A Racing Wkd

Sunday I ran in NYRR's Gridiron Classic 4 miler. 41:06 was my unofficial time. Unofficial because I num nuttedly deactivated my chip during my warm up run- stupid- but I wanted to know where the finish line was.

So, although it doesnt REALLY matter, it does because it was an improved time (some 30 seconds faster than in December) and because the race won't count to the 9+1 guaranteed entry to NYC2010 which I want the option on.

Regardless, I was proud of my time and even more proud that I dressed light with just a hat, light gloves, a dri fit and a long sleeve tshirt w tights for 30 degrees and wasnt cold. My shins were a bit tight (as were my legs in general) but overall felt ok given my 35 mile 7 day total (thurs-thurs I'd run 35 miles as I think I previously mentioned) and given the fact that Matt and I did a cooking class which ended at 11 on Saturday night and that we went out Friday and drank.

Overall, thumbs up. This week I'm going to train a bit but not hard. Tonight it's a few miles (it's SO nice out, I can't resist) and tomorrow more hills. Wednesday I hope for yoga and Sunday I might run a loop. Overall that should be 3+3+6 which will be a 25 mile week. I'm OK with that :)

Nothing else to report. Back is icky but need more yoga!

and so what? im still a rockstar

I ran almost 11 miles last night in CP. 10.85 to be exact. With Nicole. I was freezing. And I didnt bring gu or water- I kept going the last 3 miles by talking abotu Gatorade- I thoght Nicole was going to smack me on the head- lol.

Had you told me last year that my trailing 7 day mileage would be 33 miles I wouldve laughed at you. Because I wouldnt have believed it myself. I'm now wondering how much of this really is mental. Like if I repeat "I can do this" enough times, can I?

Alex sent me an email that I wrote to him apparently in January 08 and it says "I could never run 15 miles!!!!" Sigh. It's on my to do list for February that's for sure. I'm going to run 15. Skipping 14 altogether. That's nice at least.

Race is on Sunday. Wish me luck. I want to run under 41 minutes. My previous PR is 41:30 so not a huge improvement but I'll be running alone. I'm pumped (I think!!!)

bastards! dont let them get you down

Well. People really should learn to keep their mouths shut. And I, on the other hand, should keep her ears shut.

"You know Jen, I'm not sure I could run as slow as you"
"Don't people run a full marathon in the time it took you to run the half"

EW. I am trying to put the comments out of my mind. But it's hard.

Anyway. Last night was disapointing. I tried to run my hills workout but it didnt happen. My calves were aching after the second set of "hills" so I just finished 2 miles and called it a night. I mean, I did do some weights for my upper body to try and help-- 400 calorie burn which wasnt bad according to my HRM. You know, I havent found that balance of eating and running where I feel great, perhaps its just the weather.

Today I woke up congested and skipped pilates. To be frank, I hate pilates. I like yoga but need some gentle yoga which I can't seem to really find. I actually woke up and forgot I had an 8 am mtg and lollygagged a bit too long before leaving for work. Ugh. Add the runny nose to that and you have a not so happy me.

Tonight I have dinner plans. Which is fine but I feel like I need to work out. I mean I did rest Monday right?

my second half

I wrote an entire entry and it was erased. Bastards.

Ok so this weekend was my second half. Objectively I didn't do wonderfully but when you know the details you might be proud just like me.

a) it was 14 out at the start. At the finish it was a balmy 18. Really? Had you told me 2 months ago that I'd be running for HOURS in those temperatures I would have staunchly said "No I'm not". Now I am just lacing out and dealing (well I mean i DID complain- but come on! It was cooooooooooold! People had frozen ponytails and the water was completely frozen and had to be slammed against the tables so you could chew on ice!!!)
b) I ran the last 2 miles at a 'fast' pace for me. The last mile was a 9:22 and the 0.1 was a 54 second pace... I ran the race in 2:26:17 and had run the Oct 3rd 2008 half in 2:20:17 which had been my cutoff time. I did stop to pee soooo 5 extra minutes to account for freezing temps is A OK with me
c) I am doing this, I am running, I feel good, I ran strong and well.
d) I passed a TON of people on Lap 2. Starting from Harlem Hill (and ending on E7nd transverse) I passed a TON of people. In fact I don't think anyone passed me. I felt elated as I came up HH the second time.... Like free! I loved that feeling and was singing GIVE ME GIVE ME MOREEEEEEEEEEE by Ms. Spears!
e) my body felt good. great even, tight calves but I was so cold I didn't stretch too much (yikes!)
f) I'm excited about running again... I had fallen off that wagon!!

Coming up:
Tuesday- hill training, Thursday- long run in the park with Nic, Sat- 5 mile slow run, Sun- 4 mile race. Feb 8th- Bronx half.


wk 1.5 19.07
wk 1.12 21.5
wk 1.17 23
TOTAL 151.79

how did 5 turn into 7?

Last night I ended up NOT running with NikeTown and not running 5 miles but instead 7. I also didn't run with my IPOD which, honestly, is a feat in and of itself. I left from the office and ran through the park and up to NYRR to get my shirt and chip for this Sunday. My best discovery of the night is that my fleecy top layer has a HUGE pocket in the sleeve- it's honestly amazing. It had my key card to get into the building, my chip, my number folded up, a gel pack, tissues. HUGE and you didnt notice it! The fact that the pocket was my number one amazement last night is lame- but hey that's the life of running.

Tonight I have to go to yoga. Have to. No excuses. (I guarantee you I will find one- sigh!!!)
This wk wasnt terrible: Monday-off, Tuesday- Run, Wednesday- weights, Thursday- Run, Friday-Yoga, Sat-off, Sunday- Run.

Short Run- nervous for tonight

So Tuesday night I ended up only having time for 3 miles. And it was on the shitty treadmills. AND it sucked. My stomach was terrible and my shins started acting up. I guess 20 miles is where my shins split. tee hee.

Tonight I am going to try NikeTown Running. 6:30. Sigh I am super nervous, not 100% sure why though. What the fuck do I care?

I want to run a 6 mile loop but we will see. If I only do 5 I will live. Tomorrow is supposed to be like 45 degrees so I have to run. It'll just be too nice not to!!

Sunday is the half. I am not scared of the distance but rather of the time. I want to improve on Octobers time but I can't imagine that I will- disapointing.


wk 11.17 11.51
wk 11.24 14.05
wk 12.1 13.68
wk 12.8 10.7
wk 12.15 5
wk 12.22 15.89
wk 12.29 17.39
wk 1.5 19.07
wk 1.12 21.5
wk 1.19 (e) 3+5/6+2+13= 23
TOTAL - alot

but so what- im still a rockstaaaaaaaar

I'm up to over 20 miles a week. Getting there. This week the goal is 23 miles of which 13 will be in the Manhattan half marathon. I think Thursday I will run a loop of Central Park and then tonight I will run an easy 4. I think that will work. Perhaps tomorrow I will run the CP loop. We'll see. Depends on temps.

I ran hills last week. Which were deathly and awful. I'm supposed to run them again this week but am skipping the workout tonight in favor of eating out with my friends. I never choose to not run, so one time with a makeup session should be OK.

102 more days. Thats just so crazy!

I am running out of songs! HELP!

wk 11.17 11.51
wk 11.24 14.05
wk 12.1 13.68
wk 12.8 10.7
wk 12.15 5
wk 12.22 15.89
wk 12.29 17.39
wk 1.5 19.07
wk 1.12 21.5
TOTAL 128.79WOWSAH