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.

Confession

I have a confession...I'm enjoying Crossfit so much that I don't want to run, like ever.  I need to get my running mojo back considering I start NYCM training next week.  Gulp.

I'm still shocked by how much I'm enjoying the CF...it's like I've had some cosmic shift.  It also helps that I love the new box, and the owners, and the, well, everything.  It's not elitist, they are actually normally people.  With anything there are cliques, people that have been friends awhile, but this place just makes you feel welcomed.  I'm even thinking about participating in one of their league nights...I know, who am I??

July Goals

I haven't done a goals post in forever, mainly because I've barely been blogging and also because I never really keep up with my goals.  Awful, but true, but this being July 1st and all I feel highly motivated so here goes...

I'll lump them into categories:

Crossfit:
3x a week which will be easy, I have already planned it into my schedule and I really, really love this new box.

Master some crazy ass "move" - double unders maybe?  Or maybe a PR at my box jump (which is a measly 23 inches)

Running:
Get psyched up about marathon training.  I'm loving running, but not loving the thought of marathon training.  Last year I had a hell of a training cycle, hoping this year is better.  So the goal here is to keep positive - no negative thoughts!

Life:
Figure out this "it's complicated" relationship of mine.  Or not.  I waffle between over thinking and not caring.  Maybe find a balance?

Food:
J.C. Liz just get your shit together on this one! Ugg.  My pants don't fit, so the goal is to lose the 9 lbs I gained! (same story, different blog post).

These are basically no brainers, Oh and I want to create a vision board.  Cheers to a productive July!

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!!

That Time I Went Back to Crossfit

I'm still not sure how this happened, but last night I found myself at a Crossfit box ready to do my first WOD in god, probably over a year (maybe longer?).  I certainly didn't cherry pick  - we did 7's.  It was hard, my hands split open, I scaled back like woa, but I did it.  Or almost did it, we had a 35 minute cutoff, I got through 6 rounds plus 11. 

I used to hate CF.  I quit CF and was not that sad about it.  I was always looking for my perfect fit, or something.  I never quite got the magic of the whole thing.  And frankly, I still don't, but I know that I want to get stronger and fitter and overall kick some ass so this is the cheapest way with the best bang that I could think of.  The only caveat is that I have to work it! I need to max out my weight, not take it too easy.  That was part of why I never saw results, I never gave it my all...and I hated it.  So this time?  I'm determined to love it.  I'm determined to work at it, I also want to feel a part of.  CF has an amazing community aspect to it, if you get involved.  So I'm going to get involved. 

The best part is that I have time - the new job is awesome and I get home in time to have a life.  Things with the boy are still on the fence, so for now, it's all abut me.  Crossfit, yoga and of course running.  All things I love and want to get better at.  All things that define who I am. 

I'll go back on Thurs and officially join.  I though that maybe I would go all over and find the perfect spot, but after one class, I think I have found it.  I'm excited.  Now I just need to invest in tape or gloves so I can shake hands and not worry about grossing anyone out!