Sweet T and a Honey B
Food, Fitness, and the Adventures That Make Life Sweet

Rock N Roll Chicago – My First 10K!

How many times can one say they had a weekend of quality time with their loved one, good food and sightseeing, accomplished a long time goal, enjoyed beautiful weather, and didn’t have to go far from home to do so? This was easily one of the most fulfilling weekends I’ve had in quite a while and an experience I was so excited to share with my husband. 

Not long after our last lengthy race, Bry and I decided to begin training for the Humana Rock and Roll Half Marathon (or in my case, the 10K, let’s not get crazy here). Runner’s high is a real thing and finishing our races in April left us with the need to push ourselves a little further. The timing also worked out perfectly because our two year wedding anniversary was on July 11th. We figured an overnight in our own city  (that we don’t explore nearly as much as we would like to) would be an ideal way to celebrate – and a shiny new medal wouldn’t be bad either 😉 

We drove downtown to the Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday afternoon to pick up our bibs, shirts, and take a peek at some new running gear. Being around all of these people who are working towards the same goal that weekend is pretty cool and the energy at the expo made us even more ready to begin our runs the following day. After browsing a bit and taking some pictures, we headed to the Hilton to drop our stuff off and grab some lunch. I had been hearing about a restaurant/cafe called ‘Goddess and the Baker‘ for quite some time and luckily it was a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Holy..cow..did I love this place. I am so sorry I had not ventured downtown sooner to try it. Their menu boasts fresh and seasonal choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner complete with a HUGE selection of delicious looking/tasting pastries and a heavenly coffee bar. It was really difficult for me to pick just one thing to eat off their menu but I chose their Chicken Club sandwich and kombucha to drink. Bryan and I sat by the window and enjoyed the people watching. I also couldn’t pass up a macaron and cold brew on my way out. This is easily my new favorite spot downtown and I am already looking forward to trying the naan bread grilled cheese next time 🙂 

We quick stopped at CVS to stock up on Larabars and water for the morning (I forgot the city doesn’t provide grocery bags anymore..) and walked back to the hotel for unpacking, a small nap, and stretching. Before we knew it, it was time to explore again and we certainly wanted to enjoy the 80 degree weather. Since we had to call it an early night, we wanted to stay close, so we ended up where every other tourist in the city ends up – Millennium Park. Though this time, we didn’t take the typical ‘Bean’ selfie, but stopped under the bandshell to listen to some classical music and perused the new Maggie Daley park. Did I mention how perfect the weather was? It seemed like everyone and their cousin was outside enjoying the music and the breeze off the lake. We enjoyed some dinner al fresco at the Plaza in Millennium Park underneath my favorite string lights and headed back for the hotel to rest up before bed. 

Let me tell you – 4:30am comes early on a normal day, but when you have to run 6.2 or 13.1 miles, it comes extra early. We rolled out of bed, stretched, and tried to shred some pre-race jitters. Bry and I each went our separate ways and headed towards our corrals around 6am as the race officially began at 6:30. It wasn’t long before my corral was up to the starting line and I started my first 10K! Running along the lake shore was so much more scenic compared to my usual runs at the park by our house. The view certainly made the first three miles go by really quickly. I started feeling a bit tired at mile 4 and while I hit my ‘wall’ about mile 5, the live music along the route, light shows, and cheering crowds as I neared the end motivated me to push through. Before I knew it, I was sprinting (okay, after 6 miles I guess I couldn’t call it a sprint) the last quarter mile to the finish line. I quickly hobbled over to the teams handing out water bottles and chocolate milk, received my medal, and hurried to the side of the crowd watching the half marathoners roll in to watch Bryan finish his very first half. Bryan finished the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 12 minutes which he was super proud of – and so was I. We had both finished the longest runs we’ve ever completed so we headed over to the post-race party to grab our free beer and share in the excitement of everyone else finishing the race. We didn’t spend a ton of time at the party because it was time for brunch – probably what we were looking most forward to this weekend. While I am not a fan, there is nothing like a huge post-run Bloody Mary to my husband. 

As much as we would have liked to enjoy some more city time, we were so glad we decided to not spend the second night and head home for a shower and very long nap. We finally ended our anniversary weekend with a pasta dinner at Gattos, one of our regular Downers Grove spots, and live Irish music and darts at Ballydoyle. I was so tired by the end of Sunday evening, that I found it hard to stay awake past 10pm. Between all of the fresh air, running, and contagious energy downtown, I was so ready to hit the pillow. It was a much needed weekend spent celebrating all the hard work training we’ve put in the last few months and two years with my very favorite person. 

We’re certainly ready to give our knees a bit of a rest from hitting the pavement, but are looking forward our next two races: the Stan’s Donuts 5K in August and and Ditka Dash 5K in October.  Do you have any races you’re training for? What is your biggest fitness goal? 

 

I Just Felt Like Running

The road to nursing my runner’s knees has been a long and windy one and I think I am finally in a place where I am feeling like my legs aren’t constantly working against me. I have learned a few important lessons within these last couple of months and they include 1) KT tape is a miracle product, 2) stretching and strengthening my hamstrings is a crucial part of keeping knee pain at bay, and 3) If my knees/body is telling me not to run, I shouldn’t run. By following these three simple rules, I made the decision to begin training for my first 8K race (An 8K equates to just under 5 miles). An 8K is not an extreme distance by any means, but it’s definitely further than I’ve been able to run ever, let alone the last year dealing with the knees of someone many decades older than myself. 

Not so coincidentally, my choice to train for an 8K came shortly after my husband made the decision to begin training for his first 10 Mile race. As I mentioned here, Bryan chose a ten week training program that would require certain days of stretching, strengthening, cross training, and running so as to make sure he was building up his miles safely. For a few weeks, I watched him come home feeling great after a long run and I was immensely jealous. I entertained the idea of entering a race by browsing the spring/summer Chicago race schedule. When I found out that the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K was the day after Bryan’s 10 mile race, I knew it was a sign we could work towards our goals together and (hopefully) knock them out of the park on race weekend. 

Fast forward eight weeks and race weekend has come to an end. I’m not sure how to convey all of the emotions I felt this past weekend, but I am going to try my best. Let’s begin with Saturday morning- Bryan’s 10 Miler. 

We set our alarm clocks for 5:15am in order to give Bryan enough time to stretch, shake some nerves out, and eat a quick granola bar before getting on the road. His race was the Arny Johnson 10 Mile Race in Machesney Park, IL (just north of Rockford) – about an hour and a half from our house. This particular race was in it’s 32nd year and benefits Annie’s Locker, an organization dedicated to helping people find their way to a healthier lifestyle – or finding their ‘wings’. It was a very early morning, but I could tell Bryan was just anxious to begin running. Luckily, the weather forecast was very promising which made it easier to be excited about the race. After checking in, a few more stretches, and a pep talk from his wife, he was off. I wanted so badly for him to feel confident in himself every step of the way. Based on his mile splits during training, he would be running for about an hour and a half so I waited at a nearby Starbucks for a portion of that time (this was a trail race so I couldn’t follow and watch). I headed back to the high school, did some pacing of my own, watched the first few 10 milers complete the race, and waited to see my handsome husband in his bright orange shoes round the last corner behind the school that would ultimately lead him to the finish line. I finally spotted those orange shoes and I’m not sure what came over me, but I had tears in my eyes. At that moment I felt so proud to be married to someone that can accomplish anything he sets out to do. He threw his fist up as he closed in on the finish line and finally crossed with a time of 1 hour and 35 minutes (about a 9:30 pace). My excitement was ridiculous. I could tell he was feeling a huge sense of pride mixed with some pretty horrible muscle cramps. We walked for a bit and eventually went inside the gym to grab some water and snacks. In the middle of snacking, 10 Mile awards were being given and much to Bryan’s surprise he was announced as 3rd place in his age group! He received a medal and I think that was the cherry on top of a great run. 

Well, the cherry is a toss up between placing 3rd in the Men’s 25-29 age group and the incredible spot for brunch we found to celebrate. While searching for someplace we could grab a post race brunch and some celebratory breakfast drinks, I stumbled upon Fresco at the Gardens. I have to say that I wish we lived closer because I could easily spend some time here every weekend. Fresco boasts all local market, organic, and fresh culinary eats. The menu is seasonal and they serve breakfast and lunch all day, every day. There is so much variety in their menu and they even have an adorable coffee and juice bar! Bryan ordered the chorizo biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon and I ordered two eggs with their home style potatoes, sausage, and whole wheat toast. Not to mention the best tasting (and best looking!) drinks I’ve ever had. I’m going to let the food and drink speak for themselves here.

    

If you don’t come for the food and drink, come for the gorgeous view. Fresco is actually part of Anderson Gardens, a non-for-profit garden center modeled after traditional Japanese landscapes. Fresco overlooks the gardens and in the warmer months there is a patio you can sit at while you sip your blackberry mimosa (highly recommend). 

      

When brunch was over, the realization that I would now have to get ready for my run the next day set in. 

You might already be familiar with this story (next time Bryan and I are picking races on the same day!). Sunday morning we woke up at 5:15 and it was my turn for stretching. We took the train downtown to avoid the headache that is parking in the city. The weather forecast called for steady rain showers throughout the day. Even though I had trained for a couple longer runs in the rain, it still adds an extra element of difficulty to something I was already nervous about making it through without walking. Bryan dropped me at my corral and lucky enough I found two of my best sister friends, Steph and Effie, waiting for me at the same corral. The 9am start time came fast and we were off. 

Let me start by saying that running in the city is very different than running in the suburbs. The course is flat and the views are gorgeous. I love my burb runs, but running over the Chicago River and past the Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital and Chicago Theater really take a girl’s mind off of being tired. 

The first 3 miles were surprisingly easy for me. I really took those views in and enjoyed seeing everyone cheering along State Street. I passed the 5K mark and was still good at my normal pace through the 4 mile mark. The clouds cleared and we were running directly in to the sun at that point and I was wishing I could have shedded a layer. We made the turn on to Michigan Avenue where I knew we were heading towards the finish line. Then I saw what apparently everyone who has run this race (or the Chicago Marathon) dreads – the hill on Roosevelt. Good. Lord. Realistically the hill is probably just over one tenth of a mile, but it felt like a full one. I had to slow my pace pretty drastically but I needed to keep running. 

It sounds really corny and maybe only someone who is a beginner at longer races will understand, but when I topped the hill and saw the finish line I think I got the chills. It absolutely could have been that I was overheated at that point but the feeling of being able to accomplish these 5 miles, when just 6 months ago I was told by a doctor I probably couldn’t and shouldn’t run anymore, was overwhelming. I think if I wasn’t dehydrated at that point I would have cried. I crossed the finish line with a small fist pump and was elated to see Bryan-and the very welcomed snack table-at the end! We met up with our friends Laura and Scott, grabbed my free beer, and enjoyed what ended up being a GORGEOUS morning for a run. 

This is something I NEVER thought I would be able to do. I was strict about taking care of my knees, strengthening my leg muscles, and listening to myself when I knew it wasn’t a good idea to run. Because of all of that I was able to accomplish my goal of running the entire time. I was so proud of Bryan and myself for sticking to our training schedules. 

It might be that we’re still riding on a runner’s high, but last night as we sat on the couch,we asked ‘what next’? Within a half hour we were signed up for the Humana Rock and Roll Half Marathon (Bryan) and 10K (Me) race downtown in July! I am so excited to see us both cross the finish line this summer. 

Have any of you run a race downtown? What is your favorite?

Hal Higdon and a Relationship with Running

When I think back to the worst parts about being a pre-teen/teenager, gym class and the dreaded mile run would be at the top of my list. I would do everything in my power to cheat (running REALLY slow during the 9 minute run so that I only had to do two laps instead of three), or to skip out on it altogether (your gym teacher didn’t want the awkward argument when a 13 year-old girl said ‘she wasn’t feeling that well’ that week) . My asthma had a lot to do with it, but I didn’t like it in general. Though, I did envy the girls who could go out there, run a 7-minute mile, and not spend the rest of 7th and 8th period with a beet red face. It wasn’t until I got to college and lost a little bit of the weight without evening trying/changing any habits (the constant uphill walk to the business school will do that to you), that I decided to step foot on the track at our campus workout facility. I’m not saying I was running miles and miles at a time, but half a mile here, a mile there, and slowly I wasn’t dreading it anymore. Once I made up my mind to change my bad habits (read here), I was able to run further and begin actually enjoying going for a run around campus. It became a wonderful way to relieve some stress before a big exam or just enjoy how gorgeous the IU Campus was. 

It was a coincidence that Bryan found his love for running in college too. During Thanksgiving breaks, we started signing up for the annual Bonfield Express 5K Turkey Trot. Jim Bonfield was a teacher, coach, and dean of Downers Grove South High School and passed away in 2003 due to complications with Hodgkins Disease. The Bonfield Foundation was started in his honor and the foundation works to support and build character and community commitment in high school students in the area. The annual Bonfield Express 5K is a very special event that we look forward to every year. Being able to support our community is another reason we began to fall in love with running. 

Most recently, Bryan decided he wanted to push himself and set the bar a bit higher. He will be running his first 10 Miler in April and has been training for a few weeks already. He discovered the Hal Higdon Training Program and what I find interesting about this program is that there is a Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced schedule for any race distance: 5K, 8K, 10K, 15K/10Miler, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon. It provides a healthy way to gradually introduce running distance to the newest beginner yet a challenge for those who have been running distance for years. I am so incredibly proud of his dedication to the training schedule (and even more impressed he’s been running OUTSIDE in January and February). The schedule includes weight training, stretching/strengthening, and a rest day and he has taken each part of this as serious as the run days. 

We’re optimistic he won’t need this cold weather gear much longer. 🙂

In some ways, I have admittedly been pretty jealous of the hubs when he goes on his long runs. For about a year now, my long runs have been very sporadic. I found myself struggling to climb stairs, run, and sometimes even get up and down from a sitting position without some killer pain in my knees. In September, I finally decided to get some x-rays and learned that my knee caps are basically not where they are supposed to be- aka all of the cartilage in my knees is not protected by the knee cap. I was instructed to work on strengthening the muscles on the insides and outsides of my legs to try and pull my kneecaps back into place. From what I can tell, it’s made a difference but I still have really bad days and somewhat good days. Without surgery one day, I don’t think I will ever be able to train for a run that’s much longer than a 5K which gets discouraging. Though,I try and remind myself why I love running to begin with and that I can still feel as good after 2-4 miles as I would after 6-10. 

In addition to strengthening exercises, the only other thing that has allowed me to be as active as I am is Kinesiology Tape (or KT Tape). This tape is used by professional athletes and Olympians to basically provide an additional layer of support for sore muscles, ligaments, and tendons. You can leave it on for days at a time and withstands sweat and water. I have noticed this tape provides DAYS of support even after I remove it. It’s literally like a second skin. For runner’s knee, I wear half a piece straight across each knee just under the kneecap, and anchor it with two additional pieces crisscrossed over it and adhered to my mid-thigh down to the top of my shin. If you have any ache or pain related to fitness activity I HIGHLY recommend purchasing some KT Tape. It works really well for elbows, shoulders, lower back, and knees and I love that each package comes with instructions on how to apply the tape for each kind of ache or pain. You can purchase the tape right on the KT Tape website or through my Amazon link below.

 

 Needless to say my relationship with running has been an interesting one. I’ve learned to listen to my body and not overwork myself when my knees are telling me not to. Bryan’s dedication to stretching and strengthening in addition to those long runs has been a huge eye-opener because this allows him to push himself a little further each day. I’m hopeful that with a few more months of strengthening exercises, icing, and continually wearing my KT Tape to support my knees, that I can get back to more of a routine, especially as the weather gets nicer! For now, I’ll enjoy watching Bryan’s progress as he continues to train for his 10-miler and hopefully I can join him in a few shorter distance races later in the year. I cannot wait to watch him accomplish his goal and cross the finish line in April!