Too Many Races, Not Enough Time

Race season hasn't even begun, and I already have to knock off two races from my list :(
The Holy Half marathon in South Bend, and the 13.1 in Chicago conflict with another obligation and a wedding.  It's pretty frustrating now that I'm really excited about running as a sport, not just as a quick part of my cardio workout.  Oh well, guess I'll have to get over it in a few days...."There's always next year..."

It's Official...

...I'm running the Chicago Marathon!  No turning back now, I registered today shortly before 6:00pm.  Only 248 days until I step up to the starting line to complete 26.2 miles!  I was super excited all day to register, but I had to wait until after work to get to a computer and sign up.  Only 3 hours later, and I've had a ton of support and congrats pouring in.  Running the marathon is going to be so much easier knowing I have a huge support group of friends and family cheering me on.  I'm looking forward to running it with some great running friends, Steve and Kay, my sister Elizabeth, and hopefully Mark will be able to get away from work to join us.  I sure hope this excitement doesn't wear off anytime soon, because I think I have a runner's high just from registering.  It's only 13.1 miles more than the longest race I've ever done...easy, right?!

                                                                        (2011 route)


In other running news...yesterday was an awesome day for running!  The temperature hit just around 60F.  In Chicago.  In January!  This kind of abnormally warm weather is every runner's winter dream.  We get to finally step off the treadmill and step onto the pavement.  I dread running on the treadmill, so this was a great opportunity I had to take advantage of.  I rushed home from work yesterday, quickly changed into my running gear (no gloves or hat!), and hit the lake shore path.  Oh my gosh, I couldn't have asked for better conditions!  It was by far the best run of my life.  I somehow managed to post an 8:53/mile pace, and ran just over 4 miles in 35 minutes.  The rest of my day was so great because I got that outside run in.  Tomorrow the high is 52F, so you better believe I'll be out for a run again.  Gotta enjoy this warm winter weather while it lasts.