Unscheduled Bike Days

stats of the week: run 44km, cycled 70km, gym 2hrs

This was the scene midweek, seen from my home's kitchen window. I looked up wiki how a rainbow and its light area develops but couldn't understand it and therefore forgot the explanation immediately.

Finally I seem to get ready for Chicago roads in time but still my longest run was 1 h 25 min. Not the perfect preparation for a marathon. As it is hopeless anyway I agreed to insert a couple of bike days on the island of Mallorca - it's always worth the short journey even when it's raining on the hills like it did today. However, I and my legs were happy to combine a bike and run workout.

Building up too late

stats of the week: run 33km
13 days to go to Chicago Marathon ... while I have extended my training distance to 12km today.

Unfortunately there is no red wine provided on the windy city route. I will have to stick to water and energy drinks. No temptation to take walking breaks but I will have to. I am selected to start in Corral C for a sub 4 hours finish but I will be happy to finish within 4:30.

Starting US autumn

stats of the week: run 7km, cycled 70km, gym 4 hrs

Finally the annoying calf seems to have recovered and I unpatiently try to build up a new schedule. Just 18 days to go to the next event: My first Chicago Marathon - a missing major race I am keen to be part of.

How will I do after 5 weeks with hardly any running? Still hoping to do a 20K-jog next week and hoping this will enable me to finish a 42K-toddle in windy city.

Didn't know that my name is that frequent in US ... 10 runners called "Sauer" entered Chicago Marathon!

Last Name	First Name	Gender	City	State	Start Assignment	Charity Organization	Reg ID
Sauer	Carolyn	F	Chicago	IL	CORRAL M		45162189
Sauer	Christopher	M	Chicago	IL	CORRAL F		45162835
Sauer	Jacob	M	Lakewood	CO	CORRAL K		45236610
Sauer	Jennifer	F	Loveland	OH	CORRAL M		45232955
Sauer	Jennifer	F	Missoula	MT	CORRAL B		45225988
Sauer	Kathy	F	Verona	WI	CORRAL L		45185665
Sauer	Lindsey	F	Chicago	IL	CORRAL D	Chicago Run	45165214
Sauer	Luciano	M	Escazu	SAN JOSE	CORRAL D		45153702
Sauer	Michael	M	Chicago	IL	CORRAL J		45232242
Sauer	Quincy	F	Indianapolis	IN	CORRAL J		45164778
Sauer	Ulrich	M	Witten	GERMANY	CORRAL C		48486002

18,000 yards of vine

stats of the week: run 18km, cycled 56km

Constant problems with my injured calf forced me to alter my plans and shortcut the marathon to only 18km. Medoc is the only event I'd consider this. It would be a sin to refrain from vine tasting - the final 18km boast 10 stations and I didn't miss any of them. To avoid cheating I removed the time chip from the bib and just made my way as an unknown drinker.

humans flying over starting masses

you may take more than one glass

drinking in better style

the oyster bar signalizes the near finish line

helping hand serves with shower

Still waiting for come back

stats of the week: cycled 130km, gym 4hrs

Next Saturday will see me experimenting. After 4 weeks without running and still working to cure my calf I'll do a marathon. Alas it's not any marathon it's the red wine one. Medoc! 22 stations of samples of best Bordeaux wines.

I've laid out my plans. Run first half - walk second half - drink both halves.
This will hopefully and happily end after around six hours.

special drink station at Medoc Marathon (photo: official website)