Do the Hustle

This has been an unusual winter.  With all the snow and cold temperatures, we have been doing most of our long runs on the hills in Barrington, simply because the footing is best there (in those conditions) of all the places we run.  That means we're in a little better shape than a normal winter break.  Usually winter is a time to relax before ramping up some time in March for spring races, assuming we weren't planning a spring marathon.  But this year, there is no marathon on our calendars, and yet Barrington has whipped us into pretty good shape even without having a specific race goal in mind.

At least a 'running race'.  About the only competitive event on my calendar for the last couple months has been the Hustle up the Hancock stair climb.  I've said in the past that I never really have cared too much for stair climbs, and have never focused on them too much.  They are claustrophobic and the air is dry and, well, they hurt.  Reluctantly, however, I decided to focus on it a little this year.

That's because the Respiratory Health Association added a 'Media Challenge' last year.  They got teams from several media outlets to compete for the best times.  Last year ABC-7 won the team title, but I lost the individual race to Mike Adamle.  By 6 seconds.  So this year, I was hoping to avenge that loss!

Mike (shown in the picture with RHA President Joel Africk) is an incredible athlete.  He's well known as a former Northwestern University, and Chicago Bears, running back.  And more recently he's done Ironman triathlons, and marathons.  Oh, and he's about 12 years older than me.  I've always been an admirer of Mike as an athlete.  But I still wanted to beat him this year.

I never trained specifically for the stair climb, but I had it in mind during my runs recently.  I thought about different strategies, and made vows to myself to push it up the stairs, not easing up until the top.

Unfortunately, I didn't vow to taper before the climb.  The hills in Barrington weren't the best way to rest up for the climb the next day.  And going to a fundraising event the night before where wine was being served in abundance probably wasn't a good idea either.  But that's the way it goes.

So suffice to say, I was not really at my peak for the start, but still hoping to do well.  I quickly realized that my goal of pushing it all the way sounded good but was not as easy to accomplish after you're 30 floors up, completely cashed out, and staring at another 60 or so. 

I looked at my watch on about the 80th floor and realized I was not even going to beat my time from the year before and that means beating Mike was a real longshot.  I was also worried about letting down my ABC-7 teammates, Steve Dolinsky and Ben Bradley.  Well, I guess they must have made the course more difficult this year, because Mike had a bad day too.  I did end up a little faster than him, and actually barely held off Katie McCall from CBS-2 to win the individual media honors. 

As for our team, we're still waiting to hear the final results.  But the results for all the climbers are posted at http://www.lungchicago.org .  And my friend Joe Spencer took thousands of pictures for the Respiratory Health Association, and he has posted those pictures on his company website:  http://www.theremodelingstation.com .  So check it out.

As for me, I'm going to try to find a race to start concentrating on training for.  Enough of these stair climbs for this year!  See you on the roads. 

treadmill?

I don't know what the groundhog predicted, or which groundhog you prefer (Brookfield or Punxatawny), but I do know that winter is getting old about now.  I enjoy the adventure of running after a big snowfall every once in a while.  And I don't mind the challenge of running outside when the temperature hits the single digits or below.  That's part of being a Chicagoan, and part of what distinguishes us 'tough midwesterners' from the 'soft' sunbelt runners.  But enough is enough! 

I'm getting tired of looking out my window and seeing scenes like this.   The snow is piled high, and the cold is getting old.  And it's having an effect on runners. 

First, the footing is treacherous.  You don't dare push off too hard for fear of winding up on your rear end on the ground, or worse, doing a face-plant on the ice.  We were talking about it over the weekend, because we found ourselves running in Barrington for the fourth or fifth consecutive weekend.  That's because the footing in better there than the other places we run.  But it's also a more difficult course.  We enjoy getting out there, but it's never an easy long run. 

So the other day I did something I rarely do.  I jumped on the treadmill for a run.  And it went well enough that I did it again a couple days later.  I've written on my feelings about treadmills in the past.  Basically, I'm no big fan.  Running on one generally bores me.  But when the alternative is running on ice, and below zero temperatures, I guess it's not a terrible alternative. 

And what I found after a long absence from running inside, is that I was able to get a much better workout.  The running is boring, and I struggle to keep my mind occupied, but it leaves you with little to concentrate on other than pace.  And that can be a good thing.  I set the elevation up a little to better simulate running on  solid ground, and then get going about 7:30 pace.  But after ten minutes or so I start ramping it up to about 6:30.  I find myself breathing a little harder, and working a little more to keep that pace.  It's not a bad thing.  And you really can't do that outside right now. 

So what the heck. If you are stubborn like me, and have been insisting on running in the elements, you might consider giving yourself a break every once in a while, and trying something different.  It will warm up eventually!

Meantime, here is some info on a good seminar for runners coming up.  See you on the roads (or in the gym).

Dick Pond Athletics-Elmhurst 124 N. York Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 630.832.7685

Oh Baby!

It's been a crazy week to say the least.  As you can see from the pictures, I have been busy with a few things other than running, and ironically events like this are when I enjoy running the most.  Let me explain. 

First, as the pictures suggest, my wife and I welcomed a new baby to our family.  Shona Ann Garcia arrived on Wednesday afternoon, healthy and happy.  She did not have a pair of running shoes on, but did ask about the lakefront path right outside the hospital.  Her mother is also healthy, and looking forward to running off some of the baby weight as soon as she can.

Because we have two toddlers at home already, it's a little hectic around our house right now.  I thought one was a handful.  I had no idea.  Needless to say, running has been a challenge this week.  But on the couple of occasions I have been able to get out, it's been a great opportunity for reflection.  That is often what I enjoy most about running anyway, but when such a life-changing experience happens as having a new baby, there is all the more to reflect on.  Add to that the fact that we brought Shona home on my birthday, and there is even more to appreciate.  I normally reflect on my good fortune to be healthy and happy, blessed with a great family, and still employed every birthday.  But this year, my birthday present was the best imaginable.

That said, the baby situation did force a change in my regular weekend long run appointment.  I suppose if it didn't, I would really appear to be obsessed. But it turned out to be a great experience.  As I've mentioned, I usually run with a couple of friends on weekends, most often recently in Barrington. 

This weekend, however, the amount of time that takes wasn't going to go over to well at home, so I had to come up with plan 'B'.  And that plan it turns out was a really good one.  I got a chance to meet some new people in my new home town of Elmhurst.  The picture is of two of the guys I ran with from the Dick Pond running store.  Matt and Woody are two experienced marathoners, who both have run faster than I.  The whole group that runs from the store is filled with pretty good runners, most of whom are training right now for Boston in the spring. 

I have pretty much decided against a spring marathon, but I still want to keep my fitness, so I want to keep up the long run habit.  They leave from the store at 6am, and it's right down the street from my house.  So it's a great alternative when I can't meet up with my regular group.  That's also one of the great things about running specialty stores.  They bring runners together.  I plan a future entry on that topic.  But as for my long run this weekend, I realized that running with different groups occasionally can give you a different perspective, and freshen your approach. 

I look forward to running with my regular group.  We are good friends, and are able to catch up on everything going on every weekend.  We also know each other well enough to help set our training objectives together.  But running with new people opens you up to new thoughts as well.  And even though I have a lot to think about at home right now, it's great to get away for a little while and think new thoughts about running.

Good luck with your own running.  Winter can't last forever!

quick update

Just last night I wrote that the Shamrock Shuffle was about to close.  Well today it did.  I don't really have much else to write about, but I want to let you read the release they sent out today.  I think I'm signed up.  I hope you are!  Anyway, here it is:

Registration for 2008 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Closes
                   at 30,000 Participants in Record Time

CHICAGO,  IL  (February  4,  2008)  –  The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle reached its participant capacity today, nearly two months in advance of the 29th  annual  event. Since opening registration to the public on January 1, 30,000  people have signed on to complete the 8K race or 5K fitness walk on Sunday, March 30.

Locally  recognized  as  an  annual  rite  of spring and the opening of the outdoor  Chicago  running season, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will kick off a season of running events that culminate with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.

“It  is  astounding  how  popular  this  event  and recreational running in Chicago  has  become  since I first started working on this event nearly 20 years  ago,”  said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski of Chicago Event Management.  “This  is  truly  a  Chicago  race  with  more than 90% of our participants  from  the area so it is always a great celebration of spring, outdoor running and fitness.”

Although  registration  is  closed,  there  are  numerous  ways runners and non-runners  can  still  be  part  of  the  excitement  that surrounds race weekend.  The public is invited to attend the free Health & Fitness Expo at Navy  Pier on Friday and Saturday, March 28-29 and to cheer on participants during the 8K and 5K events. Marketing and volunteer opportunities are also still available at shamrockshuffle.com.

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
The  29th  annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will officially usher in the Chicago running season on Sunday, March 30, 2008 with an 8K run through the  city  and 5K fitness walk along the lakeshore. Beginning and ending in historic  Grant Park, the 8K provides an abbreviated preview of the Bank of America  Chicago Marathon course as it circles the city’s stunning downtown architecture. 5K walkers are treated to a scenic stroll along the shores of Lake  Michigan  in  the  shadow  of  the  magnificent  city skyline. Online registration  for  both  events  closed on February 4, 2008 when the 30,000 participant  capacity  was reached. The entire Chicago community is invited to  celebrate  along  the  8K  course  or  sign  up  to volunteer. For more information, visit shamrockshuffle.com.

marathon mania

Wow!  A foot of fresh snow, and a huge crowd of runners who could care less.  We ran in Barrington over the weekend, as we have for the last few weekends, but suddenly it seems everyone has realized it's time to get serious about their spring marathons.  The narrow, hilly roads in Barrington were filled with scattered groups of runners, most of whom I would guess are training for Boston.

I am signed up for that race as well, but I have a strong suspicion I won't make it out there.  I was lucky to make it for a run at all over the weekend.  My wife is imminently going to need to be rushed to the hospital to deliver our third child, and I was out of phone contact for an hour and a half while running.  Fortunately, the baby decided to hold off a little longer.  But when she arrives, I suspect she (and her sisters) will keep me from the kind of training I would need to do for Boston, and I will wait til next year.

That said, Barrington is the perfect place to train for Boston.  I love running some of the other trails around Chicago, but the beautiful, secluded roads of Barrington are hard to beat for training, especially because they are filled with rolling hills, and a few monster hills thrown in.  We generally do the 12.5 mile loop, but there are variations that can take you through 16 or even 20 miles.  It's hard to beat.

So that had me thinking about marathons and half marathons this weekend.  I am a little distracted by the imminent trip to the hospital, but I wanted to post a couple of news releases I've gotten in the last few days regarding the Chicago marathon, and the CES training group for a spring half-marathon.  They are below, but one other note.  I understand the Shamrock Shuffle is about to close registration (maybe early this week)because they have about filled the 30,000 entries they limit it to.  So if you want to run it, you'd better hurry. 

See you on the roads....

CHICAGO, IL (January 31, 2008) In its first official move as steward of the 30-year-old Chicago Marathon, Bank of America today announced the legendary race will have a new name and fresh look for 2008. The now-titled Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12 with registration for the first 45,000 runners opening at midnight (CST) on Friday, February 1. With a focus on the future under a new name and in recognition of a legacy spanning three decades, the updated race logo incorporates images of the past and present. The redesigned mark maintains the recognizable male and female runner graphic that has depicted the race for more than 10 years while incorporating the red, white and blue flagscape that has made Bank of America one of the most recognizable brands in the United States. “It is our privilege and honor to continue the grand tradition of this iconic race and maintain the tenets that have established it as one of the five most prestigious marathons in the world, said Bank of America Illinois President David Rudis. We also plan to strengthen and grow the race by developing additional community and philanthropic programs and welcoming new sponsors. Today is the first day of what we believe will be an exciting new era for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. When registration opens to the public this Friday, it will officially launch a nine-month countdown to the race that annually registers 45,000 runners, attracts 1.5 million spectators and generates an estimated $140 million economic impact on the city of Chicago. As the running field annually represents all 50 states and more than 120 countries with 7,000 international runners, race weekend is recognized as one of the city's most valuable tourism vehicles. In recent years, the Marathon has also become one of the largest single-day fundraisers in the city. In 2007, the race charity program generated more than $10.5 million for 85 participating organizations and more than $38.5 million has been raised since its formal inception in 2002. Bank of America 2008 plans include the continuation of the program and the development of additional charitable efforts in conjunction with the bank's established corporate philanthropic outreach that has pledged $1.5 billion nationally over 10 years. In 2007 alone, the bank contributed $200 million to hundreds of communities across the nation, including $30 million in Illinois, the majority of which benefited Chicago-based organizations and programs. Bank of America stewardship of the Marathon is a result of its acquisition of LaSalle Bank last fall. In so doing, Bank of America has added the Chicago Marathon to an impressive global sponsorship family that includes partnerships with the largest sports organizations in the world, including Major League Baseball®, NASCAR®, National Football League®, the PGA TOUR® and the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team®. Bank of America has displayed an overwhelming enthusiasm for the Marathon since day one and the exciting developments we are working on for 2008 will be a great service to our runners, said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski of Chicago Events Management, now in his 19th year overseeing the event. The runners who choose to compete in our race and commit to the months of preparation are always our top priority and I am proud that providing the best possible experience for them will continue to be our number one goal The 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 12. Registration will open to the public on Friday, February 1 and close when the participant capacity of 45,000 is reached. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11. More information on the race, registration and how to get involved is available at chicagomarathon.com.

CHICAGO ENDURANCE SPORTS HALF MARATHON TRAINING TO BEGIN

You've made your New Year's resolutions - now you can do something about them! Get in shape with Chicago Endurance Sports and celebrate with a toast in California’s wine country It’s the time of the year when gyms are packed and people are motivated, but in a couple months’ time, the crowds will ease, and the New Year’s resolutions to get fit start to become faded memories. If you want to remain serious about those goals, the key is to maintain your momentum. Find an exercise that’s fun, and not boring, and it will go a long way to helping you stick to your resolution and reach your goal. Coach’s Jenny Hadfield and Mike Norman are taking both first time runners and advanced runners to greater distances and helping them reach their goals with running outdoors. “Yes, it’s cold, but getting out and training for your first half marathon or decreasing your time in a half marathon is motivating and definitely warms your body and your spirits.” says Hadfield, a coach and co-founder of Chicago Endurance Sports. CES created a 12-week program that will lead up to the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon on May 10, 2008. “Being fit, and wine, life is good” says Norman who along with the CES team of coaches provides tips, answers questions to help educate runners and keep them motivated. If you chose 2008 to be “your year” to become fit you will see results and make new friends. The CES Spring training is for the new and ‘seasoned’ runners and includes a daily, personalized training schedule and a NIKE Dri-Fit technical shirt for the first 350 people who register.