it's freezing! went for a run in the park with my boss. 5.15m give or take with some walk breaks. 57:28 and we walked up two hills. It's my longest run since the marathon. Was a hard run but I think the weather, wind, diet and hard weights workout (my legs were pulsating this am) had a lot to do with that as well.
We ran a 5m loop of the park almost in its entirety and then ran a quick errand on our way back to the office.
While I feel pressure during these runs a) to run and b) to not take a break, I appreciate that this is something the senior female partner in the firm WANTS to do with me and NO ONE else. I like that. I refuse to let that drop. I will run if it kills me!
Today was tough. Our admin ordered a sandwich for a lunch meeting for me with peppers. Peppers and I are not friends. As in enemies. Peppers destroy my stomach. I burp uncontrollably. Awesome. It's quite disgusting and ironic as I have no idea why this is. Anyway- made the run a bit uncomfortable but I made it through.
Off to shower (at the office) before dinner with a friend. Viva la run!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thurs-Monday am: a Recap
The end of last week and the weekend just flew by. Who knew?
Wednesday night was our holiday party. I didn’t drink but stayed way too late. Thursday I slept in. Thursday night I got in bed uber early and got a lot of rest. No workout. Yikes. Friday am I dragged my butt out of bed for 25 min of arms/abs and a few squats/lunges for good measure. Friday pm we had a holiday party at a fancy-schmancy stuffy restaurant in Midtown. The food was OK and I didn’t overeat (although I did have a piece of bread and 2 glasses of wine).
Saturday we went down to my mom’s house for some annual family traditions. They’re fun and I love my family. We also did a mock Xmas Eve afterwards since, for the first time, I won’t be spending Xmas with my family. It was wonderful. Driving back I was exhausted though and went right to sleep at 9 pm
Sunday I woke up early but didn’t make it to the gym until much later in the day (comparably). I had eaten a lot of junk Saturday at mock Xmas Eve that I felt lethargic and generally unhappy. I ran 3.5m after deciding to not run the Ted Corbitt 15K. I know, I know. I just didn’t want to get sucked into the NYCM disease I have. I do not want to run. I want to watch. I want to enjoy the day. I want to get faster. I decided against qualifying at all. I will pick some key races this year and will requalify for 2012 in case I want to. Right now NYCM2011 is off the table. I feel a bit relieved which means I made the right decision.
My 3.5m run was on the treadmill. I haven’t been running a lot lately and I haven’t been treadmill running in forever- probably since Vegas (sept) in any sort of length. I despised it. It felt like time was passing oh so slowly! Overall I was fine though. This am I made it to the gym for a 40 min circuit workout which was pretty good. My weight is up huge which is quite depressing. I intend to go to yoga tonight and then on a 6m run tomorrow with my boss which should be ‘fun’. The only benefit is that I get to go during work hours and that it gives us quality time together which I wouldn’t normally get. We hope to go about 1x a week for the undefined future. That’s a huge help in getting me to run. I have to be able to keep up. I think as I settle into a schedule I will run 2-3x a week. Once with the boss and once on the weekend (longer ranging 6-10m depending). The one other time will vary. Sometimes speed work, sometimes hills. We shall see.
I need an event. Anyone got one? April? May? Something fun?
Wednesday night was our holiday party. I didn’t drink but stayed way too late. Thursday I slept in. Thursday night I got in bed uber early and got a lot of rest. No workout. Yikes. Friday am I dragged my butt out of bed for 25 min of arms/abs and a few squats/lunges for good measure. Friday pm we had a holiday party at a fancy-schmancy stuffy restaurant in Midtown. The food was OK and I didn’t overeat (although I did have a piece of bread and 2 glasses of wine).
Saturday we went down to my mom’s house for some annual family traditions. They’re fun and I love my family. We also did a mock Xmas Eve afterwards since, for the first time, I won’t be spending Xmas with my family. It was wonderful. Driving back I was exhausted though and went right to sleep at 9 pm
Sunday I woke up early but didn’t make it to the gym until much later in the day (comparably). I had eaten a lot of junk Saturday at mock Xmas Eve that I felt lethargic and generally unhappy. I ran 3.5m after deciding to not run the Ted Corbitt 15K. I know, I know. I just didn’t want to get sucked into the NYCM disease I have. I do not want to run. I want to watch. I want to enjoy the day. I want to get faster. I decided against qualifying at all. I will pick some key races this year and will requalify for 2012 in case I want to. Right now NYCM2011 is off the table. I feel a bit relieved which means I made the right decision.
My 3.5m run was on the treadmill. I haven’t been running a lot lately and I haven’t been treadmill running in forever- probably since Vegas (sept) in any sort of length. I despised it. It felt like time was passing oh so slowly! Overall I was fine though. This am I made it to the gym for a 40 min circuit workout which was pretty good. My weight is up huge which is quite depressing. I intend to go to yoga tonight and then on a 6m run tomorrow with my boss which should be ‘fun’. The only benefit is that I get to go during work hours and that it gives us quality time together which I wouldn’t normally get. We hope to go about 1x a week for the undefined future. That’s a huge help in getting me to run. I have to be able to keep up. I think as I settle into a schedule I will run 2-3x a week. Once with the boss and once on the weekend (longer ranging 6-10m depending). The one other time will vary. Sometimes speed work, sometimes hills. We shall see.
I need an event. Anyone got one? April? May? Something fun?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Spin and how much does it really burn?
Last night I did a spin class with Wil Ashley.
Now, he has been voted one of the best Equinox spin instructors in NYC and he really is amazing. I also love Gregg Cook. I have heard Darryl Gaines is the bomb (salsa music? Amazing) and will try him when I'm off work in a few weeks. Google any of them and you get great results. Theyre top notch.
My investment in spin shoes earlier this year has really paid off. I love spinning now and can't remember what I used to do without it. In fact, spin competes for a running day. I decided in the winter I will let spin win. It's fun and I love the music. Also Gregg Cook is hot (http://greggcook.com/)
I don't know how many calorie a spin class burns because I have yet to remember to bring my HRM which obviously will be calibrated to me specifically. Last nights estimate was almost 700, the week before (same bike, same calibration) 650. I am usually covered in sweat, dripping excessively and sometimes (like last night) have to take a break because I am exhausted and about to pass out.
Obviously calories burned has a lot to do with wattage (aka speed and a multiple of RPMs). Wil's class is tough as nails. I typically average well over 20 mph at 24 mph and level out at 240-260 watts with a low of 110 at the start and upwards of 300 for multiple minutes during the class. I would say I am WAY more out of breath/working WAY harder than 45 min of running, even up hill. Also, his Tuesday class tends to run almost an hour so I def get a HUGE workout.
Onwards and upwards. 15k this weekend. Ha. I have our holiday party tonight and Matt's Friday. Sat we'll be out of town for the day. Looking sooooooooo restful.
Now, he has been voted one of the best Equinox spin instructors in NYC and he really is amazing. I also love Gregg Cook. I have heard Darryl Gaines is the bomb (salsa music? Amazing) and will try him when I'm off work in a few weeks. Google any of them and you get great results. Theyre top notch.
My investment in spin shoes earlier this year has really paid off. I love spinning now and can't remember what I used to do without it. In fact, spin competes for a running day. I decided in the winter I will let spin win. It's fun and I love the music. Also Gregg Cook is hot (http://greggcook.com/)
I don't know how many calorie a spin class burns because I have yet to remember to bring my HRM which obviously will be calibrated to me specifically. Last nights estimate was almost 700, the week before (same bike, same calibration) 650. I am usually covered in sweat, dripping excessively and sometimes (like last night) have to take a break because I am exhausted and about to pass out.
Obviously calories burned has a lot to do with wattage (aka speed and a multiple of RPMs). Wil's class is tough as nails. I typically average well over 20 mph at 24 mph and level out at 240-260 watts with a low of 110 at the start and upwards of 300 for multiple minutes during the class. I would say I am WAY more out of breath/working WAY harder than 45 min of running, even up hill. Also, his Tuesday class tends to run almost an hour so I def get a HUGE workout.
Onwards and upwards. 15k this weekend. Ha. I have our holiday party tonight and Matt's Friday. Sat we'll be out of town for the day. Looking sooooooooo restful.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Weekend Workout Wonders
Triple W means triple fail. I did no working out this weekend. Zip. Zilch. Zappo. (I'm in a trio kind of mood I suppose).
Friday I had a ton to do pre housewarming. Saturday we woke up late, after staying up until 130 talking to a houseguest, and had a jam packed day with birthday parties. We returned from NJ (my cousins house is only a 20 min drive now- how awesome. It used to take me up to 75 min from 23rd and Park) around 330 and promptly got in bed to nap. The prep started again at 6 and we were up until 330 cleaning up post party. (more on that another time, suffice to say, our house is warm)
Matt had the shivers and a fever or 102 by 330 am. I stayed up until 5 making sure he was OK as he cat napped. I slept until 1030 but was exhausted. After breakfast he parked on the couch and his fever steadinly crept up until 102.7 and finally retreated to bounce betwen 101.5 and 102.5 through this am. Needless to say, I am exhausted. I wanted to go run yesterday but the lack of sleep and the fighting off whatever bug he has, made me cautious. I instead, waited on his beck and call and tried to be silent as he dozed for a mere 10 min at a time (poor thing). I slept in this am after being up every 2 hours during the night and got to work at 10 am. I am exhausted. I am clearly not cut out for childbearing times as I can't imagine waking up this many times consecutive nights.
I have a meeting this pm downtown. I might head home after- do some work from there. Poor thing I need to take care of him. I will try and run tonight or do yoga. I am nervous I won't even be able to run the 15k at the rate I've been going. I've run 1 3m and 1 4m distance since the marathon. Uhm yeah.
Friday I had a ton to do pre housewarming. Saturday we woke up late, after staying up until 130 talking to a houseguest, and had a jam packed day with birthday parties. We returned from NJ (my cousins house is only a 20 min drive now- how awesome. It used to take me up to 75 min from 23rd and Park) around 330 and promptly got in bed to nap. The prep started again at 6 and we were up until 330 cleaning up post party. (more on that another time, suffice to say, our house is warm)
Matt had the shivers and a fever or 102 by 330 am. I stayed up until 5 making sure he was OK as he cat napped. I slept until 1030 but was exhausted. After breakfast he parked on the couch and his fever steadinly crept up until 102.7 and finally retreated to bounce betwen 101.5 and 102.5 through this am. Needless to say, I am exhausted. I wanted to go run yesterday but the lack of sleep and the fighting off whatever bug he has, made me cautious. I instead, waited on his beck and call and tried to be silent as he dozed for a mere 10 min at a time (poor thing). I slept in this am after being up every 2 hours during the night and got to work at 10 am. I am exhausted. I am clearly not cut out for childbearing times as I can't imagine waking up this many times consecutive nights.
I have a meeting this pm downtown. I might head home after- do some work from there. Poor thing I need to take care of him. I will try and run tonight or do yoga. I am nervous I won't even be able to run the 15k at the rate I've been going. I've run 1 3m and 1 4m distance since the marathon. Uhm yeah.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Your vote is needed please
So, while I've been working out quite a bit lately, its been spin and yoga for the most part. My first run since Nov 14th was yesterday and was between 3 and 4 miles.
Should I even attempt the 15k next weekend?
This will also be my 9th race. I have volunteered so the caveat is that it will qualify for NYCM. WHich is good, but bad. I am pretty sure I can't do that to myself for a few years. I suppose my thought process is- do I qualify and defer and plan for 2012???
THOUGHTS?
Should I even attempt the 15k next weekend?
This will also be my 9th race. I have volunteered so the caveat is that it will qualify for NYCM. WHich is good, but bad. I am pretty sure I can't do that to myself for a few years. I suppose my thought process is- do I qualify and defer and plan for 2012???
THOUGHTS?
4/4 Amen.
I made it to the gym this am for arms and abs. That means M,T,W,Th workouts done. Hooray me. My legs are SO tired from the spin/run smackdown they've received. c'est la vie.
Seriously. I came off a slump big time. I really really would, in an ideal world, get in a run tomorrow am. Tonight I am going to try and leave at 6 in order to make 2 dishes before tomorrow. Then tomorrow I will make 2 more dishes. Then Saturday I will only have small appetizers to make. No big deal. I should be able to do that in the am before we leave for my cousin's bday. Then, when we're back, I will have some free time to relax and get ready for our housewarming. I really do love being organized.
I made almond cookies last night. delish. I added powdered sugar and put chopped almonds on top (vs a whole one) and theyre delicious if I do say so myself. I also added vanilla.
http://southernfood.about.com/od/almondcookiesandbars/r/bl30225a.htm
Ingredients:
•1 cup all-purpose flour
•1 cup ground almonds
•1/4 teaspoon baking powder
•dash salt
•1/2 cup butter, softened
•3/4 cup granulated sugar
•1 large egg white
•1/2 teaspoon almond extract
•48 whole blanched almonds
Preparation:
Stir together flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a mixing bowl cream butter and sugar at medium speed of electric hand held mixer. Beat in egg white and almond extract.
Stir flour and ground almond mixture into the creamed mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; chill for about 2 hours.
Shape dough into small balls, about 3/4-inch. Place balls 2 inches apart; flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass. Press an almond into the center of each cookie. Bake at 350° for about 12 minutes, or until set but not browned.
Makes about 4 dozen almond cookies.
Seriously. I came off a slump big time. I really really would, in an ideal world, get in a run tomorrow am. Tonight I am going to try and leave at 6 in order to make 2 dishes before tomorrow. Then tomorrow I will make 2 more dishes. Then Saturday I will only have small appetizers to make. No big deal. I should be able to do that in the am before we leave for my cousin's bday. Then, when we're back, I will have some free time to relax and get ready for our housewarming. I really do love being organized.
I made almond cookies last night. delish. I added powdered sugar and put chopped almonds on top (vs a whole one) and theyre delicious if I do say so myself. I also added vanilla.
http://southernfood.about.com/od/almondcookiesandbars/r/bl30225a.htm
Ingredients:
•1 cup all-purpose flour
•1 cup ground almonds
•1/4 teaspoon baking powder
•dash salt
•1/2 cup butter, softened
•3/4 cup granulated sugar
•1 large egg white
•1/2 teaspoon almond extract
•48 whole blanched almonds
Preparation:
Stir together flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a mixing bowl cream butter and sugar at medium speed of electric hand held mixer. Beat in egg white and almond extract.
Stir flour and ground almond mixture into the creamed mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; chill for about 2 hours.
Shape dough into small balls, about 3/4-inch. Place balls 2 inches apart; flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass. Press an almond into the center of each cookie. Bake at 350° for about 12 minutes, or until set but not browned.
Makes about 4 dozen almond cookies.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
a run! HOORAY!
Just a quick run with my boss today. 3.35m overall but my first run after the Sunday after the marathon. So it's been about a month. GRRRRRRRRRRREAT to be back out there albeit the weather has turned! So cold! Wore tons of layers and was a bit warm (go figure) and then got cold from being too sweaty. Will I ever learn? Cold weather is so tough for me!
Anyway, no idea what pace we ran. I'd guess 11 min miles but it was tough because I went to my killer spin class last night.
Anywho. Just trying to keep up the blogging. I was going to attempt yoga tonight but I think my legs will fall off. We shall see if I'm so inspired. I really need to make cookies for the party this weekend. Tomorrow I'll make another appetizer and then Friday 2 more. Saturday I will just need to make some quick ones. No biggie!!! God I love being organized. I don't know how disorganized peopel get anything accomplished- I really don't!
Anyway, no idea what pace we ran. I'd guess 11 min miles but it was tough because I went to my killer spin class last night.
Anywho. Just trying to keep up the blogging. I was going to attempt yoga tonight but I think my legs will fall off. We shall see if I'm so inspired. I really need to make cookies for the party this weekend. Tomorrow I'll make another appetizer and then Friday 2 more. Saturday I will just need to make some quick ones. No biggie!!! God I love being organized. I don't know how disorganized peopel get anything accomplished- I really don't!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Yet another spin and whats that? A run in my future???
I made it to spin class tonight. I know the consoles they have arent always the most reliable but I havent been so drenched or so exhausted in a while. Even after a long run I don't feel this way. I actually sat down in the lounge (gotta love Equinox) and answered emails for 15 minutes post class. Bright red tomato faced too!!
Anyway the console said I burned 675 calories and rode about 19 miles. My wattage (apparently) was around 350 at certain times and over 200 for most of the class.
I am on a quest to lose a bit of weight. My old BMR was 2k a day. So figure with the spin class I exert about 2500 calories a day. I consumed about 2100 so 500 is my magic number. A pound a week in theory.
A partner at our firm asked me to go on a run tomorrow. I am zero percent interested in running (unclear why) HOWEVER this is a great opportunity to chat and get face time with a senior person. We went for one solidarity run pre marathon and it was really great to a) spend time with her and b) get face time and c) speak openly. Apparently she's never really run with anyone before and never asked anyone to run with her so its a 'big' deal. So, if she wants to run, I will run. She runs the marathon slower than I do, but manages a 10-1030 pace when we're doing our runs. I have no goals and really, I am scared of it being too cold. I havent really adjusted to the massive change in temperature yet, but I have the gear and it probably will do me some good to get out there again. I am a little stressed but she's pretty cool in terms of taking water breaks etc so that'll be good.
So that's tomorrow's workout. A 3-5m run in the park. I havent been in ages! Almost a month!! WOW! Thats the longest I havent run since the Fall of 2008. Perhaps it's a needed break. I'm not sure. Thursday I hope I make it to do some weights, unclear what class or if I'll make up a routine. I'm def lacking in motivation. Friday will be whatever I don't do Thursday- or, if it goes well, a run on the treadmill in the am. Sat and Sun I'm going to have to be off. We have such a jam packed weekend!
Happy almost hump day!
Anyway the console said I burned 675 calories and rode about 19 miles. My wattage (apparently) was around 350 at certain times and over 200 for most of the class.
I am on a quest to lose a bit of weight. My old BMR was 2k a day. So figure with the spin class I exert about 2500 calories a day. I consumed about 2100 so 500 is my magic number. A pound a week in theory.
A partner at our firm asked me to go on a run tomorrow. I am zero percent interested in running (unclear why) HOWEVER this is a great opportunity to chat and get face time with a senior person. We went for one solidarity run pre marathon and it was really great to a) spend time with her and b) get face time and c) speak openly. Apparently she's never really run with anyone before and never asked anyone to run with her so its a 'big' deal. So, if she wants to run, I will run. She runs the marathon slower than I do, but manages a 10-1030 pace when we're doing our runs. I have no goals and really, I am scared of it being too cold. I havent really adjusted to the massive change in temperature yet, but I have the gear and it probably will do me some good to get out there again. I am a little stressed but she's pretty cool in terms of taking water breaks etc so that'll be good.
So that's tomorrow's workout. A 3-5m run in the park. I havent been in ages! Almost a month!! WOW! Thats the longest I havent run since the Fall of 2008. Perhaps it's a needed break. I'm not sure. Thursday I hope I make it to do some weights, unclear what class or if I'll make up a routine. I'm def lacking in motivation. Friday will be whatever I don't do Thursday- or, if it goes well, a run on the treadmill in the am. Sat and Sun I'm going to have to be off. We have such a jam packed weekend!
Happy almost hump day!
double yoga equals fail
So, while I did make it to yoga last night, I didn't stay for the second class. Instead I made an appetizer for this weekend's party. So I suppose, net net I did OK.
I slept in this am for spin (yoga makes me legs feel so heavy! I'ts like the class works muscles spin doesn't- which I know it does, but it's pretty funny to me) but will go this pm. I hope. The class I want to attend is full at the moment. So we'll see.
I have a busy work week too so I might just go do elliptical.
Le sigh. I have the winter blues.
I slept in this am for spin (yoga makes me legs feel so heavy! I'ts like the class works muscles spin doesn't- which I know it does, but it's pretty funny to me) but will go this pm. I hope. The class I want to attend is full at the moment. So we'll see.
I have a busy work week too so I might just go do elliptical.
Le sigh. I have the winter blues.
Monday, December 6, 2010
I didn't leave the office until about 8 pm on Friday. Scrapped the workout and we had pizza and wine. Saturday I went to vinyasa yoga and yesterday i skipped the 10k and instead went and did 25 min of cardio and 15 min of weights. I'm not sure why I skipped the run save to say I was tired and wanted to sleep in. The race was at 8 am which is early for winter. I like the 10 am starts, i can't lie!
Whats missing? Oh!!! Running. Yes, well running and I, idk. I didn't make it out this wkd. We were busy Sat during the entire day at a family event and didn't get home until 11 pm. I couldve done the 10k Sunday (Joe Kleinerman- even picked up the shirt) but somehow I preferred to sleep in.
Last week I was dying to run. This weekend I couldn't motivate- whats wrong here?!
I am in a slump for sure. Although you'd think the 15k in 2 weekends or the half in January would be motivating me. Nope!! I'm struggling with running the 15k. It's my 9th race and I already volunteered back in February. I don't want to qualify for NYC. I am afraid I'll register and I do want to stick to my guns and give myself a year off of training. I really do want to get faster. I really do. I am afraid if I train for the 15k (train being an objective word here) I will get suckered into it. The benefits of running the 15k? 1) fitness, 2) the ability to have a base time and compare not only next year but in March at the colon cancer 15k. I thought that made sense?
Thoughts?
This week (a preview):
Tonight: double yoga- hatha flow and slow flow
Tues: Spin- already signed up
Wed: yoga- vinyasa
Thurs- run- mid day?
Friday- am weights
Sat- am run
Sun- gloriously off.
Whats missing? Oh!!! Running. Yes, well running and I, idk. I didn't make it out this wkd. We were busy Sat during the entire day at a family event and didn't get home until 11 pm. I couldve done the 10k Sunday (Joe Kleinerman- even picked up the shirt) but somehow I preferred to sleep in.
Last week I was dying to run. This weekend I couldn't motivate- whats wrong here?!
I am in a slump for sure. Although you'd think the 15k in 2 weekends or the half in January would be motivating me. Nope!! I'm struggling with running the 15k. It's my 9th race and I already volunteered back in February. I don't want to qualify for NYC. I am afraid I'll register and I do want to stick to my guns and give myself a year off of training. I really do want to get faster. I really do. I am afraid if I train for the 15k (train being an objective word here) I will get suckered into it. The benefits of running the 15k? 1) fitness, 2) the ability to have a base time and compare not only next year but in March at the colon cancer 15k. I thought that made sense?
Thoughts?
This week (a preview):
Tonight: double yoga- hatha flow and slow flow
Tues: Spin- already signed up
Wed: yoga- vinyasa
Thurs- run- mid day?
Friday- am weights
Sat- am run
Sun- gloriously off.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Annnnnddddd
I'm allowed to run! HOORAY!
Now I need to decide on my goals!
I'm thinking that since I've been spinning etc running shuold be OK. I am goign to go 6m on either Sat or Sun and see how that feels. Sunday the 18th is the 9m run. I think I'll do it just to do it. A starting place. There is another 15k on March 27th. I could do some serious damange in terms of times in that much time, right?
Ok so, here's the race calendar.
Sunday: Joe Kleinerman 10-k (what a bonus, I forgot I signed up)
Sunday the 18th- 15k
Jan 22- Manhattan half (maybe)
Feb 6- Gridiron 4m
March 27- 14k
Now I need to decide on my goals!
I'm thinking that since I've been spinning etc running shuold be OK. I am goign to go 6m on either Sat or Sun and see how that feels. Sunday the 18th is the 9m run. I think I'll do it just to do it. A starting place. There is another 15k on March 27th. I could do some serious damange in terms of times in that much time, right?
Ok so, here's the race calendar.
Sunday: Joe Kleinerman 10-k (what a bonus, I forgot I signed up)
Sunday the 18th- 15k
Jan 22- Manhattan half (maybe)
Feb 6- Gridiron 4m
March 27- 14k
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Sore and tired? You'd think I was still training!
So I work, alot. I have already been sitting at my desk a solid 10 hours. And I get no breaks. It's awesome. Gotta love Finance.
I am still here and obviously not making my yoga class in 20 minutes. At this point I probably will stay late to finish things so that tomorrow I can get in spin and my massage. I know, the hard life eh?
Overate again today. All I can do is keep chipping away at the bad habits I've developed from marathon training and am struggling to 'turn off' as follows:
- eating bread as a snack, with a meal and really whenever I want
- deciding chocolate is a food group and indulging in cookies and snickers whenever I feel like it
- 'adding' calories vs cutting (adding avocado, more beans, hummus, nuts). Obv these are good foods but I still need to be careful with my lighter workouts!!!
I go to the doc tomorrow. Can't wait to hear if I can run. I am dying!
Spin tomorrow am! YIPPPEEEE
I am still here and obviously not making my yoga class in 20 minutes. At this point I probably will stay late to finish things so that tomorrow I can get in spin and my massage. I know, the hard life eh?
Overate again today. All I can do is keep chipping away at the bad habits I've developed from marathon training and am struggling to 'turn off' as follows:
- eating bread as a snack, with a meal and really whenever I want
- deciding chocolate is a food group and indulging in cookies and snickers whenever I feel like it
- 'adding' calories vs cutting (adding avocado, more beans, hummus, nuts). Obv these are good foods but I still need to be careful with my lighter workouts!!!
I go to the doc tomorrow. Can't wait to hear if I can run. I am dying!
Spin tomorrow am! YIPPPEEEE
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Yoga and a spin?
Well after what feels like forever I finally made it to spin class this am and yoga last night. It always makes me giggle when I go to the gym 2x from when I leave work to when I walk in the next day. That's mildly obsessed right? Or is it normal?
I can't really decide what 'normal' is. Obviously I realize to each their own but what do the majority of semi active people do? I tend to work out 6-7x a week when I was training and think I will settle on 4-5x a week now. That's some serious working out right? Or no?
I still havent really run. BORING. I am dying to. Who knew? I am supposed to go to the doc on Thursday and we'll see if I am in the clear to run. If so I intend to run (no joke) 8-10 on Saturday. Get it out of my system!!! Well let's aim for 6 at least! I have that 15k i signed up for but now obviously it won't be a race. That is what it is. Why even do it then? Unclear.
In other news I wish NYRR would post next years schedule.
I can't really decide what 'normal' is. Obviously I realize to each their own but what do the majority of semi active people do? I tend to work out 6-7x a week when I was training and think I will settle on 4-5x a week now. That's some serious working out right? Or no?
I still havent really run. BORING. I am dying to. Who knew? I am supposed to go to the doc on Thursday and we'll see if I am in the clear to run. If so I intend to run (no joke) 8-10 on Saturday. Get it out of my system!!! Well let's aim for 6 at least! I have that 15k i signed up for but now obviously it won't be a race. That is what it is. Why even do it then? Unclear.
In other news I wish NYRR would post next years schedule.
Monday, November 29, 2010
FAIL!
Ever see the website failblog.org
That was me trying to work out this wkd. Ginormous fail. Thursday- too busy with helping set up, the bf arrived too early. Friday- completed 100% of Xmas shopping, was too tired to even breathe, nevermind exercise. Did manage to walk to dinner though (so a mile total and walked about 4m durnig the day? could be worse!) Saturday- too lazy/tired. Woke up at 630 am!!! Sunday- 1.25hr fitness walk, couldnt motivate for spin and there was no yoga!!!
Today. Slept in.
REALLY?
Goals:
Tonight: 45 min elliptical, 20 min weights.
Tomorrow- 45 min spin
Wednesday- 1 hr core fusion
Thursday- off I think
Let's not overreach into the weekend just yet.
That was me trying to work out this wkd. Ginormous fail. Thursday- too busy with helping set up, the bf arrived too early. Friday- completed 100% of Xmas shopping, was too tired to even breathe, nevermind exercise. Did manage to walk to dinner though (so a mile total and walked about 4m durnig the day? could be worse!) Saturday- too lazy/tired. Woke up at 630 am!!! Sunday- 1.25hr fitness walk, couldnt motivate for spin and there was no yoga!!!
Today. Slept in.
REALLY?
Goals:
Tonight: 45 min elliptical, 20 min weights.
Tomorrow- 45 min spin
Wednesday- 1 hr core fusion
Thursday- off I think
Let's not overreach into the weekend just yet.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Spanx-giving
As the title implies, most of us will overindulge this weekend.
Ironically, that grosses me out. I tend to be so conscious over Thanksgiving because I just can't believe the idea of gorging yourself until you're so full your body has to go to sleep to deal with the digestive task at hand.
I always run on Christmas am and Thanksgiving am. This year, I will be power walking but same thing, right? (I'm not convinced- when you google 'cardiovascular benefits of walking' a whole bunch of over 50 sites come up-yawn!! ) I tend to eat egg whites with fruit for breakfast, nibble on healthier hors d'ourves and then load up on salad and have only plain green beans, yams and turkey for dinner. Overall a normal if not slighly heavy caloric day.
And oh, Friday, yes, let's talk about Friday. Friday my mom and I wake up early and go outlet shopping- I love it. I honestly think it's one of my favorite things. Best part is, we miss the crazy shoppers because they go at midnight and we wait until 5 am (who knew!)
I am a bit sore today- I presume from spin. Was OK not great, there were two chatty younger Indian girls in my class (Columbia from their age??) and finally I had to turn around and say "SERIOUSLY? STOP TALKING". They complied. I guess I was scary. Still. I use spin as my downtime, my 'let your brain recover' time. I don't need to hear your chatter.
Happy Holidays all! Try and get that walk/run/jog in (not that I'm preaching or anything).
Ironically, that grosses me out. I tend to be so conscious over Thanksgiving because I just can't believe the idea of gorging yourself until you're so full your body has to go to sleep to deal with the digestive task at hand.
I always run on Christmas am and Thanksgiving am. This year, I will be power walking but same thing, right? (I'm not convinced- when you google 'cardiovascular benefits of walking' a whole bunch of over 50 sites come up-yawn!! ) I tend to eat egg whites with fruit for breakfast, nibble on healthier hors d'ourves and then load up on salad and have only plain green beans, yams and turkey for dinner. Overall a normal if not slighly heavy caloric day.
And oh, Friday, yes, let's talk about Friday. Friday my mom and I wake up early and go outlet shopping- I love it. I honestly think it's one of my favorite things. Best part is, we miss the crazy shoppers because they go at midnight and we wait until 5 am (who knew!)
I am a bit sore today- I presume from spin. Was OK not great, there were two chatty younger Indian girls in my class (Columbia from their age??) and finally I had to turn around and say "SERIOUSLY? STOP TALKING". They complied. I guess I was scary. Still. I use spin as my downtime, my 'let your brain recover' time. I don't need to hear your chatter.
Happy Holidays all! Try and get that walk/run/jog in (not that I'm preaching or anything).
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
So where have I been?
I was told by the doc to take 2 weeks off from running last Tuesday. It's been harder than I thought. I took Wed,Thurs and Fri off. Sat I did 25 min elliptical and 15 weights. Sun we went on a long fitness walk. I love them! It's been so nice out. Unseasonably warm for November for sure. Uh oh- Long winter ahead!!
Tonight I will prob go to yoga or I might just go to do some elliptical for good measure. Tomorrow I won't have time but perhaps I can do yoga with my mom. Thursday I will go for a walk in the am since I can't run. Friday I go shopping so I'll be off. Sat and Sun I hope to make it to the gym here in the city.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Tonight I will prob go to yoga or I might just go to do some elliptical for good measure. Tomorrow I won't have time but perhaps I can do yoga with my mom. Thursday I will go for a walk in the am since I can't run. Friday I go shopping so I'll be off. Sat and Sun I hope to make it to the gym here in the city.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
First workout!
All the 'firsts' post marathon are kinda fun. I have to admit.
I had to drop my weekly spin class in August because, quite frankly, it didnt fit into my training schedule. I am a delicate person. I say this and while I laugh, I mean it. I am 'that' girl. The one always sniffling. The one who gets tuberculosis, swine flu, and any other disease that is in fashion. I have had a head cold for over a month. The doctors find nothing wrong with me. I don't even have a weakened immune system. I am just a sicky.
I get tired sometimes and when I do I sleep a lot. I require a lot of recovery from running. With that said, marathon training, the last two months at least, take a lot out of me. I gave up yoga and spin in late August when the schedule ramped up and I needed an extra rest day. Luckily my body held up well, I had no aches and pains even without that day of cross training.
I went to spin today with Matt Pascua. He was in an accident and given a 30% chance of living. He worked in Finance and then became a spin instructor. He was very motivating. I just finished a great book. The Long Run by Matt Long. If you run, you should read this book. It is amazing. I cried through the last chapter. AMAZING.
I have a busy work week ahead and won't be running until at least next week. I am saddened by that but I am able to spin, do elliptical and yoga.
I had to drop my weekly spin class in August because, quite frankly, it didnt fit into my training schedule. I am a delicate person. I say this and while I laugh, I mean it. I am 'that' girl. The one always sniffling. The one who gets tuberculosis, swine flu, and any other disease that is in fashion. I have had a head cold for over a month. The doctors find nothing wrong with me. I don't even have a weakened immune system. I am just a sicky.
I get tired sometimes and when I do I sleep a lot. I require a lot of recovery from running. With that said, marathon training, the last two months at least, take a lot out of me. I gave up yoga and spin in late August when the schedule ramped up and I needed an extra rest day. Luckily my body held up well, I had no aches and pains even without that day of cross training.
I went to spin today with Matt Pascua. He was in an accident and given a 30% chance of living. He worked in Finance and then became a spin instructor. He was very motivating. I just finished a great book. The Long Run by Matt Long. If you run, you should read this book. It is amazing. I cried through the last chapter. AMAZING.
I have a busy work week ahead and won't be running until at least next week. I am saddened by that but I am able to spin, do elliptical and yoga.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
First Post NYCM Run
I finally got off my butt and ran today. I didn't feel like it but I knew it would make me feel better. I ran about 3.85m and didnt feel overexerted at all. In fact, had it not been getting dark (and I always underestimate how fast that happens) I probably wouldve run more. It was nice to feel (even with the aches and groans of my joints/muscles etc) in shape and fit again. It's only been a week since the marathon but the laying around, resting and working late already has tricked me into feeling flabby, exhausted and out of shape.
I definitely don't want to lose the fitness I've gained. I am going to sit down and make a running plan soon. I think that will be good for me. I think I will run the Ted Corbitt 15k in December and the Manhattan half marathon in January (assuming its then since the NYRR calendar isnt set). I think next weekend I will run 8m or so on Sunday and I think potentially stay around that level including Tuesday and Thursday runs as usual. That will be about 15-20 miles a week and I think that's a healthy base.
Nothing else to report. It was such a gorgeous day out today. What gets me is the runners in full track suits when its 60 degrees. Uhm I'm in shorts and a t-shirt so something is wrong here!!
I definitely don't want to lose the fitness I've gained. I am going to sit down and make a running plan soon. I think that will be good for me. I think I will run the Ted Corbitt 15k in December and the Manhattan half marathon in January (assuming its then since the NYRR calendar isnt set). I think next weekend I will run 8m or so on Sunday and I think potentially stay around that level including Tuesday and Thursday runs as usual. That will be about 15-20 miles a week and I think that's a healthy base.
Nothing else to report. It was such a gorgeous day out today. What gets me is the runners in full track suits when its 60 degrees. Uhm I'm in shorts and a t-shirt so something is wrong here!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Post Marathon Blues
Monday as per my previous post I stayed home in pain and wallowing.
Tuesday I was hobbling but at work and OK mentally. I worked late and hard.
Wednesday, less hobbly but hobblish to say the least, worked late and hard again.
Today, no hobbling, itching to work out, going to get a massage tonight, legs feel normal again finally
Friday- intend to head to the gym in the am. Weights, perhaps elliptical.
Saturday- hope to get a run in but may be too late when I get back in town
Sunday- hopefully a walk and yoga.
On the agenda:
I signed up for the Ted Corbitt 15k (9.3m how random huh) in December. I hope to run well and need to 'train' for it. In an ideal world I would finish in 90-95 minutes. We will see. No pressure after the mess that was the marahon. 9:45 pace was the 5miler. That would be nice. I'm signed up for the Joe Kleinerman 10k but have plans the night before to celebrate our anniversary dinner so that's over.
Tuesday I was hobbling but at work and OK mentally. I worked late and hard.
Wednesday, less hobbly but hobblish to say the least, worked late and hard again.
Today, no hobbling, itching to work out, going to get a massage tonight, legs feel normal again finally
Friday- intend to head to the gym in the am. Weights, perhaps elliptical.
Saturday- hope to get a run in but may be too late when I get back in town
Sunday- hopefully a walk and yoga.
On the agenda:
I signed up for the Ted Corbitt 15k (9.3m how random huh) in December. I hope to run well and need to 'train' for it. In an ideal world I would finish in 90-95 minutes. We will see. No pressure after the mess that was the marahon. 9:45 pace was the 5miler. That would be nice. I'm signed up for the Joe Kleinerman 10k but have plans the night before to celebrate our anniversary dinner so that's over.
Monday, November 8, 2010
NYCM #2
I didn't think I would ever have the energy to really write about what happened yesterday. But I feel as if perhaps I just write it will all come flooding out... I can't believe its just yesterday. I didn't go to work today 1) because I needed a day of wallowing and 2) because I can't quite walk. HA! I can walk, don't worry, but I certainly hobble along at a pace that is not quite NYC ready. I will have to leave myself 15 extra min to get to work, FOR SURE!
In summary it was a disappointing day. Not only did I not come close to my A B or C goals, I felt like crap through most of the race.
I took a car service to South Ferry at 6:15 marathon morning. I had been assigned the 7 am ferry. I really am a firm believer that one bad act sets off another and was desperate to break the chain by the time I stood in the corrals at 10:40 Sunday am. The car went to the wrong address. Then they tried to blame me. Why did I get a car you ask? Well I was nervous about getting a cab because there aren't many up where I live nowadays. I figured I would sleep more soundly if I ordered a car service. So when I finally called the car service about being nearly 10 min late the woman corrected their mistake and the car picked me up on Broadway, not even the street I lived on. I huffily made my way to the car only to have the guy slow down at 35th and the WSH and say 'WHERE IS THIS PLACE YOU'RE GOING TO' Uhm hello? South Ferry? marathon day. Girl wearing sweats carrying a clear bag. Haven't you seen this marathon army which is gathering all around the borroughs??? What does this have to do with 34th street? And why are we driving 30 mph while other runners in hats, sweats and gloves carrying their clear bags go whizzing by!! By the time I got to the ferry station, shuffled along to Door 1, was denied, Door 2 was denied because the Ferry arrived at Door 1 and shuffled my way to Door 2 again I was mildly annoyed and ready to go back to bed.
Staten Island was whatever. I made it to the TNT tent even though I had no charity bracelet- I still dont know if thats my fault or not. I sat with some TNT friends and we chatted about the race, ate breakfast #2 and got ready. The tent, short port a potty lines (significantly so vs last year), the corrals worked well for me even though they closed insanely early and we barely made it. I found a girl from TNT who I had run with before and we set out together with no promises to stay together. I definitely appreciated the company at the start. I always have too much nervous energy and I was scared I would race out again... I started off slow (as you saw) and even though my legs felt super heavy I chalked it up to nerves and taper. I knew I wanted to go slow and I wouldve rather lost a minute off my total time to that vs feeling shitty at the end. M2 was in control especially for a downhill. Slow and steady wins the race had already been nominated as my mantra. M3,4,5 were fine, on pace and I saw my first group of friends at m5 and had a few pretzels and took a few pics. I had decided pretzels were going to save me, save me from dehydration and my salt issues, save me from sloshy belly and save me from boredom/sweetness of gels; little did I know what was ahead. M6 felt like it was a mountain I had to climb. I don't know how you can deteriorate at m6 in a freaking marathon when you've trained well, BUT, whether it be the salt, the antihistamines, the oral steroids, who knows, I did. By m8 when I knew I would see my bf I was about to cry. I saw his parents first who were violently shaking a sign in my face and all I could say is 'Where is he?' I really needed to see him at that point. I needed someone rational to tell me whether or not I should drop out or stay in. It shouldnt have been that hard. For crying out loud it was m8!! I had 18 more to go. I seriously wanted to quit but I thought DNF was really too lame to call at m8. I mean, I do live in this city, there would be permanent scarring. I ran 9,10,11 and 12 half heartedly. I kept trying to tell myself I could save this race. I took (count them) 3 salt tablets between m6 and m11. One I had and two I took from the next aid station. I've never taken 3 salt packets back to back. I took one and when it didnt work I didnt know what else to do. I felt naseated and a bit dizzy and I know in my gut thats dehydration or too little salt. Since I was so well hydrated I had peed 4 times that AM I knew it was the latter. I also had had 2 gels by m9 and had had pretzels and gatorade and water. No sloshy belly though which I guess was good. I saw a group of TNT'ers that I knew ran 11-11:30 pace ahead of me, pretty significantly so, at about m9. I caught them at m10 and again, almost burst into tears. I needed someone to pace me. Some group to hold onto. I knew it was that, or take the subway home in Queens, honest, it was that bad. I made myself a mental deal to just run with them. I let my 4:53 dream die in Brooklyn and for that I will always resent/be grateful. I ran with this group of women until about m12 when I left them (not even on purpose, it was just hard to run their pace).
At m13 I saw Julie from TNT who wanted to run a 4:45. I had run 16m with her in the park a few weeks before. I told her to have the run we were both meant to have. I hope she did. I kept looking for Coach Wanda hoping she could boost my spirits but never found her even though she was supposed to be policing the Pulaski. I saw my mom, brother and cousin at m14 and I knew she was worried because I was about 10 min behind my pace AND I had started 6 min after my wave time. I told her I was feeling better but the racing part was over. I walked the Qboro bridge (arguably pretty quickly) and jogged down into Manhattan. I ran into Kelli again and saw 2 sets of friends right away. I stopped to eat my pretzels and have an extended chat- hey might as well enjoy it right? I started to feel like myself on the Qboro. Sure I had just 'run' through 16 miles but I felt better than I had at m6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12. How sad is that?
Coming off the Qboro was the same disappointment as last year. It's just really not that loud. I saw my friends on the south side of the Bridge and took gatorade and pretzels and then stopped just a few blocks north to visit with friends on the West side of the Ave. Hey, I hadnt seen them in a while and I needed to eat more pretzels. Now I realize I hadn't eaten a gel since m12? I dont know. I know I took 1 at m3 shot blocks... (yes, lame) and 1 real gel at m7. I took another margarita shot block at m10/11/12? On 1st ave I even stopped to sponge my face. It wasnt as awesome as last year but I was super salty so I was glad.
Heading up first ave was awful. I felt MUCH better but my poor form in the earlier miles had taken its toll, my hips felt the beginning of the end. Little did I know the next day (today) I would feel as if my legs were shredded). There were SO MANY drunk fans lining the bars that my name (jen) was ringing through the air. It's an easy name, sure, but OMG annoying. I saw my BF and his family at 89th and 1st after a few waves to other friends on the Ave and picked up Nicole at m19. She graciously accompanied me (and distracted me) through the trek uptown and into the Bronx. I really quite frankly wasnt in the mood. I walked up the Willis Ave bridge (hey, if you can walk almost as fast as you would run, why waste the energy running?) We smiled and hopefully took awesome pictures, although I do miss the orange carpet! I knew the race was gone and while I suppose in retrospect I shouldve pushed more, I just didnt see the point in injuring myself (again little did I know how I would feel today). I even stopped to pee!! We made it through the Bronx, back into Harlem, saw the parents and BF again AND learned that Jared the subway guy was less than a mile ahead of us.
Now, I respect Jared for losing weight. But as an able bodied, healthy female woman, I wanted to beat his lame ass. I couldnt tell if Matt was kidding but I kissed him, took my long sleeve shirt (with a new name (my last) on it, HALLELUJAH) and we went on our merry way. Running up 5th Avenue is pretty tough. It always is and always will be, but it wasn't that bad lung wise, just hip wise my left especially felt like a creaky old door. I was really really glad to have my last name on my shirt. I was done with JEN and done with runners calling out my name in general but take what you can get. I also had started to get a bit cold, which happened last year too, so it was nice to be prepared. Ironically runners kept saying my full name (meaning my first and then my last) which really threw me for a loop. We then figured out that apparently you could see through my shirt to my first name which conveniently was displayed above my last. GRRR. Nicole left me at 93rd (post hill thank you very much) and really I can't thank her enough. I was in piss poor spirits (imagine) and she was doing her damnedest to help me along! I saw my mom right before Nicole left me and took a huge swig of gatorade which I think really helped me get through the last few miles. Arguably I shouldve had another gel but I am terrible at remembering late in the race. I did at some point take my last gel (I think m20?) and that was 6 'gels' but clearly it wasn't enough.
As I entered the park, I felt awesome. Unfair or thankfully, I felt pretty damned good for having run 24 miles. My legs were not happy but that's to be expected. I felt in better spirits than at the beginning, I mean, hell, I pulled myself out of a really big hole. Like honestly, for that I am proud. I was running along right before the bottom of the reservoir and I heard a voice in a thick French accent 'hey, you're the girl I started with last weekend'. When I turned my head it was the woman with whom I had spoken about the marathon with just the Sunday before at the 5-miler KickOff race start line. She had wanted to run 4:50-5 as well and was trudging along with me on pace for a 5:10-5:15.... It was nice to see her even though by all standards she was a complete stranger. We chatted a few sentences and then it happened. I started hearing people on the sidelines talking about Jared... and I realized.... the sucker was right in front of me.... I started asking people in the crowd how far ahead of me he was and people kinda just stared and said 'a bit' or 'uhmmm not much' In retorspect it must have been ridiculous. Here I am, sweaty, gross, marathoned out, screaming back at the crowd 'WHERE IS JARED?' But people, I needed to know if he's catchable or no chance in hell. Finally some guy on Cat Hill (can I also mention thank God we went down and not up at that point? Theres no way I couldve made my legs do that!!!) told me Jared was walking about about 50 yards ahead (see football does come in handy)... I decided then and there I was going for it. Eff you Jared and your stupid subway and weight loss ads. Eff you for thinking you're so in shape and talking crap about how you're going to run a 4:30 marathon and Eff you for not giving the NYCM course the respect it deserves! (I got all this off some blog which said Jared wanted to run a 4:20-30 marathon and how it was work but not too bad blah blah) Finally at the m25 water stop I saw him. Jared. He wasnt walking. He was, however, as sick of having his name called as I was. Now mind you, the guy is tall. Way taller than I expected with a huge NAME plate on his shirt and subway signs all around. He was running with two guys, I assume his bodyguards? or trainers. Major props to him for running and training. I just don't like the shit talk. I flew by him and any time I wanted to stop from there on out, I just kept thinking, don't let Jared beat you.
I saw my friend on CPS and at that point was running a good clip. I ditched my long sleeve shirt coming into the park and a park worker casually yelled 'yay jen you can do it girl'. I know I looked strong and happy and healthy anddddddddddd way better than most runners I was passing. AND I passed a lot of people let me tell you. I had a great time in the park, the support was nice but the bleachers were empty which was disapointing and yet another reason I want to be faster... At one point I went to check a chafed spot (why I had to do that then, I do not know) and some guy was like 'JEN YOURE NOT CHAFED KEEP RUNNING' very funny- I had no intention of stopping but I suppose 200 yards from the finish line, why check for chafing? I was just very comfortable in the pace I was running. I mean why not right? I ran hundred of miles at an 11 min pace to train! I finished in 5:13 which ironically ended up being 8 seconds slower than Jared (a-duh I have last years time too!!!). I got my medal, pic, heat blanket and bag and ran into Rich, the older guy from TNT. We death marched it out of there and I met up with my family on Columbus. I didnt think the death march was nearly as terrible as last year but perhaps that was because I was expecting it and because I wasnt feeling as much as crap as I did last year. I drank the recovery gatorade and had more pretzels.
We took the subway home which was brutal. Stairs=brutal. I had an apple, 2 slices of pizza, champagne, a choco covered apple and some mango plus a chocolate milk, a gatorade and 2 bottles of water when I got home/before bed. Not a ton given the day's activities.
Today, my legs are shredded. I don't know why I keep using that term but that's what they are. I can hardly walk. Never mind curbs. HA. I remember after NJ Shore I couldnt sit on the toilet. This time thats no issue. Funny how the same run can be so different. This year I remember all of the park and the last 3 m, last year I didnt. Last year I loved Brooklyn, this year I cheered the guy on the Pulaski with the Get out of Brooklyn sign.
I saw all my peeps this year, I can't say I had fun, but I'm in great cardiovascular shape and while I'm not happy I refuse to say I regret it. I know a lot of people who PR'd yesterday and of whom I'm very proud. It was not my day. My PR came a week too early at the 5-miler Kickoff Run.
positives:
-I met my mentor and go to coach this season, both of whom I hope to stay friendly with
- I pulled myself out of a gargantuan hole and have not shed one tear
- salt tablets no longer make me gag.
-no blisters after all the blister drama this summer
-my friends and family (more of them) got to see me run
-perhaps i inspired people i dont even know
-i raised money for tnt
- i have yet another medal
yea so that's about all I've got. I'm trying to focus on the positives and just go with it. this week will be all about recovery (esp my legs! yikes!) and next week I'll look to set some goals, both in terms of future runs and also in terms of general fitness. I am pretty sure I am done with marathoning. This really was the ultimate defeat. I am humbled, embarrassed and ultimately defeated by the greatest event the greatest city has to offer and I don't know if I'll look to fight this beast without knowing I will dominate.
In summary it was a disappointing day. Not only did I not come close to my A B or C goals, I felt like crap through most of the race.
I took a car service to South Ferry at 6:15 marathon morning. I had been assigned the 7 am ferry. I really am a firm believer that one bad act sets off another and was desperate to break the chain by the time I stood in the corrals at 10:40 Sunday am. The car went to the wrong address. Then they tried to blame me. Why did I get a car you ask? Well I was nervous about getting a cab because there aren't many up where I live nowadays. I figured I would sleep more soundly if I ordered a car service. So when I finally called the car service about being nearly 10 min late the woman corrected their mistake and the car picked me up on Broadway, not even the street I lived on. I huffily made my way to the car only to have the guy slow down at 35th and the WSH and say 'WHERE IS THIS PLACE YOU'RE GOING TO' Uhm hello? South Ferry? marathon day. Girl wearing sweats carrying a clear bag. Haven't you seen this marathon army which is gathering all around the borroughs??? What does this have to do with 34th street? And why are we driving 30 mph while other runners in hats, sweats and gloves carrying their clear bags go whizzing by!! By the time I got to the ferry station, shuffled along to Door 1, was denied, Door 2 was denied because the Ferry arrived at Door 1 and shuffled my way to Door 2 again I was mildly annoyed and ready to go back to bed.
Staten Island was whatever. I made it to the TNT tent even though I had no charity bracelet- I still dont know if thats my fault or not. I sat with some TNT friends and we chatted about the race, ate breakfast #2 and got ready. The tent, short port a potty lines (significantly so vs last year), the corrals worked well for me even though they closed insanely early and we barely made it. I found a girl from TNT who I had run with before and we set out together with no promises to stay together. I definitely appreciated the company at the start. I always have too much nervous energy and I was scared I would race out again... I started off slow (as you saw) and even though my legs felt super heavy I chalked it up to nerves and taper. I knew I wanted to go slow and I wouldve rather lost a minute off my total time to that vs feeling shitty at the end. M2 was in control especially for a downhill. Slow and steady wins the race had already been nominated as my mantra. M3,4,5 were fine, on pace and I saw my first group of friends at m5 and had a few pretzels and took a few pics. I had decided pretzels were going to save me, save me from dehydration and my salt issues, save me from sloshy belly and save me from boredom/sweetness of gels; little did I know what was ahead. M6 felt like it was a mountain I had to climb. I don't know how you can deteriorate at m6 in a freaking marathon when you've trained well, BUT, whether it be the salt, the antihistamines, the oral steroids, who knows, I did. By m8 when I knew I would see my bf I was about to cry. I saw his parents first who were violently shaking a sign in my face and all I could say is 'Where is he?' I really needed to see him at that point. I needed someone rational to tell me whether or not I should drop out or stay in. It shouldnt have been that hard. For crying out loud it was m8!! I had 18 more to go. I seriously wanted to quit but I thought DNF was really too lame to call at m8. I mean, I do live in this city, there would be permanent scarring. I ran 9,10,11 and 12 half heartedly. I kept trying to tell myself I could save this race. I took (count them) 3 salt tablets between m6 and m11. One I had and two I took from the next aid station. I've never taken 3 salt packets back to back. I took one and when it didnt work I didnt know what else to do. I felt naseated and a bit dizzy and I know in my gut thats dehydration or too little salt. Since I was so well hydrated I had peed 4 times that AM I knew it was the latter. I also had had 2 gels by m9 and had had pretzels and gatorade and water. No sloshy belly though which I guess was good. I saw a group of TNT'ers that I knew ran 11-11:30 pace ahead of me, pretty significantly so, at about m9. I caught them at m10 and again, almost burst into tears. I needed someone to pace me. Some group to hold onto. I knew it was that, or take the subway home in Queens, honest, it was that bad. I made myself a mental deal to just run with them. I let my 4:53 dream die in Brooklyn and for that I will always resent/be grateful. I ran with this group of women until about m12 when I left them (not even on purpose, it was just hard to run their pace).
At m13 I saw Julie from TNT who wanted to run a 4:45. I had run 16m with her in the park a few weeks before. I told her to have the run we were both meant to have. I hope she did. I kept looking for Coach Wanda hoping she could boost my spirits but never found her even though she was supposed to be policing the Pulaski. I saw my mom, brother and cousin at m14 and I knew she was worried because I was about 10 min behind my pace AND I had started 6 min after my wave time. I told her I was feeling better but the racing part was over. I walked the Qboro bridge (arguably pretty quickly) and jogged down into Manhattan. I ran into Kelli again and saw 2 sets of friends right away. I stopped to eat my pretzels and have an extended chat- hey might as well enjoy it right? I started to feel like myself on the Qboro. Sure I had just 'run' through 16 miles but I felt better than I had at m6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12. How sad is that?
Coming off the Qboro was the same disappointment as last year. It's just really not that loud. I saw my friends on the south side of the Bridge and took gatorade and pretzels and then stopped just a few blocks north to visit with friends on the West side of the Ave. Hey, I hadnt seen them in a while and I needed to eat more pretzels. Now I realize I hadn't eaten a gel since m12? I dont know. I know I took 1 at m3 shot blocks... (yes, lame) and 1 real gel at m7. I took another margarita shot block at m10/11/12? On 1st ave I even stopped to sponge my face. It wasnt as awesome as last year but I was super salty so I was glad.
Heading up first ave was awful. I felt MUCH better but my poor form in the earlier miles had taken its toll, my hips felt the beginning of the end. Little did I know the next day (today) I would feel as if my legs were shredded). There were SO MANY drunk fans lining the bars that my name (jen) was ringing through the air. It's an easy name, sure, but OMG annoying. I saw my BF and his family at 89th and 1st after a few waves to other friends on the Ave and picked up Nicole at m19. She graciously accompanied me (and distracted me) through the trek uptown and into the Bronx. I really quite frankly wasnt in the mood. I walked up the Willis Ave bridge (hey, if you can walk almost as fast as you would run, why waste the energy running?) We smiled and hopefully took awesome pictures, although I do miss the orange carpet! I knew the race was gone and while I suppose in retrospect I shouldve pushed more, I just didnt see the point in injuring myself (again little did I know how I would feel today). I even stopped to pee!! We made it through the Bronx, back into Harlem, saw the parents and BF again AND learned that Jared the subway guy was less than a mile ahead of us.
Now, I respect Jared for losing weight. But as an able bodied, healthy female woman, I wanted to beat his lame ass. I couldnt tell if Matt was kidding but I kissed him, took my long sleeve shirt (with a new name (my last) on it, HALLELUJAH) and we went on our merry way. Running up 5th Avenue is pretty tough. It always is and always will be, but it wasn't that bad lung wise, just hip wise my left especially felt like a creaky old door. I was really really glad to have my last name on my shirt. I was done with JEN and done with runners calling out my name in general but take what you can get. I also had started to get a bit cold, which happened last year too, so it was nice to be prepared. Ironically runners kept saying my full name (meaning my first and then my last) which really threw me for a loop. We then figured out that apparently you could see through my shirt to my first name which conveniently was displayed above my last. GRRR. Nicole left me at 93rd (post hill thank you very much) and really I can't thank her enough. I was in piss poor spirits (imagine) and she was doing her damnedest to help me along! I saw my mom right before Nicole left me and took a huge swig of gatorade which I think really helped me get through the last few miles. Arguably I shouldve had another gel but I am terrible at remembering late in the race. I did at some point take my last gel (I think m20?) and that was 6 'gels' but clearly it wasn't enough.
As I entered the park, I felt awesome. Unfair or thankfully, I felt pretty damned good for having run 24 miles. My legs were not happy but that's to be expected. I felt in better spirits than at the beginning, I mean, hell, I pulled myself out of a really big hole. Like honestly, for that I am proud. I was running along right before the bottom of the reservoir and I heard a voice in a thick French accent 'hey, you're the girl I started with last weekend'. When I turned my head it was the woman with whom I had spoken about the marathon with just the Sunday before at the 5-miler KickOff race start line. She had wanted to run 4:50-5 as well and was trudging along with me on pace for a 5:10-5:15.... It was nice to see her even though by all standards she was a complete stranger. We chatted a few sentences and then it happened. I started hearing people on the sidelines talking about Jared... and I realized.... the sucker was right in front of me.... I started asking people in the crowd how far ahead of me he was and people kinda just stared and said 'a bit' or 'uhmmm not much' In retorspect it must have been ridiculous. Here I am, sweaty, gross, marathoned out, screaming back at the crowd 'WHERE IS JARED?' But people, I needed to know if he's catchable or no chance in hell. Finally some guy on Cat Hill (can I also mention thank God we went down and not up at that point? Theres no way I couldve made my legs do that!!!) told me Jared was walking about about 50 yards ahead (see football does come in handy)... I decided then and there I was going for it. Eff you Jared and your stupid subway and weight loss ads. Eff you for thinking you're so in shape and talking crap about how you're going to run a 4:30 marathon and Eff you for not giving the NYCM course the respect it deserves! (I got all this off some blog which said Jared wanted to run a 4:20-30 marathon and how it was work but not too bad blah blah) Finally at the m25 water stop I saw him. Jared. He wasnt walking. He was, however, as sick of having his name called as I was. Now mind you, the guy is tall. Way taller than I expected with a huge NAME plate on his shirt and subway signs all around. He was running with two guys, I assume his bodyguards? or trainers. Major props to him for running and training. I just don't like the shit talk. I flew by him and any time I wanted to stop from there on out, I just kept thinking, don't let Jared beat you.
I saw my friend on CPS and at that point was running a good clip. I ditched my long sleeve shirt coming into the park and a park worker casually yelled 'yay jen you can do it girl'. I know I looked strong and happy and healthy anddddddddddd way better than most runners I was passing. AND I passed a lot of people let me tell you. I had a great time in the park, the support was nice but the bleachers were empty which was disapointing and yet another reason I want to be faster... At one point I went to check a chafed spot (why I had to do that then, I do not know) and some guy was like 'JEN YOURE NOT CHAFED KEEP RUNNING' very funny- I had no intention of stopping but I suppose 200 yards from the finish line, why check for chafing? I was just very comfortable in the pace I was running. I mean why not right? I ran hundred of miles at an 11 min pace to train! I finished in 5:13 which ironically ended up being 8 seconds slower than Jared (a-duh I have last years time too!!!). I got my medal, pic, heat blanket and bag and ran into Rich, the older guy from TNT. We death marched it out of there and I met up with my family on Columbus. I didnt think the death march was nearly as terrible as last year but perhaps that was because I was expecting it and because I wasnt feeling as much as crap as I did last year. I drank the recovery gatorade and had more pretzels.
We took the subway home which was brutal. Stairs=brutal. I had an apple, 2 slices of pizza, champagne, a choco covered apple and some mango plus a chocolate milk, a gatorade and 2 bottles of water when I got home/before bed. Not a ton given the day's activities.
Today, my legs are shredded. I don't know why I keep using that term but that's what they are. I can hardly walk. Never mind curbs. HA. I remember after NJ Shore I couldnt sit on the toilet. This time thats no issue. Funny how the same run can be so different. This year I remember all of the park and the last 3 m, last year I didnt. Last year I loved Brooklyn, this year I cheered the guy on the Pulaski with the Get out of Brooklyn sign.
I saw all my peeps this year, I can't say I had fun, but I'm in great cardiovascular shape and while I'm not happy I refuse to say I regret it. I know a lot of people who PR'd yesterday and of whom I'm very proud. It was not my day. My PR came a week too early at the 5-miler Kickoff Run.
positives:
-I met my mentor and go to coach this season, both of whom I hope to stay friendly with
- I pulled myself out of a gargantuan hole and have not shed one tear
- salt tablets no longer make me gag.
-no blisters after all the blister drama this summer
-my friends and family (more of them) got to see me run
-perhaps i inspired people i dont even know
-i raised money for tnt
- i have yet another medal
yea so that's about all I've got. I'm trying to focus on the positives and just go with it. this week will be all about recovery (esp my legs! yikes!) and next week I'll look to set some goals, both in terms of future runs and also in terms of general fitness. I am pretty sure I am done with marathoning. This really was the ultimate defeat. I am humbled, embarrassed and ultimately defeated by the greatest event the greatest city has to offer and I don't know if I'll look to fight this beast without knowing I will dominate.
NYCM Non race report
I don't quite have the energy to post a full race report.
I had a bad race. By M6 I knew it wasnt happening. I almost dropped out at M8 I felt so terrible. I've really struggled this season with salt and electrolytes. I finally started feeling normal by M14 and kept running with a lot of breaks to see my friends, pose for pictures and just make it through.
5:13 something is my official time. I didnt even check because I don't really care.
Yea, I ran another marathon, it feels like a waste.
I really dont know what happened. M1 was purposely so slow, my legs were lead. My 2 was right on pace. M3 and 4 average out. M5 I saw my friends and slowed down. M6 was where I started to not feel well... m7 I couldnt keep it together M8 I sped up because I knew I would see Matt. m9 I almost quit. I felt like I was running through molasses. m10 I walked a bit but finally caught up with some TNT'ers that I knew. m11,12,13,14 was just trying to hold onto a race that wouldnt be a complete mess. I saw my mom before I walked up the Qboro (m15,16). M17 I stopped to talk to Ali and Kelly, in retrospect not my best idea. M18 I saw Matt. M19 I stopped to pick up Nicole. I felt like we were flying when we obv we not. M20 was the Bronx, we walked up the Willis Ave bright. m21 I went to the bathroom, m22 started the hill, m23 I just was slow. M24 I was trying, m25 and m26 I didnt want Jared to pass me. What a day.
The splits:
1-12:37
2-11:01
3-11:47
4-10:21
5-12:03
6-11:33
7-11:50
8-10:39
9-11:50
10-11:46
11-11:29
12-11:40
13-11:50
14-11:45
15-13:18
16-12:20
17-13:04
18-12:01
19-12:15
20-12:24
21-13:15
22-13:15
23-11:54
24-12:23
25-11:19
26- 11:15
0.2- 2:19
I had a bad race. By M6 I knew it wasnt happening. I almost dropped out at M8 I felt so terrible. I've really struggled this season with salt and electrolytes. I finally started feeling normal by M14 and kept running with a lot of breaks to see my friends, pose for pictures and just make it through.
5:13 something is my official time. I didnt even check because I don't really care.
Yea, I ran another marathon, it feels like a waste.
I really dont know what happened. M1 was purposely so slow, my legs were lead. My 2 was right on pace. M3 and 4 average out. M5 I saw my friends and slowed down. M6 was where I started to not feel well... m7 I couldnt keep it together M8 I sped up because I knew I would see Matt. m9 I almost quit. I felt like I was running through molasses. m10 I walked a bit but finally caught up with some TNT'ers that I knew. m11,12,13,14 was just trying to hold onto a race that wouldnt be a complete mess. I saw my mom before I walked up the Qboro (m15,16). M17 I stopped to talk to Ali and Kelly, in retrospect not my best idea. M18 I saw Matt. M19 I stopped to pick up Nicole. I felt like we were flying when we obv we not. M20 was the Bronx, we walked up the Willis Ave bright. m21 I went to the bathroom, m22 started the hill, m23 I just was slow. M24 I was trying, m25 and m26 I didnt want Jared to pass me. What a day.
The splits:
1-12:37
2-11:01
3-11:47
4-10:21
5-12:03
6-11:33
7-11:50
8-10:39
9-11:50
10-11:46
11-11:29
12-11:40
13-11:50
14-11:45
15-13:18
16-12:20
17-13:04
18-12:01
19-12:15
20-12:24
21-13:15
22-13:15
23-11:54
24-12:23
25-11:19
26- 11:15
0.2- 2:19
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Expo and a wonderful dream
I went to the expo this am as tomorrow and this pm I will be at a work conference.
It was pouring rain, although I will not complain about the weather today. If this was Sunday, I would be really unhappy.
Anyway it was pretty uneventful to say the least. I have my number, my shirt and I bought a cute asics shirt just because (I dont know- retrospectively it was dumb- however I am turning all my running shirts into a quilt so I will need more?). Work got me a hat and a long sleeve zip up which was super nice of them. I am here with my poland spring huge bottle and a gatorade. bulk up baby!! I also got some signs at the expo for my friends! HA! I have friends flying in from FL and GA for the weekend. I'm just looking fwd to some fun :)
Last night I didnt take my prednisone but I slept 8 hours straight through so it was worth being a bit stuffed this am. I've also been wearing my contacts so my eyes dont panic Sunday when I try and put them in. I never wear contacts anymore and never for any length of time but I'll wear them today tomorrow and Saturday in preparation. Anyway I had a very realistic (melatonin induced) dream about breaking 4:53. My time in the marathon was 4:42. I would die of happiness I think. Anyway I picked up a 4:50 pace band at the expo.
Nothing else to report. Massage tonight. Conference from 730-4 tomorrow but with an hour plus for lunch. I might skip the lunch and go on a quick run using the Equinox at 63 and Lex as home base (the conference is in the 60s and 5th). So we'll see. Otherwise I will have run my last run my friends.
It was pouring rain, although I will not complain about the weather today. If this was Sunday, I would be really unhappy.
Anyway it was pretty uneventful to say the least. I have my number, my shirt and I bought a cute asics shirt just because (I dont know- retrospectively it was dumb- however I am turning all my running shirts into a quilt so I will need more?). Work got me a hat and a long sleeve zip up which was super nice of them. I am here with my poland spring huge bottle and a gatorade. bulk up baby!! I also got some signs at the expo for my friends! HA! I have friends flying in from FL and GA for the weekend. I'm just looking fwd to some fun :)
Last night I didnt take my prednisone but I slept 8 hours straight through so it was worth being a bit stuffed this am. I've also been wearing my contacts so my eyes dont panic Sunday when I try and put them in. I never wear contacts anymore and never for any length of time but I'll wear them today tomorrow and Saturday in preparation. Anyway I had a very realistic (melatonin induced) dream about breaking 4:53. My time in the marathon was 4:42. I would die of happiness I think. Anyway I picked up a 4:50 pace band at the expo.
Nothing else to report. Massage tonight. Conference from 730-4 tomorrow but with an hour plus for lunch. I might skip the lunch and go on a quick run using the Equinox at 63 and Lex as home base (the conference is in the 60s and 5th). So we'll see. Otherwise I will have run my last run my friends.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Funny story and a run
I work in an office in midtown in NYC... conservative finance... blah blah...all I've been thinking of is marathon.
Today I got in the elevator after lunch and held the door for some older guy. He said 'thank you' and asked 'how my day was going'. When I said 'fine', he asked me if our office was quiet today'. I said, 'yeah it is' and he said 'yea its just that time of year' and I said 'oh yeah marathon week' and at the same time he says......................'elections'. Awesome. I felt like such a tool. I have been talking marathon all day to anyone who will listen. I'm less nervous now. Feeling pretty confident. Not sure where that came from.
Tonight was a TNT run. We ran 3.8m in 39:16. Works for me but was too fast again. Was supposed to be 11 min marathon pace. I think that's my largest concern being able to run 11 min miles. Because really that's all I want and I will be happy. So I need to think SLOW JEN SLOW and not RUN JEN RUN :)
Was nice to get some nervous energy out though. Next concern- how in the hell to get downtown and what time I should go at with all the talk that theyre going to be strict this year!!!
Today I got in the elevator after lunch and held the door for some older guy. He said 'thank you' and asked 'how my day was going'. When I said 'fine', he asked me if our office was quiet today'. I said, 'yeah it is' and he said 'yea its just that time of year' and I said 'oh yeah marathon week' and at the same time he says......................'elections'. Awesome. I felt like such a tool. I have been talking marathon all day to anyone who will listen. I'm less nervous now. Feeling pretty confident. Not sure where that came from.
Tonight was a TNT run. We ran 3.8m in 39:16. Works for me but was too fast again. Was supposed to be 11 min marathon pace. I think that's my largest concern being able to run 11 min miles. Because really that's all I want and I will be happy. So I need to think SLOW JEN SLOW and not RUN JEN RUN :)
Was nice to get some nervous energy out though. Next concern- how in the hell to get downtown and what time I should go at with all the talk that theyre going to be strict this year!!!
Monday, November 1, 2010
If this is taper madness, no thank you please
I feel like I lost my head. All of the sudden I can't concentrate. About 2 minutes passes after each concentrated task before I need to flip to the next one.
Caffeine cutback begins asap. Obviously is not helping.
I made a list of what needs to get done and its hardly anything. I'm just anxious and no workouts are not helping me.
UGH
Caffeine cutback begins asap. Obviously is not helping.
I made a list of what needs to get done and its hardly anything. I'm just anxious and no workouts are not helping me.
UGH
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Poland Sping 5m Kick Off Run
I had been told that the race course is notoriously crowded and that it was for the first mile at least. I had in the back of my head that I wanted to PR and that it wouldnt be too difiicult given that I've only run 2 5m races previously as follows:
-Fathers Day 5m- 52:48 and I pushed a bit
-Hope and Possibility 5m- 55:48 that's more of my normal pace
Both races were this summer, 6/20/10 and 6/27/10 so the weather was much much different than today which was sunny and 54 degrees.
Regardless, I was psyched with my final time. 49:01. YAAAAHOOOOOO!!!! A PR by 3 min 47 seconds unofficially. The course was a clockwise loops starting right before the NYCM finish line.
Spilits:
10:30
9:57
9:53
9:29
9:11
When I started and saw 10:30 given the west side hills I figured 'Hey! Maybe I'll break the 52:48 I set in the summer, that would be nice'... When I hit the second split right by the 102 transverse I was like, Huh sounds great. I did mess up the splits a bit so m1 and m2 were more like 10:23 and 10:04 but whatever. I decided then I wanted to pick it up a bit and saw the 9:53 for m3 and decided that I wanted to break 50 min. 49:01 is a dream!!! I think my ultimate 5m goal is going to be 45min but we'll get there with training etc. 2011 is the year of training runs. I am going to set 4m, 5m 10k goals and we'll hopefully get to 9 min pace for the 10k, 8:45 pace for the 5m and 8:30 pace for the 4m.
YAY SUNDAY! Here I come NYCM!
-Fathers Day 5m- 52:48 and I pushed a bit
-Hope and Possibility 5m- 55:48 that's more of my normal pace
Both races were this summer, 6/20/10 and 6/27/10 so the weather was much much different than today which was sunny and 54 degrees.
Regardless, I was psyched with my final time. 49:01. YAAAAHOOOOOO!!!! A PR by 3 min 47 seconds unofficially. The course was a clockwise loops starting right before the NYCM finish line.
Spilits:
10:30
9:57
9:53
9:29
9:11
When I started and saw 10:30 given the west side hills I figured 'Hey! Maybe I'll break the 52:48 I set in the summer, that would be nice'... When I hit the second split right by the 102 transverse I was like, Huh sounds great. I did mess up the splits a bit so m1 and m2 were more like 10:23 and 10:04 but whatever. I decided then I wanted to pick it up a bit and saw the 9:53 for m3 and decided that I wanted to break 50 min. 49:01 is a dream!!! I think my ultimate 5m goal is going to be 45min but we'll get there with training etc. 2011 is the year of training runs. I am going to set 4m, 5m 10k goals and we'll hopefully get to 9 min pace for the 10k, 8:45 pace for the 5m and 8:30 pace for the 4m.
YAY SUNDAY! Here I come NYCM!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
So much for a 6m slow run paced run
I didnt feel like getting out of bed this am. I had wine and cuban last night and was up until 1 am with friends. I slept to 9 am which felt so incredulously late and skipped the TNT last Saturday run. Instead I lounged all day, did laundry, made my pile for next Sunday and finally, an hour before sunset decided to drag my butt out of bed to run. I ran 3.83m which was 1 lap of the reservoir and to and from the park. The perfect weekday am or early pm run to be honest. I like living so close to the park.
Without realizing it I ran a 9:44 pace. Uhm OK. I dont think its possible, honest. But the watch and runningahead dont lie, right? Even if I was off witht he mileage it would have to be quite a bit to move it to an 11 min pace.
Oh well.
Tomorrow I am running the Poland Spring 5-mile kick off. I will not run too fast!!!
Without realizing it I ran a 9:44 pace. Uhm OK. I dont think its possible, honest. But the watch and runningahead dont lie, right? Even if I was off witht he mileage it would have to be quite a bit to move it to an 11 min pace.
Oh well.
Tomorrow I am running the Poland Spring 5-mile kick off. I will not run too fast!!!
Friday, October 29, 2010
The luck of the orange
I lurk in the Runners World forums. I post as well, but more lurking than posting (although I have been posting over the last week a ton I must admit). Apparently there is a myth of sorts associated with running in Orange at the ING marathon (imagine who couldve planted that?!!?) 
Anyway. I might pick up some orange laces at the expo AND I might run in the bib I ran in last year which was orange (see side pic). Even if I didnt have my best race ever- it was pretty good for coming down with Bronchitis exactly 30 days before the race. AAAAAAAAAAAND I had the best time (I really did!!!) so maybe there is luck to the orange. Now I want to iron over my letters and recreate last years look. I just have a good feeling about that. Tonight I ran in CP, just about 4m at a 10:00 pace (ish). I ran with a partner here at our firm who is also running the marathon. It was a nice change and I was able to air some issues out which was nice. Plus, honestly the company was nice. We ran from the East drive at 65th street up to 85th cut into the bridle path then reservoir at engineers gate and then looped the reservoir continuing on the bridle path at 86th/85th street and ran back down the west drive to 6th ave. It really was a nice change up from what I do (which has been sporadic but a lot of lower loops for safety and laziness. I remember how much I used to like running on the bridle path so perhaps I will do a loop of it this weekend and ditch the TNT people. I suppose my only concern would be uneven ground and tripping. I am paranoid after my trip last weekend!
My foot is a mess still. It's comical. My plantars wart was cut out deeply and feels a tad infected. There are still 9 days so I am not worried. I am more worried that I'll walk/run weird and put strains on my calves etc. All in all I need to worry a little less.
So I sit here with my bagel, fall weather in the air (and on the menu today is pizza and more pizza with salad) so marathon season is in full bloom. I know I'll be sad when it's over so I really need to give it my all. Stick to my race plan (to be divulged next week) and just feel good about it. Mental prep people!!
Happy weekend! I am running 6 tomorrow, recovring through 4 on Sunday (still debating whether or not to do Poland Spring which I did sign up for) and then did weights (Arms and Abs!!) this am. I am really happy with my arms. I am looking forward to post marathon where I can try new moves and not worry so much about hurting my back (which I'm concerned with now bc it has been soooo good, too good almost).
On the sickness front I am definitely getting much better. I'm still on Xyzal and Nasonex and rinsging my sinueses 2x a day but the ears are better and I'm hardly stuffy in the am anymore. I am still coughing a few times to clear out my throat but nothing like before where the coughs would last until lunch, in fact I dont even cough after 9 am anymore.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The monster that lurks within
Yesterday I ate something in the ballpark of 3,000 calories. I am not quite sure how this happened, except to say that I had eaten 1,000 calories before lunch. I was just insatiable. And that's not to say I didn't try to stop it, oh my friends, I did. I drank 10 bottles of either Pelligrino or Vitamin Water Zero and a few cups of tea in between to try and stop the hunger. Literally, I ate every hour. Popped chips, cereal, yogurt, dried fruit, egg whites on a wrap, banana, mango. For lunch I had olives, cheese, tomatos, I tried to kick up the fat factor wondering if that's why I was so hungry. NOTHING worked!!! I was giggling at myself by mid-pm because I was for real hungry. Not made up, not comforting myself, I was just plain hungry.
And so I ate. What the hell, right?Mostly healthy things but really, when you eat that much, some is unhealthy. Yes, I had cookies... and a roll... and some hersheys. Grand scheme it didnt make a dent.
Yesterdays workout perhaps took more out of me? I am not sore today but I did have issues dragging myself out of bed this am. I was late, as per usual.
I am starting to check out the accuweather forecast- It's obviously way too early. It incites no emotion when I see the day surronded by rain- perhaps I am getting wiser. I will not waste energy panicking about something I can not change.
Tonight is an easy 3m run. I feel as if I will participate even though I had another podiatrist treatment and the bottom of my foot is burned (literally) raw. I will be fine. Tomorrow yoga in the am. I must get in bed early.
And so I ate. What the hell, right?Mostly healthy things but really, when you eat that much, some is unhealthy. Yes, I had cookies... and a roll... and some hersheys. Grand scheme it didnt make a dent.
Yesterdays workout perhaps took more out of me? I am not sore today but I did have issues dragging myself out of bed this am. I was late, as per usual.
I am starting to check out the accuweather forecast- It's obviously way too early. It incites no emotion when I see the day surronded by rain- perhaps I am getting wiser. I will not waste energy panicking about something I can not change.
Tonight is an easy 3m run. I feel as if I will participate even though I had another podiatrist treatment and the bottom of my foot is burned (literally) raw. I will be fine. Tomorrow yoga in the am. I must get in bed early.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Recovery Run and Monday am gym workout
I woke up this am with a clear head and a full breath. Wow, it's been a while, hello air! I am feeling better but still have icky post nasal drip. Apparently that can just hang around for well, forever. Let's hope thats not the case.
Saturday I rested long and hard before a few errands post run. Sunday was a day of rest too. Brunch, facial, rest rest rest. I did manage a 3.25m recovery walk with the bf. We walked all the way up Riverside. It's freaking gorgeous. I wouldve moved to be close to that park alone!
This am I woke up early and went to the gym. 35 min of arms, some squats and lunges for added strength and abs. Last night the bf told me I looked thinner. Hey, I'll take it.
We're now officially into taper. I'm not quite sure what that means as my mileage was never oh so high.
What do you do to taper?
Saturday I rested long and hard before a few errands post run. Sunday was a day of rest too. Brunch, facial, rest rest rest. I did manage a 3.25m recovery walk with the bf. We walked all the way up Riverside. It's freaking gorgeous. I wouldve moved to be close to that park alone!
This am I woke up early and went to the gym. 35 min of arms, some squats and lunges for added strength and abs. Last night the bf told me I looked thinner. Hey, I'll take it.
We're now officially into taper. I'm not quite sure what that means as my mileage was never oh so high.
What do you do to taper?
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Last long run
Today was our last long run before the marathon. We ran from the Mall to the Q'boro bridge, up 1st Ave to 115th then over to 5th and back into the park to finish the marathon course. We were supposed to run up to 125th but the guy with whom I ran and I went to Starbucks to pee on 1st ave and lost the group. We decided to make up time but cutting out part of the route.
Overall the run was fine. I had forgotten how freaking difficult the last 10 miles are. They really are insanely hard. The elevation is all over the map and its just hard.
I was a bit upset today. I really dont feel like I have it in me. Then my mentor wrote me this. I heart her. She is so right. And with that, and a few tears, I am excited for Nov 7th.
Enough of the negative self-talk! You are a marathoner. You have completed multiple marathons, which is more than approximately 90% of the population. That, in itself, is a huge accomplishment.
It's easy to get hung up on PR's and times, but we both know that all the Excel spreadsheets, bib analyses, etc. don't mean anything when it comes down to race day. Some days are better than others. Some days PR's come easily. Other days they don't come at all. That's part of being a runner (and something I am working hard to accept).
But in the grand scheme of things, your time doesn't matter. What matters is that you've devoted almost six months to training, running, fundraising and preparing for the NYC Marathon. You've put your heart, time and effort into your runs and races this season. And some were better than others. You were sidelined with bronchitis, head colds and the like, but you continued to train. You ran those hill repeats and intervals without complaining, and you showed me how much heart you have.
On November 7th, we get to be superstars! We get to run on a course run by world-class athletes, and the spectators will cheer for us as though we are. In their eyes, what we are doing is crazy, insane, unbelievable, inspiring, powerful (insert additional adjectives here). And yes; it's all of those things.
I am proud of you. I am honored to be your mentor this season (yes; it sounds cheesy...sorry; it's who I am). So what if you don't PR? It doesn't matter to me. It doesn't matter to the spectators cheering. It certainly doesn't matter to your coaches and teammates. What matters is that you run the race with your heart and your head and you finish.
Overall the run was fine. I had forgotten how freaking difficult the last 10 miles are. They really are insanely hard. The elevation is all over the map and its just hard.
I was a bit upset today. I really dont feel like I have it in me. Then my mentor wrote me this. I heart her. She is so right. And with that, and a few tears, I am excited for Nov 7th.
Enough of the negative self-talk! You are a marathoner. You have completed multiple marathons, which is more than approximately 90% of the population. That, in itself, is a huge accomplishment.
It's easy to get hung up on PR's and times, but we both know that all the Excel spreadsheets, bib analyses, etc. don't mean anything when it comes down to race day. Some days are better than others. Some days PR's come easily. Other days they don't come at all. That's part of being a runner (and something I am working hard to accept).
But in the grand scheme of things, your time doesn't matter. What matters is that you've devoted almost six months to training, running, fundraising and preparing for the NYC Marathon. You've put your heart, time and effort into your runs and races this season. And some were better than others. You were sidelined with bronchitis, head colds and the like, but you continued to train. You ran those hill repeats and intervals without complaining, and you showed me how much heart you have.
On November 7th, we get to be superstars! We get to run on a course run by world-class athletes, and the spectators will cheer for us as though we are. In their eyes, what we are doing is crazy, insane, unbelievable, inspiring, powerful (insert additional adjectives here). And yes; it's all of those things.
I am proud of you. I am honored to be your mentor this season (yes; it sounds cheesy...sorry; it's who I am). So what if you don't PR? It doesn't matter to me. It doesn't matter to the spectators cheering. It certainly doesn't matter to your coaches and teammates. What matters is that you run the race with your heart and your head and you finish.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Cars in Central Park
So I have always been anti cars in Central Park. Why do they need to be there? Who needs to drive through the park? Don't people know this is a pedestrian city?
And then today happened. I was tired and stuffed up from my event last nigth and from my lovely head cold (no infections!!! just pressure!!) and decided to take a cab. Well, he entered the park on the west drive at 85th street and what a treat! In NYC you never see trees when you're in a cab. It was a pre-fall wonderland. I loved it. I want to take a cab through the park daily. I'm sure it wasnt the quickest, but I was at peace when I got to work.
I was supposed to run today but I'm stuffed up, overtired and cry-y. I am getting a massage instead. Whatever, its taper right? No junk miles? They wouldnt have been junk miles, but at this point, do I even really care?
And then today happened. I was tired and stuffed up from my event last nigth and from my lovely head cold (no infections!!! just pressure!!) and decided to take a cab. Well, he entered the park on the west drive at 85th street and what a treat! In NYC you never see trees when you're in a cab. It was a pre-fall wonderland. I loved it. I want to take a cab through the park daily. I'm sure it wasnt the quickest, but I was at peace when I got to work.
I was supposed to run today but I'm stuffed up, overtired and cry-y. I am getting a massage instead. Whatever, its taper right? No junk miles? They wouldnt have been junk miles, but at this point, do I even really care?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pacing Run
The workout tonight was as follows:
Course: 3 lower loops, starting and ending at Bethesda
How to run the workout: For your first loop, you'll start with a warm-up by running easy until W. 64th St., then pick up the pace to about 75% effort. For your second loop, you're going to hammer it -- push it to 85%+ effort for the entire loop. You should be tired once you finish this loop. For the third loop, you're going to try to run the same pace as you did for the first loop. This is not a recovery loop -- the purpose of this loop is to run a decent pace on tired legs.
I really fail the whole pacing exercise as a whole, however, tonight was an OK night. What is 75% effort to you? To me, it means MP. So, I ran as follows: (lower loop =1.7153 miles)
Lap 1: 18:42 (11 min pace)
Lap 2: 17:55 (10:28 pace)
Lap 3: 17:52 (yay us! although that wasnt quite the point!!!) (10:27 pace)
My legs were pretty beat up from my pyscho no rest workout yesterday. I did about 30 min of arms/abs with squats and lunges instead of rest (dont ask I don't really know why I did this- one last hard leg workout???) and then ran 1.25 m at a 11:30 pace to loosen up my tired from the wkd run and recovery run legs. Overall was a good workout and stretch. Tonight felt good. Not easy, but good. I am still post nasal drippy. It's gross. It's def not bronchitis or an infection, in fact, I feel better post run which my doc says is 100% indicative that I need rest, fluids and good nights sleep to feel better. I do feel better, for the record, but I am also panicky over being sick given how I got sick last year the month before the marathon. So take everything I write about being sick with a grain of salt as its been overanalyzed twelve times.
Anyways. I ran with 2 girls I had never met before which was fun, I like meeting the new people. I really want to keep up with TNT. I really fell into it this season, I guess going to the practices helps. The mission moment tonight (a 5 min blurb where someone explains what TNT means to them) was a girl who when her mom was doing through radiation for melanoma (or something) she went out and actually got hit by a car 12 blocks from her house. Of course her mother was called and her mother, who had raditation that DAY, RAN to her daughter. It's just a story but at the same time it shows the human spirit and what you can do AND how thankful we should be that we CAN run and DO run. Every time I run I am running for those who can't. Sometimes it really just resonates with me. She also (coincidentally) is cousins by marriage with the Rutgers football player in the news this weekend after being paralyzed in the game vs Army. Read about it here. Just makes me think we're lucky we can run and lucky that we do, in the largest, greatest city in the world (IMHO).
Tomorrow my friends and I who run a charity are throwing an event. So no working out. Thursday will be another run. I really need me some yoga, perhaps this weekend.
Course: 3 lower loops, starting and ending at Bethesda
How to run the workout: For your first loop, you'll start with a warm-up by running easy until W. 64th St., then pick up the pace to about 75% effort. For your second loop, you're going to hammer it -- push it to 85%+ effort for the entire loop. You should be tired once you finish this loop. For the third loop, you're going to try to run the same pace as you did for the first loop. This is not a recovery loop -- the purpose of this loop is to run a decent pace on tired legs.
I really fail the whole pacing exercise as a whole, however, tonight was an OK night. What is 75% effort to you? To me, it means MP. So, I ran as follows: (lower loop =1.7153 miles)
Lap 1: 18:42 (11 min pace)
Lap 2: 17:55 (10:28 pace)
Lap 3: 17:52 (yay us! although that wasnt quite the point!!!) (10:27 pace)
My legs were pretty beat up from my pyscho no rest workout yesterday. I did about 30 min of arms/abs with squats and lunges instead of rest (dont ask I don't really know why I did this- one last hard leg workout???) and then ran 1.25 m at a 11:30 pace to loosen up my tired from the wkd run and recovery run legs. Overall was a good workout and stretch. Tonight felt good. Not easy, but good. I am still post nasal drippy. It's gross. It's def not bronchitis or an infection, in fact, I feel better post run which my doc says is 100% indicative that I need rest, fluids and good nights sleep to feel better. I do feel better, for the record, but I am also panicky over being sick given how I got sick last year the month before the marathon. So take everything I write about being sick with a grain of salt as its been overanalyzed twelve times.
Anyways. I ran with 2 girls I had never met before which was fun, I like meeting the new people. I really want to keep up with TNT. I really fell into it this season, I guess going to the practices helps. The mission moment tonight (a 5 min blurb where someone explains what TNT means to them) was a girl who when her mom was doing through radiation for melanoma (or something) she went out and actually got hit by a car 12 blocks from her house. Of course her mother was called and her mother, who had raditation that DAY, RAN to her daughter. It's just a story but at the same time it shows the human spirit and what you can do AND how thankful we should be that we CAN run and DO run. Every time I run I am running for those who can't. Sometimes it really just resonates with me. She also (coincidentally) is cousins by marriage with the Rutgers football player in the news this weekend after being paralyzed in the game vs Army. Read about it here. Just makes me think we're lucky we can run and lucky that we do, in the largest, greatest city in the world (IMHO).
Tomorrow my friends and I who run a charity are throwing an event. So no working out. Thursday will be another run. I really need me some yoga, perhaps this weekend.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday Blues
Mondays just suck. With long runs on Saturdays the weekend never feels long enough.
I slept a lot last night and didn't have the energy to get up to the gym this am. I am going this pm FOR SURE and am going to do weights and perhaps a short run. Tomorrow I hope to wake up early for yoga and will run with TNT (pacing workout) in the pm. Wednesday I hope to do weights in the am. Thursday is a pm run. Friday is am weights and Saturday will be the last 10m of the marathon. Sunday will be another fitness walk.
Last night Matt and I went on a 4.5m fitness walk along the Hudson near sunset. It's so gorgeous! I love the UWS, have I mentioned that???
My legs arent tired or sore today which is nice. I wish I wouldve gotten up this am but honestly, was just tired. I think the melatonin makes me groggy. I should stop taking it but I sleep so much better when I do!!
I am hacking today. WHAT IN THE HELL!?
I slept a lot last night and didn't have the energy to get up to the gym this am. I am going this pm FOR SURE and am going to do weights and perhaps a short run. Tomorrow I hope to wake up early for yoga and will run with TNT (pacing workout) in the pm. Wednesday I hope to do weights in the am. Thursday is a pm run. Friday is am weights and Saturday will be the last 10m of the marathon. Sunday will be another fitness walk.
Last night Matt and I went on a 4.5m fitness walk along the Hudson near sunset. It's so gorgeous! I love the UWS, have I mentioned that???
My legs arent tired or sore today which is nice. I wish I wouldve gotten up this am but honestly, was just tired. I think the melatonin makes me groggy. I should stop taking it but I sleep so much better when I do!!
I am hacking today. WHAT IN THE HELL!?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
PIckle juice and a long run...
So this am I woke up to my last long run before taper! I was so excited!!! I honestly am just over these long runs- I don't get into the groove until about 1:30 HOURS into the run. It's miserable until then!!! Luckily I really enjoyed the first 8m of the marathon last year so I'll be OK. Anywho I ran in CP even though our initial plan (after having run extensively in the park this season) was to run up the WSH. It was really windy this morning! It was about 48 at the start of my run (730) with winds gusting to 25-30 mph. I wore my Nike wind jacket which really is just so versatile. At the finish it was approx 58 degrees and just as windy!
I ran from the apt to the Mall, did a 6m loop counterclockwise, crossed over at 72nd street and did a 5m loop. From the apt to the Mall its about 2m which when I measured it for the first time it was 2.7m so I'm kinda confused over what I did. I ran for 2 hours and 48 min and felt OK. I was pretty tired by the end.
I spoke to the doctor last night- he thinks I have post nasal drip (I mean its like a cold) and acid reflux (which I'm had issues with in the past).... I have been taking maalox and wow my throat doesnt hurt anymore. I am coughing still after the run which is troublesome. The doc told me to rest, push fluids and told me to not take the zpak. He doesnt think I'm sick enough. So we'll see.
Oh and the post is called pickle juice because I drank some post run. Headache isnt really there (I did take tylenol preemptively) so I say success.
I ran from the apt to the Mall, did a 6m loop counterclockwise, crossed over at 72nd street and did a 5m loop. From the apt to the Mall its about 2m which when I measured it for the first time it was 2.7m so I'm kinda confused over what I did. I ran for 2 hours and 48 min and felt OK. I was pretty tired by the end.
I spoke to the doctor last night- he thinks I have post nasal drip (I mean its like a cold) and acid reflux (which I'm had issues with in the past).... I have been taking maalox and wow my throat doesnt hurt anymore. I am coughing still after the run which is troublesome. The doc told me to rest, push fluids and told me to not take the zpak. He doesnt think I'm sick enough. So we'll see.
Oh and the post is called pickle juice because I drank some post run. Headache isnt really there (I did take tylenol preemptively) so I say success.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
What kind of sick am I?
So as I've said quite a few times, I'm sick. First it was a cough, (last week) I was so scared it was bronchitis, I coughed for almost a week, I went to the doc (Monday), I'm clear of bronchitis. I got a flu shot (Monday) and Tuesday and Wednesday the cough is worse, the spasms are back.... Today I wake up congested, slightly sore throat, clogged ears. Awesome. Different sickness. I went to work late and came home early.
My back was starting to be achey so I decided that before I took my nap this pm I was going to go to the gym... maybe just walk a bit, stretch, etc... so I get on the treadmill and remember the workout from TNT was warmup, 2m at MP, 2m at 1/2 MP, cooldown. So I decided to go for it... figured if it sucked I would stop, no big deal. Well, I ran the whole thing. What in the hell? What kind of sick am I? I felt BETTER when I was done with the run... which went as follows:
0.5m warm up, slow walking-- fast walking...
2m at 10:42 pace (ideal MP)
1m at 10:20 pace
1m at 10:10 pace (started to feel tough and my HR was up at 166 supposedly according to the machine so grain of salt people)
0.5m at 11 pace
cooldown 0.25m
So yea, workout, pretty much done. Better than nothing. TOmorrow, weights. Saturday 15m, Sunday something!!
My back was starting to be achey so I decided that before I took my nap this pm I was going to go to the gym... maybe just walk a bit, stretch, etc... so I get on the treadmill and remember the workout from TNT was warmup, 2m at MP, 2m at 1/2 MP, cooldown. So I decided to go for it... figured if it sucked I would stop, no big deal. Well, I ran the whole thing. What in the hell? What kind of sick am I? I felt BETTER when I was done with the run... which went as follows:
0.5m warm up, slow walking-- fast walking...
2m at 10:42 pace (ideal MP)
1m at 10:20 pace
1m at 10:10 pace (started to feel tough and my HR was up at 166 supposedly according to the machine so grain of salt people)
0.5m at 11 pace
cooldown 0.25m
So yea, workout, pretty much done. Better than nothing. TOmorrow, weights. Saturday 15m, Sunday something!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
MP-ish run
Tonights run was meant to be 3 lower loops (so 1.7m x3) at MP (marathon pace) then MP-15, MP-30. I decided to only do 2 loops and a little (for 40 min) to make sure I didnt stress out my chest.
To recap, the doc said no Z-pack but if I don't feel better by tomorrow pm I am going to start it. I can't afford to be sick.
Anyway back to the run.
I didn't track the splits because we were having such a great time running. I ran with Heather, who is my fabulous mentor. In fact, shes the only mentor over THREE seasons that I've bonded with. I hope we stay friends. SO, that was a wonderful luxury, to be able to run with her- we chatted the whole time and at one point were running 9:45. OOPS. Def not MP or MP-30. I was supposed to run 10:50, 10:35, 10:20. OOPSIE.
Anyway I wasnt following the workout so why do I even care!!! I am goign to go for a qiuck run tomorrow and then will do weights in the am if I can fit it in or will do it tomorrow before dinner with Nicole. I am going to a conference in the pm so it's OK if I spend 90 min tomorrow working out. I should really sleep in but I hate running indoors at this point so who knows. It makes more sense to let myself sleep in, so again, we'll see. I really want to be better. I am so terrified of being sick.
So that's all I've got. I ran into Danny leaving the park. OH, and random, I was walking out the 73rd street exit and a guy came bounding down and told me to not go up that way because there was a pack of raccons! yikes!
Blister side note: my entire heel is like the remnants of a blister/dead skin. SO gross. I'm jsut letting it stay there- which is even more gross. My plantars warts are still alive and kicking (apparently running makes them spread- so disgusting) I went to get it acid-burned today and I hate running on it after- so painful!!
Also- side note. when we went to Cooperstown over Labor Day I tried a bunch of Ommegang beers which is a micro brewery up there. They sell it at Whole Foods. If you like beer, try them. I love Hennepin. YUM!
To recap, the doc said no Z-pack but if I don't feel better by tomorrow pm I am going to start it. I can't afford to be sick.
Anyway back to the run.
I didn't track the splits because we were having such a great time running. I ran with Heather, who is my fabulous mentor. In fact, shes the only mentor over THREE seasons that I've bonded with. I hope we stay friends. SO, that was a wonderful luxury, to be able to run with her- we chatted the whole time and at one point were running 9:45. OOPS. Def not MP or MP-30. I was supposed to run 10:50, 10:35, 10:20. OOPSIE.
Anyway I wasnt following the workout so why do I even care!!! I am goign to go for a qiuck run tomorrow and then will do weights in the am if I can fit it in or will do it tomorrow before dinner with Nicole. I am going to a conference in the pm so it's OK if I spend 90 min tomorrow working out. I should really sleep in but I hate running indoors at this point so who knows. It makes more sense to let myself sleep in, so again, we'll see. I really want to be better. I am so terrified of being sick.
So that's all I've got. I ran into Danny leaving the park. OH, and random, I was walking out the 73rd street exit and a guy came bounding down and told me to not go up that way because there was a pack of raccons! yikes!
Blister side note: my entire heel is like the remnants of a blister/dead skin. SO gross. I'm jsut letting it stay there- which is even more gross. My plantars warts are still alive and kicking (apparently running makes them spread- so disgusting) I went to get it acid-burned today and I hate running on it after- so painful!!
Also- side note. when we went to Cooperstown over Labor Day I tried a bunch of Ommegang beers which is a micro brewery up there. They sell it at Whole Foods. If you like beer, try them. I love Hennepin. YUM!
the land of air parenthesis
It’s funny. This weekend I have to run 15-16m. This is hardly different from the 18+ I ran last week yet I am SO pumped to ‘only’ have to run 15-16m. Pretty lame huh? I suppose perhaps I am more excited that it’s going to be the last ‘long’ run before NYCM. I am running the ‘last 10’ with TNT the weekend following and after that running 6m Saturday and an easy 5m at the Marathon Kick-Off. All my runs after this Saturday’s seem manageable and doable without falling under the elusive ‘Marathon Training’ umbrella which seems to be suffocating me.
In other news, I am trying to mentally prepare for the race. I know what I’m wearing (baring weather issues- pink tank top with arm warmers and shorts, debating compression socks but might just put them on after? I will run with them this wkd and see how I feel), I’m trying to stay positive re my finish time. In fact, I am going to run this weekend with the 10:30 pace group and see how that goes. I’m a little panicked over the idea so perhaps I need to ask Mike about it. Maybe run some slower miles at the start and then meet up with the group to run 10:30s?
Tonight is a pacing workout. I am still coughing although I’ve taken the inhaler about 3x since yesterdays doctors visit. I am still coughing. I need a day in bed is really what it is at this point. I have a conference tomorrow pm so I might be playing hooky in the am.
In other news, I am trying to mentally prepare for the race. I know what I’m wearing (baring weather issues- pink tank top with arm warmers and shorts, debating compression socks but might just put them on after? I will run with them this wkd and see how I feel), I’m trying to stay positive re my finish time. In fact, I am going to run this weekend with the 10:30 pace group and see how that goes. I’m a little panicked over the idea so perhaps I need to ask Mike about it. Maybe run some slower miles at the start and then meet up with the group to run 10:30s?
Tonight is a pacing workout. I am still coughing although I’ve taken the inhaler about 3x since yesterdays doctors visit. I am still coughing. I need a day in bed is really what it is at this point. I have a conference tomorrow pm so I might be playing hooky in the am.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday blues
I hate that today is a half holiday and I am at work. It's nonsense.
I went to the doc this am since I'd been coughing for over a week and just feel like I need a day in bed. Unfortunately with my job, that won't happen and we have another busy week and weekend ahead.
Long story short he gave me a flu shot, told me to use my inhaler (which I've been saddled with since I had swine flu this past spring, I have gotten bronchitis 2x since then!!!) and rest up and push fluids. I have no fever and no real issues besides a slight wheeze, but I don't have asthma. The inhaler is steroidal in nature and allows your bronchials (the small ones that havea different name) to relax and stay open which alleviates the wheezing. It's no big deal but still, sucky.
Hey, at least I got a flu shot!!! All included in my $15 co-pay. I was happy!
So today as a result is an off day- which means Wednesday I now have to wake up early, bummer.
Schedule:
M: off
T: pacing run at TNT- 5.1m at MP or faster
W: 45 min cardio, 45 min strength (uhm yeah, who has time for this?)
T: tempo run (5m all in)
F: arms and abs
S: 15m, no more, no less, although I keep feelign like I should do 16. I've done 2-16's and 3-18s. Is that enough???
S: recovery run-3/4m(yawn I hate recovery runs!)
I went to the doc this am since I'd been coughing for over a week and just feel like I need a day in bed. Unfortunately with my job, that won't happen and we have another busy week and weekend ahead.
Long story short he gave me a flu shot, told me to use my inhaler (which I've been saddled with since I had swine flu this past spring, I have gotten bronchitis 2x since then!!!) and rest up and push fluids. I have no fever and no real issues besides a slight wheeze, but I don't have asthma. The inhaler is steroidal in nature and allows your bronchials (the small ones that havea different name) to relax and stay open which alleviates the wheezing. It's no big deal but still, sucky.
Hey, at least I got a flu shot!!! All included in my $15 co-pay. I was happy!
So today as a result is an off day- which means Wednesday I now have to wake up early, bummer.
Schedule:
M: off
T: pacing run at TNT- 5.1m at MP or faster
W: 45 min cardio, 45 min strength (uhm yeah, who has time for this?)
T: tempo run (5m all in)
F: arms and abs
S: 15m, no more, no less, although I keep feelign like I should do 16. I've done 2-16's and 3-18s. Is that enough???
S: recovery run-3/4m(yawn I hate recovery runs!)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
2nd to last long run
Yesterday I ran just over 18 miles in Central Park. It was my first run from my new house which was kinda neat. I really liked the convinience. I took off around 7:30 and headed into the park at 90th street going clockwise to hit up Harlem Hill and beyond. I met up with TNT at the 72nd street transverse and turned around to run counterclockwise (ugh back up HH!!!) I had to slow significantly to run at the 11 min pace the group I always run with was running. I'm not sure if that is good or bad, its my newest 'problem': comfort at the 10:15/30 pace for quite a few miles (less than a half marathon though!!!).
We ended up doing 2 full loops of the park and then a lower loop. Should be approximately 4.43+12+1.7. Then I walked home from 72nd street which is another mile and a half or so. I'm not sure why I walked home, in retrospect it was pretty dumb, I didnt drink until I got home, well I did, just not a ton. I did have a bagel at practice after the run though.
I ran with a girl I met, Megan- she was super cool so that was fun.
My head yesterday- oy vey. It was the worst headache I've ever had. Like honestly, the worst. I bought pickles today and before the run tomorrow I am going to drink pickle juice before and after the run whcih apparently is supposed to help. APparently the vinegar used to brine (sp?) the cucumbers really helps with hydration. I don't know whats up with me. I don't know if its too much salt, not enough salt, too much water, not enough water. who the hell knows. Its really frustrating. I don't know what or when this took over my life. Swollen fingers, but not too bad yesterday, headaches... etc. AND I have been drinking water/gatorade/gelling/eating etc. Like I am not NOT drinking enough, if that makes sense.
Overall the run went well. I was tired at the end but hey, I hadnt run long lately AND I think I went out too fast because I was later than I thought. Overall I felt ok. Today my IT band is iffy- its very chicken cutlet-ly if that makes sense. I went for a 2 mile recovery fast walk. I tried to run but honestly it sucked. So then I walked and then I ran a few errands.
My blisters (the remnants/areas of) were ok after the run. theyre slightly sore but theyre OK which is super positive.
Nothing else to report. Ready for another weekend, not a week of work!!
We ended up doing 2 full loops of the park and then a lower loop. Should be approximately 4.43+12+1.7. Then I walked home from 72nd street which is another mile and a half or so. I'm not sure why I walked home, in retrospect it was pretty dumb, I didnt drink until I got home, well I did, just not a ton. I did have a bagel at practice after the run though.
I ran with a girl I met, Megan- she was super cool so that was fun.
My head yesterday- oy vey. It was the worst headache I've ever had. Like honestly, the worst. I bought pickles today and before the run tomorrow I am going to drink pickle juice before and after the run whcih apparently is supposed to help. APparently the vinegar used to brine (sp?) the cucumbers really helps with hydration. I don't know whats up with me. I don't know if its too much salt, not enough salt, too much water, not enough water. who the hell knows. Its really frustrating. I don't know what or when this took over my life. Swollen fingers, but not too bad yesterday, headaches... etc. AND I have been drinking water/gatorade/gelling/eating etc. Like I am not NOT drinking enough, if that makes sense.
Overall the run went well. I was tired at the end but hey, I hadnt run long lately AND I think I went out too fast because I was later than I thought. Overall I felt ok. Today my IT band is iffy- its very chicken cutlet-ly if that makes sense. I went for a 2 mile recovery fast walk. I tried to run but honestly it sucked. So then I walked and then I ran a few errands.
My blisters (the remnants/areas of) were ok after the run. theyre slightly sore but theyre OK which is super positive.
Nothing else to report. Ready for another weekend, not a week of work!!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Schizophrenic much?
I just came back from a jaunt in the park.
I ran from my office which is right on the SW corner of the park, up to the drive, up to the reservoir, around once, and back down. About 4.42m as a whole and my pace was 9:30. Uhm yeah. I really am not sure how that is possible. Like really not. It was a decent run so I was happy to push the negative mental thoughts outta here.
Using Runners World training calc (http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/trainingcalculator/0,7169,s6-238-277-279-0-0-0-0-0,00.html) if I use 4:45 as my marathon time, I should be able to run a half in 2:16. Well I know from the Bronx that was in reach and I blew it.
My training paces should be as such:
long run pace: 12min mile (ugh! too slow for comfort for me)
tempo pace: 10:08 (not fast enough for me!!!)
max oxygen training pace: 9:10 pace (which is weird bc I can run at this speed for longer than 5 min- I do my V02 max at 8 min pace)
speed form training pace: 8:30 (I do mine at 7:30-45) WHA?!
Yassos- 4:42 (I do mine at 4:30).
Interesting eh? Am I pushing too fast? Not training hard enough. I have no idea. I'm still hopeful for this marathon to be 4:45.
As a side note, my blister area on my left foot (which is the opposite of the disaster foot) is tender. awesome.
I ran from my office which is right on the SW corner of the park, up to the drive, up to the reservoir, around once, and back down. About 4.42m as a whole and my pace was 9:30. Uhm yeah. I really am not sure how that is possible. Like really not. It was a decent run so I was happy to push the negative mental thoughts outta here.
Using Runners World training calc (http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/trainingcalculator/0,7169,s6-238-277-279-0-0-0-0-0,00.html) if I use 4:45 as my marathon time, I should be able to run a half in 2:16. Well I know from the Bronx that was in reach and I blew it.
My training paces should be as such:
long run pace: 12min mile (ugh! too slow for comfort for me)
tempo pace: 10:08 (not fast enough for me!!!)
max oxygen training pace: 9:10 pace (which is weird bc I can run at this speed for longer than 5 min- I do my V02 max at 8 min pace)
speed form training pace: 8:30 (I do mine at 7:30-45) WHA?!
Yassos- 4:42 (I do mine at 4:30).
Interesting eh? Am I pushing too fast? Not training hard enough. I have no idea. I'm still hopeful for this marathon to be 4:45.
As a side note, my blister area on my left foot (which is the opposite of the disaster foot) is tender. awesome.
the wall
I've hit the wall of marathon training.
I'm disinterested, I'm feeling under the weather, I'm over it. I'm starting to feel flabby from missed runs and I'm struggling to discern if I'm missing them for good reasons (aka sick and best to stay healthy) or crap ones (not in the mood).
I know this is in my head. No I havent had the best season, but I certainly haven't had the worst either. I've run 18-miles multiple times and will conquer that distance again this weekend. Ok, so I've skipped some workouts, but it wasnt to sit on my butt, it was to move and unpack and never sit still. It's OK to rest sometimes, right?
I always have been intimidated with other people's mileage. I never run more than 3-4x a week. I do, howerver, XT like a fiend. My body needs more recovery time so I don't have a choice really.
Anyway, phew, even feel better post vent. I will be running 2-3 lower loops today so we shall see how I feel afterwards. I am still on Mucinex and still coughing but nothing too nasty.
I'm disinterested, I'm feeling under the weather, I'm over it. I'm starting to feel flabby from missed runs and I'm struggling to discern if I'm missing them for good reasons (aka sick and best to stay healthy) or crap ones (not in the mood).
I know this is in my head. No I havent had the best season, but I certainly haven't had the worst either. I've run 18-miles multiple times and will conquer that distance again this weekend. Ok, so I've skipped some workouts, but it wasnt to sit on my butt, it was to move and unpack and never sit still. It's OK to rest sometimes, right?
I always have been intimidated with other people's mileage. I never run more than 3-4x a week. I do, howerver, XT like a fiend. My body needs more recovery time so I don't have a choice really.
Anyway, phew, even feel better post vent. I will be running 2-3 lower loops today so we shall see how I feel afterwards. I am still on Mucinex and still coughing but nothing too nasty.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I love the new hood
I feel at home and happy and grounded. I'm so satiated by this move. i cant even explain.
i had a doc appt yesterday so i snuck out of work early. i then took to laying on the couch and lounging. i still think I'm fighting some germs.
Today i went to the gym for 40 min. 30 min on the treadmill and 10 really of back and legs. I should've/would've stayed longer and done other things but slowwwwww grasshopper, slowly.
Tonight i have an event. tomorrow i want to wake up and run and then do yoga in the pm. Thursday i will run in the pm. Friday is xt in the am and then Saturday is a long run. Sunday will be yoga and BAAAAAM! We're back on track.
i had a doc appt yesterday so i snuck out of work early. i then took to laying on the couch and lounging. i still think I'm fighting some germs.
Today i went to the gym for 40 min. 30 min on the treadmill and 10 really of back and legs. I should've/would've stayed longer and done other things but slowwwwww grasshopper, slowly.
Tonight i have an event. tomorrow i want to wake up and run and then do yoga in the pm. Thursday i will run in the pm. Friday is xt in the am and then Saturday is a long run. Sunday will be yoga and BAAAAAM! We're back on track.
Monday, October 4, 2010
MOving and other non running things
So I moved. Well really we moved. I love the new place. I feel like I've lived here for years but in a fresh way, if that makes any sense at all. I feel grounded and at home which I haven't felt in years. I love it.
Everything is unpacked and organized. Yes, everything. And yes, we moved Friday afternoon (well am, but by the time the movers and us drove through the torrential rain, it was pm. I slept 5 hours Thursday, 6 Friday, 4 interrupted Sat and finally, 7 last night. I feel OK today but it was so dusty my allergies were insanely acting up and I slept wrong? Saturday night and had a stiff/hurt neck yesterday. Needless to say. I didn't do a long run.
I know its bad. I do! I actually wanted to run,. I'm so close to Riverside Park AND CP now, it's like a treat, but yet I didn't run. I wanted to run today but had a call at 6:30 (ironically hasn't started yet and its 7:40) and it's icky rainy out. I don't want to run in the dark either so we'll have to see. I'm a scaredy cat yet.
So yea, its a problem in terms of long runs. I'm trying to not focus on it. It is what it is. This upcoming weekend I still intend to run 18 on Saturday and I'm sure I'll be fine. 3 weeks ago (on Sat) I ran 18m I am sure now, well rested, I will be able to reproduce that outcome. I'm going to concentrate on efficient workouts and making it happen and I know I'll be fine. I'm not going to have the best marathon, I know that. But I'm not going to have my worst either (let's hope!!!)
This week's schedule is largely dependent on the doctors appt I have today. I have an invasive, non surgical thing where you're not supposed to work out, but like, they can't really explain to me WHY I can't so I just don't buy into it. I am used to working out, like honestly, my body doesn't understand NOT working out more than it would freak out AT a workout.
I am disappointed, but honestly, I'm so happy with the apt and living with the man I love, that I don't frankly care about missing my run. Happens.
Everything is unpacked and organized. Yes, everything. And yes, we moved Friday afternoon (well am, but by the time the movers and us drove through the torrential rain, it was pm. I slept 5 hours Thursday, 6 Friday, 4 interrupted Sat and finally, 7 last night. I feel OK today but it was so dusty my allergies were insanely acting up and I slept wrong? Saturday night and had a stiff/hurt neck yesterday. Needless to say. I didn't do a long run.
I know its bad. I do! I actually wanted to run,. I'm so close to Riverside Park AND CP now, it's like a treat, but yet I didn't run. I wanted to run today but had a call at 6:30 (ironically hasn't started yet and its 7:40) and it's icky rainy out. I don't want to run in the dark either so we'll have to see. I'm a scaredy cat yet.
So yea, its a problem in terms of long runs. I'm trying to not focus on it. It is what it is. This upcoming weekend I still intend to run 18 on Saturday and I'm sure I'll be fine. 3 weeks ago (on Sat) I ran 18m I am sure now, well rested, I will be able to reproduce that outcome. I'm going to concentrate on efficient workouts and making it happen and I know I'll be fine. I'm not going to have the best marathon, I know that. But I'm not going to have my worst either (let's hope!!!)
This week's schedule is largely dependent on the doctors appt I have today. I have an invasive, non surgical thing where you're not supposed to work out, but like, they can't really explain to me WHY I can't so I just don't buy into it. I am used to working out, like honestly, my body doesn't understand NOT working out more than it would freak out AT a workout.
I am disappointed, but honestly, I'm so happy with the apt and living with the man I love, that I don't frankly care about missing my run. Happens.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Hill repeats- NYCM finish line
You may remember that back in mid August we did a hill repeat workout at TNT which was the west side of the park from about Columbus circle to the finish line of the NYCM at Tavern on the Green. I wrote about it here.
My splits then (for the 0.31m 'hill') were: 2:31, 2:35, 2:36, 2:36, 2:40
Last night I ran 4 repeats instead of 5, mainly bc I was worried about blisters. My splits were as follows:
2:15, 2:16, 1:58, 1:48
The 1:48 may be slightly inflated but boy were my arms pumping. I have arm pumping issues my friends. I don't pump. I run like a wimp. But, I am learning. I am pumping. I honestly think working out my arms and abs and upper back has helped me with this. I am a complicated bird though, given that my back is fused from my thoracic vertabrae 3 to 11. ISSUES!
Anyway. I was really pleased with that. The largest differential was still about 42 seconds. Which is crazy. My average pace round I was 8:15. My average pace round II (excl the 1:48 which I think is a bit shy of what it should be) was 7:00. AMAZING improvement.
i think it was tapering the last days resting my foot. Maybe it was all the hill training. Maybe its all my strength training. Maybe my watch was wrong? Why does the doubt creep in?
I have another blister. Honestly this is insane. It's all on one foot. I've never had substantial blisters before. It's laughable. Today I'm goign to take off from running, inspired from yesterdays run. I am goign to paint my apt so avoid the charge when I move Friday (I painted a wall gray). So yea, there's that. I am running Grete's Gallop Saturday. I don't expect to PR given that I'll have moved Friday.
My splits then (for the 0.31m 'hill') were: 2:31, 2:35, 2:36, 2:36, 2:40
Last night I ran 4 repeats instead of 5, mainly bc I was worried about blisters. My splits were as follows:
2:15, 2:16, 1:58, 1:48
The 1:48 may be slightly inflated but boy were my arms pumping. I have arm pumping issues my friends. I don't pump. I run like a wimp. But, I am learning. I am pumping. I honestly think working out my arms and abs and upper back has helped me with this. I am a complicated bird though, given that my back is fused from my thoracic vertabrae 3 to 11. ISSUES!
Anyway. I was really pleased with that. The largest differential was still about 42 seconds. Which is crazy. My average pace round I was 8:15. My average pace round II (excl the 1:48 which I think is a bit shy of what it should be) was 7:00. AMAZING improvement.
i think it was tapering the last days resting my foot. Maybe it was all the hill training. Maybe its all my strength training. Maybe my watch was wrong? Why does the doubt creep in?
I have another blister. Honestly this is insane. It's all on one foot. I've never had substantial blisters before. It's laughable. Today I'm goign to take off from running, inspired from yesterdays run. I am goign to paint my apt so avoid the charge when I move Friday (I painted a wall gray). So yea, there's that. I am running Grete's Gallop Saturday. I don't expect to PR given that I'll have moved Friday.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Beat my number and week plan
I am #43535.
Here are past years results:
2009- f50: 4:53
f43, 5:!6:29
m42, 4:53:42
f28, 4:46:49
f32, 5:31:51
m49, 5:53:24
I am only interested in beating the 4's I hope I can pull off at least the 4:53 (and how weird theyre so close!!!) but I would love to beat the 4:46. That's still my ultimate goal. Most of them went out too fast, but isnt that most marathoners??
Yesterday I did weights and 20 min elliptical (to test the heel). I have my running socks agian (unpacked a few boxes to find them, I move Friday) but its a bitch and a half. Stupid feet. Today I have TNT and will run about 5m. Tomorrow I'm goign on a medium run- 8m in the park, any takers? Thursday will be 6 rounds of yassos on the treadmill- about 5.5 miles and then Friday is the move, Saturday will be grete's gallop and Sunday we'll see. Yoga? Recovery run?
I feel like I havent done enough. I've only done two 18-milers, a 16miler and then multiple 12-14s. That is not enough. This weekend I will run another 16. Wkd after a 20, wkd after a 16. Really, is that enough?!@?!?@
Here are past years results:
2009- f50: 4:53
f43, 5:!6:29
m42, 4:53:42
f28, 4:46:49
f32, 5:31:51
m49, 5:53:24
I am only interested in beating the 4's I hope I can pull off at least the 4:53 (and how weird theyre so close!!!) but I would love to beat the 4:46. That's still my ultimate goal. Most of them went out too fast, but isnt that most marathoners??
Yesterday I did weights and 20 min elliptical (to test the heel). I have my running socks agian (unpacked a few boxes to find them, I move Friday) but its a bitch and a half. Stupid feet. Today I have TNT and will run about 5m. Tomorrow I'm goign on a medium run- 8m in the park, any takers? Thursday will be 6 rounds of yassos on the treadmill- about 5.5 miles and then Friday is the move, Saturday will be grete's gallop and Sunday we'll see. Yoga? Recovery run?
I feel like I havent done enough. I've only done two 18-milers, a 16miler and then multiple 12-14s. That is not enough. This weekend I will run another 16. Wkd after a 20, wkd after a 16. Really, is that enough?!@?!?@
Monday, September 27, 2010
disaster
my blister caused another blister. i guess i was walking weird all week esp friday when i went to ikea. long story short, my entire heel is/was a blister. a painful, sub skin nasty blister. awesome. how does this even happen?
i decided to postpone the long run to sunday on friday so i could enjoy sat w M and drink wine Friday night.
Needless to say because I couldnt put pressure on my heel Saturday all day, the Sunday run didnt happen. My foot is MUCH better. MUCH. I did yoga yesterday (90 min vinyasa) and did weights and elliptical today. Tomorrow I should be OK to run as long as I wrap it well.
DO NOT WEAR COTTON SOCKS. EVER!!!!!! THE DAMAGE LASTS FOR WEEKS.
i decided to postpone the long run to sunday on friday so i could enjoy sat w M and drink wine Friday night.
Needless to say because I couldnt put pressure on my heel Saturday all day, the Sunday run didnt happen. My foot is MUCH better. MUCH. I did yoga yesterday (90 min vinyasa) and did weights and elliptical today. Tomorrow I should be OK to run as long as I wrap it well.
DO NOT WEAR COTTON SOCKS. EVER!!!!!! THE DAMAGE LASTS FOR WEEKS.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
skipped run
I skipped my yassos tonight.
Le sigh.
My blister has taken over my life. It hurts. It's infected. It looks repulsive. It's tender and achey.
I figured it would be better if I rested now and ran long this weekend vs re-injuring it tonight (which I would've) and then suffering even more on Saturday. YIKES!
So I went to West Elm to buy curtain rods (which now I am most likely returning because Ikea has a better solution cheaper and better overall too- damn Swedes really do things better!!!) and then hobbled home. I am so overwhelmed with the move. I have been eating terribly. I had 3 cookies today, pizza, salad, roll, egg whites on a wrap, coffee, yogurt, carrots... hmmm I guess I didnt eat too terribly. I probably only had the cookies because I was still hungry! whoops.
Goes to show you, eh?
Tomorrow is a strength workout. Saturday is 16-18 miles. Awesome. I am psyched for the week after. Only 13!!! Then 20, then 16, then 12, then 6 then marathon!!!!
Le sigh.
My blister has taken over my life. It hurts. It's infected. It looks repulsive. It's tender and achey.
I figured it would be better if I rested now and ran long this weekend vs re-injuring it tonight (which I would've) and then suffering even more on Saturday. YIKES!
So I went to West Elm to buy curtain rods (which now I am most likely returning because Ikea has a better solution cheaper and better overall too- damn Swedes really do things better!!!) and then hobbled home. I am so overwhelmed with the move. I have been eating terribly. I had 3 cookies today, pizza, salad, roll, egg whites on a wrap, coffee, yogurt, carrots... hmmm I guess I didnt eat too terribly. I probably only had the cookies because I was still hungry! whoops.
Goes to show you, eh?
Tomorrow is a strength workout. Saturday is 16-18 miles. Awesome. I am psyched for the week after. Only 13!!! Then 20, then 16, then 12, then 6 then marathon!!!!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
4m pacing run
Last night TNT's workout was this: Course: 4 mile loop. 72nd St. transverse up to the 102nd St transverse, cross over the west side, head south back down to the 72nd St transverse, back to Bethesda How to run it: You're going to warm up – nice easy pace – to Cleopatra's Needle (the obelisk right behind the Met). From there, run at your long run pace to E. 102nd St. Once you turn left onto the 102nd St. transverse, pick up the pace to your half marathon or marathon pace (if you're not sure what that is, run at about 75% effort), and continue that pace until W. 86th St. (traffic light at top of the hill). From there, try pushing it to about 80% effort level to W. 72nd. That part of the course is all downhill or flat, so it should be easier to push it and challenge yourself. Cool down back to Bethesda.
I ran in 39:12 which is faster than I normally run in general. Factor in that the first mile or so was definitely at talking pace, we definitely picked it up during the 3 bitches. Mentally it was tough for me given I had run the course how many times this wkd?!!?! I ran with TNT but also brought a guy from work who runs so that was very helpful. I did stop for water 2x.
My killer blister is back today and very very tender. I need nu-skin apparently. Right now I'm just trying to get through the week.
Today is an off day because of lack of time in general. This wkd is a mess. I have to pack my apt and my bf's apt and paint walls in each apt with respective paint (what BS!!!).
I like my ROCKED IT tag. Makes me feel good. Even if it was only 4m :)
Thursday is running after work. Friday is arms/abs and some legs in the am and then at night I have to pack and get organized. Saturday will be my long run- 16m-ish and Sunday will be yoga and a recovery run.
I ran in 39:12 which is faster than I normally run in general. Factor in that the first mile or so was definitely at talking pace, we definitely picked it up during the 3 bitches. Mentally it was tough for me given I had run the course how many times this wkd?!!?! I ran with TNT but also brought a guy from work who runs so that was very helpful. I did stop for water 2x.
My killer blister is back today and very very tender. I need nu-skin apparently. Right now I'm just trying to get through the week.
Today is an off day because of lack of time in general. This wkd is a mess. I have to pack my apt and my bf's apt and paint walls in each apt with respective paint (what BS!!!).
I like my ROCKED IT tag. Makes me feel good. Even if it was only 4m :)
Thursday is running after work. Friday is arms/abs and some legs in the am and then at night I have to pack and get organized. Saturday will be my long run- 16m-ish and Sunday will be yoga and a recovery run.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
ING Marathon 18 m TUNE UP
The day before is really important to a long run. Fo rme at least. Friday night I was up until 1 am packing since I move Oct 1 and can't really do anything during the week between work and working out. Saturday I went to ivengar yoga (read: easy) and then my mom came. We went up to the new apt to measure some stuff and then drove down for brunch and then did some apt errands (brita, curtains etc). Basically the point of me telling you all this is that I was on my feet all day, didnt hydrate enough, didnt eat too much, and didnt know where my running junk was until 10 pm when I went to get ready before going to bed.
Sunday am I got a roll w jam which I ate in the cab on the way uptown. I'm over the subway. Stresses me out. I got to the park at 6:45 and the course marshals were yelling at us that we were late. YAWN. I'm not interested in being stressed out when the race hasnt started yet! The corrals were all closed and I was legit one of the last to start. TOuche. I dont care!
I followed the plan OK until my blister (I've packed all my running socks!!!) developed and always killed me. I would post the picture but I think you'll pass out, like, honestly. I've worn cotton socks before but OBVIOUSLY this was a terrible idea.
I really wanted to follow my race plan so off I went but I had GI distress and stopped for about 4 min at the 81st street real park bathroom because the portapotty lines were soooo long (like usual). One thing to note: the gatorade on the course was not mixed well, it was too strong which also leads to GI distress.
Lap 1 of the park was pretty good:
m1-11:10
m2-11:08
m3-10:52
m4-10:54
m5-11:40
m6-10:49
the 11:40 was me trying to slow down from running 2m a little too fast and then m6 was me being like, ugh i suck at pacing.
Lap 2 here we come... I was happy and ready t opick it up. I felt GOOD. I ran into some TNT girls and started up harlem hill. They were apparently running 12min pace which I didnt realize. OOPS. m8-10 is the west side, the 3 bitches (the hills) and then up to almost tavern on the green. i rocked it!!!! 10:35 and 10:02!!!! M 10 wa sme trying to slow down because I had been giong a bit too fast... m11 i always stuggle in that part of the park, I am unsure why!!!
m7-13:36- harlem hill, ran with the tnt girls who were running really slow, needed to be on my own!!!
m8-10:35
m9-10:02
m10-11:05
m11-10:40
m12-10:44
LAP 3:
m13-11:59 harlem hill with mike, not too bad considering i walked a bit... stupid ear!!!
m14-11:46 (stupid rolling hills)weird guy screwed up my splits
m15-11:48- walked the water breaks and couldnt get into a groove
m16-10:35- lower part of the loop trying to get back in the groove
m17-12:31- cat hill killed me, walked a teeny bit
m18-10:17 (fastest and flatest mile of the course)
very inconsistent on the 3rd lap. I ran into Coach Mike and I was quit eobviously hitting my hydration issue. Or rather, it was hitting me. I had my swollen fingers again (not quite as bad as the Bronx) and was all goosebumpy. The temp was only about 68 at that point but it was starting to get sunny. I had sunscreen on, which I'm wondering if that adds to the distress, like maybe I can't sweat as I need to?
Coming off of Harlem Hill this man starts talking to me. SInce I was running by myself I sparked many a convo with people because I was bored etc. He turned out to be uber creepy! After telling me he was a pilot for a wealthy famil ybased in Paris (why this would impress me is beyond me) he asked me (verbatim) "so how did you get such a hot bod" Now people. I am not that gross, this I know. However, we are in a race with a bunch of runners, many of whom (read: most) have 'hotter' bods. I responded (no judgement!!) by saying "I don't eat cupcakes" Anyway I tried to lose him on the 3 bitches and somehow managed to. But UGH!!!! Gross!
In a nutshell I had a good race. I shouldnt paid attention and kept up the pace the 3x around but was being 'good' about hydration etc. I shouldve just stuck with it and had the excellent race I wanted. Overall I know I coudlve kept it up but didnt because I wasnt in the mood. HA! I ran 10:35 and 10:17 in the last 2/3 miles. Cat Hill and I have never been friends so I accepted defeat on that one!
I don't think my 4:40 marathon goal is plausible, however, I am goign to keep pushing until taper and see what happens. If you dont give yourself a chance, then you definitely won't get there!
Here's to a great week!!! Week 13 of training for me!
Sunday am I got a roll w jam which I ate in the cab on the way uptown. I'm over the subway. Stresses me out. I got to the park at 6:45 and the course marshals were yelling at us that we were late. YAWN. I'm not interested in being stressed out when the race hasnt started yet! The corrals were all closed and I was legit one of the last to start. TOuche. I dont care!
I followed the plan OK until my blister (I've packed all my running socks!!!) developed and always killed me. I would post the picture but I think you'll pass out, like, honestly. I've worn cotton socks before but OBVIOUSLY this was a terrible idea.
I really wanted to follow my race plan so off I went but I had GI distress and stopped for about 4 min at the 81st street real park bathroom because the portapotty lines were soooo long (like usual). One thing to note: the gatorade on the course was not mixed well, it was too strong which also leads to GI distress.
Lap 1 of the park was pretty good:
m1-11:10
m2-11:08
m3-10:52
m4-10:54
m5-11:40
m6-10:49
the 11:40 was me trying to slow down from running 2m a little too fast and then m6 was me being like, ugh i suck at pacing.
Lap 2 here we come... I was happy and ready t opick it up. I felt GOOD. I ran into some TNT girls and started up harlem hill. They were apparently running 12min pace which I didnt realize. OOPS. m8-10 is the west side, the 3 bitches (the hills) and then up to almost tavern on the green. i rocked it!!!! 10:35 and 10:02!!!! M 10 wa sme trying to slow down because I had been giong a bit too fast... m11 i always stuggle in that part of the park, I am unsure why!!!
m7-13:36- harlem hill, ran with the tnt girls who were running really slow, needed to be on my own!!!
m8-10:35
m9-10:02
m10-11:05
m11-10:40
m12-10:44
LAP 3:
m13-11:59 harlem hill with mike, not too bad considering i walked a bit... stupid ear!!!
m14-11:46 (stupid rolling hills)weird guy screwed up my splits
m15-11:48- walked the water breaks and couldnt get into a groove
m16-10:35- lower part of the loop trying to get back in the groove
m17-12:31- cat hill killed me, walked a teeny bit
m18-10:17 (fastest and flatest mile of the course)
very inconsistent on the 3rd lap. I ran into Coach Mike and I was quit eobviously hitting my hydration issue. Or rather, it was hitting me. I had my swollen fingers again (not quite as bad as the Bronx) and was all goosebumpy. The temp was only about 68 at that point but it was starting to get sunny. I had sunscreen on, which I'm wondering if that adds to the distress, like maybe I can't sweat as I need to?
Coming off of Harlem Hill this man starts talking to me. SInce I was running by myself I sparked many a convo with people because I was bored etc. He turned out to be uber creepy! After telling me he was a pilot for a wealthy famil ybased in Paris (why this would impress me is beyond me) he asked me (verbatim) "so how did you get such a hot bod" Now people. I am not that gross, this I know. However, we are in a race with a bunch of runners, many of whom (read: most) have 'hotter' bods. I responded (no judgement!!) by saying "I don't eat cupcakes" Anyway I tried to lose him on the 3 bitches and somehow managed to. But UGH!!!! Gross!
In a nutshell I had a good race. I shouldnt paid attention and kept up the pace the 3x around but was being 'good' about hydration etc. I shouldve just stuck with it and had the excellent race I wanted. Overall I know I coudlve kept it up but didnt because I wasnt in the mood. HA! I ran 10:35 and 10:17 in the last 2/3 miles. Cat Hill and I have never been friends so I accepted defeat on that one!
I don't think my 4:40 marathon goal is plausible, however, I am goign to keep pushing until taper and see what happens. If you dont give yourself a chance, then you definitely won't get there!
Here's to a great week!!! Week 13 of training for me!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Yassos Round II
So last night I did my second set of Yassos. I skipped Urban because of the rain and thunder disaster! I would have been out after the bad part of the storm but there have been 3 deaths in central park this year (see here) so I am a scaredy cat and thought it best to stay inside. I actually found out the workout they did and wished I had gone, I like that workout. (Varying lenghts)
Instead I did yassos Round II. My round I was on 9/8 so it's about a week ago that I did them last. I added one yasso repeat this time (per how you're supposed to) and it was WAY easier than it was last time I did yassos thats for sure. Sometimes I wonder how much is mental and how much is physical. I am OK mentally this week. A little tired but ready to just focus on the schedule and go. No more over analyzing.
This am I did arms and abs. I really like my arms. My triceps still need work but otherwise I am happy. I am up inthe air about doing a short run tonight. I'm kinda tired. I am doing yoga tomorrow for sure and then running a bunch of errands. Sunday is the tune up. I need a race plan!!!
Where are you mentally right now? Are you ready for your event? Getting tired?
Instead I did yassos Round II. My round I was on 9/8 so it's about a week ago that I did them last. I added one yasso repeat this time (per how you're supposed to) and it was WAY easier than it was last time I did yassos thats for sure. Sometimes I wonder how much is mental and how much is physical. I am OK mentally this week. A little tired but ready to just focus on the schedule and go. No more over analyzing.
This am I did arms and abs. I really like my arms. My triceps still need work but otherwise I am happy. I am up inthe air about doing a short run tonight. I'm kinda tired. I am doing yoga tomorrow for sure and then running a bunch of errands. Sunday is the tune up. I need a race plan!!!
Where are you mentally right now? Are you ready for your event? Getting tired?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Hydration and last nights run.
Last night we ran lower loop repeats. The air was deliciously cool and not dense. Do I hear fall making a sly entrance????
The workout was meant to be as follows:
1st loop: Run your normal easy, long run pace.
2nd loop: Run about 15-20 seconds faster than the first loop.
3rd loop: Run 10-15 seconds faster than your 2nd loop (or 25-35 faster than the first).
I didn't quite accomplish this in the 2nd loop but made it up in the last loop. I decided I was running 10-15 seconds faster by mile forget 'by loop'.
My times:
1-18:01 (10:35 pace)
2-17:54 (10:32 pace)
3-17:00 (10 pace)
I was happy with those. I mean 10:35 isnt my long run pace but I'm trying to make it be. It's just not an easy pace for me. I definitely need more practice because obviously I can run at it. 5m isnt long by any stretch but its certainly not a sprint. The park was crowded. YOu know its marathon season.
This blog came up in another friends blog click here
So here's what I take from it. People judge the slower runners with fuel belts, and some people are lucky enough that their body mechanics are so stable they arent hydrating maniacs like yours truly. I hydrate. quite a bit actually. I always run with water. Read: always. I happen to fuel 1x an hour for the most part. mostly with gels for convinience but sometimes with bars, bananas, oranges, etc. I am hypoglycemic and need the extra hydration/food to not feel super light headed. I need to eat pizza before a long run. Always. I can't eat peanut butter before runs or I feel sick. It's just how it goes. If I tried to run 10m with no fuel I wouldnt make it.
I get annoyed that people judge. Leave the slower peeps alone. Sometimes when I’m at the 5k race it’s really a run within a run and I’ve run 5m there and will run say 5 miles home. Can I have water for a half marathon? Sometimes I wear a fuel belt because I need to carry a bunch of crap with me and figure, hell, throw on the water. I have def felt judged at a shorter race that I’m fitting in.
I guess my point is, don’t judge. I always used to be annoyed by people flying past me on the trails, now I think, whatever this is my recovery run, maybe it’s their tempo. While I agree it’s an interesting debate, I’m cool with it until the judging begins
The workout was meant to be as follows:
1st loop: Run your normal easy, long run pace.
2nd loop: Run about 15-20 seconds faster than the first loop.
3rd loop: Run 10-15 seconds faster than your 2nd loop (or 25-35 faster than the first).
I didn't quite accomplish this in the 2nd loop but made it up in the last loop. I decided I was running 10-15 seconds faster by mile forget 'by loop'.
My times:
1-18:01 (10:35 pace)
2-17:54 (10:32 pace)
3-17:00 (10 pace)
I was happy with those. I mean 10:35 isnt my long run pace but I'm trying to make it be. It's just not an easy pace for me. I definitely need more practice because obviously I can run at it. 5m isnt long by any stretch but its certainly not a sprint. The park was crowded. YOu know its marathon season.
This blog came up in another friends blog click here
So here's what I take from it. People judge the slower runners with fuel belts, and some people are lucky enough that their body mechanics are so stable they arent hydrating maniacs like yours truly. I hydrate. quite a bit actually. I always run with water. Read: always. I happen to fuel 1x an hour for the most part. mostly with gels for convinience but sometimes with bars, bananas, oranges, etc. I am hypoglycemic and need the extra hydration/food to not feel super light headed. I need to eat pizza before a long run. Always. I can't eat peanut butter before runs or I feel sick. It's just how it goes. If I tried to run 10m with no fuel I wouldnt make it.
I get annoyed that people judge. Leave the slower peeps alone. Sometimes when I’m at the 5k race it’s really a run within a run and I’ve run 5m there and will run say 5 miles home. Can I have water for a half marathon? Sometimes I wear a fuel belt because I need to carry a bunch of crap with me and figure, hell, throw on the water. I have def felt judged at a shorter race that I’m fitting in.
I guess my point is, don’t judge. I always used to be annoyed by people flying past me on the trails, now I think, whatever this is my recovery run, maybe it’s their tempo. While I agree it’s an interesting debate, I’m cool with it until the judging begins
Monday, September 13, 2010
Vegas Recap, Minnetonka showdown
We went to Vegas this weekend (Thurs-Sun) to celebrate my good friends 30th birthday. We stayed at the Aria which, to be honest, wasnt that great. I am a huge Vegas fan. It's great for eating, pool lounging, gambling, partying etc. I have stayed at Hard Rock, the Wynn, MGM and the Venetian. All are better than the Aria. It's too high-tech (curtains can only be closed with a switch) and the custover service is lacking. I won't return there for sure. We arrived late Thursday and Friday am I was up way too early and decided to head down to CVS for a snack and then to the gym after paying my $30 gym fee. I ran my 12m run on the treadmill at the Aria and it wasnt too too bad. I watched a terrible USA made for TV movie with Brooke Shields. Very entertaining. Ha! The run itself was uneventful. Long, tiring, mentally boring and I was tired and dehydrated and hadnt eaten dinner, a proper breakfast etc. But c'est la vie. I have the splits somewhere but my blackberry is acting up. I ran between 10:40 and 11:20 depending. It's amazing how different the two speeds feel. I'm trying to get up to running 18m at the 10:30 pace but obviously I needed to work on this earlier on in the season.
Saturday I woke up hungover-ish and made it to the gym for some recovery and some weights. This am I just did 35 min of weights in the Marriott at Minnetonka gym. Laughable at best, but hey at least it was a gym!!!
Last Wednesday I got a massage and it was tough, my hammy/inner thigh has been really tight/unhappy/painful. I dont know how it got this way HOWEVER I finally think its starting to feel better. Today it felt like it 'gave' when I was stretching it. So that's great.
This week on tap:
Tuesday- yoga in the am, running at night (a loop maybe?)
Wednesday- off
Thursday- running with Urban
Friday- weights, recovery 4-6m run
Saturday- yoga and weights
Sunday- 18miler
Saturday I woke up hungover-ish and made it to the gym for some recovery and some weights. This am I just did 35 min of weights in the Marriott at Minnetonka gym. Laughable at best, but hey at least it was a gym!!!
Last Wednesday I got a massage and it was tough, my hammy/inner thigh has been really tight/unhappy/painful. I dont know how it got this way HOWEVER I finally think its starting to feel better. Today it felt like it 'gave' when I was stretching it. So that's great.
This week on tap:
Tuesday- yoga in the am, running at night (a loop maybe?)
Wednesday- off
Thursday- running with Urban
Friday- weights, recovery 4-6m run
Saturday- yoga and weights
Sunday- 18miler
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Yassos Round I
So I've never officially done Yassos but I've read a lot about them and decided to try them as an addition to my workouts if I ever have an 'off' day in terms of not being able to make practice. This week my schedule is a shit show. I am going to Vegas with some girl friends leaving at 6 pm tomorrow so I'll have to leave the office at 3:45 and won't be in on Friday. I have massive amounts of work plus so much extra with the working out, running and the move (and breaking my lease etc). SO MUCH GOING ON.
Anyway. So last night was a 5-k 'race' with TNT. I bombed. 31:00 was my time but that included a bunch of walking. Way to hold the pace Jen. I think I was running 8:30 pace. WHY can't I hold on. I know it was hot, but still! Frustrating.
So yes, this am I decided Yassos were the way to go. Just 4- how hard can it be??? Here is how you do a YASSO 800 workout
I warmed up for 7 min (my tolerance for treadmill warmups is measly) and then did the following:
Yasso 1- 7.1mph, 8:30 pace, 4:15 goal marathon time (WHOOPS)
Yasso 2- 6.7mph, 8:57 pace, 4:28 goal marathon time (alright alright!!)
Yasso 3- 6.7mph, 8:57 pace, 4:28 goal marathon time (alright alright!!)
Yasso 4- 6.7mph, 8:57 pace, 4:28 goal marathon time (alright alright!!)
I made it through all 4 repeats. I suck at math in the am apparently because after I finished the first round and was like 'wow this is goign to be hard' I realized why that was.
Total time was 30:54 which means each break was less than 3 minutes which is too short!!! UGH. Ok something to watch for next time. Oh well. I was running out of time anyway and didnt want to be late to work.
Tomorrow is an off day for me because I have an 8 am meeting and 6 pm flight, it literally doesnt fit!! Friday I intend to run 12 miles on the treadmill and then do abs. Saturday I migth take off, we shall see. Sunday I intend to run 4-5m and Monday as well :) I will be in Minnetonka Monday. Holy travel!
Good luck to all of you on your long runs this weekend!
Anyway. So last night was a 5-k 'race' with TNT. I bombed. 31:00 was my time but that included a bunch of walking. Way to hold the pace Jen. I think I was running 8:30 pace. WHY can't I hold on. I know it was hot, but still! Frustrating.
So yes, this am I decided Yassos were the way to go. Just 4- how hard can it be??? Here is how you do a YASSO 800 workout
I warmed up for 7 min (my tolerance for treadmill warmups is measly) and then did the following:
Yasso 1- 7.1mph, 8:30 pace, 4:15 goal marathon time (WHOOPS)
Yasso 2- 6.7mph, 8:57 pace, 4:28 goal marathon time (alright alright!!)
Yasso 3- 6.7mph, 8:57 pace, 4:28 goal marathon time (alright alright!!)
Yasso 4- 6.7mph, 8:57 pace, 4:28 goal marathon time (alright alright!!)
I made it through all 4 repeats. I suck at math in the am apparently because after I finished the first round and was like 'wow this is goign to be hard' I realized why that was.
Total time was 30:54 which means each break was less than 3 minutes which is too short!!! UGH. Ok something to watch for next time. Oh well. I was running out of time anyway and didnt want to be late to work.
Tomorrow is an off day for me because I have an 8 am meeting and 6 pm flight, it literally doesnt fit!! Friday I intend to run 12 miles on the treadmill and then do abs. Saturday I migth take off, we shall see. Sunday I intend to run 4-5m and Monday as well :) I will be in Minnetonka Monday. Holy travel!
Good luck to all of you on your long runs this weekend!
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