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?