Yes Yes yes- it has been a long time since I have last posted to my blog- I have been very bad about using this electronic medium to talk to my friends. I have no excuse - I have no reason- other than I just have not been doing this. The holidays came and left- The new year is well under way. I am enjoying my new role with my job, and basically staying at home in Chicago instead of hitting the road so much.
I am off to Europe next week - so check in on the blog so the details as I take this show on the international road.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A marathon to Remember-
I am alive and not injured!!! That is the big news here! I am sure that you have all heard the news about the Chicago Marathon and all the sick and injured runners. It was a surreal experience. I first have to thank Megan for coming out and being my go-to gal for the run. Without her I would not have been able to survive and make it home safely. The marathon officials keep claiming that they had water and Gatorade-- LIES -- BIG FAT LIES!!!! My experience was that water was available at the first hydration station- the next two stops were out- in fact the volunteers had folded up the tables and were very sorry and scrambling to make sense of it all. What I saw in the next two hours I will never forget. I saw marathon runners going in to a 7-11 to buy anything liquid, I saw runners accept half consumed beverages that a stranger offered to one in need, I saw desperate runners drink any water they could find-- even drinking out of a decorative fountain in front of an apartment building, I saw men and women simply collapse from heat exhaustion while running, I saw people rushing to help complete strangers, I saw spectators going into stores to buy anything they could to help runners, I saw homeowners turn their garden hoses into a cooling device, and most importantly I saw that I am not a quitter. I ran and then walked until the police told me I couldn't go anymore at mile 16.5. It was hard to give up and admit that the weather conditions had gotten the best of me. Training for months and months was not enought for the soaring temperatures and lack of hydration. In my opinion I could have finished it if I would have had water and gatorade as needed. I personally become dehydrated in the first 8 miles and then was never able to fully recover. My medal is lying on my dresser and I indecisve on what to do with it. Originally I planned on having it framed with my finish line photo so that I could display it on my wall. One side of me wants to simply put in a drawer with other forgotten memorabilia-- another thinks I should still frame it as a testament to the human spirit that endured during the race. I will run a marathon-- not sure when or where--- but I will.
I want to share this email I received from one of my Team in Training coaches-- it really brings to a head part of the experience.... one which will go down in history.
From Val on the West team. I thought this was awesome. Q. When is a marathon, not a marathon? A. When they make you stop running at mile 16! Well, if last year's Chicago Marathon wasaffectionately referred to by me as the "ass-freezer," thenthis one was definitely the "ass-melter." Yes it was hot, andI foolishly ran too fast for the first 3 miles. So I wasreally forced to take it easier thereafter. I was trying sohard to concentrate on running and staying hydrated, that Ididn't really get to enjoy the sights and sounds out on thecourse like I had hoped. There was no water to be had in Lincoln Park, so Iheaded off the course to the Conservatory and got some from afountain. After rejoining the race, I saw runners buying theirown drinks at a gas station! I mean, who brings money to amarathon? A low point for me was picking a dirty cup off theground and getting some gatorade poured into it at a waterstation.
Unfortunately, I saw full medical tents, runners collapsed on curbs, in gutters and leaning up against trees,and heard emergency sirens everywhere. Garbage everywhere. Chicago looked like a war zone. How could this be my city? But the happiness always has to outweigh the sadness. Highlights of my morning included a fellow runner, some guy I didn't know, cracking open a bottle of water and offering me the first drink. I splashed in a fountain at a condo near Addison and Lake Shore Drive. My biggest supporters, my family stood proudly by cheering...a sight for my sore eyes! My TNT triathalon coach John handing me a bottle of water at mile 8 and running with me. I refilled that bottle whenever I got the chance. It really saved me. Aahh, then running thru the very exclusive hoods of Lincoln Park with a guy dressed as part of the male anatomy..."Mr. Testicles." He was anatomically correct and being near him encouraged me to move a little faster as I did not want to be part of a photo opp with this guy. And I was touched by the kindness of my fellow runners and the spectators doing everything from sharing, stopping to help, buying us drinks, squirting us, handing out ice, lending a hand at the overwhelmed water stations, and of course cheering. Yes...THIS IS MY CITY!
The journey ended abruptly on Jackson when officials told us the race was cancelled. Warm bottled water was handed out and we walked to Grant Park all the while in sadness and>silence being sprayed with firehoses. A disappointment, yes. I missed my favorite neighborhoods, my family awaiting me in Pilsen and the glory of crossing the finish line. But to keep things in perspective, especially coming from Team in Training);
Things don't always turn out like you plan.People get cancer. People battle bravely and still die. Some go into remission and then lose remission. Some go into remission and suffer secondary cancers and other ills from chemo and radiation. And sometimes marathons get cancelled. I could think of a million things worse than that, and so could you. Happiness is a choice. I choose happiness.
There isalways next year. Even though I said this was my lastmarathon, it wasn't really a marathon. So, on a technicality,I may have to run one more marathon with TNT, to fundraise andhonor the people that did not chose their marathon...cancer. Thanks for supporting me through this abbreviatedjourney. As the diehard Chicagoan that I am....I tell you,"We'll get 'em next year!" Thanks for all of your support in the fight againstblood and bone marrow cancers. I deeply appreciate it. Love, Val
I really like what Val had to say-- I think of some loved ones the have lost their battles with cancer- and I realize that I need to choose Happiness too- and that I am very lucky to have had this experience.
I want to share this email I received from one of my Team in Training coaches-- it really brings to a head part of the experience.... one which will go down in history.
From Val on the West team. I thought this was awesome. Q. When is a marathon, not a marathon? A. When they make you stop running at mile 16! Well, if last year's Chicago Marathon wasaffectionately referred to by me as the "ass-freezer," thenthis one was definitely the "ass-melter." Yes it was hot, andI foolishly ran too fast for the first 3 miles. So I wasreally forced to take it easier thereafter. I was trying sohard to concentrate on running and staying hydrated, that Ididn't really get to enjoy the sights and sounds out on thecourse like I had hoped. There was no water to be had in Lincoln Park, so Iheaded off the course to the Conservatory and got some from afountain. After rejoining the race, I saw runners buying theirown drinks at a gas station! I mean, who brings money to amarathon? A low point for me was picking a dirty cup off theground and getting some gatorade poured into it at a waterstation.
Unfortunately, I saw full medical tents, runners collapsed on curbs, in gutters and leaning up against trees,and heard emergency sirens everywhere. Garbage everywhere. Chicago looked like a war zone. How could this be my city? But the happiness always has to outweigh the sadness. Highlights of my morning included a fellow runner, some guy I didn't know, cracking open a bottle of water and offering me the first drink. I splashed in a fountain at a condo near Addison and Lake Shore Drive. My biggest supporters, my family stood proudly by cheering...a sight for my sore eyes! My TNT triathalon coach John handing me a bottle of water at mile 8 and running with me. I refilled that bottle whenever I got the chance. It really saved me. Aahh, then running thru the very exclusive hoods of Lincoln Park with a guy dressed as part of the male anatomy..."Mr. Testicles." He was anatomically correct and being near him encouraged me to move a little faster as I did not want to be part of a photo opp with this guy. And I was touched by the kindness of my fellow runners and the spectators doing everything from sharing, stopping to help, buying us drinks, squirting us, handing out ice, lending a hand at the overwhelmed water stations, and of course cheering. Yes...THIS IS MY CITY!
The journey ended abruptly on Jackson when officials told us the race was cancelled. Warm bottled water was handed out and we walked to Grant Park all the while in sadness and>silence being sprayed with firehoses. A disappointment, yes. I missed my favorite neighborhoods, my family awaiting me in Pilsen and the glory of crossing the finish line. But to keep things in perspective, especially coming from Team in Training);
Things don't always turn out like you plan.People get cancer. People battle bravely and still die. Some go into remission and then lose remission. Some go into remission and suffer secondary cancers and other ills from chemo and radiation. And sometimes marathons get cancelled. I could think of a million things worse than that, and so could you. Happiness is a choice. I choose happiness.
There isalways next year. Even though I said this was my lastmarathon, it wasn't really a marathon. So, on a technicality,I may have to run one more marathon with TNT, to fundraise andhonor the people that did not chose their marathon...cancer. Thanks for supporting me through this abbreviatedjourney. As the diehard Chicagoan that I am....I tell you,"We'll get 'em next year!" Thanks for all of your support in the fight againstblood and bone marrow cancers. I deeply appreciate it. Love, Val
I really like what Val had to say-- I think of some loved ones the have lost their battles with cancer- and I realize that I need to choose Happiness too- and that I am very lucky to have had this experience.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Ready to Run--
No I am a bad blogger as of recent months- my apologies. It has been a very very busy time preparing for the Chicago Marathon. Running has seemingly taken over my life in every possible way. Every little detail is important: what I drink, what I eat, how much I sleep- and so forth. The feeling of a child waiting for Christmas has kind of overtaken me this past week! I can not wait to finish the race and share my photos to brag!!!
Other than that no other big news- I continue to settle into my condo and continue to love life in Chicago. September's weather was beautiful and I have been able to enjoy walks to the beach and time with Trevor in the yard. This past weekend I did clean up my patio plants and winterized the outdoor living spaces.
Here are some pictures that were taken last weekend at my last Team in Training group run. I was really lucky to have a wonderful running group and am so excited to run with them in the marathon!!!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
On the road again-
Where is that Simple Life that Paris and Nicole were looking for? Where is the joys of coming home and making dinner? I have been on the road too much lately & I guess that it is wearing thin. But - alas the end is near. I heard from my boss last night that next week I will only be covering Northern IL & primarily focusing on Chicago. Since I live in Chicago, this means that I can pretty much be home every night! This is such welcome news--- now I can reserve travel for pleasure and fun with family and friends.
I am getting into the final stages of training for the marathon- this Saturday is my 18 mile run- wow. Yesterday I was doing a basic 45 minute run in Des Moines with 95 degree heat and humidity out the wazoo-- it was crazy. I think I sweat off like 10 pounds. It felt good that I could do it- that my body is conditioned enought ot take it.
I am sad to see the summer ending- the nights are noticably shorter now. The darkness of fall is coming upon us. I do love the splendor of fall and the changing of colors. I am reminded of good things that fall brings- like Apple picking (FUN!) I did recently find out that I have a conference this fall in Salt Lake City, Utah... now I can mark one more state off of my list of places to go.
My friends are my top priority for fall- spending time with Dawn and Missy and Megan- and apple picking with Laura.
I am getting into the final stages of training for the marathon- this Saturday is my 18 mile run- wow. Yesterday I was doing a basic 45 minute run in Des Moines with 95 degree heat and humidity out the wazoo-- it was crazy. I think I sweat off like 10 pounds. It felt good that I could do it- that my body is conditioned enought ot take it.
I am sad to see the summer ending- the nights are noticably shorter now. The darkness of fall is coming upon us. I do love the splendor of fall and the changing of colors. I am reminded of good things that fall brings- like Apple picking (FUN!) I did recently find out that I have a conference this fall in Salt Lake City, Utah... now I can mark one more state off of my list of places to go.
My friends are my top priority for fall- spending time with Dawn and Missy and Megan- and apple picking with Laura.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Las Vegas-
What a rough life I endure- it was such a rough week having to travel to Las Vegas to cover a conference. It was really nice because my duties at the conference were relatively light and I had quite a bit of free time to roam and explore. I would not advise going to Las Vegas in August- too hot! Yikes.... I spent the afternoons by the pool under misters sipping vodka lemonades---- it was delightful. I did see a great show "LaReve" which is at the Wynn- very good - it combined dance, music, acrobatics, and diving. I did not realize the human body could do all those things. It was impressive to say the least. I did hit the strip some and took in the sights-- but I felt it was too hot to really do much- so I pretty much stayed around the Wynn and enjoyed the 5 star luxury that I had bee afforded. I only spent $25 gambling- and played a ton of nickel slots- it was fun-- at one point I was up to $100-- but I should have cashed out- but of course I kept going and lost it all--- at least I am only out $25 dollars. Not a bad tab for 3 days in Vegas. I would really like to come back to Vegas when it isn't so hot and I had some friends to gamble and sight see with.
I have a busy week ahead- going to Central IL- and then the follow week is Iowa- so it is time to put some more miles on the car!
Here are some Vegas shots-
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Sunday, August 05, 2007
14 Miles-
Over half way there- I ran the longest distance of my life on Saturday- and I still feel pretty good. It was a really hot and humid day- so I am hoping that the cooler temperatures of the October will make the 26 miles a bit easier. I am amazed at how doing a long run such as the 12 or 14 miles can literally take over the weekend. It seems that Saturday gets consumed with running and then the recovery from a long run.
Other than that it was a quiet weeekend -- I enjoyed going to the beach today at getting into te cool waters of lake Michigan.
Off to Las Vegas this week... please let me know any lucky numbers you want me to play
Other than that it was a quiet weeekend -- I enjoyed going to the beach today at getting into te cool waters of lake Michigan.
Off to Las Vegas this week... please let me know any lucky numbers you want me to play
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
