13.1 Chicago + New Friend

13.1 Chicago + New Friend

13.1 Chicago half marathon was on Saturday but because of my injury I was not able to run it. Surprisingly, I wasn’t that upset about it. Yeah, I was disappointed that I paid $80 for a race I couldn’t run but missing one race is not a big deal. The most important thing is that I heal and become a stronger runner. In 2, 5, or 10 years I won’t be sad I missed this race but thankful I learned how to rest and became a better runner. This injury has given me a lot of time to think about all the changes I want to make and how I can better dedicate myself to the sport.

I hate to admit but I haven’t been treating my body the way an athlete should. Before my injury I didn’t get enough sleep, I wasn’t eating right, didn’t listening to my body, and never followed a training plan. I would get 4-5 hours of sleep, wouldn’t fuel properly, and then go and run 15 miles.  That will not be happening while training for the Chicago Marathon! I’m working with a physical therapist, a great running coach, and a dietitian. I know I have so much potential to be a fast runner and I want to live up to it. I love running and want to do it until I’m 90 years old and the only way that will be possible is if I take care of my body. I’m going to following my training plan to a T and do everything I’m supposed to.

 

I wasn’t able to run 13.1 Chicago but that didn’t stop me from picking up my race packet and shirt. It’s green…my favorite color. =)  I felt a little weird about it because I wasn’t running but once I arrived at Fleet Feet Sports I knew I made the right decision. Going to Fleet Feet Sports for packet pick up made me feel like I was still a part of the race even if I couldn’t run. It was my first time at the Fleet Feet Sports store in Chicago and OMG I was in heaven! It’s by far the best running store I have ever been in. It will definitely be my running store of choice when I move to the city.

To cheer me up about not running the race I planned to meet a friend for lunch. Chanthana and I have been trying to get together for weeks! We tried to meet up at the Wisconsin Marathon (where she qualified for Boston!!!) and the Soldier Field 10 Mile but both plans fell through. Since we can’t run together because of my injury we set up a lunch date. We met at Deleece in Chicago and had the best time!! We instantly hit it off. We have so much in common and probably could have talked for hours. We talked about running, training with the same coach (Kevin Granato), Chicago, hot runner boys, etc. I’m so excited to have a running friend who lives in Chicago. I’m not even living in the city yet and I already feel like I’m a part of the running community.

 

Chanthana & I

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. You are preaching to choir lady, and I love your sermon!! It’s so very true–we need to treat our bodies better and they’ll serve us well. This forced down time has been a great lesson to us both, and I can see we’re both thankful for it. And I love my Fleet Feet store too! I talk about it all the time; it’s fabulous!! They really know their stuff. 🙂

    • I’m glad we both feel the same way. I need to stay out of the Fleet Feet store right now b/c I want to buy everything!!!

  2. You are doing all the right things in preparing yourself for success! Be good to your body and don’t forget to have fun while training! I loved meeting you and could have chatted with you for hours. Mmm… can’t wait to scope out some cute runner boys together this summer. Double date? Yes, please! Thanks for the mention and see you soon!

    • Oooh, I definitely won’t forget to have fun while training. Scoping out hot runner boys with you will make training even better! 😉

  3. Good girl! I am so proud of you for taking this injury as an opportunity to be a better runner.

    I’m so glad you found a new friend in Chanthana, too! If you say she’s wonderful, I’m 100% positive that she is! XO

  4. Yey for Chicago runners! 🙂

    Good for you for making great plans of how to best care for your body both while training and in general. I know you’re going to do amazingly! 🙂

  5. Thanks Jenny! Chicago runners are the best 🙂

  6. You have such a great attitude Sara! I am sure this new plan will pay off. Talking about hot runners and fleet feet… I happend to be at fleet feet when they kicked off Dude’s Night… The hotness meter went through the roof!

  7. Thanks Sara, this is a great post. Being out of the game definitely is a bummer, and we hope you can get back out running soon. We will see you out there!

    Lauren

    Fleet Feet Sports – Chicago

    • Thanks Lauren! I was seriously blown away by the great selection at your store. I look forward to shopping there often and participating in the events and group runs. =)

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