Over the hill

Here comes another post from Ben about running. Before I talk about actual running, here's a picture from last Sunday's MS Walk.

This morning, I ran further than I ever have before in a single workout. I trekked 15.6 miles (about 25K) with an average pace of about 10:21 / mile.

What did I learn? Giving yourself an extra 30 seconds per mile can make a HUGE difference in how you feel. Two weeks ago, I ran 13.1 miles, setting the pacer on my forerunner at 10:00/mile. I made it, but I was EXTREMELY tired when I was done. I didn't feel like I could go another step. Today, I set the pacer at 10:30/mile. After almost 16 miles, I felt like I could go a little farther if I had to. Since my "race" isn't until October, there's no point in pushing myself too hard right now.

For those who might be curious about my split times, here you go:

Mile #1: 10:41
Mile #2: 10:47
Mile #3: 10:04
Mile #4: 10:14
Mile #5: 10:02
Mile #6: 10:00
Mile #7: 10:06
Mile #8: 10:14
Mile #9: 10:28
Mile #10: 10:19
Mile #11: 10:26
Mile #12: 10:16
Mile #13: 10:57
Mile #14: 09:59
Mile #15: 10:26

I think I could have managed 20 miles at this pace -- during mile 14 (my fastest), I actually walked for about 15 seconds while Jenelle brought me some gatorade (thanks, sweetie!). The weather was a bit chilly this morning, but it was perfect for running. I didn't get dehyrdrated at all, and I wasn't drenched in sweat when I got home (yeah, pretty picture there).

Estimated calories burned: 2250. That's over half a pound.

Are you Ms. Isaacson?

Jenelle here...

I'm in San Francisco this week attending a conference for work. It's good to be back on Pacific time. This is a fun city -- but definitely a workout if you want to walk anywhere!

My flight to San Francisco was pretty uneventful, and after getting my bags, I took a cab to the airport. I'm staying at the Fairmont, high up on the top of Nob Hill. It's across the street from this enormous cathedral reminiscent of the Notre Dame. Anyway, the staff here is very friendly and polite. After handing off my suitcase to the valet, I walked into the hotel to look for the front desk to check in.

As I was walking over, a man in the employee uniform walked up to me and said, "Ms. Isaacson?" And, I said "yes." And he said something along the lines of welcome to the Fairmont, let me help you get checked in. And he ushered me up to the front of the line and introduced me to the guy behind the desk to check me in. So I asked him how he knew who I was, and all he said was that he knows everything.

So, the question is -- how did this employee at the Fairmont know who I was? I didn't have a nametag of any sort on me, and my luggage tag had my maiden name on it, and I didn't use a credit card at the airport or in the cab. Alas, such are the mysteries of the hospitality industry. I'm still going to be scratching my head over this one for a while til I figure it out.

Run, AND Walk

The weather is beautiful here in the Midwest. I've enjoyed have so many opportunities to run outside and make use of my favorite Christmas gift -- the Garmin Forerunner that Jenelle bought me. This morning, I logged a new personal best for a ten-kilometer run. I averaged 8:28 per mile for a finishing time of 52:40. I'm excited that I continue to improve, but there's still a long way before I am ready to run 26.2 miles. I haven't officially signed up yet, but I'm leaning towards participating in Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon on Sunday, October 2nd.

As for my weight, I am holding steady at 175. I haven't been overly cautious about my diet over the past month or so. As long as I keep exercising, I don't think my weight will be a problem. As marathon time draws sooner, I might try to drop five more pounds, but it's not really necessary. I'm just thinking that it would be easier to lug 170 pounds over 26.2 miles instead of 175. More to come....

T.G.I.F.

Jenelle did the sweetest thing yesterday -- she was supposed to be spending last night in Milwaukee as part of a work-related conference. To my surprise, she walked in around 8:30 p.m. I gave her a great big hug! We watched Survivor together and had a wonderful time. Tonight, we rented Napoleon Dynamite from Blockbuster and enjoyed pizza from Buona Vita. Can you believe it? She let me have pizza, even though I had just had one on Wednesday night.

The webcam picture of Ella is still up -- and until I can find something better to replace it, it'll stay up there. :)

Miles and Miles

Jenelle and I celebrated our second anniversary this weekend. We spent Friday night at the Harrison House Bed & Breakfast in Naperville, IL. We had an absolutely wonderful time. I think it had something to do with the fact that we were the only guests in any of the five rooms, so we had practically the whole house to ourselves.

On Saturday, we headed east to Aurora to shop for presents for each other. Jenelle found a really cute bag at one of her favorite stores. I haven't really found my present yet, but I did find a nice pair of brown corduroy pants on sale at the Gap outlet for ten bucks. :)

Coming soon -- Jenelle is working on "How We Met: The Jenelle & Ben Story". I considered writing a version of it myself, but I don't think I can capture it with the magic that she's inherited from her dad.

Here's some more running news for all of you fitness fans: I ran about 4.5 miles on three consecutive mornings (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) while I was in San Francisco on business. The weather was beautiful. I was thrilled that the beautiful weather came back with me, so I ran all the way to the Marvin house this afternoon. After taking some time to visit with Liz and Randy, I ran back home. Almost ten miles in all. Fun!

And finally, here are some photos from our Easter celebration. Enjoy!