IL: San Antonio Half Marathon

November 16, 2008

I traveled to San Antonio to meet Colleen and her friend to run in my first half marathon! On Friday we toured San Antonio and walked around the famous riverwalk. It was gorgeous along the river and nice weather in the 80s as well.

Remember the Alamo! There is no basement, trust me I asked. Oddly, the Alamo was a lot smaller than I imagined, but interesting nonetheless.

The race started early Sunday morning on a bright sunny day in the 30s. By the time we finished, it was in the 70s and sunny. I finished in 2:21:30. Both knees were quite sore, especially with stairs. This picture was taken in the lobby, after a hot shower and nap. Myself, Shannon and Colleen.

Colleen and I after our Mexican feast. We were starving!

Now that my first half marathon is done, time to start training for the next one!

IL: Chicago

November 8, 2008

I went back up to Chicago to go on the famous Piffer tour of Chicago. Thanks Sarah!

Downtown, next to where Sarah works.

Sears Tower.

Navy Pier.

Close up of Navy Pier.

Chicago is a big city and nice to visit, just not for me.

IL: PITT vs ND

November 1, 2008

I met Monte, Julie, Rick, Bridget, and Tara and Garret's family in South Bend for the Pitt vs Notre Dame football game. The first picture is the famous "touchdown Jesus" with myself and Monte in the foreground.

Tara's Uncle Neil and Mima. Thanks for getting the tickets!

Rick and Bridget. GO PITT!

The IRISH marching band. First time I made it in before a college football game started. Who are we kidding, close to the first time I made it in to any part of the game!

PITT won in 4 OT's for the longest game in either teams history. GO PITT!

IL: Track and Back Bike Ride

Ocotber 18, 2008

This bike ride was in Des Moines, IA and somehow I convinced Mary to participate. You had your choice of 50 or 100 miles, including riding a few laps around the Iowa Speedway. This is how the day started--foggy and 35 degrees.



In the far distance is a huge hill. Iowa is so not flat.

My windchilled face with Mary drafting from all my hard work.

A lap around the speedway. There is a sharp incline.

Iowa speedway. We finished 55 miles total after a little detour.

IL: La Salle 5K

August 17, 2008

I decided to train for a half marathon in mid November, so I might as well start with something small-- a 5K. A colleague told me about a local 5K supporting Alzheimer's research. The funny part was, I got in a picture in the local newsletter!! Thats me all the way on the right at the starting line.
A close up, yes i'm number 34--- not too many runners there!

And the best part was, I got 1st place in my age group! With a time of 30.29 minutes, one of my worst times in a 5k. I guess that's the good part about running in a small town.

IL: Trip to Omaha, NE

October 4, 2008

I drove to Des Moines, IA in four hours then rode with Mary another 2 to Council Bluffs, IA. We went camping at a state park in Omaha.

Driving into Omaha.
At the top of a tall tower where it was very windy.



It was nice to see Mary and my first trip to Iowa. Now I can definatively say, Iowa is NOT flat.

IL: Ride Like an Egyptian

September 27, 2008

I found a bike ride in that supports a local landmark, the Egyptian Theater. You had your choice of 25,50,75 or a century ride. I wanted to at least do 50.

From the snowbelt of Erie, to the corn belt of Peru.



These are the three people I rode with most of the time. They are all from the Dekalb area and have been on many fun travel adventures. I made the 50 miles in 3 and a half hours with breaks.