Back in April we met and started following the marathon journey of NorthShore employee Berna Jacobson. As the Chicago Marathon date quicklty appreoaches, we check in on Berna's training. 

Exactly one month until the marathon! It has been a challenging summer to train due to the heat and humidity, so last week on my long run was so nice to experience cooler temperatures. My peak week in mileage is next week and I will have my longest run before the marathon of 21 miles on Saturday September 17th and am hoping for cool and dry temperatures that day.

Speed training this year has been great and challenging. I am the slowest one there, but I like that the others encourage and push me to run stronger and faster.

After my long run next week, I will begin to taper - which means less miles and I can catch up on some sleep and rest my legs. Hopefully I can catch up with some friends too. I will also continue to fundraise for the American Cancer Society as I am part of their DetermiNation team this year.

I usually get a little antsy two weeks before the marathon due to running less and the anticipation of the race. I am sure the week before I will be checking the weather constantly even though it will continuously change and I can’t control it. Friday I will go to the DetermiNation team dinner to be inspired as I hear how the funds raised by everyone have been and will be used. I will need Kleenex for this. Saturday I will be off to the Expo to pick up my packet and grab some cool freebies and see if there are any race or running gear deals (even if you are not running the marathon the expo is a cool event)!

Sunday, October 9 is the day that so many have trained for and I can’t wait. Hope to see some NorthShore folks out there running, cheering and volunteering!