Once upon a runner...

Visitor!

2012-02-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

First of all, know that I love to have visitors! I use it as an excuse to play tourist in my own city and show everyone what a great city Chicago is.

Whit and I at the Bean

Whit and I on a glass floor at the Willis Tower (f/k/a Sears Tower)

Liz and I visiting icream

Famous quotes from people who have visited "Whoa-I didn't realize Lake Michigan was so big", um yeah....it's HUGE and has awesome sunrises.

But seriously, come visit Chicago :)

So when I got a lovely g-chat from former teammate, fellow blogger Meg, earlier this week, I was all in--in less than a minute. June gives me time to train, to prepare and to not hurt myself in doing the Chicago Women's Half Marathon. Can't wait for Meg to get here!

Meg: what is your schedule like for the weekend of June 22-24?

me: we have nothing

benefit of no summer weddings

whatcha thinking?

Meg: there's a woman's half marathon that weekend

me: ooh

i'll do it with you :)

awesome idea

***Note if you plan on coming to visit, highly consider visiting in the summer--winter involves lots of snow and cold wind!

I'm a Yoga Sculpt Teacher!!

2012-02-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Even though I completed my teacher training in December, auditions weren't available until February 28th. Last week I received an email asking if I would like to audition early, and I jumped on it. This gave me a week to mentally prepare for something I haven't thought about in months. But to be honest, it's not unlike my other job. Being an attorney you work, work, work at one case and then file a Motion and forget about it for 6 weeks.

So, in the past week, I took 3 yoga sculpt classes, taught my amazing mentor a fair portion of the sequence and then taught part of her class last night. I was still beyond nervous walking into my audition today--but I still managed to not forget anything and Pass!

Come check out a Yoga Sculpt class at CorePower with me! (Whoa! it feels weird to really type that!)

Apparently plans work

2012-02-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

Sticking to my plan....that's what actually happened this week.

Monday: 3 mile run

Tuesday: Off

Wednesday: Yoga Sculpt & 2 hour boxing class

Thursday: Yoga Sculpt & some amazing sushi

Friday: 3 mile run

Saturday: 5 mile run, a bridal shower for Maureen and Brad

and dinner out at Topo Gigio with D and two of his friends

Sunday: 3 mile run & Yoga Sculpt, dinner at Barn & Co.

I managed to actually balance life and my workouts this week. I'm beginning to finally feel stronger about my runs and am even looking forward to hitting the gym to get in the mileage. I credit some of this motivation to that pesky little app I installed on my phone--GymPact. But if you're the least bit competitive like me, it does it's job and gets your butt to the gym.

Great week, great weekend and enjoying my Monday off of work!!!

How I spent my Valentine's Day

2012-02-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

1. I woke up admiring the lovely flowers D gave me, as shown yesterday

2. Court, deposition, work--all that jazz

3. Post work D and I went to the Chicago Auto Show.

Hello New Corvette!

Hello Old Corvette!

The auto show was huge!

D and I had a blast at the auto show. I had never been so it was a fun experience. D used to work for GM and majored in mechanical engineering in undergrad, so he taught me a lot. They were selling drinks and food, having test drives over rough terrain, and letting you sit in almost all cars. It was a great time.

4. Dinner at Taco Joint. Dessert from Molly's Cupcakes.

(I seriously fail at taking pictures of food. I'm just hungry and I eat it--I'm sorry, I'll try to get better!)

5. Food Coma. Bed before 10:30 so I could get up for Yoga Sculpt!

How did you spend your Valentine's Day?

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

IFN and Back on Track

2012-02-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

IFN=International Food Night.

A few months back, I was invited by my friend Kira to join in the IFN fun. A bunch of lovely ladies pick an ethnic cuisine, delegate responsibilities (apps, main, sides, drinks, dessert) and gather once a month (or every two months) to eat and drink. Unfortunately, last night was the first night I could actually make it, so I missed out on two other amazing meals, from what I've heard. Thursday night we had Chilean cuisine.

I made an app of fried plaintains (healthy ones--baked in oven), along with a side of sweet dip (sugar, cinnamon, butter).

Plantains and dip

Plantains (I covered them in some cinnamon)

Kira's specialty rice

Then, I made a Chilean Sea Bass dish, with potatoes, red onions, tomatoes and Sea Bass.

The completed plate of rice, squash, veggies and Sea Bass---it was delicious.

Not pictured was the delicious, slightly underbaked Chocolate Cake made by Megan and Ann's cocktail treat--Chilean liquor and sour mix. Great friends, great food, great drinks and most of all a great night.

This past week I managed to get my motivation back and completed the following workouts:

Tuesday: 2 mile run, 500 swim

Wednesday: Yoga Sculpt

Thursday: 3 mile run, Spin

Friday: Off

The run Thursday morning was probably my highlight. I just ran and managed to do it at 7:40 pace, not needing to stop. It appears I am getting my cardio back.

Today I have a 4 mile run scheduled and will be heading to the gym shortly to complete it. After my full night tonight, of dinner, play, and out, I am planning on going to C2 and Real Ryder tomorrow morning.

What's your favorite type of cuisine? We need suggestions for the next IFN!!

My weekend in NYC...

2012-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

I flew out midday on Friday to go wedding dress shopping with this lovely lady. I've known her for 15 years...

We started it off low key to say the least---sushi with a $1 beer--happy hour special and rented Friends with Benefits. No shame--it was a pretty good movie. Saturday we were up early to go to yoga and dress shop. View a pic here: Not the dress chosen, as the official decision has not been made, but there was a strong contender at a tiny boutique which didn't allow us to take pictures. Celebratory brunch with the girls was held at Westville.

Twin sandwich, Becky on the left, Claire on the right of the bride to be.

No time to nap....(What??!!) We were back out on the town after a quick wardrobe change for dinner at Toloache in the Theater District. Amazing food--stuffed, Jackie, Ben and I headed to Porgy & Bess. One of my law school friends, who has relocated to NYC met us and we saw amazing singers and dancers perform. I didn't LOVE the story line, but the performers made the show. Then we met up with Becky and Claire at the Jane Hotel.

Slept in Sunday morning and it was glorious. Another former Chicagoan moved to NYC via San Fran so I managed to meet up with her for brunch at Yuca Bar Sunday morning in East Village. As I walked in, had deja vu, and realized, yup definitely had been there before, but for Happy Hour. Jackie and I had been there in October 2010. Not really super crazy, when I think about how many times I've been to NYC and that Jackie and Ben used to live in that neighborhood. Brunch was amazing. Bloody Mary + Coffee + Eggs, Chorizo, Toast, and Home Fries for $15. Please and Thank You.

I headed back up to UWS and shocked myself at my subway capabilities. I have definitely taken the wrong train on more than one occasion--accidentally had a train go express on me as I was trying to get to UWS and ended up in Harlem..A Express, who really thought 50th to 125th express was a great idea? (No, I get it, it probably really is, just not for amateur subway riders). Not only did I not take my planned route, but I also properly executed exiting the express train and getting on a local train. Jackie and I rounded out the visit with a trip to the farmers market, and a stop at the New York Historical Society Museum. We went to a Superbowl party and stayed til halftime, before heading out for an attempt at an early bedtime. I took the 6am flight home Monday morning, and it actually wasn't that rough to make it through my workday yesterday.

What's your favorite thing to do in NYC? Any horrid subway experiences?

Worn out Tenley

2012-02-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

This is Tenley-dog after a 3 mile run last night. She stayed with me the whole time and probably even pushed me for part of the run. Good job T-dog! Also, she made it very clear she didn't like running on grates (but I mean who does). I see more runs with her in the future :), but for now, I'm off to NYC!

It's Thursday?!

2012-02-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

I've started and left a few posts unfinished this week, so the main goal is to actually finish and post this one.

Quick Weekend Rundown
--dinner at Demera with D
--saw The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo with D (liked the book better
--dog park with mom
--dinner at Quartino
--yoga sculpt
--quick trip to Milwaukee, to go to Bikram and see Stephanie

--cooked Lizzy's taco bites
--baked banana bread
--failed miserably at last week's running goals (more to come in a later post)

Quick Week rundown
--Restarted my workout goals on February 1st (ran and went to C3 and Yoga Sculpt yesterday)
--Made turkey chili

--finally caught up with one of my oldest friends who lives in Charlotte and who I miss dearly

Dr. Jill---we've known each other since 7th grade

--running 3 miles tonight

--heading to NYC tomorrow, which will include wedding dress shopping for Jackie, yoga, running in central park, seeing Porgy and Bess and visiting with a few former Chicagoans who have moved to NYC

Work wins. sometimes.

2012-01-25T14:43:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this with I really don't like to talk about work....

Honestly, I don't know if I've been this busy at my current job, ever. Everything is seemingly due/happening at the same time this week. I had a 3.5 hour hearing yesterday (which is still not over), today I had a Motion for Summary Judgment due, along with courtesy copies with copies of all cases cited due today to the Court, for my hearing on Friday. I have discovery that I need to get our for signature by tomorrow and I have a Position Statement due on Friday. All of this would be fine, if these were the only things that I had going on at work. Unfortunately, I have to fit these around my normal research, contract review and answering the phone and giving legal advice. This means I have been up late, up early and modifying my workout schedule to still get in my "important" workouts--running. Yoga has gone by the wayside this week :(. I am hoping to rectify that tomorrow and Friday.

So checking in on my overly ambitious schedule for the week:
Workouts
Monday: Run 4.5 miles at 7:24-8:00 min pace *7-5-8.1 on treadmill
Actual: Run 2 miles (learned I really can't handle the gym on Monday nights)
Tuesday: Run 3 miles at 7:47 pace on treadmill, Yoga Sculpt
Actual: Off--work won
Wednesday: Run 2 miles at 7:30 pace, Yoga Sculpt
Actual: Hitting the gym after work to get those 2 miles in. In my dream world, I also make Hot Power Fusion Yoga tonight at 8:15 too.

Also, as I was writing this, one of my dormant cases just came back to life and I need to complete something in 10 days. Yes, work is winning. Next time I blog, I want to be winning!

What's your trick to work/workout balance?

My weekend and workout plans for the week

2012-01-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

My weekend was uneventful and I loved every second of it. We got snow on Friday, and the city freaked out. Slightly pathetic, but I got out of work 2 hours early, so I'll take it. I used that extra time to go to the gym to run. I was feeling decent on the treadmill, til some awful fumes came into the gym (think burning rubber). The best part is that the people working at the gym came over the loudspeaker and told us to keep working out and not be alarmed (as they had to open the doors to let the fumes out). Needless to say, I cut that run short at 2 miles because the fumes weren't dissipating and I certainly didn't think inhaling them was going to be in my best interest.

D came over, we had takeout from Marcellos and watched Crazy, Stupid, Love. Saturday was more of the same, movie time, Hangover 2 and breakfast from Goddess and the Grocer. I hit up a C2 class taught by one of my new favorite teachers. Everything she teaches is very unique and she introduced me to a new balancing pose. I played with it for a bit, but ended up back in crow, into a headstand, instead. I finally watched Paul Grilley's DVD for Teacher Training and cooked D and I dinner. Post-dinner we finished up our trilogy of movies from Redbox--and watched Fast Five.

Sunday am was supposed to be an Eastbank day, but sleeping in for a bit and heading to breakfast at Yolk before it got packed seemed more fun! We then headed to our new favorite coffee shape, Eva's Cafe for some work time for me and reading time for D. This place totally makes you escape from the city. It's great.

The table where D and I resided for most of the morning.

Both Photos courtesy of Eva's Cafe

We watched some football and then I headed to the gym, hoping the fumes were gone, they were for a run. I actually felt good! Yay! I only ran 2.5 miles, cause I ran out of time, but around 7:40 pace. I ran out of time because I was going to a 4pm Yoga Sculpt class taught by Kira. Great class, triceps are sore today. Football and dinner, along with being called "super strict" by the kids I was babysitting rounded out my evening.

I am a planner. Ask anyone who knows me. So even though I don't have a training plan right now, I tend to plot out my workouts for the week. I also over-plan so that if I happen to miss a workout or two, I still had a decent week workout wise. Here are my lofty goals for the week of January 23, 2012:

Workouts
Monday: Run 4.5 miles at 7:24-8:00 min pace *7-5-8.1 on treadmill
Tuesday: Run 3 miles at 7:47 pace on treadmill, Yoga Sculpt
Wednesday: Run 2 miles at 7:30 pace, Yoga Sculpt
Thursday: C2, Run 5 miles at 7:25-7:53 pace, Bike 30, Swim 800 (my own mini triathlon)
Friday: Run 3 miles at 7:36 pace, Yoga Sculpt
Saturday: Run 6 miles at 7:24-7:53 pace, Spartan Workout, Abs Fusion
Sunday: Run 3 miles at 7:24 pace, Hot Yoga in Milwaukee

Realistically, I will not make it to Yoga Sculpt every day I have listed. I won't sleep well; I'll be running behind, something in my schedule will change and I will need to switch up my plans, but putting it all out there makes it a goal. Most days are still workouts of less than an hour and a half and that makes it seem feasible to me.

My approach to my running right now, is to go long(er) slower between 7:30-8:00 pace, while getting in some speed, pathetic speed, at shorter distances. It's really hard to think that I ran the whole Boston Marathon at 7:18 pace, speed and endurance please come back quickly. I miss you lots.

I really was fast....and it wasn't that long ago

2012-01-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've felt really defeated. That I'm never going to get back into my 3:11 marathon shape. I know it's a day-by-day process, but I don't even want to go run, because running is not fun right now. Yesterday, I got an email that reminded me my legs and body really were fast and it wasn't that long ago. Thank you Shamrock Shuffle for making me feel special. I think this is just the email I needed to get my legs in gear for a successful running weekend.

January 19, 2012

Congratulations! Your past performance in the 2008-2011 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K and/or 2009-2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon qualifies you for theElite Start Corral at the 2012 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K on March 25. Seeded Start Corrals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and currently, theElite Start Corral is 25% full.

To take advantage of your Seeded Start Corral assignment, visit shamrockshuffle.comto register now for the 2012 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K.
Your Corral assignment does not guarantee entry into the event, so make sure to register today. Registration for the 2012 Shamrock Shuffle 8K is already filling fast with more than 13,000 registrants and will close when the maximum capacity of 40,000 is reached.
Note: If you have already registered prior to receiving this e-mail, thank you for signing up. You can verify your Start Corral assignment by visiting the online confirmationpage.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2012 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K on Sunday, March 25. This widely-recognized milestone for the running community serves as the kick-off to the running season and a celebration of spring in Chicago. Visitshamrockshuffle.com for more information and to register for this year's race.

Hilton Head!

2012-01-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

I'm back, and it's cold, approximately 60 degrees colder than the high 60's I left on Tuesday evening :(.

It was a great, relaxing vacation. Our hotel was on the beach, so we walked out the door and we were on the beach within 5 minutes. It wasn't exactly walking barefoot and shorts/t-shirt weather, but it was still nice to see the sun and not need my NorthFace jacket, which is exactly what my Dad, D and I did on Saturday morning.

Hello sunny beach!

After a relaxing afternoon (napping), oh and watching the Olympic Trials for the marathon, we headed out to dinner to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday at Frankie Bones.

Sunday was more of the same, except D and I made it to the gym in the morning so I could run. We went to Skull Creek Boathouse for Brunch. Yum. In the South, I judge by the quality of their grits. This place had great grits and $3 bloody marys, mimosas, and screw drivers. Hello SC prices :) The rest of Sunday was downhill. We went early to stake out a spot in the Packer Bar and watched the Packers implode. So so sad. At least there was a pretty sunset.

Monday, we headed to Savannah and went on a historic tour. It was super interesting because I hadn't been to Savannah since I was really little--like 4 or 5. I forgot how much character the city has. We ate at Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady and Sons. I had broiled shrimp, which were fabulous. I also snuck (er, made D go up for seconds, cause I ate it all) mac and cheese from his buffet choice. The mac and cheese was amazing. I legitimately was full for hours. We walked back to the car--great decision and headed back to Hilton Head. Eventually D and I made it to the gym, ran a little bit and then elliptical-ed. I'm still not sure how my body feels about running two days in a row. D and I hit up a movie cause we actually had the time. We saw Contraband. It's actually pretty good. Definitely a compromise on the guy/girl movie because there was a nice love story component.

Monday, D and I decided to take advantage of our last day in warm weather. We went to the beach first thing in the morning. Can you guess what we saw on our walk??

Dolphins!!!

They were super-close to shore, it was so much fun and D gets the photo credit because these guys were hard to catch on the lovely delayed camera phone. After our walk, we decided to head to Harbour Town which is at the end of Hilton Head Island. We visited the lighthouse and had way too much fun taking pictures at the top.

The lighthouse is only 90ft tall.

View of Sea Pines behind D.

Me on top of the lighthouse.

D and I on top of the lighthouse overlooking the harbor.

We had lunch at Crazy Crab so I could eat my last bit of fresh seafood before we headed back to the midwest (and D could eat a cheeseburger). We packed up and headed to the airport....and back to this lovely weather: (Can I please go back to Hilton Head??)

courtesy of google.

Weather for Chicago, IL

14°F | °C

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Scattered Clouds

Wind: N at 14 mph

Humidity: 39%

25°

5°

22°

18°

27°

23°

38°

32°

Being Flexible.

2012-01-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

Being Flexible is not one of my strongest qualities. I've gotten better at it, but my social life, my work life, and my training are all on a regimented schedule. I blame only-childhood and Type A personality, oh and 8+ years of competitive running.

For example, Q: What day do you do a long run?
A: Sunday, of course. (Who are those crazy people who do Saturday long runs?)
Q: What day do you do speed work?
A: Definitely Tuesday, sometimes Thursday
(thank you, Coach Centro for ingraining this into my brain)

This regimented training schedule led to a Patriot League Championship

(photo courtesy of AU Athletics)

I write out what workouts I think I am going to do every week, which classes I'm going to go to, even when I'm not training for races. I definitely don't make it to everything, but last night reminded me that right now I can be flexible. I guarantee I will be less flexible when I'm in the heart of training for the NYC Marathon. D got offered Suite tickets for the Blackhawks game last night, with a few hours notice, I had to say yes, even if that meant skipping my workout that I had planned.

I'm glad I did; we had a blast. This was our view for the game:

I know this flexible mindset will disappear as my training gets more intense. It will be hard. I will have to say "no" to cubs tickets, happy hours on perfect summer evenings in Chicago, and a random game of beach volleyball on a nice night, but if you're training for the marathon or any other endurance event, you get it. My friends get it. My family gets it. D gets it. Because, honestly if you didn't get it, I don't think you'd get me.

Thank you, Apple, Inc.

2012-01-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

So, I have probably always been the last person to jump on a product bandwagon, but Apple, you may have won my heart.

In 2006, I received my first Apple product, a nano, for running/gym, etc. I know, I know, I was behind the times then...

courtesy of Apple

About a month ago, they recalled this version, I actually had acquired two by this point, because my first one had succumbed to an unknown problem and would no longer turn on.

Yesterday, in the mail, I got two of these lovely replacements, in graphite:

courtesy of Apple

Since 2006, I have fully jumped aboard the Apple bandwagon and have an iPhone and MacBook Pro, but honestly with customer service like this, who wouldn't want to own Apple?

**I am in no way affiliated with Apple, I truly am just super impressed with the customer service.

Travel Bug...

2012-01-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

I'm going to Hilton Head with D this weekend to celebrate my Dad's 60th Birthday, which is actually today, Happy Birthday Dad!!

I grew up fortunate in the fact that my family felt vacations were important. We spent a lot of time in the car driving around the midwest. Yes I have been to the Corn Palace, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Yellowstone, etc. It's probably what made me comfortable doing my first job, which involved traveling 3 out of every 4 weeks all over the country, from Los Angeles to Birmingham, Alabama, and everywhere in between. It was a great perk of the job, and because I have friends all over the country, I was able to stay in touch and see most of them. To this day, I still like to see my friends a lot and I think it's a great opportunity to have them all over!

As I looked over all of my trips last year, I was thinking, there is no way this year will come close to my trips last year. To recap:
January 2011

Arizona with Krysta and Cass

February 2011

Sun Valley, Idaho to visit Whit, Mati, Meg and John

March 2011

Las Vegas & Arizona, Dad's side family trip

Washington, DC

Sara's Bachelorette party

Stef's birthday

Liz's half marathon

& of course cousin-bonding with Alex (no pics taken)

April 2011

Washington, DC/ York, PA-Erin's wedding

May 2011

New York City/Hamptons with Jackie

June 2011

New York City/Hamptons with Jackie

San Francisco-work

July 2011
Atlanta-visit my dad and step-mom (no pics taken)
August 2011

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey--with D for a wedding

(and an impulsive side-trip to NYC to see Jackie)

October 2011

Atlanta--Packers v. Falcons game with D

December 2011
New York City to see Jackie

I'm not including my road trips to Milwaukee, Green Bay, Northport, MI, and Indianapolis on here, so you can see why I didn't think this year would live up to last year, but I'm beginning to think it might...

I have Hilton Head this weekend, and then I just booked a flight to New York City for the first weekend in February because I'm going wedding dress shopping with the above-mentioned Jackie. She got engaged over the holidays! At the end of March, D and I are going to Phoenix for a week, hoping to sneak up to the Grand Canyon while we're there. I know I will be traveling to Oregon in August and New York City in November for races, so this year is shaping up to be a heavy traveling year again....just the way I like it. Other potential trips this year include: Vegas, Rhode Island/Boston to visit my cousin in grad school and Liz after her lil one comes, and prob one or two NYC/Hamptons trip this summer.

Where is your Favorite place to travel? Any tips for the Grand Canyon?

Big News: New York City 2012

2012-01-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

Welp, hopefully after having deferred twice, the third time is the charm!!!!

Marathon registration status: Accepted**

Congratulations!

You're in and have unlocked the official 2012 ING New York City Marathon I'm In to Finish Badge.

**I received a guaranteed entry in 2010 because of my Boston time

Good Luck to Everyone trying to get into NYC. Let me know if you are running NYC 2012!!

The Good...and The Not-so-good

2012-01-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Good News

Yesterday morning, I had a Doctor's appointment to tell me all is good with my hip. My physical therapist is awesome--and came along to give my Dr. her opinion too. Well, the good news is that everything is all good with hip. I am done with Physical Therapy and can just stretch and do my exercises on my own. I have my Monday and Wednesday mornings back! Woohoo. And the freedom to return to running (following a plan, of course)

The Not-so Good News
Monday night I took a yoga class and while I was balancing on my left leg (aka the good leg), I felt like my hip was going to lock. I can't really explain what it feels like, but here is a description:

Often accompanying pain is a locking or catching within the hip. As a person with a hip labrum tear moves, his hip may suddenly lock or catch, prompting a sudden inability to move the leg of the affected hip. This limits the range of motion and may also prompt unexpected pain.
Courtesy of http://www.ehow.com/about_5159060_pain-symptoms-hip-labrum-tear.html
Prior to Monday night, I also had been feeling some tightness, impingement in the same area that I had pain in my right, specifically when I sat. I have zero pain while running. So I decided to ask my Dr. how likely a labral tear would be on my left hip as well?
I certainly was NOT prepared for his answer. Apparently, 2/3 of people who have a labral tear in one hip, get one in the other hip as well, and 1/3 of the people end up having to have surgery. Ignorance is bliss right now. I suppose I could have the MRI and find out if I have the tear, but I'm not sure how that would impact me mentally and I am certainly not ready for the other option. Another surgery.

And to wear this brace again, for two weeks, and to be on crutches. So yes, ignorance is bliss right now.
Would you want to know if it was torn? Or adopt my motto?

Goals for 2012

2012-01-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

I am not one for New Years Resolutions--so we'll go with Goal Setting for 2012.

Run, Bike, Swim, Yoga, once a week. (seems realistic) Clearly run and yoga are the automatics, biking and swimming are the tough ones.

Complete Olympic Distance Triathlon

Complete NYC Marathon (after two years of having to defer)

Complete Hood to Coast (HTC) with my lovely AU teammates

Run a 10k--my least favorite distance ever, but I need to do it to have a realistic number for HTC

Cook D and I dinner twice a month--pathetic goal, but with our busy schedules this one is tougher than you can imagine.

Make Coffee more, buy coffee less--this one is for the pocketbook, and peace of mind. Oh how convenience won in 2011, back to making coffee in 2012.

Yoga Sculpt--pass my teacher training audition and teach my 30 internship classes by May 1st.

200 hour Yoga Teacher Training--sign up and complete 200 hr teacher training

Welp, I think that's a good goal list!

What's on your goal list?

Cheers to 2012

2012-01-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

My last few days of 2011 were spent battling a cough (hence no sushi dinner with Krysta), lots of sleep and rallying for a New Years Eve Party.

Friday: Spent lots of time sleeping. Went to my last Physical Therapy session, hopefully! Stay tuned, I see my Dr. on Tuesday to get the go ahead. Spent a lazy Friday night in with D.

Saturday: Found time for yoga sculpt, a nap and D and I hit up a few parties!!

My friend Tim and I :)

Sunday: D and I were up bright and early for a trip to Lambeau field to see the Lions take on the Packers!!! It was snow filled and a blast.

35 degrees and snowy. Brrr...

Here's to a lovely 2012--goals coming up in next post!!!

Zoo Lights & Workouts!

2011-12-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night, D and I opened stockings--oh wait, and Tenley-dog too. She was the most excited about her stocking. Lots and Lots of new toys. Then we headed to Corcorans for some food before venturing to Zoo lights.

Zoo lights are amazing. Basically they decorate the zoo for Christmas and let you walk around for free, admiring lights, spying on some animals and getting into (or continuing) the Christmas Spirit!

Welcome to Zoo Lights!

Candy Cane tree welcomes you into the zoo!

Forest of Lights

This was the best display by far, the lights were in sync with the music for over 5 different songs

(Same display different song)

They also have an ice sculpture carving station. They had already carved a bull for the evening and they were just finishing up this Koala below.

Zoo lights were a success--I think they get better each year!

On the workout front, I did not make it up Wednesday morning for my 30 minute run before Physical Therapy and instead it will be taking place this afternoon. I did manage to make it to yoga with Kira last night, and we doubled, a C3:

CorePower 3

Yoga

C3 Inspired – Intermediate-Advanced Level Power Yoga: CorePower Yoga 3 Inspired offers a slightly more advanced class for students looking to take their C2 practice to the next level. A challenging practice, this class offers a dynamic combination of strength, sweat and spirituality, focusing on intermediate and advanced postures. A great class for students looking to test their bodies and minds with deep intention. (from www.corepoweryoga.com)

and then Yoga Sculpt.

I'm headed to a sushi dinner tonight with this one at Nori!

Hi Krysta! (courtesy of Facebook)

Thoroughly enjoying my 3 day work week!!

Post-Christmas Reality

2011-12-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

So Christmas is over...well, kinda, D and I still have to do stockings tonight, but I have to say it was a fabulous holiday.

Truth be told, Christmas started well over 10 days ago, on December 17th, when I had dinner with my Dad and step-family at Ditka's Steakhouse. D and I then headed up to Wisconsin the next day and had dinner with my Dad's side of the family. Lots of playing hi-ho cherry-o and chutes and ladders (at least I knew my gifts were a hit).

I came back to the city late Sunday night and worked Monday through Thursday. By Thursday night, I was too exhausted to go to Zoo lights as previously planned, so D and I stayed in, watched Love Actually, opened presents and wrapped more gifts for his family. I am in LOVE with my gifts from D--I am super lucky!

I got this Northface Jacket, a lululemon jacket, a lulu tank and a yoga towel. My first lulu items.

And then I headed up to Wisconsin, to celebrate with my mom's side of the family (Approximately 30 or so people). First, I attended my cousin's elementary school's Christmas show. Amazing. If you weren't in the Christmas spririt yet, that definitely put you there. I came back to my grandparent's house to spend time with

My uncle Norm

My cousin Austin

And a few other members of the family who didn't want to disclose their head wear on camera. In the midst of this, before any alcohol had been consumed, I managed to get the hiccups. With the encouraging of numerous family members, I performed the upside down, drinking out of the edge of the cup trick.

See, I didn't even spill!

And success, hiccups gone, probably from laughing too hard. (Truth be told, I got them again the next night and had to perform this trick again).

Early to bed on the 23rd, because Miss Alex and I had to rise early to wrap, wrap and wrap some more.

Wrapping over 20 gifts in a hotel room, with limited resources. We've become experts at this though....

Then it was time for Christmas Eve celebrations,

Christmas T-shirts and all.

Gingerbread House decorated

Ice Shanty decorated

Gingerbread Village

Avrey in decorating action.

And yes, we teach them early: Go Pack Go!!!

I headed back to Chicago midday on the 25th, watched my Pack win, and then had a nice and relaxing Monday. I went to a yoga sculpt class, ran for a bit (first full 30 minute run tomorrow morning) and then D and I went to see Mission Impossible, which was pretty good. I hit up a C2 class this morning and am planning on Spinning tonight. I missed a few workouts last week, and my body has not been pleased, so I'm trying to get it happy with me!

Hope your holidays were as lovely as mine!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

2011-12-22T13:48:00.001-08:00

Back to regularly scheduled blogging after this weekend!!!

Holiday Cheer is Here!!! (Finally)

2011-12-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas--did you see how much I decorated my condo?

Just in case you forgot, here's my tree :)

But, this year, December has really been testing my patience. I feel like stress is in the air, and it's contagious.Until Now. All my crucial work deadlines have been met and I don't have any more until the new year. Yay!

I am done with extensions for yoga sculpt teacher training (except for watching a video, but it's just a video) and taught my community class on Wednesday night.

I'm done Christmas shopping. DONE. DONE. DONE.

So, that means it's time to celebrate, right?!?!! Definitely.

Tonight's plans are not especially holiday-ish, but I'm going out with a former coworker, who is in town from Denver, along with my old office mates.

Former coworkers, Jody, Rachel and I

And then out to dinner with D at Market.

Tomorrow afternoon, D and I are going Christmas shopping at Oak Brook (think outdoor shopping mall), before we head to dinner at Ditka's for Christmas dinner with my step-family.

Sunday, I am going to Wisconsin for Christmas with my Dad's side of the family.

And I get to see this little one, who grows more and more every year!

And if you're still not in the holiday mood, watch this video---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4KlBqEBSgE

(made by the family of a few of my college friends)

One Picture

2011-12-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

That’s all I managed to take my whole weekend in NYC. Guess I was too busy living in the moment J.

Friday morning I ~~got up~~ dragged myself out of bed, for my 30 minute “run” 4 minutes walking, 1 minute running and then to a yoga sculpt class. I realized after that class that my body hurt so good.

I flew to NYC Friday afternoon and made it to the UWS by 6:30pm and headed to a dinner party with my favorite NYC people and then off to a holiday party. I slept in longer than I have in months, amazing.

We had brunch at a cute restaurant in their neighborhood and then hit up a Pure Yoga class, starbucks and nails. All in all a perfect day. Capped off the day with a sushi dinner at Momoya (Try the greenwich roll) and Fuerza Bruta. The show was high energy and very innovative. It is unlike any other show I’ve seen. It incorporated some cirque du soleil elements, with techno music. Exhausted, we headed home from the show afterwards.

Sunday involved Pure Yoga, truth be told, I was kind of disappointed with my Pure Yoga experience. I took two Vinyasa classes and neither were Vinyasa. I hope to come back and take more classes and find something I like.

Then we went for a walk through Central Park, which is where I took the one picture of my weekend:

went to the MET, and watched my Packers win. It was a perfect weekend in NYC. I love going to NYC, doing a few touristy things, but more so, spending time with my best friend, and doing things that we’d do if we lived in the same city.

And D, was great, inundating me with Tenley pictures, since he was taking care of her all weekend.

Looks like the weekend wore her out...

Hi puppy!

Her favorite spot (if she isn't on a pillow)

Somebody got spoiled this weekend!!

First Run--Done!

2011-12-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

I felt like I should have titled this "first walk, with spurts of running" done, but I'll pretend it was a run! I managed to hit the treadmill after work yesterday to get in my 30 minutes. I walked for 4 minutes and 30 seconds at 4.5mph and 1.0 incline, then bumped it up to 8.0mph for my first bit of running. (full disclosure: 8.0mph may seem fast to some people, but I ran a whole marathon faster than that, so I figured 7:30pace was reasonable).

My legs felt....weird. That's probably the best way to describe them. They felt heavy, but it wasn't just that--more so that they hadn't moved that way in a long time. They loosened up each time I ran my 30 second burst and ran my last one at 8.5. Ah, how good that last one felt. Finally, back to my normal speed :)--even if only for 30 seconds. It'll be interesting to see how they feel tomorrow morning.

I went over to D's before I had to go to community yoga sculpt class last night, and he had a surprise for me...

New shoes---more specifically new Nike Pegasuses.

The only running shoe I have ever worn (except for that brief period when they stopped making them 10 years ago and then I had to wear the Imara). SOOO excited. I love the feeling of new shoes and can't wait to try these out tomorrow morning. Thanks, D!

Then I headed to a 8:30pm yoga sculpt class taught by some of my classmates. They did a great job and I get to teach next week!

Tonight, I am headed to assist in my mentor's class and tomorrow I have an early morning run and yoga sculpt class (with Kira--of course) before I leave for NYC in the afternoon.

Allowed to RUN!!!!

2011-12-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Um, yeah, I'm a little excited that I am finally allowed to run. Please note that my last run over 2 miles was in May, MAY! In case you weren't sure, that was 7 months ago! And my last run at all, was in July. So for everyone that has put up with my grouchiness and complaining, Thank You. I promise I'm over it (well at least until I realize how slow I am).

My PT gave me a four week walk-to-run plan, you run 3 days a week, gradually increasing the amount you run.

Tonight: walking 4:30 minutes and running 30 seconds X 6
Friday: walking 4 minutes and running 1 minute X 6
Monday: walking 3:30 minutes and running 1:30 X 6

---backtracking the past few days--they've been yoga-filled. Big surprise. I did a C2 class and a Yoga Sculpt class on Monday night, which I'm still feeling the soreness from--awesome feeling. Last night, I assisted in my mentors class. Mainly making adjustments on people and helping them lengthen and relax in yoga poses. I have to do this 3 times before I'm done with the Extensions portion of my yoga training.

Um, yeah, so back to that whole running thing!! Do I really have to work all day before I get to go??

What's the longest you have ever taken off from running? What was it like to come back to it?

Where did the weekend go??

2011-12-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

Thursday, I met Gina after work for 2 classes at sixpax. They were a lot of fun, and although I didn't break much of a sweat, I was definitely sore the next day!

Friday, I was supposed to go to yoga sculpt, but sleep felt a lot better :). D and I grabbed dinner out and I ~~suggested~~ insisted on an early bed time. (10pm?- Please and thank you!)

Saturday morning I went and met with my mentor at the South Loop Corepower studio. We practiced assists for an hour, since I'll be doing that in her class tomorrow and then we took a Yoga Sculpt class. Made it home, showered, and packed before D picked me up for our mini-roadtrip to Indianapolis. We made it there in great time and headed downtown to grab dinner and drinks.

Hello downtown Indy!

The bars were packed--so we ended up at a Wine Bar. The food and drinks were great. And we even got a tasting card to try many different wines before you bought a whole glass. Pretty cool concept.

Food was phenomenal--and check out the presentation of the steak.

Definitely my favorite dish ordered

Oh yeah and then we went to a game ;). Stopped by a beer tent on the way.

(Full disclosure--I did not go to a Big Ten School--I was very conflicted on who to cheer for because I was born in Wisconsin and had lots of friends who went to Wisconsin--but the green clothes were free and readily available). We found our seats on the club level and watched an amazing football game.

Oh and checked in on my puppy, who was being watched by my neighbors!

Thanks Kevin & Jess!

Then we got up at 5am cst, and drove back to Chicago so I could make it to my CPR class at 10am. I am officially certified! Teacher Training all afternoon and then I went to D's to ~~watch~~ nap through the game. I woke up for the most important part--the 58 second drive by Aaron Rodgers!

I had PT this am. Looks like I'm still getting clearance to run on Wednesday!!! Yay! Only 2 more days til I can run!

Hip Flexors and a Surprise

2011-12-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

So my pain on Tuesday, continued, and got to the point where I was wincing as I felt shooting pain through my hip. It wasn't constant, but it was not pretty (especially since I had taken codeine that morning). I gave up the thought of doing anything physical, emailed my PT for advice and spent the evening at home with D and Tenley-dog.

This face always makes me feel better.

I received an email back from my PT and she suggested rest and ice until I saw her yesterday morning. I went in yesterday morning and she worked on hip. She said that it might just have been too much pressure on my hip flexors and they were flaring up. She suggested continuing with icing and using pain as my guide. I took Wednesday off from working out because I didn't feel great all around, but around 2:30pm yesterday, in the middle of my 3rd meeting at work, I got this text from D.

Hello, Big Ten Championship Tickets!!!

Looks like D and I will be heading to Indy on Saturday to cheer on Michigan State at the Big Ten Championship!! As someone who went to a college without a football team, I have only been to college football games that were bowl games. I'm pumped to experience this!!!

It's Christmas in Chicago!!!

2011-11-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

Through my whirlwind of activities this weekend. Saturday night out included dinner at Roka Akor with D for one of his friend's birthdays--and dinner with 9 people, which meant we pretty much tried everything on the menu. And everything was amazing! We then had an after dinner drink, and a shot and headed to Underground. Those of you that know me, know I love my bed at around 10pm. Dinner started at 8:45, and we were out til 2:30am. I was quite proud of myself, and it was a great time.

I ~~woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed~~ struggled out of bed around 8am for my gym date with Miss Melissa. And I made it! 30 minutes on stairs and 30 minutes of the elliptical. Breakfast out with D at Yolk. Yolk is honestly my favorite breakfast place in the city. I adore that they don't charge extra for you to eat healthy--egg whites don't cost extra, nor does fruit. Thank you Yolk! Then it was Christmas decorating time!!!

I had a Reindeer Tenley-dog to help me!

The stockings were hung!

My favorite childhood snowman! When you turn his nose, he sings Frosty the Snowman.

Uhhh-mazing!

We put up the tree and hung lights---and then Damon and Reindeer-Tenley needed a nap.

We headed out to dinner with my friend Scott who was in town visiting from California at Piece . Another fave of mine, think post-chicago marathon food! It was great to catch up with him and hear about the awesome new house they just bought. Um, think there may need to be a Cali trip in the future. And then I came home to this sight, my house all Christmas-y in stark contrast to the darkness outside!

You could say I ~~like~~ love Christmas :)

Monday morning, I did the lovely elliptical and headed to PT to report to Kristen the news about me not being cleared to run. She said he has never done that before, and she is going to clear me to start running next Thursday, December 8. YAY! I did double yoga last night, D picked me up and then ate some of my lovely leftovers while I addressed Christmas cards. All in all a perfect evening--er, except the fact that my hip has kind of been bothering me. I'm really hoping it's just tight--will try to go easy on it today. Oh yeah and I slept in this morning! Woohoo!

What have you done to kick off your holiday season?

Thanksgiving and Northern Michigan!

2011-11-26T10:07:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving! It's been a whirlwind (a good one) the past few days.

Tuesday night my bestest and her boyfriend came into town, we had a fun night out at Old Town Social.

Wednesday morning I went to physical therapy and then a Dr.'s appointment for my hip. The appointment was beyond frustrating. I had been under the impression that at 12 weeks I'd be cleared to run (I'm at 13 weeks post-surgery). The Dr. asked me if I'd been doing the elliptical. Mind you--I hate the elliptical--it reminds me of massive amounts of cross training in college, so I never even asked my PT or my Dr. if I could elliptical. Sooo...I said "no--I haven't.". His response, "you should do the elliptical for a couple of weeks and then you can try to run." internal thoughts: Are you kidding me? Why didn't anyone tell me that before? Clearly if I had known I had to do it before I'd be allowed to run--I would have been on the elliptical the past 2 weeks. So frustrated. Still holding out hope my physical therapist may say something different. And of course I plan on being the elliptical every day between now and Monday.

After my frustrating appointment, D and I traveled to Northport, Michigan, where his grandparents live.. This was exactly what I needed to forget my frustrating appointment and be thankful for what I do have. Especially when I spend a few days in a house that looks out at a beautiful Bay!

Thursday morning, D and I went for a long walk in the woods

played lots of Chinese checkers, watched my packers win and went to the beach side of the peninsula too! It was gorgeous.

Love the Lake Michigan side.

Sun setting on Lake Michigan Side.

Friday morning, D and I went to downtown Northport--had the most amazing homemade cinnamon twists and headed back to Chicago. I had to make it back in time to meet up with these two!

We celebrated Neha's birthday a few days early, since she was in town from Houston! First up was Zocalo and then we hit up Hubbard Inn. I really liked the vibe at Hubbard Inn.

Today I am back on the workout wagon--went to yoga sculpt taught by Kira. Then I went to the gym with Miss Melissa and did my 30 minutes on the elliptical. Hoping to get up my christmas tree today and wrap a few presents before we head out for the evening!

How are you spending your holiday weekend?

And the rest of the weekend....

2011-11-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

Um yeah, it is Tuesday. Sorry I didn't get around to writing about my weekend until today, but after this post, you should be able to realize why.

Friday
On Friday, D and I went to After Dark at the Art Institute . Drinks, Appetizers, Modern Wing of the Museum, Music and a New Exhibit. Great time. Here are a few pics from the evening:

Video display synced to the music. amazing.

The Modern Wing, one of my favorite places in the Art Institute

Dancers/Performers were on all levels dancing.

DJ before live music started

Saturday

I headed to the suburbs to take a yoga sculpt class at Corepower's newest suburb studio in Naperville, Illinois. It was a great class and I got to check out the new studio. Look!

The fireplace is 2-sided so you can see it in the studio too!

Front desk, check in area

Studio #1, mirrors are along the wall opposite the window.

This is a good example of what most of the studios look like. Clean and relaxing. I am jealous of the two-facing fireplace. Oh and I had company. Lauryn joined me for class!

Hi Lauryn :) (borrowed from FB)

Next, we grabbed lunch at Whole Foods, and then I met my step-sister for a bridesmaid dress fitting. Here's a picture of the happy couple!

(borrowed from FB)

I drove the lovely commute back into the city. Those of you who don't live in the Chicago area will not understand, but for some reason, every day, regardless of time, day, etc, there is traffic on 290 getting into the city and it always takes longer than planned.

D and I headed to a Make A Wish event Saturday evening at The Griffin Lounge.

Slightly awkward pic and makes me feel like I need a tan, but D looks good!

And there was music and dancing!!!

As a side note--I have a real issue with Chicago "clubs" as they don't have dance floors. If you have table service and no dance floor, you are deemed a "lounge" in my eyes. Even though this was called a lounge, this was the first "club" I have gone to in Chicago that actually had a dance floor.

Sunday

D was a trooper Sunday morning and let me teach him the whole Sculpt flow before I had my practical Sunday afternoon!

Monday

Physical Therapy and then a super busy day at work because of my two day work week. Headed to a double yoga session after work for a great C2 flow and a yoga sculpt class.

Tuesday

Ann, Kira and I went to c2 yoga this morning and tonight I am going out with my best friend and her boyfriend who are coming into town from New York City (and a few of his friends).

See you two as soon as I get home from work tonight!!

Oh yeah and tomorrow I have off work, and I see my Dr.---hopefully next time I blog I will be telling you I am cleared to run!

Certification...

2011-11-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, on Sunday, I received my certification in yoga sculpt! Yay! I still need to complete a program through Corepower to teach at Corepower studios, but I should be done with that by mid-December. For the certification and final week, I had to teach another "teacher-in-training" the hour long class. I amazed myself by doing this without notes. Homework for week 4 also included coming up with a yoga sculpt playlist...

SCULPT PLAYLIST

Prelude To A Kiss 2:10 Alicia Keys

Someone Like You 4:44 ADELE 21

Better Than 3:31 John Butler Trio

Only Girl (In the World) 3:56

Beautiful Girls 3:45

On the Floor (feat. Pitbull) 3:51

Without You (feat. Usher) 3:28

Sexy and I Know It 3:19 LMFAO

We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris) 3:36 Rihanna

Dynamite 3:24 Taio Cruz

Sexy Chick (feat. Akon) 3:16 David Guetta

Firework 3:48 Katy Perry

Southern Girl 3:23 Amos Lee

The Wind 4:31 Amos Lee

Cannonball 5:10 Damien Rice

Lullabye 3:58 Amos Lee

In the sculpt flow, you start out kinda slow, then speed up, and then slow down for the last 10 minutes or so of the class, hence why there is a big variation of types of music.

What other songs should I keep in mind for my playlists? What are your go-to workout songs?

Apologies for Radio Silence

2011-11-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

The last 5 days have been busy. For me to admit that--HUGE deal. (oh and I haven't had internet at home) Sorry!

Quick Recap.

FRIDAY
lovely day of work and recovering from my first cold of the season. D and I went to an alumni event for the Journal I was in during law school and spent some time with this lovely lady!

Saturday

Yoga. yoga. and more yoga. I went to a C1.5 class, observed Kira teach and went to another studio and practiced my teaching for another two hours. Basically, from 1pm-7:30pm, I was at a yoga studio. Had some sushi with D for dinner and called it a day.

Sunday

I met this one at the gym Sunday morning

Miss Melissa

Melissa has run more marathons than I can count and trained a whole bunch of her high schoolers for the Chicago marathon this year. I walked on the treadmill for a bit while I caught up with her (while she ran--so jealous). Then left her to get in a workout. And then, more yoga in the afternoon. I had class from 1:30-5:15 and took a C1 at 7:30. Is it bad that your nose is so stuffy the instructor brings you a kleenex in the middle of class?? Hmmmm..

Monday

Gym time. PT. A FULL day of work, My Packers and practice teaching during halftime. D made me an amazing dinner (steak, roasted potatoes and asparagus) and then ~~volunteered~~ let me teach him the first 20 minutes of my yoga class for practice. I'm so lucky!

Tuesday

As much as I don't like discussing work on here, it does take up at least 40 hours of every week, if not more. (Yes, I went to law school and yes, I am an attorney--that's the extent I'll get into on here). I had an oral argument on Tuesday morning that I should have spent Monday night preparing for, but it turned out ok--I'll get the ruling in 3 weeks. Tuesday night I caved to my desire to watch the only two shows I watch weekly on tv. Biggest Loser and Parenthood. When I lived in Arlington with these girls,

Lauren, me, and Sara

we watched the show a lot. Truth be told, it was a love of Lauren and I--but Sara would watch if we made her ;).

Wednesday

Measurement day at PT. My physical therapist will take all my measurements and send them to my Dr. so he can gauge my improvement at my appointment next week. She is confident he will release me to run (think run/walk program). The news is making me giddy and nervous. I don't know that I have ever gone 5 months without running. What if I forgot how to do it? What if I'm slow and will never be fast again? What if I injure myself again? Definitely apprehensive. I think it will go away once I start, but the nerves are definitely there. Kira and I went to a C2 class night and then went out to dinner. Honestly, a great way to end the day. I needed yoga yesterday.

Thursday

This morning I went to a C2 class and the teacher was talking about moving meditation which is what you often get from yoga, specifically the vinyasa flow. She began to discuss how you can get it in other forms of exercise, like biking (people who bike for miles and miles) or runners. I never had thought of running that way, because I often work through my problems in my runs, but the release that comes, when your brain has nothing else to think about--that must be when I reach a moving meditation. I thought it was an interesting perspective.

What do you think about the concept of a moving meditation? Are there other forms of physical fitness in which you are capable of attaining a moving meditation?

Hood to Coast 2012!!

2011-11-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I got this email....

office@htcrelay.com

6:07 PM (15 hours ago)

to me

Congratulations Leah,

A Team Captain from The Hood To Coast & Portland To Coast Relays has asked you to join their team! You will be part of a select group, participating in The Mother of All Relays! As such, you will be able to officially register within the online roster management program and be able to:

• Update your email and home address
• Update "RACE PACE" 10K time
• Add/change your race shirt size
• Sign the waiver
• Find out your team number
• Much more!

HOOD TO COAST 2012!!!

I will be running this race with my college cross country and track teammates and some who I haven't even met yet (who were younger than me)!

Meg, me and Whit (From Left to Right)

Catie, me and Whit *(From Left to Right)

These are just a few of the girls, but I can't imagine college without them! (The good pictures were before digital cameras and will need to be scanned in ASAP). I was in culture shock when I left my tiny town in the midwest for school in DC, but having a team immediately helped. I got to host a lot of our recruits and I'm happy to say almost all of my recruits came to American. Whit and Meg both came and stayed and look at us 10 years later!!

We've been trying to get into Hood to Coast for 3 years and finally got in this year. I'm sad that a few of my teammates are going to miss out, because their busy having kids (Liz) and such, but I hope this becomes an annual event and a way to see these girls every year.

Hood to Coast is relay race, in which each person runs several legs varying in distance and difficulty from Mt. Hood to the Coast of Oregon. You run through the night, headlamps are a must and you basically don't sleep for a day and a half, unless you're great at sleeping in vans. Sounds like a blast right!?!? With these girls, it will be :).

Have you done Hood to Coast or another relay race? Any tips?

Quick Update and Yes, I survived the Swim!!

2011-11-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

(and I apologize for the lack of photos in this post)

Tuesday night: Courtney and I met at the pool for some laps. I cranked out 500m fairly easily considering I have not been in the pool since before surgery. This is promising! I'm going to try to make it back in this weekend for a bit further swim (maybe 800 or 1000)

I didn't even feel my hip, except when I pushed off the wall on the turn, which makes complete sense. Hip is still not ready for that type of impact (like jumping, etc).

Wednesday morning: Physical Therapy. It's nice to finally get back to some of the exercises I was doing pre-surgery. My therapist also informed me that she's going to have the surgery in February.

Wednesday night: I had an ambitious plan of hitting the gym before I went to an alumni event at Second City. But, my cold had other ideas for me, so I came home, heated up some soup and then D and I headed to Second City. The show was great and it was a good night of laughs!

What's going on the rest of this week and weekend?

I'm sure you can guess my answer!!! YOGA!!!

Stacked Workouts

2011-11-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

Because I have physical therapy two mornings a week, my workouts get congested, like they did last night and this morning. I had physical therapy bright and early Monday morning at 6:30a.m., so that meant yoga needed to happen last night. I still needed one more yoga sculpt to meet my "requirements" for teacher training. I needed four more c1's, so it was time to double up. I managed to make it through both yoga sculpt and c1 without my body getting too tired. Yay! Only 3 more c1 or c1.5's to go!

This morning was a c2 class with my fave yogi Kira I have a swim date with this one tonight.

Courtney aka Courtsport is my other lil one from high school. She was a freshman when I was a senior and we spent a lot of time together running. Fast forward 10 years, literally, when Courtsport moves to the city and we realize we belong to the same gym and are both interested in triathlons. Um, hello training buddy.

(pre-race 2010)

Unfortunately, Courtsport and I have a knack for injuries. We both have had hip issues. Courtsport broke her foot last fall, a Jones fracture, and has been on the mend, but has managed to get a stress fracture in the process, while I managed to have hip surgery. We are a pair to say the least. So we're meeting at the pool tonight, the only mutually agreeable activity our bodies can handle at the moment. Here's hoping we are triathletes together for a long time coming!

Here's to triathlon training 2012!!!

Crazy Busy Weekend.

2011-11-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

The past few days have been super fun, but super busy.

On Thursday night, I went with my mom and D, to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to see Follies--great show, highly recommend it!

Friday night was my Kira date. Kira and I became friends after an introduction at a happy hour and random downtime in NYC when we were both there over memorial day weekend in 2010. Despite having gone to the same law school and having similar friends, we hadn't hung out. I met an amazing girl and now am fortunate to have her as a great friend. We hit up double yoga, a fave of ours, a C2 class, and Yoga Sculpt. Then had dinner and drinks at my place and headed to a cabaret show. Sidetracked to the bar briefly and made our way to Kiss Kiss Cabaret Show. It was interesting to say the least.. Here's a picture of the entertainment in the lobby....

Saturday night was one my lil one's wedding.

She was a freshman, when I was a senior in high school and ran cross country and track and played basketball, so we were around each other a lot. It was a beautiful wedding and great to be reunited with a lot of my former runner buddies!!

Congrats to Kristina and Eric!!!

One and Done

2011-11-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last night D and I did make it to On Your Mark. First up was Rhythm Ride. Perhaps I should have thought more carefully about my workout plan (and the fact that I haven't been on a spin bike in a month or done any other intense cardio). But nope, went ahead and signed up for two classes. This class was intense. There were only 3 people, so there was a lot of personalized attention and the teacher didn't spin with us; she just stood and directed us.

These are what are bikes looked like:

. (Photo Credit: CycleOps)

I continually had problems staying clipped in on my right pedal. After coming out at least 4 times, I finally had to switch bikes mid-class. The teacher came over and confirmed that the pedal was messed up, not my shoes. I did really like the bikes aside from that technical glitch.

We did everything based on cadence. This meant I was d-e-a-d after this class and opted not to do Just Strength. I'll be honest, if the classes had a 15 minute break between them, instead of 1 minute break, I might have been able to do it. But instead, I headed home, played with my seemingly now healthy Tenley-dog, watched Biggest Loser and Parenthood and ~~cooked~~ reheated homemade pumpkin chili for dinner.

Moral of the story: More cardio is needed in my life. Any suggestions on how to up my cardio, if I can't run (besides doing more spin classes)?

Sick Puppy and Revised Weekend

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I hit up two more yoga classes, yoga sculpt and a c1. Spent the evening out in the burbs-shopping, grabbing dinner and heading to the movie theater to watch Ides of March. Sunday D and I planned to try out On Your Mark, but my sick puppy had other plans for me.

(photo is from way back--but she was sick in this pic, too)

I was up with Tenley every two hours on Saturday night, and finally caved at 8:00am to start calling the vet. We got a 10am appointment, but I was afraid to leave her alone, so Tenley and I crawled back into bed and D went to two classes. He came home tired, sweaty and sore--I was jealous.

Off to the vet we went, and ended up having to leave her there for an IV (for dehydration) and medicine. No virus was found, so that was good, but she's laying low this week and staying home from doggy day care.

The rest of my afternoon was spent at teacher training and didn't have it in me to stay for another yoga class. My body was tired--I think a rest day was exactly what it needed. It actually got 48 hours of rest before I hit up a Halloween themed yoga sculpt last night and a c2 class this morning with Kira.

Tonight I am finally taking my first class at OYM and I am pumped to try out Rhythm Ride and Just Strength.

Rhythm Ride: Cycle class to music. Drill based class while jamming out to excellent tunes.

Just Strength: Think outside the box with weights, bands, tubing and TRX focus on building strength. No cardio drills here.

(descriptions from website)

Just Strength will also hopefully fulfill my second music/weights requirement for teacher training.

What are your favorite group classes that incorporate music and weights?

All things yoga....

2011-10-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

In the past week, I have:

started teacher training and spent all day Saturday and Sunday in a yoga studio learning more about yoga sculpt, and also took a c1 class and a yoga sculpt class
attended two c2 classes
attended one c3 class
attended one yoga sculpt class
observed one yoga sculpt class

Good thing I got the go-ahead to do yoga last week because it has seemingly taken over my life. Teacher training definitely has been a huge reason why!

We got this huge three-ring binder at the start of Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training.

And on the first page, it has everything you must do, in order to receive your certificate.

attend all teacher training classes
complete all homework assignments, including take-home examination
take 5 yoga sculpt classes
take 5 C1 or C1.5 classes
observe 2 yoga sculpt classes
take 2 group exercise classes (outside of CPY) that incorporate music and weight training

Clearly, I'm trying to take down those requirements ASAP.

On Monday, I went to a class at sixpax that incorporated weights and music.

My favorite ice skater joined me

We did SixPax Sculpt:

Utilizing the Lotte Berk Method, this class will help you achieve that strong, lean body of a dancer. We will use challenging cardio intervals at a faster pace and toning exercises to reach complete muscle fatigue and then elongate the muscle with lengthening exercises. The group circuit setting uses a ballet bar, Pilates, resistance bands, core balls, and light weights to mix things up and keep it fun. This calorie burning class ends with a hard earned stretch.

(description courtesy of sixpaxchicago.com website)

The class incorporated the use of a lot of different muscles and there was really no time to get bored while doing something because you don't do it for very long. The other plus was that there weren't that many exercises that I couldn't participate in because of my hip.

D and I are going to try On Your Mark this weekend. I'm excited to see how intense it might be. The coaches look legit! Plus, when I called to learn more about it, one of the coaches just had a labral tear surgery--they will definitely understand my limitations and help with modifications!

So what are your favorite classes that utilize music and weights? And are you a yoga a convert or do you dislike it like I used to?

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!

My New Year's Resolution

2011-10-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it may be a little early for me to be making New Year's Resolutions--and to be honest, I don't really normally.

I HATE those people who invade my gym for the first few weeks of January. Just be healthy year round people. Anyway, I digress....

My New Year's Resolution is....to be done with Physical Therapy. As much as I appreciate everything my physical therapist has done for me, I think spending 7 months straight at PT is quite enough. Here's hoping I can actually be free of PT in 2012.

An email, and a new perspective.

2011-10-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, this came my way via email....

from this pretty girl and rockstar runner

Doesn't she look fun?? Don't worry, she is, in real life too!

	Emily
		Leah
		Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 12:53 PM
		hey

hide details 12:53 PM (20 hours ago)

sorry i missed you. ok, so what do you think about a 1/2 in new
orleans in march???

my friend sent this to me:
Rock and Roll New
Orleans half marathon for $39 with the discount code 'SAINTSWIN' might
actually be worth it. The code is good for today only.

Inner debate...big time...My response..

	Leah
		Emily
		Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 12:56 PM
		hey

hide details 12:56 PM (20 hours ago)

not sure my body will be ready for a half in march :(. Really really trying to be good and not push it. Both my dr. and PT say my range of motion is great right now, but not sure I can commit yet. Although it is only $40.... ha...

Low race fee + warmer locale than Chicago+Em & D also signing up =

Dear Leah ,

Congratulations! You are now registered for the 2012 Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon & 1/2 Marathon - Half Marathon. Please check the event's website for updates.

Perspective: So. I haven't run more than 2 miles consecutively since May, and don't start running for a few more weeks, I am really, really just hoping my body can handle this. The whole speed part comes secondary (or at least that's what I'm trying to tell myself).

Anyone else doing the New Orleans Half?

Success

2011-10-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

at my 6am C2 yoga class this morning.
Description of C2 from Corepoweryoga.com:

CorePower Yoga 2 – Open Power Yoga: CorePower Yoga is a truly unique yoga practice based on intuition rather than tradition. A heated, climate controlled Vinyasa flow practice, CorePower Yoga heals, detoxifies and exhilarates the body and mind with emphasis on movement, balance and intention. A great class for students who are ready to take the next step in their journey, CorePower Yoga 2 connects the body to the mind and spirit through intense flow and Ujjayi breathing techniques, helping students get to the "Core" of their being.

To say I was nervous to do yoga is an understatement. But this got posted on my fb wall last night, so there was no backing out:

Kira

the 5:30am version of me is excited to see you tomorrow. so is Nico not so Blue. · · See Friendship · 13 hours ago

Nerves, excitement, finally getting to do something I love post-surgery equals me wide awake at 5am. I don't need to leave to pick up Kira for class until 5:40, so I played on my iPhone, checked emails, etc. Picked up Kira and made it to the studio.

And it was dark. No teacher. She made it, class started, and I made it through yoga. Class was great, and I am so happy to be back in a yoga class. I could even do Standing Splits while holding onto my leg, instead of the floor. It felt so good. I definitely lost some flexibility, but I'm not worried--I know it will come back eventually.

The only thing I couldn't do was "hopping." We practiced "hopping" twice and the jarring of my legs to the mat aggravated the hip. All of this "hopping" led to two minutes of playing with inversions, the "hopping" helps you get into a handstand. Now I have actually gotten into a handstand a few times, but I always freak myself out once I make it up there and fall, but I definitely have high ambitions to be able to do this (in yoga form).

Trying a yoga sculpt class tomorrow morning and hopefully, hot power fusion right after. Cannot wait :).

Great News!

2011-10-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Can you tell there is a theme? Can you guess what excellent news might be?

Great news is that I am allowed to do yoga again!! Just in time for teacher training this weekend!

Honestly, I can't believe I forgot to add that to my "about me" blog. Yoga has been my sanity over the past few months (pre-surgery). In the past 6 months, it has been engrained into my schedule. My favorite Chicago studio is Corepower Yoga. But whenever I travel, I always try to go to a studio in a different city. I have hit up Yoga to the People in NYC, Sangha Yoga in Montauk, Love Yoga in Montauk and Yogaworks in San Francisco. Love Yoga was probably my favorite--purely because it reminded me of my classes at Corepower in Chicago.

And this came in my email yesterday:

"Greetings Yoga Sculpters,

Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training starts this Saturday!"

Two of my favorite yoga teachers--find them--they're often near a HUGE airstream!

I am not completing the 200 hour teacher training like Whit and Mati did, but I am starting my teacher training with my favorite class--yoga sculpt. For those of you who haven't been to Corepower, yoga sculpt is a vinyasa flow class with weights, along with some plyo. It's a great workout!

This one convinced me to do it!

She looks like a super-fun teacher, right?

I am excited to start this journey as I move from student to teacher.

Good News!

2011-10-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sort of!

I had a Dr.'s appointment on Wednesday and they told me my hip is recovering really well. AND that I get to start swimming!! Woohoo, apparently they also think I should get better at swimming and biking for the triathlon, before I start running again. I do have to alternate my laps between actually kicking and just pulling, but I am ready for something different at the gym.

I've mastered the entrance--don't you think??

Chicago Marathon....

2011-10-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

This post was supposed to be written on Sunday--since that was my four year anniversary of running my first marathon, but I was too busy cheering the Packers to victory!!

And then I came home and picked up my tired puppy from being boarded. I think she slept for 48 hours straight, except when I woke her up to feed her and take her out.

Ok. Ok. Back to the Chicago Marathon....

I decided in January 2007 that I was ready to train again. I found a gym that I liked, started running more consistently and decided I had 10 months to make this decision a reality. Oh yeah and I set a goal of a 3:10 marathon. Smart Leah, real smart...

I wrote a training plan--followed it pretty consistently. Long runs were my biggest struggle, in the beginning. I avoided the first couple and then finally gave in at the end of June and did my first 12 miler in 4 years. (Note: While I ran in college I did long runs ALL the time, but from 2004 to June 2007, I had done NONE). Training went pretty well, I did a half, so I'd have a seeded corral and then ran the CARA 20 miler. The weather was perfect, mid 40's, I ran with the 7:30 pace group, although we probably ran closer to 7:15 minute miles, didn't stop the whole time and I was convinced I had my 3:10 in the bag.

Even the morning of the race, nerves hadn't hit, it was excitement. For some reason, the weather forecast hadn't worried me. Projected high in the mid-80's no big deal, I trained in DC through some ridiculous summers. Oh, but I hadn't run 26.2 miles.

Here's what happened.....

Started the race with a friend, went out on pace, ran through River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and then back through the city. Saw friends, waved, was thoroughly enjoying my experience. As we were coming back through Old Town, my friend and I split. Around this time, I also probably noticed that it was HOT. I am not a huge hydrater on normal runs, so I started grabbing more water/gatorade than normal.

I hit the half at 1:34:22--still on pace for my 3:10--although I was cutting it close. A lot of people were stopping and a lot of people were walking. I was baffled--weren't these the "good" runners. Why were they dropping out? Oh yeah, and my dad, aunt and cousin were supposed to be right there, but I was too fast :(.

Miles 17-23. Honestly, I don't remember much. I remember disliking the marathon. I don't really remember what the course looked like. ( I paced a friend in 2009 on the course and when we hit 17-23, it didn't even look familiar).

And then cramping started. I had always read about this phenomenon, and didn't understand it. I do now. With every step, my quads would tighten, like someone was squeezing them, and then release, but I wasn't certain they were going to release.

As I approached every water/gatorade station, it was a mental conversation with myself, (and may have been out loud too), walk through the first part, then run through the second, or walk the whole water station. I was afraid that if I started walking my quads wouldn't let me start running again. I knew at this point I wasn't going to hit my 3:10 goal. But I knew unless I passed out or walked the rest of the race, I'd at least get into Boston.

Then came the obnoxious amount of water I took at every water station. I'd drink at least a cup, and pour two to three more over my head. When I later heard that water stations ran out of water, I definitely felt like I was a contributor to the lack of water.

I remember mile 25.5, because I was walking, (not a proud moment), and I saw my dad, aunt and cousin Well actually, that's a lie. I didn't see my dad, he saw me. He later told me: "Your eyes were glazed over--you didn't look too good"--thanks dad. But that was just what I needed to get me up the hill--seriously Chicago, you're a flat city, why do you feel the need to put the ONLY hill on the course at mile 25.75?? And then I turned the corner, and finished. 3:26:43.

I was given a person to walk with (a "walker"). I turned to him and asked "Do I really look that bad?" He didn't answer. I thank him for that. I went to grab my stuff from gear check and felt awful; I saw stars, saw blackness and was pretty certain that I may have blacked out for a minute or two.

I called my dad, met up with him, proclaimed to him, "I will never run a marathon again." My cousin was smarter than me, she told my dad that I'd definitely do one again. She was right. I ran Boston in 2009.

Truly, I didn't even understand the gravity of what had happened until a couple days after the marathon. I didn't know that 88 degrees and a marathon were a bad combination. I didn't know the "good" runners were dropping out because they didn't want to put their bodies through the heat. I didn't know that I should be proud of a 3:26 in 88 degrees--don't worry I get it now :).

But I survived. Will I ever run Chicago again? Do you want to run Chicago? I'll come cheer you on or pace you, I promise!

Here's the run down of the race:

Leah #3158

Chicago, IL, USA

Age: 25 Gender: F

Distance	MAR
Chip Time	3:26:43
Overall Place	912 / 25523
Gender Place	133 / 10184
Division Place	46 / 25523
5K Split	0:22:05
10K Split	0:44:12
15K Split	1:06:36
20K Split	1:29:29
Half Split	1:34:22
25K Split	1:53:46
30K Split	2:18:30
35K Split	2:45:38
40K Split	3:14:01

Worst. Packer. Ever.

2011-10-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

Somehow I think that because I traveled for work for 2 years of my life, I can continuously pack less than 24 hours before a trip, often after a drink or two, and not forget anything. Truth be told, I am pretty good at it, ~~but my goal is to not do that tonight.~~ and I totally did it AGAIN. (I started this post before my roommate convinced me vodka lemonades at Fireplace were a better option--er or maybe I did the convincing....)

Especially because of this...

Thursday

1/2 off SKYY Vodka Lemonades (32 or 44oz)
1/2 off all Appetizers 5 - 7pm

Totally great idea right? It's still mild weather--might as well enjoy the last few days before it gets cold.

Honestly, didn't regret it much this morning. I packed up Tenley, packed myself, dropped her off to be boarded and headed to work. Total time less than 1 hour. Here's hoping I didn't forget something!

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go"--any body else think of Armageddon more often than not when they're packing? No? Yeah, I did kinda think that was probably only a me thing....

D (the significant other) and I are off to the ATL for the weekend to go to Sunday Night Football. Can you guess who the Falcons are playing?? Oh yeah, that's right, they're playing my Packers! Go Pack Go!

Yes that is cheese in the shape of a "G", uh-mazing! Don't be too jealous Lizzy!

True story D made that for me as an appetizer for the Super Bowl game last year.

(oh yeah and my dad lives there too--so I'm going to see him too!)

16 weeks down...How many to go?

2011-10-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

My labral tear was confirmed on June 10, 2011 after my Doctor checked out my MRI and I started physical therapy on June 16, 2011. The hope was that physical therapy would loosen my hip joint and my leg/hip would no longer "catch". There was a really unnerving cracking/popping/clicking sound when I would rotate my hip. And for some reason this had increased pressure on my hip flexor, causing a lot of pain in the groin area, along with tenderness along my outer hip and even into my butt.

Anyway, my Doctor suggested a physical therapist at the location I was planning on going. I was dubious. Physical therapy and I have a love-hate relationship. I feel like sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. And having been a high school and college athlete, through stress fractures, shin splints, hamstring pulls, tears, and undiagnosed injuries, I am not always confident in physical therapy as a successful treatment. Well, physical therapy didn't fix me, but my physical therapist is amazing. She's a runner-score, she's impatient with injuries, so she gets me AND she has the exact same injury I have. She gets it all--when I describe pain, she knows what I'm talking about. It truly was a match.

When I started physical therapy, it was twice a week--with A.R.T. for half of the session and exercises for the other half. Hip strengtheners mainly: bridges, side steps with band, monster walks, superman, one-legged leg press. Finally, in July, I was told to try running again (at this point I'd been off of running since the pain started in May. I tried. The first time I ran--I ran to beach volleyball--I felt fast and actually thought Physical therapy had fixed me. Until I tried to run the next day. My right side (the side of the labral tear) could not support my running, so now my left side was hating me. My left IT band all the way to my knee was crazy sore. I have never had pain in either of those areas, so I had to stop running, again.

Fast forward to now. I had surgery (more about that to come in a future post). As I left physical therapy today, I noticed that my hip strength today isn't even back to what it was pre-surgery. I wasn't frustrated, but I just feel like I have been there F-O-R-E-V-E-R. I joke with Kristen that she has now made my holiday card list--since I see her so much. But seriously, I spend at least 2 hours a week with her, more than I get to spend with a lot of my family and friends. I truly hope that all of my physical therapy will help me get back to the level of running I was at prior to surgery, but with at least 2 months more of it on my calendar, I just want an end date. (wow-that sounded really whiney--sorry).

I have tried to remain positive through this all, but running and yoga keep me sane--and I haven't been able to run for 4 months or do yoga for the past month--grouchy Leah may be appearing more often. Fortunately, long walks with Tenley are allowed--so we have been going on a lot of those, enjoying Chicago and the lakefront path.

Fall brings out the fog along the lake--How can you not LOVE this city?

Help me! What do you do when you can't do what you love?

Professional Photos...

2011-10-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

of my dog.....

On Sunday, Tenley and I went to have our pictures taken. I know, I know--I never really thought I'd be a person to shell out money to have professional picture with my dog. But it was a fundraiser for Midwest Rescue--a pitbull rescue group that I have met amazing people (and dogs) through. So Tenley and I got in the car and drove to the suburbs for a photoshoot. For a $50 (donation), I am getting a cd of 50 to 60 pictures. I saw that a bunch of them have been posted to facebook and it really made me appreciate the art of photography. I like to take pictures and I take a lot, but I do not have the craft that Mary Ann has. These pictures are amazing and worth much more than the donation I paid for them. Here's a sampling!

Can you guess what Holiday we might be using these pictures for??

About Me...

2011-10-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

1. Chicago Chicago is my home--I moved here 5 and a half years ago and have NEVER felt a sense of home, like I have in this city. Chicago has everything a person might want-- Amazing food--Check. Huge Lake and Lakefront path--Check. Walkable City--Check. Oh yeah, Lots and Lots of Winter--Check. Truly that was my biggest fear when I moved from Washington, DC to Chicago, WINTER. I made sure my closest "el" stop was underground so I didn't have to wait outside in the middle of Winter. I have since "grown up" and expanded my coat/boot wardrobe for my outdoor "el" stop.

View from 4th of July Dock Party. LOVE this city

Tenley dog (See #7) in lots of SNOW

2. Travel I LOVE to travel. I have friends all over the country and feel so fortunate I am able to visit them. Thank you United for overbooking two of my flights this year so I could take you up on $400 travel vouchers.
2011 trips: Phoenix, Sun Valley, Las Vegas, Phoenix (again), Washington, DC, (twice), New York City--Hamptons (twice), San Francisco, Atlanta, Jersey Shore (oh and don't worry, I hit up NYC for a third time). For the remainder, I have a trip to Atlanta and a trip to NYC scheduled.

Trip to Phoenix to watch Cass and Krysta run the half (and for sun)!

Sun Valley--to hang out with some of my favorite former teammates.

Vegas--Family Trip

Spring Training--don't mind if I do :)

Favorite spot in DC!

Montauk--it was sunny too--I promise

3. Running LOVE. I love to run. I have run since I was 14, and I was training for the high school cross country team. And I didn't stop. I started because I wanted to stay in shape for basketball and soccer. I liked it so much that I played basketball and then gave up soccer (which was a huge part of my life). I ran in college at American University. I learned TONS from my coach, although I truly think it took me a few years post college to absorb it. I got injured my senior year and took a lot of time off. I would run intermittently to stay in shape or when I was traveling for my post-college job, but it took almost 3 full years for me to start "training again". Chicago's "Shamrock Shuffle 8k"--the unofficial start of Spring 2007 was my first race back. AND I didn't stop until May 2011.

4. May 2011. Injuries Stink. I have always been relatively injury free. I have weak hips like most female runners, so I'd get an occasional hamstring pull, etc. My college running stopped because of a hip injury so I a semi-conscious of not irritating that hip. I had an ambitious racing schedule this year--chicago and new york city marathon. (along with a few triathlons). I had picked up training and felt tightness in my stride and hip flexor, but ran through my tempo run. The next day, I ran to my yoga class, but I couldn't. I talked to my favorite yogi-Kira--told her I had pain in the WRONG hip. I had to stop and walk. I don't EVER have to stop to walk. The pain was super intense. I called my friend-runner-physical therapist freaking out. She told me hip flexor strain, etc. See #5--Labral Tears

5. Labral Tears. webMD. You sort of pulled through for me this time. I googled and read and rested. I didn't run for a week, two weeks and the pain was still there. That would be the point that I freaked out; two weeks off from running and it still hurt to sit up in bed, to step out of bed and to sit for long periods of time. Self-diagnosis made, labral tear. Time to pick a doctor who specializes in this. I sought recommendations for a good doctor and made an appointment with him. MRI confirmed the labral tear. But all was not lost, I could run, but pain was my guide. Um, yeah, that pain wasn't going away. 8 weeks of PT and surgery was scheduled because no progress had been made. (My resting pain had left me at this time, but my hip still wasn't having any running). September 1st. First Surgery of My life. (Longer post about this at some point). But all went well!

6. TRY-athlete. I'm a runner, and dabble in TRI's sometimes, when I can get over my fear of biking. If you look at my 2009 Chicago Sprint Tri splits, swimming top 1/3, bike bottom 1/4, and running, 20th place (overall)--should probably work on that middle part. I think I was in the wrong gear. No idea. I welcome any and all biking tips! It is a HUGE fear. I know the lakefront path is not the best place for me to bike clipped in on my super speedy cervelo, but I seriously grip the bike for my life. Dream is to do an Ironman. The original dream had me doing an ironman in 2012, but with the labral tear. Leah v.2.0., will be doing an ironman at a future date yet to be determined.

7. Tenley. I'll probably refer to this one a lot. She's my puppy--meaning she's one and a half years old. I adopted her from a rescue group when she was 12 weeks old and I fully admit she is super spoiled. Her name comes from Tenleytown in DC where I spent my college years at American University. (Or as some people like to say after the Tenley named liquor at the liquor store).

Best Puppy face EVER

Puppy in a cone

I'm on a boat!!!

8. Sports addict: I am a diehard Packers fan. I travel for games. I am obnoxious. I like the Cubs, but they have been really boring since I moved here. Step it up Cubbies! But mainly, take me to a sports event and I will be happy. Seats in the 100 section, even better.

Sorry Dad, I cut you out of the picture.

9. I'm a blogger (WHAT?!)--never in my life did I think I'd type those words. I blame Lizzy and Meg and Miss Stef aka Gansie--who has blogging for YEARS. But my family and my friends are the most important people in my life and most of them don't live in Chicago. I think this may be the best way for them to keep up with my recovery, my training and my life