Walked 3.02 Miles

Errand day today.

A stop here.  A stop there and so on.

Walked 3.02 miles

Guestimate calories burned for the day:  151

A Run, the Gym and Getting Around. September 8, 2011

Run
Crazy sized hills today along the way.  I'd consider a few blocks to be mountainous.

3.71 miles @ 0:47:25


Gym
0:35:00 of weights, free weights and abs.


Walking
2.28 miles


Guestimate calories burned:  728

Wrestling with the Tall People's Elliptical with Arms. September 7, 2011

Briefly worked out at the new gym today.


Elliptical Machine with Arms
Tried out one of those elliptical machines with the arms.

Seriously, there should have been a warning sign on this machine saying, "For Tall Folks Only."

It seemed that to use this machine comfortably, your stride must be considerably longer than the length of any of my strides.

In addition, I used the preset cardio workout program on this machine.  The resistance at times was too much.  There were times I literally had to shift all of my weight onto one of the foot levers in an attempt to get the lever down.

After my wrestling with the Tall People's Elliptical with Arms, I moseyed over to the stationary bicycle section.


Stationary Bicycle
The next machine I got on was a stationary bicycle.  Fortunately, it was for a person of my size.  But, on the other hand, the machine thought I was a ghost.  My heart rate was listed at "0" for a good chunk of my time on it.


I really wished I was at my old gym instead where the equipment ain't so odd.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  400

2 Days of Rest but Now Back in the Saddle. September 6, 2011

I gave myself 2 rest days in a row (September 4 and 5, 2011).  It felt strange not being active for those 2 days, but I got back into the saddle today.


Confused at New Gym
I am trying out a new gym and am just confused over the computer to machine link.  I poked around on a stationary bicycle for several minutes and was still baffled.  I tried asking the person to my left and the person to my right before we pieced together something workable.

I have a feeling I'll be confused for a couple of weeks.

0:30:00 on a stationary bicycle


Run
Then, went outside for a run.

4.11 miles @ 0:43:52 (speed work)


Back to Old Gym
I was so relieved to be back at my usual gym near the end of the day.  More importantly, no fuss over the computer links to the machines.  Just do your workout and then that's it.

0:35:00 of weights, free weights and abs


Getting Around
Walked 3.03 miles


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  1,230

Hills and Inclines Kind Of Day

I am not a fan of hills, but on somedays, I got to try to get up them hills.  Today is 1 of those days.

6.06 miles of some hills and inclines @ 1:19:53


Afterwards went by the gym for 0:35:00 of weights, free weights and abs.

And, walked 2.79 miles.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  973

Runned, Walked and Hit the Gym. September 1, 2011

Ran 3.04 miles @ 0:36:33.

There was 1 hill along the way, and I got blasted by strong headwinds.  Pace-wise, it was hard to tell if my legs were tired or if it was due to strong headwinds.


Afterwards, went to the gym.

0:30:00 of weights, free weights and abs.


In addition, walked 2.35 miles.


Guestimate calories burned for the day: 613

Light Cardio

Sometimes 30 minutes of light cardio will have to do.

Guestimate calories burned:  150

1st Post Event Workouts: Runned, Walked and Dropped by the Gym. August 30, 2011

I ran in the Giant Race 1/2, which was on August 27, 2011.  I was happy with my finish time and hope to have a report up within 2 weeks.

Today was the first day running after the Giant Race 1/2.

4.45 miles @ 0:50:22  (545 calories burned)

There was 1 hill along the way.  I pushed a bit too hard up the hill I kinda of wished I had an oxygen mask.


I also went the gym.

0:30::00 of weights, free weights and abs.


In addition, I walked 2.85 miles.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  817

Rock 'n' Rolled in Chicago: My 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon Review. Event Date: August 14, 2011

Heading into this event, I had reservations.  I had registered for this event before I got cooked during the 2010 Chicago Marathon.  The temperatures for that race reached 89 F, and it made for a long, hot and miserable event.  I even recalled I was served hot Gatorade at Mile 15 during that event.  So, I kept checking the temperatures heading into the 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon.  They looked OK, so I showed up.

Here are a few of my sightseeing pics:

The Bean (Cloud Gate) with a reflection of the Chicago skyline at night.

A delicious deep dish Chicago Pizza from Giordano's.  This cheese pizza took 40 minutes.

Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Expo at McCormick Place.

Big Expo.  Got some samples and schwag.  The # of vendors and different types were very well balanced.

Brooks apparel and footwear was a huge sponsor and vendor at the event.

I have a soft spot for animals, so I helped to direct $20 to the ASPCA.  Thanks, Dodge!

Small Hiccup.

My packet p/u had only 1 hiccup.  The first shirt I got had some thread issues.  I exchanged it for a 2nd shirt.  The process was painless and smooth.

Pre-Race Night.

Had a lovely dinner with my friends, Jenny and Terry, before hitting the hay.

Unfortunately, my pre-race jitters got to me, and I had problems falling asleep.

Race Day.

1.       Attempted to check in my gear before heading off to meet some friends for some pre-race pics.  No go.  The gear check set up fell behind on schedule.

2.       I suspect many things fell behind schedule because of the storm the day before.  After trying to check in my gear the 1^st time unsuccessfully, the covers were still on the finish line banners when I walked by the finish. At their other events, the covers are already off by now.

3.       It rained on and off during the race, so I kept my camera bagged as I was running along, hence no pics along the way.

4.       The last 3 miles had headwinds up to 20 mph.

Some of the sights along the way included the following:

1. Mile 3 - Chicago Theater
2. Mile 5 - United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls, basketball team
3. Miles 8, 9 and 11 - McCormick Place
4. Mile 12 - Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, football team
5. Chicago Skyline
6. Tunnel thru McCormick Place, I believe

Chip:  Very happy with 2:34:07, which is almost a 10 minute improvement from the year before.

My 2010:  Chip:  2:44:06

My 2009:  Chip:  2:40:32

Pros and Cons.

Pros:

1. No issues finding a set of porta potties w/o any lines before the race started.
2. For this year, the weather was cooler and not as humid.  It rained on and off during the event.
3. Loved the Journey cover band along the way.
4. New course this year.  Saw more of the city streets than in year’s past.

Cons:

1. Congested at certain points
2. Some folks complained the waves were not separated enough, but I thought it was fine.
3. Some of the aid stations were overrunned.  Volunteers couldn't keep up with the number thirsty runners going by.  I wasn't affected as I carried my own fluids.
4.  The post-concert headliner, Bret Michaels, cancelled at the last minute.  I believe it was over health issues.

Overall.

Overall, the Chicago weather in August is all over the place, just like for the Chicago Marathon in October.  When it’s cool, it’s great.  But, when it gets hot, it can be miserable.

I had fun at this event.  Thanks to the hardworking volunteers and staff for the efforts in making this event fun for the participants.

RaceReady Shorts and Other Items: 20% Off New Site Promo. Expires: September 5, 2011

I am a fan of RaceReady shorts.

During my half marathons, I need the pockets on my RaceReady shorts to hold my gels.

And, after a I cross the finish line, I've had too many experiences where there is no bag for me to hold all the finisher food.  But, with my RaceReady shorts, my now emptied pockets on the back of my shorts are ready to hold many of the items I pick up in the finisher food line.


I am planning to buy more RaceReady shorts and other items soon.

If you are in the same boat, we are in luck.


Discount:  20%
Code:  NEWSITE
Expires:  September 5, 2011


For more info. and/or to shop at RaceReady, click here.

Happy savings!!!

Runned, Walked and Played at the Gym. August 25, 2011

It's 2 days before the Giant Race 1/2.  I am excited and a bit nervous.

Went for my last run before race day.

4.34 miles @ 0:52:34, which included 2 hills along the way.


Also went to the gym.

Weights, free weights and abs @ 0:35:00


And, walked 2.75 miles, trying to get to and from a bunch of places.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  795

Went for a Walk. August 25, 2011

Did a bunch of errands.

Walked 2.15 miles.

Guestimate calories burned:   107

Cramped Up During a Run and Played at the Gym. August 23, 2011

There's a heatwave today and probably for the next few days.  It was warm and humid.

Went for a short run.  I ran up a hill and went up some stairs.  Next thing I know I cramped up while going down a set of stairs before I even made it to Mile 2.  It sure surprised me!

After I stopped running, the cramped area still hurt even when I was walking.  I have the Giant Race 1/2 Marathon coming this weekend.  I have several days to mend.

Ran 3.82 miles @ 0:52:13


Afterwards went to the gym.  The AC was so nice at the gym.  Perhaps next time, I should play on the treadmill instead of going outside during a heatwave.

0:33:00 of weights, free weights and abs


Also, walked 1 mile.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  653

Walked 5 Miles. August 20, 2011

I slept like a log and felt much better today.  Definitely had more energy than yesterday.


Today, just went on a bunch of errands from point A to point B to point C to point D and so on.  There are moments when I wished I had a Segway to get me to and from all these points.

Walked 5 miles

Guestimate calories burned:  250

Runned, Walked and Played at the Gym and Needed Recharging. August 19, 2011

Today, I wished I was a electrical device and just plugged myself into a wall outlet for a quick recharge.


I woke up bright and early.  I didn't want to head out but made myself go.

Sometimes, I feel better after a run, but it didn't happen today.   Just felt tired and needed more sleep.

Along the way, I turned it into a fun run and just enjoyed the scenery.

6.23 miles @ 1:21:44



Despite feeling the need to recharge after my run, I went to the gym afterwards for 0:30:00 of weights, free weights and abs.

In addition, walked 3 miles.

Guestimate calories burned for the day:  867

Road Runner Sports Grand Reopening Event, San Carlos, CA: Saucony. August 19, 2011

The Road Runner Sports - San Carlos, CA store completed a remodeling and held several grand reopening events.

Although this event was quite a distance for me, I was passing thru and made it to one of the events.

Road Runner Sports - San Carlos during their grand reopening, August 2011

Shoe Dog

No, these are not the shoe recycle bins.  These are bins containing Saucony try on shoes for those doing the fun run.

Guest speaker:  Iron Lady Champion Meredith Kessler

And, if you are a Road Runner Sports VIP Member who stopped by, you get a goodie bag.

A Road Runner Sports VIP Goodie Bag

I had fun.  Thanks to Road Runner Sports, Saucony, Iron Lady Champion Meredith Kessler, Clif Bar and Massage Envy for the event.

Wished I was closer to this store.  I am envious of those who are.


For more info. on the following:

1. Road Runner Sports, click here.
2. Saucony, click here.
3. Clif Bar, click here.
4. Massage Envy, click here.
5. Iron Lady Champion Meredith Kessler, click here.

Walked 6.29 Miles

Errands everywhere and then some, so it felt.

Walked 6.29 miles.

Guestimate calories burned:  314

1st Post - Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon Workouts. August 18, 2011

Finally went out on my 1st post-Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon run.

Legs felt rusty and tired early on.  It also didn't help there was heavy headwinds.

5.08 miles @ 0:55:50

Also, made it to the gym for a workout on weights, free weights and abs:  0:30:00

In addition, walked 2 miles.


Guestimate calories burned for the day:  813

Race to the End of Summer 5k, 10k and Half Marathon, San Jose, CA. Half Off Registration. Event date: September 18, 2011. Discount valid ONLY on: August 18, 2011

Event:  Race to the End of Summer
Event date:  September 18, 2011

Half off:  5k, 10k and Half Marathon distances
Discount valid ONLY on:  August 18, 2011

To get in on this deal, click here.

Good luck!!!

Received Samples: New Stevia Formula Cytomax Sticks and Muscle Milk

Made it to the 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon over the past extended weekend.  Work schedule permitting, I'll try to put together an event report within 2 weeks.

Was surprised by a sample package I received in the mail when I got back.

New Stevia formula Cytomax sticks and a package of Muscle Milk.

I don't recall where or when I had signed up for the sample from but will hopefully try out the new Stevia formula Cytomax sticks soon.  Over the past weekend, the Cytomax at the RnR Chicago 1/2 expo were still the old formula Cytomax.

For more info. on Cytomax, click here.