Watt's Running

Well I’m lucky. Today I received an e-mail stating that “The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon reached its 40,000 participant cap today and has officially closed registration.” Wow, I only entered 10 days ago. In addition I checked my registration and, thanks to Kathy faxing in my Austin Marathon results on Thursday, I’m now in the Preferred Start II group which requires proof of a Full Marathon time: < 3:55:59. It has an expected capacity: 4,700. So I'm no longer going to start in the main mass of runners.

I have signed up for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on October 22, 2006. My flight there is with American Airlines leaving at 9:30 AM through Dallas, and arriving 1:27 PM on Friday October 20 at Chicago Midway. I will be staying at the HI-Chicago Hostel from Friday October 20 through Sunday October 22 with a bunch of 6-10 strangers. My flight back is leaving at 4:10 PM on Monday October 23, 2006 from Chicago Midway, and arriving at 9:10 PM. This should be interesting.

My goals are basically the same as last year, that is, to qualify for Boston. However, last year I pushed very hard on all my runs. I feel that this hurt me by causing my legs to bulk up. So this time I’m looking to work hard, but to do my long runs at an easier pace and intensity. I also plan to work with the advanced Boston Qualifier group. Maybe it’ll help me last a little longer. Finally, I’m running during the summer which will be quite different since I don’t feel that I can breathe as well in Austin’s summer heat.

The marathon is over, I’ve emptied the blog.

I’ve been thinking about this week’s race – the Cap 10K. I’ve gotta pick up my race packet ASAP.

I signed up Matthew and I for our first timed 10K race – the Run Thru The Vines race during parents weekend. This’ll be interesting.

I signed up for the STATESMAN CAPITOL 10,000.