Joe's Running Blog

Chicago Marathon

2008-10-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Chicago Marathon. All week I had been watching the weather and hoping it would be hot. Well my wish came true and it was way to hot. The weather was 85 degrees by 11 a.m. I was a wet mess. The city did an awesome job of having tons of water and keeping us cool with misting station along the way. I ran with the 3:55 group till the 20th mile and then I had to walk because of the heat. Over all I did ok. My time was 4:05:06.

Placement:

Overall: 7255/31,401

Gender: 5351

Division: 916

Training

2008-10-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Not much has been going on. Just training and dealing with my new shoes which are not working and I will be running the Marathon with my old ones, which cause my toe to bleed since they are so tight.

Guess What I did?

2008-09-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today I ran 20 miles with my running group and it felt awesome. I felt like I ran 20 miles but I was not in pain. I think I am finally at that great place runners talk about. I am ready for the Chicago Marathon.

17

2008-08-19T15:22:00.001-07:00

This past weekend my running group (CARA) ran our normal long weekend run. I again decided to run with the intermediate group and did 17 miles. For the first time in a long time this run hurt. It was my toes that were hurting. My socks were to thick and my feet were killing me at the end. My hips and knees felt this run also but after 13 miles or so I do feel my runs. I will be running 18 miles this weekend with the running group then I'm off to the Azores Islands for a late summer vacation. I will be continuing the training schedule and will try to blog from there if its possible.

We are only 9 weeks away from the Chicago Marathon. I ask those of you who read this to consider my charity as an end of the year tax break. www.firstgiving.com/joeruns

P.G.-13.1

2008-08-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the shirtless picture but I was hot after doing the Chicago Distance Classic. I did the run in 1:51:35. I was totally happy with that time and will try to work on improving that time. After the race I went to the race site to get the correct time and they had posted an update. The race was actually 13.27 miles, it was longer then they expected, either way it was a great run and I am glad I had a awesome time in the end.

15

2008-08-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

15...What is that you ask? Well, that is the amount of miles I ran on this past Sunday. I was only scheduled to run 13, but the group kept going and so did I. I felt awesome when I was done and was glad that I did it.

Training has been going well. I have been following the schedule and doing my runs. I will be honest that its hard some nights and I skip smaller mile runs. I do always try to make the long weekend runs.
I love running with my pace groups. I would recommend that everyone find a running group. I have been running with the 9 minute mile group on the weekend and have been leading a smaller 9 minute mile group during the week. We call ourselves the funny nines, since we never really run 9 minute miles.
Currently, my body feels great. The knees are kicking and the only thing wearing down are my shoes. I am on a second pair of shoes and I love this pair even more then the first pair. They are called Etonics and were recommend by the guys at Universal Sole.

This coming weekend I will be running a half marathon here in Chicago called the Chicago Distance Classic. This will be my first half-marathon in Chicago. I feel ready and I will be running with a co-worker who runs the same pace as I do.

As always if you have not done so yet, please take a look at my charity page http://www.firstgiving.com/joeruns . You only have less then 3 months left to help me to help Children in Africa who have been effected by Aids.

Just training

2008-07-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

Hello again. Things have been very busy on the running front. I have been training up a Storm. Over the past 2 weeks I have been doing strength training with Coach Leach and running 2 night during the week and a long run on Sunday. Currently we just finished our 9 mile long run. I was again in the 9 minute mile group but for the last 2 miles I broke free with another runner and we did 8:10's. I was beat. This week I did strength training and I think I may have over done it since my shins were killing me at the end and tonight when I tried to run with my mid-week group I started out strong at 7:45 minute miles and found myself at 9:00 minutes for the last mile since I was in so much pain. I think tomorrow I may run either slow or not at all since this Sunday is 10 mile day. I hope that those of you who read this are still considering support my Charity and will take time to look at www.firstgiving.com/joeruns. I will try to post more often and let you know how I get over this shin pain.

Training

2008-06-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

Well Its Chicago Marathon training session. For the past two weeks I have been running regularly. Last week I ran a total of 9 miles for the week and this week I ran 9 with a long run this morning of 7 miles. I decided to run in the 9:00 minute mile group and It was a nice pace. I had a hard time at first staying with the group since I wanted to pass everyone up, but was happy to be running with a group for a change. Betsy was our leader and she works for CARA and was a great group leader. As the weeks progress so do the mileage during the week and weekend runs become longer. If you have not done so yet, take a look at my fundraising page. www.firstgiving.com/joeruns I'll keep writing on how training is going.

Don't Stop Believing; I'm still here.

2008-06-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, remember me? I know its been a while since I have written. I have been really busy. Mostly working. I have been running and the picture above is from the Soldier field 10 mile here in Chicago. I have also been trying to run every night at least 3 miles. My knee is getting better but I still wear my knee brace. I have also join ed CARA and will be training with them for my summer Marathon training. I want to thank those of you who have already made a donation. I will try to write more once my summer Marathon training starts on June 16th.

The Other Knee

2008-04-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

I know..I know, its been a while since I have posted anything. I have to be honest I have been really busy. I have been running but not very far since my Left Knee; which is, the other injured knee is still not a 100%. Today I ran 3 miles and had to wear a knee brace again. I just want to get over this injury. The weather in Chicago is starting to get nice and I want to run.
I joined CARA and will be starting to train with them for the Chicago Marathon. I was going to run the Ravenswood race this weekend but if my knee doesn't feel better by Friday, I'm going to sit it out. Reminder if you have not done so yet take a look at http://www.firstgiving.com/joeruns This is my charity page and I hope that you can tell as many people you know and get the word out. Thanks and Ill post soon.

Tell Someone

2008-04-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

I wanted to ask everyone who reads this to tell someone about my fundraising page. www.firstgiving.com/joeruns. I really want to raise the money I said I would and remember this is helping people in need. Thank you.

Committed

2008-04-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

I have signed up for The Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct 12, 08. I have also decided to run the race for the World Vision. This group helps children and families impacted by AIDS in Africa. I have created a donation page for World Vision through Firstgiving.com. You can reach my page at www.firstgiving.com/joeruns My goal is to try to raise $1,000. Please help me to reach this goal and give what you can.

Dealing with Knee's

2008-04-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I ran 5 miles on the lakefront here in Chicago. It was so nice I had to take my shirt off I was so warm. Now, the problem is my left knee is still hurting a bit from the Shamrock Shuffle. I was able to finish the 5 miles but not as fast as I would have liked. I have decided to not run a 5k this weekend so I can let my knee heal. There is a different 5k at the end of the month that I think I'm going to run instead. Today I'm going to sign up for the Chicago Marathon. I am not sure why, but I have been waiting to see if I really wanted to run it. I am kinda scared I won't finish, but I plan to join a running group that meets on a regularly so I can train.

Shamrock Shuffle

2008-04-01T06:48:00.001-07:00

On Sunday I ran the Bank of America, Shamrock Shuffle here in Chicago. I did alright. I did not train at all for this race. I was still coming off my high from Portugal. I ran the race in 40:55. I placed in the 4000's out of 22,500 people. It was a huge race had a cool city route, but the weather was overcast and kinda cold. I ran till about the 3rd mile where my left knee started to hurt. I was in such a hurry to get to my corral that I did not stretch and I paid for it. I had to slow down a little around the 3rd mile, also because my breathing was all off. I had a little side pain as well. I wanted to go better at this race, but again I learned each race is a learning experience. I learn that its harder then I think and forgetting to train will only get the same results. I have a very positive attitude about training right now because it seems that Spring might be here. Lets hope I'm correct. I have a few races scheduled for this month, but just depending on my work schedule I may only race one of them. I got a few leads on another 2 races for May and I may run them again depending on my schedule.

Thank You

2008-03-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am in Newark, N.J. waiting for my flight back to Chicago and I checked postings and emails. I wanted to Thank all of you who take time out to think about me and read this. I know that everyone has busy lives and has heard me talk about running and racing to death. It's still nice to know you care. So here's to you. Big opened mouth kiss to all of you....I think I just lost a few readers.

This just in.

2008-03-17T09:20:00.001-07:00

The results were published today from my Lisbon race. My official time was 1:54:03. I placed 2747 out of 4773. I guess that's good. I have to say this was a hard race for me. I think it was the fact that I did not get enough outdoor training.
The people in the race were serious and ran the whole race without stopping. I, on the other hand stopped a few times. Like I said in my previous posting 21 kilometers felt farther then 13.1 miles. The last few kilometers were hell. I was beat. I think part of this was due to the fact that I hardly slept the night before. I just could not sleep. The race started on a bridge and went all through the city and you could see some Lisbon's greatest sights on this path. The weather was cool at first then got warm and I have a sunburn on my shoulders and face. During the race they had camera crews on motorcycles and I was able to get one to film me saying hello to my mom. Not sure if anyone ever saw it, but I did it. When I finished, just like with other long races I have done, I was freezing and I only had my running uniform on (short-shorts and sleeveless shirt). They walked us through these huge lines where both races the half marathon and the fun 5k walk-run met and that was were total Portuguese caos broke lose. They were handing out bags with water and ice cream cones and the people were pushing and going crazy to get free stuff. This caos proceeded on the trains which the city made free considering there were 42,000 people running-walking. This race shut the city down for a few hours. It was cool though how many people from all ages were participating.
During the race I caught myself thinking in Portuguese, which is something I have not done in a while. This could be due in part to all the people speaking around me or my lack of sense from fatigue.

Things I learned:
I learned again that running outside is needed in order for me to keep racing. Lisbon and the Euro running community are serious runners. I learned that Portuguese people are all the same. They yell the funniest things to each other regardless whats going on. I learned that my Mom was up at 3 a.m. in California to watch in hopes that she would see me running. Totally sweet. I learned that I can run with out the Ipod since It turned off and I didn't notice it was off. I learned that my shoes are finally broken in. There was a point were I was thankful that I had good shoes on since the road was killing the rest of my body. Funny thing my big toe nails hurt after the race. Random, I know. An old but new thing I learned; I wish someone was running with me or waiting for me. It's totally exciting when your done and sucks that no is there and you just leave with your metal. I need to find a running partner.

21 kilometers is more then 13.1 miles. Right?

2008-03-16T07:28:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture after the Lisbon Half-Marathon in the hotel lobby. I finished in 1:51 minutes. I think from my watch. I'll post my accurate time when I get it and more race pictures as they come. Later today I'll post the race breakdown and my usual what I have learned.

That a Boy.

2008-03-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight the weather in Chicago finally agreed with me running outside. It was 42ish degree's and I went for a 3 mile run around my house. Only 2 more days till I leave for Lisbon.

What I look like when I run.

2008-03-10T17:25:00.001-07:00

Just a few pictures of the Wacky 5k. This is what I look like when I run. Still have not gotten outside since the weather has been much of the same; cold. I hope that we do get a warm-up before I leave to Lisbon.

You call yourself a runner?

2008-03-09T07:36:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday in Chicago and I have not yet gotten a chance to run outside. I posted earlier in the week that I was going to try to run 20 miles before the weeks end, well I am not even close. The weather is toying with me again (insert sighs here). I will admit I'm a little bit of a baby when it come to running outside in the cold. The reason? I give up. When my throat starts to hurt I want to quit. The other option is the treadmill and if you have been following my running journey you would know I get bored fast on the treadmill. It seems that today I may be able to get a little time outside. I will be running for distance today and not time. The distance will also be good for me since I have not done much physical activities other then moving my patients this week. Now, enough about my failures. Lisbon is less than a week away and I have that city mapped out. I spent a good amount of time yesterday working in the Emergency room at work and was able to Google just about everything one would need to know short of being a terrorist.(Disclaimer; that is a joke I am not a terrorist, nor do I have any interest in blowing myself up) My mom will be happy to know that since she is afraid that I am going alone. She forgets that I do most of my travels alone. The only fork that I face currently about Lisbon is located my passport, Portuguese citizenship card, and not getting drafted to serve in the Portuguese army since I have not done so and I am almost 32 and its my Constitutional obligation as a citizen. I know kinda scary and like most things Portuguese; random, but according to my Portuguese bible; my mother, I should not have a problem since she paid the fines last year when she was at her summer place in the Azores Islands, but to have cash available to pay fines just in case. More to come on that I guess.

Not Bad....If I do say so myself.

2008-03-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ran the Chicago Wacky 5k. It was a nice day and the streets were free of snow and ice. The race took us through Chicago's west loop neighborhood. I was a little hung-over from the night before. I had attended an event with co-workers we called "German night." Which was just us going to a German restaurant to drink and have German fare. It was fun and I had 4 litters of beer or so it seemed. I was a little drunk and woke the following morning still feeling a little of those German beers; mostly in my head. I was not sure if I was going to make the race let alone get a good time. I forced my sorry butt out of bed and even made it early to the race.
To my surprise I was able to run. I was very short of breath and got that burning throat thing I get when I run outside when its still kinda cold. In the end I finished the race in 21:51. Which is 7.06 per mile. I placed 12 out of 80 in my age class and 93 out of 996 over all. So, I meet my first goal of the year, which if you remember was to do this race in under 24 minutes.
This week I hope to be able to run at least 20 miles outside in preparation for Portugal next week. I think this will help me cut some more time off my overall time. The weather in Chicago is still unpredictable and in the low 30's, so It's going to be a struggle for me, but I have to push forward in order to get a better time.

Remember Me

2008-02-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry. I know its been a while since I have posted anything, but not much had happened. Over the last week I only ran once and it was nothing impressive. I have been trying to get my motivation back. I think it may becoming back since, I ran on Saturday and Sunday 3 miles each day and even started trying to help a friend to learn how to run. I was also able to view Spirit of the Marathon and it was a great movie and I think that may have helped me shake off this funk. The weather here in Chicago became nice over the weekend, but again today its snowing. I am going to run a few days this week, but tonight is my normal off day. I will be trying to work on my speed so I can get to my goal on this Sunday's race, which is to finish under 24 minutes. I will also be starting a new workout plan that I have talked about before this week. The workout plan is to try to achieve my other goal; summer Ab's.

Funk

2008-02-15T18:31:00.001-08:00

I now understand how people in the Midwest put on a few extra pounds during the winter. I have been to the gym twice this past week. I worked out and ran. I ran 1 mile each time and I did them fast. I was able to do a 6 minute mile on the treadmill. The rest of the time I worked out and continued some of the strength training I learned with Ron. Then there is the rest of the week. I have been tired, lazy and unintrested in leaving my house; even to run. I am in a funk. I put most of the blame on the weather. Sub-Zero temps, snow-showers, and icy conditions. I feel a little like the ground hog who saw his shadow. I just want to be put back into my cage till next year or when it gets warm.

I know that I have been complaining about the weather a lot, but its been a hard winter here and this is my first really year of running and I need to get outside. Next week im going to start a new training program I found. It's more of a muscle building program. I also have to find my inner runner again, because I have races coming up.

-8

2008-02-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

The saying goes, "if you don't like the weather wait a minute." This is so true for those of us who live in Chicago. Friday it was a nice 35ish degrees and yesterday it was high 20's and today its -8. Thanks to the cold, I stuck running inside. Yesterday I ran on the treadmill and did 2.5 miles in 18 minutes. I am trying to do shorter fast runs on the treadmill. I have also been training the rest of my body to help build up that indurance that is needed for long runs and so I don't disapear from weight loss. Before Miami I said that I wanted to set a few goals for the year. So far I have one. I want to run my March 2nd race in under 24 minutes. Its a 5k and I think I can do it, now if someone could just turn up the temperature outside I would be set.

Winter Sucks

2008-02-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

I am back to my normal training, but been trying to switch it up a little. On Saturday I trained with Ron and again today. I then went and ran 1 mile and I did it in 6.30. I'm trying to sprint and push my time down. I would like to do Portugal in 1:40 ish. I wanted to run outside today, but again we are under a winter snow advisiory. I'm ready to get outside and run, but I won't do it when it slushy for fears of falling and hurting myself. I posted this picture from the ING website.

13.1 Mile Break down

2008-01-29T07:47:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I ran the ING Miami Half-Marathon. This was my farthest race to date. I wanted to give a little breakdown of how I felt, my times, and what I was thinking through the 13.1 miles.

Mile 1
We started out from the American Airlines Center. I was place in the C Corral because of my expected time of completion. I was really close to the front runners and this kinda made me nervous. My friend Greg stood with me while we were waiting for the race to start. They then moved up and a few minutes later we were off.

The first mile was from downtown toward a causeway bridge that provided views of the Miami port. Immediately upon reaching this causeway lots of people were pulling off to the shoulder to Pee. I thought this was strange but felt I needed to Pee as well. I was running at a great pace around 7:40 and the view over the ocean was awesome. There was 3-4 cruise ships lit up and very close to the causeway.

Mile 2
Much more of the same over the causeway. I was still doing good time, but started my inner monologue about why did I want to do this. I started thinking about find something better to do then running. I was wondering if my friend Greg would come get me if I decided to quit when I got to South Beach. Time was still good just little over 14 minutes the clock read. I hate the begining of races since they are fun and painful at the same time.

Mile 3
Coming off the causeway toward Miami Beach. My temperature was high and I was sweating big time. Still was not sure why I wanted to run. My breathing was not in control yet and things were still tight.

Mile 4
On Miami beach and I needed to Pee. I stopped went in a port-a-pottie and took a Gel shot for energy. I then drank water and Gatorade and continued on toward Ocean Blvd. It was kinda sad how empty the beach was, but it was early.

Mile 5
I reached here in around 35-40 minutes. I honestly can't remember. I was still feeling good, no knee pain and my breathing was finally good. I had decided at this point that I was going to only stop running at water stations since I can't run and drink at the same time I learned from the first water station.

Mile 6
I don't remember this mile to much.

Mile 7
Same, just running, but I remembered that I was going to start toward the other causeway soon, but I didn't see any bridges at this point. I was starting to slow down. I ate a banana they were giving out at the water station.

Mile 8
I took another Gel shot to get somemore energy. My knee was hurting a little here and I just wanted to be finished. The run was starting to take us through a really nice Palm tree lined neighborhood. Not to many people out at this point. It was still early in the A.M. I pushed pause on the Ipod and for about half this mile I could not figure out how to get back on.

Mile 9
I got a little second wind. I was starting a climb over one the draw bridges on the course. My time was getting better. I was trying to now keep up with the 3:45 pace leader since the 3:30 had passed me by at mile 8.

Mile 10
This had the loudest group of young people running a water station and that got me going a little more. As I came across the bridge I saw a Chicago Humane Society T-shirt which was the shirt my friend Greg was wearing. I started waving my arms like I needed to be saved from an Island. I stopped took a photo and he said," WOW, you are going fast." I didn't think I was going fast, but o.k. That made me feel good.

Mile 11
The Publix cheering section. The course narrowed and there were people on both sides of me yelling and holding signs. This got me pumped and my new favorite Rhianna song was on my Ipod. The water station here had the sweetest Gatorade, so I through it and I am sorry to the Man who's white shoes it spilled on. I was running at a good pace again at this mile, thanks to the music and cheering peoples energy.

Mile 12
I just wanted to be done. We were now going through downtown Miami again and at around the 12.5 mile mark they had huge balloons the separated the course from Half to Full Marathon. There were also people telling you which way to go. On this mile I had to slow down since my chest was hurting. It felt like I had heart burn or right heart pain.

Mile 13.1
Slow and easy I had already know from looking at my watch that I was going to finish in under 2 hours so I coasted the last two mile, plus I still had the chest hurt. The finish line was near and I pushed my chest out like I had seen other runners do in the past and cameras went off and I was done.

I walked through the long finish line gated area. I got a towel handed to me and then my metal. It had a palm tree on it with a fake diamond in the middle. I grabbed a Banana and a bagel for my Friend Greg. Then a few Cliff bars. I proceeded to walk toward the photo area and out the family waiting area. I waited for Greg and I was Freezing. The weather had become cloudy and looked as if it was going to rain at this point and my sweat was keeping me cool. Greg showed up and we took a few pictures and then I limped back to the car where I then came home and took a nap.

Things I learned:

I learned that I do like running. The hardest part is the first 3 miles. I learned to not count down how many miles are left. I was doing this and was disappointed when I realized I had added wrong and had more miles left then I thought. Running is not a good time to do math in your head. I learned that Miami is a great city, but I had wished more people would have come out to support us like they do in Chicago. I learned that the Ipod is your best and worst friend when you are running. Plan ahead and get your music all lined up so you don't have to keep changing songs. I learned that training on the treadmill is kinda pointless. You get the distance you need, but your legs and knees don't get the stress of the road that builds endurance and speed. I learned that when someone offers you water, take it. A little sip keeps your throat from getting dry and is something to look forward to from mile to mile. I learned I would love to have a running partner. I had a good time running alone, but was envious of those who had someone to be there and to also push you when you get tired. I learned 13.1 miles is just the start of it all. To really become a runner you need to take on more and more miles. Then work on your speed. I learned that starting out fast is not always the best. You look good, but you get tired early. Slow down the first few miles then push to get a fast time.

Finally, I learned I could do it. This was a great feeling and now I will keep doing it and push myself harder. I now know what I need to do to get a better time and increase my distance.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-28T09:38:00.001-08:00

Runner # 10861

2008-01-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post a quick update on the Miami Half Marathon I finished. Here are the results of the race.

ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon - Half Marathon
January 27, 2008
7713 Total Finishers - 3715 Males / 3998 Females

Jose Enes #10861
Chicago, IL Age: 31 Gender: M
clock From String("1:55:52");
Distance
HALF MAR
Clock Time
1:56:19
Chip Time
1:55:52
Overall Place
1659
Gender Place
1209
Division Place
209
10K
51:36
Divtotal
551
Sextotal
3711
Pace
8:47

I will post later with how I felt and little more about the race also I will post a slide show of race pictures.

Count Down To 13.1 Miles

2008-01-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight I trained with Ron and they worked me hard. It was a good hour work-out. I am now relaxing or not running till Sunday. My body feels great and my nerves are not as bad but, I am having funny dreams about the race. Honestly, I'm just ready to run and see what happens. All the training and waiting I hope will show that hard work pays off.

The good news is its now approaching 3 months since I have smoked. I would have never thought I would be saying that. I no longer have cravings or interest in smoking. I create new experiences that don't include smoking and it makes it easier, plus running fast is my new addiction.

When I get back from Miami, I think I'm going to try to set some more person goals and together we can track my progress and try to reach those goals.

I put a slide show up on the blog that is a group of pictures of my travels over the last year. I will post slide shows from time to time when I get pictures of me at races.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-22T19:34:00.001-08:00

Last Run

2008-01-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ran 5 miles in 43 minutes and tonight I ran 3 miles in 24 minutes. I will not run anymore till Sunday when I am in Miami. I will be training tomorrow night with Ron, since I am still on a mission to obtain Ab's for the summer. Knee feels great, shoes feel great, I am nervous. I just want to finish and I also would love to have a kick-A*s time. Keep your fingers crossed. Since I am so nervous about finishing, I did not pick a charity. If this first long race goes well then I will definitely select a charity for Portugal.

Can you ever forgive

2008-01-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

I am sorry readers that I have not written all week. I was beat. I worked all week and spent the a session training with Ron and then ran 3 miles a day in under 24minutes.
All and all my knee and body have been handling my training well. I am only one week away from Miami and I am ready. I just hope I make it.
I tried the goo or gel and I didn't notice lots more energy but that day I ran 3 miles in around 21 minutes, so I was flying and I think it was mostly due to the gel.
I have been checking the Miami weather and it looks as if the race day weather is going to be around 80 degree's. That's going to be a huge change for me since I have been trying to run in Chicago where its been 25-45 degree's.

This coming week I am going to train with Ron one more time and I am going to run only 2 days. Each day I will run 6 miles. I will not be running time on these runs as I just need to get my body ready for distance. I will try to write and if not wish me luck in Miami.

Sorry Yall.

2008-01-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

I know I am a little behind on my blog posting. I have been really lazy this week, Sorry. Well on Sunday it was really warm here in Chicago and so I got to run outside. I ran 9.4 miles. It was an awesome run, but I finally learned what people meant by hitting the wall. At around 8 miles I could not run anymore. I was so hungry and had no more energy. I kept trying to run and by 9 miles I had to walk the rest of way back to my car. I was happy that I was able to run that far, but worried that I would not make it in Miami. Later I learned from reading and my friend that I need Goo or Gels. These give you energy when you need it.

During my run my knee did hurt a little but I adjusted the knee brace and then I could keep on going.

I was so soar from running on Sunday that I did not make my training appointment with Ron on Monday. I had to reschedule for next week Tuesday.

I will run again tomorrow night and I think on Sunday. I need to start kicking up my running and trying to push myself so I can run faster. I only have two weeks till Miami and I want to try to finish in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

I need help from those of you who read this; Who should I run for? What charity do you think needs support?

Meet My Trainer

2008-01-04T18:54:00.000-08:00

Today I finally went to meet my new workout trainer. His name is Ron. He has a gym in the West Loop of Chicago close to the Harpo studios. http://www.trainwithron.com/

First impression very nice group of guy and great space. He even went through my diet and found thing that even I the health food Nazi was eatting a few bad things that I thought were good for me, but in fact were loaded with sugar. I learned today that my body fat was 11.2%. Then, I did a 30 minute workout session and when I left I was soar. The backs of my legs are the most soar. I am going to see him again on Monday a.m.

I ran tonight. I did just 3 miles since my legs were soar thanks to Ron. I was still able to complete it in 27 minutes. Kinda slow for me, but I'm telling you my legs were killing me and the gym was 800 degree's. I was sweating like a pig.

I am going to try to run outside on Sunday if its not raining to hard. The forecast is still calling for a 50-55 degree day, but it could be raining.

If I don't Say So Myself

2008-01-02T17:49:00.001-08:00

Just a little pat on my own back. Yesterdays race results. I was 58 out of 332 runners. In my age group 9 out of 21. Average pace of 8.03 minute mile. I'll be honest I'm happy with my placement and can't believe my progress, but I want to do better.

Join A Group

2008-01-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

I took the advice of a friend and I joined a social runner's group. I am now a member of the Frontrunners in Chicago. You can find out more about this group on their website. I am going to try to meet with them on their weekly runs and I will let you know what I think.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T17:57:00.001-08:00

Last night I went out and celebrated. This morning I woke and remembered why I don't drink Patron Tequila that often. I had a little headache. I almost skipped my race, but it started at 11 a.m. so I was able to recover in time.

I got to the race and it was cold and last night we got about 6-7 inches of snow, so the course was still full of snow. I pushed my way to the front of the runners to try to start in front and run fast. I started fast till about the second mile when my lung started burning and hurt. I kept pushing and I got about 300 meters away and my right knee started to kill. I was wearing the new knee brace I had just bought and I have to say I don't think it works as good as the full knee brace. I tried to push myself and all and all I finished just under 25 minutes.

I'm glad I did this race, but I have to say I'm scared. What about? My ability to meet my race commitments and races I want to do more. Today was the first time I felt like an ex-smoker. I don't know if it was the weather or something else, but my breathing was off and hard.

Now for the knee pain; I think its going to be something I will have to deal with everytime I run. I have to be honest that I didn't really get a good stretch since I was running late.

Local forecasts are showing 50-55 degree's in Chicago on Monday and I am off from work. I am thinking about trying to run the full half-marathon to see how I do. I need more time outside since I think the track and treadmill are getting me to my desired distance, but not giving me the resistance I need to advance in my running.

Enough of my crying. I want everyone who has visited this blog to strive for the best in 2008. Know that you can do it. I know New Years Resolutions are stupid and never last, but try to find what angers, pains, or holds you back and chanllenge it. The outcome will surprise you.

I know im starting to sound like Dr. Phil again. I'll stop. Just take care of yourselves and visit this blog often.

You Hypocrite

2007-12-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

Ok...Ok...I'm a hypocrite. I have decided to run the NYD race that I still don't think is for a good cause. Why? I really want to race. Plain and Simple. I'm a sucker for a race and the shirt and I preregister and it was only $25.00. Can't beat that.

I tried to run yesterday and was doing find, but I got called into work and had to cut my run short to about 2 miles.

I went back to Universal Sole and bought a new knee brace that is specific to IT-Band syndrome pain. So, far it seems to be working.

I wanted to let you all in on something cool I found again on my Nikeplus. I was playing around on the site and reviewing my week of runs and I found that you can select a run off the site that is powered by google and it will track you while you run. Totally cool. If you are in a different city reading this and are interested in finding place to run or specific mileage to run check this out it only cost $29.00 for the Nike-Ipod connection. The expensive part this the Ipod. It works with the Nano. I have to say that so far it was a great investment.

Yes...I'm Back.

2007-12-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight I ran 7.4 miles in around 53 minutes. I had very little knee pain and mostly due to the new knee brace I bought. I felt good but quit so I would not hurt my knee again. Then I started walking home and my knee was hurting and I have to take stairs very slowly. So, I'm kinda back. Regardless I was able to run a decent distance today and that make me feel awesome.

I have been thinking about the NYD race that I was thinking about running; I have to say I want to run the race but, I just don't know if I want to support the reason for the race. The group who is sponsoring the race is not a charity and uses the money for local neighborhood events. I know I'm being a little Dr. Phil, but I just think its kinda wrong to ask people to pay $30 bucks to help your neighborhood put on events you also charge at. I have no problem paying that if I know its going to help groups with no revenue. My mind is not made up but, it kinda is. I think I'm not going to run.

Its getting close to my Miami race and I am so ready to run. If my knee keeps handling my runs I will be in really good shape to have a kick butt time. Again keep those knee prayers coming...Grandma needs them or knees' them.

HO...HO...OUCH...NO

2007-12-22T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today was a heatwave in Chicago; a balmy 44 degree's, so I went for a run outside. It was nice out but cooler by the lake. I started with my normal 3 mile run which I did in my normal time 21:10 minutes. I had to run back to my car and so I turned around and my knee started hurting after the 1st mile back. I kept trying to run, but it hurt and I walked the rest of the way back 2 miles.

I then went to my local sporting goods store and bought two different knee supports. I am not scheduled to run again till Tues and I will test both out and see if either one helps. I hope that I find something to fix this pain. Any suggestion?

This week was hard. I was a total as*hole at work and even missed my holiday party since I have been in such a bad mood about my knee pain. I know its hard for some people to understand, but I like running. I know strange. I have never ran more then was required of me by a coach in high school. Before this new running revelation I hardly ever ran. Today, I want to run and I want a good knee.

All I want for Christmas is for my right knee to stop hurting.

The Knee bone's connected to the Hip Bone.

2007-12-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was back at the gym. I ran 3 miles in a little over 21 minutes. My new shoes felt good and my knee was just ok. I have to say that it was not perfect, but the stretching before made it feel good. After I finished running I then worked on my legs a little with some leg presses.

Right now I am trying to take it slow, but like I said before I really like running and training feels so good. The knee thing is hard for me to deal with; but, I know that if I want to continue running I have to slow down my training and let my knee adjust me my new hobby. Here is the funny thing I smoked for 11 years and I never had any issues to date from it and now I find a healthy addiction and I'm having issues.

I am taking a few days off to enjoy some holiday parties. I will return to running on Sunday or Tues (my normal training day). All depends on how much holiday drink I take in.

Relax

2007-12-19T16:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am not running or do strength training. Its a Project Runway night on Bravo. Tomorrow I will try out the new stretches and do some weights for my knee and depending on how that goes, I'll run some as well. I need to find out within the next two weeks if the new shoes are the right ones or I can take them back and get a different shoe. I also have to slow down in order to continue. I added two more races for 2008. If the knee pain continues after this week of trying to lay low and stretching it out I am considering physical therapy or hiring a trainer to get my knee back to what it was before I pushed it to hard.

What did people do before Google?

2007-12-18T19:48:00.001-08:00

Eureka I found the answer to my right knee pain through Google and self diagnosis; which, by the way I'm awesome at. My knee pain is called IIiotibial Band Syndrome or as I refer to it; lateral knee pain. It is caused by not stretching correctly or pushing your knee's to hard. I am guilty of both. I guess I have to slow my training down till my knee can tolerate how much I run and start stretching more. There is also a funny looking knee band you can wear and you bet if I can find one I'll be sporting that funny little knee band as well.

Reality Sucks!

2007-12-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

Today I went to have my shoe fitting at Universal Sole. The staff was awesome and I tried on 5-6 pairs of shoes and picked a pair of adidas that would help to correct my slight pronation when I run. I also bought the coolest little shorts for Miami. I am still able to use my Nike-plus and IPod connection by putting the shoe chip into a chip holder on my laces.

I then rushed off to the gym happy and ready to run 8 miles. Early in the run the shoes felt great and right when I got into my comfortable 7:10 minute mile my right knee started hurting. The pain increased more and more as I ran. I tried to walk a little, stretch and even slow down; nothing. I made myself finish 3 miles and still did it in 21:32. Since my run workout was done I went and did some leg presses and stretched out my knee and it felt good till I got home and tried to walk up my stairs, again knee pain.

I have committed to 2 races and have fallen in love with running. I have to be honest, I think I am pushing myself a little hard, but I want to run far and be fast at it.

Tomorrow I'm going to do more leg workouts in hope that my right knee will get better and then Thursday I'm back to running. I'm disappointed. In who or what? I guess my knee.

This knee pain sucks and I have to try to change it so its not my reality. I'm not ready to quit yet.

Lisbon Half-Marathon Course

2007-12-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

This is the course. Its a really cool one. It starts on a bridge that is an expansion bridge much like the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco and ends in another location 13.1 miles away.

Lisbon, Portugal? Really?

2007-12-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce that following my race in Miami, I will be running the EDP Lisbon Half-Marathon. I am totally excited since I am 100% Portuguese and have never been to Lisbon. This is one of those once in a life time things for me.

Putting out the Butts

2007-12-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let those of you who are still smoking or have someone in your life who smokes in on how I quit the butts. I was lucky enough to have a co-worker prescribe me this new pill called Chantix. I had smoked for 11 years and a pack a day. The pill allows you to smoke but locates the receptors in the brain that crave cigarettes. I quickly went from a pack a day to a few cigs a day and within month completely quit. I continued to take the pill for another month just to make sure I would not restart like in the past. I had cravings from habit and boredom. The cravings didn't last long, but they were still there. I have now been smoke free for over a month.

I wanted to quit smoking to start running after seeing my friend Baye run The Lasalle Bank Chicago Marathon 2 years in a row. This past year even with all drama during the race I said again that I wanted to run it next year and within a month I was on Chantix and running.

Its never to late to quit. I hear rumors that after a few months of being smoke-free my lungs will repair themselves. I'm in healthcare and think it might take longer then that, but regardless not smoking is better then smoking.

With Force

2007-12-16T11:13:00.001-08:00

I forgot to explain Forca. This is a portuguese word that means with force. It is also a Nelly Furtado song that I listen to when I run and when I need a little push.

Forca

2007-12-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

I just finised running 8 miles and I was shocked to see that I completed it in 57 minutes 24 seconds. I was flying. I didn't think I was going that fast at the time and actually felt like I was going slow. I started with left ankle pain and right knee pain, but as I got further the pain went away till I was done. I still have a little of the Right knee pain I bloged about yesterday.

I noticed that I might be pronating a little more on the right foot and that could be causing the pain to the knee. I think I will have to attend a shoe clinic sooner than I thought.

When I reached my 8th mile the Ipod and Nike shoe told me that I was done and reviewed my race and then Lance Armstrong came on and Congratulated me for the longest run I had done to date. Bet you didn't know I knew him or at least my Ipod does.

Todays run was not on the treadmill it was at a local Bally's gym track and I have to say I liked it better. I didn't get as bored and my arms and shoulders had room to move; unlike on the treadmill.

Thanks to all of you who have looked. Keep looking at my blog and help me make it to The Lasalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

How Nice is This?

2007-12-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

Just a little picture of my course in Miami on Jan 27th. I have not picked a Charity yet. More information to come.

Help Give Back

2007-12-15T17:05:00.001-08:00

If you look on my blog you will see I listed a few links to charities I think need support. I also encourage you all to think about what charities you would pick and give back this year. It is the session for giving and charities often get over looked during this time of year. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO GIVE BACK!

2007-12-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

If you like running outside or need a coach while running try this out. Just got it the other night and love it. I think its more accurate then a treadmill. I also have the Zoom shoes which have the slot for the chip inside. Not product pushing just a little F.Y.I.

Hello and Welcome.

2007-12-15T08:13:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Today is Sat. Dec 15, 2007, and I just started my blog. I decided to do this so those of you who wanted to learn more about my running training and progress from my races. I will try to blog as often as possible.

Here is the current update:

On Thursday I ran 6 miles in 49 minutes and started having right knee pain. I awoke to it being in more pain and unable to handle walking down my stairs, as the day progressed it seemed to go away and I have now learned that I need to do a little strength training as well as my running training.

Next run is scheduled for Sunday, 8 miles.