first TNT run of the season

so of course my first TNT run of the season was a Tuesday, post 4th of July, 18 weeks before Marathon day. It was also 102 degrees out. The heat was a thick wall of nastiness let me tell you.

I actually wanted to bail but both my mentor and go to coach talked me out of it. I left my desk at 6:30 and lo and behold, when I went into the bathroom to change I realized I had not packed shorts. A quick trip to nike and I was on my way, late, like usual.

I speedwalked (sped walked?) the 1.5m to cherry hill (why not just call it the fountain where the JPMCC ends???) and then found out our workout was to be a 4 m loop (intermediate) with whatever effort level you could muster. I had had 2 glasses of wine Monday night (Rombauer- not worth it for Chardonnay) so i think that made me a bit more dehydrated in combination with my allergy pill for Tuesday. Halfway through the run I had to take a breather and I did walk a lot of the East side of the park, mainly bc I was goosebumpy.

We shall see. No real headache today (slight this am) so I'm on top of that at least.

I joined Urban Athletics for speed training Thursday nights. We shall see.

I havent been here...

...because I haven't been running. I decided to take a break through July 4th and give my legs some time to rest. I've had some issues with over worked quads (aka chicken cutlets) which I attribute to lifting, spinning, hilly races and the like.

I did sign up for NYC again. I don't know what I'm thinking. I don't even know if I want to run. I want to have a better time in my look back. I am not satisfied with a 4:59 marathon. I want a 4:30 marathon. But I guess the problem is, once I get to 4:30 will I want a sub 4?

To be honest, I don't know. I feel alone in this challenge. I feel like everyone of my family in friends isn't supportive merely because, let's be frank, I've done this before. I've already proven I can do this. In fact, I've already run the exact course I will run again in 18 weeks.

To run a 4:30 marathon I essentially have to run 10 min miles. I don't know if I can. If I run 4:45 will I be happy? Or will I be disappointed?

fathers day 5 m run

i signed up for yet another race on a seemingly unstoppable quest to race 9 races this year even though i've already promised myself it's my last marathon. why struggle to qualify for next year then? is it a good option to have? i don't quite know.

anyway the race was sun am, always a wkd killer. i am terrible at having a glass of wine and waking up early feeling spiffy.

it was 80 at the start and pretty humid so needless to say it was a hot race.

52:48 was my time and i did have to work to get there in that time. Not a too terrible pace esp give my quad (which did feel stressed after) and the JPM challenge wednesday.

My splits for JPMCC were as follows:
mile1- 9:55
mile2- 10:03
mile3- 11:27 (WHAT?!)
mile3-3.5- 4:51

it was a clockwise loop starting at w76th street coming back around to 72nd street transverse

My splits for the Fathers Day race were as followS:
mile1-10:42
mile2- 10:21
mile3- 11:04
mile4-10:38
mile5-10:03

It was a clockwise loop from w68th lower 5 m loop.

san diego race report

I had my race in SD. It wasnt great but it wasnt bad. My leg acted up so I didnt finish until 2:31 which is my worst time to date but it's ok. I walked when I had to because of my leg and did an 11 m pace otherwise which was whatever.

It was not a good winter for me in terms of training. I was sick with swine flu which really compromised my lungs for quite some time. THen between losing my job and having to find another running took a backseat. I also was coming off literally a year of marathon training so I'll be damned if I am upset :)

I had a great time in San Diego and enjoyed myself and the scenery immensely which was fun.

Next race is this wkd- 5 m and the wkd after as well- same deal.

I am pretty sure I am doing NYC. The marathon that is. SCARY.

race day coming up

My race is Sunday. I am packed and ready to go although my training has been paltry at best. I ran a tempo run this week but havent run for weeks prior. I hurt my quad (strained or tore who knows its healing!) so things were hairy for a while.

I am more excited for the trip post race than the race but i'm hoping I will be pleasantly surprised!

See you in 10 days with a race report.

update

i havent logged or even been on here all. i started my new job this monday and man have i been busy. ive been working 12 hours straight w literally no breaks/interuptions etc. my head is spinning and im exhausted!

the good news is its a healthy place w healthy snacks and a stocked pantry/fridge with yogurt, string cheese, apples, hummus, health bars, etc.

the bad news is even though i've somehow managed to work out 3 times this wk (i didnt this wkd bc we were in miami) i feel bloated, lazy and gross from so much sitting!!!

i did weights, yoga and a spin class so far this wk. tonigth another yoga class and tomorrow a 12 m run. san diego is in 2 wks (nuts bc i am NOT ready). i am really ready for our amazing napa trip!

my knee has been hurting me since the last time i posted. i took a week off running (spun, weights, yoga) and tomorrow is the big reveal. it hasnt bothered me at all (i also havent run nor walked down steps which is what seemed to agitate the calf muscle) so we shall see. its so close to race day that if it hutrs i'm going to have to stop and spin for hours ;) luckily its only a half. if this were a full marathon i for sure would have to bow out.

Better Back, Bad Knee?

So Wed after my post I felt good. Thursday I took the day off because I knew I was running long today and working out tomorrow/running Sunday. Well I wake up this morning and literally can not get out of bed. Like legs are not functional. Awesome.

So today being my long run day I ate carbs (shocker) I had an Energy Kitchen english muffin and Egg white with Mozz cheese sammy. And some Kefir. And a Margarita shok blok thingie before I went out at Noon. Actually 1230. Yes, you heard that right.

I planned on running about 10m and did about 10.25 give or take. I did have to walk some because after my second reservoir lap (about 5 mi in) the outside of my right knee (perhaps right IT band) basically quit working. PAIN!

I ran through it thinking it would get better and it did. I made it from E90 to W87 before almost dying again (and Harlem Hill is no joke people!!) On and off from there it was shitty to very shitty. Now I feel like I can't walk! I need to foam roll, cold bath and I am sure I'll be fine. It's like a "I'm so tired I'm not participating in this exercise" sort of muscle pain if you can imagine that.

Wht else? I am not dizzy nor too salty so I think the salt package thing is working. Still a bit chilly after the run, but perhaps thats just me?