Welp...I didn't run the half marathon for a few reasons. I will explain as soon as I can. But here is my current mile count:.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Miles Run today: .75
Total Miles Run for 2010: 279
Miles Run today: 2
Total Miles Run for 2010: 278.25
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
5 days till Half Marathon!!!
Ran around Melissa's neighborhood today. I didn't want to stray too far because I dont know my way around, but it was a nice run. I ran for 10 minutes, with her dog Geno, then put him back cause he was lagging behind and then I got him again for the last 5 minutes. It was very different running with a dog.
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 276.25
Discovered the Brooklyn/Queens Parkway today!!! So much to say about it (will finish this later)
Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 272.25
Ran around my neighborhood for an hour. Up and down, up and down each long street by our house/apt/basement/whatever it is we live in.
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 261.25
Ran around Melissa's neighborhood today. I didn't want to stray too far because I dont know my way around, but it was a nice run. I ran for 10 minutes, with her dog Geno, then put him back cause he was lagging behind and then I got him again for the last 5 minutes. It was very different running with a dog.
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 276.25
Discovered the Brooklyn/Queens Parkway today!!! So much to say about it (will finish this later)
Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 272.25
Ran around my neighborhood for an hour. Up and down, up and down each long street by our house/apt/basement/whatever it is we live in.
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 261.25
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
This is why I love my dear friend Mallory:
"Hey buddy you need to know you are def. a great runner and I am so proud of you! I read your blog entry and I don't want you to be nervous etc. I am so nervous because even in high school the pressure of actually "run" day killed me a lot. Anyway I am so proud of you....I think you are a really good runner, you are in excellent shape, and you eat way healthier than I do. so you def. have lots of advantages and I guess I just wanted to say I'm so proud of you! love you xoxoxo"
<3
Whenever I get discouraged or worry that I can't do the race...I'll reread this!
"Hey buddy you need to know you are def. a great runner and I am so proud of you! I read your blog entry and I don't want you to be nervous etc. I am so nervous because even in high school the pressure of actually "run" day killed me a lot. Anyway I am so proud of you....I think you are a really good runner, you are in excellent shape, and you eat way healthier than I do. so you def. have lots of advantages and I guess I just wanted to say I'm so proud of you! love you xoxoxo"
<3
Whenever I get discouraged or worry that I can't do the race...I'll reread this!
I'm getting so close!! Only one week and 4 days!! I don't know how I feel about it. I'm excited...especially because my parents will be here to meet me at the end this year! I'm nervous...I'm nervous that I won't get a better time than last year, or even that I'll get the same time...because the goal after all is to always strive for improvement. I'm nervous I'm going to trail so far behind Mal that I'll feel discouraged...even though I know going into it that she is a much better and faster runner than me. I'm nervous that I'm going to get so little sleep the night before because the Duni's are throwing a party at their house. But really...right now I mostly feel indifferent. I am excited for the pressure of training to be over, however I'm nervous that I'm going to slack off...because I already feel myself starting to slack. I have consistently been running for the past 3 1/2 months. What will it all be for if I don't keep up with it?? I know that I will continue to run, because the bottom line is that I actually LIKE to run...it'll just be nice to have a few other options (my 30 day shred video, my Total Body Conditioning classes, spinning in my mornings). I'm also anxious to plan accordingly to get back to weight lifting so I can tone my arms a little bit before Mandy's wedding.
My biggest concern right now is finding a 12 mile trail to run this weekend. I've been doing my long runs at home for the past FOUR weeks now...and we have a great 5.5 mile loop near my house that's perfect for training. But this weekend I'll actually be in NY and need to find a place to run. The obvious place would be Central Park...but I really don't want to have to come into the city again on Sunday (I'm coming in to work an event on Saturday night already) AND ANNNNNDDDD the LIRR isn't running to the city this weekend from my house because of track work being done, so it's doubly hard to get in and out of the city.
I'm gonna miss these good old cement kilns that I pass on my trail in PA:
Anyway, onto today's run: I'm still sore from Sunday...my legs are just a little bit tight. I was supposed to do 5 miles today, but I was on the treadmill cause it was kind of crummy and cold outside, plus I've been having total GMA and Today Show withdrawal lately. I ended up doing some speed training runs, partly to keep things interesting, partly because it's easier to speed train on a treadmill and I figured I'll prob. be back outside tomorrow, and partly because I wanted to mess with my metabolism since I've gained back the 2 pounds I *thought I lost. So perhaps I'll do some speed training outside again tomorrow, but I will def. be doing 5 miles to make up for not doing the full 5 today. Plus, it's supposed to be gorgeous tomorrow!
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 245.25
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I have lots to say about today's run: OK so today I got to run with Ben and Mal which was a real treat for me. We had been out at a bar until 1:30ish last night, went to bed at 2:30 and got up at 8:30 to run. I was NOT looking forward to this. Anyway, I was pumped to run with the two of them on the gorgeous Ironton Rail Trail that I've come to know and love over the past few weeks. I think it was within the first mile where I said "I'm running with REAL RUNNERS!!!! I feel like a real runner!!!" Well, I kept up with them fine in the beginning, but I slowly started to trail juuuust behind them. Which...in all honesty was better for me anyway because I could kind of get in my "zone" and run "with" them but not "with" them, and not feel pressured to talk which I just cannot do while running. However...my good old friend the Side Sticker crept in, (and I didn't even eat breakfast!!) and I had to take a quick break to monitor my breathing. Well that was it for me...just a 20 second break to breath put me far enough behind that I just couldn't catch up. I ran at a reasonable distance behind them for the rest of the loop...about another 3 miles or so. They were the carrots dangling in front of me to keep me going though..and even though I felt like I was running at snails pace compared to them...I actually was keeping really great time. They doubled back to me for the last mile of the first loop (mile 4.5 to 5.5) and we ran that to the end together. Then we stopped real quick while I downed some water and had a gu packet and we were on our way again. The second loop was pretty much like the first. I started out strong with them..and then slowly started to trail behind. I was at a reasonable distance until halfway through around mile 3 or 2.5 (really 8 to 9.5). At that point, my knee started to hurt and I suddenly realized that I hadn't stopped to stretch my right knee once throughout the run, and I usually have to do that around mile 6. It started to feel really tight and I thought I really had to stop and stretch it out. So..I stopped to take care of that and before I knew it, Ben and Mal weren't even in site in front of me.
At that point..I had a little over 2 miles left and I just figured..just get the heck through this. I put on Beyonce's "I am Sasha Fierce" and finished out in my own little world. It was perfect that the very last song as I rounded the last half mile was "All the Single Ladies" which is just great to run to! They doubled back again to meet me for the very last 2 minutes of the run.
I really wasn't discouraged today. Because...for me, it's about finishing it and I KNOW that 11 miles is impressive and the mere fact that I did it and that I'll do it again is great! BUT I can't help but feel a little disheartened that I couldn't keep up. My body just wasn't built to be a great runner (and I eat too much food)..but I'm very grateful that I can run and that I still did this entire 11 mile run in 1 hour and 45 minutes...with stops!! I have one more long run this weekend before the actual race...so I think it'll be a good "get in my zone" run by myself this Sunday.
I know why I couldn't keep up with them though. At one point I said:
"Maan I realllly shouldn't have had that diet coke and greek salad at the bar last night" At least I keep my sense of humor through long runs!!
I was probably more tired Sunday night that I have been in a LOOOONG Time...Chris and I went in the Hot Tub when we got back to NY which was glorious..but between the lack of sleep from my exciting weekend, my 11 mile run, sitting in a car for 4 hours then the hot tub..I was pretty much a vegetable. I face-planted into bed by 10:30 and slept like a BRICK.
Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 241.25
My biggest concern right now is finding a 12 mile trail to run this weekend. I've been doing my long runs at home for the past FOUR weeks now...and we have a great 5.5 mile loop near my house that's perfect for training. But this weekend I'll actually be in NY and need to find a place to run. The obvious place would be Central Park...but I really don't want to have to come into the city again on Sunday (I'm coming in to work an event on Saturday night already) AND ANNNNNDDDD the LIRR isn't running to the city this weekend from my house because of track work being done, so it's doubly hard to get in and out of the city.
I'm gonna miss these good old cement kilns that I pass on my trail in PA:
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 245.25
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I have lots to say about today's run: OK so today I got to run with Ben and Mal which was a real treat for me. We had been out at a bar until 1:30ish last night, went to bed at 2:30 and got up at 8:30 to run. I was NOT looking forward to this. Anyway, I was pumped to run with the two of them on the gorgeous Ironton Rail Trail that I've come to know and love over the past few weeks. I think it was within the first mile where I said "I'm running with REAL RUNNERS!!!! I feel like a real runner!!!" Well, I kept up with them fine in the beginning, but I slowly started to trail juuuust behind them. Which...in all honesty was better for me anyway because I could kind of get in my "zone" and run "with" them but not "with" them, and not feel pressured to talk which I just cannot do while running. However...my good old friend the Side Sticker crept in, (and I didn't even eat breakfast!!) and I had to take a quick break to monitor my breathing. Well that was it for me...just a 20 second break to breath put me far enough behind that I just couldn't catch up. I ran at a reasonable distance behind them for the rest of the loop...about another 3 miles or so. They were the carrots dangling in front of me to keep me going though..and even though I felt like I was running at snails pace compared to them...I actually was keeping really great time. They doubled back to me for the last mile of the first loop (mile 4.5 to 5.5) and we ran that to the end together. Then we stopped real quick while I downed some water and had a gu packet and we were on our way again. The second loop was pretty much like the first. I started out strong with them..and then slowly started to trail behind. I was at a reasonable distance until halfway through around mile 3 or 2.5 (really 8 to 9.5). At that point, my knee started to hurt and I suddenly realized that I hadn't stopped to stretch my right knee once throughout the run, and I usually have to do that around mile 6. It started to feel really tight and I thought I really had to stop and stretch it out. So..I stopped to take care of that and before I knew it, Ben and Mal weren't even in site in front of me.
At that point..I had a little over 2 miles left and I just figured..just get the heck through this. I put on Beyonce's "I am Sasha Fierce" and finished out in my own little world. It was perfect that the very last song as I rounded the last half mile was "All the Single Ladies" which is just great to run to! They doubled back again to meet me for the very last 2 minutes of the run.
I really wasn't discouraged today. Because...for me, it's about finishing it and I KNOW that 11 miles is impressive and the mere fact that I did it and that I'll do it again is great! BUT I can't help but feel a little disheartened that I couldn't keep up. My body just wasn't built to be a great runner (and I eat too much food)..but I'm very grateful that I can run and that I still did this entire 11 mile run in 1 hour and 45 minutes...with stops!! I have one more long run this weekend before the actual race...so I think it'll be a good "get in my zone" run by myself this Sunday.
I know why I couldn't keep up with them though. At one point I said:
"Maan I realllly shouldn't have had that diet coke and greek salad at the bar last night" At least I keep my sense of humor through long runs!!
I was probably more tired Sunday night that I have been in a LOOOONG Time...Chris and I went in the Hot Tub when we got back to NY which was glorious..but between the lack of sleep from my exciting weekend, my 11 mile run, sitting in a car for 4 hours then the hot tub..I was pretty much a vegetable. I face-planted into bed by 10:30 and slept like a BRICK.
Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 241.25
Thursday, April 8, 2010
It's amazing how something that throws your day off course or something that you're so used to doing or having every day suddenly changes, throws you off course, and then happens to be for the better.
For instance..today I forgot a hair tie to put my hair back for a run. Thank GOD I brought my Met Opera hat because I was able to put it through the hole in the back of the hat with some bobby pins. I really really REALLY didn't want to wash my hair today but I thought I might have to because I had sweat so much during my run and my hair was matted down from the hat. However...I played around with the bobby pins and was able to quickly do a quick little french twist today that looks so cute!! I'll def. being doing this hairdo again soon, especially on days I have to run and don't have time after to fix my hair. This was something I never would have tried had I just had my regular old pony tail holder and done the same thing I always do.
Crummy example..but here's a better one: I was really, truly, 100% dreading running today. I was exhausted, I was falling asleep on the train on the way in, my stomach was bleh, I'm still having this pain on my right side, and then on top of it all..my ipod died as soon as I went to start my run!!! I contemplated running on the treadmill so I could watch the morning TV that I know and love so well...but it was just too nice outside not to run in central park and I really wanted to try and do the full 6 miles loop today. So, I ran it without any music or my running podcasts...just me, and the sounds of Central Park (which are actually quite nice!).
I ran the full 6 miles in 56 minutes!! That's 4 minutes faster than my usual 10 minute mile pace that I just can't seem to break. When I did this same run last week with my MotionTraxx podcast...it took me a little over a full hour to complete, which perplexed me. I think that this particular podcast I've been running to is actually slowing me down!!! I think in an effort to make sure that I'm staying on the beat..I've actually been taking shorter strides. Today I was able to set my own pace depending on how I was feeling and depending on my current terrain. Central Park is hilly...So if I slowed down a little going uphill, I could easily increase my pace going downhill to make up for any lost time. These podcasts are also designed for an average person of 150 pounds..which presumably is someone taller than me, and with a larger stride to begin with. So, the stats that he gives for each episode, are a bit different for me. What I learned today is that there is a constant give and take to running. It's great to be able to keep an even keel pace, especially during a long run...but it's the ebb and flow of pacing and stride that will ultimately be how I'm able to shorten my time in any long distance racing.
I really don't think there is any way I'm going to knock 11 minutes off my time from last year. I went into this hoping I can do the half marathon in 2 hours. As long as it's better than last year's 2:11, I'll be happy. I feel much more prepared this year, particularly for outdoor running and the terrain, so I think that will work in my favor. I also need to make sure I take less and/or shorter breaks (for water and stretching out my right knee, though they both will have to happen at some point). But, all in all I'm so excited for the 25th. I feel like I'm just beginning to lose some steam and the longer runs are starting to take a bigger toll on me. I have a bad shin splint in my left leg, which I'm not sure HOW I got, and my right side pain is soooo annoying. But, I have to remind myself that I'm sooo close to the race, I've kept up this training schedule for the past 3 months straight, and that I've learned a LOT about running, my body and myself in the past year.
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 230.25 (I gotta get this damn .25 outta here)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I overslept this morning. I WILL RUN TONIGHT!! I WILL!!
Tuesday April 6, 2010
Ran in the park..beautiful morning. Still having my sidesticker pain. Passed a girl that I work with on my run which was funny. We may run together some mornings when I'm not being crazy about my training.
Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 224.25
Tuesday April 6, 2010
Ran in the park..beautiful morning. Still having my sidesticker pain. Passed a girl that I work with on my run which was funny. We may run together some mornings when I'm not being crazy about my training.
Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 224.25
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010.
Ok..this run was 10 times better than last week's run, but the first 5 miles were killer. I had a side sticker again, I was very dehydrated, and my left leg felt like I was getting shin splints for the first 2 miles. I almost started crying at one point because I was so frustrated. The ENTIRE first 5 miles all I could think about was how I didn't think I could do the full 11. I was going to just stop at 5 and do the 11 tomorrow. But once I got done with the first loop 5.5 miles..I took a quick break, drank a bit of water and took a gu and thought "ok..I think I can do another loop" and you know what? It was so much better than the first loop and not so bad.
My stomach was pretty messed up for the rest of the day. It was reacting very well to anything I was eating but I also was eating a LOT because it was Easter and my mom made such good food!! My stomach was still messed up today (Monday) I think from the run. I'm glad that I don't throw up when I run...but I def. feel bad aftermath after runs. I need to take some more gu or elektrolyte jelly beans before my runs now that they are longer than 10 miles. I'm nervous that I won't have time to do my run next weekend being home w/ the boys. I'm hoping Ben may run with me.
Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 219.25
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Wanted to run around the neighborhoods by my house. So ran what I thought was 3 miles out and then back. I came back home and went on mapmyrun.com to double check how many miles I ran....exactly 6 miles!! Unfortunately, I had to stop and walk a few times on this run...this permanent side sticker is just NOT leaving. VERY annoying.
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 208.25
Ok..this run was 10 times better than last week's run, but the first 5 miles were killer. I had a side sticker again, I was very dehydrated, and my left leg felt like I was getting shin splints for the first 2 miles. I almost started crying at one point because I was so frustrated. The ENTIRE first 5 miles all I could think about was how I didn't think I could do the full 11. I was going to just stop at 5 and do the 11 tomorrow. But once I got done with the first loop 5.5 miles..I took a quick break, drank a bit of water and took a gu and thought "ok..I think I can do another loop" and you know what? It was so much better than the first loop and not so bad.
My stomach was pretty messed up for the rest of the day. It was reacting very well to anything I was eating but I also was eating a LOT because it was Easter and my mom made such good food!! My stomach was still messed up today (Monday) I think from the run. I'm glad that I don't throw up when I run...but I def. feel bad aftermath after runs. I need to take some more gu or elektrolyte jelly beans before my runs now that they are longer than 10 miles. I'm nervous that I won't have time to do my run next weekend being home w/ the boys. I'm hoping Ben may run with me.
Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 219.25
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Wanted to run around the neighborhoods by my house. So ran what I thought was 3 miles out and then back. I came back home and went on mapmyrun.com to double check how many miles I ran....exactly 6 miles!! Unfortunately, I had to stop and walk a few times on this run...this permanent side sticker is just NOT leaving. VERY annoying.
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 208.25
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