Challenge me to Chicago


 I have been reading quite a few blogs within the last week in which people completed their last long run before Chicago. It made me realize that I haven’t done a super long run yet so I better get on that. I was hoping to do it last week. But after my 12 mile run on Monday which was partially in the run, it ended up raining the rest of the week and actually flooded, so there was no run. I had to work the rest of the weekend then I planned to go home to visit family the following week, so I knew a long run would not take place then.  My only time to get my long run in would be a Saturday morning long run. This in itself became another one of those challenging runs.

I can't believe in just 2 weeks I will be at this start line.   Source

After working until midnight the night before, I knew getting up at 6 am would be a challenge but I was ready for it. I planned to meet my running buddy, because he is always helpful when I need to get a long run in. I was hoping to do 16-18 miles. I haven’t been to a Saturday morning long run in quite sometime. My running buddy never plans it, but I know he is always out there every week at 7. I thought this week I would surprise him and actually show up.


Well he surprised me and wasn’t there. Luckily I brought my Ipod that had two new podcast episodes on it.  So I set off running through the State Park like usual. I was about a mile and half into my run and I find the trail completely flooded. This was not a good sign I thought. Maybe I should turn around now. No, I was getting my run in! I didn’t get up to cut it short! Luckily there was a portion on the road that was not flooded that still lead into the park.

 I continued my run and was about 5 miles into it until my next obstacle, a fallen down tree. I was either jumping over it, or ducking underneath it since it was on an angle. I was able to just bend underneath it since I am so short.  I decided I would go out of the park and start heading up to the oceanfront area.

When I exited the park there was a stand out for a running group that was training but they were offering Gatorade and water to all runners going by.  I didn’t need anything so I continued down the sidewalk towards the boardwalk. On the sidewalk I noticed inspirational saying such as, you can do it and don’t give up written with sidewalk chalk. I wonder if it was the group that was handing out water.

Yea, I was totally taking a nap when I got home.


 When I arrived on the boardwalk I was at 7 miles. I knew the length the board walk was about 3 miles.  I was feeling really good and keeping a good pace now that I was running on the boardwalk rather than the trail. I made it all the way to the end of the boardwalk and saw my watch hit 10 miles….wohoo! Now I just had to make my way back home. I went the same route back that I did when I headed out. I passed the table again with Gatorade and water and took this opportunity to fill my water bottle up.  

Right before I entered the park again, my Podcast finished and I had to switch it to my music playlist. I noticed that my Ipod was in the red and knew it was going to die soon. I had 5 miles left, so I began to pick up my pace to see how far I can get before it shut off. Only a mile left and I was out of the park by now but still on a sidewalk trail where there are some stores and shops on the other side.


Another stand was out by the trail. It was behind a chiropractor building that said they were doing a free 2 minute posture screenings that morning. I thought for a second that may be nice, but already knew what they would tell me, that I have a forward lean. So I told them I’d stop but I was on a time frame now. They said you’re looking great, keep up the good work. I knew I was almost home and wasn’t quite at 20 miles so I ran up another block until I saw my watch hit 20 miles! Of course I was happy to be finished with my run, but most of all I was happy that I felt great during my whole run. I am ready for Chicago!

Later that day, I told my running buddy I missed him during my long run. He told me that his foot had been bother him and wanted to take the day off. I hope he feels better soon, because we have plenty of long runs in our future for our fall race schedules! 

We will be linking up with our friends from TOTR.

48 comments:

  1. You make 12 mile sound easy :) I have a long way to go still, and I think you just rock :)

    Good luck for the marathon.

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    1. Wow you really came across some crazy obstacles on your run! Great job on pushing forward and finishing with an awesome long run - congrats!

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  2. Congrats on a strong 20 miler! I didn't realize you were running Chicago. You are so ready!

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  3. Way to stick it out and spank that 20! That's a confidence builder for you sure and heck yeah! You are ready for CHI! Now you must tell us what you'll be wearing, your corral letter etc. so Wendy, Erica and I can spot you from our press box (ok spot on the street) at the mile 13 marker. We'll be cheering!

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    1. Ok sounds good. I'm sure I will do a flat me the night before.

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  4. Way to get those 20 miles done! Finding the time for long runs can often be a challenge, but its definitely a rewarding feeling when you finish and get it done.

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  5. Great job getting your 20 miler in! Good luck in Chicago! I know you'll do great!

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  6. Sounds like you had a great run! That's so nice that group was out there handing out water and that someone wrote those inspirational messages :)

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  7. I'm just so impressed with your perserverance toward getting your exceptionally long runs in. Twenty miles is huge!!! You ARE ready for Chicago, woot!

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  8. Haha love the quote! This made me want to go run 20 miles -- you made it sound so fun! :)

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  9. Congratulations and way to push through on your 20-miler!!! Especially despite your running buddy not being there, flooded trails, falling trees, you name it. You literally had a ton of obstacles in your way! You are READY for Chicago now. Welcome to your taper!!!

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  10. Sounds like you did great despite a few obstacles! You definitely are ready for Chicago!

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  11. I love your perseverance and dedication to going on a long run before Chicago. When you want to do something good for yourself and your body it seems like the world always gets in the way. You didn’t let anything stop you, very inspirational. Looks like you enjoyed your long run :)

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  12. Way to go on your 20 mile run! I'm glad you kept going despite all the obstacles that were in your way at the beginning! Great job!

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  13. 20 miles was easy??? You are a beast. I have literally never said those words. Really awesome job and I know you'll do fantastic in Chicago! Can't wait to hear all about it!

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    1. Thanks. I surprised myself too feeling as good as I did.

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  14. Awesome! You're definitely ready for Chicago!

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    1. Thanks. I feel much better after I gt that long run out of the way.

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  15. Great 20 miler! And so many obstacles in your way. It was like your determination was being tested and you passed!

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  16. Sounds like a great run! Glad you found the time to fit it in. You're so ready for Chicago!

    I took a nap after my 17 mile run on Sunday. Best decision ever!

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    1. I was so ready for my nap when I arrived back home before heading into work for my 9 hour shift.

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  17. Great job! Good luck with Chicago!

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  18. Great job with the 20!! Looks like you did a steeple chase during the first 8 miles, lol!
    Glad you didn't let the obstacles and lack of a running partner get in your way.
    Here's to a happy taper and an awesome race in CHI. You got this Chica!!!!

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    1. Thanks Melissa. I'm glad I stuck it out instead of throwing in the towel when I arrived at those obstacles.

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  19. Dang, way to get to get it done! Sometimes obstacles are put in our way, so we come out even stronger. Best wishes on your marathon!

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  20. I adore that you used your iphone running out of juice as that last bit of motivation! I play mental games like this all the time and they really help. Great job. I'm so jealous of everyone running Chicago!

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  21. Glad to read you managed all those obstacle to get in 20 miles. Big accomplishment. Sounds like you are ready, mentally and physically !

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  22. Great job with the 20 miler! Especially moreso because you didn't let a few obstacles get in your way from getting it done! Good luck in Chicago!

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  23. Congrats on a great 20-miler!!! Such a strong finish. Looking forward to reading about Chicago.

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  24. This was the easiest 20-miler I've ever read about... #jealous. :) Great job!!

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  25. Wow, I was surprised to see you ended up running 20 miles...nice job! I hope you have a great race in Chicago! :)

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  26. Way to push through that run - it sounds like it was an adventure with the flooding and fallen tree. I guess it just shows that even runs that start out as a struggle or with obstacles can still turn out great!

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  27. Way to go! You are going to rock Chicago. I can't believe it will be here in 11 days! If you've never ran Chicago before check out my blog tomorrow. I'm talking about what to expect from the marathon. I can't wait! #ownchicago

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  28. Awesome job on your 20 miler! Great time too! I didn't know you were doing Chicago. Maybe I will see you there! :)

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  29. You are so ready!! I'm excited for you. I'll be at mile 13 cheering you on!

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Fairytales and Fitness is a personal blog authored and edited by us, Meranda and Lacey. The thoughts expressed here represent only our own and are not meant to be taken as professional advice. Please note that our thoughts and opinions change from time to time. We consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind in an ever changing society. Any thoughts and opinions expressed within our out-of-date posts may not be the same, nor even similar, to those we may express today. Some links may contain affiliate links. Some links are just to pages we'd like to share.