way I left it. I was able to get everything on. The only thing that was not cooperating was the sunblock. I was wet and tried to drink myself off but sweat kept me from applying the sunblock and of course it was not stay on easily. I was going to be faced with hardly any sun protection during the bike.

The first part of the bike leg was great. I got an average speed of 12 -13 mph. I think I really got use to how to switch gears more often and use to them. I'm not sure I'm doing the hills good but it seemed to work at first. I put the gears all the way up and stood up on the bike to push myself up the hills. After each loop, I would take a Cliff Shot Bloks and some sports beans. Hydration was the key during this part of the race. There are no water stations so you have to rely on your water bottles and at the same time save enough for the whole bike portion of the race.

will get original soon

The second part the bike leg was brutal. Not only was the heat turned on high, but there were hardly anymore riders left. There were one or two riders way ahead of me and some behind me. Mentally, it was really hard to focus. There was a lot of wind, but guess what? It was warm breeze. There were a couple people who had to stopped because of the heat. I asked many of them if they were okay. Most just wanted to pause for a while. There was a part of before the end of the bike where there was an uphill, it was right beside the tower in front of Navy Pier. I drive through that path all the time and you don't notice the incline until you are riding a bike on it. Once I got to a clear plateau, I got on to finish the bike.

Run:

I finished the bike in 2 hrs. That is just about the 15 min more than my first triathlon and considering the heat, it was good time. Now it was time for the run and again, there were hardly any runners ahead of me or behind me. Not only that but there were hardly any spectators cheering. I was actually not prepared for that. It was a good mental check. I pictured myself doing the Ironman and this is exactly how it will be like. I walked most of it and it was good that I did. I didn't want to get a heat stroke, that is what worried me the most. There were a couple runners who also walked most of it and we gave each other a bit of encouragement. By the time I reached the turn around, the professionals were starting to run passed us. I cheered on for them, especially the women.

As soon as I saw the last couple meters, I started to run and pick up the pace. My parents saw me coming and they cheered me on. It was really good to see them because I knew the end was near. I usually get a last burst of energy towards the end and I basically sprinted to the finish line. All the hard work I put into the training was about to pay off because I actually finished under those harsh conditions.

Finish time: 4hrs and 30mins

It was a real bummer that they were only saying the professional runners names at the finish line. And they had hot water and Gatorade and there were no more towels left. I "nicely" asked one of volunteers to let me have a towel (which I paid for). When my parents and I were going to get my bike and other stuff, my body actually felt really good. I could done another mile and was frustrated that I didn't feel this way during the run and shave off time.

Given all the elements working against me, I was really proud of the time. I would gladly do it again and I probably will. Maybe for next year it will be a Half Ironman and do the Chicago Triathlon for fun. Gotta tri....

Children's Memorial Fundraiser - 8.27.2010

2010-09-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

Since my last blog entry, I was pretty busy getting ready for the Chicago Triathlon and organizing a fundraiser for the Children's Memorial Foundation, all in the same weekend.

Little billboard in the pub!

Me (left), Fernando (center), and Claudia (right)

The Children's Memorial Fundraiser was a huge success! We really didn't know how many people we were going to have but there were plenty. We had plenty of food and raffle prizes - all of which was donated, nothing come out of pocket. Some people won two or three prizes! We raised about $800 dollars with our guests donation and our guest buying raffle tickets. Karla's Mom was able to attend. She has been doing so well lately. I am really glad that I'm making her proud of what I'm doing.

I am so grateful that I got to fundraise and meet such great runners. Fernando is a great resource since he's an experience marathon runner and Claudia is our newbie who is learning as she runs. It's so cool to know runners who are making a difference in the world.

Donation can still be made:
Claudia Liendo - http://bit.ly/amYjIh
Fernando Avila - http://bit.ly/b5Cgbv
Carmen Guzman - http://bit.ly/cMJl2W

The only bad moment of the party was the management of the establishment. I wrote it all in a Yelp review of Wise Fools Pub (not good!). Not going to write about in my blog but my review says it all. Don't got to Wise Fools Pub in Lincoln Park area!

Expect Nothing, Appreciate Everything

2010-08-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since my last blog entry, both with running, personal, etc.

I volunteered for the Rock n Roll Half Marathon and it was very fun. I went to the American Cancer Society tent and helped out in whatever they needed me for. So they sent me to help hand out flavored ice Popsicles to all the finishers of the race. They were a hot item with the runners. It was also a lot of hard work because you get waves of a hundred runners at a time and trying to get rid of them before they melted. Some runners were so glad to get these treats that they were literally telling us that they loved us :). It was really nice to give back to the runners and also makes me appreciate all the hard work that volunteers do. They are out at the race day just as long as all the runners.

I decided to write to a Spanish news reporter who wrote about my cousin Karla's funeral back in January (English Translation, Original Spanish) and I let him know that I am running the marathon in her memory. Well, he got interested and wanted to do an interview for me and my two other friends. It was published a week ago: English Translation, Original Spanish. We were all so psyched to be interviewed!! He even put the information on our event in the article. The only glitch that this reporter made..... he put 23.2 miles. O.M.G.!! (This will probably be a topic of another blog entry for later "The Difference Between 5k, 8k, 10k, Half Marathons, and Marathons because some people don't know (even a couple runners don't know)")

So my two friends and I met up to run with the other charity runners at Fleet Feet for a Fun Run. It was pretty cool to see a lot of us in blue running with the group. I ran with my friend and got to know her a little better during our run. Her ankle started to hurt but I ran with her all the way through so that she doesn't finish by herself. Afterward, we got together and planned out the our fundraiser party. We believe that the party is going to be a great success. We know a lot of people and we believe we can have about 100+ people there to fill up the place. It feels good to be raising money for a good cause. We even went to the Wise Fools Pub that week (the place where we are having the party) and met up with the person who helped us reserve the room. We had such a great time there. If it weren't for fatigue and being lightweight with drinking because of training, I believe we would have stayed till closing.

At the start of the fundraising for Children's I was really not too confident about reaching my goal. Even though the first couple hundred dollars came from complete strangers off of Twitter, I wasn't sure if any of my personal contact were going to give. I gave a couple of postcard fliers to my co-workers. That's why I agreed with my friends to do the party. So as we were planning and creating the invited through Facebook and Evite, I realized, "What the heck?" I sent the invitation to the fundraiser party to everyone (and their momma). The very next day I received about $600 of donations, in one day!! Most were from my co-workers and some even said that they were coming to the party as well. Some said they weren't going to make it to the party, but gave me a donation anyway.

What makes this year so different is that I have a totally different perspective on things. My cousin's death has changed me. I appreciate every day as if it were my last. I've socialized more, I've gone out of my way to be with friends, have helped out, and did not expected anything in return. Now, I don't mean to say that I've never done any of those things but now I'm more intent of doing them because really want to. The best way I can describe it, it's like the movie "Yes Man" with Jim Carrey. A cousin of mine invited to see if we could get in to Lollapalooza on the Friday night of the 3 day concerts. We never got in but we got to hang out, catch up on life, and walk around downtown at night. She kept apologizing for not being able to get in, but I told her "Well it's better than being at home doing nothing. Besides, we are hanging out!" I'm not sure she believed me but I genuinely meant it. I was so glad to run the Terrapin 5k with my good friend from college and we got to hang out after and bike ride in the dark. I volunteered for the RnR Half Marathon, and got make some people's lives a little bit happier because they got to taste ice cold Popsicles after a very hot run. Today I encouraged a co-worker to run with me and she did, she had run in a long while and was very glad to have run with. And I remember feeling genuinely happy to be at each of those moments and appreciated the time I spent with everyone.

I read a quote, which I think is fitting to my experience lately "Expect Nothing, Appreciate Everything". I think I'm going to have more and more of these moments, a lot more :)

PS - Here's a bit of information on the fundrasier:

Three Wise Fools Fundraiser for Children's Memorial Hospital

Friday, August 27th
Wise Fools Pud 9pm - 12am
2270 N Lincoln Ave

$10 suggested donation

RSVP:
Evite: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/GSROGGLFHSOSRMIXWOFU/3WiseFools
Schmap Invite: http://schmap.it/jrizmd
Twtvite : http://twtvite.com/Fundraiser4CMH

#CM2010 - in 60 Days

2010-08-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

http://twitter.com/LLANEZA9_RUNS/status/20891431304

#Runnerds

2010-07-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted a blog entry and I think it's because I've been socializing with a lot of runners from the Chicago area. It's been pretty awesome meeting and running with other people who love to run. I even got mentioned in an article for "Chicagonista.com" - Meeting the #Runnerds" by Sami Ari. I'm in one of the group pictures. That is so cool!! And I've also been hanging out with my CES training group and attend their social hour after one of the runs.

Photo by Sami Ari

I even got to run with a good friend of mine at the Terrapin 5k at Soldier Field. It was really fun! They had Magic Hat beer, Home Run Inn pizza slices, and Flirty Cupcakes. My friend and I got to chill and catch up on life.

I gotta say that this year's marathon training is a whole lot better than my first marathon training. My first marathon, I was training by myself. I felt like I was the only one in Chicago doing the training. I also started the race by myself. This year I'm meeting interesting running along the way and I hope that some of the same people will be running with me during the race.

My best long run was 12 miles with my CES training group. My worst long run was today, 13.1 without my group. I had my sister with me but she is not training for the same thing. The afternoon sun was out, new shoes to break in, and no group with a common goal. This might have all been mental but I will be glad when we will meet up on Saturday mornings for the long runs.

Now, I'm off to volunteer for the Rock N Roll Half Marathon tomorrow. I hope to be cheering the runners and taking pictures. :)

Runners to follow on Twitter: @krzimmer/runnerds
Runners I've met: @krzimmer, @heathbar6, @jennsutherland, @amylburford, @Bama26point2, @Princess_Sean, @dons100, @mochaB128, @Shannanegans13

Running for a Cause - Children's Memorial Hospital

2010-07-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

It was been a while since I last posted a blog and I have been trying to find the right time to write about why I'm running for Children's Memorial Hospital this year. A fellow runner and blog writer posted a contest and asked those who are running for a cause to write about it in 250 words or less. I wrote a little something but I don't think it does it justice. In my previous blog entries, I wrote about Karla's Story (Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV). But now I want to write about why Children's Memorial Hospital.

The kick off party for the CMH Marathon Team was on Wednesday, July 14. I've been very excited to go this since the start of the summer. Plus I was going to bring my cousin Lety (Karla's older sister) along since she is in town from Mexico. Well, she was not able to make it and I was having second thoughts about going. But I promised myself I would go. It was great gathering, more than the first time I ran for Children's in 2004. We got to meet the coordinator of the marathon events and hear stories and hear from the Executive Director of the Chicago Marathon. I hesitated on going on the tour of the hospitals since I knew it would bring back memories.

I bumped into an old acquaintance at the gathering. He is a brother of an old friend of mine from grade school. He was there with another friend and they are both running the marathon and raising money for Children's Memorial. We started talking about our running and fund-raising and we decided to do a fundraising party together. Now I was really glad that I came to the gathering. They both wanted to go on the tour of the hospital. I thought, "why not?".

Going on the tour of the hospital was just a mixture of emotions. Happy thoughts that Karla was once in these hallways and sad thoughts that she is no longer here to see it. I know she would have loved to visit the hospital if she were here. The familiar sounds of the beeping monitors gave me flashbacks of when I would visit Karla in the hospital. The nurses and medical staff gave us some explanation about their area on the floor, what they do, what the kids are going through, the parents, all the things that we had experience when Karla was sick.

During the tour, I texted a friend of mine who is a chaplain of the hospital. She works nights so I knew she would be there. She met up with us as we continued the tour. She knew what I had been through and I asked me if I was okay. I did tear up on a couple spots of the tour but I was pretty shy about it. I didn't want the other people in the group to worry or anything. I'm glad that my cousin Lety was not here, this would have been ten times harder on her.

The hospital is such a blessing to the many children who come here. The doctors, nurses, and staff are all there for the children. They are specifically trained to know how to talk to a child and understand what they are going through and make their visit/stay as stress-free as possible. Their lobby, rooms, hallways are all designed to make a child feel safe and it's not dull and stale like other "adult" hospitals. They have play rooms for the children where it is a "medical-free" room. If a child in the room playing, the doctors and nurses are not allowed to come and do any medical stuff to them. There are family rooms where family the sick child can go and be a family, watch TV, play on the computer, and try to have a normal life together as a family.

I can go on and on about this hospital but I know that this would not be possible without the help from runners and donors of the hospital. Everyday that I get closer to running the marathon and closer to reaching my fund-raising goal, I am reminded of what a blessing places like these are. Karla received the best quality of life. She was a sick child but I know that she still had a childhood with lots of happiness and laughs, and Children's Memorial Hospital had a lot to do with it.

Thanks Children's Memorial Hospital!

To donate to my cause go to: http://www.heroesforlife.org/goto/carmenguzman4karla

Inspirational Video - click here

4th of July - Mini Vacation after a vacation...

2010-07-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

It was pretty cool week of running and bike riding. On Wednesday, the CES group did a fartlek run and afterward we had a social gathering. It was nice to meet other runners in the group and have fun. Since I was MIA for the last couple of weeks it was also good to catch up with other runners I know.

On Thursday, I had my re-exam with my chiropractor. I don't need therapy any more and I'm officially discharged. I have a one month followup appointment to see how I am doing. This is great! I need to continue with my stretches and to take it easy on the running

On Friday I took my bike to work. I work in Hyde Park so the commute is very long even in car. I rode to downtown and hopped on the bus. I could've done the whole way but I was running late.

Then after work I met up with my sister at the Taste of Chicago. The taste was different this year and I thought it was pretty good. I was there during a less crowded time but it was not that bad.

After we had a fill, we rode home. It was a very leisurely day of bike riding.

On Saturday we did a barbeque in our yard and I bought this pretty cool canopy to give us shade from the sun. the BBQ was a great and it was a good time to chill with the family.

4th of July was pretty cool. We went cherry picking in Michigan and went to a nearby beach. Since we were walking up early, I had to get up extra early to run. It was still dark out (4:00am) so I head out to my 24 hour gym and hopped on the dread-mill. I couldn't only get one hour and did about 5 miles. Next long run might be little brutal since I haven't actually finished a long run. But since I will running with a group next week, I think I can finish.

Overall, it was a great week. I loved hanging out with family and just chilling. It felt like I was still on vacation, and I think one should treat everyday like a vacation.

Weko Beach, Bridgman, MI

Back from Vacation!!

2010-06-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been gone for about two weeks for vacation, and it was very much needed. Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico and Hialeah, Florida, a suburb of Miami.

First off Cancun was awesome!! Our hosts were the best and the sightseeing was incredible. And since there is not rest for the wicked -- I also ran during my vacation. Go to the links below if you want to see my workouts in Mexico:

Here are some of the photos from Mexico, click on the Mosaic:

Cancun 2010

Florida was also pretty awesome. We stayed at my godparents house and the fed us with the best homemade Cuban food. I always love visiting them. They can get a little loud in their conversations ("Oye, chico!! Que barbaridad!") but I love them!!

Here are my workouts in Florida:

And some more cool pictures:

Miami 2010

Now that I'm back home and no travel plans for the rest of the summer, my training schedule will be on point. Hope the weather cooperates and that I don't get any injuries. I've been feeling really good about my running. I'm also going to try to push my efforts into fundraising for my cause.

Week 5 of Training

2010-06-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is my 5th week of marathon and triathlon. It has it's up and down and it's only the mid-week. Monday run went well but Tuesday swim was not so good (very blah). Today I ran for 48 mins at 11:30 pace but the ankles were hurting. I guess I need to get new running shoes. And now I have to skip a couple of days due to a long awaited vacation. Probably by this weekend I will run. Even though I'm on vacation, I will be running and logging in miles in my travels. I cannot wait to track my run in Cancun and Miami....oh, snap.

A fellow DM (DailyMile.com) runner is now posting video logs. It kind of gave me an idea to also post a video. Maybe to talk a little bit about myself and why I'm running and why I choose my cause. Well stay tuned and I will post something soon. I'm extremely shy so I may have some help.

Here are my latest running stats:

Nice picture of a family of ducks and geese in the pond at Humboldt park. Took this during my Wednesday morning run.

5 Mile Long Run by llaneza9 at Garmin Connect - Details

2010-06-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

This week I stepped it up with workouts. I added a spin and yoga class. Both were challenging and good for the legs. Sleep was a bit challenging though, I bet that if I did my workouts in the morning it would have been less exhausted. I will try morning workouts next week.

Today was a good long run. Very humid but it really didn't bother me as much as the others in my pace group. We slowed it down a bit which then was good since my legs were feeling heavy towards the end. The spin and yoga class were catching up to me.

42 Min Easy Run

2010-06-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

42 Min Easy Run by llaneza9 at Garmin Connect - Details
It was a very good run! A bit cold and I felt a little under dressed but I got over that soon as I started running. I even went a little faster and did an 11:20 pace. I'm still not confident in moving up to 8 min run/ 1 min walk but I'll get there.

Bike Ride Through Des Plaines Trail

2010-05-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Overall, it was a very good weekend. I put my new watch to good use. Still getting use to the settings on this thing. For a bike ride I took on Sunday, I forgot to turn on the GPS so it only tracked my heart rate. Luckily, MapmyTri.com, is able to make routes and save them. The area was in Des Plaines and rode from Big Bend Lake. Awesome scenery! I stopped over at another lake by the trail and took this picture. It think this lake is called Beck Lake.

Along the way I also recorded the location from my phone, in case the family ever thinks about doing a picnic there.

Map of route:
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmytri.com/route/united-states/il/des-plaines/943127526846278470"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Big Bend Lake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmytri.com/find-route/united-states/il/des-plaines"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Mtn Bikings in Des Plaines, Illinois&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

My Stats:

7 Mile Run - Near Caldwell Woods

2010-05-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Good run, lots of sun but no that much humidity. Back was a little sore at mile 6 but went away when I finished strong at mile 7.

7 Mile Run by llaneza9 at Garmin Connect - Details

New Gagdet

2010-05-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

It was my birthday last week and my parents decided to buy me something really awesome... the Garmin Forerunner 405!!! I searched around a bit first to see which watch is the best and this one is the newest and seems to have really good reviews. I gave it a try this morning on my bike ride and it was pretty cool. I uploaded all the data and now I can see the progress. I totally recommend this watch, but it's not for everyone. Look for a watch that will cover what your specifically needs: heart rate monitor, GPS, tracking laps, tracking pace, etc. There are some have more than others and you need to consider your price range. Some are very, very pricey (i.e. Polar RS800CX). The Forerunner is fairly new (around $360) but I got mine from eBay ($290 free shipping). I like the Forerunner because I can track my biking with heart rate monitor and GPS. It has it's little quirks but nothing that I can't get use to.

Health note: I feel like I will be back to running at normal pace soon. I'm still doing two days a week at the chiropractor and only doing stretches and other therapy stuff. I LOVE PROGRESS!!

And here are my other stats from this week:

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun May 24, 2010 7:21 AM on 05/24/2010
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun May 26, 2010 7:31 AM on 05/26/2010
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmytri.com/run/united-states/il/chicago/333127487707731110"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MapMyRun May 26, 2010 7:31 AM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmytri.com/find-run/united-states/il/chicago"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Chicago, Illinois&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Win Cool Stuff (aka Crap)

2010-05-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Any body want to win cool crap... I mean cool stuff??? Go here: Suck It Up ....Rantings of a Runner on the Edge: Fabulous Prizes just waiting to be won.... My almost, kinda great giveaway!!

Full day of adventure

2010-05-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today, my brother John, cousin Sara, and I decided to skydive. My other cousin Elsa and her daughter Destiny tagged along to watch. Well, we decided a couple of weeks ago but today was the day. AND. IT. WAS. AWWWESOME!!

First, the weather was a bit foggy in the morning when I went for my long run, 6 miles, I was getting worried. The run was suppose to be with CES but I overslept and decide to run in Humboldt Park.

The run was pretty good but I don't think I was going at the 11:30 pace of a run/walker. But it was a good run nonetheless. My sister, who is a cross country runner, joined me. Although I think she would have rather run it continuously, she still walked with me.

Workout: MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun May 22, 2010 7:32 AM on 05/22/2010

Map:

Then it was time for me to shower and get ready to head over to Ottawa, IL where Skydive Chicago is located. Not exactly in Chicago, they should call it "Skydive Illinois" but I guess it not marketable. On the way there, this massive traffic hits us. 40 mins to clear a 4 mile stretch, very very annoying. Then when cleared the traffic we hit a flat. My brother had quick thinking and got us safely to the side and we moved quickly to fix it. I think it took us about 30 mins to change the tire. Not bad considering it was a huge SUV. On top of that, my cousin Sara was waiting for us in another car about 20 mins ahead of us.

We finally got on our way and go to Skydive Chicago around 2:30. We waited around for quite a bit but we jumped around 4pm. I can't really describe the feeling of skydiving. You get to the opening of the plane and you notice just how far up you really are. You hear nothing but the sound of the plane and the wind. When you jump, you have to arch your back and look up. Then all you hear is air in the ear and the sound of the plane is gone. You are now struggling with the wind in your face and trying to breathe. Now the easiest but you don't notice that much. I had a camera guy following me and I bought a package to video and photograph my jump. They also took some pictures of my brother and cousin so I was very glad about that.

I love extreme adventures. I would love to try to jumping on my own but it's a bit expensive. But I'm glad it went again and this time with family.

Next up: rafting or bungie jumping... :D

First Long Run of Marathon Training

2010-05-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

(Picture is of blue painted "Avatar" trees in Lincoln Park Zoo)

Yesterday, was my first long run. Only did 5 miles and it felt good. The back was of course a little sore at the end but I stretched it out and the back pain was almost gone. Then I iced the back immediately at home and it was all good afterward. I'm thinking of sticking with the run/walk group for a good while. That minute walk feels really good, and believe me it goes by quick. I luckily struck a conversation with a runner who is a rehabilitation therapist and I told her about my back problem. She was very encouraging. I like this group, more talkative and I guess it's because we have the extra
minute of walk.

I also decided to invest on Moji. It's a pretty cool ice pack for the back. I'm also thinking of getting the the knee ice pack. It feels very comfortable. Only I wish Fleet Feet had more accessories for this.

Well, I'm on my way to a good marathon training and full recovery of my back injury. Awwww, yeah!

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun May 15, 2010 7:22 AM on 05/15/2010

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;am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href="http://www.mapmytri.com/run/united-states/il/chicago/108127392612336407"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MapMyRun May 15, 2010 7:21 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href="http://www.mapmytri.com/find-run/united-states/il/chicago"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Chicago, Illinois&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Back and Running Again

2010-05-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

I finally got the ok from the chiropractor to run again. It was suggested by both the doctor and the coaches of Chicago Endurance Sports that I start running with the run/walk training group. This type of training is slower and easier on the body. They recommend it to people who usually don't have running experience or those with chronic injuries. I usually run with the continuous running group, at a 10:30 pace. It is not necessarily a bad thing to be downgraded to this level.

I ran yesterday and I ran today, both days felt good. Sometimes I felt a little pain on the tailbone but it would go away. The muscles were also sore since I haven't used them in a while. It amazing how quickly the body can lose its strength on the muscles when you don't use them. Walking and swimming for the past couple of weeks allowed me to use some muscles but running is totally different. It kind of gives me more motivation to keep running even in between marathons. If I don't use it, I lose it... the muscles I mean. Or I don't lose them but certainly takes a while to gain them back.

This weekend is my first long run, only running about 4 miles with 3-4min run and 1 min walk. I'm still a little bit nervous since it will be my longest run in months but just got to remember to take it easy.

I'll keep you posted!

10 Post-Run Drinks to Fuel Fast Recovery | Active.com

2010-05-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

10 Post-Run Drinks to Fuel Fast Recovery | Active.com
By Matthew G. Kadey, M.Sc., R.D.
Runner's World

You just finished a run on a warm day and you're hot, tired, and thirsty. Of course you could reach for your favorite neon-hued sports drink, and there's nothing wrong with that. But runners often forget all the other options out there. In fact, research has shown that plenty of other types of beverages (some of which may already be in your refrigerator) have their own healthful qualities and can help you stay hydrated before, during, or after your run.

"Mother Nature has given us a huge range of healthy drinks," says Molly Kimball, R.D., a sports dietitian at Ochsner Elmwood Fitness Center in New Orleans. "They're refreshing and can recharge muscles and benefit performance." And (most important) they taste good, too.

Iced Green Tea
When: Pre- or postrun and on easy runs less than an hour
Why: Green tea is a stellar source of .....

(continue....)

What is your favorite sports drink: before, during, & after???

Another Song Stuck in my Head

2010-05-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

This happens from time to time where I hear a song on the radio and most likely on a movie and I instantly love it (previous post on song I obsessed about). I was watching "Defendor" with Woody Harrolsen and heard this song on the ending credits.

I think I'll take time on this blog entry to express how I really love good movies with awesome soundtracks. I'm what they call "soundtrackers". If I hear a good song or a good melody in a movie, I am very likely to search for it and download it wherever I can. If the whole soundtrack is awesome, I will buy the album. One good soundtrack I bought was for both Kill Bill movies. Quinten Taratino knows the value of a good soundtrack. Also Adam Sandler - he may make cheesy movies, but the music he picks are great and mesh really well with the movie.

Music and movies go hand in hand. For some movies, it works to not have music but for others, you have to get it just right. You can have a really good movie but sucky soundtrack. Or great soundtrack and sucky movie. Then you have the movies that had composers create a melody for a movie (like Hans Zimmer or Johanne Brahams). A terrific movie that explains this very well is "The Holiday" with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black. Jack Black plays a composer for movies and show's Kate Winslet's character how a melody is formed. And by the way the soundtrack to this movie is also very good.

Let's not forget the trailers of these movies and commercials for that matter. There very good trailers out there too. However, good trailers don't necessarily mean that the movie is going to be good also. A very good trailer that I remember is the trailer for "The Watchmen" -- that song is awesome! I've never heard it before, even though I'm a Smashing Pumpkins fan, but after I saw it I had to find it.

And the genre of movie doesn't necessarily need to fit the genre of the music. Vanilla Sky had a whole mix of music and it worked out really well (another soundtrack album I bought). Your style of music definitely needs to be in tune but not necessarily. One example is Twilight, the first movie. I liked the book, the movie, but the music did not do it for me. Perhaps, the younger audience loved it because that is what they listen to. I haven't seen the second movie but I'm guessing it will be the same type of music.

So the next time you watch a movie, listen intently to the music being played, it can just make the film even better for you. And you can bet that the song above is going on my running playlist :)

Hiatus Over

2010-05-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

I got a good piece of news from the chiropractor... I can start running next week!! This... is... AAAWESOME!! I'm really excited and relieved! Not to mention anxious because I don't know what to expect when I start running again. Will I be slower? Heavier? Will the back pain come back? Will I re-injure myself?

I hoping all these answers will be NO. But you never know. I'm glad that my chiropractor is near my work, so I've been walking there and walking the long way back to work making it about a half hour workout.

I mention today at work, while we had one of our "getting to know you" development days, that this was a very humbling experience. I'm not invisible. I need to take it easy and make sure I don't get injured.

Tomorrow is the kick off meeting for CES marathon training program. The following week is the start of the program....AURIGHT!

got the pic above from

http://chrismcpeake.blogspot.com/

Busy Times!!!

2010-04-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't posted much lately given the fact work and all other things have been keeping me away.... well almost keeping me away.

Update: My back is getting better thanks to the chiropractor. I've only been walking and swimming as per doctors orders.

Last week was the last swim class and I feel like I am doing better at my swimming. At the start of the training I was only doing 23 strokes per lap. By the end, I was averaging 13-15 strokes per lap! Super improvement.

The next three weeks at work will be a little challenging given that more responsibilities have been added to my position. I'm glad for the trust but I think for next year, I can do without. I will glad when the semester is over and I can start running again!!!

All for now... over and out.

My Green House Show - Earth Week Post #3

2010-04-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day and I think that I will make a plug for a show that I watched a lot:

This show features a group of friends that go to different houses and give helpful tips that will help the homeowners save some money and be green.

I found some helpful tips that I am working on putting on home like gray water tanks, solar heating water, solar stand-along power.

I would highly recommend watching this show when you are thinking of buying a house. MY GREEN HOUSE - http://mygreenhousetv.com/ - Check your local listings

Tiger Blogfest 2010 - brought to you by Earth Week and WWF Malaysia

2010-04-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week is Earth Week and today's blog is dedicated to the saving the tigers. They are beautiful creatures but they are rapidly becoming more and more extinct. We need to protect them and raise awareness about these beautiful creature. Even a song was written for people to think of themselves as a tiger when faced with challenges. Tigers are fighters but without our help we will no longer be able to sing this song with pride. I love running to song.

Please go to TX2: Double The Number Of Tigers and pledge your support and donate.

The tiger is the Malaysian national animal and their heritage. But today only less than 500 of them

remain in the wild. We need to stand up and protect our their heritage.

Speak to your children. Speak to your leaders. Everyone of us can make a difference.

For further information, please visit MYCAT (www.malayantiger.net), WWF Malaysia

(www.wwf.org.my) and Department of Wildlife & National Parks (www.wildlife.gov.my)

(www.planetofthemonyets.blogspot.com )

Earth Week 2010 - Post #1

2010-04-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

This week is Earth Week and since I'm taking a break from my usual training, per doctor's orders, I will be mainly focusing on environment, environmental ethics, global warming, recycling, etc... anything to do with EARTH. Hope you don't mind!

My first major topic - Monsanto. A company that makes pesticides and fertilizers. They also make genetically modified organisms (GMO) that are able to survive pesticides. They also can't grow properly without the fertilizers they make. They problem with this is that GMO pollen floats in the air. The wind carries the GMO pollen and lands on other farmers' crops and the crops start growing Monsanto patented crops. Farmers are then forces to either buy Monsanto fertilizers because the Monsanto GMO seed won't grow without it. And since they are growing Monsanto GMO seed they are forced to give Monsanto some profit. Not only does this pollen spread in U.S. but wind goes every where, including Mexico. Poor farmers there are also caught in this monopoly and silent war with GMOs vs orginal seeds.

This video can explain it all, "The World According to Monsanto"- watch on YouTube (8 Parts) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvGddgHRQyg&feature=related.

Trailer

Or watch "Food, Inc." - Website: http://www.foodincmovie.com/

Trailer:

If you could have been the author of any book, what would it have been?

2010-04-15T19:58:00.001-07:00

Something with running a first marathon like "A coach potato's guide to marathons" but I think someone already wrote that book.

Ask me anything

Same Goal - New Game Plan

2010-04-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

I went to the chiropractor, Hyde Park Chiropractic Wellness Center, the past two days. The doctor took an X-ray and noted that there was only swelling on the mid-spin. The injury plus my bad posture created more pressure on the spin, hence the slight discomfort and pain. I would need to do 3 therapy sessions a week for about a month. It also means no running, biking, weight training, or elliptical for a month. She did however mention that I can walk and swim during this time!!

So the new game plan is just that - walk and swim for exercise. Walking is going to be a bit hard and different. My instinct will be to run but I found a partner to help me walk. My old dog Luna has a bit of a weight problem. I will be taking her with me on these long walks... PERFECT! I can't make her run since she doesn't have the endurance and she is old so I'm forced to walk her. And the other days when she needs rest, I will swim some laps in the pool. I've been going to swim tri training with CES and they have been very helpful. Now that I have the proper training for long distance open water swims, I can focus on all that I have learned.

http://z-coil.blogspot.com

I don't consider this a derailment of my training. In fact, I think the therapy will help my body in a good way. My posture is terrible to begin with and this will help me align the spine and balance it all out. My only regret is that I didn't go to the chiropractor sooner. Lesson Learned.

Hooray!! Chiropractic Therapy Rocks!!!

Karla Benitez Part 4 - She's an Angel

2010-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Karla Part 1 - Karla Part 2 - Karla Part 3

Karla was given the worst diagnosis after her treatment from Boston. There would be no more chemotherapy, the tumors have spread and grown. The best thing to do was to make her comfortable for the next couple of months. I'm not sure if they hospital was doing ALL they could about Karla. She has been fighting this thing for so long. What do you do in that king of situation?

The best thing I could was to help my aunt and Karla the best way I could. My work is near the hospital in the south side and whenever they were there I stopped by to visit with them. One of the best times I had with Karla was when I spend time with my aunt and her at the hospital. She loved watching Nickelodeon or Disney Channel. She loved Hannah Montana, Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, iCarly, etc. We would watch those all the time. I would always ask her about the characters, since I didn't know them that well, and she would always light up when talking about them.

One time we were watching "Phineas and Fern" and they had an episode of time travel. I told her about the movie "Back the Future" and how that episode was similar. To my surprise, she never saw any of BTF movies and I told I'd buy them for her to watch. We watched all three movies and she loved them. Later on, I was told that she really like those times I spend with them in the hospital. Karla and I didn't know each other on that level. I was like a teenager again when I was with and I guess I showed a side of me that she never knew.

Karla was back in forth from the hospital between October, November and December. The social services were able to provide a bed and pain medicine for the house. Her sister Lety was able to come from Mexico and be a couple weeks here to help out her mom and Karla. A week before Christmas she was in the hospital. We all tried to visit her as much as possible. Her lack of strength was starting to show. On the day she died, she was with her mom and sister. I’d like to think that that was the way it should have been. I know that we are close but she had a bond with her mom and sister and it shouldn’t be interrupted. We all later went to the hospital to say goodbye.

We would hear wonderful stories about Karla during the mass and funeral service. Lety would mention that they were going through her things and found her diaries. She was glad that Karla did live a normal life despite her illness. She listed “To-Do Lists” – she wanted to learn to play the guitar and piano. She wanted to learn French and Italian. She also wrote about liking boys and about her friends at school.

Make-A-Wish Foundation had purchased a star and named it after Karla – it is in the constellation Ursa Major (RA 10h 6m 18s D 47˚ 40’). This constellation is in the night sky all year long. Karla is an angel now and it watch over us constantly.

Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. - 20 years of Distinction

2010-04-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Founders of Eta Beta Chapter

This blog entry today is dedicated to my sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma. Ten years ago, a group of girls and myself heard about this wonderful organization. We decided to start a chapter in our school, Loyola University Chicago, and we founded Eta Beta Chapter. Ever since then, we never looked back!

Without this organization, I would not be the person I am today. I have met some wonderful women in this organization and have befriended countless others.

Today, marks the 20 year anniversary of when our 5 founders paved the way at their school in Iowa. I'm pretty sure they never looked back either! 20 years later, we are one of the largest latina-based sororities, with a multi-cultural membership, in the nation. Many of our women finish their undergraduate education, some go beyond to do their masters, doctorates, and Ph.Ds, and countless more make a difference in the world in some way, shape, or form. We are sisters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, wives, students, doctors, nurses, lawyers, computer engineers, public service officials, psychologists, teachers, policewomen, actors, singers, social services councilors, authors.... you name it, we probably have a sister in that profession.

There is nothing that a woman in this organization cannot do. This organization has shown me to be true to yourself, respect one another, strive in Academics, Social Interaction, Morals & Ethics, Cultural Awareness, and Community Service, our founding principles, and excel in everything. It is also the reason why I love running and playing sports. If I didn't have this organization in my life, I probably would have never considered doing an Ironman race, EVER! Now, I have this goal in mind to do one and I'm not looking back!

We are women of distinction!

Followup on football tournament....

2010-04-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

So playing two games of football was not so bad after all, it was really fun. The adrenaline didn't allow me to feel the pain in the back so it wasn't until way later that I felt sore. They will have another tournament in November, just after the marathon... and you can bet that I will be there!

The game plan from now on will be to do low-impact cardio workouts. The back needs to heal before I can start to train for the marathon and triathlon.

Luckily, I'm still doing other things to prepare for my training. I just left my bike at Get A Grip Cycles and they were very helpful. WARNING - product placement time: They offer a fitting appointments where they get you fitted for a bike that is best suited for your body. And they can customized the bike to fit your body. I think this is great!!...Just as soon as I get the money for all that. But if there is anything I would invest money for my training would be on the bike.

Half Mile Repeats by the Lake

2010-03-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

My run today was kind of painful. My back injury is still bothering me. I didn't do all my 5x 1/2 repeats. I did about 3 of them and then 2 x 1/4 repeats. So I have to rethink my training. I'll still play in the Rice Bowl this Saturday but I hope the practice won't involve any push-ups.

Then after the run, my running group (Chicago Endurance Sports) had a presentation for social networking for endurance athletes. It was very useful. Glad to know there are other runner geeks out there who track their training like I do. More information on how to connect with other endurance athletes go to: CES Tech Blog

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun Mar 31, 2010 7:37 PM on 03/31/2010
&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmytri.com/run/united-states/il/chicago/248127008224637340"&amp;gt;MapMyRun Mar 31, 2010 7:37 PM&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmytri.com/find-run/united-states/il/chicago"&amp;gt;Find more Runs in Chicago, Illinois&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Sports Junkie ~ Always itching to get hurt

2010-03-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Why do I put myself in a situation where I get injured??? Oh, yeah cause I'm a glutton for punishment.

So I decided to play football with a group of girls from Loyola. My sorority sister from DePaul is playing in their team and announced that they are welcoming anyone who wants to play. Football she says, "i should be more specific any women want to play two hand touch (with some bumping/hitting) football??" Then I thought "aww how nice they do bumping and hitting".

Let me explain a little, I played rugby for about season and a half with Chicago's best, Chicago North Shore WRFC. It was the best time of my life!! My friend, Sofi, introduce the team to me and I instantly loved it. The team had all levels, newbies, professionals, semi-pros, sevens, etc. So I knew I was learning from the best. I even got "Rookie of the Year" on the first season I played with them!!

I don't know what to expect from the Loyola Rice Bowl team, but gathering from the first practice, I kinda like it. There is definitely a lot of hitting but no tackling and different rules. My arms and legs are sore and bruised but I LOVE IT! And this two weeks after my back injury... yep, I'm just a glutton for punishment. Oh, and I ran 11 miles the day before the practice :-)

Anyway, this weekend the team is playing on a Rice Bowl tournament. Apparently, the group is mostly Asian and other Asian student groups from other schools (DePaul, UIC, UofI,etc) are also playing. My two sorority sisters and I are the only ones who are latino or at least half latino.

It's gonna be interesting!! I'll keep you posted on the tournament winnings. Stayed tuned...

Here is my latest run:
MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun Mar 27, 2010 5:33 PM on 03/27/2010

MapMyRun Mar 27, 2010 5:33 PM
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The cure for a bad back pain after falling on your a$$$.....

2010-03-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, it happens from time to time. Your running along your favorite path and you suddenly trip on a rock that wasn't there before and scrape your knees on the fall. Or you miscalculate the sidewalk and think that you and your bike can magically get on it but you wipe out on the street. Or you get out of a hot jacuzzi in the gym and you are so confident about your workout that you forget the wet floor below your feet and slip and fall flat on your tailbone....OUCH!!

Does it hurt?

Which one of these has happened to me, you ask?? All of them. The most recent is the last one. I tell you if it is not my stomach flu or cold, it's injuries. And I was trying to prevent injuries on the knee but then I get injured and bruise my tailbone. Sitting down can get very uncomfortable for a while and so does standing for a long period of time. I can do a brisk jog but no faster than 11:30 min. And forget about biking. Good thing there is swimming, which I need to do tomorrow. I signed up for a swim training class that will help improve on my swim time on a tri. Now that my tailbone is bruised and I left to only do swimming, I better put this training to some good use.

So there really is no cure for a bruised tailbone, only to let it run it's course. Sigh... seems that way for any sickness. My back gets tired after a while so laying down on my side helps. If anyone knows a good stretch or routine to do for these types of injuries, let me know.

I just shared my most embarrassing falls and one caused a rather painful injury. If you have been injured in a very weird way (like coming out of a jacuzzi), I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks for reading!

Karla Benitez Part 3 - Make her comfortable....

2010-03-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

It has taken me a long time to write this part of Karla's story, partly because it's a happy and sad time. In my other to blogs I write the beginning of Karla's fight (Part 1)and the battle she won at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago (Part 2).

Karla goes on after her bone marrow transplant for a year being cancer-free. The moments that I'm sure my aunt Mari and Lety will never forget. She was a normal kid, with long black hair, going to school, and gaining new friends.

Then almost a year after her transplant, doctor's discover that the cancer had come back. Not the best time for anyone. In February 2007, Lety comes to visit and announces that she is pregnant with he first child. I host the baby shower at my apartment and it was THE coldest day of the winter (-15F). We all knew that it would be back to the hospitals and tests and surgeries, and loss of hair, etc.

Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago had taken her case and decided to try different treatments. For months, Karla would be in and out of the hospital. This time the doctors would try to keep the cancer contained in an experimental treatment. It would seem that for months this treatment was working but then the tumors would grow and the doctors would do surgery.

Finally in about September 2009, the last treatment Karla received was in Boston's Children Hospital. Karla, my aunt Maria, and another family member drove for about 16 hours to get there. They stayed for about a week and returned home. Karla went on to celebrate her 14th birthday on October 4th. She was so happy that day and ran around with her cousins and friends.

Later that month, she was in the hospital with severe pain. The treatment did not do any affect. The doctors gave my aunt no other options. Treatments would not help anymore and they would just have to make her comfortable from now....

Picture with one of the nurses who used to take care of her.

RIP - Barbara Bowe, RSCJ

2010-03-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier when I started this blog, I had posted about a dear professor where I work, Barbara Bowe (click here for earlier post). Today, she passed away at her RSCJ community residence in California. She was a wonderful person. Very passionate about her Bible teaching and of her faith.

It's been a very tough year at the school I work in, Catholic Theological Union. First we hear of Barb's illness and of the worsening condition of Karla, one of our VP's father suddenly passes, my cousin passes away, the president's sister passed away two weeks ago, a student's father passes away in Mexico....sigh.

A group of professors decided to send Barbara a couple of cards and express mail it to California. It got there on Saturday and one of her sister was able to read them to Barbara since she was not able to see. I wrote on one of the cards that my cousin Karla and my grandmother would be waiting for her. I know that all three of them are heaven right now.

Barbara's Biography

What happens when you get sick during trainning.....

2010-03-13T12:53:00.000-08:00

OMG...an unexpected cold got a hold of me!!

It will happen from time to time to even the most healthy of triathletes. You will get sick with a cold or flu (or stomach flu).

My recommendations for a cold (which I currently have): let it run it's course. Drink plenty of fluids. Blow your nose often. Get plenty of rest. So no running or activities. I know it's hard but try not to.

I tried running on Wed, but it was like running on a hot summer day. I was going 11:30min/mile pace and my heart rate was really high, 180 bmp was my max. I usually don't get it that high that quick. So I knew oxygen was not getting to my lungs fast enough. Plus I was sweating like there was no tomorrow.

Thursday and Friday I sweated the cold off with a good session of jacuzzi, sauna, and stream room. This feels very, very good. Since this bring your body temperature up, it can kills some of the cold virus. But it also takes a lot out of your energy. Do this in the evening and go home to bed. You will sleep like those people in the Nyquil commercials.

A couple times in the steam room and you should be good as new.... well at least I think you will. Oh, and taking drugs like Nyquil can't hurt. Just get plenty of rest.

I'll get back to you when my cold has run it's course...

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun Mar 7, 2010 12:59 PM on 03/07/2010

2010-03-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Today was a very cool run!! The best one I've had since starting the spring training. I ran north on the Lake front running path. By the time I reached Hollywood, I still didn't do my half way point. So I kept going and ran at my Alma mater, Loyola University. Wow, what I blast from the past. There was some construction going on, so that tells me where my tuition went. Then I ran around this little outdoor track that is new to me. It is located like several feet away from my old apartment. My how times change. The reminiscing going on in my head made the run go really fast. If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would. So many things I would do different. Sigh..
Anyway, the run was great. Topped off with a bit of nostalgic atmosphere. I want to have more of these runs. I'm going to start running through more old neighborhood.

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun Mar 7, 2010 12:59 PM on 03/07/2010

MapMyRun Mar 7, 2010 12:59 PM
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6 Mile Run - and the start of a Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning :&

2010-03-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

So after I completed my 6 mile run, I went with a friend of mine to Sushi Samba Rio - big mistake!!! I try the Smoked Fish Platter with 3 different types of fish, salty fish.....maybe if they read this, they can give me a discount for the next time. AAAANNNND next time it's only sushi rolls, none of this raw fish...:(

Anyway, needless to say, I haven't been to gym these past two days. :(

But before the stomach ache and vomits from hell... a couple pics from the outing. Hurray for FREE February 2010 at the Art Institute:

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun Feb 28, 2010 1:01 PM on 02/28/2010

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmytri.com/run/united-states/il/chicago/525126738367628852"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MapMyRun Feb 28, 2010 1:01 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmytri.com/find-run/united-states/il/chicago"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Chicago, Illinois&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Mid-week check in 2/24/2010

2010-02-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling very good!!! I've been doing strength training, running at a medium pace, and waking up early to workout before work. For a while, I thought my training was going to detour because of the knee but it hasn't. Below are my workouts:

MapMyTri.com - Treadmill: 2010/02/22 Nike+ Run Data on 02/22/2010

MapMyTri.com - Strength Training: Strength Training on 02/23/2010

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun Feb 24, 2010 7:11 AM on 02/24/2010
MapMyRun Feb 24, 2010 7:11 AM
Find more Runs in Chicago, Illinois

Long Run - 8 Miles - 2/20/2010

2010-02-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

MapMyTri.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun Feb 20, 2010 2:14 PM on 02/20/2010

This was the hardest run ever... not only was the trail snow covered but my knee still hurt. I got through the run but I stopped a couple times. The first mile and a half was not saved. Because of the trees, there was little GPS. Anyway, I got through it. I don't know how the long run would've been with my group.

MapMyRun Feb 20, 2010 2:14 PM
Find more Runs in Niles, Illinois

My Latest Workouts

2010-02-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

I feel like the knees is getting better. It still hurts a little but I'm doing what I'm suppose to be doing: lunges, squats, strength training.... sigh, I feel a lot better after visiting Athletico!!

MapMyTri.com - 45 Min Swim: Swimming on 02/18/2010

MapMyTri.com - 4 Mile Run: Treadmill on 02/19/2010

45 Min Run today

2010-02-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

MapMyFitness.com - Regular Run: MapMyRun Feb 17, 2010 6:32 AM on 02/17/2010
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyfitness.com/run/united-states/il/chicago/257126640995728347"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MapMyRun Feb 17, 2010 6:32 AM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyfitness.com/find-run/united-states/il/chicago"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Chicago, Illinois&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

The first day of the Spring Training

2010-02-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

I went to Athletico on Friday because of all the knee pains I've been having since my 13 mile run. I guess it wasn't a good idea to run it. Turns out I don't have enough butt muscles... LOL!! I have to increase glutenous muscle. Since then I have done squats, lunges, and other strength training that helps that area. Today I ran about 45 mins, and not in my usual pace, but I completed it PAIN FREE!!

Thank God for free screening at Athletico!! (IT SAVED MY ASS, literally.)

Site for examples of squats and lunges

Chicago in the Winter - 2010

2010-02-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

I love Chicago in the Winter.

One day it's nice and clear.

(Taken by me)

Then the next couple days, it's covered in snow:

(Take by me)

IT'S AWESOME!!

♪ 4...3....2...1... Earth below us, Drifting, Falling ♫

2010-02-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, I will post music and videos. This seems to be burning in my brain and I need to hear it over and over again, until I kill it...... then I'm back to normal.

I can't wait to hear this while I run.....

My Celebrity Look-alikes

2010-02-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

This is funny! some are accurate, some are not.

My double, triple, quadruple life.... Multiple me for the world!!

2010-02-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

This is just my random thoughts about how my life really is. I don't consider myself a person of a certain way. I know that people have to adapt and adjust and I think that is exactly what I do everyday.

Work: A Catholic Institution that give graduate degrees to priests, nuns, seminarians, and church people... it will remain anonymous, but if you must look it up... it's in Hyde Park. This is the professional me.

Friends:
co-workers see one side of me - the casual, professional me
sorority sisters see another - the quiet, behind the scenes me
my closest friends know the "whole" me - the dark, funny, sarcastic me
recreational friends see another - the extremely dark, sarcastic me plus sexy :P

Family - they don't know the "whole" me but they know enough. The "Carmelita" me.

And these groups know that I'm a runner and an athlete. - The Triathlete me.

It's hard to manage these realms but when they collide I can somehow manage to just be me and they still cannot tell who is who. WEEEIIIRRDDD!!! lol

My Unofficial 13.1 Half Marathon!!

2010-01-30T11:53:00.000-08:00

This was not my best but it's certainly an accomplishment to do a 13.1 mile run in the middle of winter and finish. My running partner was William again and he was great in giving me encouragement. At the end, we split up and he kept running faster and I ran slightly slower (as you can see from the stats) but I finished. He came back for me in and we did the last quarter mile. We even got to where we started with .20 miles to go... so we kept running. We did a half a block extra and went back to the Fleet Feet store. The CES staff has bagels and coffee for us. It was the best tasting bagel ever!!!

I'm glad I did this "fun run", even got a small medal for it.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	587 ft
Location:	Chicago, IL	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	01/30/10	Up/Downhill:	[+259/-259]
Time:	10:48 AM	Difficulty:	3.0 / 5.0

Performance

Distance:	13.09 miles
Time:	2:38:35
Speed:	5.0 mph
Pace:	12' 06 /mi
Calories:	1218

Notes

This was an official 13.1 run. Knees hurt a bit at the end but I finished!!

Map

Elevation (ft)

Pace (min/mile)

Splits

Mile	Pace (min/mile)		Speed (mph)		Elevation Gain
Mile	actual	+/- avg	actual	+/- avg	Elevation Gain
1	11' 16	-0' 50	5.3	+0.4	-10 ft
2	11' 28	-0' 38	5.2	+0.3	-7 ft
3	10' 49	-1' 17	5.5	+0.6	+3 ft
4	11' 05	-1' 01	5.4	+0.5	0 ft
5	11' 28	-0' 38	5.2	+0.3	+9 ft
6	11' 19	-0' 47	5.3	+0.3	-3 ft
7	11' 33	-0' 33	5.2	+0.2	-4 ft
8	14' 13	+2' 07	4.2	-0.7	+4 ft
9	11' 07	-0' 59	5.4	+0.4	+3 ft
10	14' 13	+2' 07	4.2	-0.7	-9 ft
11	12' 50	+0' 44	4.7	-0.3	0 ft
12	12' 13	+0' 07	4.9	-0.0	-6 ft
13	15' 00	+2' 54	4.0	-1.0	+16 ft
end	11' 51	-0' 15	5.1	+0.1	0 ft
Versus average of 12' 06 min/mile: Slower Faster

Karla's Story - Part 2 "Children's Memorial"

2010-01-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

So my cousin is diagnosed with neuroblastoma around May of 2003. And she's not from the United States.... the double whamies of all whamies. We really didn't know what to do.

Then one of my aunts seeked out the help from Federacion Guerrerense, organization that helps immigrants. The organizer, Fabian Morales talks to the group about my cousin's situation. They decide to help in the fundraising for Karla's treatment. They also decide to give a generous gift: hey had previously helped organize and raise money for another child with cancer, Melannie Veliz, who died in April 2003. The had raise about $290,000. This was our chance to find the help that Karla needs.

By September 2003, Children's Memorial Hospital was contact for any help. This money was given to hospital as donation for her treatment. Children's decide to make that donation as full funding for Karla. Children's Memorial was a true blessing.

Lety, Karla's older sister, decides to leave everything behind in Mexico and come to Chicago and help her mother and sister. The next three years were really tough on Karla, Lety, and my aunt. They practically lived for a whole year at Kohl's Building, the apartment building used for Children's Memorial patients and their family. We knew that staying at Kohl's was better since the hospital was less than a block away. It was, however, a home-away-from-home. They had video games, computers, toys, games, etc. Everything they needed to make the families feel comfortable.

After three years of treatments, operations, and a bone marrow transplant, Karla was cancer-free. She was thin, hairless, and mostly lost the color in her skin. But soon after she recuperated very fast! The first meal she wanted after the transplant was tamales!!! Everyone said that her donor must have been Mexican!!

Today's 6 mile run...

2010-01-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

This was a very good run. There was a lot of head wind on the way back and that was challenging but I pulled through. The fog was also interesting, it hid a lot the building and it was just a massive white wall on the water. Very eerie!! I must remember to take pictures next time... One thing I have to note for today, the knees were in excruciating pain after the run. I stretched for a couple minutes, I was sitting in the car and as I was driving off, the knees hurt like crazy! I may need to go to Athletico.... :(
(photo by Araceli Arroyo)

Activity

Route:	Lakefront Path	Elev. Avg:	585 ft
Location:	Chicago, IL,	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	01/23/10	Up/Downhill:	[+170/-170]
Time:	05:25 PM	Difficulty:	2.2 / 5.0

Weather:	Fog
	42 F temp; 92% humidity
	42 F heat index; winds SE 14 mph

Performance

Distance:	6.02 miles
Time:	1:08:08
Speed:	5.3 mph
Pace:	11' 19 /mi
Calories:	566

Map

Elevation (ft)

Pace (min/mile)

Splits

Mile	Pace (min/mile)		Speed (mph)		Elevation Gain
Mile	actual	+/- avg	actual	+/- avg	Elevation Gain
1	10' 15	-1' 04	5.8	+0.5	+3 ft
2	10' 22	-0' 57	5.8	+0.5	-3 ft
3	11' 33	+0' 14	5.2	-0.1	-3 ft
4	11' 45	+0' 26	5.1	-0.2	+3 ft
5	11' 30	+0' 11	5.2	-0.1	+4 ft
6	12' 26	+1' 07	4.8	-0.5	0 ft
end	20' 00	+8' 41	3.0	-2.3	-3 ft
Versus average of 11' 19 min/mile: Slower Faster

This statistics on the run is brought to you by Bones In Motion, the coolest phone app to track my runs using the GPS. Now if my battery can last a long time with the music and this app wasting the energy.

Soon real soon....

2010-01-22T20:23:00.000-08:00

I will run again.

I must confess I have not run since last week. I missed my Wednesday group run and I think I've gained weight. So I think Spring training with my favorite group, CES, is a MUST.

Work has been quite hectic. I gave a superb presentation today that knocked people’s socks off! YEAH, BABY!!! And it’s been an emotional roller coaster with co-worker leaving for more chemo for her brain cancer (see previous post). And my insomnia seems to be over, since I feel more and more tired throughout the day.

Back story: For months, I have not been able to sleep with out the aid of Tylenol PM. Yes, I decided to keep on taking the blue pills and to wake up in my bed and believe whatever I want to believe... wait, that's the Matrix. Just last week, I purchased organic pills from Whole Food, something for sleep with Melatonin. And I gotta say that it's been working, too well. I think the natural stuff has been staying in my system too long that I feel extra sleepy during the day. I sleep fine but I'm still sleepy during the day. Just yesterday I slept without taking the natural herbs and I slept fine. Now, just need to ween myself off the sleeping aides for good.

So where was I going with this???????

Oh, yeah! I will have to train in the Spring since I’ve slacked off the last couple weeks of my winter training. Although I am in much better shape than in previous winters where I “trained” at the gym…

SPRING TRAINING HERE I COME!!!!

Barbara Bowe, RSCJ

2010-01-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

Barbara is one of the most beloved professor of where I work. On October 2009, she was diagnosed with brain cancer, malignant glioma, the same cancer that Ted Kennedy died from. She was diagnosed right around the same time that the family found out about Karla's worsened condition.

Today they had an Anointing Prayer service for her. She was present along with her other community sisters. Barbara is going to California for more cancer treatments and I suppose to all begin palliative care. And it was very emotional to say the least. Brought back some sad memories of Karla's passing.

I hope that these next couple days are fruitful and peaceful for Barbara. Lord, knows that the quality of life for Barbara from now on is more important.

More information on her prayer service, click here.

Barbara's Biography

Nature Museum

2010-01-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

Took a nice visit to the Nature Museum in Lincoln Park. Very nice! I would recommendate it for everyone. It's kind of small compared to other museums, but it short and to the point. The Butterfly Haven is wonderful. The running path is right outside so I will smile every time I run past it.

This place is very green for all you earth-loving, tree huggers out there!

8 mile.... s

2010-01-16T21:27:00.001-08:00

Today was an 8 mile run and it was not too bad. The group is usually a small one but there are a couple who decided to show up today. Then a guy a befriend started saying some jokes about marriage... could really say much and he thought I was uncomfortable... it was an unintentional awkward moment.

Lincoln Park near the pond
Originally uploaded by llaneza_9

Anyway, I finished with a hurting knee. If it keeps up like that I will definitely go to Athletico.

Good run!

Karla's Story - Part 1

2010-01-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

Before, I begin to write for the blog, I need to tell Karla's story. Since it's a bit of a long one (and I promised not to make the blogs long), I will have to do it in parts

On May 2003, I got a call from mother. "Karla has cancer." Three words I will never forget to hear. It was cloudy, raining, and just a miserable day. Turns out she had neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer. On top of that, both her and her mom are not from the U.S.

Thanks to former Gov. Rob Blagojevich's was able to set up a comprehensive plan to help give healthcare aid to all kids of Illinois, "regardless of income and immigration status." But this was not going help cover the extensive chemotherapies, operations, and medicine to help Karla.

The beginning....

2010-01-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

Yep that is right. I somehow got it into my head that I can and will do a Iron(wo)man triathlon. "WHAT??!!"

Let's review the actual competition. 2.5 miles swim, 112 miles bike, and 26.2 run. The swim cut off is 2.5 hours, swim + bike cut off is 10.5, and the entire race should be done in under 17 hours. "WTF??!?"

I've done a marathon in 2004, numerous smaller running events, a triathlon in 2008. Why not? Not to mention I did this all for charity, my cousin Karla Benitez had cancer.

So I finally looked up the average finishing time of an amateur runner and calculated my average swim, bike and run of my first triathlon in the 2008 Accenture Chicago Triathlon. I was sitting my kitchen table look all this up on my laptop. I look up to where my brother was sitting and blurted out… “I’m going to do the Ironman.”

He has seen me do a half marathon, marathon, and full triathlon, so he gave this look of “Alright. I know you can do it.”

On December 2009, my cousin Karla had passed away. This gave me a greater determination to honor her memory and do what I set out to do. Raise money for a pediatric cancer charity in memory of Karla. Run the Ironman.

This will not be an easy feat, by any means. But I know that with the help of my family and with determination, I can accomplish this goal. On January 30, I will be complete the Winter Warrior Half Marathon training and complete 13.1 – Half marathon run with my running group. This will mark the start of my year in training.

GOAL FOR 2010:
Trek Women Sprint Triathlon - July 11
Rock N Roll Half Marathon – August 1, 2010
Accenture Chicago Triathlon – August 29, 2010
Bank of America Chicago Marathon – October 10, 2010

GOAL FOR 2011:
Spirit of Racine Half Ironman – July 2011
Bank of America Chicago Marathon – October 2011

GOAL FOR 2012:
Ford Ironman Madison, WI – September 2012

Stay tuned... I swear my blogs will not be this long again. And more pics.