Last night's run was "eh". It wasn't great, but it wasn't awful either.
I was pretty much dreading the four miles and almost talked myself into slacking it and just doing two. It had finally gotten a little colder and the wind was crazy. Plus, I was just in a foul mood and didn't feel like going.
Once again, running made me feel better. It cleared my head definitely, but it wasn't that great physically. I felt like I was lifting boulders every time I tried to lift my legs. At our first mile Bill told me we were a minute off pace. I asked if that meant we did an 11 minute mile and he said yes. Normally that would get me down since this was another mid-miler for me, but I didn't care. At that point I was just logging miles to log miles.
We actually ran along Riverside Drive instead of going into the park, which was okay. I think I like running in the park better for the variation of trails. I actually wanted to try running closer to the river yesterday, but Bill wanted to skip the park. It was fine with me because I just wanted to vary our route a little. Besides, there are two sets of steps leading up to the street in Morningside Heights that are KILLER. I always feel like Rocky (at the BEGINNING of the movie where he can't do it). Besides, running along the river would have sucked because it was kind of windy. I could tell when we were running back over the overpass in Harlem and the wind was whipping in from the river. It made it hard to run.
Luckily though, we have been negative splitting all of our runs lately. By an entire minute! That is good for me, because I really don't do that. I actually do the opposite of a negative split. So yay!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
New York Running Company
A couple of weeks ago I went to my first running store here, the New York Running Company. I needed to get a fuel belt and I opted for the bottle carrier one because I just don't think I'd like having all those little bottles bouncing around on my waist. Plus, I personally think they look kind of dorky. I know, I know, the one I got is really not that much better (in fact, some may call it a "fanny pack" which is about as dorky as you can get) but for some reason I think it is less dorky. Just a personal thing.
I also had to get a Nike armband for my new Christmas toy, my nano (the one in Tiffany blue, of course). It had to be the Nike armband because Bill also got me the little chip that you put in your shoe to keep track of your workout, pace, mileage etc. I still haven't used this because I haven't actually gotten the velcro for it yet. (I don't actually have the Nike plus shoes, so I need to hack mine). But anyway, the Nike + armband is the only one that works because it is the only one that allows for the little module that you have to attach at the bottom. I can't wait to use it! I am just being lazy. Maybe I will go out and get the velcro today on my lunch break :)
Anyway, The New York Running Company was a pretty decent running store. They had just about everything I needed AND they are on a subway stop that is close to my apartment. They didn't have EVERYTHING though. I think I was spoiled by the Running Spot which had just about anything you could ever think of needing for your runs and a lot of things you didn't even think of. But I am remaining optimistic. Because EVERYONE runs in NYC and come on, it's the home of the New York Marathon! So I am just going to keep shopping around. Anyone who knows of a great running store in Manhattan, please let me know!
I also had to get a Nike armband for my new Christmas toy, my nano (the one in Tiffany blue, of course). It had to be the Nike armband because Bill also got me the little chip that you put in your shoe to keep track of your workout, pace, mileage etc. I still haven't used this because I haven't actually gotten the velcro for it yet. (I don't actually have the Nike plus shoes, so I need to hack mine). But anyway, the Nike + armband is the only one that works because it is the only one that allows for the little module that you have to attach at the bottom. I can't wait to use it! I am just being lazy. Maybe I will go out and get the velcro today on my lunch break :)
Anyway, The New York Running Company was a pretty decent running store. They had just about everything I needed AND they are on a subway stop that is close to my apartment. They didn't have EVERYTHING though. I think I was spoiled by the Running Spot which had just about anything you could ever think of needing for your runs and a lot of things you didn't even think of. But I am remaining optimistic. Because EVERYONE runs in NYC and come on, it's the home of the New York Marathon! So I am just going to keep shopping around. Anyone who knows of a great running store in Manhattan, please let me know!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Impossible is Nothing
Check out this video I found through adrants :
Pretty cool, huh?
I just love the whole Impossible is Nothing Campaign. They totally get it.
Pretty cool, huh?
I just love the whole Impossible is Nothing Campaign. They totally get it.
Goldfish a No-Go
I am stupid. I only packed myself a sandwich for lunch yesterday, (no fruit, no snacks, etc) so when I got home last night I knew I should eat something before my run. I had a little time too, because Bill was taking Benvy out when I got through the door. So what did I do? I got dressed superfast and sat on the couch with a bag of Goldfish crackers. I gourged myself. Oh, and then I topped it off with the last Mallomar in the box.
Needless to say, I did NOT feel good during my run. Well, I mean I actually had a good run, but my stomach didn't feel 100%. We did 5ish miles (maybe more?) at a pretty fast clip. Well, fast for me. I think we might have been doing about a 9:30 the whole time. Since I base my runs on time instead of mileage (because on mapmyrun.com they don't actually have the trails laid out in Riverside Park) it is difficult for me to tell how far I ran (you have NO idea how annoying this is to me).
Unfortunately, good runs for me = bad runs for Bill. He just wasn't feeling it last night. We think it might be because he took a week off from running last week. Come to think of it , the last time I ran was also Tuesday. But I guess it probably affects me less because I have been running for the past year. And also, my long runs are up to 10 miles whereas I think Bill's is about 6. So this was kind of a lot of mileage for him.
Maybe tonight we will both have good runs.
Needless to say, I did NOT feel good during my run. Well, I mean I actually had a good run, but my stomach didn't feel 100%. We did 5ish miles (maybe more?) at a pretty fast clip. Well, fast for me. I think we might have been doing about a 9:30 the whole time. Since I base my runs on time instead of mileage (because on mapmyrun.com they don't actually have the trails laid out in Riverside Park) it is difficult for me to tell how far I ran (you have NO idea how annoying this is to me).
Unfortunately, good runs for me = bad runs for Bill. He just wasn't feeling it last night. We think it might be because he took a week off from running last week. Come to think of it , the last time I ran was also Tuesday. But I guess it probably affects me less because I have been running for the past year. And also, my long runs are up to 10 miles whereas I think Bill's is about 6. So this was kind of a lot of mileage for him.
Maybe tonight we will both have good runs.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Low Mileage
Last week was kind of a wash for running. My schedule actually had me not doing a lot (I don't know if that was a mistake, or if I really wasn't supposed to be doing a lot), but I actually did LESS. The main reason for this being that I was away on business and getting up at insane times like 5am. As we all know, I am not a morning person...and after sitting around in a dark room in focus groups all day I pretty much felt like all I wanted to do was sleep when I got back to my hotel (therefore skipping my 5 mile Thursday run).
So when the weekend came around I was very excited to log in my 10-miler. Not to mention that it was supposed to be absolutely beautiful on Sunday. I found a cool route that wouldn't bore me...all along the trails in Central Park, which meant that I also got some hills in as well as a pretty scenic route. I was EVEN going to get up early. Well, not early like I used to for the Roncker group in Cincy, but early for me now (I usually start my run around 10am).
But then, my poor little puppy (well, ok, my dog, she is 8 years old but I will always think of her as a puppy) got sick and was up ALL night. Bill and I were up until 4:30 with her. When we woke up at 10 she was still sick so we had to take her to the vet :( We had to keep an eye on her all day, so my ten mile run was out. BUT she is doing better now, and thats what matters!
AND it's not that bad, because this upcoming week I also have a 10-miler...so it's not like I am hiking up my mileage or anything.
This week I have to plan my runs around a happy hour on Thursday though. So I have to be REALLY good and run tonight, tomorrow AND Wednesday. No excuses!
So when the weekend came around I was very excited to log in my 10-miler. Not to mention that it was supposed to be absolutely beautiful on Sunday. I found a cool route that wouldn't bore me...all along the trails in Central Park, which meant that I also got some hills in as well as a pretty scenic route. I was EVEN going to get up early. Well, not early like I used to for the Roncker group in Cincy, but early for me now (I usually start my run around 10am).
But then, my poor little puppy (well, ok, my dog, she is 8 years old but I will always think of her as a puppy) got sick and was up ALL night. Bill and I were up until 4:30 with her. When we woke up at 10 she was still sick so we had to take her to the vet :( We had to keep an eye on her all day, so my ten mile run was out. BUT she is doing better now, and thats what matters!
AND it's not that bad, because this upcoming week I also have a 10-miler...so it's not like I am hiking up my mileage or anything.
This week I have to plan my runs around a happy hour on Thursday though. So I have to be REALLY good and run tonight, tomorrow AND Wednesday. No excuses!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Running Therapy
Let's face it, New York is much much speedier than Cincinnati life and the LAST thing I want to do when I get home is run. I am just physically and emotionally exhausted. And it doesn't help that it gets dark here around 4:30 pm.
However, since now I run with Bill, we MAKE each other go out to run. Last night my wanting to slack was even unspoken. I didn't want to run and was totally thinking of blowing off my run (it was only a 20-30 minute recovery run on my schedule) but as I was walking home from the grocery store I called Bill to tell him I was running late and he said "okay, well I'm dressed and ready to run when you get home". Oh well, no more slacking.
It ended up being a good thing, because it ALWAYS makes me feel a little more centered. It is a good way to wind down after work and before going back to my messy apartment. Plus, I think the cold air is good for me. Or at least it feels that way.
So maybe that's why there are so many runners in New York. It's cheaper than therapy and cheaper than a gym membership ;)
However, since now I run with Bill, we MAKE each other go out to run. Last night my wanting to slack was even unspoken. I didn't want to run and was totally thinking of blowing off my run (it was only a 20-30 minute recovery run on my schedule) but as I was walking home from the grocery store I called Bill to tell him I was running late and he said "okay, well I'm dressed and ready to run when you get home". Oh well, no more slacking.
It ended up being a good thing, because it ALWAYS makes me feel a little more centered. It is a good way to wind down after work and before going back to my messy apartment. Plus, I think the cold air is good for me. Or at least it feels that way.
So maybe that's why there are so many runners in New York. It's cheaper than therapy and cheaper than a gym membership ;)
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Wind Is Mean
I don't know what the weather is like in Cincinnati, but here in New York it is CRAZY WINDY. I guess I should have known this when I asked Bill this morning what the temperature was and he said it was '21, but feels like 8'. How do you dress to that?
I decided that I would be okay in my tights, a short sleeve, a long sleeve and a jacket (gloves and headband too of course).
It actually was pretty pleasant. And a 6.2 mile loop around Central Park beats a 5 mile loop around Lunken any day. By the time I actually got down to Columbus Circle I was actually feeling kind of warm and looking forward to the east side of the park where I would be running in the shade.
HA! HA! That's when the wind kicked in. And since Central Park is a big, open space in the middle of the city with no buildings to break the wind it was COLD. Not only that, it was difficult to run. At some places I was actually running but not moving anywhere because the wind was so strong. At other places I had to run sideways. I just kept thinking, 'just a few more blocks and then I get to head west again'.
By the time I got to the top of the park the wind had changed directions so that I was running into it again. It was crazy.
I was very happy to see 81st street again (where I cut across to Riverside Park to end my run). I was tired of being blown all over the sidewalk.
I couldn't feel my legs at the end of my run because they were THAT COLD!
I clocked a 1:39.18 for 9.03 miles which I thought was actually pretty good because I was A) battling the wind B) stopping at almost every cross street by the park (sometimes for up to 45 seconds) and EVERY street going crosstown once I was out of the park...and C)running the most mileage I've run since October. So I was happy.
I decided that I would be okay in my tights, a short sleeve, a long sleeve and a jacket (gloves and headband too of course).
It actually was pretty pleasant. And a 6.2 mile loop around Central Park beats a 5 mile loop around Lunken any day. By the time I actually got down to Columbus Circle I was actually feeling kind of warm and looking forward to the east side of the park where I would be running in the shade.
HA! HA! That's when the wind kicked in. And since Central Park is a big, open space in the middle of the city with no buildings to break the wind it was COLD. Not only that, it was difficult to run. At some places I was actually running but not moving anywhere because the wind was so strong. At other places I had to run sideways. I just kept thinking, 'just a few more blocks and then I get to head west again'.
By the time I got to the top of the park the wind had changed directions so that I was running into it again. It was crazy.
I was very happy to see 81st street again (where I cut across to Riverside Park to end my run). I was tired of being blown all over the sidewalk.
I couldn't feel my legs at the end of my run because they were THAT COLD!
I clocked a 1:39.18 for 9.03 miles which I thought was actually pretty good because I was A) battling the wind B) stopping at almost every cross street by the park (sometimes for up to 45 seconds) and EVERY street going crosstown once I was out of the park...and C)running the most mileage I've run since October. So I was happy.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Frustration!
I had a VERY frustrating run tonight. It was my "middle mileage" run for the week, so Bill and I planned on 5 miles in Riverside Park. This time we went uptown again since we figured that downtown was boring :)
It also started pouring down snow as soon as we started. It was actually very pretty.
Now, I had read that Riverside actually went up to 147th, but I was confused because it comes up to the street around 125th and then I can't see where the park actually goes. It looks like just highway. So Bill and I decided to run 25 minutes out and 25 back. (This would get us out past 125th and we could see for ourselves).
Anyway, I apparently didn't hear my watch go off and we wound up running about 8 minutes more than we were supposed to. I was mentally prepared for 5, NOT 6, so the way back seemed so long...especially since it was hilly (we had made it all the way up to 146th). My legs felt tired. My hair was soaked from the snow AND I could mark my slow progress by seeing the street signs at every block (132...131...130...). Then Bill mentions to me that we are off pace (as we're running into the wind) so we speed up. This is difficult anyway, since every time I run with him I feel like I am running way faster than I should and he jogs in place so I can catch up with him. Very demoralizing when you are already feeling tired and like you want the run to be over. :(
All and all it was just a very bad run which put me in a very bad mood and then I got to go home to our messy apartment which will never be unpacked. ARGHHHHHHH!
So tonight I am going to ice and try to ignore the mess :) so that I feel good for my long run this weekend. 9 miles. I can't believe I'm already at that point in my training!
It also started pouring down snow as soon as we started. It was actually very pretty.
Now, I had read that Riverside actually went up to 147th, but I was confused because it comes up to the street around 125th and then I can't see where the park actually goes. It looks like just highway. So Bill and I decided to run 25 minutes out and 25 back. (This would get us out past 125th and we could see for ourselves).
Anyway, I apparently didn't hear my watch go off and we wound up running about 8 minutes more than we were supposed to. I was mentally prepared for 5, NOT 6, so the way back seemed so long...especially since it was hilly (we had made it all the way up to 146th). My legs felt tired. My hair was soaked from the snow AND I could mark my slow progress by seeing the street signs at every block (132...131...130...). Then Bill mentions to me that we are off pace (as we're running into the wind) so we speed up. This is difficult anyway, since every time I run with him I feel like I am running way faster than I should and he jogs in place so I can catch up with him. Very demoralizing when you are already feeling tired and like you want the run to be over. :(
All and all it was just a very bad run which put me in a very bad mood and then I got to go home to our messy apartment which will never be unpacked. ARGHHHHHHH!
So tonight I am going to ice and try to ignore the mess :) so that I feel good for my long run this weekend. 9 miles. I can't believe I'm already at that point in my training!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Cold Run
I think I must be a "polar bear". I really do love running in the cold once I'm out there. I'm sure it helps that I have all the right gear.
Last night, Bill and I went for another run in Riverside Park. This time we ran downtown. I wasn't really sure how cold it was (turns out it was 26 degrees) so I figured I was ok in a long sleeve technical shirt, some yoga pants and my new Chicago Marathon running jacket. I also had the chance to try out my new Nike gloves and headband. Bill, who doesn't have as much technical gear yet since he is a newbie had a short sleeved tech shirt, pants and a long sleeved t-shirt. He was freezing. I was overheated.
I don't know if this has more to do with the fact that I am ALWAYS hot when I run and he is always cold, or that I was dressed correctly. I think it is probably a little of both.
But seriously, not 10 minutes into the run and I had to strip off my gloves and unzip my jacket. I don't know what is wrong with me. Not being a physician or anything I theorized that it was because I have a really really low body temperature (I have super low blood pressure...does that have anything to do with it? Seriously, it is so low that all of the nurses checking it everytime I go to the doctor look at me with concern and ask "Is your blood pressure always THAT low?") and so when I'm out in the cold I'm more at home. That would also explain why my feet are always cold (or as Bill says 'like ice'). I actually do not think this is true and have no idea why I get so hot when I run.
BUT I did realize that I really really like running in a headband. Not only does it keep hair out of my face, but it keeps my ears warm without overheating my head like a hat does. So, good choice of a present, Mom and Dad! :)
Last night, Bill and I went for another run in Riverside Park. This time we ran downtown. I wasn't really sure how cold it was (turns out it was 26 degrees) so I figured I was ok in a long sleeve technical shirt, some yoga pants and my new Chicago Marathon running jacket. I also had the chance to try out my new Nike gloves and headband. Bill, who doesn't have as much technical gear yet since he is a newbie had a short sleeved tech shirt, pants and a long sleeved t-shirt. He was freezing. I was overheated.
I don't know if this has more to do with the fact that I am ALWAYS hot when I run and he is always cold, or that I was dressed correctly. I think it is probably a little of both.
But seriously, not 10 minutes into the run and I had to strip off my gloves and unzip my jacket. I don't know what is wrong with me. Not being a physician or anything I theorized that it was because I have a really really low body temperature (I have super low blood pressure...does that have anything to do with it? Seriously, it is so low that all of the nurses checking it everytime I go to the doctor look at me with concern and ask "Is your blood pressure always THAT low?") and so when I'm out in the cold I'm more at home. That would also explain why my feet are always cold (or as Bill says 'like ice'). I actually do not think this is true and have no idea why I get so hot when I run.
BUT I did realize that I really really like running in a headband. Not only does it keep hair out of my face, but it keeps my ears warm without overheating my head like a hat does. So, good choice of a present, Mom and Dad! :)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Healthy Eating
Well, Bill is keeping true to his word of making me eat like a runner should. And I have been using enormous self-control when it comes to eating...so much so, that when I had dinner last night it made me feel awful. It wasn't the actual meal (turkey soft tacos with lettuce, cheese, and non-fat sour cream) but how much of it I ate.
I had two rather large tortillas when I usually have 2 smaller size tortillas. Let me tell you, when 10pm rolled around I did NOT get hungry like I normally did. I felt like my dinner was sitting in my stomach. OK, lesson learned: no more splurging.
I find that the hardest things for me to do in this is getting enough protein to build up my muscles. This is especially difficult since I don't like all the things you are supposed to have after a run.
I hate yogurt. (I have tried it every year...different kinds too, even the ones that taste like pies. Still hate it.)
I hate milk.
Eggs are gross.
Fish is gross.
Oh, and by the way, I am NOT a picky eater. I know it sounds like it, but really I will eat just about anything. I even went for an entire two weeks in Japan eating nothing but different kinds of fish even though I hated it and it made me feel sick the entire time.
Anyway, so I've been eating a handful of nuts after a run. Not exactly what I want after a run (think more like...pancakes! donuts! fried hashbrowns!), but at least I am getting my protein.
I had two rather large tortillas when I usually have 2 smaller size tortillas. Let me tell you, when 10pm rolled around I did NOT get hungry like I normally did. I felt like my dinner was sitting in my stomach. OK, lesson learned: no more splurging.
I find that the hardest things for me to do in this is getting enough protein to build up my muscles. This is especially difficult since I don't like all the things you are supposed to have after a run.
I hate yogurt. (I have tried it every year...different kinds too, even the ones that taste like pies. Still hate it.)
I hate milk.
Eggs are gross.
Fish is gross.
Oh, and by the way, I am NOT a picky eater. I know it sounds like it, but really I will eat just about anything. I even went for an entire two weeks in Japan eating nothing but different kinds of fish even though I hated it and it made me feel sick the entire time.
Anyway, so I've been eating a handful of nuts after a run. Not exactly what I want after a run (think more like...pancakes! donuts! fried hashbrowns!), but at least I am getting my protein.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Flued
Gross. I caught the flu and it has kept me from running. It makes me so mad too, because I was off to a great start.
See, usually (mostly because of injury) I only run 2-3x a week. I felt really awful about this, but Coach Joe said that some people find that this is all that they can run during training without getting injured. Whereas on the other hand, some people have to run 5x a week. They said it was basically for you to figure out.
So, since I have been injury free since physical therapy, I have decided to boost my training up to 3-4 runs a week. I was even telling Bill about this plan on my last run, and then BAM the flu hits me.
And of course I pushed myself this weekend, telling myself I was over it when I really wasn't on Saturday. I ran around doing chores and even went out that night. As a result I spent all day in bed yesterday, which, for a busy person like me, is TORTURE.
I just want to get back to my runs. I am hoping this is totally and completely out of my system by tomorrow so I can get back on schedule!
See, usually (mostly because of injury) I only run 2-3x a week. I felt really awful about this, but Coach Joe said that some people find that this is all that they can run during training without getting injured. Whereas on the other hand, some people have to run 5x a week. They said it was basically for you to figure out.
So, since I have been injury free since physical therapy, I have decided to boost my training up to 3-4 runs a week. I was even telling Bill about this plan on my last run, and then BAM the flu hits me.
And of course I pushed myself this weekend, telling myself I was over it when I really wasn't on Saturday. I ran around doing chores and even went out that night. As a result I spent all day in bed yesterday, which, for a busy person like me, is TORTURE.
I just want to get back to my runs. I am hoping this is totally and completely out of my system by tomorrow so I can get back on schedule!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Recovery Run
I am really trying hard to follow the marathon training schedule, but it is difficult when you don't have assigned group runs. Last night I did not want to go at all. I didn't even have a good reason...it was a beautiful night, I felt good, even Bill said he'd run with me. I IMed him at work "You have to make me run tonight because I don't want to." So he did. When I got home he was already dressed to go out for our run.
So we did a 5k recovery run in Riverside Park. Bill has decided that he is running with me in the evenings since we don't know enough about our neighborhood yet to know if it's safe. It's probably actually a good thing, because that way we will encourage each other to run when we don't want to. The only bad thing is that we are not good for pacing with each other. I have to keep yelling at him to slow down, and I automatically run faster when I run with him. When we got to Grant's Tomb in 15 minutes (it is about 1.7 miles away) I had to yell at him: "Bill! This is my recovery run!!! It is not supposed to be at a faster pace than my long run!"
Afterwards, I sat on the couch and read my new Runner's World (it finally came!). I'm sure Bill really enjoyed this (sarcasm) because I truly made it an interactive experience. I can't help myself from pointing things out "WHOA! Look at Paula Radcliffe's stomach! And she just had a baby 10 months ago!" or reading passages aloud (like about the Minnesota Marathon where they took pictures of everyone at the finish and everyone who had earphones was disqualified and banned from running in 2008!!!!) I especially had a lot to say because there was a huge article about the Chicago Marathon breakdown where Runner's World launched their own investigation into what happened. It was a really good (and fair) article and brought up more things that I didn't even know happened. Every issue of that magazine I can't help reading cover to cover.
So I guess that seals the deal: I am a true running dork.
So we did a 5k recovery run in Riverside Park. Bill has decided that he is running with me in the evenings since we don't know enough about our neighborhood yet to know if it's safe. It's probably actually a good thing, because that way we will encourage each other to run when we don't want to. The only bad thing is that we are not good for pacing with each other. I have to keep yelling at him to slow down, and I automatically run faster when I run with him. When we got to Grant's Tomb in 15 minutes (it is about 1.7 miles away) I had to yell at him: "Bill! This is my recovery run!!! It is not supposed to be at a faster pace than my long run!"
Afterwards, I sat on the couch and read my new Runner's World (it finally came!). I'm sure Bill really enjoyed this (sarcasm) because I truly made it an interactive experience. I can't help myself from pointing things out "WHOA! Look at Paula Radcliffe's stomach! And she just had a baby 10 months ago!" or reading passages aloud (like about the Minnesota Marathon where they took pictures of everyone at the finish and everyone who had earphones was disqualified and banned from running in 2008!!!!) I especially had a lot to say because there was a huge article about the Chicago Marathon breakdown where Runner's World launched their own investigation into what happened. It was a really good (and fair) article and brought up more things that I didn't even know happened. Every issue of that magazine I can't help reading cover to cover.
So I guess that seals the deal: I am a true running dork.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Maybe If I Learned How to Read...
Looks like I will not be running with the Reservoir Dogs tonight...they do not meet on Tuesdays, but on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I am actually trying to figure out if I should run tonight or not, as I am still sore. I also have to work out my running schedule, because I don't like having a rest day on a Monday.
I AM already starting on proper running nutrition though. I want to stay healthy because the weather has been crazy around here. Last Thursday it was 7 degrees and today it is supposed to get up to 65. When it switches back in forth like that is usually when I get sick. Also, I realize that I need to eat lots of calories RIGHT AWAY after my long runs. After my long run on Sunday I went back home, had a glass of water, went out for a walk with my dog and then came back to have an apple and some peanuts (the protein I need!). I must have waited too long to reload because I was exhausted! We then went on the bus to IKEA and I was almost asleep before I got lunch (chicken caesar salad...more protein!).
The good thing is, that since we had to move we have all new snacks in our cabinets. That means that there is not a lot of junk food for me to be like "well, I DID run today" and eat anyway. The bad thing is that there are free snacks and free breakfast at my work. So far I have been good, but it is hard to pass up those donuts, cinnamon rolls and coffee cake to opt for some raisin bran. :(
I AM already starting on proper running nutrition though. I want to stay healthy because the weather has been crazy around here. Last Thursday it was 7 degrees and today it is supposed to get up to 65. When it switches back in forth like that is usually when I get sick. Also, I realize that I need to eat lots of calories RIGHT AWAY after my long runs. After my long run on Sunday I went back home, had a glass of water, went out for a walk with my dog and then came back to have an apple and some peanuts (the protein I need!). I must have waited too long to reload because I was exhausted! We then went on the bus to IKEA and I was almost asleep before I got lunch (chicken caesar salad...more protein!).
The good thing is, that since we had to move we have all new snacks in our cabinets. That means that there is not a lot of junk food for me to be like "well, I DID run today" and eat anyway. The bad thing is that there are free snacks and free breakfast at my work. So far I have been good, but it is hard to pass up those donuts, cinnamon rolls and coffee cake to opt for some raisin bran. :(
Monday, January 7, 2008
Riverside Park Run
So, as predicted, my alarm went off Sunday morning and I did NOT want to get up to run. Luckily though, the weather had warmed up considerably so it was not as painful as it could have been. Needless to say, I didn't get to try out my gloves or headband because of this. :)
I was being lazy and decided NOT to walk to Central Park and do the loop like I had planned. The thing was, I wasn't sure how long of a walk it was to Central Park, and this being my first run in about a month I didn't want to add on any miles. So I checked mapmyrun.com and figured out that looping around Riverside Park (much closer, only half a block away) is also 6 miles.
My run actually went a LOT faster than I thought it would. This is probably because I was site-seeing the whole time. Plus I wanted to check out the park a little more. We take our dog, Benvy, there every daybut she can only take it about 5 blocks and then has to turn around (about a 1/2 mile walk).
The coolest part was when I got to the top of the park. I was just coming out of the park actually, onto the street, heading towards Harlem when I saw this HUGE building. Judging by where I was, I figured this had to be Grant's Tomb.I don't know if it's just the building or the building in its surroundings, but the whole thing is rather magnificent.
I also realized that I really don't have to be concerned about lack of hills in NYC. Riverside Park has PLENTY. Plus a ton of steps. I tried running up these but they took my breath away so I had to walk. It made me reconsider doing the Empire State Run-Up. Bill said "good" after I told him this. I think he thinks I am going to have a heart attack some day. :)
I finished my 6 miles at a 10:30 pace, so I was pretty happy with myself. Tomorrow I am going to try and meet up with the Reservoir Dogs, so we'll see how that goes.
I am only a little sore today, which I take as a good sign. I think it is also more due to about the 5 miles I walked around the city and IKEA rather than my 6 mile morning run.
I was being lazy and decided NOT to walk to Central Park and do the loop like I had planned. The thing was, I wasn't sure how long of a walk it was to Central Park, and this being my first run in about a month I didn't want to add on any miles. So I checked mapmyrun.com and figured out that looping around Riverside Park (much closer, only half a block away) is also 6 miles.
My run actually went a LOT faster than I thought it would. This is probably because I was site-seeing the whole time. Plus I wanted to check out the park a little more. We take our dog, Benvy, there every daybut she can only take it about 5 blocks and then has to turn around (about a 1/2 mile walk).
The coolest part was when I got to the top of the park. I was just coming out of the park actually, onto the street, heading towards Harlem when I saw this HUGE building. Judging by where I was, I figured this had to be Grant's Tomb.I don't know if it's just the building or the building in its surroundings, but the whole thing is rather magnificent.
I also realized that I really don't have to be concerned about lack of hills in NYC. Riverside Park has PLENTY. Plus a ton of steps. I tried running up these but they took my breath away so I had to walk. It made me reconsider doing the Empire State Run-Up. Bill said "good" after I told him this. I think he thinks I am going to have a heart attack some day. :)
I finished my 6 miles at a 10:30 pace, so I was pretty happy with myself. Tomorrow I am going to try and meet up with the Reservoir Dogs, so we'll see how that goes.
I am only a little sore today, which I take as a good sign. I think it is also more due to about the 5 miles I walked around the city and IKEA rather than my 6 mile morning run.
Friday, January 4, 2008
New Clothes!
OK, so the only thing that makes me want to run this weekend is the fact that I have a bunch of new running clothes to try out. Is that bad?
I think it is because I have been inactive for too long AND it is just way too cold out.
I know that I like running in the cold once I'm out there, but seriously my bed is just too warm and nice to get out of to run.
So I am going to run so that I can wear my new clothes.
I got a cool technical shirt from my Mom and Dad that says "26.2 Miles and Still Smiling", the Chicago Marathon jacket that I wanted, (btw, I was just on the site so that I could link to my jacket and they have these shirts that say "2007 Finisher". I don't know if they had these before...I am assuming they did...but given the circumstances of the Chicago Marathon this year I thought that was kind of weird? morbid? dark? I don't know.) and these cool gloves from Nike that have a pocket to hold your keys (on each of them!). I also got a headband that matches the gloves. Now, I am not usually a headband kind of person because of how stupid they make me look, but this one is cute. I might have to forgo the headband for my CoolWool hat though, because it is sooooooo cold here right now.
I don't think I'm going to try out the running group this weekend because they meet at 9:30, and hopefully by that point I will be on my way to catch the free shuttle to IKEA for some serious rug shopping. But I am going to try and meet up with them on Tuesday for some speedwork. So it looks like the long run is going to be on Sunday, which is fine, because that is what my running plan from the Pig website says I should be doing anyway :)
I think it is because I have been inactive for too long AND it is just way too cold out.
I know that I like running in the cold once I'm out there, but seriously my bed is just too warm and nice to get out of to run.
So I am going to run so that I can wear my new clothes.
I got a cool technical shirt from my Mom and Dad that says "26.2 Miles and Still Smiling", the Chicago Marathon jacket that I wanted, (btw, I was just on the site so that I could link to my jacket and they have these shirts that say "2007 Finisher". I don't know if they had these before...I am assuming they did...but given the circumstances of the Chicago Marathon this year I thought that was kind of weird? morbid? dark? I don't know.) and these cool gloves from Nike that have a pocket to hold your keys (on each of them!). I also got a headband that matches the gloves. Now, I am not usually a headband kind of person because of how stupid they make me look, but this one is cute. I might have to forgo the headband for my CoolWool hat though, because it is sooooooo cold here right now.
I don't think I'm going to try out the running group this weekend because they meet at 9:30, and hopefully by that point I will be on my way to catch the free shuttle to IKEA for some serious rug shopping. But I am going to try and meet up with them on Tuesday for some speedwork. So it looks like the long run is going to be on Sunday, which is fine, because that is what my running plan from the Pig website says I should be doing anyway :)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year from New York!
Yes, I am finally moved (though not completely unpacked) and just starting to think about my running plans for the year. Of course I am starting my training for the Flying Pig THIS weekend.
I haven't decided if I want to do my long run (which will consist of a 6.2 mile loop around Central Park) on Saturday or Sunday. I guess it depends on how my unpacking goes.
I have also decided to run (or at least try out running) with the Resevoir Dogs. This is mainly because I think their name is cool, but also because their office is pretty much close to where I live. BUT I am NOT running until this weekend. I may regret this later, but for now it seems like a good idea. I have found out though, that my legs will most likely be screaming at me because of this. Why? Because after booking it up the hill to the post office (and walking the dog, and exploring the neighborhood, etc. etc.) my legs are SORE. This is depressing, but I have to keep reminding myself that New Yorkers do a LOT more walking than normal people. I just need time to get used to it. Hopefully that means that my burrito baby (coined after what happens to your stomach right after you eat a burrito at Chipotle) will melt away. Luckily our kitchen is FINALLY unpacked so I do not have to eat fast food another night. That should help too ;)
Also my husband and our friends have all decided to run the half marathon! Hurrah! I think some of them even signed up for the Roncker training program. Yippee! I know they will have lots of fun. I made Bill a deal: I help him with training things I've learned about running and he forces me to eat like a runner should. Pretty soon we'll be amongst the fittest people in New York (yeah right).
I haven't decided if I want to do my long run (which will consist of a 6.2 mile loop around Central Park) on Saturday or Sunday. I guess it depends on how my unpacking goes.
I have also decided to run (or at least try out running) with the Resevoir Dogs. This is mainly because I think their name is cool, but also because their office is pretty much close to where I live. BUT I am NOT running until this weekend. I may regret this later, but for now it seems like a good idea. I have found out though, that my legs will most likely be screaming at me because of this. Why? Because after booking it up the hill to the post office (and walking the dog, and exploring the neighborhood, etc. etc.) my legs are SORE. This is depressing, but I have to keep reminding myself that New Yorkers do a LOT more walking than normal people. I just need time to get used to it. Hopefully that means that my burrito baby (coined after what happens to your stomach right after you eat a burrito at Chipotle) will melt away. Luckily our kitchen is FINALLY unpacked so I do not have to eat fast food another night. That should help too ;)
Also my husband and our friends have all decided to run the half marathon! Hurrah! I think some of them even signed up for the Roncker training program. Yippee! I know they will have lots of fun. I made Bill a deal: I help him with training things I've learned about running and he forces me to eat like a runner should. Pretty soon we'll be amongst the fittest people in New York (yeah right).
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