Braving the Elements

Okay so quick question - how do we go from sucking it up through 90% humidity in the beginning of the week to being chilled to the bone in rain and wind at the end of the week? 

I have to admit I totally hate running in anything less than ideal conditions. 

I am not one that looks at the rain as a cleansing awesome running experience. 

I look at the rain and think wet shoes and socks and chafing. 

So when I looked at the weather when I woke up this morning I was less than thrilled.

However, I had promised to finally meet up with my CCFA Team Challenge peeps this morning. I am 100% the best at flaking on plans but I told myself that I had to. 

And with that I was off to the city. 

I wound up running up to the meet spot at Columbus Circle and then funny enough the majority of people DID bail. I patted myself on the back for the fact that for once I did not. However as the meeting went on and we started to chat I started to also talk myself out of running more. We wrapped up and I was like I am just running back to Penn and heading home. 

Then I started running. And I just got in the groove. The weather actually felt really good. The misty drizzle that was there on my run up was gone and it was just windy. 

I wound up having a really fantastic run! I had no route or distance in mind, I just wove around the UWS depending on what lights I hit. My pace felt comfortable and I gave myself a pat on the back after for manning up in less than ideal conditions. 

My Garmin went on the fritz though and lost satellites and then clocked one mile at 11+ when I was indeed running in the 8's mostly so the calculations for distance/time were slightly off when it wasn't clocking accurate mileage. I think it might be time to replace because it also decides to erase my runs after the fact. Argh. 

I also was breaking in a new pair of Kinvara 5's. I would like to thank Amazon for the fact that I am able to score these bad boys that I love for $40. Amazon Prime for life. 

And with that, happy Saturday and happy running! 

I am going into hibernation mode for the rest of the day since I am STILL feeling chilled. Note to self, invest in a windbreaker and some waterproof gear. Anyone have any good recommendations? 

Weekending.

How is it half way through August? This is depressing that summer is almost over. And can we take a moment to discuss how I am now waking up to darkness? I miss the days when the sun was already rising when I woke at 5 something. Now I am back to walking out the door for my run and darkness. Wah.

I am sitting here Monday morning, with so much happiness after another lovely weekend and also with my second large coffee of the day. The struggle was real during my 6 miles this morning.

Although that might be more to do with the fact that I drank my weight in wine yesterday and was sweating out rose ;)

But anyways it was too great of a weekend not to recap!

Started off with a long run and almost dying. #dramatic #notjoking

I do all my runs fasted and without fueling. I woke to my stomach a little rumbly (looking at you Friday night wine) and took off – and about ½ a mile in I was hungry. I knew it was going to be tough. I ran a newish route and while it was gorgeous, holy hot one. 

No filter needed for that blue sky.

I was saved a couple times.

First by this mirage that appeared at 6 miles when things were about to get bad (seriously wine the night before a long run is always a toss up, and stupid - I like testing the boundaries of a sensitive stomach + Crohn's).

A beautiful sight. Seriously. 

And then the marina being opened at mile 8.

I have never drank a bottle of powerade zero so fast. Not to mention I hate the stuff usually. But coincidence that my splits dropped after some fluids? I think not.

But 11 successful miles in the books. 

I showered, grabbed some foods and all the drinks and headed out to Long Beach for the day. 

Recovery done right. #amIright ?!

Then dinner (errr dessert?) was this. Seriously – s'mores pizza. So wrong, yet so right.

Sunday was up bright and early and in the city for a day of Vineyard touring!

We stopped at Osprey’s Dominion, Duck Walk and Jason’s.

I shall let the photos speak for themselves. It was an AMAZING day. Okay, any day with wine and sunshine makes me happy but seriously; it was a well run tour and went pretty smoothly. I definitely recommend the Hampton Luxury Liner tour (the one that keeps popping up on Groupon/Living Social etc.) I would do it again!

Can I live here?

Because wine on the bus when you have 5 minutes between Vineyards.

And then, the weekend was over and Monday morning reality slapped me in the face.

Let’s just hope this week flies by because this weekend coming up is one I have been looking forward to for a year, Lindsay is getting married. And in honor of that I am sharing one of my all time favorite photos.

Happy Monday, hope you had a fantastic weekend! 

Can I Get a Weekend to Recover From My Weekend?

Going into this past weekend I knew that it was going to be craziness. Part my fault because apparently I hate down time (that is a total outright lie. My favorite weekends are when I have NO obligations!).

If you would like to know everything NOT to do when you have a really long training run to complete (and you know, final one of your cycle – so one you really need as a final confidence boost) then do the direct opposite of everything that I did!

Friday night I had every intention of going home and chilling. Then I somehow wound up at happy hour after work. And then another happy hour after that (I consider anything before dinner happy hour…and I didn’t eat until like 10pm so yes happy hour went from about 5 – 10pm). It is funny how these things just HAPPEN. Good intentions killed.

I woke up Saturday morning 100% not wanting to run the 5K I was signed up for. It wasn’t even until 10am and about 1 ½ miles from home yet when I woke at 6:30 all I could think was I do not feel like it. It took a solid 2+ hours to man up to do it (since I realized I had to get the mileage no matter what and was crunched for time). Ran there, 5 minutes before the race grabbed my bib and pinned it at the start, ran the race (27:32 – started off racing then realized umm maybe a glass of water or any food before would have been helpful - cramping up like a mother and eased off) then ran home. Mission accomplished.

After I quickly had to eat, shower and get ready to head to the city to plummet to my death aka start off bachelorette festivities with a trapeze class.

 

Some of the fantastic ladies

Spoiler alert – it.was.amazing. This speaks for itself! Do it. Seriously. Go to Chelsea Piers for an awesome afternoon. I cannot wait to go back.

Then it was time to get ready for the rest of the evening – a later dinner at Café Espanol (it was fantastic) which unfortunately went until almost midnight and I turned into a pumpkin and started to feel crappy and headed home.

Short shorts, city nights ;)

Enter waking up Sunday for the Newport Half Marathon that I was running as part of my long run. It was gross out. I looked at the humidity – 96%. COME. ON. Took every ounce of willpower I had to get out of bed. But I did. Scrambled to put myself together and then was off to get some mileage in before it began. Dripping with sweat by mile 2. Showed up once again 5 minutes before the start, pinned my bib and was off.

Luckily I was running this super slow at LR pace or else it would have been even more dreadful. Not enough water. No bathrooms until mile 6 with a mile long line (took 11 minutes!) and realized that all the fuel I had for the run was ½ a cliff bar. Way to practice race day scenarios, G!

My shoes were actually squeaking they were so sweaty from it dripping down my legs. You could wring me out! Finished the race (and bumped into a friend with a couple miles to go so had someone to chat with – again this week for the 20 I didn’t listen to any music!) then grabbed a bottled water and banana and then was off to finish up. Garmin died around 15/16 so estimated the rest by time to get to 20.

And just like that – LONG LONG RUNS DONE AND TIME TO TAPER!

I did a little recovery (by recover I mean shower and sat around in my towel eating twizzlers for a while) then went to watch some football and to dinner. But when my head finally hit the pillow Sunday night I was never happier.

Amazingly – I woke up and did an easy 5 today and could have gone (easy) forever. I guess that means I am in pretty good condition. Hopefully peaking at the right time for Chicago!

But seriously – I need a weekend for my weekend. 

Mile Races and 20 Mile Training Runs

This past weekend was quite the running one! I mean yes, most of my weekend usually involves a bit of running but I was running the NYRR 5^th Avenue Mile on Saturday (for the first time) and then the NYRR 18 Mile Tune Up on Sunday as part of my 20 miler.

I was really excited about the Mile. Well mostly. I have never “raced” one and my strategy was just to go to the pain place…just hopefully not too early on. I warmed up by running up to the start. This might have been my favorite part – we were broken out by heats male/female based on age so I was able to cheer on the first 2 races as I made my way up to the start.

I got to the corals a few minutes before the start of mine and jumped in. Basically the course starts out slight downhill then uphill to the half then a nice downhill before flat to the finish. As I came to the ½ mile point and crested that hill I knew I had gone too fast and just tried to maintain to the end but I know I slowed a bit. True story – my ARMS were sore as I was running – thank you strength workout + I guess I was using them! The outcome was 7:22 – I was happy enough with that. I then headed over to the group from November Project to cheer on another couple heats before running my way back to the bus and heading home.

#painface

Of course since this was the first thing I had “raced” in a while I decided to put my times into a prediction calculator – and then laughed at the sub – 4 prediction. No. But I will take a 4:15 at Chicago and be happy!

 Spent the rest of the day getting groceries delivered and preparing for the 20 miles Sunday.

I woke up Sunday with no desire to run. I was a bit sore and my stomach was iffy. My friend had picked up my bib and temptation was high to not go to the city to run and sleep a bit more and do it. But I also knew I would blow it off for a long time if I didn’t go. So I hauled my ass out of bed and got to Central Park around 6:45. Sadly the Tune Up was set to begin at 7:00 and she didn’t show up until 7:2x so we missed the actual start. I didn’t so much care but I was COLD it was perfect for running but standing around waiting, not so much. I was SO stiff when I began running. I thought that the run was going to be shitty but after 3-4 miles I was in the zone!

Stomach rebelled at the end of the first loop and I stopped. Then I had a Gu shortly after and made another stop at mile 10 or so – my stomach and gu do not mix but I had nothing else at home, oops. I actually made it the next 10 miles without another bathroom stop. I was impressed with my stomach (especially since I did have another gu around 13 I think).

I finished the 20 in 3:23:39 an average pace of 10:11! For 3+ loops of Central Park and running “comfortable” I was thrilled. It was actually faster than I would have wanted.

It took all my remaining energy to drag myself home, shower, cook something and eat before I napped hard. How do people do real life things without a nap after? Please share your secrets.

I have also learned that Epsom salt baths are far more delightful than ice baths. Just saying.

Now this weekend I have a 5K I just signed up for on Saturday (that I think I will race) and then a half marathon as part of my FINAL long training run before taper on Sunday! Holy crap Chicago is around the corner!!!! 

Long Weekend Necessities: Bikini + Running Shoes

I finally made it to my family’s beach house in Belmar, NJ for the FIRST time this summer. I took a long weekend (Monday off, YES!) filled with perfecting my tan, running along the boardwalk, wearing a bikini for about 10 hours each day and not stressing about anything (well until I made the mistake of looking at my work email on Monday afternoon, ugh).

Commence, weekend perfection, pictorial style. 

Shark River Sunsets

Relaxing on the dock with a book + coffee = evening wind down

Back drop for morning workouts 

Views from a lounge chair 

Fully embracing wearing a bikini for the day. No pants FTW

Evening walks along the boardwalk

Super moon!

Our guests who seem to have taken up residence on our dock

Simple salads, and The Good Wife

Mulit colored sun rises. Leaving was so hard.

NYRR New York City Marathon Tune-Up: 18 Miles

I think I have mentioned it but if not, my long runs this cycle have been shit-tastic. Seriously. Struggle bus for the majority. Just NOT inspired. It has been more about my heart just not being in it and having to will myself through the miles and to not walk. Boredom? Idk. But there has been a serious mental block.

For that very reason, with 2 weeks of long runs left before taper for the Hartford Marathon, I decided to run the NYRR 18 Mile Tune-up (and luckily with TFK for NYCM we get a free entry!!! They are the BEST!). I needed the inspiration of the masses. I am a solo runner but a good environment is helpful.

The only thing NOT happy about, was the start was on the UES and that is a plain BITCH to get to at the crack of dawn.

Alarm clock threats ensued.

#seriouslymustmovetoNYCasap

I was out the door finally around 5:25. That was fun. Although to be honest I am out the door around then most of the week. I guess I just get some anger about doing all week and then all weekend? Not sure.

Anyways. Realized once I got to the PATH that I didn't have breakfast. Oops? Luckily I had packed a Quest bar for post run so ate that before.

I finally got to the park around 6:50 (7am start) only to find a MASSIVE line for bag check. It was total shit show.

Which led to starting the run 20 minutes after the official start. NBD. Thanks NYRR.

I was nervous - 3 loops of Central Park. I have been doing about half my runs on the treadmill and as we all know, there are just a FEW hills in the park. I was surprised the first hill up was Harlem hill and went up it like it was nothing.

My strategy for this run was to take it easy, and run based on perceived effort (easy) versus trying to maintain specific pace. Also I planned to take in water at the majority of water stations to practice for the marathon. I have not been drinking a lot during mine or really fueling. Oops? So I planned on 2-3 gels as well.

The first mile was slow but I guess as I warmed up because my pace started to drop under 10 and would pretty much stay there.

I spent the majority of the race waiting for the bottom to drop out (awful I know) but figured there was NO WAY that my legs should feel this good with 35 or so miles on them already this week and no rest days (XT days but I ran I think 6 days? I have to recap that...)

With the first loop done I again headed up the hills on the west side feeling good. And it was a great feeling. There was some nice energy out there today and as always am impressed an inspired by the variety of runners pounding the pavement. Kudos to those who have many years on me and are doing it still. I aspire to be there.

I took my gels at miles 9 and 14 with no incident. For a moment around mile 11 I thought things were iffy and made a pit stop but all was good. Thank you stomach!

Right before finishing the 2nd loop I was actually on the phone with my sister while running because she had sent me a text and I figured since I was running "conversationally" to call her and that mile wound up splitting under 9! While I was talking to her. A big note of improvement on fitness.

Third loop began and was definitely a bit more fatigued going up Harlem hill and a little achy in the glutes but I just kept running. I was happy I walked while getting water (because I will seriously choke running and drinking) but other than that ran consistently.

Once we started down the south end of the park I got really excited. I knew with 3 miles left that I was finishing up the 18 really strong.

And strong it was. That final mile I pushed. I wanted to finish at MRP. Only downfall was that I totally thought the finish was sooner than it was - and then realized I had about another 1/10 of a mile to go. Oops.

Maybe this wasn't totally slow enough but I feel marathon ready right now. Whatever happens on next weeks 20 I am confident that I am ready to go for it and race the crap out of Hartford. And could not have done it without my coach. I have full trust in her and do what she tells me, and clearly if you put in the work you improve.

Without further ado, splits:

Mile 1: 10:25
Mile 2: 9:52
Mile 3: 9:56
Mile 4: 9:49
Mile 5: 9:44
Mile 6: 9:37
Mile 7: 9:33
Mile 8: 9:32
Mile 9: 9:11
Mile 10: 9:51
Mile 11: 9:54
Mile 12: 8:57
Mile 13: 9:33
Mile 14: 10:17
Mile 15: 9:36
Mile 16: 9:39
Mile 17: 9:51
Mile 18: 8:51
Mile 19: 8:10 (.15)

Couldn't be happier with that! And all done by 10:20 and the glorious day ahead (and seriously what a frickin gorgeous Sunday!!! Running perfection).

And of course this:

Time to eat ALL THE FOOD.

Happy Sunday - and GO GIANTS!!!!

Training Interrupted: When the Flu Strikes

I have not run in a week.

Okay, that is a lie. I had a miserable 2 miles on Monday and equally if not more so miserable 3 miles on Wednesday.

I can't remember the last time I went 2 days without running, I have been in my version of hell this week.

I know I love running, but take it away and I realize JUST HOW MUCH it is a part of my life.

I knew that I was getting sick last Friday. I struggled through 13 miles on Saturday and was literally down for the count for the next 2 days. I took off of work on Monday (didn't have OFF OFF hello broadcast 24/7 TV) and attempted to sweat it out.

BIG FAIL. Tuesday I made it through a miserable half day of work before calling it quits and stubbornly tried to sweat it out yet again; since that worked so well the first time (what is the definition of stupidity...?). Yeah I could barely get my pace under 10 min/miles and threw in the towel and did some cross training.

Wednesday again did some cross training in the morning and temporarily felt better but within a couple hours at work knew it was a done deal and went home.

Thursday morning contacted the doctor finally...and well yes this moron has the flu. And down for the count the rest of the week.

You know, the fever, night sweats, inability to eat, difficulty breathing and such should have been a bit of a clue. But I am always more of a deal with it and tough it out kind of person...bad decision.

Perhaps if I had taken it easy at the beginning of the week I would have started to mend sooner but hind sight is 20/20, right?

So now we have it, I missed basically a full week of runs. Including today's 20 miler.

Not freaking out (total, blatant, bold-faced lie).

I haven't had a decent long run in a couple weeks now...and have two weeks of long runs left before I begin to taper.

I felt remarkably better today when I awoke and had a minor marathon in the gym but tomorrow will be the first time I lace up feeling better (fingers crossed I am only improving from here!) and see how the running goes.

I am definitely not stupid enough to have any illusions of a LONG LONG run but am hoping I can get some moderate easy distance on my legs. It will be a true test of just how recovered I will be and if I can dive back in full force with the training. The last thing that I want is to do too much too soon and wind up back where I have been all week long.

But I can't help but think that this training interruption is a bad bad thing for my 4 hour marathon goals. I have told myself it is a wait and see I would be lying if I said it didn't have me nervous.

I think if I had been having spectacular long runs all along I wouldn't be quite as concerned. But I have been hitting my week day workouts, intervals, repeats etc very well and the long runs have been sucking.

Only time will tell.

Apologies if a lot of this is just my rambling, but my mind is racing - and my legs itching to just run!

Anyone else been in this situation? Sidelined for a significant amount of time close to your race?

Calm Before the Storm

I have really been bad at blogging lately...but I have just been super busy! Work is keeping me quite occupied and I have been spending as much time as possible in my downtime offline.

But, I have SO much to share this week. Marathon training kicks off today! But that is all for another post.

If you follow me on instagram, you are well aware of what I am up to.

Beach. Running. Eating.

That pretty much sums up my downtime in a nutshell.

This past week, I took it on the easier side (errr I took one rest day. woo hoo?) But in all seriousness - not a single double workout day, long run totaled 10 miles and a whopping 22 miles done overall.

I have battling a virus/cold - to the extent that I even stayed home from work last Tuesday and this darn thing is still lingering on. I am ready for it to totally move out of my system.

Especially since I head to Miami on Thursday!! Long weekend with my sister + half marathon + shenanigans = totally stoked.

And of course - Happy Father's Day to the most amazing man in my life. He is still one giant goof ball to this day and there is absolutely NO question that I am his daughter. I love this man more than words can express.

He is always there for me to support me, or give me tough love. He has let me make mistakes but been there to pick me back up. He has led by example and I owe my independent, strong willed nature to him. He has taught me to never be afraid of failure and always set your goals and self expectations as high as possible. Because of him, I am always striving for better and refuse to settle. One lucky girl.

Circa mid 80's

And now...I shall bombard you with my weekend in pictures!

I am blessed that this is my life in the summer.

Belmar Lagoon

 

Backyard

 

Lucio!!

Views from the run.

 

More of my favorite eager swimmer!

Morning sunshine.

 

My grilling skills!

Sunsets from the front dock.

 

And this is what I was leaving to this morning. Savoring every last second.