Day 31: Stine - DONE. DONE.DONE. Windchill of -8 Didn't Stop Us!!!

After 31 cold days....

All done...with frozen sweat next to my hair and ear....lovely!

wait..."cold" isn't the best adjective to describe this.

Let's try this again.

After 31 challenging, cold, frigid, subzero, sleepless, stressful, invigorating, busy, therapeutic, laundry-filled, marcothon days, I can finally say - I DID IT!

Joel and Jeff's "Happy Dance"

I honestly have to put this feat up with my 8 marathons.  The challenge of getting out the door every single day is something I honestly I didn't think I had in me.  Not only was it getting out the door, it was massive amounts of laundry, one of the WORST Chicago Decembers in years, and a busy work/family/holiday season.  I ran many with my Marco-Maniac comrades: Joel, Jeff, Priscilla, Eric, Rick, Gerard, and Jason - and many other faithful friends who joined us for weekday and weekend mileage in the horrendous weather and even the Midnight Straddle Runs including Eric Z, Gavin, Kim, Mark, Meghan, Pam, Megan, Kelly, and many other great partners in the HFCRC running family!  I also drug out my family on one occasion to join me, and even have Steve M. to thank for "roping" me into this Marcothon from the beginning! (PS..Steve - we need to set a date next week for some post-Marco beer to commiserate!)

It may appear to be quite the love-hate relationship.  Because honestly, it has been.  My mileage was higher than any December in my last 10 years of running.  123.3 miles.  This is the 3rd highest mileage month of 2013:  August: 167.6, July 127.5, December 123.3

Marcothon 2013
Distance			123.3 mi Month of December 2013
Duration			18:47:13 Month of December 2013
Calories Burned			14,747 Month of December 2013
Average Pace			8:52 per mi Month of October 2013
Elevation Climb			12,974 ft Month of December 2013
Activities			31 Month of December 2013

But to be honest, I was always thankful at the end of each and every run to have "made it".  Having bundled up for anywhere from 3-10 miles each and every day, outside every single damn time, and have come out on the other side without even one pound gained over the holiday season.  NEVER in my life has that happened...EVER.

On the lake at Izaak Walton with Jeff, Kim, Priscilla and Joel

I reflect back on this month and it wasn't an injury or the weather that really ever got in my way though.  I almost stood in my way of getting out there each and every day.  It was about me finding time for ME.  I often prioritize work, family, and everyone and everything else - except me.  Did my sleep sacrifice? - yep - at times (like the double straddle midnight run I did alone early in the month because that was the ONLY time to do it!).  Did I get to see new places that I might have not experienced?  Yep - Boston, Cardondale, Chicago's lakefront, and my hometown of Raymond.  I also made even better friends on the trails and became a better mom and wife.  I feel better physically, emotionally, and spiritually.... And that helps everyone.

   "If Mamma Ain't Happy, Ain't NOBODY Happy!"

We did it! Jeff, Priscilla, Eric and I

I know one thing for sure, tomorrow I am doing NOTHING.  Seriously - I plan to relax and not think once about running.  That is the plan.  However, I know I'll be antsy and itching to get back out there. We joke that this is a "sickness".  It honestly is.  Seeing new sights, teaching my family to live a healthy lifestyle, and keeping my mind happy and healthy is just some of the benefits that running has brought to my life.

What will my next marathon, race, or adventure be?  I have absolutely no idea.  I plan to begin my Marcothon hangover (aka...couchothon) tomorrow and we'll just see what's next.

What a ride....I've secretly loved every stinkin' day of it :)  (shh....don't tell anyone)


Today's Run Data and Map HERE - it was a balmy 7 degrees (windchill of -8 degrees!!!) once again.

Tuesday Run

DEC 31, 2013  -  8:57 AM

MI

4.60

DURATION

46:15

AVERAGE PACE

10:04

CALORIES BURNED

527

Day 30: Stine - Cold One Done...ONE MORE!

Well...ONE MORE DAMN RUN.  I don't have much to say.  It was cold.  Super Cold.  Marcothon is truly making me earn it. Here I am at mile 2.  My face was too frozen to smile.

I decided after this picture was taken to say "Screw You Marco" and instead of doing the marcominimum...I decided for 6+....yeah, it was cold but I felt great.  This was 30 straight days of running outside in the Chicago weather.  I was so happy to be home.  Below is me showing my proud "one more run" finger after I had slightly "unfrozen".  Today it was 7 degrees before the wind chill. Tomorrow the forecast is snow.  I scoff at that.  I plan to run 5+ again.  I'm going out with a bang. TAKE.THAT. MARCO.

My run data HERE

Monday Run

DEC 30, 2013  -  8:16 AM

MI

6.24

DURATION

55:36

AVERAGE PACE

8:55

CALORIES BURNED

704

Day 29 : Stine - Family Fun Run

Today was a day I was kinda dreading to run.  After running 10 yesterday (and don't mind the 27 days straight before that), I knew I'd be sore and would wanna run tonight instead of early this morning for maximum recovery time.  To my surprise, my husband woke up and said something I haven't heard all month... "Can I run your Marcothon with you today?"  WHAT?!?

Of course, I tried to decipher if this was a dream or a reality. I decided not to question it and just jumped out of bed!  And of course, the baby came too!  We were on a tight timetable with needing to leave for church by 9:15, so we were up and out by 8:15.  The temperature wasn't bad yet (but much cooler compared to the 50s we had yesterday), so all was good.  Also notice the super white shoes Chris is wearing.  He got new tennis shoes for Christmas, so he was very anxious to try them out.

Dad and Logan....racing down the hill!

As we were about 50 yards into the run I spotted fellow Marco-Maniac Gerard coming down Terrace Rd.  Great to see others enduring the same punishment...I mean "experience" that I am :)  All in all a great short run (they only ran about half of it with me...but I'll take it) and starting to feel some sore of senioritis with the anxiety of only two more runs.  Kinda tempted to do a double straddle tomorrow night to end it on a bang...we'll see about that :)





Run Data HERE

Marco run 29...with Chris and Logan

Sun, Dec 29, 2013 8:23 AM Central Time (US & Canada) By tabysu1

Activity Type: Running | Event Type: Uncategorized | Course: --

Summary

Distance:	3.12 mi
Time:	29:07
Avg Pace:	9:20 min/mi
Avg Speed:	6.4 mph
Elevation Gain:	66 ft
Calories:	369 C

	Your swim efficiency is calculated by your total time plus strokes normalized to 25 meters (fixed distance). This allows you to compare your swim efficiency to another pool or open water workout.

	Your SWOLF score is the time in seconds plus the strokes it takes you to complete one pool length. For example 30 seconds plus 25 strokes equals a SWOLF score of 55.

Details

 

Timing

Time:	29:07
Moving Time:	28:42
Elapsed Time:	34:33

Avg Speed:	6.4 mph
Avg Moving Speed:	6.5 mph
Max Speed:	8.9 mph

Avg Pace:	9:20 min/mi
Avg Moving Pace:	9:12 min/mi
Best Pace:	6:45 min/mi

Speed

Pace

Elevation

Elevation Gain:	66 ft
Elevation Loss:	69 ft
Min Elevation:	644 ft
Max Elevation:	666 ft

Laps4

View Splits

Split Split Hours:Minutes:Seconds Time Miles Distance Minutes per Mile Avg Pace Summary 29:07.4 3.12 9:20 1 9:31.7 1.00 9:32 2 9:34.1 1.00 9:34 3 8:59.7 1.00 9:00 4 1:01.9 0.12 8:35

Weather

34°

Feels like 28°

7 mph W wind

Humidity 80%

Source: KIGQ

Day 28: Stine - Out With A BANG! 10 Mile Marcothon run with Breakfast!

Today was the group long run.  With only 4 days left, I've been very tempted to scrape by with the daily minimum, but when Mark posted this morning's route, I noticed there was a 5 mile and a 10 mile option.  After getting confirmation from my pace partners that they were game for 10, I figured why the heck not!?

The weather couldn't be any more perfect this morning.  At 7am it was 32 degrees and it continued to warm up all day.  By the time we hit the second loop, it was incredibly sunny as well.  With little to no slick spots and a great group, the miles just continued to click off.  My right hammie has been revolting recently, so I needed to stop to stretch it twice today.  I was also pleasantly surprised to see Marco-mate +Jeffry Archer at 5 miles running back to the start with Carrie....he looped back to say hi and reassure me that he had already done about 8.5 and was going to head back after chit-chatting a little bit.  Then....he said "You Gonna Keep Running This Pace?"...Puzzled, I said "Yeah".  Well, I guess he liked it because he ran another 5 with me at a 9 min/mile pace.  Seriously - this dude does spin and swims 1,000 times a week + is doing Marcothon.  The group has collectively decided - he is a cyborg after he completed his 13.1+ mileage this morning.  Heck, I'm dead from my 10 miler.  He does everything above + a half marathon.  RIDICULOUS AND AMAZING.

The best part....we all went out for breakfast today!  With a table with about 14-16 at it, we all enjoyed replenishing all the calories we burned - and then some :)  The Denver skillet was mighty delish.  I even got hassled for buying Mark's breakfast (long story!)

3.MORE.DAYS.... DUN.DUN.DUNNNNN!!!

Best breakfast around - Blueberry Hill, Homewood IL

Run Data HERE

Oh yeah, If you're on Garmin Connect - let's "connect" too!

Sat, Dec 28, 2013 7:09 AM Central Time (US & Canada) By tabysu1

Activity Type: Running | Event Type: Uncategorized | Course: --

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Summary

Distance:	10.02 mi
Time:	1:30:02
Avg Pace:	8:59 min/mi
Elevation Gain:	231 ft
Calories:	1,176 C

Details

Timing

Time:	1:30:02
Moving Time:	1:29:51
Elapsed Time:	1:34:42

Avg Pace:	8:59 min/mi
Avg Moving Pace:	8:58 min/mi
Best Pace:	8:13 min/mi

Speed

Pace

Elevation

Elevation Gain:	231 ft
Elevation Loss:	230 ft
Min Elevation:	625 ft
Max Elevation:	700 ft

Day 27: Stine - A Marco-Selfie on the Trails!

I went outside to run today - in the sunlight!  The bright warm temperature was 37 degrees.  Yes, that IS so fantastic :)  Our bestest nanny from AZ was here visiting so I took advantage of it and went on a nice run - beyond the minimum - while she took the 3 kiddos to lunch.  I did not anticipate the slick snow-pack at Izaak Walton.  It was a struggle in the hilly parts, but it was absolutely beautiful.  A mile in there was no need for the gloves and just really enjoyed the big 5+ mile loop around Homewood and thru the trails.  As I realize that only 4 days now stand between me and the end of Marcothon, I honestly can't believe it.

By the way, I am loving my new Garmin Forerunner 10.  Its simplicity is fantastic and just discovered a way to link them all back to RunKeeper where my runs before this week have all been stored.  

Run Data Stored here via Garmin Connect

Untitled

Fri, Dec 27, 2013 11:41 AM Central Time (US & Canada) By tabysu1

Activity Type: Running | Event Type: Uncategorized | Course: --

Summary

Distance:	5.27 mi
Time:	46:47
Avg Pace:	8:52 min/mi
Elevation Gain:	88 ft
Calories:	623 C

Days 24, 25, and 26: Stine - RAYMOND IL Christmas Runs and "Running" Errands

I had the joy of running both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in my hometown of Raymond, IL.  It's a small town (understatement) of about 900 people, not counting the dogs.  The town is about 1 mile across and after spending two days of running, I had laced the streets back and forth and saw nearly all the new goodies that were happening.  Normally, it isn't too much besides some great holiday decorations, but this time there were actually two new "excitements" that caught my eye.

Downtown Raymond, IL

1. The Dollar General store is nearing completion!  For those of you who aren't from a small town...you won't get this.  BUT, if you are, then you know how big of a deal it is!  When the ground breaking happened this summer, there were 30+ supporters in the photo in the paper.  Seriously, for people to not have to drive 15 miles to the Walmart for essentials in a pretty big freakin' deal!  I had been hearing from my dad about the big concrete pour for the parking lot (and it looked great!).


2.  The high school addition is coming along nicely.  I wasn't able to get too close due to the fences, but I was able to spy some basic structural steel construction.  I don't know who the designers are, but found myself being very surprised at the small columns and bracing.  Simple one story construction....I'm just going to just assume it's all ok :)

I had a running partner all lined up for Christmas Eve, my cousin Aaron.  Aaron is about my pace and completed his first marathon this fall, a day before my fall one.  He's in the Air Force and did the awesome one in Dayton Ohio in September, the day before my Fox Valley Marathon in Illinois.  But - the weather just did not cooperate.  To be honest, if it wasn't for this Marcothon craziness, I woulda backed out in a heartbeat.  Instead, I headed out, and this is what the bank thermometer said. (windchill was nearly -14).

Thankfully, Christmas afternoon, the temperature was back up to 30 degrees, so it was fantastic! After two days of running the streets I realized - that to be honest, in the 16+ years since I graduated high school, hardly anything has changed :)

Today, Day 26 - I was back home and beginning the process of unpacking from Christmas.  Anyone with 3 kids know that this is nearly impossible.  New toys means the old toys need retired and dangit, the house looks like a bomb just dropped.  My daughter had a new "spa" for her feet and really needed C batteries.  I also had a marco-run to get in and my sitter was leaving in 40 minutes.  Time for a challenge.  I decided to "RUN" to the store.  Yep, our Walt's grocery store is 1.6 miles from my home...perfect for some minimum mileage.  I also got a FANTASTIC Garmin watch from my hubby and I was itching to try it out.  So, I strapped on my new watch, brought my credit card and a backpack, and headed towards the store.  All went as planned...until I got to the store and decided...Dang it, we need bananas too!

So there I was, running home with an overloaded backpack of 8 bananas and 8-C batteries (and fresh snow cover might I add).  The temp was high 20s, so it was slick but not too bad.  A few bruised ones, but I was home 2 minutes after the top of the hour and the sitter was out the door.  Success all around!!!  5 more days!

Day 24 Run Data HERE

Tuesday Run

DEC 24, 2013  -  8:03 AM

MI

3.10

DURATION

27:59

AVERAGE PACE

9:01

CALORIES BURNED

348

Day 25 (Christmas!) Run Data HERE

Wednesday Run

DEC 25, 2013  -  3:27 PM

MI

3.03

DURATION

26:26

AVERAGE PACE

8:43

CALORIES BURNED

427

Day 26 Run Data HERE

Thursday Run

DEC 26, 2013  -  12:30 PM

MI

3.12

DURATION

27:00

AVERAGE PACE

8:39

CALORIES BURNED

351

Days 20/21, 22, & 23: Stine - MIDNIGHT STRADDLE RUN, the LOST RUN, and the CHASE RUN

As we approach the last couple weeks of running (dare I say...8 DAYS!!! AHHH)....the day-to-day grind of running is kinda what it feels like - a grind. But I no longer think, will I find the time to run?  Instead, it's second nature to everything I do.  Just like prioritizing brushing my teeth and showering, I now know it's always possible to squeeze in 30 minutes everyday for my runs.  But, am I also excited to say that it's only 8 days more? Absolutely.  I've been joking with Priscilla about what we're going to do on January 1st.  Guess what the answer is.... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

I honestly think it's so ingrained in my psyche now that if and when I DON'T run in January, I'm gonna feel like a slacker and may actually start running again nearly every day, because dang it - Marcothon has changed me. Wow...I'll worry about that problem in 9 days.  Until then, let's just get thru the next 8 days of holiday miles.

Days 20/21 were the best/funnest darn Marco-miles anyone could ask for.  Our good marco-maniac comrade +Jeffry Archer set up an organized midnight straddle 6 mile run for both the 21st and 22nd. We had a great turnout and did it "pub crawl" style.  It was a perfectly cool 37 degrees, no wind, great refreshing beer!  We closed down the 2nd bar at 2am (can't say I've done that in a while...haha) - all with fellow stinky-friends after some great 6 miles!  By the way, do you know how hard it is to get good bar food at 1am when their kitchen is closed and runners come in HUNGRY?  Luckily, the waitress found us scavengers some chips and dip.  (and we appeared to not have eaten in years by the way Gavin was stealing everyone's chips!)  My sister-in-law was also in visiting from hot/balmy Florida and she joined us!  She claimed to enjoy the cold reprieve from the heat - not sure about that one :)

Marco-Maniacs...At the straddle midpoint: Fifth Quarter, Homewood IL

I ran with her - and it was fun. Much slower than my normal pace but I truly enjoyed the company so much.  I met a new runner who joined us and enjoyed the sites and Christmas lights even more than normal.  It just didn't get any better than this evening.  The most common question at 2am was...WHEN ARE WE DOING THIS AGAIN?!?  (yes, a reason to drink and run!)

Days 20/21 Run Data HERE and HERE

Day 22 was again...a "non lonely run".  After having 18+ hours off of no running, it was a nice recovery relaxing run.  I met Priscilla mid afternoon and we squeaked in a 3+ miler.  But guess what. Today was the first run in SO LONG where neither of us was on a schedule.  We had no where to be at a certain time.  And guess what happened?  We just ran.  And talked.  And what does that lead to? Showing up at an intersection and realizing you are on the total opposite area of town as you thought you were.  Yep, neither of us knew how it happened.  We run these streets every.darn.day.  But we got lost in the miles, and it felt amazing!  The sign of a great run and a great running partner - is ending up lost :)

Run Data for Day 22 HERE

Day 23 was a "chase".  Do you know what chase means?  Exactly like it sounds!  I was late for meeting my group at a particular intersection...2 minutes late (the first mile was fast trying to get there!)  After hanging out there for a minute or two and thinking...maybe they're late? - I texted to find out they were about a half mile away circling towards my neighborhood.  So guess what, time to start up again and really pick up the pace!  So - another half mile later, I found them.  This group of Priscilla, Kim, and Gavin are great to run with as we are so comfortable with each others' pace.  When we ran together today, we kept an even 8:45 pace (heck, we even did a tempo 8:44 mile the 2nd one in...haha).  I departed them, wished them a Merry Christmas as we're heading out of town later today, and looped back toward home.  5 miles back, the "chase" run was complete.

Day 23 Run Data HERE

23 days in the books.  All of them have been outside....and I haven't counted them yet, but I'm guessing that at least half have been with friends (and a small amount have included beer too!).  Oh Marcothon, the love hate relationship is turning into pure love!

Tonight we travel south for the holidays.  My marcothon will continue in Montgomery County IL....it should be fun.  I hope to find some partners...and circle the village tree downtown Raymond....a few times :)

Friday Run

DEC 20, 2013  -  11:31 PM

MI

3.03

DURATION

32:27

AVERAGE PACE

10:43

CALORIES BURNED

337

Saturday Run

DEC 21, 2013  -  12:20 AM

MI

3.25

DURATION

36:22

AVERAGE PACE

11:12

CALORIES BURNED

358

Sunday Run

DEC 22, 2013  -  3:06 PM

MI

3.04

DURATION

26:35

AVERAGE PACE

8:45

CALORIES BURNED

338

Monday Run

DEC 23, 2013  -  8:07 AM

MI

5.10

DURATION

44:49

AVERAGE PACE

8:47

CALORIES BURNED

576