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??

Let's Streak!

Last night was supposed to the Runners Edge Run the Night event but it got rained out so I went over to Crossfit. 

I was a little bummed, part of the event was trying on merchandise geared toward evening running and I have my eye on that new New Balance Beacon jacket.  It's a little pricey, so I wanted to test it out first. 

I was also bummed because I haven't really ran AT ALL since the marathon.  I ran about 9 miles week 0 and then was sooooo sick that I didn't run for a week and last week only managed a 3 miler.  It's good to recover, and I'm killing it at crossfit, but I was hoping for a good ol' group run to get me back in the swing of things. 

I'm contemplating the whole Runners World Holiday Streak.  It will be a challenge, but I think I may try. I have a good base, so injury isn't the issue. I guess running every day for a million days is freaking me out a little.  I'm on the fence but I'd like to at least TRY to do it. 

What do you think?  To streak or not to streak?

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!)

2 Loops!

Yesterday's Selden Hills run was in a word, AMAZING!  The "team" (which is in quotes because we really aren't a team, just a bunch of crazy hill runners) threw out a challenge: 3 loops, and the crew accepted!

I have talked about the hills before, but basically it's a 10k course of the hilliest hills around (seriously).  Long Island is relatively flat, there are some neighborhoods that are hillier than others, but nothing compares to the Selden Hills. 

Ok, so the challenge was to run 3 loops, I ran 2 because my training only called for 13 so I didn't want to push it, plus I'm slightly wounded (note: graphic wound shot).   I felt really great, strong even...and of course winded.  Some of these babies are STEEP!  This group is notoriously fast so I was at the back of the pack.  The first loop took a little over an hour, the second a little longer, but not by much (I'll update the times when I get home, gotta check the garmin).  I ran the second loop backwards with a new friend so that we could catch the speed demons coming back, great strategy as we got to see Will finish his 3rd loop (this guy is a machine). 

I love this run, I wish I worked closer because I would be up there weekly, for now though I'm going to try and get up there on the weekends.

Here is Sue and I at the finish - you have to slap the pole when your done (twss)...tradition!

Holy Road Rash

Wow, road rash is no joke.  I have had some spills resulting and scrapes and bruises, but this is just wild.  According to running partner I didn't just fall, I skidded across the sidewalk which explains the horrific road rash I now have.  I'm still in shock over the swelling and pain, I even went to urgent care which is pretty big, I'm cheap and I hate to go to the doc when it's not really necessary. Luckily there was no break (which I considered mainly because I couldn't really put too much weight on my leg).

I'll spare you the pics, although I did post one yesterday, but it's just ugly. I picked up some Tegaderm to dress the wound with as I've read really great things, plus I like how it's like saran wrap and not gauze which hurts like a mother when I have to change it.  Aside from the constant pain, I'm having a hard time sleeping, every time I move I wake up.  I really feel for cyclists and bikers who have gotten into accidents with a substantial portion of their bodies injured. 

I'll stop complaining now, because really, it's bad, but not that bad, at least not anymore :) No need to call me a waaammmmbulance.

So this put a little detour in my midweek plan, but I hope to get out there Sun for my long and maybe even to crossfit tomorrow.  Right now the plan is to run the Selden Hills for a double.  There is a group going out for a triple which is just insane - 18 miles of all steep hills.  It will be a fun day with some new and old friends. 

Next week starts up a new cycle.  The goal here on out is to 1. not injure myself and 2. get all my miles in.  No slacking!

#runningfail

I like using hashtags, I liked them before they were cool...

Ok, so #runningfail....I have tripped while running twice in the last two weeks.  This mornings fall was particulary awful as it was on concrete and I'm pretty jacked up.  Last weeks fall, while dramatic, was down at the docks and on wood so not that bad.

Here is a pic which truly does not do the damage justice.  I am crazy swollen and can barely walk.  I'm thinking that I should have gone home after I fell, instead we ran 4 pretty speedy miles. #runningwin.

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!!!

They Can't All Be Good...

I've had my share of ups and downs with my training  - the humidity that killed me all summer and made me cry more than once, the GREAT 20 miler in Central Park, that other great 20 miler, some short and fast tempo runs....luckily the bad didn't outweigh the good and I can keep a positive attitude when I just can't get it together, or else, you know, I would have had to kill people :)

Sunday I ran the NYRR 18 Mile Tune-Up race in CP.  This is a tough course - 3 loops which include the northern hills of the park.  Luckily I only had to run 13 miles which meant 2 loops/not as many hills, even though I LOVE hills, my legs needed a break.

Running in the park is always such a great experience, it has been a boost to my training and because I maybe only head in once a month or so I'm not too bored of it yet. There is always something new to see and people to meet... I met a bunch of guys from Racing for Recovery which was pretty awesome, I hung with them for maybe 3 miles chatting, eavesdropping and just having fun.  I don't normally listen to music on my long runs, especially runs in the city since there is always so much going on, so hanging with them was a nice bonus to help break up the miles.

I felt AMAZING.  Like so good it was a little cray.   I have to go back and look, but I believe my average pace was 9:45 (or 50)  and my splits were pretty even!  This was yet another boost I needed to mentally get me in the game for Chicago.  I'm still not sure if I will make my 4:30 goal, but I feel confident that I will PR.

Ok, so that was the good...

Now for the not so good...

Last night I met some of the new girls for a 6 miler.  I ran a mile beforehand and started to feel a little woozy, not terrible just not great.  I probably should have eaten a little something before I left but didn't even think to since I had a lot to eat during the day.  Thankfully they wanted to take it easy so we went super slow, but man, that 10:20 pace felt hard, nothing like my fast 5 the day before or my long run on Sunday.

I was happy to get through it, and I'm not going to dwell on it, it's just another training run under my belt.  Good or bad, it's miles in the bank and a bad run during training does not equal a bad run on the big day (that's been my motto and I'm sticking with it!!). But man, it sucked!

I'm leaving it in the past and I'm going to focus on quality for the rest of the week.  Tonight I'm at the gym for "World Champion Workout" led by one of our champion weight lifter instructors.  I signed up for the series and I'm pretty excited for it!  The first class was set up like a circuit and KILLED my legs, looking forward to what she has in store for us tonight.  Tomorrow if I do anything will be either yoga or an easy spin class.  Sat is my last long run before the marathon (8 miles), then Sun I'm running the Tunnels to Towers.  Lots going on, but I have to mindful of my legs, I am technically in taper mode...

10 more days!!!!

3rd and Final 20 Miler (AKA That Time I Killed My 3rd 20 Miler)

I'm going to just cut to the chase, cooler temps rule and I am so freaking grateful that I did not have to run my last 20 in the heat and humidity that has plagued me all training season!

This was such a great run, I'm not even sure where to start...

Fri night I worked late, relaxed at home and was in bed at 9:30 and probably sleeping by 9:45 - score!

Sat I was up bright and early at 4:30, running partner picked me up at 5 and were in the city and in Central Park running by 6.  The parking gods obviously loved us!

Sunrise over Manhattan

My plan was to pretty much run this solo.  We both agreed that we needed to do our own thing so we split up after our first mile.  I was plan-less and basically decided to wing it.  The first 10 miles were on the bridle path and along the reservoir, I'm so used to running the roads that this little adventure off the beaten path was great and just what I needed.  Even though I'm out on Long Island, I have done a bunch of runs in the park this year so it was nice to see new things and switch up my route.  I felt very Ally on the run which was cool.  I love her blog and am always inspired by not only her training but her general take on life with a pretty terrible disease. I even made a pit stop at the tennis court bathrooms (tmi?  lol).

I could have stayed in the park all day but I weaseled my way into one of the million training groups that were getting in their long runs and headed out of the park down 59th over to the West Side Highway.  I think I was with the Jack Rabbit group, still not sure, but they were great and I was pretty pumped to leave the park. I figured they were going to stay in the park for their whole run so it was a nice surprise.  Once I was settled into a nice rhythm I ended up splitting from the group and did my own thing, I ran through Riverside Park and decided to turn around to head back once I got just past Chelsea Piers.  Running partner was running the 4 miler NYRR/Fitness Magazine race so I wanted to make sure that I was close to the car around the same time as the end of the race which worked out perfectly.

On the way back while chugging up the 59th street hill I ran into Ashley from a Healthy Happier Bear and introduced myself.  I always feel like a creeper when I run into fellow bloggers, but who cares!  We put all of our stuff out there on the internets anyway, so why not say hi!  She was so sweet and we chatted for a second about our upcoming races.  It's crazy how small the city can be! I saw her and her friend again around my mile 19 which was awesome!

I could go on and on, but seriously, this was a great run.  I felt strong and kept my pace at an average of 10:30 which was very doable for me, no tanking at the end! I also ran solo and with no music which is exactly how I'm planning on running Chicago.  This was definetly the run I needed to have, nothing like a good 20 mile confidence boost!

As far as nutrition goes, I stayed with water the whole time and had 2 Gu's  - one at mile 6 then again at mile 12.  For the marathon I'll take in a 3rd at mile 18 and if necessary a 4th around mile 23.  I seem to be Ok with my fuel which is awesome, I'm also planning carbing up with some Chicago style deep dish pizza the night before which should hold me over!  Anyone have any suggestions?

You can read more about my other 20 mile runs here and here.

19 more days!  I can't wait!!!!

My Feet Hurt

This morning I got up and my feet hurt, not bad, but enough to make me scratch my head considering I haven't even run long yet.  Tue was a 9 miler, Weds spin class and last night I ran 7 with old running partner.  My sneakers are too new, maybe the last 10 weeks have finally caught up to my feet? Who knows.

Last night was tough, we ran 7 miles at a pretty steady 9:40 pace.  We chatted the whole time and the air quality sucked so naturally my breathing felt off.  I used to love running in the heat, not the case this year!  I'm not part of the whole "I can't wait for fall and pumpkin everything" bandwagon, I love the summer, maybe too much, but my running is craving fall temps and no humidity.

So back to my feet, I think I'll try and get the boy to give me a foot massage tonight. Sarcasm at it's finest...  He does not understand why I run, he also doesn't understand why I'm not super skinny when all I do is run, but then I neither do I. According to science, marathoners usually gain weight when training, that's why I'm thrilled to say I'm down 8 pounds!

That Time I ABSOLUTELY Killed My 20 Mile Run!

I ran 20 and OWNED it, unlike the last 20 which made me cry. And I did on all of 3 hours sleep, damn boyfriends and insomnia!

Ok, so what was different?  2 major things, I went wayyy slower than I like to and it was rainy and not at all humid.  I felt great and if pushed, I could have run the whole 26.2....but I'll save that for Chicago!

The original plan was to run the NYRR long training run #2, but we didn't realize until last minute that it was on Sunday and running partner couldn't make it.  Also on the original plan was a 16 miler but I knew I couldn't run 20 this coming (birthday!!) weekend so I switched it up. As luck would have it my old running crew was coming to my hood to do a long run so I decided to tag along with them.  Running partner met us but when she realized how slow we were going she bailed and ran 15 on her own. I decided to stick with the slow pokes for 2 reasons - I knew a few of them would add on miles at the end and I know that part of my problem aside from dealing with the heat has been trying to keep up a faster pace and pushing myself a little to much on my longs.

Overall, it was the best training run I've had and the entire 2nd half was one big giant negative split! Wahoooo! While at times I felt like were going super slow, it helped me to kick ass at the end.  My average pace was 10:49 per mile and not at all what I'm hoping to run come race day, but I knew that slower would better and I was ok with that. It was also nice to see miles 19 and 20 were at a 9:50 pace.

As I move into week 10 of my training I need to really keep focused.  My birthday is Fri which means a few extra meals with friends out, so I have to watch the wheat.  I've been doing so/so with avoiding wheats/bread...but it's really hard!  I was at an event with my bf in the Hamptons where I managed to eat just about every passed hors d'oeuvre that came my way, plus 2 lobsters so needless to say the scale moved up a little, but I'm still lower than what I was so I have to just accept it and move on. Ok, enough about food!

I'm excited to finish out my training, I love that I get up excited to run and I'm loving that I have another 20 in my plan to gauge how I'm doing.  I'm not sure if that 4:20 marathon is in the cards, but ya never know!

Easy Breezy Training Week #8

What a relief to not have a super long run!  I needed this break in training, especially after my really hard 20 miler.

I ran a total of 26 miles, one 8 miler, two 7's and a down and dirty 3 miler for good measure. Nothing earth shattering, the first 7 I ran with friends and we took it slow, the rest were on my own and probaly around a 9:40 pace. No record breaking runs, but that's what a recovery week is for.

This week I'm shifting things around a bit to accommodate a 20 miler this week instead of next.  Training partner and I both can't run, she's doing a tri and it's my birthday weekend so we are swapping out weeks. Last night I ran 3 super speedy miles, hoping the weather holds out so I can head up to the Cow Harbor training runs.  I didn't make it up there once last year or the year before so I'm hoping to make it tonight.  Other than that, I'm down into the 150's (for real this time) and I'm feeling really good limiting the wheat.  Now I just need to curb my fro-yo addiction!!

Roid Rage/Rashes/Pretty Things

I don't know what's up with me but I have had 2 big rashes, the first was just a red spot on my foot, this one that I have now is a killer itchy mess brought on by the sun, a possible reaction to medication from the first rash and sweat.  I'm no amazingly hot. I'm now on a steroid, let's hope I don't go into roid rage.  I'm on a 6 day regimen and am almost done taking day 1's six pills, sheesh. All I can say is thank god I have a short long run this weekend, or else I'm sure the tears of frustration would be a flowing!!!

Ok, not that ANYONE needed to know that, but I'm itchy and it's all I can focus on.

Now onto nice things like running and the bay and flowers and kittens....

Yesterday I ran 7 before work and it was great.  I didn't care about pace, there was no humidly, it was cool and I got a sweet water view at the half way point. I was definitely feeling the running god love!

I saw a runner friend also taking in the view and finally felt ok with my training.  Weird how no humidity will do that. Also weird how coming to terms with bad training runs doesn't mean I'm a bad runner.

I love me a little perspective!

That Time I Cried During a 20 Mile Run

WTF humidity! Seriously, stop effing up my runs, gahhhh!!!! Saturday (actually this whole weekend) was of course too humid for walking much less running and I had a 20 miler on tap for the day. Originally I had wanted to shift this one to a later date, but we did some other juggling so our next 2 20's fall inline with the NYRR training runs (or at least that's what I think we did) so we had no choice but to head out and get 'er done.

I felt ok the first 7 miles, then I went slowly downhill.  We made a few quick stops where I noticed that I was totally shaky, not sure if seeing my hands shake threw me into a mental state of "OMG I want to die now" or what, but it wasn't pretty.  I just wanted to be done!

At mile 14 we were back at the start which happened to be the gym so we decided to run the last 6 inside.  Running partner brought a change of clothes, I did not, so not only was I soaked, but I was now freezing.  I got on the treadmill and squeaked out 2 miles, then around mile 17 I started walking and crying.  It's pretty comical now that I think about it, I even looked at running partner and was like this is too funny, but at the time I was just so frustrated.  Not that I breezed through training last year, but it didn't feel this hard.

I almost threw in the towel, but I soldiered on, one mile at a time.  I went crazy slow and at the end of each mile walked and took in fluids (I should mention that I didn't pee once, which is crazy considering how much fluid I took in). My legs were killing me and I had a few cuts on my foot which initially I thought was strange until I realized that my sneakers were soaked through (ewwwww, I know) but I managed to get in those last 3 miles.  When it was over I was so happy, not because it was done, but because I kept going.

I'm still frustrated by how hard my training has been, but I also have to remember that NY was a full month after Chicago, so I wasn't really running this long this early. Plus I think this summer is way hotter.

On a positive note, I felt good after and even yesterday.  I spent some time in the pool Saturday afternoon then went and got an 1/2 hour leg massage which I think really made a difference.  Gotta love those cheap massage places that keep popping up all over!  Almost as good as the millions of new froyo places that are everywhere :)  I'm also happy to report that I'm off wheat and feeling great.

I have 8 weeks left to really make a difference, so it's go time. I need to focus on my food and my miles and my speedwork..no time to cheat!  If I made it through that shitty run, then I can get through the next 8 weeks.  Plus I just picked really pretty blue sneaks to kill the rest of my training in! I'll be testing them out tonight during my 8 miler.  Can't wait, plus Adidas are new to me, but after getting re-fitted over at Runners Edge I felt like we these might just be the golden shoes I need!

NYRR Long Training Run #1 - 18 Inspirational Miles!

Most inspirational run in ages...

You Are Your Best Investment

Become Your Dream

I love street art, I love running so when you mix those two inside one hell of an 18 mile run only good things are bound to happen, right?!?!

De La Vega

This is the second time I have run 18 miles in Central Park and both times were super humid.  This time around though I was better prepared and had an easier go of it.  For the most part I kept up with the 10:00 pace group which worked out, I never lost sight of my group but my average pace was 10:24, which for 18 hot, hilly miles I'll take (also better than last year which was a 10:43 pace).

I ran 3 loops (plus some): loop 1 was 6 miles, loops 2 and 3 were 5 miles each, with each loop ending at 102nd street where NYRR had set up refueling stations. The coolest part though was the De La Vega street art right around what I'm guessing was the Met.

The first piece of art I ran over was the phrase "you are your best investment" and how true is that! Especially when I've been struggling with food and running and almost wanting to give up and just eat pizza all day long.  But nope, I took that as a sign and it became my mantra for the rest of the day.  I have one shot at living my best life and becoming my dream, so I better take advantage now!

Form there I saw 2 more pieces, "Become Your Dream" and the fish bowl drawing. Both were fun and totally helped make my run all the more interesting.  I love running the park and especially running with different people.  I ran sans headphones and had a few smallish conversations with a few other runners, but for the most part we all just smiled and waved and silently keep each other going.  I had added on 2 miles to the last loop and passed one of my fellow pack runners, it was obvious he was going for 20 so I gave him an encouraging wahoo and he forged on with a big smile. I always say this, but it makes me so proud to be a part of the running community, I don't have to know you, but I know you, ya know :)

Afterward I chatted with another lady from my group who was training for her first marathon and then ran into some Massapequa Road Runner friends.  All in all it was a great day.

I got home around 1:00 and layed low then headed out to grab a new dress for dinner with my girls.  I also had a chocolate cookie but I am making it a point to be on my best sugar free behavior this week. Yesterday I was tired but I got in a very short elliptical session at the gym and hung out in the hot tub for a bit then off to the boy's sisters house at the beach for a big famly celebration (have I ever mentioned that he is one of 8 kids...and that I'm an only?  I think he wishes that he was an only, his family events are HUGE!). It was a perfect end to a loooong weekend, fun, beach family and food!  I'm a lucky girl!

Deck view

 

Giving It My All

I'm sort of a half-asser when it comes to things, I will cut corners, procrastinate....waste time on FB. Little by slowly though I have begun to reverse that part of my personality.  I wouldn't say I'm becoming your typical type-a, perfectionist Virgo (I mean, I am on the cusp) but I'm getting there and it feels pretty good!

Last night I had a 6 mile speedwork run on the schedule.  In lives past I would just run 6 miles, dismissing the speedwork part. Or I would head for the hills, (not these hills) which to me counts and definitely shows progress but last night I decided to give it my all.  Never mind that giving it my all was still a few miles short...point is, I banged out the speedwork and I'm really proud of myself!

The prescribed plan was 6 miles, including warmup with 3 x 1600 in 8:47 w/800 jogs and a cool down. This seemed hard, I hate hard.  I knew I had to do the speedwork part, but 1600's!!?!?!  Yes, Liz, 1600's. I was super pressed for time as I had a date with my parents for a ball game which was a Father's Day gift so I had to get creative and figure out what would benifit me the most....so 1600's it was.

I ran a half mile to the track (warmup) then dove right in to the hard stuff. I hit my numbers, with an average pace of 8:41 but I am now the new positive split queen.  First mile was 8:22 with a quick jog to my water bottle then right back at it for I think a second mile of 8:30 followed by another quick jog to my water bottle followed by a much slower 3rd mile which was closer to 8:48.  I followed all of that with a half mile slow jog around the track and walked home.

It was hard, I was breathing like a freak and scared the really freaky guy out there with my loud wheezing/gasping thing but I did it.  It would have been so much easier for me to just run 4 miles and call it a day, but I tackled the hard stuff, I gave it my all and I finished stronger and prouder than when I first started.

If I want to meet my marathon goals (4:20 - 4:30 finish) then I have to do work, give it my all and not cut corners!  The cool thing is I'm getting there, progress not perfection!


Also....speedwork, 1 word or 2?  :)