Friday Fun X

Is it just me or did this week feel SUPER long? Maybe it’s my anticipation of a little race that is approaching or the fact that I am on my 2nd rest day in just 3 short days? But goodness I am happy Friday finally arrived! Here are the things making me smile right now:

1. 10 day Forecast. It isn’t that I am so excited about the forecast itself (I am confident it will change 139 times in the next week) as it is about the fact that starting tomorrow, April 21st will be in the 10 day forecast. At least being able to check the weather will give me something else to put my efforts toward in my constant obsession over the race.
   
2. Finding Strong Movie. Manny, Jenny, Chanthana and I went to a viewing of Saucony’s Finding Strong Film Premiere Wednesday evening. Seeing the short stories on running around the world and how people are using running as a way to give confidence and purpose to others is inspiring. It was short, but the evening continued on as we met up with Liz, Jacqueline and Vicky for dinner after. It was a fun evening and, as always, filled with lots of laughter.
3. Softball. The Illinois State Softball team (my alma mater!) plays at Loyola Chicago tomorrow. I haven’t seen them play in a number of years so I am excited that their schedule is bringing them to Chicago. I am excited to get out and support my former coaches and a few girls I coached when they were in Junior High.
4. Cubs Games. One of the things that we were most looking forward to when we moved to Chicago was going baseball games. Brad grew up a huge Cubs fan (hence our dog named Ernie Banks) and I fell in love with Wrigley field on my first visit in 1999. Unfortunately we only went to a few games last summer because we spent most evenings and weekends trying finish the work around our house. This year we bought ticket packages for 25 games. We already know we won’t make them all (including next Friday when we are in Boston) but we are hoping to make most of them. Our first game was last Saturday and it was a great day!

   #notaselfie (I swear!)

5. Taper. I have never been very good at taper. I just have never quite nailed it like I know I should. But have never been more ready to start to taper than I was this cycle. I didn’t run high mileage (topped out in low 50′s) but the intensity was definitely there and my body was ready for the rest. I am hoping that the fatigue + gentle backing down is the right combo and my legs are springy and ready to go on April 21st.
6. New Kicks. Last summer I bought my first ever pair of racing flats, the Saucony A5. I absolutely love wearing them for speedwork and tempos. They are light and feel fast and fit my feet like a glove. I have been able to prolong the life by warming up and cooling down in a heavier shoe, but they have enough miles on them now that it was about time to move on. The A5 has now become the A6 and is available in awesome colors. These babies arrived this week and although I won’t be wearing them until after Boston (per Coach’s orders), I can’t wait to give them a spin once I am recovered. {And when ordering from Running Warehouse, how can I pass on a new color in my favorite New Balance tank?!}

That’s what I have for you this week, my friends! I hope you all have a fantastic spring-like weekend!