Besides my right calf still being insanely tight, Sarathon training is right on track, Jack.
Two runs during the week. You know the drill by now...Central Park...3 mile loops...blah blah blah.....
Absolutely loving the Galloway intervals, if I can only get over the guilt of doing them. I know I shouldn't care, but every so often that little inner voice creeps in and whispers, "You're not a real runner....". Whenever that happens, I just usually buy more cute, hip, pink running stuff and get on my way.
On Saturday, I missed the Galloway group run because I had to truck my butt to Prospect Park at 8AM for my NYC Marathon 2010 Qualifier Volunteer Duty. I was miserable at the thought of it. I have no problem volunteering, but the only slot I could get was in Prospect Park. For those non-New Yorkers, that's Brookyn, baby. It couldn't be the big giant park that is steps from my door. No- I had to board a slow-moving subway car at 6:45 AM to make it on time, as I had to rock the F train. Again for those non-New Yorkers, this means nothing to you. But to my fellow Gothamites reading this, you know that a root canal might be more preferable than having to rely on the F train to get you to Brooklyn on a weekend morning by 8 AM (Did you know I co-wrote a new Off-Broadway musical all about the "joys" of the MTA?...But that's another subject)!
Besides being 30 degrees, the volunteering proved to be ok. I was a course marshall at around mile 3 of a holiday 4-miler. I loved cheering for the back-of-the pack runners...it's a special fraternity of which I'm a proud member:)
With this volunteer slot, I finally completed my 9+1 guaranteed entry requirements for the 2010 NYC Marathon! So now I'm in like Flynn. I still can't believe I started running only 14 months ago and during that time I ran NINE official races with the NY Road Runner's Club in order to guarantee myself a slot in another marathon!
Where is Sara, and what has running done with her?
On Sunday, I got in my "short" long run, with an easy 6-mile loop around Central Park with Andi. Hills and all, this run was great. Only 4 weeks from today, I'll line up at the start of 26.2!
Sarathon or bust!
12.17.2009
Week 15 - Legs, Don't Fail Me Now!
My Tuesday run of this week was an interesting one. I forgot to charge my IPod, and the battery died within the first few minutes. It wasn't as bad as I thought, though- I somehow was able to entertain myself and push through a little more than 3 miles. Central Park is great for people watching. And dog watching. And runner watching. And tree watching. And taxi watching. And squirrel watching.
You'll look at anything when you're panting through 3 miles in 37 degrees with no IPod.
I noticed thought that my right calf is super tight again. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get that thing to loosen up. As a result, my right ankle is feeling kind of stiff as well. In general, I'm getting kind of sick/bored of the Central Park Hills! I live on the North End of the Park too, so my short runs during the week always begin and end with the steepest hills in the park. Give me a break! The good news is, Disney is largely a flat course- so I'll probably be better conditioned than I'll need to be. Take that, Minnie Mouse!
The next day I was an idiot. A downright idiot. I bought some new shoes (they didn't have my favorite Asics in stock in my size...the Turtle is 5'10" and has a big foot to match) and immediately went to the gym and did a speed session with them on. Doh!
My knees and ankles were feeling it by the end (and I hadn't even given myself a day of rest as well). This was not my most intelligent workout ever, but I'm learning what my body can and can't handle.
At leat I was smart enough not to run again until Saturday...my first ever 19-miler! Shout-out time: Sue from Galloway NYC started the morning with me (6 AM!) on the West Side Greenway for 10.5 miles. Then she handed me off to Galloway's Dave for a 5-mile Central Park loop. Mike then met me at mile 15.5 (with a much needed banana- yay!) and we finished it out. When I got home, I mapped it all, and realized I had done a total of 20.28 miles. Good God! It took me 4 hours and 17 minutes...which is about what I expected. I think I'll be a little faster on marathon day, but who knows? My right ankle and calf had loosened up during the run, but in the aftermath I felt them just a bit.
I'm pretty psyched about and surprised by how much I enjoy these long runs, and how quickly the time passes. Who knew I'd love long-distance training so much? I sure wish I could bump into my high school gym teacher one of these days. She'd probably faint from the shock.
By the way, on Sunday I returned those shoes and was able to track down the new release of the Asics I love in my big old size. Hello, old friend.
Sarathon or bust!
You'll look at anything when you're panting through 3 miles in 37 degrees with no IPod.
I noticed thought that my right calf is super tight again. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get that thing to loosen up. As a result, my right ankle is feeling kind of stiff as well. In general, I'm getting kind of sick/bored of the Central Park Hills! I live on the North End of the Park too, so my short runs during the week always begin and end with the steepest hills in the park. Give me a break! The good news is, Disney is largely a flat course- so I'll probably be better conditioned than I'll need to be. Take that, Minnie Mouse!
The next day I was an idiot. A downright idiot. I bought some new shoes (they didn't have my favorite Asics in stock in my size...the Turtle is 5'10" and has a big foot to match) and immediately went to the gym and did a speed session with them on. Doh!
My knees and ankles were feeling it by the end (and I hadn't even given myself a day of rest as well). This was not my most intelligent workout ever, but I'm learning what my body can and can't handle.
At leat I was smart enough not to run again until Saturday...my first ever 19-miler! Shout-out time: Sue from Galloway NYC started the morning with me (6 AM!) on the West Side Greenway for 10.5 miles. Then she handed me off to Galloway's Dave for a 5-mile Central Park loop. Mike then met me at mile 15.5 (with a much needed banana- yay!) and we finished it out. When I got home, I mapped it all, and realized I had done a total of 20.28 miles. Good God! It took me 4 hours and 17 minutes...which is about what I expected. I think I'll be a little faster on marathon day, but who knows? My right ankle and calf had loosened up during the run, but in the aftermath I felt them just a bit.
I'm pretty psyched about and surprised by how much I enjoy these long runs, and how quickly the time passes. Who knew I'd love long-distance training so much? I sure wish I could bump into my high school gym teacher one of these days. She'd probably faint from the shock.
By the way, on Sunday I returned those shoes and was able to track down the new release of the Asics I love in my big old size. Hello, old friend.
Sarathon or bust!
12.16.2009
Week 14 - Carving the Turkey, Carving Out TIme
This was Thanksgiving week, and I knew it would put my training to the test. Would I have time to fit my runs in? Would I feel guilty taking time away from my family, who I don't see all that often? Would I be able to pull myself away from the Fa-la-la-la-Lifetime cheesy movies? Happy to say I got my runs in- but it wasn't easy. I've learned that when the pumpkin pie and the couch are calling, it takes a lot more dedication than usual to lace up the Asics.
In NYC on Tuesday, I did a typical 30-minute run in Central Park. I wanted to do some speed work at the end, but my right knee had a slight twinge so I backed off and just had an easy day.
I travelled down to see the family in the Deep South (of NJ) on Wed night. I was trying to talk my mom and husband into running a 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Given that the weather was rainy, 40 degrees, and we weren't even going to bed until after 1 AM, they looked at me like I had three heads when I suggested the 8 AM race on the boardwalk. So the turtle reluctantly did a run on her own. While the rest of my family slept, I just did a quick 3-mile run around the development.
The old 'hood looked really different now that I'm running it. Or now that I'm an adult. Or both.
The good news is, by 9AM I was already showered and watching the balloons go down Central Park West on TV. And then then rest of the day, I ate. Guilt free! I love the running to guilt-free eating ratio, although I probably severely overestimated it on Thanksgiving. Hey, it's the holidays.
I was super proud of myself on Saturday. I actually got my "long run" of 7 miles in! I really didn't feel like doing it, but once I got going it flew by. Once again, enjoyed Gordon's podcast. Listened to a GREAT old episode in which he interviewed a frequent Disney marathoner. It was so cool to hear a breakdown of the race mile-by-mile, and tips on what to expect. It won't be long now!
Overall it was a decent week, although not my best for motivation and time. I didn't get any cross training in while in NJ, unless you count lugging the fake nine-foot Christmas tree and about 40 oversized plastic crates down from the attic to help my mom decorate. But I guess fitting the training into your life (even during holidays and vacations) is all part of the game. Plus, I got a sneak peek into how difficult it might be to find the time and energy to get my runs in over Christmas vacation...but by then I'll be tapering. What a delightful word.
Sarathon or bust!
In NYC on Tuesday, I did a typical 30-minute run in Central Park. I wanted to do some speed work at the end, but my right knee had a slight twinge so I backed off and just had an easy day.
I travelled down to see the family in the Deep South (of NJ) on Wed night. I was trying to talk my mom and husband into running a 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Given that the weather was rainy, 40 degrees, and we weren't even going to bed until after 1 AM, they looked at me like I had three heads when I suggested the 8 AM race on the boardwalk. So the turtle reluctantly did a run on her own. While the rest of my family slept, I just did a quick 3-mile run around the development.
The old 'hood looked really different now that I'm running it. Or now that I'm an adult. Or both.
The good news is, by 9AM I was already showered and watching the balloons go down Central Park West on TV. And then then rest of the day, I ate. Guilt free! I love the running to guilt-free eating ratio, although I probably severely overestimated it on Thanksgiving. Hey, it's the holidays.
I was super proud of myself on Saturday. I actually got my "long run" of 7 miles in! I really didn't feel like doing it, but once I got going it flew by. Once again, enjoyed Gordon's podcast. Listened to a GREAT old episode in which he interviewed a frequent Disney marathoner. It was so cool to hear a breakdown of the race mile-by-mile, and tips on what to expect. It won't be long now!
Overall it was a decent week, although not my best for motivation and time. I didn't get any cross training in while in NJ, unless you count lugging the fake nine-foot Christmas tree and about 40 oversized plastic crates down from the attic to help my mom decorate. But I guess fitting the training into your life (even during holidays and vacations) is all part of the game. Plus, I got a sneak peek into how difficult it might be to find the time and energy to get my runs in over Christmas vacation...but by then I'll be tapering. What a delightful word.
Sarathon or bust!
11.22.2009
Week 13 - Double Pilates and a PR
I went to the gym for a treadmill workout Monday. I thought I was sufficiently recovered from my 17.5 miler, but it seriously felt like I was moving my legs through glue. And not nice modern scrap-booking glue. No. Old-school Elmer's white glue. The kind that was only good for making 3rd grade science posters about cash crops.
On Wednesday I did some pilates with good old Time Warner "Exercise on Demand". Why is there something so satisfying about accomplishing a workout the comfort of my pajamas?
Then I had an awesome run in Central Park on Thursday with my new friend Gordon! Gordon lives in Alabama. And I "ran" with him in the form of his podcast, "Run to Disney". I came across his website/podcast while googling Disney Marathon info. He's a newbie runner like myself, who trained to run the Disney Marathon last year. He chronicled his training on the web and in podcast episodes. He's hilarious, and also offers some good running tips (many specific to Disney endurance events). I totally enjoyed listening to an old episode of his while on my run, and somehow the minutes flew by. He suggests that his listeners "facebook friend" him, so now we're official "friends"! Gordon isn't running Disney this year, but who knows... I may run into him at an event one of these days. It is so nice to read and listen to other new runners. We have a special kind of neuroses all our own!
I did another round of pilates on Friday, and then Saturday walked around the city (a lot) with my dear friend Heather and her 6-year old daughter! My feet were aching, but I think it was due to crappy shoes and socks. The turtle is due for new footwear!
This morning, Jim and I (finally!) completed our 9th qualifying race for the NY Marathon, 2010. We ran a NYRR 4-MIler (preceded by a 2-mile warm-up run), the "Race to Deliver" (benefitting a great cause, "God's Love We Deliver"). I am proud to say I unexpectedly ran a PR today, at an average of 10:13/mile! I know this is SLOW for most runners, but for a turtle like me who never ran even two feet prior to 13 months ago, this is a thrill. In my first race ever (a 5k last February), I ran an 11:45 pace. So my turtle training is paying off after all! Besides having my husband by my side the entire race, Eminem kicked in on the old Nano, and it really pumped me up. I think it's time to consider less showtunes and more rock in my playlists if I want to pick up the pace. Somehow "Funny Girl" does not inspire speed. Sorry, Barbra...you're still like buttah.
Sarathon or bust!
Week 12 - Made it Through the Rain
I started my week with a great treadmill workout. I've been playing a lot with speed intervals on the treadmill once a week. I've liked these speed sessions more than I thought I would! It really staves off boredom and helps me build confidence and faster leg turnover...all of which are going to help me in the marathon. Plus, it feels kinda awesome to keep pushing faster and faster, even if only for a few minutes at a time.
On Wednesday, I ran with Andi down and around the Central Park Resevoir, and back home- about 3.5 miles. This run felt way harder than it should have, and I was worried I was getting sick. The next day, Andi came down with Swine Flu! So I upped my vitamins like crazy and tried to get extra sleep. Luckily I remained flu-free, and ready to take on my first 17-miler on Saturday.
Until I woke up and it was raining. HARD.
For a hot second I contemplated putting it off, but then I said to myself, "It might rain for the marathon." And off I went. I could hear the squishing of my feet in my wet shoes by mile 1.
Soaked new Nike pink Running Jacket...$29.95. Soaked bag of sport beans...$2.00. Soaked Asics Gel Evolution 4 Shoes...$129.99. Finishing nearly 3 loops of Central Park (hills and all!) and realizing I just moved by body continuously through SEVENTEEN AND A HALF MILES....PRICELESS.
A shout out to Michelle & Liz of Galloway NYC for gabbing with me through the first 6 miles, Dave from Galloway NYC (at the young age of 65!) for sticking with me until 13.7, and Mike & Suzanne (the Blue Snail!) for running the final 3.3 miles with me. And I can't forget my sweet husband Jim- who had a warm breakfast waiting for me back home. It takes a village...of running idiots.
I think voluntarily doing 17.5 miles in the cold rain officially makes me a runner. Or it officially makes me nuts.
Sarathon or bust!
On Wednesday, I ran with Andi down and around the Central Park Resevoir, and back home- about 3.5 miles. This run felt way harder than it should have, and I was worried I was getting sick. The next day, Andi came down with Swine Flu! So I upped my vitamins like crazy and tried to get extra sleep. Luckily I remained flu-free, and ready to take on my first 17-miler on Saturday.
Until I woke up and it was raining. HARD.
For a hot second I contemplated putting it off, but then I said to myself, "It might rain for the marathon." And off I went. I could hear the squishing of my feet in my wet shoes by mile 1.
Soaked new Nike pink Running Jacket...$29.95. Soaked bag of sport beans...$2.00. Soaked Asics Gel Evolution 4 Shoes...$129.99. Finishing nearly 3 loops of Central Park (hills and all!) and realizing I just moved by body continuously through SEVENTEEN AND A HALF MILES....PRICELESS.
A shout out to Michelle & Liz of Galloway NYC for gabbing with me through the first 6 miles, Dave from Galloway NYC (at the young age of 65!) for sticking with me until 13.7, and Mike & Suzanne (the Blue Snail!) for running the final 3.3 miles with me. And I can't forget my sweet husband Jim- who had a warm breakfast waiting for me back home. It takes a village...of running idiots.
I think voluntarily doing 17.5 miles in the cold rain officially makes me a runner. Or it officially makes me nuts.
Sarathon or bust!
Week 11 - Hungry Like the Wolf
It has been a few weeks since I've posted, but never fear- the turtle has been plugging away at the marathon training schedule. And since it has been a few weeks, I'm looking back at my trusty Jeff Galloway Training Journal (free with Galloway NYC membership!) to recap my week. This week I noticed that I wrote something about being abnormally hungry every day! One of the joys of marathon training is burning large amounts of excess calories. So I keep eating. The good news is I keep losing weight steadily, so I guess my calorie burned/taken in ratio is ok. Now if only I could stop enjoying those extra calories in the form of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Damn leftover Halloween candy!
I took a rest day Monday and tried to stretch a lot. I ran around way too much watching the marathon Sunday, and my legs were feeling it. After work on Tuesday, I hit the gym for a treadmill run. My legs were still feeling super heavy (gee- I wonder why?!) but I managed to eek out a 30-minute run. Then I went straight downstairs for a pilates class. The teacher was NUTS. And I mean NUTS. It was one of the weirdest pilates classes I've ever taken, and we did exercises I've never seen before (girlfriend must have recently attended a seminar or something). But just when I was about to write her off forever, the next day I was feeling the pleasant ache of a kick-ass core workout.
Wednesday...Rest day = Heaven.
On Thursday I met my sister Suzanne and Mike in the park. They're both training for the Disney 5k, but I needed to get a longer workout in, so when I finished a jog with them, I attempted another "Magic Mile" (Galloway's marathon time-predictor tool). There was nothing magical about it. I didn't improve my time from a month ago, I think because I went way too crazy-fast out of the gate. Still learning about the importance of pace. Always learning. I'll try another one in a few weeks!
Rested again Friday, and did 7 miles with Mike in South Jersey on Saturday morning (happy birthday to my awesome husband Jim...he got to sleep in). This was one of my favorite interval runs I've ever had. It was a perfect crisp fall sunny morning...58 degrees. We ran the bike path of the town in which I grew up, and my mom rode her bike next to us. Great route, great conditions, and great company. One of those days when I thanked God I found running, and wondered what the heck I ever did without it? We went super slow, and I enjoyed every step. On to week 12...
Sarathon or bust!
I took a rest day Monday and tried to stretch a lot. I ran around way too much watching the marathon Sunday, and my legs were feeling it. After work on Tuesday, I hit the gym for a treadmill run. My legs were still feeling super heavy (gee- I wonder why?!) but I managed to eek out a 30-minute run. Then I went straight downstairs for a pilates class. The teacher was NUTS. And I mean NUTS. It was one of the weirdest pilates classes I've ever taken, and we did exercises I've never seen before (girlfriend must have recently attended a seminar or something). But just when I was about to write her off forever, the next day I was feeling the pleasant ache of a kick-ass core workout.
Wednesday...Rest day = Heaven.
On Thursday I met my sister Suzanne and Mike in the park. They're both training for the Disney 5k, but I needed to get a longer workout in, so when I finished a jog with them, I attempted another "Magic Mile" (Galloway's marathon time-predictor tool). There was nothing magical about it. I didn't improve my time from a month ago, I think because I went way too crazy-fast out of the gate. Still learning about the importance of pace. Always learning. I'll try another one in a few weeks!
Rested again Friday, and did 7 miles with Mike in South Jersey on Saturday morning (happy birthday to my awesome husband Jim...he got to sleep in). This was one of my favorite interval runs I've ever had. It was a perfect crisp fall sunny morning...58 degrees. We ran the bike path of the town in which I grew up, and my mom rode her bike next to us. Great route, great conditions, and great company. One of those days when I thanked God I found running, and wondered what the heck I ever did without it? We went super slow, and I enjoyed every step. On to week 12...
Sarathon or bust!
11.04.2009
Week 10 - 15 miles, 35th Birthday, & Marathon Viewing!
What an exhausting (but fun) week! The turtle is tired.
On Tuesday, Andi and I dragged our butts out of bed at 7 AM to go running in the park, only to find it was cold and rainy. Boo! I quickly decided to do 40 minutes of pilates videos instead. Yay! Where all this exercise motivation is coming from these days, I have no idea. Could it be the lure of fitting into my hot 20-something red plastic pants still hanging in my closet- taunting me like the Ghost of Christmas Past? Do I dare try them on this year, now that I've shed some lbs. thanks to running? Stay tuned!
That evening, Andi texted me to ask if I wanted to go running with her and her running trainee Tara at 8PM. Work-out twice in one day?...Insanity! Run in the park at night?...double insanity! Red plastic pants? Uh, ok.
We did the lower loop twice, which I'm told is 3 miles and change. It was a little chilly, I was kind of tired and my legs felt kinda lead-like (It was Sara...in Central Park...with the lead-pipe), but I got through it with a smile on my face. I had a bigger smile on my face when I got home and was able to chow down and relax with my favorite guilty pleasure, "The Biggest Loser". Those people are INSPIRING!
Wednesday and Thursday morning I felt pretty sluggish, and my RHR was kind of high. No wonder- I've been putting in some definite training, considering I'm still a sort of a beginner. So I headed off to the gym Thursday night for what I'd planned to be an easy treadmill run. It turned out to be awesome! I got a bolt of energy, and I had a really fun time playing with speed intervals mixed in with walking breaks. I went faster on the treadmill than I ever had before. It was fun!
Wait- did I just say the treadmill was fun? I must be losing my mind.
I started hydrating Thursday and Friday, in preparation for my first ever 15-miler, of which the mere thought was making me really nervous. I also went to the (free!) NYC Marathon Expo on Friday night. The prices on gear and stuff were sky high, but it was really fun to see so many excited runners in one place. I stopped by the Disney booth. I felt like a member of some elite club when I whispered to the guy working, "I'm signed up for the marathon."
Saturday came. It was Halloween and I was scared, all right. Duded out with my Nike Plus, my on-the-go hydration belt, my cell phone, & caffeinated gummies, I headed for the group meeting place at Columbus Circle. The group was only supposed to do a 6 mile CP loop, but I was thrilled that I ended up having 2 awesome women accompanying me for the first 8.6 miles. Then I was on my own for the remainder, which was fine. I actually felt GREAT during this run! My energy levels were steady, and I never doubted that I would finish. In fact at the end, I felt like I had a few more miles left in me (although I knew better than to take them). The 15 miles took me 3 hours and 24 minutes. I was thrilled that it's well below Disney's required pace for the marathon, and I purposely went slower than I think I will on race day. I did the 15 miles mostly on flat land- I ended up doing the West Side Greenway. 59th Street down to 12th, back up to 96th (through Riverside Park), back down to 45th, and back up again to 110th & CPW! Whew! My favorite part was passing a Doggy Halloween party in the park. Those dogs were dressed to the nines. I love New York.
When I finished, everything ached except my spirits. I completed 15 miles!!! Elation.
Amazing- and literally 2 blocks from my apartment! Then we went to Central Park to meet Enrique to watch Ed go past mile 24-
He was awesome and feeling good, and beat his time from last year! Ed, Enrique, Jim, and I are all planning to run NYC next year, and I can't wait.
Sunday was my also my 35th Birthday. This is the year I will run a marathon.
For my birthday, my mother-in-law Marty sent me a pink turtle pin that she found on a recent trip to Mexico. She rocks! My first actual pink turtle item!
Sarathon or bust!
Week 9 - Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off!
I started my week with a fantastic treadmill run on Monday. Although I prefer running outside these days, the treadmill was how I started when I did C25K. So now when I do a treadmill workout, I can see how far I've come...as I slowly inch the speed button higher and higher, for the same physical exertion. Exciting!
Tuesday I got my butt in gear and did some cross-training. My favorite? Pilates. I feel like pilates mixes strength and stretching like nothing else. It feels really good and is a great compliment to running.
I have noticed that I am HUNGRY as can be these days, which I guess is natural during training. I'm constantly reminding myself that it's ok to consume extra calories, but to use them wisely. Hard during pumpkin pie season!
I had a glorious rest day Wednesday, and went to the AVENUE Q Off-Broadway re-opening! Here's a pic of me (far right) enjoying an awesome night out with Jim and dear friends, the Lopezes. Decked out in pink, of course.
I really needed a day off, but enjoyed a little too much late night partying... I paid for it Thursday and missed my run. That's ok- Friday I pushed myself and had a fantastic interval run in Central Park.
Tuesday I got my butt in gear and did some cross-training. My favorite? Pilates. I feel like pilates mixes strength and stretching like nothing else. It feels really good and is a great compliment to running.
I have noticed that I am HUNGRY as can be these days, which I guess is natural during training. I'm constantly reminding myself that it's ok to consume extra calories, but to use them wisely. Hard during pumpkin pie season!
I had a glorious rest day Wednesday, and went to the AVENUE Q Off-Broadway re-opening! Here's a pic of me (far right) enjoying an awesome night out with Jim and dear friends, the Lopezes. Decked out in pink, of course.
I really needed a day off, but enjoyed a little too much late night partying... I paid for it Thursday and missed my run. That's ok- Friday I pushed myself and had a fantastic interval run in Central Park.
Sunday came, and I got to finally scale back on my long run this week- to 7 miles. Mike and I ran the Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off 5 Mile race in Central Park. The weather was GORGEOUS! The leaves were really turning beautiful shades of yellow and orange, and it was a runner-perfect 58 degrees and sunny. It marked my 8th race of my 9 required for guarateed entry into the 2010 NYC Marathon. I can't believe I haven't even run one marathon yet and I'm already having to plan for a 2nd. That's NYC for ya!
This was the first time I did intervals for an entire race. I have to admit, while the intervals caused me to slow down from my previous 5-miler by about a minute per mile, I enjoyed the race about 400 times more than I had the last one! It felt really fun and relaxing, and I was able to take in all of the sights and sounds around me. These are the conditions I'm hoping to mimic when I go for the 26.2 in January! I'd rather be turtle slow and enjoy it than go fast and hate it..any day!
Plus, I'll need to be running slow enough to high-five Mickey.
Tip for NYC Runners: At the finish line of NYRR races when they give out bagels- reach for a dark one. They may look like pumpernickel from afar, but they're actually CHOCOLATE CHIP.
YUM.
I needed to add 2 miles, so I planned to just run home from the race. I was surprised when Mike wanted to join me, since his longest run before this had been a little shy of 4 miles. But he did it! Way to go, Mike! We then celebrated our 7 mile success at Mike & Suzanne's Oktoberfest...Guilt-free gorging on brats & beer all afternoon!
Did I mention what I like best about running is the food?
Sarathon or bust!
10.19.2009
Week 8- Cool & Caffeinated
Who said I couldn't run 12 miles?!?!? (Oh wait, that was me.) But I did it! In fact, my Nike Plus underestimated my distance, and when I mapped it after returning home, I realized I ran 12.83 miles!
Super happy. And the best part? I felt like I could have gone farther if I'd had to. Feeling pretty positive about my Sarathon training right now. I still have nearly three months to go. If I can stay on track and injury-free, the marathon doesn't seem like an impossibility!
I want to reiterate something (if there's anyone reading this who just happened to stumble upon this blog and is in need of inspiration): ONE YEAR AGO I COULDN'T RUN ONE MILE. Heck, I couldn't run five minutes! And on Saturday I completed more than 12 miles. Yes, I did run-walk intervals (http://www.jeffgalloway.com/). Yes, I was SLOW as a turtle. But I did it. And I can't wait to do more!
Week 8 of my training was great. My cold finally went away and the weather has started cooling down. I did my two runs during the week in Central Park as usual. I ran the entire time of the first one, at a pretty good pace for me. My 2nd run was with Mike, and I introduced him to the run-walk intervals. I felt so good that I wanted to add another run this week before the long one, but super runner/super friend Andi said I should probably take it easy since I was coming off of a cold, a "longest run ever" less than a week ago, and had another "longest run ever" coming up. Thanks, Andi! I went into my 12-miler feeling rested and great.
A lot of things went right on Saturday. Happy to report that I figured out the right protein/carb breakfast to keep me feeling good for my 3-hour run. This week, I tried 1/4 cup dry raw walnuts and a piece of toast with butter & jam. My stomach wasn't bothered at all, and I felt like I had boundless energy until about mile 5, when I started taking my gel. That's when it got interesting: I didn't realize that I had bought (for the first time) a gel enhanced with caffeine.
HOLY ENERGY!!!!!
If you saw a streak of pink lighting on the Queensboro Bridge last Saturday, it may have been the Pink Turtle on a caffeine frenzy! Let's just say I'll be buying those gels again.
I had to add some mileage after the Galloway scheduled group run, and trusty Mike met me so I didn't have to go it alone! He was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was feeling good and energized (I had told him to be prepared to carry me), since he joined me for miles 9-12. I really appreciated his conversation and company, as the remaining miles flew by! Thanks, Mike!
Admittedly, I was pretty stiff and tired the rest of the day, but not too tired to head up to Marshalls on 125th for another discount running shirt. My legs are never too tired to shop.
Very excited to have a "short" week coming up- my long run this weekend will only be 7 miles.
You know you're a runner when you think a 7-miler is "short".
Sarathon or bust!
Super happy. And the best part? I felt like I could have gone farther if I'd had to. Feeling pretty positive about my Sarathon training right now. I still have nearly three months to go. If I can stay on track and injury-free, the marathon doesn't seem like an impossibility!
I want to reiterate something (if there's anyone reading this who just happened to stumble upon this blog and is in need of inspiration): ONE YEAR AGO I COULDN'T RUN ONE MILE. Heck, I couldn't run five minutes! And on Saturday I completed more than 12 miles. Yes, I did run-walk intervals (http://www.jeffgalloway.com/). Yes, I was SLOW as a turtle. But I did it. And I can't wait to do more!
Week 8 of my training was great. My cold finally went away and the weather has started cooling down. I did my two runs during the week in Central Park as usual. I ran the entire time of the first one, at a pretty good pace for me. My 2nd run was with Mike, and I introduced him to the run-walk intervals. I felt so good that I wanted to add another run this week before the long one, but super runner/super friend Andi said I should probably take it easy since I was coming off of a cold, a "longest run ever" less than a week ago, and had another "longest run ever" coming up. Thanks, Andi! I went into my 12-miler feeling rested and great.
A lot of things went right on Saturday. Happy to report that I figured out the right protein/carb breakfast to keep me feeling good for my 3-hour run. This week, I tried 1/4 cup dry raw walnuts and a piece of toast with butter & jam. My stomach wasn't bothered at all, and I felt like I had boundless energy until about mile 5, when I started taking my gel. That's when it got interesting: I didn't realize that I had bought (for the first time) a gel enhanced with caffeine.
HOLY ENERGY!!!!!
If you saw a streak of pink lighting on the Queensboro Bridge last Saturday, it may have been the Pink Turtle on a caffeine frenzy! Let's just say I'll be buying those gels again.
I had to add some mileage after the Galloway scheduled group run, and trusty Mike met me so I didn't have to go it alone! He was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was feeling good and energized (I had told him to be prepared to carry me), since he joined me for miles 9-12. I really appreciated his conversation and company, as the remaining miles flew by! Thanks, Mike!
Admittedly, I was pretty stiff and tired the rest of the day, but not too tired to head up to Marshalls on 125th for another discount running shirt. My legs are never too tired to shop.
Very excited to have a "short" week coming up- my long run this weekend will only be 7 miles.
You know you're a runner when you think a 7-miler is "short".
Sarathon or bust!
10.14.2009
Week 7- 10/10/TEN!
I did it! I conquered my first Turtle 10-miler last Saturday (on 10-10)! The group was only scheduled for 7, so I knew I had to add 3. I planned to do them before the group 7, thinking I would run from my apartment to the start at Columbus Circle. But silly me- I forgot that it is still DARK at 6:30 AM, the time at which I would have had to leave to make this happen! Me running through Harlem in the dark? I don't think so. So I jumped on the bus to the circle, leaving my 3 for after the group run. Luckily, one of the members of my group needed to do a few more as well, so we finished the 3 together. The Pink Turtle likes company!
We ran from 59th Street down the West Side Highway path to Bank Street (south of 12th), and then back up through Riverside Park all the way home. We passed the Avon Breast Cancer walk on the way back, making our way through hundreds of folks in pink! It was a lot of pink, even for me.
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We ran from 59th Street down the West Side Highway path to Bank Street (south of 12th), and then back up through Riverside Park all the way home. We passed the Avon Breast Cancer walk on the way back, making our way through hundreds of folks in pink! It was a lot of pink, even for me.
I felt pretty good afterwards, although my legs were kind of tired- the route took just over 2 hours. But no rest for the weary! I headed upstate with Suzanne & Mike (sister & brother-in-law) to go apple picking! This would have been a Very Good Idea, except the orchard was HILLY and HUGE. I spent hours reaching at treetops, trudging up hills, and avoiding twisting my ankle on abandoned apples!
The good news? Definitely felt like I had burned enough calories to erase the apple cider donut! And my lactic acid build-up had a run for its money.
So despite the cold, a great week! I'm already anticipating this Saturday's run...twelve miles! That's almost a half marathon!
Sarathon or bust!
10.08.2009
Sick Little Turtle
It happens every time. Whenever I have a seemingly "hard" run or two, it means I am getting sick. I've been reading that you can also predict illness when your resting heart rate rises 10% above normal, though I've never taken it consistently enough to figure that out. But since I've become a runner, I've noticed that if I struggle more than usual on a normal pace or route, I come down with a cold or worse a few days later. Exactly what happened to me this week.
I ran on Monday and Wednesday, 30 minutes each. Monday I ran outside in Central Park. My normal pace felt a lot harder, but I chalked it up to still recovering (cardio-wise) from my injury break. Wednesday I ran on the treadmill at the gym. I finished strong with three minute-long speed drills, and felt fine. When I went to work a few hours later though, I noticed my legs felt super heavy.
Sure enough, yesterday the sore throat came on with a vengeance. Today the aches. Hello cold!
I am so bummed- I was hoping to get in some nice cross training today (resting tomorrow in prep for Saturday's long run). But instead I'm hydrating (good excuse for red gatorade- did I mention it's my favorite?), and planning to rest as much as I can to kick this thing.
I am a sad little turtle. I'm so anxious to get on with my training and I hate being down for the count! Guess I have to be patient and remember- I have a whole 3 months to go. But I really don't want to miss my group run this Saturday- it will be my first 10-miler! I'm so excited and scared (thank you, Mr. Sondheim)!
So here's to a speedy turtle recovery...
Sarathon or bust!
I ran on Monday and Wednesday, 30 minutes each. Monday I ran outside in Central Park. My normal pace felt a lot harder, but I chalked it up to still recovering (cardio-wise) from my injury break. Wednesday I ran on the treadmill at the gym. I finished strong with three minute-long speed drills, and felt fine. When I went to work a few hours later though, I noticed my legs felt super heavy.
Sure enough, yesterday the sore throat came on with a vengeance. Today the aches. Hello cold!
I am so bummed- I was hoping to get in some nice cross training today (resting tomorrow in prep for Saturday's long run). But instead I'm hydrating (good excuse for red gatorade- did I mention it's my favorite?), and planning to rest as much as I can to kick this thing.
I am a sad little turtle. I'm so anxious to get on with my training and I hate being down for the count! Guess I have to be patient and remember- I have a whole 3 months to go. But I really don't want to miss my group run this Saturday- it will be my first 10-miler! I'm so excited and scared (thank you, Mr. Sondheim)!
So here's to a speedy turtle recovery...
Sarathon or bust!
10.04.2009
Week 6- Back on Track
Yesterday I finished week 6 of my 20-week schedule, and I'm now enjoying a GLORIOUS day of rest. See, I have a confession....I like running best when I'm not doing it. Most runners will tell you their favorite thing about running is breaking through the wall of that extra mile, or the feel of the the wind in their face, or the calm and solitude of being out there sweating and panting in rhythm with the road. Not me! My favorite thing about running is the feeling I get AFTER I run! Particularly if there's pizza involved.
But I digress. This week I took it fairly easy, since I'm in the last stages of an ankle-achilles-foot-what-the-hell-is-it-really "injury", that has been bothering me since my first 8.5-miler. This injury made me bonkers, and I discovered a whole new neuroses. Poor Jim (super spouse), Andi (super friend), and anyone else unfortunate to ask, "how's the running going?" had to listen to me gripe and help me self-diagnose for weeks. It never got bad enough to see a doctor, but it was annoying as hell, mostly because I'm still not entirely sure what caused it. It may have been following my adrenaline and going too fast for my level of training over the Brooklyn Bridge incline. Or it may have been that my current shoes are too small as my feet expand when I run for more than an hour at a time. Or it may have been that I insist on wearing the world's most unsupportive street shoes. Or it may have been that I broke both of my ankles as a teen and should really be strengthening them as I go along. (And the list goes on...) Whatever it is- I've vowed to take it a little slower in the long runs, start a program of ankle strength training, buy some decent street shoes, and get fitted for new running shoes. Guess this injury will always be my achilles heel (pun definitely intended).
But I digress again! This week I did two 30-minute runs, lots of stretching & ankle strengthening, a 60-minute walk, a long group run of 7 miles, and attended a marathon Q&A at Jack Rabbit. I also worked on some musicals (not what this blog is about), watched a lot of TV (really not what this blog is about), and went to my day job (I could tell you about it, but you might fall asleep while reading this blog).
I did my Tuesday 30-minute run by myself, in Central Park (that's where you can usually find me running, since I live 6 blocks north of the northwest corner entrance). I did a usual route- ran up the demon known to me as the Harlem Hill, down to the north end of the the Resevoir, across to East Drive, and down the east side of the Harlem Hill. My ankle felt fine (finally) during this run, so I was thrilled to be back in business! For my walk, I walked down 5th Ave 1/2-way to work, and passed the time while catching up with Mom on the phone (thank you free Verizon to Verizon minutes). For stretching and strengthening, I've been enjoying some "Exercise on Demand" videos that are FREE with my TIme Warner Cable. I'm currently loving the "Pink Ribbon Stretch" for runners and walkers. My Thursday 30-minute run was with my brother-in-law Mike, who is also a Couch 2 5k devotee (Note- running is more fun when you run with someone else)! I introduced him to the 102nd Street transverse, and then we went back up the East Side through the Conservatory Gardens, around the Harlem Meer, and back to where we started, the northwest corner. As I post these links, I'm reminded what a lucky girl I am to have Central Park as my backyard! I'm also reminded how much time I wasted living in New York while not being a runner (cue the "wah-wah" sound effect).
The marathon Q&A at Jack Rabbit was awesome! The panel included a sports nutritionist, a world-class triathlete trainer, and an orthopedic surgeon-all three being long-distance athletes themselves. I met my Galloway training coach and my friend Ed there- he's training for the NYC marathon on 11/1. Ed's running for Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital, and his mom Mary Belle (Christman) Poulin-Groeschen. She waged a 10-year battle against cancer; Sarcoma & Breast until December 12, 2008. I'm proud to say Jim and I have donated to Ed's "Miles for Mom". He has a little more money to raise before his big race- please consider donating. I can't wait to watch Ed run NYC! But best of all, the lecture made me realize I'm not alone. There were a lot of super-neurotic first-time marathoners there, and they had as many questions as I did! And did I mention they had free food and a 15% discount on everything in the store? A great way to spend a Thursday night.
On Saturday morning at 5:30 AM, I woke up, stretched, downed some toast & 1/2 a banana, threw on some pink stuff, and headed out to meet my team for a 7-mile group run. We ran (4-1 intervals) the Central Park loop (6.2 miles) and added a mile. I already ignored my vow to go a little slower on the group long run- we were a small group this week and I was the most inexperienced of the bunch, so I pushed myself a little to keep up. It was ok though- my ankle was feeling fine and I'm excited to get my cardio capacity back up to what it was before I took my injury break. I really enjoyed getting to know some members of my group more, and the hour and 27 minutes (sort of) flew by! The only downside- I had a fueling problem. I had plenty of red gatorade (my favorite), sport jelly beans, and water with me- but I started to feel pretty tired after about an hour. In retrospect, I think I needed more protein before my run. But I'm told that's one of the best things about these long runs in training- you can experiment with and find out what works for you long before the big day. Next week I'll try some more protein before my (yikes!) 10-miler.
I also paid a little bit yesterday for over-doing it. I was TIRED and got a little stiff as the day went on. Around 6 PM, I took a nice walk to 125th St. to suss out some new running clothes. It think gently moving around was just what the doctor ordered (if I ever actually saw a doctor)! That plus the delicious Vietnamese delivery and 10-hours of much-needed sleep, and I'm feeling good to go today. Looking forward to week 7!
Sarathon or bust!
But I digress. This week I took it fairly easy, since I'm in the last stages of an ankle-achilles-foot-what-the-hell-is-it-really "injury", that has been bothering me since my first 8.5-miler. This injury made me bonkers, and I discovered a whole new neuroses. Poor Jim (super spouse), Andi (super friend), and anyone else unfortunate to ask, "how's the running going?" had to listen to me gripe and help me self-diagnose for weeks. It never got bad enough to see a doctor, but it was annoying as hell, mostly because I'm still not entirely sure what caused it. It may have been following my adrenaline and going too fast for my level of training over the Brooklyn Bridge incline. Or it may have been that my current shoes are too small as my feet expand when I run for more than an hour at a time. Or it may have been that I insist on wearing the world's most unsupportive street shoes. Or it may have been that I broke both of my ankles as a teen and should really be strengthening them as I go along. (And the list goes on...) Whatever it is- I've vowed to take it a little slower in the long runs, start a program of ankle strength training, buy some decent street shoes, and get fitted for new running shoes. Guess this injury will always be my achilles heel (pun definitely intended).
But I digress again! This week I did two 30-minute runs, lots of stretching & ankle strengthening, a 60-minute walk, a long group run of 7 miles, and attended a marathon Q&A at Jack Rabbit. I also worked on some musicals (not what this blog is about), watched a lot of TV (really not what this blog is about), and went to my day job (I could tell you about it, but you might fall asleep while reading this blog).
I did my Tuesday 30-minute run by myself, in Central Park (that's where you can usually find me running, since I live 6 blocks north of the northwest corner entrance). I did a usual route- ran up the demon known to me as the Harlem Hill, down to the north end of the the Resevoir, across to East Drive, and down the east side of the Harlem Hill. My ankle felt fine (finally) during this run, so I was thrilled to be back in business! For my walk, I walked down 5th Ave 1/2-way to work, and passed the time while catching up with Mom on the phone (thank you free Verizon to Verizon minutes). For stretching and strengthening, I've been enjoying some "Exercise on Demand" videos that are FREE with my TIme Warner Cable. I'm currently loving the "Pink Ribbon Stretch" for runners and walkers. My Thursday 30-minute run was with my brother-in-law Mike, who is also a Couch 2 5k devotee (Note- running is more fun when you run with someone else)! I introduced him to the 102nd Street transverse, and then we went back up the East Side through the Conservatory Gardens, around the Harlem Meer, and back to where we started, the northwest corner. As I post these links, I'm reminded what a lucky girl I am to have Central Park as my backyard! I'm also reminded how much time I wasted living in New York while not being a runner (cue the "wah-wah" sound effect).
The marathon Q&A at Jack Rabbit was awesome! The panel included a sports nutritionist, a world-class triathlete trainer, and an orthopedic surgeon-all three being long-distance athletes themselves. I met my Galloway training coach and my friend Ed there- he's training for the NYC marathon on 11/1. Ed's running for Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital, and his mom Mary Belle (Christman) Poulin-Groeschen. She waged a 10-year battle against cancer; Sarcoma & Breast until December 12, 2008. I'm proud to say Jim and I have donated to Ed's "Miles for Mom". He has a little more money to raise before his big race- please consider donating. I can't wait to watch Ed run NYC! But best of all, the lecture made me realize I'm not alone. There were a lot of super-neurotic first-time marathoners there, and they had as many questions as I did! And did I mention they had free food and a 15% discount on everything in the store? A great way to spend a Thursday night.
On Saturday morning at 5:30 AM, I woke up, stretched, downed some toast & 1/2 a banana, threw on some pink stuff, and headed out to meet my team for a 7-mile group run. We ran (4-1 intervals) the Central Park loop (6.2 miles) and added a mile. I already ignored my vow to go a little slower on the group long run- we were a small group this week and I was the most inexperienced of the bunch, so I pushed myself a little to keep up. It was ok though- my ankle was feeling fine and I'm excited to get my cardio capacity back up to what it was before I took my injury break. I really enjoyed getting to know some members of my group more, and the hour and 27 minutes (sort of) flew by! The only downside- I had a fueling problem. I had plenty of red gatorade (my favorite), sport jelly beans, and water with me- but I started to feel pretty tired after about an hour. In retrospect, I think I needed more protein before my run. But I'm told that's one of the best things about these long runs in training- you can experiment with and find out what works for you long before the big day. Next week I'll try some more protein before my (yikes!) 10-miler.
I also paid a little bit yesterday for over-doing it. I was TIRED and got a little stiff as the day went on. Around 6 PM, I took a nice walk to 125th St. to suss out some new running clothes. It think gently moving around was just what the doctor ordered (if I ever actually saw a doctor)! That plus the delicious Vietnamese delivery and 10-hours of much-needed sleep, and I'm feeling good to go today. Looking forward to week 7!
Sarathon or bust!
10.02.2009
The Start
A couple of years ago, I took this class that was supposed to free my inner artist (or something like that). I think all it really did was cost me 200 bucks and take up another night on my schedule, but last fall while procrastinating cleaning out my dresser, I came across some notes from that class. And there, in black and white, one of the "freewriting" exercises asked, "What would you try if you knew you couldn't fail?" And I wrote, "Run a marathon."
That was the start.
Let's get one thing straight: I always hated running. I'm super tall (5'10) and at around age 12, some fancy sports doctor in Phili told me my knees would never keep up with how fast my cartilage was growing, so I should never, ever run. Biking, yes. Swimming, yes. Running? No. At the time, I could never figure out why anyone would voluntarily run anyway, so I happily stayed on the sidelines whenever anyone suggested a jog. Well apparently my high school gym teacher didn't get the memo, and they made me "run" a mile for the Presidential Physical Fitness test Freshman year (sidenote--who thinks it's a good idea to take out-of-shape teenagers who've never run 2 feet and make them run a mile as fast as they can? Thanks, Ronald Reagan). I'm not sure I even made it around the track my requisite four times before the bell rang and I was thankfully off to theatre class, a Presidential failure. So whenever the running unit came around in the remaining years of high school, I faked female problems (if you catch my drift) and sat it out.
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That was the start.
Let's get one thing straight: I always hated running. I'm super tall (5'10) and at around age 12, some fancy sports doctor in Phili told me my knees would never keep up with how fast my cartilage was growing, so I should never, ever run. Biking, yes. Swimming, yes. Running? No. At the time, I could never figure out why anyone would voluntarily run anyway, so I happily stayed on the sidelines whenever anyone suggested a jog. Well apparently my high school gym teacher didn't get the memo, and they made me "run" a mile for the Presidential Physical Fitness test Freshman year (sidenote--who thinks it's a good idea to take out-of-shape teenagers who've never run 2 feet and make them run a mile as fast as they can? Thanks, Ronald Reagan). I'm not sure I even made it around the track my requisite four times before the bell rang and I was thankfully off to theatre class, a Presidential failure. So whenever the running unit came around in the remaining years of high school, I faked female problems (if you catch my drift) and sat it out.
Jump to 20 years later....why the heck would I freewrite "Run a marathon"? I have absolutely no clue. But it gave me an idea...could I actually train to run a 5k?? A quick google search yielded a program that changed my life, "Couch 2 5k". And so on 10/16/08 for no particular reason (Forrest Gump?), I ran. First a minute (and walked a minute). And then more. And then more. And to my surprise, I didn't hate running anymore! On top of it, my knees felt better than they had in years. So in February of 2009, in 28 degrees and pink accessories, I ran that 5k.
And then in April I ran a 4-miler, and in May, a 10k! A few races and a lot of purchased gear later (sorry, Jim!), I came up with the crazy idea that I wanted to run a marathon for my 35th birthday. I would have really liked to run the NYC Marathon , since it's coincidentally on my actual 35th birthday and ends down the block. But it was way filled up by the time I came up with this insane plan, and I didn't think I could train that soon anyway. So the new plan: run the Walt Disney World Marathon on 1/10/10. "Hooray!" Followed by, "Oh, crap ..now what?"
If you know me, you know I'm a joiner. Girl Scouts, BMI Musical Theatre Writer's Workshop, "Party of Five" Fan Club...loved them all. So I knew I needed to get a training group, pronto! Another quick google search (I love me some google) pointed me to the Jeff Galloway NYC Running Team. The aim of the team is fall marathon training, and I'm running a winter event so I'm slightly off the group schedule. No matter- I've started Saturday long runs with the team and just add or subtract miles as my schedule dictates. Also, there are a few folks in my group running Disney too, so I won't have to go the Nov & Dec long runs on my own.
So I'm off! I'm into week 6 of my training, and I've got a little more than 3 months to go. It's my hope that this blog will give me an easy way to journal this experience, let my family and friends see what I'm up to along the way, and maybe even provide a random googler or fellow newbie runner some entertainment.
Sarathon or bust!
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