First DNS and Apr 4-10, 2015 weekly recap

It was a very busy week for me! This made the weekend fly by even more quickly than usual - and that is really saying something.

Before I talk more about the weekend, here's how the week's training went:

MONDAY - 10 minutes on stationary bike, lift 45 minutes
TUESDAY - Rest
WEDNESDAY - Zumba class, run 3 miles on treadmill
THURSDAY - Run 3 miles on treadmill with ladder incline intervals between levels 3-7
FRIDAY - Yoga class
SATURDAY - 10 minutes incline walking at level 3, lift 45 minutes
SUNDAY - Run 10 miles on treadmill with incline intervals between levels 3-5

I was supposed to run Chicago's Perfect 10 on Saturday morning. However, I wasn't feeling 100% on Friday. To add insult to injury, the forecasted real-feel temperature at race start time was a balmy 13 degrees Fahrenheit.

The race organizers had announced a late change in the start location from Navy Pier to the awkwardly-located DuSable Harbor. Navy Pier would have been much better since it would have allowed indoor facility usage pre- and post-race. Further, the course was entirely an out-and-back along the lakefront path - which I could also run anyday for free.

Given the lethal combination of all of the above, I elected to skip the race and post my first-ever DNS. Marcia and I were supposed to go to the race together, but she ended up making the same decision.

I think it was the right choice for both of us. On race morning, I slept in, felt increased gratitude for the joys of indoor warmth, and later heard about the Black Ice Horror Show that ensued on the path.

I contemplated never running any races in the future again. Ever.

On Saturday afternoon, Adam and I went to the burbs to do an early birthday celebration for my dad (his actual bday is on Tuesday). Afterwards, Adam went to hang out with his brother. I came back into the city to meet up with my friend, Ed, who is in town this weekend from California. We got a group of friends together to go bowling and had an awesome time catching up.

From L to R: Tony, me, Ed, Madee, Jack, and Shawn (many others not pictured)

Ed, when are you and Myhien going to move back to Chicago for good??? Come on, buddy! =)

On Sunday, I did 10 miles on the treadmill to make up for missing Saturday's race. The incline work was killer, as it has been for weeks on end. I am both grateful and terrified that there are only three more weeks before the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. (More on the state of my hill-training union later.)

Afterwards, Adam and I went to dinner at Porkchop, which is a Southern-themed restaurant/bar with a location just a few blocks from our home. I absolutely love exploring local neighborhood places - and Porkchop is super fun! Lots of diverse menu options, and the food and service were terrific. It's a really nice, laidback addition to Randolph Street.

Clockwise starting from top left:
Bacon maple doughnut; the bar; fish tacos and gumbo; and Porkchop's homemade BBQ sauces
(the telltale sign of a quality BBQ establishment, in my opinion).

Adam and I both indulged in the amazing BBQ and left completely stuffed. (Way for me to refuel after a long training run, eh?) I'm excited to go back and try more of their offerings - especially after they open their outdoor seating area. I heard they have a food truck, too. Food always tastes better when eaten outdoors, yes?

On that note, I know bacon doughnuts are all the rage these days, but Porkchop's was the first I'd ever tried. Wow!!! Now I completely understand the hype. That bacon maple doughnut alone was worth the price of admission. =D

Tell me about your week/weekend?

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Linking up with HoHo and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap.