tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81437527860741566202024-03-14T01:39:01.042-04:00Run, Lift, RepeatFrom obese to ultra marathoner, and not letting ulcerative colitis get in the way of my passion. Obsessed with running and all things sweaty. Welcome to a little bit of my life.Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-89058130952181804382017-10-30T15:54:00.001-04:002017-10-30T15:54:53.278-04:00Stop Taking Your Health For Granted<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Title is a little harsh, huh?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Let me start with the good – my ulcerative colitis SEEMS to be quieting down. I say seems because I could be jinxing it. The last two times I received Remicade they bumped me back up to the maximum allowed dosage and the plan is to stay there permanently (and fun fact my insurance has me currently owing $48K for those additional doses LOL). I think it is doing the trick but TBD when I do my next scope on the reality. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The bad is that my rheumatologist was convinced that the arthritis was an offshoot of my UC flare but my joint flare ups are on the daily still even with the UC symptoms lessening. They started me on an additional medication but effectiveness can’t be determined for 1-3 months. YAY. Until then this is what you can expect my hands to be looking like most days. It hurts. A lot. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe harder to notice the puffy right knuckles</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I worry that I am in my 30’s and keep seeing that the longer you have arthritis inflammation the more damage will be done to your joints. For vanity purposes, I have nice hands, I don’t want warped fingers any time soon. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Now to the title. I go back and forth with being frustrated by being “sick”. I didn’t run my 50K on 10/1 because I was exhausted from work travel and my body just felt like crap. It was the right decision. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to be able to do these things. I get so annoyed seeing people treat their bodies with no respect, be excessively overweight, smoke, eat like crap and yet they don’t suffer the same repercussions. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I am still active in spite of my “disease". I’m still running 40ish miles a week. I’m going to bootcamp. Now joined OrangeTheory (#obsessed <— and yes I just hash tagged). But I don’t FEEL great the majority of the time. I do it because that is my definition of normal and what I enjoy. I will not sit on the couch and feel sorry for myself, ever.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I gave up meat and dairy from July until this week hoping for some magic pill. I wanted going plant based to have some sort of effect on me physically. It did not. (also once I am in remission I will probably try again because while it didn’t help my flare – I was so far gone and my deficiencies so bad it may not have been the best trial period).</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I am slightly type A (okay 100%) and I want to be able to fix myself. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">When I was obese I had a come to Jesus moment and was like hey being young and fat is awful and I want to live a full life, so let’s get this under control. Boom, started counting calories and working out consistently and lost weight.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The UC, the arthritis, they are out of my hands and it annoys me to no end. I cannot fix myself no matter what I do. I am thankful for modern medicine but often will question the why. Why can’t someone who throws their health around and doesn’t take care of their body deal with this? Why does it have to be someone like me that wants to compete in endurance sports and push my boundaries physically? Why can’t it be the person not wanting to take care of themselves physically that has a chronic disease (x2)? </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">That may sound god awful mean but that is what goes through my head when my feet hurt when I take that first step in the morning or it hurts to hold onto a dumbbell. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">So PSA be grateful for your health, please. If you are treating your body like crap and are “fine” count your blessings and pray that it doesn’t one day catch up with you. I alternate between wanting to be healthy into a ripe old age and worrying about how a chronic illness will play into living into said ripe old age. Unless they find a cure I don’t have the luxury of never having to worry about my health. </span></span></div>
Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-67466380477265691012017-09-15T08:55:00.000-04:002017-09-15T14:23:44.644-04:00Life Lately <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And just like that we are about a week and a half away from fall! I feel like 2017 has been a blink and miss it kind of year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just celebrated my year anniversary at Nickelodeon and it honestly feels like I started just yesterday, it has been a whirlwind! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am going to be EXTREMELY cheesy and proclaim that every year my life just gets better. My 30's are pretty awesome. Kind of makes me laugh at how so many people go into crisis mode at 29. The older you get the more things just make sense. Physically I am running stronger and getting stronger each year. Hopefully when I'm 50 or so this is still the case ;) but I have a while until I need to worry about that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That isn't to say it has been all rainbows and puppy dogs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The biggest obstacle as always has been dealing with my personal health. I continue to push through but about 3 months ago I felt remission slipping. I have been to the doctor more times than I can count. I have lost track of the number of remicade + iron infusions, scopes, and vials of blood drawn since June. I am sure my insurance is hating me right now (but also thank GOD for amazing insurance or I would be broke). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My IBD has been categorized as ulcerative colitis instead of Crohn's. It really doesn't mean anything to be honest. In my world treatment will remain the same. They apparently just misdiagnosed based on an original colonoscopy and my first (lazy) GI (whom I would never recommend). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The TMI portion = lots of blood in the bathroom (aka why I am anemic and needing iron infusions), runs with bathroom stops (often in bushes yay for trail running) and a lot of fatigue (but also about to run a 50K soon so hey I'm still going!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The wrench has been the severe joint pain. My knuckles, fingers, elbows, and balls of my feet have been swelling and painful and it just all around sucks. The swelling in my hand was so severe I couldn't make a fist or open a bottle of seltzer last weekend. My doctors have been working to diagnose (thinking rheumatoid arthritis) but are weary to say anything official. So TBD. It comes and goes. It will flare up for a week then poof go away with no rhyme or reason.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have changed to a meat free and dairy free / anti inflammatory diet and that hasn't helped at all so I am just lost on what is going on (and dear everyone: please stop trying to tell me that diet will cure me, it won't).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have had a couple moments of being upset. I feel like I literally do everything right. I eat well, I prioritize sleep, I am active, my blood panels for anything not related to my UC are stellar. But yet, I don't feel great. Luckily I have the running to keep me sane, because even when I feel like crap, lacing up and getting out there makes me feel like everything will be alright since I am still able. And honestly 75% of the time I feel "okay" I am definitely not in the throws of a flare to the same magnitude as 2015 (thank the lord). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But enough of the downer stuff. Summer has also been pretty damn tremendous! Enough with the writing and now to some picture story telling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kicked off summer in Paris, as one should.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I became an Aunt and fell so in love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Treated myself to a car after 8 years without so I can go on adventures!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spent a LOT of time with my bestie doing things like Kayaking around Bannerman Island</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hiking in the Shawangunks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spending time at the beach house in Belmar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Running a 17.5 mile trail race in Ellenville </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Team Championships with my Q's!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hiking around Lake Minnewaska </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First apple picking of the season!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And of course dates with the cutest nephew ever.</span></div>
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All in all, minus the never ending health drama, I cannot complain, I am (don't hate me) blessed to live the life I live.</span><br />
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Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-10746938161781639232017-06-23T14:49:00.002-04:002017-06-23T14:49:43.234-04:00Paris Running Tours<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Work has been so busy lately I haven’t found myself reading blogs much, let alone updating my own blog by any means (but let’s not kid ourselves I barely write any way). </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">But I have been wanting to share one of my favorite parts of my trip to Paris I took at the end of May, my Paris Running Tour!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I got it in my head that I wanted to do a running tour while there and good old google led me to the <a href="http://www.parisrunningtour.com/">site</a>. Then as I was perusing I stumble across their blog reviews and see <a href="http://www.myhealthyhappierlife.com/">Ashley</a>! I chatted with her and was sold. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I booked the 9 mile tour to be able to see as much as possible. I believe there was actually one longer but I thought 9 miles would be plenty! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">While I was in Paris it was really warm - basically 90 and above the entire trip. The good news was the humidity wasn't high so while running was definitely a sweaty affair you didn't have to battle the humidity as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Jean-Charles met me at my hotel at 8:30am and after a quick introduction and overview we were off! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I must mention - he is quite the accomplished and speedy runner and almost felt bad at our trotting along :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Most importantly he is a HUGE wealth of knowledge on the history of Paris. I was trying to take in all the details and nuggets of information he had to share. I am a lover of history so I couldn't get enough. I especially enjoyed him showing me all the hidden/rediscovered Roman walls. I find it fascinating that today they are still finding remnants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">We did a great loop of the city. And when done Jean-Charles left me with a booklet of information to refer back to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Since I had been in the city for a few days prior it was nice to have my bearings of where we were so I was able to really listen to the historical significance associated and also pick up the details that no guidebook would tell you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Another great thing - especially for the solo traveler is that Jean-Charles brings along a camera for you, is more than accommodating at taking photos at various sites and then shares all the photos via dropbox. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Another really cool highlight was when he was giving me an overview on these chairs in the garden that have headphone jacks so you can plug in and hear music - and the artist creating them, was right there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Overall, it was a really unique experience and worth every single dollar spent. I am not one for paying for tours typically - but would hands down do it again. Although I might be running the Paris marathon after we spent so much time chatting about it (and due to the fact that I fell in love with Paris in general - it is a really lovely city). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">If you find yourself in Paris, 100% do it! It was also a lot of stopping vs continuous running - at least in my case because I was so interested in learning - so not an overly strenuous run even though we covered a good bit of distance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">And now, this makes me want to head back to Paris right away! </span></div>
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Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-18748619207051913262017-04-13T12:39:00.002-04:002017-04-13T12:39:24.735-04:00TOL - Life Lately - Just Keep on Swimming <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Thursday!!! <a href="http://www.runningwithspoons.com/2017/04/13/currently-april-2017-tol-230/" target="_blank">Linking up with Amanda per usual, thanks for hosting</a>! I have been a day ahead all week in my thinking so glad that the end is almost near. Also if you make it through this entire, picture-less, long post, you are awesome. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I feel like I am due for some life updates around here! Things have been a little…hard for lack of a better word lately. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I don’t throw my personal life too too out there, but at the beginning of March my dad had 3 minor and 1 major stroke. It was one of scariest times in my life, flying down to Florida (where they are for the winter) and seeing him that first time was pretty heartbreaking. I was down there for about a week (which coincidentally was the same week my BF and I were going down for Spring Training and Disney so…good timing?) and by the end he was a lot better which was comforting but it is going to be a long long road. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">He was released after 5 weeks to go home Friday, which was a very rough adjustment since he is not walking and has some other complications. Which lead to Monday a frantic text from Mom and he was back in the hospital. As I tried to navigate that at work I 100% couldn’t hold in my emotions and let’s just say open floor plans are not your friend in an emotional crisis. Thankfully I have a wonderful work team. He is now back home again and we have around the clock care which should hopefully help both him and my mom. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">In the midst of this I get my April rent bill and my rent went up by $109 a month mid lease (due to an MCI improvement which they are backdating payment for). No one was willing to discuss with me, and I may have pulled a very irrational and unusual move for me and I put in my notice to move. LOL. Luckily, I found an apartment immediately and am signing a lease this weekend! Two blocks away for $300 less per month, so take that WPH Apartments. They are the worst. But happy to pay less, even with a broker fee will save $2000 over the next 12 months so YAY. So not the most ideal situation but I couldn’t take it. My rent has gone up by $334 a month since December 2014. Ludicrous. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">So now I am moving! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I am also getting my drivers license all over again. I let my NJ license lapse for years and now have to redo the whole process again in NY. I also needed a SS card which I have never had so put it off. Turns out getting a card is SO easy. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">So I took the permit test, passed, took the 5 hour class, and now am waiting to take the road test…and then should be getting a car! <— I cannot wait, I have really been dying to have one to make life easier for a while. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">A lot has been going on and that is without the aside of work which has been going well, I’ve been expanding my horizons on new projects in different areas which is fun! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I am also working a freelance project on the side, which YAY extra money but also…extra work. Because I do not work enough as it is, right?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I had a Remicade appointment this week, and had to push it a week because I basically had the plague and they wouldn’t let me get it – and feel lucky enough that my health is in a good place where (knock on wood) I am okay waiting that week. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">And then there is running. I am still doing it. Still not “seriously” training. My 5K PR made me kind of want to gun it in the half but I just don’t feel like working hard. I have a half this Sunday which should be a good test of fitness but it is also going to be a high of 80 and I don’t think my body is adapted to run hard in the warm weather yet. I haven’t been running with my garmin lately just my fitbit – and I don’t look at paces until after and lately I have been overestimating my paces (ex. Thinking I am running a 10/mile and really running 9:20) so who knows what is possible. Would be happy just to be sub 2 and see if I can expand upon it. But also I kind of don’t care. I basically want to PR without REALLY having to do work. LOL. That’s how it works, right? </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">And that is more or less life in a nutshell. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Things I am looking forward to: Paris next month AND becoming and Aunt for the first time! So those are two VERY exciting things on the horizon. </span></span></div>
Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-29468663855403042422017-03-26T13:24:00.003-04:002017-03-26T13:24:51.829-04:00BUS 6 Hour Night Crawler - Recap<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While this race may not have been my brightest idea, in terms of where I am at in my training; it was most definitely a fun one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every time I think of training and running a road 26.2 I reject it. But ask me to do an ultra and apparently I am on board. Even though I am not really trained for one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have been half-assing long running lately. While I do have a few LONG runs in - a 22 and an 18 miler fairly recently - other than that my runs have not been longer than I think 12 miles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My goal going into this race was simple, do whatever my body permits. I genuinely have no desire to injure myself and was willing to pull the plug on running if something didn't feel right or I was just shot. Walk if and when necessary, and also chill for a minute or so at the aide station each loop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The course itself was about 1.45 miles (love a good loop on a timed ultra) which meant you hit the aide station pretty frequently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I didn't taper or anything since like I said, no goals and really didn't prep. Taking this seriously folks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I liked that it was a night race. It began at 4pm and ended at 10pm, so I got a fantastic night of sleep, 10 HOURS, and also could be lazy ahead of time. A nice change of pace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I got there and was happy to see a lot of familiar faces. This was my 4th event with the Broadway Ultra Society, and you walk up, they know your name, they know your race history and it is just a chill vibe. I debated what to wear - decided on a long sleeve under my team singlet, shorts and calf compression sleeves, and just hydrated a bit more and waited to begin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think there were about 50-60 or so participants. It is all very official in the beginning. Richie who runs BUS goes over the rules and the loops, lead us to the official start line and basically said, go! Brings joy to my heart how chill these events are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The course was comprised of 2 loops - a lower and an upper. It had one killer incline, which I walked each time, which then was a killer decline on the way back, plus one other pretty good decline. Other than that mostly flat with little bits of elevation. The park itself was nice and only a few miles from home so I am going to plan some long runs around it this spring for sure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My race strategy was to just go at "all day pace". For me that means maintaining conversational pace and low heart rate. For reference my average heart rate for this was 127 bpm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started running and got in a zone. For me with these timed events I feel like the most mentally challenging part is getting past the first couple hours. When you know you have a timed end vs a distance end, it is ticking down the hours along with miles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I felt good. As the miles went on I will say I was waiting for my body to just say no. When I hit a half marathon I was surprised I didn't feel fatigued. But again I was running really slow. From there on out I took it loop by loop. At 16 I started thinking that a marathon was doable. By 20 I knew there was no stopping, that no matter what I would make it to 26.2 even if I walked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It had also rained a bit on and off and was starting to get colder and windier - they had soup at the aide station and that was basically my motivation the last 10K to keep moving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The scoring volunteers are also your biggest support. Each lap they are routing you on and as I got closer to the marathon they were counting down the laps for me (18 was a marathon).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The last loop I did start to feel some aches and was thankful that I was just about done. I was definitely thinking, is this normal marathon aches or is something hurt, trying to keep myself honest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then, loop 18 was DONE and a marathon was in the bag! In a not too shabby time if I do say so myself. In general this isn't a worst marathon time for me when I have been TRAINED. And I walked. And stopped. And was genuinely running slow. ALMOST tempts me to train to PR a marathon (mine is 4:26) but pretty sure I won't lol. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I then stopped an got my very looked forward to chicken noodle soup with LOTs of noodles. Oh the salty goodness. I sat and stretched for a little while and then decided I would just walk in the remainder to keep moving for the 6 hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wound up finishing with a couple more loops for about 29 or so miles. We then headed for a little pizza and awards party after, and were able to warm up a bit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would like to say that there are some AMAZING runners you are in company of in these events. The top male ran 49.5 miles. Let that sink in. A 7:15 or so pace for almost 50 miles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The top female I believe had 43 or so miles. So while I totally impressed myself with what I was able to do, there are some very awesome ultra runners out there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two of my new teammates did it as well, running about 38 and 32 miles respectively. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The aftermath? A solid 8 hours of sleep later and I woke up not feeling too bad. I am going to definitely spend the day not too anything more than some walking since sitting too long will make me stiff but not worse for the wear going beyond what I have done lately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What works for me is clearly not any sort of suggestion for what works for others. I am not injury prone, I have maintained a base for years. I literally have not had to "restart" training in several years. I have a great cardio level of fitness - this is not to sound like bragging but the fact that I was able to run for several hours, all at low heart rate, speaks to my current level of fitness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I genuinely think that one day I may wind up fully immersed in the ultra world. I think that I am totally made for long and slow running and enjoy it as well as the camaraderie. But I'm not ready to give up on my speed yet, and if I have learned anything it is that for me, when I start to focus on long I sacrifice speed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This probably will not be the last time I jump into a distance race without focusing on training for it. </span><br />
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Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-53094679513750945782017-03-14T11:11:00.004-04:002017-03-14T11:11:59.554-04:00NYRR Washington Heights Salsa, Blues and Shamrock 5K - Recap<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been forgetting to write recaps lately but I just happened to fold my shirt from this race and figured no time better than the present!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have never run this race for a couple of reasons - it is pretty far from me, which makes it inconvenient to travel to - especially for a 5K and it is a notoriously hilly course - which also doesn't make for a great 5K. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year however, I am running for a team, Quicksilver Striders and this was the first points race of the year for NYRR so, obligations drove me to it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I literally didn't have expectations. In fact the day before I took a bootcamp class and then ran 10.5 miles - so was thinking it would be painful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The morning was so so cold. So cold that I wore pants. Not quite sure who I am. Since I didn't have plans of "racing" I didn't warm up either (sorry coach!). My warmup was a half assed jog to my coral. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My pace with NYRR (8:26) put me in coral F which would prove to be frustrating for a 5K but a bit of a blessing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The race began in waves which meant more cold waiting; and when we finally crossed the start I found myself having to weave and try to run to the outside to try and actually run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I haven't been running with my Garmin much but did throw it on for this race. I felt pretty good and thought I was running in the low 8's but honestly wasn't paying much attention and just tried to get to that sustainable hard 5K pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was consistently passing people the ENTIRE race which was a first for me. I felt really strong and with the hills was trying to make sure that I didn't kill myself too early on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The good thing about an out and back course like this is that you know exactly what is waiting for you when you turn around - so I made a mental note of that lovely down hill early on that we would be going back up it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the turn around I looked down at my watch and realized I might be running myself to a PR. Not going to lie, I was now motivated times 10 to keep up the pace. I kept on passing people and then the final hill came. It definitely slowed me down but at the same time I knew there was a downhill to the finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we crested the hill I just focused on making sure my breathing was under control and then gunned it again. I passed my coach about .5 from the finish and was able to yell out a greeting and was now motivated to move my legs as quick as possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I crossed the finish line amazed, PR city! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Garmin stats: 8:05, 7:37, 7:36, 6:54 (<--kick!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not going to lie, I was shocked. This is NOT a PR course. I was not rested. Technically my legs were shot. But I did it! AND with a negative split (not sure if I have ever negative split a 5K before).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That first slow mile was perhaps a blessing that held me back from going out too fast but I am thinking give me a flat course, smaller crowd and I can probably shave at least 30 seconds off of it. Coach said after that I looked really in control (and I felt it as well towards the end) and thinks I can run a 23 flat... I am not saying no but that's fast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I still have shock as a former fat girl - and still not lean - that my 160ish pound body can run that fast. Breaking the 8 min/mile barrier has been HUGE for me, both mentally and physically. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I do feel like I continually prove to myself that I know my body and what training works for me. I don't do mile repeats, specific intervals etc. I find the more structured I make training the worse off my results and the more in my head I am. That is not to say I do not do work, I just run by feel. My favorite hard workouts are long tempos (7-8 mile runs with 5ish at tempo) and fartlek runs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also bootcamp. 2 -3 hours of bootcamp a week consistently for about 6 months now have paid HUGE dividends. The strength I felt going uphill made me thank all the trainers in my head during the race! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would be lying if I said I didn't plug in the results to see what they translate to for a half marathon (1:51 and my PR is 1:53). While I am 100% not in shape enough for a PR half - that does make me think that I shouldn't discount the idea of running a fast one this spring. If I can get back to 1:55 for spring to bounce off of I will keep my eyes on it for the fall! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But then again, who knows. If the stars align and I have a good day, anything can happen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh AND new NYRR pace, 8:09!! Woo hoo!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-81780084244348031522017-02-03T13:50:00.001-05:002017-02-03T13:50:08.371-05:00Winter Running Favorites <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think everyone has written this post but figured why not give my two cents! I have invested in the pieces and am running 30ish miles a week outside and loving it so why not share what has benefited me?! I have not wussed out from any weather conditions yet and am actually embracing winter to the fullest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Case and point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First I will say that I have come to love a new to me brand. Just like I had an epiphany finally trying Lululemon last year and falling in love with shorts/tanks/sports bras; the same happened for winter running with Athleta. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It all began with the hunt for tights that had side pockets. The speed tight from lulu had poor reviews (which I thought I would wind up with since I am obsessed with the speed track short) but I wasn't sold on shelling out that money for a product that people were trashing the quality and sustainability of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Which lead me to Athleta. The only issue that I have with them is that their clothing sizes kind of throw me off. I find their tights are bigger and some tops smaller - where the necessity to figure out which is which is kind of annoying. Luckily the quality of their items and the fact that they deliver on performance outweigh that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=2&pid=366982012" target="_blank">Powerlift Tight 2.0</a> - these are WARM (I have both black and gray below). I've only actually worn them a couple times because winter has been fairly mild - but they should be of use in Iceland in a couple weeks as well! Fleece, wicking, zip pocket, wore them in a snow storm and they did splendidly. Note these are snugger though but I was still good with a medium.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60494&vid=1&pid=350388002" target="_blank">Rock Springs Vest</a> - not bulky, zoned insulation, great side pockets and wind resistent equals a great piece. I don't like to run in jackets and vests are my jam - I have gotten a LOT of use out of this one! I sized up to a large for some extra room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=724872132" target="_blank">Fastest Track top</a> - have bought a bunch of these in both long and SHOCK short sleeve. The material is so lush and it is made with "stink proof" technology (which seriously works! I gave it a very good go with two runs before washing to test and it was fine - and I am a sweaty person)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-headbands-hats/Run-With-Me-Ear-Warmer-II/_/prod8260030?rcnt=5&N=8bu&cnt=14&color=LW9AE4S_028293" target="_blank">Run With Me Ear Warmer II</a> - lulu did have to make an appearance! Love this headband.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-scarves-gloves/Run-With-Me-Gloves/_/prod4500497?rcnt=1&N=8bw&cnt=8&color=LW9MJLS_0001" target="_blank">Run With Me Gloves</a> - tech friendly, they have a snap so you don't love one and keep the pair together, plus my hands always feel "itchy" in gloves when running and do not in these </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So there you have it, head to toe, the gear that is keeping me warm for 5 runs a week this winter! Bonus - end of season is happening so especially the Athleta stuff, is on sale. I have to stop myself from purchasing anything new! </span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-55010174163879036422017-01-16T10:22:00.001-05:002017-01-16T10:22:11.160-05:00It Has Happened: I Enjoy Winter Running<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Put this at the top of a list of things I never thought I would say. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the past, I have had no problem heading to the treadmill at the sign of inclement or undesirable weather. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, this past June, my gym with no notice closed it's doors. At the time summer was coming and I was keen to just run outside. I also have some weights (like the Les Mill's body pump set) at home so just went with it. Towards the middle of summer I discovered a bootcamp gym close to home and tried that out. I then spent the month of August in Europe and returned and paid up front for a year at the bootcamp gym and told myself that was it, no other gym membership or classes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well fast forward to late fall and it starting to get cooler and I wondered if I would be able to last in the cold. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And you know what, I totally have. And, as I commented yesterday that the long run in 27 degrees was quite warm, I realized that I have turned a corner and not only embraced, but come to thoroughly enjoy, winter running. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I consciously choose to wait for the snow to start last weekend to run! And loved it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Obviously as I have learned, the right clothing make all the difference in if you will enjoy it and I will definitely share what have been my favorites that I invested in, and was gifted for Christmas that have made winter running so enjoyable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have had a milder winter which is also helpful thus far. On the oft days that are warmer I have come to realize that I am not looking forward to the eventual heat and humidity that will come our way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give me a balmy 40 degree tops run and I am happy! </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prqC0U_i8kE/WHzi5hZsd1I/AAAAAAAAF5c/12wxNO-EqOE6NE38UdDhFPTNs2oUbPTRwCEw/s1600/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prqC0U_i8kE/WHzi5hZsd1I/AAAAAAAAF5c/12wxNO-EqOE6NE38UdDhFPTNs2oUbPTRwCEw/s400/unnamed.png" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also think that the exclusive running outdoors has helped me to regain my speed. In the past I have loved the treadmill but for me personally I think that in order for me to race well, I need to be outdoors. I was my slowest when running a ton on the treadmill. I never was able to make my indoor speed translate to outdoors. I also went through a lot at that time with my Crohn's so that could be a part of it but I don't think I will ever be able to practice race pace on a treadmill and then be able to sustain it in a race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For now though I am going to continue to enjoy my new found love for winter time and hope that I don't have to head back to the treadmill any time soon! </span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-71128963207336424282017-01-02T11:16:00.000-05:002017-01-02T11:16:14.801-05:00Trail Running for a Change<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Something that has attracted me to each ultra that I have run is the trails. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is something about being immersed in the middle of nature that I find solace in. In fact I did not listen to a single bit of music or anything during the 22+ miles I ran during the last race! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And apparently it isn't just me there is a whole <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/05/17/forest-bathing-is-latest-fitness-trend-to-hit-u-s-where-yoga-was-30-years-ago/?utm_term=.d9215339992f" target="_blank">"Forest Bathing"</a> trend. While it varies from running, I firmly believe the results are the same, calming. Where road running is all about pace and distance, the trails are not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lucky enough, about a mile from me I have a great resource that I have 100% not taken enough advantage of, <a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/alley-pond-park/history" target="_blank">Alley Pond Park</a>. This is 657 acres, with miles of trails in Queens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The trails for the most part are easy, single track and pretty runable. There are some inclines and declines which us newer trail runners may take heed and slow down for, but for the most part you can just run. They are also pretty well marked although the good thing about being in the middle of a city, you are never truly far from the roads which means getting lost isn't quite a problem. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZDSogAJt7c/WGp6wqrElEI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/f5k5C6WuH0gKGjeUq_vZnhIwACXqhBVUACLcB/s1600/IMG_5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZDSogAJt7c/WGp6wqrElEI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/f5k5C6WuH0gKGjeUq_vZnhIwACXqhBVUACLcB/s400/IMG_5534.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stairs leading down to Oakland Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oakland Lake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have never found it to be too crowded. The number one peril I find are the mountain bikers but as winter has come they are far and fewer between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You could use regular running shoes, but I have invested in a pair that I am in love with. The Saucony Nomad TR. They are lightweight and super comfortable. For when it is muddier and perhaps a little slippery I like knowing that I do have some more tread on the trail. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairway connection between two different trails.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action shot!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my goals for the next few months is to first, reacquire a license (I haven't driven since 2008!) and then planning on buying a car - that way I am able to expand my horizons more easily and hit more trails! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now my only question is: who wants to join me?!</span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-74580972123114477192016-12-11T19:07:00.000-05:002016-12-11T19:07:12.846-05:00Dumb Ass Trail Mix Up 30/50K<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, I still haven't written up my last race, The Falling Leaves Half Marathon...but I am more motivated to write about today's race than reverse back to that at the moment so...it's to come (maybe!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This trail race was a combo 30K and 50K. Basically it didn't matter what you signed up for, everyone was to be scored for the 30K and if you went on to 50K well then, yay! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leading up to it, I planned on 30K as I haven't run more than 13 miles in a couple of months. 18ish miles was doable but probably challenging and 31 I couldn't imagine reaching where my training is at. I just planned to run and give it what I had. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Weather was cool, and the ultra atmosphere at the start is very low key, an aspect of these races I really enjoy. There were just over a 100 people registered and I was happy that I knew quite a few people. The community of runners is very small!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The course itself was about 60% trail and 40% pavement. I have to say I actually was not enjoying the pavement portions. The trail was mostly very runnable, but did have a few climbs that would stop you. I was surprised to see my pace dip into the 8's quite a bit. The more loops I did the more confident I was in opening up my stride. Of course plenty of sections and rocks and roots to check you but it was nice to get that rush of speed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I felt a lot better than I thought I would. I finished the 30K not really tired nor worse for the wear, and a bit sad that it was over. My hip flexors and hamstrings were a little achy but at that point I was 19 miles in and that is kind of par for the course. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So with some peer pressure I decided to just go for another lap (they were about 5K or so each, ultra world course measuring is very official, or not lol). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spent that lap knowing I was probably reaching mileage territory that I shouldn't. Even though my body was feeling about what it should for the race, I knew I wasn't trained for what I was doing and with some sadness decided I would check myself and not continue with the 3 more laps to the 50K. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Years of running and racing have taught me well. Just because I CAN do something doesn't mean I should. And I am pretty convinced it is why I don't get injured. Minus Crohn's disease related set backs, I have not been injured. Could I have done 9 more miles? 100% not a doubt in my mind but end of the day best to walk off feeling good and happy with my performance and knowing I can go run some miles tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On another note, I threw in a rookie move that could have backfired and wore new shoes and was lucky that they were amazing! The Saucony Nomad TR. If anyone needs a trail shoe try them. Light weight, 4mm drop, and super comfy. PSA over but had to mention it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, just a great day and 10/10 would do it again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I can't wait to return to Alley Pond Park and hit the trails again soon. So happy it is only a couple miles from home. </span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-51132474800850841392016-10-31T12:02:00.001-04:002016-10-31T12:02:16.661-04:00Fort Totten Trot - 5K - 22:39 ***<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided to race a 5K this weekend a couple weeks out from my half to get an idea of where my speed was at. For me, I do some of my best work in races. I am pretty competitive and will often push myself harder in a race environment than I will during a speed workout. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was coming into the race not exactly rested. I did a tough bootcamp the day before and an 8.6 mile long tempo the day before that. Also the course is very hilly it is in the army base at Fort Totten. I ran the 5K the year before – plus it was where my July ultra was. It is a lot of up and down. This year they changed the course and race timers and had it USATF certified (or so they said…).</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was able to get in 3.5 miles to warm up prior – the race was in my town so I planned to sandwich it into my long run. My legs didn’t feel great on the run so knew it was going to be a hard day. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is on the small side, and would only be timed by gun time so I lined up near the front. My goal was 100% to PR – which meant going under 25 mins. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The race took off to an immediate down hill. I went entirely too fast down it which you know is the way to go in a 5K, trash the legs immediately! It was followed but a longer up hill and then another downhill until we got to the flat path way to the water front. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Within a mile, honestly even less, my legs were completely shot. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My motivation? A young girl, probably 9-10 who was keeping pace. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a cone turn which killed any momentum (I think I audibly groaned as we went around) at about 1.5 miles. I knew that would be the only way to turn but it still sucks. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then we went back into the Fort and it was uphill for about .5 miles. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Totally over the race at this point. I knew I was fading but just tried to keep moving and powering my arms. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally got a bit of reprieve with some flat, a short slightly downhill slope and then a turn and uphill before flat to the finish. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My goal was to not let a woman who I eyed as about my age pass me. And mission accomplish, by maybe a second. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love this pic of us all coming into the finish. The man was coaching his daughter in (and running our pace like it was a walk in the park)! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I saw the time on the clock and was immediately in shock. Then I also realized I hadn’t heard my watch beep for mile 3. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The result – all of us showing that the course was just shy of 3 miles. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Considering my goal was to come in under 25 minutes and I came in at 22:39 – totally bummed. Especially considering they said it was certified. I don’t know who bungled that up but it is really disappointing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All things going I would have come in 23:xx which would have been a massive PR. I left it out there. I was completely done at the end.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, this was the first time a race course has been really under for me. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did get a 3rd place AG so that was nice (although I won it last year with a MUCH slower time!). </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Goal now is to find another 5K – that is flat because that was really punishing! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Who else has dealt with this? I was proud of my time and posted my official results and felt a bit guilty like I needed a disclaimer – but end of the day it’s not my fault about the course but, I am not using this as my PR I don’t feel that is justified.</span></span></div>
Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-78162502229245691702016-10-25T12:12:00.002-04:002016-10-25T12:12:36.609-04:00October Update! <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello! I just realized it has been almost a month since I have written a post! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Not that that is totally unusual but made me realize the new job and such has been eating up a LOT of my time and in my down time I am being a total bum. I go days without checking up and reading others blogs either. Just no time for that! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what has been going on?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First work. Holy cow. This is the toughest job I have had. Moved up position wise and also am in a totally new area of media then throw in the learning curve of a massive company and I am fried - but loving it! I can't believe I am just about 2 months in! Also, they are very in touch with creating a solid work environment. Please see last week - they brought in puppies (adoptable!!) to one of our happy hours (also very big on these!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Health wise, fingers crossed but I was at my hematologist last week and looks like my blood levels are already improving. I still feel exhausted but I think mentally I need to stop thinking it is medical and realize work, plus training, plus seasons changing (aka all the darkness) are having an effect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the running front, dropping down from the marathon was 150% the BEST decision. It is freeing to not have to plan every weekend around those LONG LONG runs. I am still running long - 12ish miles for the long run on the weekend - but not having to fuel and being able to keep it under 2 hours has been good for me. I have moments of FOMO but then am like do I want to go run 18 miles...nope. The feeling dissipates. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm excited to get out there and race. I do think that I am capable of running a solid race and if the cards line up coming close to a PR (1:53). But I am not in a it must happen or all hope is lost mode. I'm doing the work, varying the runs, paces and taking a full day of recovery and time will tell. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I did toy the past 3 weeks with dropping my running days from 5 to 4. I still hit 30 miles by making one run an 8-9 miler during the week in which I do speed work in the middle. I like the higher midweek miles and also hitting paces in the midst of longer runs but to be honest kind of like running 5. And, my legs do not feel ANY more refreshed dropping a day. So this week may add back in one. What can I say, I love my running high and bootcamp just feels better with a few miles of recovery after. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am also loving fall temps. Ugh. It has been amazing. Cooler weather + running = heaven. Plus being able to be lazy on the weekend mornings and NOT set an alarm to zero dark thirty like in summer or risk dying in heat and humidity = fabulous! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I even ran in the rain, wind and cold on Saturday morning and enjoyed it! Or well I enjoyed the satisfying brunch that came after ;)</span><br />
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And that is about all for now! I am signed up for a 5K this weekend and excited to see what kind of turnover I have. Should be a good little speed prep to see where I am at. I always do way better if a race is on the line and would love to avg below an 8:00 pace for this race but we shall see! </div>
Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-82571523686846206812016-09-28T19:55:00.002-04:002016-09-28T19:55:58.605-04:00Changing Plans<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why hello there! Happy fall :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The past 3 weeks have basically just flown by. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I began a new job, which is both awesome, and pretty challenging. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am working in social media which is a totally new space for me going from live TV production and have been thrown in and trying to navigate. It doesn't help that their fiscal year end is the end of this week. Trial by fire for sure! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But forget work let's talk running!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Earlier this year I decided to throw a marathon back into the mix and registered for Philly. I hadn't run one since being diagnosed with Crohn's, and when it came down to it, had never run or trained for a marathon while healthy. I wanted to see what my body could actually do at 100%.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I decided to run an Ultra in July which meant ramping up a training cycle for that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Basically by this time this year I have been in serious training for several months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I returned from Europe refreshed but tired. Then I found a job within a week and had one week of down time. In that down time I was just tired. I couldn't figure it out. I thought maybe my body was just craving the M - F routine and when work began I would feel normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I didn't. And then I got my blood work back. Turns out that even though I am not flaring, my iron levels have plummeted again (ferritin 3 and hemoglobin 8). Kind of explains everything. Hello my old friend anemia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I began thinking of how I was a) over training for a marathon and b) didn't feel like running myself ragged TRYING to train for another marathon. So I took a weekend off from a crazy long run. And then had the opportunity to go to Seattle the following weekend and only ran 8 miles for my long run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started toying with just saying no to running Philly and have until the 30th to switch to the half if I am inclined. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And moral of the story if you have made it this far is that I think I am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this point in my running life I have run several marathons. I wanted to run one totally healthy. My iron infusions probably won't get me back to normal for 6-8 weeks and with my work schedule can't go for another until late October. I have absolutely nothing to prove to myself in running a marathon (I mean I did just do it in July). And the exhaustion from my normal training routine and a high pressure job (that I love and want to excel and focus on) is way more important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am 99% positive that come Friday I will be dropping down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Which is to say that I still plan on running a few half marathons this fall. I LOVE the half distance. Going out for a 10 mile run is 100% doable. I don't need to fuel or worry about any of that and it doesn't wipe me out like the 20 milers will. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the end my health and sanity are more important and training and a possible mediocre marathon are just not what I want. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think my body is just saying I was over ambitious and if I do run one (with a goal time like I want), I need to not have a crazy long aka 6 month training cycle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So that is where I am not. I spent a couple weeks trying to figure out if I was taking an easy way out and in a way, yes I am. I am choosing to not be even more exhausted than I am on a normal basis. Cutting down about 10-15 miles a week is a big help! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So there you have it. Fall marathon is out. And I am okay with that. </span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-61952926717831554522016-09-09T14:05:00.002-04:002016-09-09T14:05:29.697-04:00Summer is Winding Down<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cannot believe that it is September. I really feel like this year has flown by and summer was gone in a blink (but not those summer temps, they are still holding strong). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the good news is, I have a job! I kind of lucked out in that I had an interview set up for a job I really wanted, interviewed and two days later got the offer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I begin on Monday which was also nice. I was able to work out a full week and then some before starting so that I could enjoy some time stress free. There is not working with a new job ahead and then not working with the stress of job hunting looming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was lucky in that I had the financial capabilities to not work for a while but really wanted to. I landed a gig that is going to be both challenging and is a fantastic step up professionally. Pretty much a win, win. I am also working freelance so as of now only signed on for 3 months (also something I wanted). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So that is what is up on the job front. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Running has been going pretty well. Both of my long runs back from Europe have gone really well. Last week there was a break in humidity and I had a fantastic 16 miler. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the same time, I am having some anxiety and trepidation about running a marathon. I don't have any crazy goals (looking to PR which is breaking 4:26) but at this point I am still feeling unprepared and like it is a daunting task. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good thing I have more than 2 months of training left! (but really...still that long?!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So that is basically what is going on right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm ready to get back into routine. I dawdle with getting out the door in the mornings, since I usually don't have much of an agenda and crave the structure that work gives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also have been doing entirely too much shopping. My lululemon obsession has gone berserk. There was a reason I had never bought anything prior to a few months ago. I KNEW this would happen. But if anyone wants a recommendation buy <a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Speed-Track-Short-MD/_/prod8230003?Ntt=speed%20track%20short&gender=women&rcnt=1&cnt=102&color=LW7F96S_0001" target="_blank">these shorts</a> immediately. And this <a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-sports-bras/Run-Stuff-Your-Bra-III-MD/_/prod8300018?Ntt=run%20stuff%20your%20bra&gender=women&rcnt=2&cnt=211&color=LW2CHIS_6908" target="_blank">sports bra</a>. And <a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-tanks/Beat-The-Heat-Tank/_/prod2030049?Ntt=beat%20the%20heat%20tank&gender=women&rcnt=0&cnt=82&color=LW1NGSS_7381" target="_blank">this tank</a>. Ugh. So much love. And, all on sale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You're welcome! :)</span><br />
<br />Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-8049044033258950872016-08-24T09:24:00.002-04:002016-08-24T09:24:40.388-04:00Back in NYC!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As sad as it is for an amazing trip to end, I am pretty happy to be in one place and back at home! </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This summer has been a roller coaster. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mid July my job finally ended (for those who don't know my company closed so after 3.5 years my job that changed me career wise was over).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I was hired to freelance at both the RNC and DNC so spent two weeks on the road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I jetted off to Europe for three weeks! I spent the bulk of my time in Croatia then went on to Italy and Spain on my own. I will plan to recap but in a nutshell...trip of a life time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until then just a little preview.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically how we spent our days. Sailing to an island, dropping anchor, and jumping in the Adriatic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our boat crew on the Split Kiss!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italy! I was just captivated the entire time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangria in Barcelona. Enough said. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So now, I am back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jobless, but not stressing as I have some things in the works. I am lucky enough to be okay for a long while and am toying with continuing the freelance route or going full time. We shall see where the cards fall in due time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, back to the grind with marathon training. I was SO active on vacation (averaged 12-15 miles running/walking every day) but never ran more than 9 or so sooooo my first long run back should be super fun! </span></div>
Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-2220969115631835532016-07-31T11:32:00.001-04:002016-07-31T11:32:17.178-04:00BUS Pajama Romp 6 Hour Race<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well a week later seems like a perfect time to do a recap! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I haven't had a moment to read a blog in the past couple of weeks let alone right my own blog post. I finished my job at Al Jazeera America on 7/15 and then 7/18 headed off to the RNC (I was hired as a freelance production manager) then come home run the race then head off to DNC. So whirlwind is the only description I have for the past few weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I signed up for this race for more or less one reason: it was in my town. There is not much opportunity for me to have a race so convenient so before I could really think about it, I had registered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then the reality sunk in. I just signed up for a 6 hour race at the end of July. I don't run well in the heat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The week before they started sending out the emails - due to it being the hottest predicted day of the year there would be no "place" finishes. They strongly discouraged anyone taking it seriously. They weren't going to call it a fun run but they threatened to strip people of bibs that didn't take the heat and humidity seriously. If you looked like you should be stopped and weren't they were taking away liability. So yay!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Add to this I was running around RNC all week prior and was lucky to have 5 hours of sleep a night - I was SO looking forward to it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And hot it was. I had an upset stomach all morning and was concerned for that but honestly I wasn't racing this. I planned to walk when needed and my goal was to finish 26.2. Considering I usually do that in under 4:30 I thought it was a safe bet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sister came to run and we arrived at the race ready to go. One of us taking selfies the other listening for instructions ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The whole race was very laid back. They literally gathered the group (I don't know how many people maybe 150?) gave some instructions then herded us towards the start line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sister is a faster runner than myself but we ran the first few loops together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The course was a 1.3 mile loop that you ran until either you were finished running or 6 hours ended. My goal was to just move for 6 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know some people may find the concept batty but I love loops and especially in the weather was nice to have the aide station every 1.3 miles. No holding water bottles or fuel. I would grab a drink or slice of watermelon etc each lap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eventually though I started to feel over fueled. I stopped sweating a lot and within 2 hours knew I had to slow down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The course was also extremely hilly. Up and down. There were barely any straights so lets just say it wasn't easy on the legs. The downfall of the loops was the unevenness which took a toll on the left side of my body. My hamstring and hip were cranky within 3 hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But we got some lovely views (Throgs Neck)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn't listen to music once the entire 6 hours. I made friends and everyone just encouraged one another walked and ran laps with new people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By 4 hours in I felt really really crappy. There was a lot of walking. I stopped and sat in my chair for a while. Changed shoes and socks. Then my sister found me again and we continued on for a while together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The course got so dark. There wasn't much light and it was eerily quiet. Plus, there weren't many people - a lot had dropped off already so very much alone at some points.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then my sister started to feel like crap. She thought she was going to be sick and I had to go run back to the start then run the loop around to bring here cooling towels and a bottle of water, so I had to hustle my butt off. (tmi coming) she threw up and then felt like a million bucks which was amusing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this point we were at about the 5:30 mark and I looked at my mileage and was determined to at least finish 26.2. So we began running. I felt really good. And was really damn determined. We got to the start area and my team's coach was there (I joined a running team Quicksilver Striders!) and we now were down to 12 minutes until 6 hours - I knew I had to at least get another lap in so I took off. I don't know where it came from but I ran the fastest I had all day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See splits here: 10:01, 11:05, 12:36, 10:05, 12:09, 10:54, 12:17, 13:04, 10:29, 12:51, 12:30, 14:37, 10:44, 12:55, 15:06, 14:15, 12:17, 15:25, 18:45, 17:59, 21:03, 23:21, 12:03, 19:13, 11:03, <b>8:37, 8:47 </b>(!!!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then it was done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This may have been the slowest "marathon" I ran but holy hell. Hard. The course was hard, the conditions were awful and I am so happy I did it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We quickly forgot how hard and brutal it was and enjoyed a slice of pizza and a beer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I definitely recommend looking into BUS (Broadway Ultra Society) events. The people were great and it was very well organized. Plus the "ultra" environment is so different than the typical race one. Overall I was happy to make it out in one piece! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I then enjoyed the most glorious Sunday where I challenged my fitbit to have the least amount of steps that I ever have. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Due to all the walking I did - recovery was definitely pretty easy but I didn't really run run until Friday. I did a lot of walking at DNC and Tuesday ran a couple miles but it wasn't until Friday that I ran 7 and felt pretty normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now I have a couple days before I head off to Europe for 3, yes 3 weeks!!!! I still have Philly Marathon which is the ultimate goal and will have to figure out running while away but honestly it is not going to be the focus. Exploring Croatia, Italy and Spain are and am sure I will find the opportunity to run...minus when I am sailing for a week ;) </span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-84350496051294823172016-06-20T10:56:00.005-04:002016-06-20T10:56:51.292-04:00Let the Marathoning Begin!<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This fall it will be 2 years since my last marathon and after thinking I really had no intention of returning to the distance this year, apparently I will be.. and sooner than later! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I took the plunge and registered for the Philadelphia Marathon. After tossing around between that, Indianapolis Monumental and Richmond; I decided that proximity and the late nature of the marathon (read: cold temps pretty much guaranteed) won me over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yup, it is real! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And because I am a sadistic idiot, I signed up for an ultra marathon in July. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am going to use the term ultra very loosely here. I have absolutely no goals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, that is a lie. My goal will be to run at least a marathon over those 6 hours, anything over that will be a bonus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I couldn't help myself. The race is pretty cool. It is from 5pm - 11pm and over that 6 hours you run as many 1.3 mile loops as you can/want. Bonus it is about a mile from where I live so I felt obliged. I looked at past results and people do anything from 15 - 40+ (lol no just no). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a very solid base already as I have kept up long runs even when not in training. I am ramping up for the race since it is in oh about 5 weeks. I did a very solid and awesome 15 miles this past weekend after 13.5 the one prior. Given it isn't like a true marathon - I assume plenty of stopping, walk etc. I think I will be fine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Philly training will continue on after that. I will most likely take a couple down weeks depending on how I feel and reduce the mileage before gearing back up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is all a loose plan really at the moment - and quite frankly I am most likely going to continue this laid back training approach through this cycle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have no lofty goals for the fall marathon. I have never run one being healthy before (read: always dealing with Crohn's even when I didn't know it). So I am hoping the health I have right now continues on to then. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My PR is 4:26 and I think I am capable of much better, definitely in the low 4's. I have set a goal half marathon for about a month prior to that in a hopeful PR attempt as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know I have gotten faster and usually after a summer training season more speed develops so excited to see what happens! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now here is hoping that I continue to enjoy the long runs as much as I did my 15 miler this weekend (it was amazeballs). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have I mentioned just how enjoyable long runs are when you do not pay attention to pace? I embrace going slower than slow and goodness it is so much better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PSA: do not be afraid to go slow! I ran this at a 10:45 pace and the next day did a progression run where my last mile was 7:30. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And that's all for now! </span></div>
Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-58801172813143067042016-04-30T14:20:00.002-04:002016-04-30T14:20:54.012-04:00Running Recovery Weeks<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello there! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This post is brought to you from the glory of being in the office on a Saturday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As most know my company is closing down and I am the Project Coordinator for the decommission which means fun things like closing down facilities and being a master of logistics! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I should note that I put this work day on myself since I managed this process. I planned on taking Friday off to not totally lose the full weekend but work had other plans and I couldn't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyways back to the post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So my spring race season has come to a close and I must say it was pretty successful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I ran 3, count them 3 half marathons! My spring goal was to get sub 2 and see where I was at for setting a PR this year and happy to say, mission accomplished at the first one! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall I ran: <a href="http://www.runliftrepeat.com/2016/03/frozen-penguin-half-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">1:58:13</a>, <a href="http://www.runliftrepeat.com/2016/04/ladies-first-half-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">2:04:13</a> and <a href="http://www.runliftrepeat.com/2016/04/queens-half-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">2:00:32</a> which I am happy with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also mixed in a 10K the week after my sub 2 half and to my surprise, <a href="http://www.runliftrepeat.com/2016/03/spring-fling-10k-recap.html" target="_blank">I PR'd</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I was also signed up for an NYRR 4 miler. My sole purpose was that my NYRR pace was 10+ per mile which is clearly not my race pace. It is based off my 4:59 NYCM I ran in 2014 with my Crohn's flare + stress fracture. Needless to say, not a reflection of my current state! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To my surprise <a href="http://www.runliftrepeat.com/2016/04/run-for-parks-4m-recap.html" target="_blank">I PR'd</a> that as well! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This all leads me to the past couple of weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After some serious racing and training, I was done. I had neglected cross training and weight training for a while during the race season and needed to back off the running and reset. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have had a glorious couple weeks of backing down the mileage. I think I ran 10 miles last week and this week am over that but still below my 30+ I usually hit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not only does it feel good to tone down the running but it has given me the opportunity to dig in to a lot of other workouts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I recently bought the weights for <a href="http://www.lesmills.com/us/workouts/fitness-classes/bodypump/" target="_blank">Les Mills Body Pump</a> and have invested in their on demand all I can say is I am loving it so far! And that my body is sore in all new ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will post more on that soon but I am enjoying home workouts more than I thought I would. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I may run some shorter races over the summer months I am not focusing on another race until the fall. I have yet to determine what will be my goal half but safe to say I will be giving my PR (1:53:14) a run in a few months time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For now, it is all about focusing on building strength, especially core which I am being more diligent about and just sustaining my base of running fitness. I will probably still run a few times a week and keep a longer run on the weekend since that is the norm for me but I don't plan on a structured schedule (although to be honest when I trained for spring season it was a very "loose" schedule but it worked - see PR's and hitting goals ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It really is good though to step back from running a lot (I haven't had a significant down week in over a year!) and focus on some other forms of workout. This will all make me a stronger runner down the line!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now off to hopefully finish up overseeing this move out and enjoying SOME of Saturday! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-43536832575769115482016-04-19T12:32:00.004-04:002016-04-19T12:32:44.439-04:00Queens Half Marathon Recap<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another week, another race! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday I ran my 3rd and final half marathon of the spring season, the Queens Half Marathon. It was hard to turn this one down since there are not often half marathons close to me, but man am I looking forward to not running another for a while! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was again put on by <a href="https://nycruns.com/" target="_blank">NYCRuns</a>, who I clearly prefer to race with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I woke up Sunday morning definitely not feeling well. Saturday my stomach had been feeling upset and unfortunately by Sunday was not much better. I was a little happier though knowing there were restrooms on the course. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because of that I barely choked down water and some dry cheerios on my way there before my stomach was all sorts of grumbly again. I spent some significant time in the porto potties, crossed my fingers and headed to the start a few minutes before it was time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was an absolutely beautiful day but I have been in this running thing long enough to know that starting a half marathon underfueled and dehydrated isn’t exactly ideal. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue skies for days!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fz7jbMUJvQ/VxZcXtroyyI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/HtisW_Mur0sptpX863Yv0jKcxipJwLRRwCLcB/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fz7jbMUJvQ/VxZcXtroyyI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/HtisW_Mur0sptpX863Yv0jKcxipJwLRRwCLcB/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had no goals for this race. My spring goal was to get back to sub 2 shape since I hadn't broken 2 hours since fall of 2012 (which happened at <a href="http://www.runliftrepeat.com/2016/03/frozen-penguin-half-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">Frozen Penguin</a>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was coming off a normal training load having run 20 miles for the week already with 1 rest day on Saturday. I knew to not expect anything stellar but just go with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The race begins and per usual I do not look at my watch until the first or second mile. I missed mile 1 but at mile 2 saw I was running under 9 min mile pace so start to think about going for another sub 2 effort. Problem was I felt every bit of effort. I knew from the start this wasn’t going to be an “easy” day where the miles click. I was working for it too early on, but kept it up, that is racing right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we were coming up to the half way (it was a 2 loop course) I knew I had to ease up. My legs were shot already; not really pleasant when you have only finished half the race! I knew I had time in the bank to take it easy for a few. I started taking in water at the half way and walked through the stops each time. My fingers were so swollen I knew I had to hydrate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was using the course signage, not when my watch was beeping for the mile markers. I had estimated with 5 miles to go that even if I just kept a 9:30 pace I would be sub 2. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With 2 miles to go, I was ready to be done so picked it back up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I still thought I was on track. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I hit the mile 13 marker, my watch beeps at the same time for mile 13. My time is 1:58 and change I am like .1 to go I am golden. Then I look in the distance, the finish looks REALLY far away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, it was. From that mile 13 marker to the finish was .27 miles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Which put me in the finish at 2:00:32. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Which is a very good time considering I'm not rested, I’ve raced most weekends and my stomach was very much bleh the whole time (but didn't have to stop! it's amazing this whole Crohn's being in remission thing, IBS sucks, but is a whole different and easier level of stomach issues to deal with).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, I know I could have come in under 2. I am not saying the course is “long” but I’ve run enough to know not to go by garmin but by mile markers. Tangents are hard to run 100% correct. So I did. I did my calculations at the mile markers so thought for the entire race I was golden. To have the 13 mile marker a quarter mile from the finish, not cool. Also means the others mile marks on the course were off a bit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the end, what does this mean? Absolutely nothing. I wasn’t racing for time, it wasn’t a PR race. But, I had decided to not phone in the race and run a sub 2, so I was working out there. And, I had more, as my splits here show:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8:57, 8:51, 8:45, 9:00, 8:45, 8:52, 9:21, 9:24, 9:30, 9:22, 9:27, 8:57, 9:10, 8:11 (.27) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was able to quite efficiently drop back the pace for the last couple miles and could have done it sooner, but thought I was okay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sigh. In the end half marathon number who knows what in the books and this made me hungry to work for a PR this fall! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, I sign off on race season having run several as most people are starting! A possible 5 miler by me this weekend but I am pooped! </span><br />
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Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-89179066995485060262016-04-14T15:38:00.000-04:002016-04-14T15:38:38.137-04:00Run for the Parks 4M Recap<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me just start with work is getting in the way of my social media use. My network officially shut down Tuesday (I still have a job though for 3 months as we decommission the US offices) and it is BUSY. How do people spend time on social media that work full time?!?! I literally have not opened Instagram all week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyways enough of that. Figure a quick race recap is in order since I ran myself a new 4 mile PR on Sunday! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I signed up to run this race purely for the fact that my NYRR pace was a 10:07 or something with the new system taken from my miserable 2015 NYCM that I ran with a stress fracture and Crohn’s flare. I do not run NYRR races much anymore because I don’t like paying to run in Central Park (especially those prices) and they are always crowded. But the new pace on file made me mad and I wanted to redeem myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Insert Sunday, race morning I get my period (sorry TMI) and my stomach hurts, it is freezing and I am so NOT in the mood to race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Central Park was pretty though! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyways I meet Beth and her coworker Eric there and they jump into my corral, J, since I refuse to try and push forward, hashtag am unable to be dishonest. As we are waiting I was just very blah about trying to race, my legs were numb from the cold!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About 17 minutes after the first people started we were FINALLY off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I immediately take off around the outside knowing I will have to weave this whole race. I don’t know what it is but something about crossing that mat puts me into competitive mode even when not feeling it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyways I knew I was off and getting into a good groove.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mile 1 including Cat Hill done: 8:09</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I see that split and that I am under PR pace and that motivates me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mile 2: 7:58</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I almost jumped for joy when I saw that. First time in a race splitting under 8! I knew we were coming to the rolling hills so I was glad to have banked some time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mile 3: 8:29</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ugh those hills. That is all. I gave it my best and rode the pain of pushing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I took advantage of the downhills as much as possible and it paid off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mile 4: 7:51 (!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And just like that BOOM. 45 second PR. 32:47</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I would like to note that I ran 4.05 by my Garmin (obviously I was weaving and passing people the entire race starting so far back) and that .05 was 6:29 pace! Hello legs, speedier than I thought capable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, thrilled. A week post half marathon, and PR’ing. My running is improving, I feel like I am doing everything right with my training. I also have gotten very good at pushing during races. My motto with races is just to go for it. Worst case, I blow up and slow down. But if you don’t try you will never know. Stop letting what your watch pace says effect what your body is telling you to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">AND a lovely new NYRR pace. Mission accomplished!</span><br />
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Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-74975305143593376302016-04-09T17:18:00.001-04:002016-04-09T17:18:13.025-04:00Ladies First Half Marathon Recap<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a week later...better late than never, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Going into this race I had no race plan. My goal for the spring was to get back to sub 2 for the half and see where I was to PR in 2016 (need to beat 1:53:14). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And well, I got that sub 2 a few weeks before so was content knowing that I am in that shape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am in the throws of some medical stuff, and awaiting results to find out if I need surgery for another GI issue, SMA syndrome (unrelated to Crohn's I have just hit the crappy GI system jackpot!). While we wait on that I had to go off of my medication which had been helping with my IBS (seriously my gut sucks). Anyways because of that I really didn't plan on racing. I have another half marathon in a week so figured I would use it as a training run and if I felt good then go for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sister was running the race too (and PR'd the HELL out of it without trying running an amazing 1:49!) and am happy that she mentioned bringing a hat, because with the steady rain that began 5 minutes before the start I was so damn happy to have one. I have never run with a hat before but now am wondering why I didn't all these years. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in the rain for the start.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We started running and honestly the rain wasn't too bad. I had to make a stop in the first mile realizing that I hadn't double tied my sneakers. Nice rookie mistake! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the same course that I ran a few weeks prior. That first out and back I was basically right on the cusp on the 2 hour mark. When I hit mile 5 I had two options. I could try and pick up the pace for sub 2 or I could ease up. I choose the latter. My stomach was in knots and I just wasn't feeling running hard. When I ran the 1:58 the pace felt good. To hit it for this race was going to be real work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't even know how many half marathons I have run but I have totally lucked out, this was the first time I have ever had to race in the rain. There is something badass about it but at the same time after an hour or so it just gets old! I was definitely over this race around mile 8. I kept picking up the pace but then my stomach would hurt and I would have to slow down. The last few miles it was a toss up between wanting to speed up and finish and not wanting to put forth the effort that required! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was drenched, I was wearing shorts and a tank and it was all just soaked. The last few miles of a half can be challenging but it took all my willpower to keep on going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Final time: 2:04:13</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Splits: 9:08, 9:15, 9:09, 9:10, 9:09, 9:21, 9:28, 9:15, 9:31, 9:29, 10:00, 9:53, 9:35, 9:04</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can see at mile 5 I decided to ease up. And miles 11 and 12 where I was over the whole race thing, haha. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was happy that I had the foresight to bring plastic bags and a trash bag to put my bag in during bag check. I was frozen and sopping wet and dry clothes were so welcome. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, per usual, a great race by NYCRuns. I really enjoy only having a few hundred runners. Next week I am running the Queens Half and if my legs are feeling good I think it might be another good time to try for a sub 2. I am also thrilled that there are bathrooms on the course! These past two half marathons do not have any so that messes with me. I typically hold back out of the fear of running hard and needing a pit stop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until the next one! </span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-70231116853251290652016-03-20T17:08:00.001-04:002016-03-20T17:08:19.687-04:00Spring Fling 10K Recap <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another week, another race! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had this on my radar but it was the post half marathon euphoria that sealed the deal for registering. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spent the week between the half and this race running easy. I did run 4 times Monday through Thursday and took Friday as my rest day per normal. All of my runs were very easy - 10+ mile pace with some added pick ups one of the days just to get some turnover. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was up super late (for me) Thursday and Friday because, March Madness, and when I woke on Saturday I questioned why on earth I signed up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My PR was set on the same course in November with a time of 53:52 8:48/mile pace - I knew on a good day yes I could beat that but just wasn't motivated - and had run a half 7 days prior. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided this time around to take my medication that helps with my stomach spasms. So I took that then ate a honey stinger waffle before I left. I had a solid 2.5 hours before the race and decided since I didn't know what to expect that it was as good a time as any to test it out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To tell just how not committed to "race" I was - I wore leggings. I do NOT race in tights, I wear shorts and a tank even when it is 30 out. (I would later regret them as they were falling down part of the race).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I was greeted at Roosevelt Island by some brisk but lovely race weather. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had about 45 minutes to spare so I got my bib and used the bathrooms without waiting. I then basically sat hanging out until about 10 minutes before when I pinned my bib, dropped my bag, and went to the start line. (again, I love how these are not the NYRR production). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tried to get in the middle of the pack but people are ridiculous about where they line up. The girl next to me had never run 6 miles before. Really? then MOVE BACK. Ugh. I don't want to be the jackass lining up aggressively but it gets old that slower folks move up when not corralled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A couple minutes after 9:30 we were off! I had my garmin but when I run/race lately I have gotten extremely good at not paying attention to it. I was dodging people to get in a groove for the first 1.5 miles or so. When I looked down at my Mile 2 split I realized I was below my PR pace and feeling good. I decided to go for it. Worst case, I blow up and slow down but would regret not taking the opportunity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The course is two loops which I like. I try to get into a steady pace the first 5K and then drop it for the second. I finished the first feeling good and started to try to get more aggressive on the pace. I was passing people and happy as can be. I also had my headphones in but should note I never turned on my music. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have come to love that race feeling, embracing that comfortably hard run and knowing I am RACING, pushing myself. By mile 4 I was starting to feel the effort. I let myself ease off for several seconds at a time but kept telling myself less than 20 minutes left, keep it up! I also realized if I kept at the pace I was going to PR which motivated me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pain train definitely started at mile 5. I was just seriously focused on the end at this point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The unfortunate part of this course is I always overrun. Last time by .2 and this time turned out by .14 - there are a lot of turns and such which makes it harder so my garmin was beeping well before the mile markers that second loop which didn't really help my wanting to be done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The final .2 involves a 180 degree turn around a cone then an uphill I was dying to be done! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then FINISHED. With a 1:20 PR.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not to sound braggy but I am SO proud of myself and how I have finally gotten back to running well. And faster than ever! On not really recovered legs and dealing with a lot of health issues I am setting new PR's. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are my garmin splits: 8:41, 8:16, 8:22, 8:03, 8:11, 8:14, 8:06</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The mile 1 pisses me off (because of the slower runners that started up front) but I will just look at it as holding me back from blowing up. My mile 4 was close to being sub 8! I really had no idea how fast I was running. I was just trying to be below an 8:40 pace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And negative split the crap out of that - a 16 second per mile drop from lap 1 to lap 2. Just how I wanted it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My training has been so consistent, and I've overcome my fear when racing of playing it safe. I cannot do anything about my stomach issues for the most part; I will deal with Crohn's the rest of my life but my mental game has gotten very strong which makes me happy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Excited to see what the rest of 2016 brings me! </span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-58014691055023701382016-03-13T18:35:00.001-04:002016-03-13T18:35:44.566-04:00Frozen Penguin Half Marathon Recap <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I need to begin this recap with this: NYCRuns who put on the race did not have me in the official results. So until then I am going off my Garmin time. We are most likely talking a second or two off but I let them know while there (they have the results immediately) and emailed and they are still "investigating". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so it begins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The day before the race was less than ideal. It began with me throwing up! So there is that. Between that and the fact that my legs felt trashed all week I was afraid to have high hopes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday was perfection. High 40's, light wind and sunny to start. Can you ask for better? (actually yes a little colder but whatever, it was beautiful out!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did not think a PR was in the cards. I REALLY wanted to go sub 2 but was going to run by feel as I do a lot lately. Garmin was on but I wasn't going to slave to it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we started I got into a nice rhythm. These races are smaller (less than 400 typically) and within a few minutes was finding my groove. I looked down around 2 miles in and saw sub 9. I felt good I was going with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The we turned around and my stomach started to spasm (I am on an antispasm medication but didn't take it before because of potential side effects aka like Friday's nausea). From there on out it was an absolute struggle fest. I would ease off for a bit let it calm down then take advantage and speed up when it did. There are no bathrooms on the course (short out and back then longer out and back) so my number one concern was BE CAREFUL. I was a-okay running slow if it meant not shitting my pants (sorry, not sorry). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could have run into the bathroom on the first loop when we went back to the start but made the decision to run through it. Until mile 11 I regretted that decision when I wasn't sure I would make it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At about mile 7 I went to a slight dark place. I was already dehydrated and hungry (I never fuel but didn't even want to chance water) and may have sworn off racing. At the same time I knew I was running pretty well and wanted to keep going for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My stomach hit an awful spot at mile 9 and I let myself walk for 10-20 seconds or so. At this point I was pretty sure I was sub 2 and could afford it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The most joyous part of the race was the final water station shortly after mile 11. I let myself finally have 2 cups of water and walked through it to down them. The end was in sight and I knew I would break 2 barring anything crazy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That last bit was tough I felt like I was barely moving (but looking at splits I was running well). My fingers were swelled up like sausages and my arms were sore. How weird is that? I must have actually been using them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally the end was in sight and I finished! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And some seriously good splits:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8:46, 8:58, 9:00, 9:00, 9:02, 8:52, 9:01, 8:55, 9:04, 8:59, 9:04, 9:16, 8:54, 7:57 (.18)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My mental math on the run is awful considering I thought I was cutting it close, haha! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I finished, then waited to cheer in Beth who rocked the race and we basked in an awesome day of running. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Honestly, I couldn't be happier with how this panned out. I've been doing the work and it finally came to fruition. I 100% believe I can build on this and run faster. I was running under less than ideal conditions (meaning how I felt Friday and during the race) and would be great to really throw down. My average HR was 154 which I still think is lower for a race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2016 will be the year I take down my PR! Just need to take ohhh 4 more minutes off of this! But for now, I bask in the glow of everything coming together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-38373437874201599402016-03-04T11:40:00.005-05:002016-03-04T11:40:59.543-05:00Health Stuff: Crohn's + IBS Diagnosis<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello there and TGIF! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am going to start off with something that warms my heart every morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This beautiful golden retriever loves the train. She gets super excited, all over wiggles, when it comes into the station, and her owner brings her every morning to watch. And her rain coat today was just on point. #allthefeels for this duo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been waiting a little while to write an update but finally have some good, and bad news. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Towards the end of January as I was due for my Remicade infusion I started to feel not so great. I figured it was the Crohn’s and my body was ready for the infusion. Plus the stress from finding out my company is closing. I told my doc (new one at the practice my original one left and I decided to stay) and she mentioned my dose had been reduced from the max. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When things weren’t getting better I assumed it was due to the dose being lowered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Insert blood tests, scopes and a ct scan later…and the good news is, the Remicade has knocked the life out of the disease! As in the doctor who did my CT asked if I was sure I had it. And considering how severe it was this time last year that is AMAZING news. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Side note: I don’t think I will ever want lemonade again after having to drink like 100oz of this stuff:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The bad news is, as my GI suspected, I am now presenting with IBS (which isn’t all too uncommon with IBD patients). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She put me on medication, Librax, which is supposed to help with the muscle spasms and I have to say I am feeling a little improvement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, this also means learning trigger foods which shall be a giant (and not so fun) undertaking. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got VERY comfortable and felt so good for a while that I loosened up on my food “rules” (part of why I wasn’t really believing it was IBS vs a flare since this came out of the blue again) but now am reigning it all back in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am doing research and linking up with the RD at my GI practice for some help, but I know it means backing off some veggies, very minimal lactose and sugar/processed foods. I won’t be going gluten free. Gluten has never been an issue for me and I have tested for celiac a couple times already. I don’t eat a ton anyway but I know that isn’t my problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a half marathon next weekend which I had high hopes for. At the moment I am not sure I will be able to race it if my gut is not cooperating so it may be more for fun but we shall see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At least I have a pretty new bright pair of Kinvara’s to run in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So there we have it. I am bummed for something else to figure out but honestly I would rather this than to know my Crohn's is flaring. </span></div>
Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143752786074156620.post-52227114078446727802016-02-24T11:29:00.003-05:002016-02-24T11:30:08.688-05:00Half Marathon Training 2/8/16 - 2/21/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello there! My ever exciting training recaps that I haven't posted in a couple weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The past week and a half or so have been just ugh. I have a cold that just won't quit (although it seems it finally might be tapering off!) and having some Crohn's symptoms which is starting to give me anxiety. I am going next Monday for a sigmoidoscopy (yay for not having to have a full colonoscopy yet) and hoping to get some answers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am trying to be all zen about shit at the moment (since stress usually makes symptoms worse) but my half marathon is in a couple of weeks and the fact that I feel less than ideal is effing with my head (and no bathrooms on the course, yay!). My GI doc who moved to a different practice reduced my Remicade dosage without consulting my new doc at the practice and I am just thinking it was a dumb move and might be reaping the results of that now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyway, stay zen about it, right? And, trying to ignore the crappy string of runs I have had. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Things I am enjoying? The FitBit Charge HR I got for Valentine's day! Love love love having the heart rate. The bf definitely was listening to me complaining about how my Garmin vivofit didn't have it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Week of 2/8/16</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Monday - </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4.36 miles 40:42 pace 9:22 Unintentional progression on this easy run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Splits: 10:01, 9:48, 9:06, 8:48, 8:33 (.36)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tuesday - Too icy for outside - .5 mile run to gym wu then TM fartlek total 4.08 miles in 35 mins 8:34 pace - .5 mile cooldown </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Evening - strength class at P4S medium weights higher reps mixed with cardio</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wednesday - Cross train: 1 hour - 30 mins on the bike 30 mins total body weights</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thursday - Progression 10K 6.2 miles 54 mins 8:45 pace </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Friday - Rest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday - TM long run 11 miles 1:45 9:33 pace HR 146</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunday - 6.32 miles 60 mins 9:29 pace HR 129</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Total miles: 32.96 (and don't think realizing later that .04 didn't make me a die a little inside)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Week of 2/15/16</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Monday - 7.5 miles 70 mins 9:10 pace - longer easy effort with the day off HR 125</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tuesday - 5 miles 44 mins 8:41 pace HR 150</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wednesday - Easy run 3.2 miles 33 mins 10:21 pace HR 132</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thursday - Tempo - 4.6 miles 40 mins 8:41 pace HR 156</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Friday - Rest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday - 10 miles 1:44:18 10:25 pace awful long run, just brutal HR 146 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunday - 18 mins elliptical to loosen up my legs / 4 miles 41 mins 10:15 pace as recovery which felt awful HR 135</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Total miles: 34.3</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two more weeks of long runs before the half. I would really love to have a good one after how meh running has been the past week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Gianna http://www.blogger.com/profile/09499890015030927758noreply@blogger.com3