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

Days 22-25 Tread, Tread, Road, finally trail - Archer

The cold had gotten the best of me.  I had really considered dropping out of the Marcothon.  Of all people it was my wife so said just run inside for a couple days until the cold isn’t as bad.  It felt so guilty resigning myself to running inside Sunday and Monday.  My friends have been battling colds and the cold while continuing to run outside.  Eventually, I had to get over it because I was going to get 2 days on the treadhell while my chest clears.
If I had to do it inside, it may as well hurt a little.  Almost didn’t want to post these because running hard isn’t my favorite.  A pace that allows me to talk or enjoy the surroundings is more to my liking.  My friends had better not expect me to run that pace with them.  Sunday 3 miles in 23:45 and Monday 3 miles in 23:00
Christmas Eve would bring me back outside whether the lungs were ready or not.  HF Fitness Center would close before I got home and Ratner at the U of Chicago was closed.  The plan was to run when I got home, but errands matched with chores needed attending.  No time, off to 6:00 Christmas Eve service.  Eric Z sat with Abigail and I.  Priscilla and family were a few rows back.  The candlelight service set the Christmas emotions is full swing.
The normal Marcomile minimum route to the library would work.  The temps were in the mid teens unlike the 4 degrees my friends ran in earlier in the morning. 3.02 mile in 32.30 had me bad to slogging in comfort.  Bathed both dogs then me for a fresh Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas.  A few HFCRC posted that they were running Izaak Walton at 11:00 and I had already planned on running there.  The trail was lumpy chunky ice.  Photos courtesy of Eric, super photographer.  Best thing was spending time running with some of the best gifts of the year, my new friends.
3.63 in 40:15