DC Half Recap

What a could of weeks, I've been busy, busy with work, friends and just life.  It's been good.  I'm still sitting in the "hallway" but am learning to enjoy it more, and may even start decorating soon!

So way back on April 27th I ran the Nike DC Half.  I went into the lottery as a team (there were actually 2 teams) with a bunch of chicks I didn't really know (minus my 2 running buds) and hoped for the best. I wasn't really properly trained to do anything more than just run, I was sad and sort of meh.  The good news is that as soon as I took a little nap on the 'ol Amtrak I snapped right out of it! The sadness over the boy lifted, I bonded with the gals, and had a blast!  It's amazing what a little sleep can do!

On the Amtrak

As far as the race goes, I did better than expected: 2:12:15 - not too shabby!  I was really pleased with my mile splits which were all even for the most part.  I have had some major fluctuations in past races and was so happy to see that each mile was basically even.  I was able to kick it up for the last mile which made me happy.

So would I race this again?  Only if we got in as a team.  $175 is a lot, and I could care less about the Tiffany's necklace! The course while nice, was a little boring.  I was expecting to see the monuments and I think we only ran past the White House and the back of the Lincoln Memorial.  I would also plan to stay over 2 nights next time so I could get more sights in.  You just have too much to do the day before a race to really do anything else.  Nike did a nice job, I never felt too crowded on the course, but I was also in the 2nd corral, those in the back had a much different experience.  The expotique was a little cheesy, but that was to be expected.  Major props to the staff and volunteers.  I was also pleased to see a bunch of men on the course (I know, I know...).  They were fun to run with and seemed to enjoy the all women's theme!

  We also managed to make pyramids to happen.  We tend to do that a lot, doesn't everyone??

Woops, Forgot to post My Dec Recap!

Wow, December FLEW by!!!! 

In a nutshell...

Christmas, really awesome, lots of cool gifts exchanged and received (I love the giving part a little more though, seeing loved ones excited about a gift rocks).

NYE, it sort of sucked, which I think is normal. I'm always in a funky space, expectations out of control, me and the boy a little on edge....typical. I should add, the party we went to did not suck, in fact it was the perfect quiet night with friends.

Working out, hmm...let's see....I got in a few Crossfit sessions, I ran some miles, the longest being 8 miles in the snow in Central Park (amazing).  I went back to spin and embraced the 'mill. Oh and I placed first in the Athena category at the Ho Ho Ho run!  Not a PR, although I was only off by about 30 seconds which completely amazed me.

Weight, gained back those same damn 3 pounds.  I'm back to square one.  Nutritionist tomorrow.  Why do I suck at losing weight???? 

Random, Ranger game with front row (literally behind the bench) seats, executive suite. Pink concert with my dad, also up in the suites, a party with the coolest tri team around.

I'd say Dec was a hit!

I'm in!

Winter "What's Next" Plan

I'm trying to figure out my what's next plan which is both fun and a little scary. The fun part is hanging with friends, getting my run on.  The scary, well, I'm not sure it's scary, but I really want to challenge myself this winter and see where it takes me - the goal?  A 2 hour half!

For the fun:

December 8
Northport Tough Cookie Trail Race - trails AND cookies?  I'm in.

December 21
Ho Ho Ho Run - I'll be running with a friend who is just getting back into running.  While I'd love to go all out and see what I can do, I will probably hang back with my bud.  Maybe wear a costume? 

Jan 18
Sayville Running Company 10 Mile Run to the Brewery - love this race! Ran it last year and had a blast, the after party is as awesome as you would imagine.  Beer, food, bands.  Tons of fun. Also looking to PR here!!

Jan 26
Fred Lebow Manhattan Half - 2 freezing cold loops around Central Park....last year it got snowed out (or was it the year before?) and turned into a fun run, I got my 9+1 credit so I was a happy camper.  Looking to have fun and not freeze to death.


For the Scary:

If I get in, I want to PR my half at the NYC Half Marathon On March 17th. I'd like to see a BIG PR, which means I have to throw down BIG training - speed work, hills, weight loss, you name it, I have to do it.  The Goal - to knock off 7 minutes for a 2 hour half. Same goes for the Nike Women's Half. this one is also a lottery...crossing fingers I get into both!

If I don't get into either race, I will have the BK half and the LI half  to race (which is another post for another day, but I may run the full).  I always PR in BK, so that may be the race!

I'm excited for the winter, I always run, but I never train, I just log miles to keep in shape.  My biggest challenge will be running and skiing.  I LIVE for ski season and tend to head up north at least every other weekend.  I also don't belong to a traditional gym, I'm not sure it's a necessary expense since I'm also Crossfitting.  That may have to change though.

Possibly, and this is a long shot but I'd like to run the Reebok Spartan Race. 

Ahh, goals, how I love you! I have always billed myself as a lazy athlete - I'm going to make sure to take the lazy part out...I'm ready!

NYCM Phone Dump

I'm not really a taking pics while running type of gal, but I did manage to get a few before and after race shots.  Warning, I look OLD.  Like woa wrinkles, but really, I was just dehydrated...

I was also lucky enough to have my boyfriend and best gal there with me! They got a GREAT shot of me feeling awesome at mile 19.  I'm still amazed that I felt as strong as I did!

Verrazano Bridge, I ran the bottom which was fine by me, it was windy!

Mile 19!

My Toms SAVED my feet after!

Day after glow (selfie fo life!)

NYCM

I'm coming out of blogger retirement (or self imposed timeout) to jot down my marathon thoughts :)

Sooo NYCM was in a word AMAZING.  I didn't PR (that was done in Chicago last year) but I had a course PR which I'll take!  It was a cold (but then got warm, then cold again), windy day - but no excuses, I ran the race I was supposed to run.  I felt happy, strong and confident the entire time.  Nothing major happened, I ran, I high fived, I contemplated life.  When it was all said and done I finished in 4:50:33, not my 4:3x:xx that I was hoping for, but I can always do that next time.  Best part was having my boy and forever friend out on the course cheering me on.  That was the icing to an already top 10 day.  Oh, the roses at the end of the race didn't hurt either!

One thing I will say - and this is for everyone....always be happy with your effort.  You ran a marathon.  Never feel like you have to make an excuse for your time (I tripped and ended up in medic, I took an extra long dump) we will see in your splits that it didn't happen.  Be proud of what you ran.  The majority of people in this world were on the couch.  Not us, we were out running our asses off. So be a good sport and don't make up a story.  #tacky

So what's next?  I'm signed up for the brewery 10 miler, maybe the NYRR Manhattan half, I'm in the lottery for the NYC half and lots of crossfit.  I need to focus on some other things to keep running as awesome as it is.  No burnout for this gal!

Fairfield Half....or the Time I Seriously Tanked.

2:21:59.  Official time.  My PR and last race was 2:07:00 (Brooklyn).  Ouch.

All I can say was that this was one hell of a hot and hilly race.  And I do not care what those people in CT kept telling me, the new course was NOT FLAT!  I knew at mile 2ish when we charged up that monster hill that I was not on Long Island anymore. 

But you now what, I'm not disappointed (which I normally would be).  I knew going in that I probably was not going to hit my goal time of 2:05, I knew at mile 6 that I wanted this to be over, so I played it safe, dropped my pace, drank a ton of fluids and tried to have fun.  My one regret - not taking pictures (aside from the required cute pre-race pics with the girls).  This is a must run again for me, although the race directors should really consider starting this race at 7:00 - 8:30 is too late for a race that is in June...wayyyy to late. 

So for learning lessons - go back to running the Selden Hills.  Those hills would have prepared me for the race.  The dump which I have been running is good for my overall training/conditioning but does not justify a hill run.  Lose weight (duh, goes without saying).

Aside from the heat and hills, the course was beautiful and the spectators were AMAZING.  Seriously, I don't know what it is about CT, but they really come out to support their runners.  Back when I did the Stratton Faxon Hartford run a few years ago I felt the same way - full neighborhoods come out to support, plus there were bag pipers, bands, cute kids handing out Hershey kisses, a crazy lady chasing the course with a huge sign of Joey Fatone's head (OMG amazing).  Plus it seemed like at least one person on each block had their sprinklers blasting for the runners to get some much needed relief. 

Starting and ending on the beach was awesome too, as was the pizza which I couldn't stomach (I know, who am I?!?!?). I do wish they had more water at the beach - in fact I didn't see any.  Just iced tea, lemonade and fruit punch - which I threw up on the side of I95.  Ooops.

Next up - a bunch of random NYRR races, maybe a few of the summer runs.  Nothing big until the NYC marathon.  I'm looking forward to a little break between training cycles.  I'm going back to Crossfit and running and maybe even a little spin or yoga at my gym, but I'm not stressing over any of it.  It's summer and I want to enjoy and most importantly have fun!!

The Definition of Insanity...

...is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  Yup, that about sums up my week in food!  Why do I make the choices I make when the better option is so much better?  When will I ever learn?  Sigh....

Operation "Get Moving" is taking effect pronto.  The now job and hours has really put a damper on my exercise routine.  I went from a 5 day a weeker to barely 3.  YIKES.  Mornings in the winter are tough, I keep promising myself that tomorrow will be different, but I end up sleeping in.  I guess I'm going to have to power through evening workouts or plan 2 days a week to work out near work. We have a little gym in the building and there is a Soul Cycle just down the LIE.  No matter what, I have to get my workouts in, I miss the feeling of a good sweat session! Or a brisk night run.  The truth is I'm afraid that I'll get to a point where I won't do anything, and that is not cool.  I can see how easy it is to slip back to old school ways, and for me that is super scary.

I need to be bikini ready this summer.  I have been saying that for probably forever and I'll be mad if I don't get there this year.  There I said it: BIKINI READY.  Goal of the year (err...Century?)

Ok, enough about that.

On a fun running note, I ran the Sayville Running Company 10 mile Run to the Brewery this past weekend.  Not a PR, but not a bad run either. I think I averaged a 9:56 pace, I felt great and was pretty happy with myself.  The last time I ran 10 was back in November so to be able to cover the distance was ease was pretty awesome. The after party was not too bad either! 

Not sure what is up next, aside from eating better and working out, but for now that should be enough!

Chicago Recap (A Million Days Late)

Sometimes I need some time to process....I feel like I'm still mulling over Chicago, the race, the tears... the everything.

To start, I had a 9 minute PR but I missed my 4:30 goal.  My official finish was 4:41:19 and I might still be a little disappointed.  I may have also cried when it was over, twice.  But, to be fair, I'm also really proud of myself and super grateful that I'm even able to run.

This WILL NOT be a whiny post, even though I'm sort of blah about the whole race.   Don't get me wrong, it was fun and totally well organized, but it just lacked something for me.  Maybe I had too much build up going on?  Maybe I knew what to expect already having run a marathon?  Or maybe it was just no NYC Marathon? Because as we already know NY was the BEST day of my life!

To say that I wasn't and am still not bummed is an understatement.  I really wanted that 4:30 finish, I felt ready for it.  I had a lot of little missteps though that were part of it: I think I went out too fast (although I was only just under a sub 10 pace, I should have stuck with a 10:10 pace) with too few walking through water breaks, my garmin was not really working - I had a hard time catching satellite and when I finally did I lost it completely, I had to pee 3, yes 3 times and the last 2 times I had stage fright and couldn't go (WTF!!).

I will say though that I felt AMAZING the first 13 miles, around 14 I started to walk the water stops, not because I felt bad, more because I wanted to conserve energy, by 18 I felt like crap due to the bladder/stage fright issue.  I felt better around mile 22 even while  knowing how far off I was from my goal.  Mentally and physically I felt ok and tried to push those last few miles.  I wish I had the data to see my pace for the end! Damn satellites!  Was it a good race?  Absolutely!  Did I learn anything....absolutely!  I need to lose weight.  I know my 160# frame is holding me back from really hitting my potential. 

This whole training cycle was a tremendous learning experience.  I got through the heat, the tears and 3 20 milers!  I also proved to myself that I'm a runner.  That I want to continue running (remember, I'm a former fat, drinking, smoking, hanging out not even thinking abut running type of gal) and that I'm not too bad at it!

While I didn't quite recreate that best day ever feeling, I felt ok with the disappointment, Ok with my race...OK with the fact that I'm a 2x marathoner who has nothing but time to get better.  So while I cried for a minute, I also cried over the fact that I just finished something that took 16 weeks to prepare for - successfully!  I used to be afraid to set goals for fear of not reaching them, so maybe not running a 4:30 was the universe's way of letting me know that failure won't kill me? 

Happy Is....

Happy Wednesday! I'm officially 4 days away from 26.2 and I'm handling it all pretty well.  Surprisingly I'm not freaking out about my food, the fact that I'm bloated and have gained maybe 3 pounds or the fact that I haven't decided on my outfit yet.  Nope, none of that is affecting me.  I'm still blissfully happy about my weekend.

I had one of those amazing weekends where everything just went right.  My last long run of 8 miles was fast and perfect, the boy caught 2 HUGE tuna on his trip out to the canyon, I ran the Tunnels to Towers and had an amazing experience. Saw some college friends...the list goes on and on...

Dinner!

Running partner and I met up at the park and ran 7 of the 8 together, it was so great to get out there for our last run before the marathon.  She has seen me at my best and worst I'm so grateful to have her as my running buddy!  We cranked out a 9:30 pace which felt comfortable.  I'm still unsure of my pace plan, but I know 9:30 for 26.2 isn't happening!

Sunday I got up bright and early and met up with some friends to drive into Brooklyn for the Tunnel to Towers Run.  Without getting too into the deets, I have never really been interested in running this race, mainly because I have a hard time with anything 9/11.  I prefer to quietly reflect on that day and my experience (I worked close to the towers and saw the first plane hit, ran from burning buildings, ect...) and I knew from others that this race is a really emotional tribute to not only Steven Siller but all the lives lost, but when a friend had an extra bib I jumped on it and I'm so glad I did!

Battery Tunnel

I really feel like I saw humanity at it's best...30,000 people coming together, simply amazing.  I wouldn't really consider this a race, there are just too many people, no corrals, runners and walkers mixed in together, but that's part of the beauty of it, everyone together as one.  I witnessed wounded warriors running on prosthetic limbs for the first time, men and women running in full gear and grown men crying tears of happiness, an old man running (no matter how slow he was running!) with a sign on his back asking us to bear with him as he wanted his first 5k to be in honor of the fallen....no words!

Mike running in uniform...so awesome!!

I'm so glad I got out of my own way and decided to run.  It was hard, especially the sea of blue holding banners of fallen FDNY as we exited the tunnel, but it was also really uplifting.  Quite the paradox!

The after part was fun, TONS of food from local restaurants - pulled pork, burgers, ribs, pizza, soup and that's only half of it. We didn't stay for the after party, but I did get a pic with Rudy Guillani which was really awesome, for those who don't know Rudy was the Mayor of NYC and really carried us through 9/11.  I would definitely run this again!!

Rudy!!!

So with that, I'm going to try not to stress and enjoy my last few days of taper before I kill Chicago!!!

Down to the Wire...4 More Weeks!

Holy moley!  4 more weeks and I'll be running my little heart out in Chicago!
There are so many things I'm excited for - the race, a new city, maybe a blogger meetup, a cool new tech shirt.  Oh, and pizza, definetly some deep dish pizza (any suggestions???).

This week has been rather uneventful with my training.  To start off, last weekend I ran 16 on Sunday and a 5k XC race on Sat where I placed 3rd in my AG (small race, 12 people in my AG, but still!). I took Monday off, ran 7 Tue, spun last night and bailed on my 7 miler this morning.  I'm lifting tonight so I'll try and run after.  All in all I'm feeling good and the cooler temps have been a major welcome!

Sat I'm headed into the city to run my 3rd and final 20 miler before the race!!!  The plan is to run 16 then tag along with the NYRR race for the final 4.  The weather should be crisp and cool...thank god!!!! .  I'm hoping running partner won't mind, but I'm thinking we should split up during the first half of the run., I don't want to feel like I have to keep up then fizzle at the end and if I learned anything from last 20, slow and steady in the beginning is ideal for a strong finish.

I Just Ate A Bagel And Didn't Really Like It...

Yup, absolutely true story.  I went to the Bean, grabbed a chai latte (new addiction) and a bagel, maybe the 2nd one I've had in about a month and a half (new record) and am happy and shocked to report that I'm over it.  I would have rather had my oatmeal. Progress!!

Happily Full!

I'm stalled again with my weight loss.  I'm around 161, haven't gained which is miraculous as I didn't really  eat all that great this week, but I'm not losing sight of the goal.  I basically have done none of what I had planned on doing since the last time I met with my food coach, but I have a week to make it up to her! I'm hoping to get back on track this week so when we meet next Tue I have something good to say!

All in all, I'm happy with the coaching.  I'm down close to 7 pounds, off coffee and for the most part fake sugar (although I have had a few diet soda's here and there). I feel better and I'm on the right track, so it's all good!

This weekend was one of those really fun, lazy kind of weekends that I just love!  Fri was more of the same thing is always is: meeting, diner and then Chris and I went back to my house and passed out.

Emm and Deb

Sat we went to brunch at our favorite spot, Glenn's with our friend Tony then hit up the Music and Arts Festival in the Village.

 It turned out to be a great day so we spent a few hours in town shopping and checking out the musicians, 2 of whom we knew Emmy (my fake sissy) and our friend Deb. Then I got locked in the town jail...totally by accident...I hate boys!

Sun was a beach day with the girls then dinner at the club with some friends which if I was a decent blogger I would have taken a few pics...oh and I KILLED the NYRR Celebrate Israel run. My Garmin had me at an 8:49 average pace, NYRR has me at a 9:03, either way I'll take it! I'm thinking this race may have put me up into a new corral.  Yay #wishful thinking!  

I love summer weekends, running, food friends, hanging in my neighborhood...couldn't ask for a better way to spend a few days off!

Long Beach 10 Mile Managers Run Recap

I had a total love/hate experience with this race.  First off it was small, maybe 300 people (love), awesome town (love), ocean views along the boardwalk (super love) and TONS of rain, like 8 miles worth (hate), super wet sneakers (hate) and chaffing due to soaking wet shorts (hate) and my time didn't record (hate). 

Despite the hater feel, I absolutely would run this race again, even in the rain!  I love distance running and according to my Garmin I maintained a 9:16 pace which was really awesome.  I ran with a friend who I have never run with so that was good, his time recorded and according the FLRRT we (err, he) finished in 1:33. SUPER LOVE.

I felt good throughout and wanted to stop around mile 8 but I kept going, I didn't even slow down during the water stops, just kept running with a cup in my hand which is a first for me.  I tend to slow or walk a few of the water stops during longer distance races.

Right now I'm obsessed with running another half, based on this race I'm sure I can get close to a 2:00 half at the very least a 2:05)  The only stinky thing is that aren't any in the near future aside from one in CT but I'm not sure it's worth the trek.  Looks like I may have to wait until Sept which again means I will have to travel to CT as anything on Long Island either happens the week before or  weekend of Chicago.

#runnerproblems

Brooklyn Half Recap

Last Saturday I ran my 9th half marathon!!!  I still find it hard to believe that I run and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE long distance races.  Remember, I'm a former fat girl who used to drink beers and smoke butts.

I set out to run the Long Island half as a training run for Brooklyn, that little training run ended up being a PR so I now had even higher expectations for this race.  I went in with no sleep, was up at 4:30 in the car by 5 barely making it to the start on time...and I had to pee...bad!

Picture me in between these guys (image via google)

NYRR does an ahhhmozing job of setting up races so I was super surprised there were no porta-potties at the start, especially since 15k runners were running this race!  It was almost a bad scene but I took the cue of my male compadres and peed along a fence on Flatbush Ave behind the only fat tree I could find to somewhat cover my bare ass! It was do or die so I didn't care.  Even though I once almost crapped my pants during a race, I found a place to go, but it was a new scene having to pee in front of thousands.

Ok, back to the running.  I did manage to PR (2:08) but it was a tough race for me!  The last few miles were torturous, not at all like LI when I breezed through the last 3 miles.  I was struggling, but I managed to keep my pace somewhat steady and I kept reminding myself that I could do it.   Once we entered into the Coney Island section of Ocean Parkway I knew I was golden and that the PR was going to happen - now the question was by how much I would PR (2 minutes!!!)  I didn't care though, it was hot, I was done and I wanted the race to be over.

I have to say, although the 2nd part of the race was pretty boring (Ocean Ave for like 6 miles) it was so fun to run this race.  Ending on the Coney Island boardwalk was a blast and really energizing.  I will definitely run this again, unless of course NYRR changes the course distance like they did for Queens and the Bronx  which has really made me super mad (sorry NYRR, I considered unfriending you but instead liked someone else s nasty post about the changes).  I LOVE the half mary distance and was planning on KILLING Queens since I had such a crappy run last year. Oh well.

This week I've been taking it easy, I have a slight head cold and I'm running the Long Beach 10 miler on Sunday.  I squeaked in 2.5 miles before work so that was good and a run on Monday after work, better than nothing.

Long Island Half (PR Included!)

Pre-race car shot!

You know what's better than running your 8th half marathon?  PRing without even expecting it!  I went into yesterday's race with low expectations.  I only had one10 miler under my belt, it's early in the season and my focus is more on the Brooklyn Half.  After my hill run on Wednesday I knew that I would kill this race, but I had no idea it would feel so effortless (as effortless as 13.1 can feel...).  I'm totally amazed...oh and my time was 2:10:07.

So to start off I saw the boy Sat (don't judge) and didn't really sleep too well, which is weird for me as I NEVER have night-before-race-shit-sleep.  But anyhoo, I woke up at 5, tried to meditate (err, poop, lol) checked the weather and had oatmeal.  I never do this, I like to give myself as much sleep as possible but my stomach was weird during 2 of my runs last week so I wanted to try and take care of biz...

Oldest friend ever Ray got to my house at 6, we picked up Running Partner Andrea and headed over to the start, chilled at the car, talked to some friends who were running then made our way over to the start which was probably a mile or so walk (we parked at the finish) waited on a huge porta-potty line with our friend Tara (from the Biggest Loser, love her!) who was taking pics with fans and kissing babies - it was great.  Next thing I knew the gun went off and we were off - literally.  I wasn't even in a coral but at the end of the day it didn't matter, thank god for start mats! I haven't ran a non-NYRR race in ages so I always forget how different the coral situation is - loosey goosey compared to crazy NYRR crowd control.  It all worked out as I was perfectly placed and didn't encounter too many walkers and everyone was running about a 9:30 pace.

The miles were all a blur, nothing too spectacular on the course, in fact it was pretty boring.  We did get a chance to run through some towns I never go to so that was fun, but otherwise the course is not too exciting.  At the 10 mile mark I had a feeling a PR was in the works, I knew stopping was not an option. Past races I have fallen apart around mile 11, not this time, I breezed through 10-13 like it was my job...I knew when I hit the finish that I had PRd so I naturally got a little weepy.  That damn finish line always makes me so sentimental!

I grabbed my medal tried to squeeze through the bottleneck of people to get back to my car to meet Ray who finished in 1:46 and Andrea who ended up in the medical tent...silly girl ran the race with a fever.  I'm happy to report she's fine, but friends, don't run while feverish! 

Overall it was a great day!  I know I shouldn't get too cocky, but I feel fairly confident in saying that  I can expect some good things this season based on the outcome of this race.  To PR so early on was definitely not expected but shows that I'm a much stronger runner.  Of course I totally thank the Hills for that, plus I'm really determined to crush my marathon time this year in Chicago, so I'm doing the work and getting things done!

Race Weekend Recap

This weekend was amazing for running, 50 degree temps, not too windy, perfect for 2 back to back races! And I wore shorts!

Saturday I ran the Joe Kleinerman 10k in Central Park. The park is probably my favorite place to run, even with all the hills! Good thing I like a good incline because the course was definitely challenging. It was good training for the Manhattan Half which is coming up and I believe is basically 2 loops around the upper section of the park.

I'm not great with course descriptions, but this guy did a pretty good job laying it out.

I went in with Running Partner Sheila and we had a blast. We were late and couldn't find parking, then thought we found the jackpot spot right at the entrance only to get a ticket! It was $40 so I'm not complaining and the spot was still worth it since we were so late, still had to pee and could hear the Star Spangle Banner being sung! Next race we will get in a little earlier for sure.

Overall I ran really well, finished in 59:29 and all my splits were within 10 seconds of each other which made me really happy considering the elevation changes. The only negative was I really felt my knee turn to shit around mile 6. Damn you bad knee!

Sunday was the first of the Winter Run Series. Nothing too spectacular, just a 5k loop around Heckscher park. I took this very slow, ran a 10 minute pace because of my knee. I probably shouldn't have ran at all, but I'm a sucker for a race, plus I'm cheap and had already paid for the series and am missing the last race. I also signed up with one of my besties so I didn't want to bail on her.

Hey D!

The plan was to not run fast, at all, just enjoy the scenery and bail if I needed to. I felt pretty good and at the 2nd mile marker decided to finish it out. Once it was over I ran into my friends, grabbed ice and chilled for a bit by the beach. Perfect way to end a race!

I always say this, but I'm really fortunate to live in an area where there are multiple races happening all weekend, and sometimes during the week. The LI/NYC running community is really amazing when it comes to racing and fun runs.

2012 Race Goals

I've been thinking a lot about racing and what exactly I want to accomplish this year.

For the first time ever I was super dedicated to running. Training for the marathon completely changed my outlook on the how/when/where and the why of why I run. I was focused and determined, but still had fun and even slacked a little. I accomplished my goal and have continued to run which was priority #1 for me - keep going after the big day.

I'm not totally clear on what I want to for '12, but I do know there is a triathlon in there along with a bunch of half marathons. I'm playing around with a fall marathon - maybe Hartford or Steamtown, but I'm not sure. I'm also going to try and run 9 NYRR races to qualify for the 2013 NYC marathon. This is more time consuming than anything, but I'm pretty sure I can handle it. It's a pain traveling into the city to run, but I actually enjoy NYRR races so it should be doable. Plus I love that they have a ton of half marathons throughout the year and I really want to run NYC for '13.

As far as specific race day goals go, I think my #1 is to run a 2 hour half. I'll have a bunch of chances to do it, and I think I can shave 10 minutes off my time. I'm a better runner in all areas so I think this is totally attainable (gulp!!). Aside from that, I'm not sure...but I have time to think about it :)

So far this is what I have going on for January:
The Winter run Series (4 Sundays in Jan)
1/7 - Joe Klienerman 10k
1/21 - Manhattan Half Marathon

Queens Half Recap and Pics!

I'm going to start my negative post off with a super hot pic of myself. Ya know, just to stroke my ego after a TERRIBLE race.

Ok, I feel better now. And I should say that pic was taken at a friends annual Maryland Crab Feast a few hours after I wanted to die. Not bad, huh?

So yes, race report.

My official Garmin time: 2:21:05, 10:26 pace

My official Garmin distance: 13.52 (a lot of people complained the course was off and it was funny to hear all the "garmin chirps" going off at the same time, so I know my Garmin was not acting up!)

Official weather: Hot as hell!

I will say that I started off strong, with high hopes to come close to my PR. I mean, I've been kicking ass with my training, so why not, right? RIGHT!!

All jokiness aside, the heat was what did me in. It was hot, parts of it were for me, unbearable with no shade. I also had to pee, bad...even after I waited on this ridiculously long porta-potty line:

I won't do a mile by mile recap, but some highlights were the pee brake in an unauthorized porta-potty right by City Field at mile 6, my death march walk during mile 10 and on a serious note, all the awesome volunteers who made sure I had plenty of fluids which came in handy as I walked the water stops (which I believe is what saved me from heat stroke).

I was bummed and a little sad, my coach wanted this to be a training run, but I had other expectations. And to be honest, I was bummed out that I had no fans on the course (call me a whambulance!!) and the only person who even cared that I was running was my little cat Olive Marie (that's right, full dramatics in this post!!). I'm still a little bummed, but I know that I can't let one bad run define my running abilities or my goals for the full. I can and will kill my training and I will get through the full - now I just need to work on my expectations!!!

Oh, and I finally picked up my bike form the shop, where she has lived for over a year! Crazy!

1st Summer Run Race

Monday was the first of the Summer Run Series, always a great time and something I missed not participating in last year. I wasn't expecting to PR, although I was about a minute off, but I had fun, saw some people I hadn't seen in a while and ran a solid 48:19, 9:39:48 pace. I was really happy with my effort, my pace was pretty steady except for mile 3 where I got tripped up at the water stop, other than that the race was perfect.

Tue was a spin day and yesterday was an off day, today I'm supposed to lift and try and fit in a yoga class, but I might run the 6 that's on tap for tomorrow. I have plans tonight and there is no yoga class, plus I'm feeling lazy, it's funny how a few slow days can make me feel like it's been forever since I had a solid workout - a definite change in attitude, I'd say!

I've been a little funky this week, which is OK, because I know it will pass, but it still sucks! Food has been so, so. After reviewing my log from last week it is painfully obvious that my body just can't handle carbs or sugar, even though I'm within my calorie range and working out a ton, I'm not losing. The plan is to eat whatever carb heavy stuff I have in the house (which is not much, and all pretty healthy) then go back to what I've been dreading - my FAA program. In order to be true to myself, I have to admit defeat, no matter how I slice it I just can't do sugar/flour/wheat...so I'm waiving the white flag and surrendering!

LIRRC 5k....1st Place AG!!

I love all the summer runs that take place on Long Island - we have the State Park Summer Run Series that happens every Monday for abut 8 weeks and the LIRRC Weds 5k runs. 2 great opportunities to PR and improve week after week. AMAZING!

Although this wasn't my best race, like at all. I believe there were 6 of us so that's pretty awesome that I even managed to place.

My strategy was to go in and just run a steady pace. My splits on my training runs have been all over the place so I thought this would be a good opportunity to exert myself yet stay controlled. It sort of worked, I think I was abut 15 seconds off per mile (fast, slow, fast).

D-Rock ran with me and placed 2nd which was awesome as this was her first race in probably 5 years. We then went home and ate pizza (which I also had for lunch along with a bagel for breakfast and a giant cookie at my agency meeting....going to hell with myself...).

Today is an off day. I have the JDRF Gala which should include lots of dancing....but NO bread or cookies!!