Marathon training, week 8. BAMF.

Miles: 38
Martinis: 3
Strength training: 1 boxing class
Over all outlook:  I just might have a chance.  The miles were slow and tedious, but they got done.  I also felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders with all the job decisions being made.  I'm sleeping better, and even woke up of my own accord this morning.  I am slowly feeling healthier and more capable.  We'll see how long this lasts.

You shall be my half marathon shoes!

I have also decided to order another pair of Mizuno elixers.  I have been training in a pair of Brooks PureCadence's, and i love them, but i don't know if they are the right marathon shoe for me.  I tend to over pronate when i get really tired (usually the second half of a marathon) and i don't know if they have enough support for my wonky legs.  I know other people have run marathons in them, but i have to consider my less than stellar form.  I can already feel my legs pronating when i get tired.  I am also having some foot issues.  Of the seven toenails i have right now, one is black, and one cracked this weekend.  What. The. F***.  I never have foot problems, so i am going to try a couple options to solve the problem before i jump to my initial conclusion, which is that i must have leprosy.  

This weekend was really cold, and probably less than ideal running weather for someone like me.  Sadly, as much of a badass as i like to think i am, i was rocking my inhaler all weekend.  It is just way too hard to breathe in this cold!

As a means of escape from cold and bleak Chicago this weekend, Matt and I went to the conservatory. (It's free, BTW!)

It was so warm and green!  I feel like it's good for the soul to get a dose of nature every once in a while.
About a year and a half ago, the Chicago conservatory was decimated by a freak hailstorm.  (It also damaged me and Matt's cars!)  Since the roof was all glass, almost every pane was shattered.  It was nice to see it back up and running again, even if there are still repairs going on. 

We can't afford a tropical get away, but hanging out with these pineapples was almost as cool.

Sunday, i went on a tour of Suburbia to meet up with my friend Bobbi up north for some miles, and my future Ragnar team mates in the south for some more running!  (and planning)  It was nice to get out and run in new places.  Definitely a breath of fresh (albeit cold) air.  I know people who live in the suburbs complain about them, but when you live in the city, the suburbs is a fun adventure.  (Unless you're going to Ikea...)

Now, i am hanging out at work with my assistant, Waffles.  (Apparently its presidents day, so our dog walker had off, leaving us to fend for ourselves.  FWP!)

She gets things done.