greater expectations

So I always get IT Band syndrome when it is cold outside. I am usually fine when I am indoors, but once I am outside for a long period of time, it really acts up. I noticed it happening last year as well. I missed a few winter races due to this. The summer months I do not have as big of problem. I do strength exercises, foam roll and ice it. 

Anyone know what is up with it? COULD it be the weather? or is that just a silly thing to say?

runningchitony:

From last weekend’s Chicago Marathon Question/Answer session. 

I was not at this event, seeing as I am still in NYC. I am so excited though. Kind of can’t wait for it to be over. Being my third Marathon in 1 year, I don’t have that first timers excitement. Flying to Chicago on the 6th. YES.

Saturday is the Team Championship races. Men are in heat one. 

I am sort of excited for this.
I am kind of excited for this.
Okay, I am really excited for this.

Going for a 5 mile PR. (currently 34:48) 

This is what I talk about when I talk about running.

I feel that I need to extend this blog into something more than just photos and songs. Not to say that I do not love more than a photo that leaves you breathless and a song that leaves you speechless, but I feel that this needs more substance to it.  It is in fact called “Greater Expectations” right?  (For those of you who are wondering, that name came from the Gaslight Anthem song.) 

When I was in Junior High I joined our schools cross-country team.  I did this mainly because I wanted to be more social and I believe my parents were making me do some extracurricular activity.  All though Junior High I ran a steady 7:35 mile and I felt this was the sport for me.  It meant I could compete, but against myself.  If I succeeded, it was because of me, and if I failed, it was because of me as well.  I think I have always been “independent” in that sense, relying on just myself for things.

I joined my High Schools cross-country team in 2003 and quit in 2004 mid-season. My best mile time was 6:03 and I ran that with a broken toe. I am against anyone who quits without finishing what they started, but at the same time I think a person needs to know when to move on.  I know there were many reasons why I quit, but the main reason was because of my coach. I was the number seven runner on the team, and he only cared about the top five.  I was not allowed to practice with the top five so how was I supposed to improve?  

After quitting I began my teenage/early twenties of the unhealthy life-style.  By no means am I fat; most people think I never eat.  I guess I got the genes of being able to eat what you what when you want too and nothing happens. A large pizza at 1am, sign me up!

Last summer I felt I needed to make a change.  I do not remember the exact time, or place but I do remember my friend started running.  Talking to her about it brought back memories or my running days and since then I have been trying my best to run as often as possible. 

I signed up for the New York City Marathon this year and I am extremely nervous to run.  I am not nervous about running 26.2 miles, I can train for that, and have been training.  What I am nervous about is the change of lifestyle I will have.  No more late night foods, and no more late night drinking with the boys. The idea of running all that off in the morning just kills me.  My life will be changing from Chinese food and fast food to salads and pastas.  I also have to change my sleeping pattern. Before I was going to bed at 2am and waking up at 8am for work.  Sleep will be very important for me.

This is a photo of my running shoe.  I have attached some orange shoelaces in order to draw attention to childhood obesity.  I believe Illinois is the only state, or one of the few states that have P.E. Class a requirement for high school kids.  I wish more schools required this. 

Right now by best mile time is 7:36. I guess I need to pick up the pace.

Hello Wednesday, it’s nice to see you.

what a great monday morning.

Today I had a nice easy run around the park.  Ben never showed up though. I waiting 20 minutes and then decided to just go alone.  I was still sore from my long run yesterday so I took it easy and also walked part of the way home.  
When I did arrive home I found a text from Ben saying he would be 30 minutes late.  Guess I should have waiting longer.

Todays run through Prospect Park was amazing!  I am so happy it’s getting warm again so I can run everyday.  Tomorrow Ben and I will be hitting the park.

this mornings run.  felt good, but took longer than i expected.  was almost late to jury duty. yikes!

just ran a 4 miler with benjamin cartel in prospect park.  first run back after hurting my foot :)

tomorrow will be my first run in 1 month.  i hurt my foot and have been resting it.  i am meeting my friend ben from kaisercartel (www.kaisercartel.com) at 9:30am here.  i hope i can keep up with him after being off for so long.