Let The Training Begin!

Ben and I signed up to run one of the many half marathons in Chicago this summer.  That’s right, we are willingly planning to run 13.1 miles in the middle of summer.  I say “plan” to run because the training is a little bumpy so far. 

Last week marked the start of our training.  So far the longest we’ve run is 4 miles which isn’t too hard for us.   All was going OK until yesterday.  Ben called to tell me I should run without him because his knee was already giving him trouble.  I am hoping it is a minor thing because I am not sure if I can do this by myself. 

So, I went for a run, only a 3 miler, and thought I was going to DIE!  I have never run in such severe wind in my life…and I have run a lot!  After about 2 miles my ponytail was so discombobulated that it looked like I was sporting a side-pony.  I generally run along the lake near the Planetarium and Aquarium but the wind was blowing so hard that the lake was washing up over the rocks and sidewalk.  I altered my route in hopes of finding a little shelter.  It worked.  I was able to catch my breathe and readjust my ponytail so it wasn’t in my eyes and mouth the entire time.

At the end of the run I reminded myself that it is highly possible that we will have to run 13 miles in weather like that.  I also reminded myself that I am going to Hawaii in less than a month, planning to attend multiple weddings this summer, and have to look smokin’ in my own wedding dress.  This running thing better work.

Let the fun begin!