Running in the rain...

"Rain, rain, go away.... come again another day...."

When my alarm rang at 5:45 AM on Saturday morning I looked out the window and said to myself, "No way! I'm not running in this!" It has been a few weeks since we had had rain in Chicago and it was making up for lost time. It was pouring.... just a constant stream of water flooding the outside. Wow. I'm a big wimp, but after a little encouragement from Jake, I found myself lacing up my running shoes and heading out the door with my rain coat.

"If you are crazy enough to run a marathon.... you are crazy enough to run a marathon in the rain!" ~Quote by Jack Nowicki (my TNT coach)

I met the Team at Waterfall Glen in Darien for our 8-mile run. Before each run we sign-in, listen to announcements, and have a mission moment for motivation. For some reason this particular Saturday seemed like we waited forever just to begin the run. By the time I started set foot on the path I was already drenched from head to toe.

I began running by myself and after a few miles the West Team coach, Mark ran alongside with me. We chatted as we were running through the fields of the forest preserve among the constant rain drops. At the half-way point, I met two other TNT participants - Stephanie and Kate, both girls were also from the West Team. For the remainder of the run I had the company of my two new friends. The rain was actually quite refreshing on my hot skin. We ran 8 miles in 90 minutes (roughly an 11-minute pace) - awesome!

I ignored my "bad-ittude" (as Art would say) and ran anyway - out on the running path you have your good days and your bad days, just like anything else. This day was not a bad day at all, in fact it the pouring rain made it fun! If the marathon does happen to have rainy weather - I know I'll be ready for it!

You Know It! We Were Rock Stars @ the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Half-Marathon

We Did It!!!!

Becky & Me @ the finish with Kate the our super TNT cheerleader!!!

Becky and I crossed the finish line of the San Diego RNR Half-Marathon in 3:18!!! (Click here to see the full results) Due to my unfortunate injury, we athletic walked the entire race - whew! Needless to say our bodies hurt in places we never knew even existed. Becky and I were among 4,000 other Team In Training participants whom together raised $12 million to help find a cure for blood cancers - simply amazing!

About the Race:

In years past, the San Diego RNR has always been a marathon and half-marathon combination. This year the organizers decided to eliminate the half-marathon to the general public and just offer this race for TNT participants. Becky and I decided to do the half-marathon as part of our Chicago Marathon training. I get VERY nervous for races (whether I'm running or walking) so it is important that I get out all of my pre-race jitters prior to the BIG event (on Oct. 7th - mark you calendars!).

During this spectacular event we encountered a few things that I would love to share with all of you. First, we had to get up at 3:45 AM to catch a shuttle to the course. We both asked ourselves what the point was of even trying to attempt to sleep. Then, once we got to the course we waited... and waited.... and waited. From 5:00 - 6:15 AM we huddled together to stay warm while watching floods of TNT people run in and out of the port-a-potties. Here is a picture of my fellow Illinois TNT teammates (the background is dark because the sun was still sleeping):

Just as the sun was rising, we checked our bags and headed for our corral. For those of you who don't know, a race corral is a designated area that you are assigned to based on your anticipated finish time where you wait for the gun to go off. After a quick pit stop in the not-so-clean port-a-potty, Becky and I reported to corral 14. I felt like a cow getting ready to be butchered. Honestly, the tension and anxiety you feel being pushed up against people is indescribable. Fortunately for me, I had Becky calming my nerves and cracking jokes about the array of runners participating in the event.

To run a marathon it takes a certain type of person and by this I mean that marathon runners are not at all "normal" people. And from what I have seen, the people at the RNR Marathon are even farther off the spectrum of normalcy. The reason they call it the Rock 'N' Roll marathon is that there is a band playing at every mile marker. There are RNR marathons in many cities, including Phoenix, Nashville, etc. At this particular RNR race, a world record was set for the number of Elvis impersonators running a marathon - the record as of June 3rd, 2007 is 47 running Elvi. Of course we just had to have our photo taken with an infamous Elvis impersonator... (see below)

During the race, we were accompanied by Superman, the Pink Ladies, and many other crazy runners including a man with a pink tu-tu. Even crazy spectators who held up signs that said, "23 miles to beer." (For future reference, if you are a spectator do NOT count down the miles to go - it's not fun to be reminded of what is left to run). My favorite runner that we saw was a man who juggled FOUR bean bags for the entire marathon - 26.2 miles in this position (no joke):
Now, I'm sure you are all wondering how the heck I got all of these photos... well, for those of you who don't know I'm a little obsessed with taking pictures. As I do most events in my life, I documented the half-marathon. I took several pictures of the landscapes since we ran through the city and hilly areas of San Diego. I won't bore you with all of my journey, but I would like to share my favorite picture though... just look at the sea of purple - these are ALL Team In Training people who are running for a reason! Very cool!
OH! And just as Becky and I thought we were alone running the race, Emily (our other teammate for the Chicago Marathon) was totally with us. When we were leaving the city all the sudden we both look up to the apartment building and see a HUGE sign that read "EMILY" - see...she really was with us in spirit!

...This photo was of my favorite group of men that were dressed in TNT drag clothing to cheer on their wives who were running the race. Here's Becky posing with one of them:

At mile 8, we saw Mark (the husband of an Illinois participant) who offered to take a picture of us at the mile marker - we're still feeling pretty good at this point.... (8 down 5 to go!)
...Little did we know what miles 9-11 had in store for us. Mile 9 started as a slow incline that really didn't seem to affect our pace/form at all, but this slow incline lasted for the ENTIRE mile! After a while we really started to feel it in our shins and our butts. Once we plateaued near the middle of mile 10, it seemed to curve downward on a slant through mile 11 - it was just miserable. We were literally walking with one hip higher than the other. Of course we were just ecstatic when we saw the MILE 13 marker and Kate on the other side of it!

GO TEAM GO!!!

We did it! We finished the race in 3:18 - that's a PR for athletic walking for sure! We had ourselves some cookies, bananas, and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches - yum! Shortly after we watched my TNT West teammate and blogging friend, Carly, cross the finish line of her first half-marathon (with her husband, Todd)... here's a before and after pictures:

Congrats, Carly - Way to Go!

This event was just a glimpse of what is yet to come. I loved being in San Diego and doing a race with Team In Training. That "do gooder" feeling is absolutely inspiring and simply contagious. I'm still on a high from all of the warm fuzzies. We met some amazing people including a mother-daughter team running for their son-brother who was currently battling Leukemia and came to the event to cheer us on! wow. I look forward to the next four months of training with Emily and Becky and to having the support of ALL of our friends and family at the Chicago Marathon in October!

A special thanks to Becky, Kate, Ken, and the entire Illinois TNT Chapter for such a fun weekend and a memorable event!!!

For those of you still wanting to make a donation to my Team In Training fundraiser, please visit my website at: http://www.active.com/donate/tntil/tntilNRubino.

Thanks for taking the time to read about my race to find a cure!

Love, Natalie

TNT Fundraiser @ Zella Update!

A BIG thanks to everyone that attended my TNT Fundraiser @ Zella!
With your help, I was able to raise $425 toward my fundraising goal! What a success!!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate my wonderful friends and family who came out to support me - THANK YOU!!!!

Here are some photos from the event - a million thank yous to.....

My friend Carly - my lovely raffle ticket assistant!

My mom, sisters - Nicole & Karla, and friends Connie, Abbey, & SarahMy TNT teammates - Emily & Becky My TNT mentors - Mike & Barbara My FABULOUS boyfriend - Jake...
...and the evening entertainment!

AND "THANK YOU" TO EVERYONE FOR COMING OUT TO ZELLA TO SUPPORT TEAM IN TRAINING AND THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY!!!!!

San Diego RNR Half-Marathon - ONLY 18 Days away!!!!

That's right! As part of our training, Becky and I have decided to WALK the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Half-Marathon with Team In Training!!!! Unfortunately, my foot is still injured and I have not been able to do a full run yet. On Friday I see a pediorthotist to get custom orthotics for my running shoes! Yay! Hopefully after that I will be back to my old self again!

On Saturday, Emily was a GREAT friend and skipped out on her 6-mile run to do a 12-mile walk with me.... YEP! 12 MILES!!!! whew! It took us 3 hours and 9 minutes to complete (and we stopped for a potty break, twice!) Our coach, Art, and his kids greeted us at the halfway point with Gatorade and GU! Yes, GOO! For those of you that are non-runners, it's this jelly substance that fuels you up with Carbs and Protein. We had the Strawberry-Banana flavor - it was kinda gross and I only had half of the pack. Thank you, Emily for your wonderful company!

We begin to taper our training this weekend and we have a pre-race clinic for the San Diego Half-Marathon. Becky and I are staying with my friend Kate Rodeeen (see March posting) and her fiance, Ken. We anticipate Ken's ship to return to port from the Middle East on the day that we arrive for the race - Thursday, May 31st! YAY! We will now have Kate AND Ken to cheer us on! My goal is to finish under 3 hours and 30 minutes -- WISH US LUCK!!!!

Quick Update

SPRING IS HERE!!! The weather is warm and sunny, finally! I got to go out with the TEAM this morning and although I didn't run I made some friends power-walking. I must say, 80 minutes of walking is a great workout, but nothing compared to the enjoyment of running. It's a beautiful day and perfect weather to be outside.

I'm over halfway through my physical therapy and it's going great! My PT says that he can tell I have been doing my exercises as my legs are much stronger than before. If I keep this up I should be running again by May 8th... that is pending the doctor's approval. In the meantime, I will continue to swim, power walk, and strengthen my core. That ....and eating lots of bananas! haha. I told my PT that the yellow magical fruit was going to make be better faster: "A banana a day, makes the pain go away!"

Thanks to everyone for all of the encouragement!

PS - CoMe To My ZeLLa PaRtY - SaTuRdAy, MaY 12Th!!!
(see details below)

TNT Party @ Zella

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!
I'm hosting a TNT Fundraiser and you're invited!!!!

Where: Zella (Racine & Clybourn)
When: Saturday, May 12th
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost: $30 All you can drink!
Location: Outdoor Patio

**I will be raffling off two sets of Cubs tickets for a $1 each!!!

I hope you can come, please bring your friends! I need 100 people to attend in order to meet my fundraising goal!

For more information regarding this event, please send me an email at natalierubino@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks for your support!

Speed bump in training.... I'm injured :(

I hate to admit it, but it's true - I'm injured! I have tendinitis in my right foot on my tibialis anterior tendon to be exact (see picture on left) and a stress reduction on my 5th metatarsal (or just below my pinky toe). If I would have waited to see a doctor just a few weeks longer I probably would be out for the running season with a stress fracture - boo! Unfortunately, my doctor told me that I CAN'T RUN FOR THREE WEEKS!!! I have to see a physical therapist for 6 sessions and pay another visit to the doctor before he'll clear me for training. When he told me this the tears just rushed to my eyes - I am so bummed!!!

Although this is a common injury, I apparently pushed myself too hard. After a few days of feeling sorry for myself and talking with friends and family - my pity party ended (thank you - Becky, Julie, Annmarie, & Donna). I'm in the gym working harder than ever: biking, swimming, and lifting. If I maintain my strength and cardio this shouldn't affect my training too much - or at least that's what the doctor says. I got myself some Superfeet insoles to put in my shoes - they're amazing! I've been doing the Dr. Oz CORE workouts from the Oprah show - they're kicking my butt! Here's the link if you want to try them: Dr. Oz Exercise Video. Whew!

Thankfully, I did get a chancge to have some quality R&R in San Diego for Spring Break - thanks go my good friend, Kate! When I was visiting, I realized that San Diego is much hillier than I had anticipated. I have a feeling this race will be more of a run/walk event - I just want to finish!
Here's a photo from my trip:









Fundraising is going very well - thank you to all that have donated! I have just 2 months left to raise my goal of $5000! I am putting together a TNT Happy Hour Fundraiser at Zella on May 12th - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Thanks to a generous donation from Jimmy, I'll be raffling off 2 sets of Cubs tickets. Be on the look out - I plan to send out an evite in the next few days.

Thanks again for all of your support!

Love, Natalie

Shamrock Shuffle 8K Race

662 out of 1998!!! Not too shabby! I placed in the top third in my age group (20-24) and finished the Shamrock Shuffle 8K run with a time of 48:55. Jake kept me tough and Donna added great enthusiasm to this fun filled race! The weather reached a record high today of 80 degrees! Can you believe it?!?! Who needs to go on Spring Break when the weather in Chicago feels like Florida! I actually sweat from the sun during this run. The rest of our day was spend meandering around the city. We calculated about 10 miles today on our feet just from enjoying the beautiful day! More to come..... love, nat

The Green River

The river is finally GREEN! This means Spring is just around the corner!

Friday night I finally got NEW SHOES! Pat @ the Glen Ellyn Running Co totally hooked it up with the new ASICS - AND THEY'RE BLUE!!!! I ran in them tonight with Jake and I feel like I'm running on air. They're so worth the price - my feet are in heaven! After my big purchase, Ron made us a tasty Italian pasta dinner - yummm! There's nothing like carbing up the night before a big run - Thanks, Dad!

On Saturday, Becky and I ran at the all-Team practice at Waterfall Glen in Darien. It was really cold, but absolutely beautiful! There were some hills along the path, but I guess it's supposed to make your legs stronger or something. Every time I do a hill I think of Donna (Jake's mom) and how we would whine our way up the hills in Rhode Island - that was a miserable run, but so worth the feast at Grandma Madeline's.

We ran about 7.5 miles on Saturday and it felt great! Afterwards, we drove back into the city to be greeted upon by millions of people watching the annual dying of the Chicago River. I took the picture above earlier today - it's still green, but not as bright as St. Patrick's Day. The remainder of Saturday was spent with the rest of the Irish (and wannabes) of Lincoln Park! We visited a few pubs and needless to say made it back to our apartment before dark (thanks to a special someone -wink, wink). Chicago IS a great city!

On Sunday Jake and I met Carly @ Tempo after a short jog through the Magnificent Mile... it's our spot and has the BEST breakfast in town! Bottomless coffee, fresh fruit, delicious omelets, and quick service - everything you want on a sunny Sunday morning.

This weekend is the Shamrock Shuffle and I'm gearing up for the race. Pray for sunshine and warm temps! Thanks for visiting my BLOG!

Love, Natalie

74 Degrees is PERFECT Running Weather!

That's right! Don't be confused, we're not in California - it's the WINDY City! Our windows are open and the air is fresh.... It's the perfect day for a run on the lakefront! Six miles... you bet!!!

Familiar faces, familiar places.... I cannot describe to you how beautiful the lakefront path was this evening. I <3 Heart <3 the Beach! The path was flooded with runners, bikers, walkers, business peeps, and random tourists. Even the buff-body-builder-man with the blond mullet and the two sizes too small spandex shorts made it out for a jog. OH! And Cheri from New Trier was on the path too! What a great city!?!?!

Although it wasn't the same running without Emily or Jake, it was still a fabulous run. I feel like I know that path like the back of my hand - every bump and crack (well, not really). Jake and I have stomped in those tracks too many times to count. Tonight brought back great memories from training for the half-marathon last year and reminded me how wonderful this training experience will be. I got to run in my new shorts, a t-shirt, and even my water belt made a cameo, so sexy!

Unfortunately, it isn't here to stay and the forecaster-men are predicting "wintery-like" precipitation on Friday - yuck! Kids were actually wearing shorts and flip-flops at school today, do you believe it? I guess it's too early to pack away my boots-boots this season... apparently I may need them just one more time.

I will be in San Diego visiting Rodeen in just 2 weeks (or a little more)... I can't wait! Speaking of San Diego..... I'm thinking about incorporating one more run into my training - the San Diego Rock n' Roll Half-Marathon in June.... any thoughts? I need to fundraise a total of $5000, so I'll keep you posted on how that's going. I haven't officially committed yet, so until then.... keep spreading the word about TNT! Thanks, kids!

Snow + Ice + Windchill = VERY COLD!!!

Brrrr!!! Emily and I pushed ourselves today (it's all mental)

1. We made it out of bed
2. We battled the 25 degree temps & snow!
3. We slid over many patches of ice and mounds of snow
4. AND we ran 45 minutes instead of 30!

Thankfully I got new running pants that helped keep me warm. No more wearing Jake's clothes! Next week = new shoes!

....We're ready for Spring!

After I got home from practice, Jake and I had a hearty guilt-free omelet breakfast from West Egg Cafe.....Mmmm!

It has only been a month and my TNT expectations have been greatly exceeded. Currently, I am contemplating running the Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon in San Diego on June 3rd! I really want to go because well.... 1. it's San Diego 2. it's a half-marathon (which I want to run before the full for practice) AND 3. it's for a pretty awesome cause! I just hope that I can fundraise another $2000! Any advice? We have a bar party in the works, so I'll keep you all posted on those details. In the meantime... please help spread the word!
Thank you for your support!

Love, Natalie

First Official Training - Success!

We did it!!!
Even with the 28 degree temperature outside and the windchill off the lake, Emily and I ran our first 4.25 miles with the Team!!! Despite the indescribably cold air, it's amazing how many Chicago runners were on the lake path trail - WOW! Other runners even cheer you on as they pass. Running today was actually fun!

For those of you who don't live in Chicago or near downtown, this is a picture of the river complements of my friend Leanne - it just looks cold! Only a few more weeks of these freezing temps (hopefully) and we'll be running in shorts! In the meantime, Emily and I definitely need warmer clothing. I wore Jake's over-sized running pants that were supposed to be skin tight, but were baggy on my legs. Looks like I'll be visiting the Glen Ellyn Running Co. next week!

I again just want to be sure that I thank everyone for donating to the Society. Our mission moment today was a woman that was running with us spoke on how she is 5 years cancer-free from Myeloma. This woman is truly an inspiration and a motivation to run! Thank you all for supporting such a worthy cause!

50% in 3 Days - Thanks for your Support!

I just wanted to let everyone that has been dontating know how much I appreciate your support. Especially those people who have shared their personal connection to the disease or the Society. Each and every one of you has been an inspiration and my motivation to run (even if it's on the indoor track/treadmill)!!! You people are truly amazing! So - THANK YOU!!!

The past two training practices have been cancelled due to cold, snowy weather! Bummer! However training outside does not sound very appealing. After all, last year Jake couldn't even get me to run when it was below 50 degrees! Emily and I did make our way to the State Street stores for some discount shopping on running apparel. I think we'll both be better prepared for the inclimate temperatures from here on out.

I officially signed up for the LaSalle Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run on Sunday, March 25th! There are still some spots open if your interested in running and I think they're estimating about 30,000 people running it (wow)! The entire race takes place right by my house in the Loop! For more information you can visit: www.shamrockshuffle.com.

Hope you're surviving the Winter. Thanks again for the sweet emails - keep them coming!

Love,
Natalie

TNT Fundraising Website Completed!

I MADE A BLOG!!!!

If you made it to my Blog then this means you have visited my Team In Training donation page, so let me first start off by saying, "THANKS FOR YOUR DONATION!" If you still haven't donated and would like to make a contribution, please visit my TNT website at: http://www.active.com/donate/tntil/tntilNRubino

Training hasn't officially started yet, but getting emails together and coming up with the perfect webpage has been time consuming. I got my first running outfit of the 2007 season for my birthday... and it's PURPLE! In addition, this is my first blog, but discovering all of these things has been fun!

I hope that you will continue to visit and check back on my progress. Feel free to post comments on my blog or email me words of wisdom. Thanks again for your support!

~Natalie