Monday, November 10, 2008
NYC Marathon Re-Cap
Well it has come and gone, and I've completed my 2nd Marathon! I've rested, recouped, taken my first post-marathon jog, danced Saturday night away with my running girls, and now recovering from a cold- all in the past week! Not to mention I even signed myself up for a Spring marathon- New Jersey. But before I get too far ahead of myself, I wanted to give an update from NYC Marathon 2008:
A link to some spiffy pictures of me running NYC
Here it goes: NYC Marathon 2008 Recap
Part 1:
Before I left, I awoke to some inspiration magnetic phrases from the one and only Adam Wille.....something that got me smiling and even more excited at 5am! It was a chilly chilly morning as I boarded the bus with about 100 other Team and Training runners at 5:45am, and headed over to Staten Island. It didn't get much warmer, topping out at 43 degrees F. Once to SI, I found a fence and some pavement in the sun and settled in for the 3 hour wait until the start. I met a friendly Floridian, in NYC for the first time and in complete awe of the sight that is 39,000 runners, and 300 port-a-johns sprawled over the base area of the Verrazano Bridge. Something that I guess i failed to appreciate this time around. The chill never lifted and I started the race with 2 extra layers on just to stay warm. It wasn't until mile 3 that i stripped down to my shorts and tank. I felt good, my legs were happy, my breathing controlled, but according to my watch i was flying well, at least by my standards!). At the 5K I had hit 28min, and my first thought was, "Adam is saying to Mom and Dad, she's going too fast, she has to slow down"....and I checked later that day, and that's what he was thinking. I was thinking the same thing! Over the next 10 miles I kept looking at my watch thinking you've got to slow down, but i felt good. At the 1/2 marathon, I was at 2 hours and that's my fastest 1/2 marathon ever-by 6 minues! and i just though, mile 18 it's going to catch up and hit me, and it was largely impossible that I would run a negative split (the 2nd 1/2 faster than the first 1/2).
Part 2:
Running up 1st ave was exciting, I had just seen 4 of the girls and guys I had trained with, another 1 a little bit later, 2 of my friends at mile 16 and at mile 18 THE FAMILY! Adam and Tricia were there and they ran with me for a little, which was good. However, the bad part hit soon after they left me and I headed to the Bronx-at mile 19 i got slammed. This was the part that 7 miles ago I knew was coming, but now it was here with 7 miles to go. Wow, at that point my wall had come hard! Then one of my coaches jumped in right before mile 20....i was dying, my legs were screaming and mentally i was collapsing. He stayed with me for about a 1/2 mile, and got me refocused, and basically told me i was going to run under 4 hours.....he didnt' give me the choice. sooooooo i had to use all the guts and mental toughness i could find because those last 5-6 miles were not run on physical ability! I was in a horrible place, which is funny to think about now. I was lucky yet again, at mile 22 Adam and Tricia were there to greet me again, and joined in the running. Although at this point I was not chipper, smiling or good company by any means, I was so so thankful to have them there to keep me going and getting me water & gatorade. With 3 miles to go I put on a big smile again for the family. Finally, the home stretch, I entered Central Park and had the last 2 miles to go. I didn't think those last 2 miles were going to ever end. But they did and honestly, i almost cried. I was physically drained and my body was screaming and burning but i was so happy- BECAUSE I broke 4 hours (with a negative split and my 2 fastest 1/2 marathons ever)! Something I never thought was going to be attainable. It was a huge PR....by 19min and 6 secs. 3 hours 58 minutes and 13 seconds.
A link to some spiffy pictures of me running NYC
Here it goes: NYC Marathon 2008 Recap
Part 1:
Before I left, I awoke to some inspiration magnetic phrases from the one and only Adam Wille.....something that got me smiling and even more excited at 5am! It was a chilly chilly morning as I boarded the bus with about 100 other Team and Training runners at 5:45am, and headed over to Staten Island. It didn't get much warmer, topping out at 43 degrees F. Once to SI, I found a fence and some pavement in the sun and settled in for the 3 hour wait until the start. I met a friendly Floridian, in NYC for the first time and in complete awe of the sight that is 39,000 runners, and 300 port-a-johns sprawled over the base area of the Verrazano Bridge. Something that I guess i failed to appreciate this time around. The chill never lifted and I started the race with 2 extra layers on just to stay warm. It wasn't until mile 3 that i stripped down to my shorts and tank. I felt good, my legs were happy, my breathing controlled, but according to my watch i was flying well, at least by my standards!). At the 5K I had hit 28min, and my first thought was, "Adam is saying to Mom and Dad, she's going too fast, she has to slow down"....and I checked later that day, and that's what he was thinking. I was thinking the same thing! Over the next 10 miles I kept looking at my watch thinking you've got to slow down, but i felt good. At the 1/2 marathon, I was at 2 hours and that's my fastest 1/2 marathon ever-by 6 minues! and i just though, mile 18 it's going to catch up and hit me, and it was largely impossible that I would run a negative split (the 2nd 1/2 faster than the first 1/2).
Part 2:
Running up 1st ave was exciting, I had just seen 4 of the girls and guys I had trained with, another 1 a little bit later, 2 of my friends at mile 16 and at mile 18 THE FAMILY! Adam and Tricia were there and they ran with me for a little, which was good. However, the bad part hit soon after they left me and I headed to the Bronx-at mile 19 i got slammed. This was the part that 7 miles ago I knew was coming, but now it was here with 7 miles to go. Wow, at that point my wall had come hard! Then one of my coaches jumped in right before mile 20....i was dying, my legs were screaming and mentally i was collapsing. He stayed with me for about a 1/2 mile, and got me refocused, and basically told me i was going to run under 4 hours.....he didnt' give me the choice. sooooooo i had to use all the guts and mental toughness i could find because those last 5-6 miles were not run on physical ability! I was in a horrible place, which is funny to think about now. I was lucky yet again, at mile 22 Adam and Tricia were there to greet me again, and joined in the running. Although at this point I was not chipper, smiling or good company by any means, I was so so thankful to have them there to keep me going and getting me water & gatorade. With 3 miles to go I put on a big smile again for the family. Finally, the home stretch, I entered Central Park and had the last 2 miles to go. I didn't think those last 2 miles were going to ever end. But they did and honestly, i almost cried. I was physically drained and my body was screaming and burning but i was so happy- BECAUSE I broke 4 hours (with a negative split and my 2 fastest 1/2 marathons ever)! Something I never thought was going to be attainable. It was a huge PR....by 19min and 6 secs. 3 hours 58 minutes and 13 seconds.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
San Fran 1/2 Marathon-CHECK
Well, I am back, and another race down! Last Sunday (Oct 19th) I ran the Nike Women's 1/2 marathon in San Fran. I had an awesome time with my girls, and they all completed their first marathon!!!!
I found San Fran to be a bit chilly (a high of 55oC on race day!) and full of Hills!! Although the 1/2 marathon was tough, hilly course, I enjoyed every minute of it. It was amazing to be out there with 20,000 other runners (about 1000 were men, and 5000 were other TNT participants) all taking in the sites of San Fran during our morning run. We ran past Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Now it's only 1 week away until my BIG race....the NYC Marathon Nov 2nd. I am feeling good and ready to taper and load up on carbs! I'm thinking i need to make a pasta and sauce run!
I have posted some pictures that hopefully you can see here, on this site, or if not I provided the link for them (Pam's Pictures).
In addition, there is a second link to official photos from the race here (Official Race Photos)
I found San Fran to be a bit chilly (a high of 55oC on race day!) and full of Hills!! Although the 1/2 marathon was tough, hilly course, I enjoyed every minute of it. It was amazing to be out there with 20,000 other runners (about 1000 were men, and 5000 were other TNT participants) all taking in the sites of San Fran during our morning run. We ran past Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Now it's only 1 week away until my BIG race....the NYC Marathon Nov 2nd. I am feeling good and ready to taper and load up on carbs! I'm thinking i need to make a pasta and sauce run!
I have posted some pictures that hopefully you can see here, on this site, or if not I provided the link for them (Pam's Pictures).
In addition, there is a second link to official photos from the race here (Official Race Photos)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Last Long RUN!
Well time is getting short. I am just shy of 3 weeks now until the NYC Marathon (Nov 2), and 5 day until the San Fran 1/2 marathon. Times are getting exciting!!
This past weekend I completed my last of the Really Long Runs. I did an 18-mile solo run. Solo runs are not nearly as enjoyable as those I do with my running girls, but it was a good time to reflect and focus on the races I will be running in the coming days and weeks. I was feeling really good the first 6 miles, and had to practice controlling myself and not getting too speedy. the next 8 miles went well too, I made sure I ate my Gu and drank my water. I choose to stay in Central Park to get use to a more hilly long run that I will experience in San Fran. It was a bit repetitive running 3 of the same loops, but I took the time to break down the loops into sections and focus on how to address different parts of it....the uphills, the downhills, the flats etc. By the time i reached mile 16, I was tired, my legs were heavy and I could feel them seizing up. (likely having to do with having a bit too much fun friday and saturday night)
However, I made it through my run feeling decent about it. More mentally happy with my long training runs over the past 3 weeks than how I physically felt after this 18-miler.
Now I am getting ready to head out to San Fran on wednesday and tackle the hills and 1/2 marathon. I plan on taking along a camera so hopefully I will get some shots of what I hear is an amazing view!
Thank you all so much for your support!!!!
This past weekend I completed my last of the Really Long Runs. I did an 18-mile solo run. Solo runs are not nearly as enjoyable as those I do with my running girls, but it was a good time to reflect and focus on the races I will be running in the coming days and weeks. I was feeling really good the first 6 miles, and had to practice controlling myself and not getting too speedy. the next 8 miles went well too, I made sure I ate my Gu and drank my water. I choose to stay in Central Park to get use to a more hilly long run that I will experience in San Fran. It was a bit repetitive running 3 of the same loops, but I took the time to break down the loops into sections and focus on how to address different parts of it....the uphills, the downhills, the flats etc. By the time i reached mile 16, I was tired, my legs were heavy and I could feel them seizing up. (likely having to do with having a bit too much fun friday and saturday night)
However, I made it through my run feeling decent about it. More mentally happy with my long training runs over the past 3 weeks than how I physically felt after this 18-miler.
Now I am getting ready to head out to San Fran on wednesday and tackle the hills and 1/2 marathon. I plan on taking along a camera so hopefully I will get some shots of what I hear is an amazing view!
Thank you all so much for your support!!!!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
20 miler!
It wasn't a great week of running for me, last week. Unfortunately, I didn't make it out for many runs since last Saturday's 19 miler. My busy schedule kept me from runs, making me a little nervous about Saturday's long run. I had miscalculated last week, running 19 when I wanted 20, and I wanted 20 this week. I needed it more to be mentally strong than physically, but was unsure how my legs would handle it after a week of not getting workouts in.
Yesterday, we headed out to NJ for our long run at a Park near Rutgers. Three others and myself rented a car. Yup, that's right, I drove a car! It's been a few months, but I managed to navigate the city streets, tunnels and highways without a hitch. The day was chilly and overcast, reminding me of my high school running days. I had enough gels on me for a 20 miler and a water bottle that could be filled up along the way. (Our fantastic coach had strategically placed water at the 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16 mile markers).
Despite the cold, I stripped down to my t-shirt and shorts, as i knew i would be sweating even in the chilly weather-and we headed out. It was an "out and back run"- 10miles out, 10 miles back. At mile 4, 6, and 8 I was feeling pretty good. Jessica and I were chatting away about everything and nothing. That's when I knew i would force myself to do the 20. So, we continued on to the 10 mile turn around point. The trail was beautiful, we were surrounded by a canal on one side and a reservoir on the other, as well as trees that were beginning to change color. Occasionally, we met other runners, walkers or bikers, but for the most part it was just us, and nice and peaceful.
The run was going well. We kept ourselves distracted from the running and spent 3 miles learning everything I could have ever wanted about football from Jessica and she learned all about baseball. Those 3 miles flew by, but I could feel my quads and calves beginning to burn by mile 17. The chatting began to wain and we both began to focus on moving our legs one in front of the other, waiting for the bridge to come, signifying the end of our run. Finally the bridge was in sight and we worked our way back to the parking lot and picnic tables, oh so happy to see the bathroom and the end to our run! We had made it our 20 miles!! Despite having a not-so-good week, the 20 miler built my confidence, and I am feeling good about my training.
Today, I was feeling a bit sore and tight from my hips to my ankles. I took it easy and treated myself to a 90 minute yoga class to stretch out my muscles and loosen up. While I am a little looser, there is still some tightness to work out.
2 weeks until SF 1/2 marathon and 4 until the NYC marathon. So I have begun my countdown and my excitement is growing ever day!
Yesterday, we headed out to NJ for our long run at a Park near Rutgers. Three others and myself rented a car. Yup, that's right, I drove a car! It's been a few months, but I managed to navigate the city streets, tunnels and highways without a hitch. The day was chilly and overcast, reminding me of my high school running days. I had enough gels on me for a 20 miler and a water bottle that could be filled up along the way. (Our fantastic coach had strategically placed water at the 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16 mile markers).
Despite the cold, I stripped down to my t-shirt and shorts, as i knew i would be sweating even in the chilly weather-and we headed out. It was an "out and back run"- 10miles out, 10 miles back. At mile 4, 6, and 8 I was feeling pretty good. Jessica and I were chatting away about everything and nothing. That's when I knew i would force myself to do the 20. So, we continued on to the 10 mile turn around point. The trail was beautiful, we were surrounded by a canal on one side and a reservoir on the other, as well as trees that were beginning to change color. Occasionally, we met other runners, walkers or bikers, but for the most part it was just us, and nice and peaceful.
The run was going well. We kept ourselves distracted from the running and spent 3 miles learning everything I could have ever wanted about football from Jessica and she learned all about baseball. Those 3 miles flew by, but I could feel my quads and calves beginning to burn by mile 17. The chatting began to wain and we both began to focus on moving our legs one in front of the other, waiting for the bridge to come, signifying the end of our run. Finally the bridge was in sight and we worked our way back to the parking lot and picnic tables, oh so happy to see the bathroom and the end to our run! We had made it our 20 miles!! Despite having a not-so-good week, the 20 miler built my confidence, and I am feeling good about my training.
Today, I was feeling a bit sore and tight from my hips to my ankles. I took it easy and treated myself to a 90 minute yoga class to stretch out my muscles and loosen up. While I am a little looser, there is still some tightness to work out.
2 weeks until SF 1/2 marathon and 4 until the NYC marathon. So I have begun my countdown and my excitement is growing ever day!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Working on those long runs
Well it is just 3 weeks away until the San Fran 1/2 marathon and 5 weeks until the NYC marathon. I've been plugging along on my runs on the weekend. Finally last week, I got a little help from the weather, as we lost the heat and humidity, making the runs much better.
Last weekend I was in Chicago visiting Adam, and took the opportunity to back off on my miles. I went for a nice 12 miles along the lakefront Friday while Adam was at work. We had a great weekend, filled with all sorts of activities and fun!
Today I went for my longest run so far. It was a good day to run, cool and overcast. The rain was threatening and the fog was covering most of the high rises, but It was the best long run that I could have asked for. I left from home and met up with the rest of the TNT-ers, and from there we headed out and ran the perimeter of the lower 1/2 of Manhattan. You can check out the map of it below. I feel great, just a little tired. I am looking forward to some quality time on the couch this afternoon!
Last weekend I was in Chicago visiting Adam, and took the opportunity to back off on my miles. I went for a nice 12 miles along the lakefront Friday while Adam was at work. We had a great weekend, filled with all sorts of activities and fun!
Today I went for my longest run so far. It was a good day to run, cool and overcast. The rain was threatening and the fog was covering most of the high rises, but It was the best long run that I could have asked for. I left from home and met up with the rest of the TNT-ers, and from there we headed out and ran the perimeter of the lower 1/2 of Manhattan. You can check out the map of it below. I feel great, just a little tired. I am looking forward to some quality time on the couch this afternoon!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
My blog may have missed August, but my training didn't!
Well, this year I have successfully not kept up my blog. But I'm back! Just a quic recap of my August training.
I went on vacation, but continued to run. It's actually a lot easier to find the time to squeeze it on on vacation than with the hectics of every day life. Work just gets in the way sometimes!
I've gotten in 3 runs of 14-15.5 miles each. One was simply amazing, and i'll hopefully get pictures at some point. We left from lower Manhattan, ran over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn for about 6 miles, then returned to Manhattan via the Manhattan Bridge. That day we were super lucky and the city had closed Park Ave, all the way from downtown up to Central Park. So, we cruised up Park Ave with thousands of other runners, walkers and bikers. We got to run under the Met life building and all the way up to Central Park. Running in the city is so much more enjoyable without having to dodge cars! Like I said, pictures at some point.
This past weekend, the 15 miles were far less enjoyable. Saturday we battled 80 degree weather and 94% humidity. Needless to say, it was a tough run, but I pushed through with numerous liquid stops, and looked like i had just ran through a car wash, dripping with yummy sweat!
It's hard to believe but it just about 6 weeks until the San Fran 1/2 marathon, and 8 weeks until the NYC marathon. I am looking forward to both, but still have to conquer several long runs and speed workouts before the race days come!
I went on vacation, but continued to run. It's actually a lot easier to find the time to squeeze it on on vacation than with the hectics of every day life. Work just gets in the way sometimes!
I've gotten in 3 runs of 14-15.5 miles each. One was simply amazing, and i'll hopefully get pictures at some point. We left from lower Manhattan, ran over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn for about 6 miles, then returned to Manhattan via the Manhattan Bridge. That day we were super lucky and the city had closed Park Ave, all the way from downtown up to Central Park. So, we cruised up Park Ave with thousands of other runners, walkers and bikers. We got to run under the Met life building and all the way up to Central Park. Running in the city is so much more enjoyable without having to dodge cars! Like I said, pictures at some point.
This past weekend, the 15 miles were far less enjoyable. Saturday we battled 80 degree weather and 94% humidity. Needless to say, it was a tough run, but I pushed through with numerous liquid stops, and looked like i had just ran through a car wash, dripping with yummy sweat!
It's hard to believe but it just about 6 weeks until the San Fran 1/2 marathon, and 8 weeks until the NYC marathon. I am looking forward to both, but still have to conquer several long runs and speed workouts before the race days come!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Recovering.....
Well, the 1/2 marathon was 2 days ago. I am feeling a little sore in the quads, but other than that i'm feeling good. Tonight we had another hill repeat on our training schedule. However, I decided to join the other 1/2 marathoners with an "alternative" workout. Basically we did the hill workout, just on flat ground. We put in some good speed effort for 100m, and then returned with a nice easy jog. I'm hoping to rest up and work out the soreness before saturday. Now that I made the jump from 10 to 13.1 miles, I'm aiming for 14 this weekend!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I did it!! NYC 1/2 Marathon!!
Well, I did it (on sunday!) I got up at 4:30am, braved the thunder, lightening and rain. Well, it was all gone by the time the gun went off, but I managed to stay dry beforehand underneath a very sleek black garbage bag! I started and finished the NYC 1/2 marathon this past sunday- humidity and all. A day that had called for near 90 degree and sunny weather turned out to be mid-70s and overcast. Much better than expected.
I was a bit nervous going into the race, not really sure about how I would do. Before Sunday, my longest run this season was 10 miles....3.1 shy of sunday's race. Well, by the end I didn't have anything to be worried about.
I started off cautious, thinking that I would approach the race as another training run-easy, and not doing anything fancy. For the first three miles I was on pace, holding steady. During mile 4, I somehow dropped 25 seconds off my mile pace!! A whole lot of worry went through me. Could I keep this pace for the next 10 miles? And on top of running 25 second faster, I was on the hillest part of the course. How could that be?! Well, I listened to my body, it was feeling good, didn't feel as if I was putting in tooo much effort. So i went with it. Figured, let's see what I can do. The worst thing that could happen was that my body hated me before I crossed the finish line.
So I ran the first 3 miles very conservatively through Central Park. Then the next 4 miles through Central Park I was testing myself, but still feeling good. I exited the Park on 7th Avenue and headed down to Times Square. The crowds were good, and I enjoyed the wet, cold spounges at Mile 8. As I cruised down 7th Ave through Times Square I was greeted to a huge stage and people singing Karoke to "It's raining men" (too bad it wasn't literal). It was hillarious!! At 42nd street, we took a right and ran to the west side highway, to be greeted by another stage- this time it was some sort of latin dance. Down the west side highway for the last 3.5 miles. Still feeling good, but this is somewhere where I never enjoyed my runs-the west side highway. The crowds were starting to pick up again, and I just kept telling myself to hold steady, and wondering if I could keep this pace up.
The last 2 miles I was starting to feel the effects of my pacing, but figured, what the heck, it's only 2 miles. So I held steady until mile 12. The last mile i picked up the pace a bit more, and the last 800meters just gave it everything I had. But boy, i was glad to be done. 2 hours, 6 minutes and 28 seconds after I had started. And about 3 minutes faster than my last 1/2 marathon.
The race was awesome! I had a great time. The crowds were wonderful, especially the 3 cheering Team in Training cheering sections and the other random TNTers spread over the course. They were wonderful teammates cheering us all through our 1/2 marathon!
Here's a couple pictures from the race:
I was a bit nervous going into the race, not really sure about how I would do. Before Sunday, my longest run this season was 10 miles....3.1 shy of sunday's race. Well, by the end I didn't have anything to be worried about.
I started off cautious, thinking that I would approach the race as another training run-easy, and not doing anything fancy. For the first three miles I was on pace, holding steady. During mile 4, I somehow dropped 25 seconds off my mile pace!! A whole lot of worry went through me. Could I keep this pace for the next 10 miles? And on top of running 25 second faster, I was on the hillest part of the course. How could that be?! Well, I listened to my body, it was feeling good, didn't feel as if I was putting in tooo much effort. So i went with it. Figured, let's see what I can do. The worst thing that could happen was that my body hated me before I crossed the finish line.
So I ran the first 3 miles very conservatively through Central Park. Then the next 4 miles through Central Park I was testing myself, but still feeling good. I exited the Park on 7th Avenue and headed down to Times Square. The crowds were good, and I enjoyed the wet, cold spounges at Mile 8. As I cruised down 7th Ave through Times Square I was greeted to a huge stage and people singing Karoke to "It's raining men" (too bad it wasn't literal). It was hillarious!! At 42nd street, we took a right and ran to the west side highway, to be greeted by another stage- this time it was some sort of latin dance. Down the west side highway for the last 3.5 miles. Still feeling good, but this is somewhere where I never enjoyed my runs-the west side highway. The crowds were starting to pick up again, and I just kept telling myself to hold steady, and wondering if I could keep this pace up.
The last 2 miles I was starting to feel the effects of my pacing, but figured, what the heck, it's only 2 miles. So I held steady until mile 12. The last mile i picked up the pace a bit more, and the last 800meters just gave it everything I had. But boy, i was glad to be done. 2 hours, 6 minutes and 28 seconds after I had started. And about 3 minutes faster than my last 1/2 marathon.
The race was awesome! I had a great time. The crowds were wonderful, especially the 3 cheering Team in Training cheering sections and the other random TNTers spread over the course. They were wonderful teammates cheering us all through our 1/2 marathon!
Here's a couple pictures from the race:
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
another tuesday night of hills and the NYC 1/2 marathon!
Well, here I am again. This time i'm going to fill you in on tuesday's workout. Another Hill workout. Surprisingly, I don't mind hill workouts so much. By no means do I love them, but I find them a challenge. More of a mental challenge than anything. People are usually afraid of hills, I've learned to appreciate them, and almost to "beat" them by focusing less on speed and more on form to get me up the hill. It's a time when "slow and steady" is a prefect tactic.
Usually we run hills with a shortened stride, close to the ground. This time the coaches has us fun hills the "wrong way" and i dont' mean down them. We basically sprinted up the hills and then used the down hill for a slow recovery. After about 30 minutes of hill running, I could feel my legs screaming from all the lactic acid build up. Not very much fun. But with my legs burning, I focused on swinging my arms to get me up that hill, and well it worked! I felt great and stronger after the hill workout!
Today, I took a day off from running and did some stretching.
This weekend I am running in the NYC 1/2 marathon (Sunday!). The rest of this week I wont' put too many miles in, but rather just some shorter runs to loosen my legs and to rest them before Sunday. I am looking forward to the 1/2 marathon. I get to run through Central Park and Times Square, all the way down to the tip of Manhattan to Battery City Park. I am a little nervous because my longest run thus far is only 10 miles, and Sunday I will be jumping up to 13.1. I'm waiting to see how i feel this weekend to decide if I will race for time or just make it part of a long run. I still have 3 more months before my San Fran 1/2 and the NYC full marathon! Time is flying!!
If you would like to get updates for the NYC 1/2, please let me know. Or you can track me online by signing up at http://useralert.nychalfmarathon.org/Alerts.aspx , my race number is 7916. The race takes off at 7am, nice and early! Hopefully I will beat the heat, as they are calling for an 80 degree, muggy day.
Much love! p
Usually we run hills with a shortened stride, close to the ground. This time the coaches has us fun hills the "wrong way" and i dont' mean down them. We basically sprinted up the hills and then used the down hill for a slow recovery. After about 30 minutes of hill running, I could feel my legs screaming from all the lactic acid build up. Not very much fun. But with my legs burning, I focused on swinging my arms to get me up that hill, and well it worked! I felt great and stronger after the hill workout!
Today, I took a day off from running and did some stretching.
This weekend I am running in the NYC 1/2 marathon (Sunday!). The rest of this week I wont' put too many miles in, but rather just some shorter runs to loosen my legs and to rest them before Sunday. I am looking forward to the 1/2 marathon. I get to run through Central Park and Times Square, all the way down to the tip of Manhattan to Battery City Park. I am a little nervous because my longest run thus far is only 10 miles, and Sunday I will be jumping up to 13.1. I'm waiting to see how i feel this weekend to decide if I will race for time or just make it part of a long run. I still have 3 more months before my San Fran 1/2 and the NYC full marathon! Time is flying!!
If you would like to get updates for the NYC 1/2, please let me know. Or you can track me online by signing up at http://useralert.nychalfmarathon.org/Alerts.aspx , my race number is 7916. The race takes off at 7am, nice and early! Hopefully I will beat the heat, as they are calling for an 80 degree, muggy day.
Much love! p
it's been far too long...
Those are true words! I said I would be better at keeping up with my blog this season, and well i was doing so-so, until July. Rather than playing catch-up, i'll just fill everyone in on the past week and keep on going. This past Saturday the TNT team participated in a NY Road Runners 4 mile race to benefit the Central Park Conservatory. Because I had felt that I hadn't been getting in as many quality long runs, I decided to make those 4 miles a part of a little longer run.
I got up a little bit early on Saturday morning and run 1-1/2 miles before heading to the start line. Then the gun went off. I decided that I would pick up the speed a TINY bit for those 4 miles to see how it would go. Surprisingly, I felt great and was able to hang out to a little bit faster pace for 3 of the 4 miles. My splits were: 9:40, 9:20, 9:55 and 9:07. Not what i would call consistent or by any means good pacing, but decent for a 4 mile race. The starts are always a little bit slower due to the mess of 5000 or so people. Mile 2 I found a decent pace that felt good. Mile 3 is always my trouble spot in these shorter races. I get worried that I was going to fast, that I will poop out at the end etc, not to mention that mile 3 graces me with 3 mild inclines, or hills. I have recently heard that they have been called "the three bitches". and that leaves mile 4, and well in addition to a nice gradual downhill, i'm ready to get to the finish and see if i can push myself. That's what i did, finishing at 38:02. The heat was not exactly lovely, but not horrible either. I stayed hydrated and made sure to grab ice at the end to cool off my body. I finished up with about another mile or so, to make my mileage roughly 6.5 for the day.
I treated myself with a trip to the beach for the rest of the weekend, filled with food, sun and ocean kayaking!
I got up a little bit early on Saturday morning and run 1-1/2 miles before heading to the start line. Then the gun went off. I decided that I would pick up the speed a TINY bit for those 4 miles to see how it would go. Surprisingly, I felt great and was able to hang out to a little bit faster pace for 3 of the 4 miles. My splits were: 9:40, 9:20, 9:55 and 9:07. Not what i would call consistent or by any means good pacing, but decent for a 4 mile race. The starts are always a little bit slower due to the mess of 5000 or so people. Mile 2 I found a decent pace that felt good. Mile 3 is always my trouble spot in these shorter races. I get worried that I was going to fast, that I will poop out at the end etc, not to mention that mile 3 graces me with 3 mild inclines, or hills. I have recently heard that they have been called "the three bitches". and that leaves mile 4, and well in addition to a nice gradual downhill, i'm ready to get to the finish and see if i can push myself. That's what i did, finishing at 38:02. The heat was not exactly lovely, but not horrible either. I stayed hydrated and made sure to grab ice at the end to cool off my body. I finished up with about another mile or so, to make my mileage roughly 6.5 for the day.
I treated myself with a trip to the beach for the rest of the weekend, filled with food, sun and ocean kayaking!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Hills Hills Hills
Yesterday was our first Hill workout! They aren't my favorite, but they aren't my least favorite workout. In the next 4 months I will have to learn to really love running those hills- none of which will be nearly as long or as steep as the ones i will be running out in San Fran for the 1/2 marathon. If anything, it'll make my butt look real good:)
All in all, yesterday was a pretty good workout. I felt strong, and one of our training captains said that I looked strong too. Maybe this hill thing isn't so bad afterall!
Happy 4th of July!
All in all, yesterday was a pretty good workout. I felt strong, and one of our training captains said that I looked strong too. Maybe this hill thing isn't so bad afterall!
Happy 4th of July!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
here comes july
Well, July is officially here, but just barely as I write this. This weekend was another hot one. It seems as if that is the way this summer is going to go, whether I like it or not. As i geared up fro this past Saturday's long run, I made sure to hydrate-lots of water and soe gatorade to keep the salts in me. It paid off! This past saturday, I paced our 10min per mile group for the long run. A bit of a scary assignment, but it went fairly well. We ran 10 miles over two loops in Central Park. This is my longest run of the season and surprising, I feel pretty good. And even felt pretty good Sunday and Monday afterwards. I still haven't gotten in as much mid-week running as I would like. Hopefully that will change next week. This week will be a bit tough with the long holiday weekend. I will be heading to DC to visit some friends, and likely will not get in runs. But i will give this week my best shot and get on the bandwagon for sure when I return.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Another weekend of running!
Well, it was the end of a not so great week, training wise. I didn't get in as many runs as i would have liked. But, hopefully this week I will be able to get back on schedule. Although the week wasn't great for running, it was great for catching up with some of my favorite girls this weekend. Lot of food, fun, dancing, shopping and friends. To top it all off, I did manage to get a run in as well! This morning I dragged myself out of bed to run in a 5 mile race with the Team to benefit the Achilles Track Club. Achilles is a Track club that allowed persons will all disabilities to compete in mainstream athletics. Not only was i running with my teammates, but also with some wonderfully inspiring individuals. In the end I had a great run with one of my mentees Alli. Sometimes it's difficult to get out of bed, but getting out for a run early makes the day seem so much better!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Another hot weekend....
And so the heat and humidity continue to plague the city. But the running continues, it doesn't stop. I was hoping that one of these days someone would invent an air conditioned suit that i could put on when i went running outdoors....but alas, no. Saturday we had a group run. It was an shorted practice due to some other Team in Training events we had going on. We went for a 70 min run along the Hudson River. The 35 min we spent running downtown toward Battery park were fairly nice. There was a gentle breeze that kept us a little cool. However, on the way back, we were without wind, making the return trip very hot. I wasn't feeling so well on the way back, and took the attitude that slow and steady wins the race-that's what i did.
Needless to say, I am looking forward to some runs this week, as it seems as if the weather will have cooled down to the 80s. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
After practice, we had our "Connection to the Cause" event. This event is amazing and touching. It is where we have an organized reminder of why we are doing what we are doing, and why the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is so important to patients and their families. Several of our honored teammates-those who have or had a blood cancer- come and share their stories. To hear their triumphs and their tribulations; their highs and there lows. They keep alive the images of why I am again doing another marathon with TNT. On a sadder note, it was a reminder that not everyone had a happy ending as they have, not everyone gets to survive. And those are the ones i am running for most.
Needless to say, I am looking forward to some runs this week, as it seems as if the weather will have cooled down to the 80s. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
After practice, we had our "Connection to the Cause" event. This event is amazing and touching. It is where we have an organized reminder of why we are doing what we are doing, and why the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is so important to patients and their families. Several of our honored teammates-those who have or had a blood cancer- come and share their stories. To hear their triumphs and their tribulations; their highs and there lows. They keep alive the images of why I am again doing another marathon with TNT. On a sadder note, it was a reminder that not everyone had a happy ending as they have, not everyone gets to survive. And those are the ones i am running for most.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Picture from Saturday's Scortcher
It's not a pretty one, but here is a photo from the finish of my 10K this past saturday.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
A hot weekend...
Well it was a scorcher this weekend, but the running continued. Yesterday I put in about 8.5 miles early, but it was still 80 degrees (at 9am!). The first 2.5 miles i ran on my own in part of central Park, then the next 6 I ran as part of a 10K Women's race in central park. The race was about 5000 women running through the park. The heat had it's effect, so I played it safe, and didn't try to be too speedy. Finishing and feeling as best as I could was my goal. I made sure to take in water and gatorade every chance I got, and I ran under each of the 3 hoses that were spraying over the roadway. All in all it was a good run, complete with a medal and pink carnations for each of the finishers. The rest of the day was spent trying to stay cool!
Today I took off from running, and again tired to stay cool with a little shopping.
Today I took off from running, and again tired to stay cool with a little shopping.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
NYC 1/2 Marathon
I GOT IN!!!!!
I think it's one of the first things i have ever "WON". I was picked in the NYC 1/2 marathon lottery. Running through TIMES SQUARE July 27, 2008!!!
I think it's one of the first things i have ever "WON". I was picked in the NYC 1/2 marathon lottery. Running through TIMES SQUARE July 27, 2008!!!
And so June running begins....
Well Summer is starting to sneak in on us. Last Saturday we set out for our 'long run' admist 90% humidity, or so it felt! I managed to get in my 6+ miles before the downpour. It was a bit of a struggle to get through those 6 miles, probably because the past 3 nights were late one having too much fun with friends. Ahhh trying to enjoy those days while they still last and before the mileage starts creeping up!
Tonight was a much better night, although just like all tuesday workouts, it brought a tough work out asking my body to push a little farther. Three 1.5 mile repeats. Not so back on it's own, but add in squats and lunges between each of those 1.5 miles, AND having to pick up the pace on each one....it made for quite the night of running. But we're all finished and feeling pretty darn good.
Tomorrow will be an early morning. To celebrate the NY road runners organization's 50th anniversary, I will be running in a 5 mile race @ 5:30am. Yes that is correct, 5:30am!! At least I get a good start to my wednesday!
And so June begins...
Tonight was a much better night, although just like all tuesday workouts, it brought a tough work out asking my body to push a little farther. Three 1.5 mile repeats. Not so back on it's own, but add in squats and lunges between each of those 1.5 miles, AND having to pick up the pace on each one....it made for quite the night of running. But we're all finished and feeling pretty darn good.
Tomorrow will be an early morning. To celebrate the NY road runners organization's 50th anniversary, I will be running in a 5 mile race @ 5:30am. Yes that is correct, 5:30am!! At least I get a good start to my wednesday!
And so June begins...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Another Marathon Season Begins...
Well Folks, I have done it again. I have committed to train and fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training to complete the Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon in SF, Ca on October 19th and the NYC Marathon on November 2nd. Call me crazy, but I just love it. This year, in addition to training and fundraising, I will be mentoring a group of other runners as the work to complete 1/2 and full marathons out in SF. Again, I need your help with the fundraising portion, as well as the encouragement and support to get through the next 22 weeks!
Please check back on the blog often to track my runs and fundraising progress. This year, in addition to running in honor or my Uncle Tom, who lost his battle to non-hodgkin's lymphoma, I will run in honor or your personal honorees. Along with your donation, send me your honoree's name(s) and I will wear their name and/or picture on race days! Follow this link to my fundraising website. It's super easy, tax deductible and you may be eligible for your company's matching gift program.
Send me your words of encouragement and support or your stories! I look forward to hearing from you!!
Please check back on the blog often to track my runs and fundraising progress. This year, in addition to running in honor or my Uncle Tom, who lost his battle to non-hodgkin's lymphoma, I will run in honor or your personal honorees. Along with your donation, send me your honoree's name(s) and I will wear their name and/or picture on race days! Follow this link to my fundraising website. It's super easy, tax deductible and you may be eligible for your company's matching gift program.
Send me your words of encouragement and support or your stories! I look forward to hearing from you!!
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