Aimee @ Creighton

With Aimee gone to Creighton for the next two weeks, we will be completing weeks 2 and 3 of our Chicago Marathon training separately. This is the first time we have been running completely separate in a while. The good news for Aimee is the number of trails in the Omaha, NE are will give her plenty of new runs and she has also found some other girls to run with. I, however, will be running completely solo. It is even too hot for Marlie to come along (just not enough water stops on longer runs).

With one week down in training, we ran 35 miles last week and a had a long run of 13 miles. The heat continues to be an issue as we are struggling finding any time of the day that is somewhat cool. We even ran our 13 miler at 4:30 am and had no relief. I have done some reading about the drop in your running time once the temperature climbs over 65 and since its 70-75 when we run in the morning without heat index I have noticed. Our times seem discouraging but we keep in mind the conditions we are running under and look forward to cooler temperatures and decreased paces. With school, football, and cross country only 3 weeks away and Aimee starting a Pharmacy school we know challenges are ahead but look forward to everyday.

The Anniversary Run

Today, well actually Saturday the 17th, was our 6th wedding anniversary. Unlike last year where we were running on the treadmills in beautiful Jamaica, we were running in the awesome MO summer! So, not quite the most romantic change of scenery, but we were together. This was our first long run over 10 miles in training for the Chicago Marathon and we were able to join TWV for this one.

For the past several weeks we have been doing one hill run per week out on Plainview and wouldn't you know it, the planned long run for TWV was out on Plainview! We were very excited. Not to mention the ever increasing heat and humidity that has plagued the area this past week. We are glad to report that we did better than expected though on our 12 mile run and our confidence is steadily increasing. Over the next two weeks we will be challenged not only by the heat (high 70's for overnight low), but also by Aimee attending her first two weeks of Pharmacy school in Creighton. Not being able to run together will be tough, but the separation will be even more difficult. I miss her already.

Below is a picture of the Awesome Running Weather.

~Dustin

Running Update

So for the past two weeks I was living in a TNT Fireworks tent. This made running difficult when there was no one around to watch the tent while I was out running. So, I only went on two runs during this time (9 and 6 miles) on about a one mile stretch in front of the tent so I could pass by every few minutes.

Since returning home on Monday, I have gotten back into the routine. Aimee and I are only 14 weeks out from Chicago! This week we have completed our normal Tuesday morning Team World Vision 5 mile run, a 5 mile hill run on Wednesday, and today we did an 8 mile (1-6-1) tempo. Not sure what the temp and humidity was this morning, but the humidity had to be 100% +. Never before have I had my shorts drip sweat when I finished a run. Kinda gross but it also lets me know how hard we are working to reach our goal. At least I don't have to deal with the 2 pound ponytail hanging from the back of my head like Aimee.

~Dustin

"Invest in Yourself" Edward Jones 5 mile results

Just returned from our weekend away in Farmington. The race on Saturday was great because of the hometown crowd. It was hot, and a bit hilly, but you can't beat running through the countryside. Ahhh I can still smell the fresh cow manure. Dustin took 2nd in his age category (33:00) and I took 1st in my age category (38:38). I figured out who the "fast girl that is cute as a button" was thanks to my friend, 411. She took 1st overall female again this year. Christina set a PR, running 4 minutes faster than her previous 5 mile time at the STL St. Patrick's Day run. Way to go. Nik also ran under her goal. Also, thanks to 411 (Nikki) I now know how to lower my heart rate if I ever need to do so. It was fun to cheer on Susan, Christina, Nikki, and Jessica. It was also neat recognizing some of the high schoolers (some runners from the awesome Potosi and Farmington track teams entered) during my run that I hadn't seen since they were under 4 feet tall :). Gotta love the familiar feeling of home (and a hot Missouri run). Here are some pics

Me and my girls Christina and Nikki before the race (don't we look happy?)

The girls after the race in St. Joseph's Catholic School gym (Christina and my Alma mater)

My honey and I with our medals

Nikki and I doing the "Championship basketball team" pose Post-race celebration at the wineries. This is Sand Creek. Fun! Fun!

Can't wait until next year! Don't forget about the Washam 5K in September.

Running in Ftown

Heading to Farmington this weekend. We plan to run Saturday in the Edward Jones "Invest in Yourself" 5 mile run. My friends Nikki Lees and Christina Rairden (weird, I don't think I've ever not written your maiden name, Kleinsorge. I wonder if Rairden is spelled correctly.) plan to run too! Best of luck to everyone!
~Aimee

Thoughts

One morning I had two thought going through my mind that I think any runner would appreciate.
1. That saying, "Pain is only weakness leaving the body".
2. Geez, I must have a lot of weakness!
:)
~Aimee

Progress

The last few runs have seemed to be getting easier. This morning I actually caught myself thinking ahead to my next long run and looking forward to it. This is progress!
~Aimee