Run Like A Girl

Highlights from the New York City Marathon

2009-11-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

We were supportive, sometimes over zealous in our enthusiasm (Alison) at the New York City Marathon yesterday. Here are some friends we saw. (A note: there is a mistake on Ciara's video. Kirk thought she missed running it last year.)
We were sorry to miss Amye, Gina, Alan, & Maddy. Next year, right, guys? Hello? Hel-loo?
Happy Birthday, Ciara!

Ooorah!! Coach's Corner

2009-11-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I have officially broken my own marathon record! I ran 3:46:55 at this year's Marine Corps Marathon. Woo-hoo!!!!!!! I have to tell you that this is a big deal for me. My goal is always to finish feeling good, but it is an added bonus that I also set a personal record. I felt great the entire race and kept an eerily consistent pace throughout. I don't know how I did it, but I felt better at mile 20 than I did at mile 8 and Crystal City (miles 23-24) flew by with my main squeeze at my side.

JB jumped in at mile 20 to run the last 6 (and get his workout for the day!) and it made all the difference. Miles 20-23 go over a long stretch of highway and parking lot near the Pentagon. Not exactly picturesque and far from crowd-friendly. It is usually where runners lose steam and motivation and begin to deteriorate physically. Not me! With his encouragement and chattiness, I was able to conquer those last 6 miles and maintain my awesome (for me) pace. It was great.

Team Fisher House is $6,000 away from our $250,000 goal this year. We hope that if anyone forgot to donate, that they will do so before December 1st so we can meet our goal. I was recognized at the team pasta dinner the night before as being the only team member to have repersented Team Fisher House every year since the team's inception four years ago. I am very proud of this and intend to continue my streak next year. I have met the people who have stayed in these houses and I will run until my legs fall off to continue to provide a place for these families. I thank you for your donations and hope that you will continue to support me next year and the year after and the year after that until we no longer need Fisher Houses.

If you or anyone you know is interested in donating to my web page, please feel free to do so:

http://www.active.com/donate/FisherHouse2009MCM/ASweitzer

To any of you who are interested in getting out there and starting a running program, this is the time of year to do it! The weather is extremely mild, there are tons of turkey trots and holiday runs to try and the world is a more runner-friendly place than ever. Get out there and give it a go. If you have any questions, just holler at me--that's what I'm here for!

Run hard, friends! And congratulations to all the 2009 marathoners! We had a great time cheering on our friends and man-candy at the NYC marathon yesterday. What a day it was! Well done, everyone. Keep running :)

Coach Abby

First Last Week

2009-10-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Now that I am in the last week, Marathon week, I am freaking out a little. Well, it turns out I am not alone. A friend of mine who runs a 3 hour marathon pointed out this article about the tapering freak out from Runner's World. It was a big help in making me not feel crazy.

I can't think of anything else right now. I am excited and nervous. I can't wait to see people that are coming to watch the race. It's getting so close!

Chicago Marathon Part 3: More Videos

2009-10-21T12:47:00.001-07:00

Here's some fun footage of flying clothes, miles 16 & 21, and what I had for breakfast.

Chicago Marathon Part 2: Videos

2009-10-21T11:40:00.001-07:00

I am afraid of the cold. I am afraid of being cold. Extreme weather, either hot or cold, is not ideal on a typical day, but when asked my preference, nine times out of 10 I'm going to choose hot. I'm from Florida, and I don't like winter. On marathon day, however, I prefer colder. And, when I say "colder" I'm talking a balmy 60 degrees. 50 degrees at the NYC Marathon is bad enough.
It became very clear to me five days before the Chicago Marathon that the weather gods could care less about what I wanted. In fact, they like to mess with people like me, get people like me all freaked out so we'll spend more money at Niketown. Seven days before the race the forecast predicted highs in the mid-40's (that was the high!) with rain. Cold and rain. Five days before the race, the weather gods decided that cold and rain were not enough and added snow to the mix. Snow. I was a wreck. I like snow from my living room window, or in some romantic movie. I don't run in it. But, there was no backing out. A team of McGee's were flying to Chicago to see this race (and eat pizza), so I knew I was going to have to slog through, possibly literally, and I was going to have to figure out how.
Flying into rainy Chicago on Friday was not encouraging. By Saturday, though, the sun came out. It was cold, but it was sunny. Still terrified of not being properly dressed on race day, I anxiously asked the Nike saleslady (Nike set up a store in the official marathon hotel, the one we stayed at. Smart Nike. They made a bundle off me.) if they had 3/4 tights, recommended moments before by Abby, who I'd called in a panic. She lead me to the rack, and I picked up my size. No time to try them on. And, while I'm here I probably need some arm warmers, maybe another long sleeved shirt, and a head band. Can't leave without a head band.
The only thing that I thought maybe the cold would encourage was a 4:00:00 run from me. I was hoping to break my personal record of 4:04. If I matched it, great. If I came in slower...not so great. I knew I'd be comfortable with a time between 4:00 - 4:04. I also knew training hadn't gone so well for me this year. If my half marathon times were any indication of how I might do, well, I wasn't going to be breaking any records.
Geared up for some winter running, I was relieved to wake up on Sunday and see the sunny forecast. Not so thrilling was the 29 degrees / high of 44 flashing on the television.
I got to my corral by 7:15. Most people around me were in layers, but there were those tough running animals dressed in tank tops and shorts. Right before the start I started seeing clothes fly through the air. Unlike NY where racers gently remove their layers and throw them on the Verrazano Narrows, Chicago runners send theirs flying, like throwing caps at a high school graduation. I got hit in the face with a rather nice sweat shirt, which I considered keeping and giving to Kirk at mile 2. I had my own clothes to worry about, however, including my sweatpants, the ones I'd had since grad school. I knew we were about to say goodbye. I couldn't carry them with me -- I had a jacket and a long sleeved shirt to pass off -- so I had to make the decision to leave them at the starting line. Instead of throwing them, though, I placed them neatly along the side lines, hoping they'd end up with a nice woman, who'd want a comfortable pair of sweats to wear around her house.
The horn blared signaling the start of the race. As I started running I felt cold, but it wasn't unbearable. And, as the race went on (and on and on) I never got completely warm, but the cold was not my enemy and I was able, by mile 13, to kind of enjoy it. I high-fived little kids and big kids. I stopped for water, even walked through some of the water stops. I thanked the volunteers, who stood in front of the tables with cups of gatorade in their hands so we runners wouldn't have a mash up. I saw the city, the truly gorgeous, clean, well manicured city I remember from my childhood. And, I stopped thinking about breaking any records.
The cold did not help me run any faster, as you can see by my time, but it was a very beautiful day, and when I crossed the finish line 15 minutes slower than I'd wanted, I could see it had reached 44 degrees. Still not in my comfort zone, but a hell of a lot better than where I'd started.

Tapering is Hard to Do

2009-10-19T14:13:00.001-07:00

As a first time marathoner, this is the first time I am experiencing a lot of things, including my first real taper. Hearing other runners talk about tapering in the past, I never understood the real deal. Training tips are always telling us to follow the taper and only do what your training schedule says to do, no more! "Why," I thought, "would you ever do more?"
Yesterday, was my first long run after my tapering officially began. I had the best 12 mile run ever. In the history of running. Ok, maybe that's an over-statement but it felt so good. As I approached the end of the run, I thought briefly, "I wonder how fast I can do 13.1?" Woops. There it is. I felt great. It was cold, it was raining, I was strong, I was fast, I was consistent. I wanted to do more. I stopped myself. I ran just slightly more than 12 miles and then reminded myself that I am so close, yet if I injure myself or over-train, I will be so far away.
Less than 2 weeks. There is so much to do, including successfully following my tapering training schedule.

Chicago Marathon: 4:15:40

2009-10-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

We stayed right across the street from the start of the race. I walked to my corral 30 minutes before and only stood waiting for 15 minutes before the horn blared. What a wonderfully civilized way to begin a race versus getting on a boat or a bus two or three or even four hours before the the start! When I crossed the finish I was handed an aluminum wrap immediately, my medal was draped over my neck, and I was able to easily walk the mile to the family reunion area. The end of NY is always a nightmare. Congested; long walks to get to meeting areas and bag check; blocked off streets with no easy way out. And, the Chicago Marathon starts at 7:30a.m. I crossed the finish line and found my family by noon. In New York I'm not done until 2:00 or 3:00 so the rest of the day is shot.

The course is flat. There's a hill right at the end, which is mean, but other than that it is super flat. And, I did run it faster as a result -- until mile 14 when I made the decision to slow down. For the first 13 I thought of nothing but finding my family, how fast I was going, how much I had to pee, how cold it was (it was 29 degrees at the start!). I wasn't looking at the city or the course. And, I wasn't having fun. It was stressful until I decided at mile 14 to slow down and, literally, smell the freakin' roses. OK, there were no roses, so it was smell the city. After that I started to enjoy myself.

There will be more later in the week, but for now, here are a couple of pictures. Videos and more story to come.

20 miles down 26.2 to go

2009-10-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Long time reader, first time contributor...

I'm in the home stretch of my first attempt at a marathon. THE marathon. NYC. I'm so happy, scared, excited, energized, amazed, nervous that it is almost here (19 days 15 hours but who's counting).
My training has been long, as a first-timer I chose a 20 week training plan (The Beginner Marathon Program on Cool Running), and not without hiccups (I clumsily ran into the corner of a wooden box and injured my leg while goofing around. That took me out for over a week. Then I had to come back slowly. My first scheduled 20 mile run out of 2 was supposed to happen when I was in Hawaii and I only managed 10 because I was too busy being on vacation) but I feel like I am ready. After my 16 mile and 18 mile long runs I finally felt like this wasn't a crazy dream anymore but after my run on Saturday (slow as it was - Hey, I never said I was fast. I'm shooting for under 5 hours, under by seconds is fine.) I can really visualize myself doing it.
Of course, the minor annoyances continue. My shoes have more than 300 miles on them right now. Should I buy a new pair when the race is only 19 days away? And this morning my Nano died (thank goodness I had uploaded Saturday's run or I would probably have thrown myself off my balcony when the ipod died). Music is not essential but Nike+ has become my running lifeline, it's how I got to this point. So, it makes me nervous to think about going on without my running buddy recording my every step. At the very least I should buy that new Nano to save my running partner, TheMonkey, from my yammering. On our run this morning, without music to listen to, I didn't stop talking for a second.

So, what do you think? Going into the final days of my training, I have some expensive things to think about. Is it worth it to get that new ipod so I can go back to tracking my runs and striking up my power song when I need a little boost (Pump It by Black Eyed Peas)? Or should I get those new shoes tonight and start rotating them in , instead of waiting until after the big day and retiring the shoes I wore throughout training with a big sigh and thank you? Or suck it up, dig into my savings and do both?

For some side reading, see how I got here in my running posts on my personal blog. Bit of trivia: The bride in the first running post: Running Girl.

Barefoot in the Park

2009-10-05T19:32:00.001-07:00

Amanda forwarded this great article in the NY Times about Christopher McDougall and barefoot running. I haven't tried it yet, but I've been inspired by "Born to Run". Plus, with my injury, I really should test it out. Maybe tomorrow morning I'll show up barefoot for my run with Mariana. That would totally freak her out.

By the way, Christopher McDougall commented on this blog. Check it out if you missed it. He also sent some great music, so take a listen. And, read the book!

Blog Like A Runner

2009-09-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Oh shame! It's been well over a month since RLAG's last blog post and I, for one, am seriously embarrassed. What's the point of having a blog if no one is writing? A blog is only as good as it's bloggers. So, I am re-committing to blogging like a girl and getting you all the running news that's fit for the interwebs.

Chicago Marathon: October 11th. I. Am. Not. Ready. I feel under-prepared both mentally and physically. I'm waiting for the magic light of magical thinking to go off in my runner's brain, but it ain't happenin'. And, I leave one week from this Friday so I'm running (pun intended) out of time. Something's gotta click and soon or else I am in trouble.

In worse news, that pesky herniated disc of mine has reared it's ugly nerve tickling head. I did speed work yesterday morning on a left foot I could barely feel. I think that's bad. And, guess what, I don't have health insurance anymore! Not that my PT takes insurance, but at least I'd get reimbursed a little bit of money when I went three times a wallet busting week last year.

That's what's going on with me. Want to know what's up with Zola Budd? Oh, come on, you remember ol' barefoot South African runner chick who tripped Mary Decker. That incident made such an impression on me as a kid. I can't wait to read all about what Zola's up to now.

Run Like the Tarahumara

2009-08-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

I've had some trouble with training this year. My brain is all cloudy, running feels like a chore, and I'm disconnected to the process. Basically, I'm not inspired. Last night, though, Jon Stewart had Christopher McDougall, journalist and now runner, on his show and, wow, I cannot wait to read his book Born To Run. It's all about the Tarahumara Indians who live in Mexico and run a lot for long distances. And they like it! There are some interviews on line with McDougall where he talks more in depth about his involvement with the Tarahumara and what lead him to them in the first place. The book sounds fascinating, and might have a big influence on how we run in the future. If, like me, you're having trouble finding that inner light, get the book and see if it doesn't make you want to run an ultra.

What if...(by Coach Abby)

2009-08-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

...you were on a run, headed for the East River Park, traversing through the Lower East Side and *BOOM* you suddenly find yourself tumbling head-over-feet-over-head and landing smack dab in the middle of Chrystie and Houston. Damn potholes! Battered and bruised, you pick yourself up (because no one has seemed to stop and help) and limp to the nearest Duane Reade for Band Aids and alcohol swabs.

OR

You are running the last 3/4 of a mile of a 5 mile run and take a turn to run parallel to the elevated FDR Drive when *TWACK* a rouge pebble smacks you right between the eyes. Luckily, you are not bleeding, you are not dizzy and so you continue on your way home to check for massive bruising and a very ugly battle wound.

Friends, s#@* happens. It just does. Both of these scenarios happened to me in the last three months. I kid you not, that pebble came flying off the FDR and I never saw it, not even after it landed. Seriously. Lucky for me, I was never so seriously hurt that I couldn't attend to my own wounds. My clumsiness and bad luck aside, I am pretty sure that most of us have tripped, fallen, been knocked around by a bicyclist or a car, or had some such near death experience while running. It happens. In light of Runner Girl's post about the tremendous heat this past weekend, I thought it'd be a good time to bring up this topic.

When Trisha Meili, the Central Park Jogger, was found near death in the woods of Central Park they couldn't identify her. Her face was so severely beaten that she couldn't be identified through pictures. She was a single woman and no one knew she had gone out for a midnight run (A MIDNIGHT RUN-I SWEAR, IF I EVER HEAR OF ANY OF YOU LADIES DOING THIS I WILL CHASE YOU DOWN, HOG TIE YOU AND MAKE YOU WATCH PAULY SHORE MOVIES TIL YOU PROMISE TO ONLY RUN IN THE DAYLIGHT OR WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE!!!). For almost two weeks she went unidentified.

You may be thinking, "my husband/wife will know I've gone for a run" and you're probably right. But, where did you go? How long should you have been gone? When do they start to worry that you've been gone too long? And, if you live in a city like New York that has dozens of hospitals on the island of Manhattan alone, where might you be taken if you were hurt, injured or in need of medical attention and unable to speak for yourself? In the heat of the summer your body can turn on you in an instant and, before you know it or can do anything about it, you can develope heat exhaustion or heat stroke and pass out. Oh, wait, I had heat exhaustion, too. Yup--not fun, people, and very dangerous. What if, in the winter months, you go out for a run and find yourself semi-conscious after having fallen on a patch of black ice. I've never experienced frostbite but I hear it's not that enjoyable.

I am not endorsing this company and get no proceeds or anything from them, but I am buying an ID tag for myself and one for my hubby-to-be. It's got my name, my home city, three In Case of Emergency names and phone numbers, my blood type and a note than I am not allergic to any medications. They're $20 and some of the proceeds go to a charity that you choose. That's pretty cool. Here's the link:

http://www.roadid.com/common/id.aspx

You know why? Because it helps my partner to worry less when I'm gone. Because I'm O Negative and can't have any other blood than that. Because New York is a big city and when I decide Manhattan is too small for a long run and head to Brooklyn, I really am far away from home. Because I've fallen more than once while running. Because I've known people who could've used it in an emergency. Because I like to run for a long time and push myself and feel safe doing it. Because I don't love to run with my Drivers License in my pocket on account of I forget to take it back out and then I wash it and then it fades and then I have to buy a new Drivers License and it's a pain in the butt.

I'm not your Mom but let me tell it to you straight, s#@* happens. Get the ID tag or something like it. Seriously.

Run safe--
Coach Abby

NYC Half Marathon -- 13.1 Miles of Hell

2009-08-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

It can't get much cooler than running the closed-to-traffic streets of NYC. When I signed up for the New York City Half back in March I was thrilled. I was so disappointed last year when I couldn't do it because of my injury. I'd had so much fun in 2006 and 2007, and I missed the course, which is a loop around Central Park, then out on to 7th Avenue, through Times Square, and down the West Side Highway to Battery Park. It's truly something, seeing NYC that way, runners on the streets instead of cars. Makes you look at the city in a whole different way.

My goal was to run it in under two hours. I'd been preparing both mentally and physically for months. And, I had Mariana, who is faster than me, pushing me along during runs. So, I thought I'd be more than ready on August 16th to cross the finish line between 1:50:00 - 1:55:00.

What I did not plan for was heat. And humidity. At 6:00a.m. when I set out to meet Mariana it was already 78 degrees. The two mile jog I took to get to her left me drenched with sweat. And, at the starting line we found out that there was a heat advisory. The announcer suggested that maybe this not be the race you strive to get a personal record. I heard him, and I was fully prepared to listen, but when the race started I felt my legs go a little faster than they should have been. My strategy is to run slower at the start and get progressively faster, but for some reason -- nerves, trying to keep up with Mariana, not being able to forget the goal -- I was too fast for the weather, so by mile three I was uncomfortable, and by mile four I was ready to go home. Overheated, I overcompensated by drinking too much water and Gatorade, so by mile five I had painful cramps. I begged Mariana to save herself and leave me to my misery, which she finally did at mile six.

On 7th Avenue things got a little better. The cramps went away, but I still felt terrible. My body just did not want to be there at all. At one point, as I was passing 57th Street, I thought to myself "What would happen if I didn't finish? Who would care?" I have never not completed a race, which in the past gave me a sense of pride. But, at this race I thought the sensible thing to do would be to quit. I kept going, though, and looked out for Kirk, Abby, Justin and Andy, whi were at mile eight. Their cheers and smiles disappeared upon catching sight of me, the ashen, beat up runner who was not happy at all.

Down the West Side Highway with less than four miles to go I tried to speed up, but it was no use. I pumped my arms the way Abby tells us to in class, but it didn't work. So, I decided if I can't change my body I can change my mind. My mom always says "Put a smile on your face and a song in your heart", so that's what I did. I sang to myself, told myself jokes, noted the runners around me who slogged through, kinda hating the ones who passed me. At mile 11ish I saw the gang again, but this time I put a big smile on my face. They said I looked better.

Finally, mile 12 and I was already past the two hour mark. At one point, I think mile 10, I had it in my head that maybe I'd still make my record of 2:00, but I got over that when at mile 11 I was at 1:52. Again, I tried to go a little faster, but who was I kidding? The dream was over; it was over at mile three! I crossed the finish in 2:12:something, disappointed, but happy to be done.

What is the lesson here? Well, for one, I've got to be flexible in my thinking. Once I knew the weather was going to be an issue I should have slowed way down. Second, I should not have overdone the water and Gatorade in the beginning of the race. That was a huge mistake. Third, I need to quit my job and hire a team of trainers so I can meet my 1:50 goal. I watched Paula Radcliffe run her 5:24 per mile pace in the same weather and she was fine. Clearly, I need to do what's she's doing!

Seems like they only get longer.

2009-08-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

And I am not just talking about the lengths of time between my post. I am talking about Long runs. Tomorrow I will run (I hope) 16 miles. I am on week nine of my training, doing a Cool Running Beginner Marathon program.
And they say if you are running for speed or time on your first marathon then I should be running 18 miles and if I just want to finish I should run 14. So, I feel like I am somewhere in between on this. So, I am going to run 16. Two weeks ago Me and Zen (my girlfriend) ran 14 miles in the NYRR Training run. This was a great way to remind myself that running can cause pain.

Somehow, getting up five days a week, and running varied distances and stretching a lot after (You know what, I don't think I'll ever stretch before) you seem to get used to it, and your body doesn't go into shock every time you set out on an hour or more run. But then you run that first run over the half-marathon mark, and your body says, "hey, I thought we were cool. You don't bother me, I don't bother you. What happened?" And you tell your body, hey I was just pushing it okay, I'll try not to let it happen again. But then you realize you just lied to your body...dang. OK. Listen up body, this is the goal... "What?!!" yea, I know, but we can do it, stay with me okay. I am pretty sure it will feel amazing after. And if it doesn't, I'll give you two weeks off, at least! Well, alright, you can't give the body all the details right off the bat. The bat? hmmm.

Anyway, I've been feeling pretty good, overall. Trying to eat right and stay on track. Been a little more difficult to maintain a regular running schedule since I left Zen in NY and headed out to Minneapolis. I have been doing my runs but the timing has been a little bit off. So tomorrow I strike out on a 16 mile journey, presumably on my own, lest someone show up out of the blue.
Luckily I get to run around three lakes. Check it out.

Oh Technology. Well, wish me luck. Still to be discovered: Where do I hold my gels? Water? How do I get around Lake of the Isles?

Run and Raise Money

2009-08-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

You wanted to run the New York City Marathon this year, but, for whatever reason, you didn't qualify. Now you're totally bummed, sitting on your sofa watching reruns of Seinfeld and eating cold pizza. Fret no longer. The Central Park Conservancy wants you! Here's the deal -- you raise money for their charity, they let you run 26.2 miles in the greatest city in the world. Sound like a fair trade? If so, check it all out here.
Worried you don't have enough time to train? You've still got about 12 weeks, and if you're already on a workout program you'll be just fine.

Good luck!

Beg to Defer

2009-08-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I've done two NYC marathons -- '07 and '08 -- and am qualified and signed up for '09. But as some of my very patient running friends also know, I've had zero enthusiasm for '09. No push, no drive, no go-get-em. To top it off, my long runs were kicking my ass, thanks to my extra particular hatred of July and August training.

After what felt like the millionth terrible attempt at building my distance, I finally started asking myself some questions. Why am I doing this again this year? What do I want? And perhaps most importantly, what's it going to feel like if I ... don't run the marathon?

A few half-jokes with running friends ("Will you still talk to me if I don't run this year?") plus a long phone call with my mother led me to spend a weekend as if I'd already deferred. Just to see how it felt.

It felt amazing. I was finally able to answer that first question with certainty: I'd planned to run again this year because I'd felt like a failure when I'd stopped to walk in those other two marathons. And that's crazy. Lots of people walk, and never in a MILLION YEARS would I call any one of them a failure. You cross the finish line, you did it.

And the second question got an answer, too: I want to feel good about running. I want to be strong, and happy, and, let's face it, 10 lbs lighter. I can get all of that at distances that make me happy, that suit my strengths. The marathon was actually never on my bucket list. You meet other runners and they inspire you to try new lengths and challenges, and that's awesome, that's the joy of the sport. But I've done the training -- twice -- and gotten myself from the Verrazano Bridge to Central Park -- twice -- and I need to feel good about that.

I definitely worry that I'm wimping out. But that's the beauty of deferral; if I show up to cheer on my super-speedy husband on November 1st and think, "Damn, I wish I were out there," I can gear up for 2010. For now, if anyone wants to go for a 5-mile loop and a margarita, you know where to find me!

Summer Streets!!!

2009-08-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Last year, Mayor Mike and the DOT closed down Park Ave from the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd St (and 72nd to the Park) on three Saturdays in August to encourage people to get out and run, bike, walk, blade, whatever. They're doing it again this year and it starts this Saturday. The streets are closed to traffic from 7am til 1pm. It's an awesome route to use for your long run and you can incorporate the Bridge and the Park while taking advantage of the shade Park Avenue offers in the morning.

For more information, including a map, the scheduled events, bike share information and everything else you need to know, visit the website.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/summerstreets/html/home/home.shtml/

See you out there on Saturday morning!

Coach Abby

"I'm A Fan" by Coach Abby

2009-07-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

I gotta tell you, friends, I am a fan of running. I think maybe I missed my calling as a professional cheerleader, but I definitely work through that by cheering wildly on the sidelines of any friends' sporting event. Yankees games, football games, marathons, Little League, you name it and I'm there. Not shouting at the umpire, mind you (unless it's a catastrophically bad call), but cheering for anyone and everyone!

I really get so much joy out of watching other people compete and complete goals. It is one of my all-time favorite hobbies to go out and cheer for random strangers in a Central Park race or at a charity run. Some people ask me why I'm not running New York this year with my honey (who is running his first in our fair city!). Truth be told, I'd rather be his #1 Cheerleader and #1 Fan out there on the course. I know what it feels like to look forward to seeing friends and family after miles and miles of what seems to be an endless course and all you want to do is sit down and eat a cupcake. I love being that jolt of adrenaline for people.

So, if you happen to be competing sometime in the future, holler! I will be your fan (and annoyingly cheerful coach, as Kirk and Alison found out this weekend). I may just jump in for a few miles myself.

And if you've lost a little bit of the love to run or compete, try being a fan sometime. It can rejuvenate your spirit and give you the boost you need while giving others the energy to finish. Bonus? You don't have to get up as early as the athletes!

Keep running hard, friends. Go get 'em!

Coach Abby

My first Triathlon: Done!

2009-07-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

I want to thank my wife, my family, Coach Abby, Amanda and Andy, Bill and Jody, and Dan and Ninon, and Rusty and Caroline for coming out and cheering me on during the NYC Triathlon yesterday.

So, yeah I did it.... my official time was 3 hours: 13 minutes: 24 seconds. And the only injury I have is this #$@%^ IT Band, which doesn't hurt any more or less than before the race, so that's good... i think.

I had an amazing time. I loved every minute of it, and once I put my experience on paper I will share it with you on the old blogger.

I will say there was only one surprise that caught me off guard. It was those fans who, through out the race, were cheering me to SMILE. Why on earth is that a good cheer to give someone? I understand that during the race, people were taking pictures and from a PR stand point I suppose the Triathlon wants happy competitors. However, have you seen the photos of people smiling while competing? They look constipated. And why? Because the last thing they are thinking about are smiling for photos.

And I get that there are those who cheer Smile because in their mind, if I'm smiling then I must be enjoying myself, as a result the fan can feel like they've turned my race around. Bullhooey! You want to turn my race around tell me to breathe, or use my arms more, or relax, or stay focused, or tell me I'm looking strong.

As a newby to all this, I'm just confused. Professional athletes aren't smiling when they are competing, right? There is no smiling, in any sport that I know of... Show me a photo of a football player smiling as he is tackling or being tackled. Hockey players aren't smiling, 90% of them have no teeth. Can you imagine: Three seconds on the clock, Lakers down by two. And as Kobe Bryant shoots the game-winning three pointer, the crowd chats: Smile!

I don't understand. I will say this... there was one gentleman I remember, who looked at me and chanted Smile just as I ran up a steep hill after riding 25 miles on my bike, Patches. And I responded with a deep breath "F#%$- off," which I admit resulted in a gratified smile if only briefly.

So, for those seasoned vets who came before me, what's the cheer that gets you angry?

NYC Triathlon!

2009-07-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's the day before. Here is a link to the greatest motivational speech ever.

Today all I have to remember is to pack and deliver my bike to the transition area. And review how to fix a flat tire. My legs are sore... I'm still recovering from an IT Band, but I feel pretty good. I am going through the race in my head... Swim: nice and relaxed for the first 1/2 mile to get comfortable, then pick it up for the last half. Run in bare feet to the bike, while stripping off the wet suit. Dry my feet and face. put my shoes and socks on. Gloves and helmet. and cycle my way for 25 miles. The distance doesn't bother me, it's the unknown course. We've been training in the park, not up and down the Henry Hudson Park way. We're biking through the Bronx, should I bring a gun? No, that'll weigh me and "Patches" (my bike) down.
Once we're done biking, back to the transition area. park the bike, take off my gloves and helmet. Please, God, let me remember to take off my helmet- drink some fluids and eat goo. wipe yourself off, and run like a girl, man, run like a girl!!

This is where I'll be nervous. I really believe that my IT Band has 90% recovered, but either way, I can't be scared of the pain. I have to finish this... I will! Thanks for the support..

I have to go.... now... people are coming over...

Ask The Coach: Too Little Too Late???

2009-07-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

As I re-enter PT for mild ITB Syndrome (damn shoes--well, damn me for not replacing them sooner), I am peppered with questions about doing too much. Most popular among them is the following:

Q: Should I scale back my leg work in the gym when I amp up my miles?

A: No. The secret to your success is the combination of long runs and your weekly (or bi-weekly if you reeeealllly mean it) leg workouts in the gym. One keeps you health so you can do the other! It's really that simple.

However, there is no need to go hog wild and kill your legs every single time you go to the gym. Adding 5 pounds to a leg exercise isn't going to make you so sore that you can't walk the next day and is an easy way to build strength without sabotaging your runs. You should be adding weight incrementally as you become more and more comfortable with your exercises and less sore from performing them.

The most important area that runners tend to ignore (and then complain about ad nauseum) is the glutes. Oh, your hips are sore. Oh, you can't sit down on your buns after a hill workout. Oh, your ITB is soooo tight. All butt problems, people. So many muscle groups attach at the hip/glute area that it seems insane that the vast majority of runners regularly scoff at the idea of performing simple lunges. Really?

Let me put it plain and simple for all of you out there who may be confused:

Running does not make your legs stronger. Period. Sorry to be the bearer of such frustrating news. I know, I was under the illusion that the more I ran, the stronger I would get. Not so. If you want to be strong, hit up the gym, my friends. If you don't know what to do, please reference my first post with all the exercises you need. If you're still confused, email me directly. I want to help you to be less afraid of the gym and leg exercises! Help me help you :)

In conclusion, dear runners, hit up the gym more, not less. Don't be afraid of the soreness or a little fatigue. You are in training for a very serious athletic event and you should expect all of this. Build in those mandatory rest days and get it done on the pavement and in the gym on the other days. Go forth and run!

Run hard!
Coach Abby

Testing One, Two, Three

2009-07-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Soundcheck is doing a show on the best running songs to keep you motivated through the height of marathon training. Check it out at 2:00 today on WNYC.

Meanwhile, take a listen to this great mix Amanda put together. I've been listening to it on those days when my feet need some extra help getting a move on:

Wake Up / Arcade Fire
Paper Planes / m.i.a
The Bucket / Kings of Leon
Know the Ledge / Eric B. & Rakim
Stronger / Kanye West
Lights Out / Santogold
Zero / Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The Obvious Child / Paul Simon
Live Your Life / T.I. & Rhianna
New York Groove / Ace Frehley
Glamorous / Fergie
Read My Mind / The Killers
Keep The Car Running / Arcade Fire
Float On / Modest Mouse
Anywhere Is / Enya
Family Tree / TV On The Radio

The World of PRs or 'I think I did'

2009-06-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

So as a beginning runner (can I still call myself that after two years?) I am not concerned with breaking any world records. Occasionally, I find myself breaking my personal records, and I have to say it feels pretty great.

Lately, I've had a string of personal records (PRs) that have excited me in different ways.

I never reported on my Brooklyn Half -Marathon which was definitely a PR as far as half marathons go. I took almost 17 minutes off my time, dropping my pace from an 11:35 to a 10:20. I consider this an amazing accomplishment since it was both something I set my mind on and a glimmer of hope that I could finish the Marathon in under 5 hours. Dream big, right?

Not to say Brooklyn was easy, but I think I can still get better. Of course, that's a story for another day.

My other two PRs happened this past month during two New York Road Runner's races. The NYRR Dash 10k and the Gay Pride Run 5M.

For the Dash I ran almost the entire race with my girlfriend. We typically start out all races together, some we finish together and others I take off on my own later in the race. For the Dash we stayed together for a lot of it. It was hot and humid and was a bit of a tough race. Near the end, maybe that dang Cat Hill, my girlfriend started to waver and she sent me on ahead. I stepped on the gas but there really wasn't that much left in the tank. To be honest I usually push it a bit too hard when she sends me on ahead, however I finished the race with a 10:24 pace - 4 seconds slower than my half marathon pace. My girlfriend finished a little behind me and we were both disappointed with our run. But when we checked our results against our previous 10k races we had each made a PR. Best 10k! And that's pretty cool when you can make a PR and know that you can do better. Future PRs to look forward to!

Finally, the Gay Pride Run was a chance to really test my mettle. I decide to go for my best pace in a race and try to get a different color bib for my next race. I ran the first mile with the Girlfriend at about a 10:20 pace then I wished her a good race and started maneuvering through the large crowd. I pushed myself hard and started to get worried, at around mile 4 with Cat Hill coming up, that I might tucker out, have to walk. So I slowed down a little and steeled myself against the impending hill to come. Well, apparently I spent most of Cat Hill preparing to not give up on it because I suddenly found myself nearing the finish line without ever having run Cat Hill (to my immediate knowledge). Suddenly I was in a down hill push with the crowd cheering and my mind amazed. How did I get here without running that dreaded hill?

Sometimes preparing for something is enough to get you through. When I looked up the time later online I found out I ran the 5 mile race with a 9:08 min/mile. My fastest race pace over a mile!

I have to tell you it feels great. When you start running, just happy to get yourself moving, it's these little victories that keep you going. These tiny realizations that your body is responding to the work you are putting into it. Your body telling you, 'you're on the right track!' This is why you do it.

For a little running whip cream, Saturday was supposed to be a long run, so we ran another 2 miles after we finished the race. We took a long break, but it was the first time we ran after a race. You know those crazy people who wear numbered bibs in colors you can only dream about, who cheer you on while running the opposite direction, as you struggle to finish the race they finished 10 minutes ago? It was the first time I got a glimpse into their world.

Hmm. Someday

Some days...

2009-06-26T13:28:00.001-07:00

I wanted to get my long run out of the way this week, but circumstances beyond my control (insomnia) prevented me from getting up on time on Thursday, and I knew I would over sleep today, which I did. So, the long run is still out there, taunting me like an over due bill or an America's Next Top Model marathon.

Today I did hit the park intending on running five miles (I did) while listening to the "Thriller" album in honor of Michael Jackson (I did not. Instead, I made the horrible discovery that, sin of sins, I do not have "Thriller" on my iPod.) So, I started in my usual spot at the south west end of the park and headed east, cranking TV on the Radio's "Dancing Choose". It was thick this morning. Did anyone else experience the wall of wet? I was thinking about the humidity when I ran into Mariana who was listening to her shuffle. We decided to run together, which was a lovely surprise. However, Mariana and I run at a faster pace when we're together and, once my music was off, the pace along with the wet was a not-so-great combo. I was seriously uncomfortable. Now, Mariana is the one who gave me the best advice I've ever gotten about running and working on speed which is don't be afraid to be uncomfortable. That was my motto last year and is definitely my motto this year as I'm serious about getting a BQ at Chicago. But this morning was brutal. Mariana seemed fine so I didn't want to ruin her run, but as soon as we parted at 85th street I had to walk for about five blocks. (Oh, and during the run, before we parted it started to rain which was what needed to happen. It was a huge relief.) I started running again around 81st street, sans music, and made it to the end just fine.

Now I've got to figure out when I'm going to do that long run. Sigh.

Ouch! What the Hell?

2009-06-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, Newbies! With four weeks left in my training, it was time to run 7.25 miles of the 6.2 miles we will be running in the race. In the process I seemed to have injured my knee. I noticed the injury the next day when I was walking down the stairs of the subway with my team mate after our 1 million lap swim practice. I started complaining about it, and my teammate, who in order to protect her identity and for the sake of argument we'll call Alison, told me with a horrified expression that it was without a doubt the deadly IT Band injury. It's the plague apparently more athletes die from because Alison's eyes told the whole story, I was either going to have to go all Terry Fox on my leg (running joke) or I was to be taken to the barn and shot---- first Old Yeller and Barbaro and now me...

But then I was saved by an angel who we will call Dr. Erica, who told me to not panic and get some ice put it directly on the plagued area. STAT! and I'm happy to say that ice works- It has saved my life and I'm quickly on the road to recovery. The world nor my training has stopped which is a relief since I only have four weeks until the triathlon. I am hoping that I can do the BRICK tomorrow which consists of 5 miles of running and 2 hrs of biking- excuse me, cycling- they get so mad when you call it biking- oh, and while we're at it- don't call it a bike seat- it's a saddle- and one more thing-- having a basket on bike- oh, you can call it a bike- you don't have to call it a cycle- so, having a basket on your bike is not recommended... or a bell... or those tassels... yeah they frown on that, too.

So, my question, since I'm new at this and because I find ice really cold, does anyone else have other quick remedies for the deadly IT Band injury? And will such an injury stunt my growth?

Ask the Coach: Abs of Steel

2009-06-19T02:14:00.000-07:00

ABsolutely fabulous ABS! Some basic abdominal exercises for all to enjoy. If you have mobility issues with your back (too tight), the bottom two are not for you...yet. Ootherwise, go nuts!

A strong core means you will stand up straighter when you run, your knees will come up higher, and your stride will be stronger (all with less effort than before!). Give these a go 3 times a week and make sure you pay attention to your form.

Run hard!
Coach Abby

10K Dash (no Splash)

2009-06-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Ah, those Road Runners folks had us all geared up for the annual Dash & Splash this past Saturday, only to realize too late that there would be no splash due to the fact that the pool is empty until July. Oh well, I never splash anyway, though it sure would have been nice as the 10K Dash was a humid one. I went out all by my lonesome, taking a cab up to the start at 102 at the East Drive of Central Park. Though I appreciate the start of this race because it's not my typical route, it does mean Cat Hill is at miles 4 & 5, so I knew I was in for a challenge. My goal was to race, hit a pr of 52 minutes, and be uncomfortable most of the way through. I accomplished two out of three.

Out of the gate I started at a good pace; I decided to find a faster runner and trail her as long as I could. But, the faster runner I chose slowed down a bit going up the Harlem Hill, so I passed her and looked for another runner to trail. At the mile one marker I looked at my watch and hit 9 minutes exactly. Feeling good I decided to pick it up a bit. Meanwhile, a girl in pink shorts was ahead of me; I tried to keep up with her, but realized quickly that she was going too fast and I'd never make it if I tried to go at her pace. So, I ran with myself for the next mile and at mile 2 I was at an 8:40 pace.

I passed a drink station just past mile 2; it was definitely humid, but I was feeling ok and decided not to fight the crowd. So, I'm moving along, feeling good...until I realize that I actually forgot to drink water before the start of the race. My mind traveled back to my morning. OK, I was in the kitchen, I made coffee, ate half a banana, took Phoebe out, drank my coffee, damn I'm running late, put Phoebe in her crate, dashed out the door to catch a cab...nope, no water. My mind comes back to the race and I start to have a mild panic attack, which clearly has a great affect on my pace because at mile 3 I was just below 8:40 and looking for water and gatorade, which I find just beyond the clock. As I grab both, drinking some of the water and pouring the rest over my head, then sipping some of the gatorade, I notice a short runner in a NY Flyers tank. She's got short hair and she's running at a good pace and she reminds me of my friend Nancy, so I decide to follow her, which I do pretty successfully. We're going at the same pace, and every time I start to slow down she's just a bit ahead, which motivates me to pick it up. It's getting harder, though. I'm sure I didn't eat enough (half a banana and coffee?) and I'm starting to feel my energy lessen. Plus, there's Cat Hill straight ahead and I am not feeling it. My NY Flyer woman is plugging along so I stay with her. Just as we're hitting the incline, though, NY Flyer disappears. I look back. She's walking. I look ahead of me and decide I don't want to walk, so I dig in to the hill. I know my posture is horrible at this point and pray there are no Brightroom paparazzi lurking. As I get to the top NY Flyer woman is back. She comes right up next to me and says "You're running at an even pace", to which I reply "I've been trying to stay with you", and she says "I've been trying to stay with you", and I say "Good". So for the last two miles NY Flyer and I help each other to the finish. I look at my watch and see that somewhere along the way, probably on Cat Hill, I've lost some time. It doesn't look like I'm going to make 52 minutes, but 53 is still a possibility. I try to speed up, but I'm struggling. By mile 5 3/4 NY Flyer has picked up the pace and is in a mild sprint, which I try to copy, but it's not happening. We loose each other at the last .2 and I cross the finish line at --- 54:20. How did that happen? Did I really loose that much time the last 1/2 of the race? I'm disappointed, so I start berating myself for not eating enough, not drinking enough, not pushing harder...until I see the volunteers are passing out popsicles, some of which are coconut flavored. Suddenly, I don't care about my time anymore; I just want a coconut popsicle. Phoebe and I are very much alike in this way. Our troubles are easily comforted by delicious treats.

I decide to take the bus home, another thing I don't do very often, but something I enjoy after a race that starts on 102nd Street. It's so easy to catch the bus. And, this time is no exception. Lots of runners are on the bus, too. One guy asks me how things went. I tell him great. He says he started out too fast. I say Cat Hill got me. He gets off the bus.

When I get home I let Phoebe lick my legs. She doesn't care about my time; she's just happy for the salt and the attention.

Ask the Coach: Back o' my neck gettin' dirty and gritty

2009-06-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

Woooo-weee! I don't know about you, but I am feelin' the humidity. I know that we've been under a rain cloud here in NYC for a week, but I have been sweatin' like it's August. Hot town, summer in the city! If this is any indication of what we have in store for us this summer, then this question will be incredibly helpful for all of you:

Q: Why do I get sooooo overheated when it's humid and how can I help get through my workout without keeling over?

A: The scientific answer to overheating in the humid weather is this: sweating is a way for your body to release heat, an internal cooling system, if you will. Normally when you sweat, the water evaporates off of your body and, voila!, your body has succeeded in lowering it's core temperature. Well, when there's an increase of moisture in the air, the sweat doesn't evaporate nearly as fast or at all. So, the sweat that is supposed to evaporate, leaving you cooler and dryer, now sits on top of your pores and acts like a blanket, thus causing you to overheat even more.

No good.

The solution? Well, I sweat like it's my job and more than any other girl I know and I've found a couple of things to be helpful:

-Dumping cold water on my head: Cools me down, cleans off the sweat and is mildly refreshing for a minute or so.

(followed by...)

-Carrying hankerchief with me when I run to wipe my face and neck. Tissues fall apart, my shirt is never dry past mile 3, and it's incredibly easy to hold onto while running. This helps to keep my internal A/C from getting overworked and protects me from overheating.

-Take my shirt off. I dry much faster when my wet tank top isn't sitting right on top of my skin, also working as a blanket. Now, I'm no Serena Williams and I've got a little extra cushioning around my middle, but I am not going to let a little vanity prevent me from finishing a run. No, sir!

-Run early. The air is typically cooler in the early morning and asphalt isn't nearly as hot.

-Hydrate and eat. When you sweat, you lose precious water, electrolytes and sodium from your body. If you don't replenish these in the form of sports drinks, water and Shot Block type running food, your body cannot rehydrate properly and you will bonk in a really bad way.

Heat exhaustion is not pretty, trust me. My personal recipe for heat exhaustion went something like this: Minnesota, July, 98 degrees and sunny. Professional athletes have died from the heat. Don't be a hero and kill yourself to finish a run. If you don't have the right stuff available, best to save it for another day.

The heat is no joke, people, and this summer isn't going to be any different. If you are training for a Fall marathon you will find lots of your longest runs happen in August. Please, please, please be safe out there. Make sure you have identification on you, someone knows where you are and when you should be expected to return and you should always be prepared with some cab money in case you start to feel unwell.

What are your stay-cool summer secrets?? Feel free to share them with us!

Run strong, friends. And stay cool!

Coach Abby

Good Times & Bad

2009-06-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's corny to say that running is always there for you, but everyone says it -- because it's true. I'm not always there for running, unfortunately. Lately I've had some tough races, and it's no secret I hate the heat and humidity that comes to NY this time of year. But the shoes, the road, and, if you're as lucky as I've been, the running partners are there.

The Mini 10K last weekend (nothing mini about it!) started strong and ended on my last gasp, and on the way I noticed so many things to be grateful for. The race itself, for one -- in the midst of my current worries about finding a new apartment, which is really just an annoyingly real metaphor for moving on to the next stage of my life, I was lucky to have 6.2 miles to forget and just be (panting) in the moment. My husband had kindly stayed "asleep" that morning so I could sneak out of the house and not talk about how nervous I was. The 5,000 women who'd also shown up on that beautiful Sunday morning reminded me I'm not alone; everyone struggles over hills, literally and figuratively. One of those women gave me a smile and an encouraging word when I faltered in mile 5. And my friend Erica stuck with me, when I was charging over the Harlem hills and when I hit a wall in the second half. And then another wall ... and in the last mile, not slowing her down further was the only thing that kept me going at all.

I wish I could always be enjoying good times, that I could always show up for my running partners and the road itself the way they always show up for me. I hope I'll have a chance to return all the amazing support I've received. In the meantime, I'm counting my blessings, and heading back to the park as soon as possible.

More Brooklyn Half

2009-06-03T14:14:00.001-07:00

This is what I looked like at mile 12. I am the sad little one in yellow looking like my life is about to end.
Look at the girl in red. She looks strong. She's standing up straight.
From here on out I promise to stand up straight if it kills me. Those brightroom photographers are everywhere you don't want them to be.

National Running Day

2009-06-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Alright, people, get off your butts, put on your sneakers, and go run around your town tomorrow because it is National Running Day! What is National Running Day? I have no idea; every day is National Running Day for me. But, you can find out by checking out the website.
If you've been looking for an excuse to start running now is your chance!

Image ripped from the National Running Day website.

Helpful Hints for the Newbie

2009-06-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

So I’m new to all this. I have no expertise. I have no past to draw upon. I am in the now, as they say. All I can share with you is what I’m learning at the present time. My training for the NYC Triathlon has been incredible. It's given me a confidence in myself that I thought I misplaced. The good news is this is my first one, so I will not devalue my own experience by comparing this year’s Triathlon to last year’s like some world traveler who incorporates the phrase “the time I spent in Bulgaria” into every conversation as if to illustrate that other opinions are insignificant poo.

So, here's what I’ve learned so far in my NYC Triathlon training:

1. When in doubt, stretch your calves.
2. For all those athletes who pass you- there are twice as many who are behind you.
3. A “Brick” is a combination of biking and running. Not doing them at the same time as one might think, but doing them one right after another.
4. Eating bananas are great for relieving leg cramps.
5. Swimming a mile in the pool in 30 minutes is not only doable but extremely boring.
6. Central Park is the greatest park in the midtown.
7. To other runners, chatting with a buddy while running is like talking on your cell phone in the quiet car of the train.
8. Chatting with a buddy while swimming is hard.
9. Running 6.2 miles is more a mental block than a physical one.
10. I fart more often than I ever have. I blame the bananas.
11. It doesn’t matter how aerodynamic your bike looks or how cool you dress; everyone looks ridiculous wearing a bike helmet.
12. Do not wear shorts in thirty-degree weather.
13. The generosity of those friends and family members who have donated money to my TNT cancer research cause has been amazing. Here’s the link.
14. Sharing running stories are just as exciting as listening to them.
15. To everyone’s shock, George enlisted in the army, but died from saving a girl getting hit by a bus; however, he still joined Izzy on the elevator to heaven dressed in his army uniform.
16. The word triathlon is French for “sports with no balls." (that’s not a euphemism)
17. Vanilla goo tastes better than chocolate goo. (that’s not a euphemism)
18. Do not run with your bike helmet on (THAT’S a euphemism)
19. I haven’t been in this great of shape since the time I spent in Bulgaria.

Until next time… assuming there’s a next time... support your local brunch.

The Second Half

2009-05-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow is Brooklyn.
My second half marathon.

Yikes! I have been unusually calm about this one.
But nerves have begun to sneak up on me.

I did a 10 mile run, a 9 mile run and a 7 mile run, as well as 5, 4, and 3 mile runs leading up to
tomorrow. I hope I did that right.

Last September I felt a little panicky as I approached the Queens half marathon, and the Queens half turned out to be just as scary as one could imagine. Hot, Humid, Hilly.

I walked at least a mile straight.

I couldn't contemplate why I would ever want to run a full marathon after that.
Somehow that feeling faded.

I wasn't the only one who had a bad run. It was a rough day, and despite our strengths and training we are human and subject to the elements. At least, most of us are.

So here I am on the eve of my second half marathon, optimistic, excited, and remembering that anything can happen, and I can only do my best.

Here's hoping my best is at least 10- 15 minutes better than Queens.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Ask the Coach: The Couple That Runs Together Stays Together...right?

2009-05-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

Q: I've been a runner for a little while and my partner has expressed interest in joining me on some of my runs. Is this a good idea? I thought I could give some pointers since I'm a veteran runner. Thoughts?

A: I'm not a life coach or a therapist or anything but I feel pretty comfortable answering this question and others that relate to it since I have experienced this situation first-hand. Let me be clear: my partner is loving and wonderful and patient and kind and I'm not quite sure how he puts up with me at times. I love him very much and enjoy his company. We are both very athletic people with a love for all things active and outdoors. He is actually running his first marathon this Fall-hooray! Lucky him, right??, to have an excellent coach and trainer at his disposal...mmm hmmm...

I will probably not ever again in my life run another step with him. We've tried, God knoooows we've tried, but that just 'ain't gonna happen, folks. He's 6'2", I'm 5'9". My torso is as long as his and his legs go up to my ribs. I take 1.5 steps for every 1 of his. I have run 7 marathons, he's run mostly with the military on forced "humps." We are oil and water when it comes to running styles, too. I am a pace person. That is, I run a very consistent pace every single mile, with the exception of the last few miles when I try like hell to speed up a little bit. He, on the other hand, speeds up to pass the next person in front of him and then slows back down. He spots another person, speeds up to pass and then slows back down. He thinks I'm half-stepping him, I think he's holding back to amuse and patronize me.

The point is that we are excellent life partners, but lousy running buddies. We bicker about where to turn as we head to the Park, what route we should take, how far we should go, what exercises he's not doing to adequately maintain his running strength, our speed, our splits, and on and on and on and on...it's just not for us. By the end of the run, we are snippy with one another and neither of us has had a very mentally or physically fulfilling workout. I envy the couples I see, jogging along in the Park together while discussing their dinner plans for later that evening. But I've come to grips with the fact that we are not that couple and never will be.

Give it a go, but be aware of the signs that you and your partner may not be "running-buddy compatible." If you find yourself compromising the majority of your runs in order to stay with your partner, be it going too slow or too fast, you may consider finding a partner who runs more at your pace. If you find that you or your partner puts on the I.K.E. (I Know Everything) Coach hat, maybe it's time to find a group to run with so as to avoid being "that guy" on every run. If your partner is constantly bombarding you with questions about how he/she should be training and you'd prefer a quieter run, go out by yourself more often. If you find yourself resenting your partner for going slower/faster, turning too late/too soon, speeding up and slowing down when it doesn't exactly suit your fancy, or if you are just plain nasty to one another during runs, please, for the health of your own relationship, seek out a different running partner.

If you are the couple that runs harmoniously in the Park, on the River and over the Bridges together, just know that I am jealous. I am jealous, but I am not insane. So, good for you and keep going and you're so lucky!, but I am not going to keep on trying to be you. I am going to run by myself, with a friend or in a group--far, far away from my amazing, attractive, selfless partner. I will meet him at the end with a Gatorade and a high-five.

Just because you aren't perfect running partners doesn't mean you aren't perfect life partners.

Run hard, friends! See you in Brooklyn (I'll be at Cortelyou Road-left side, cheering you on!)

Coach Abby

Run For Charity - Get A Spot in the Marathon

2009-05-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Want to run the 2009 NYC Marathon, but you didn't get your nine races in before the deadline?
Want to rescue a dog, but your partner is allergic?
Why don't you combine your love of running with your love of animals and sign up with Team Animal League? Organized by North Shore Animal League America, this is a great way to help out an amazing organization which is dedicated to saving animals and finding them good homes. If you don't have a spot in the marathon you can put your feet to good use by raising money and awareness while also accomplishing your own personal goals.
Want to help out but already have a spot in the race? Fortunately for you you can still register with Team Animal League if you pledge to raise $1500.00.

Photo taken from TAL website.

Mantras II

2009-05-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I did a post asking runner friends to list their "mantra", a few words or a phrase that helped motivate them before, during or after a run. Most of the responses were phrases and, while motivational, were probably not things those runners actually say to themselves in the midst of a long, hard run. At mile 20 my mind can barely string two words together let alone a phrase! In 2007 I had this great mantra ready, and I couldn't wait for the later half of the marathon to use it. Between miles 21 - 26.2 that great mantra turned into one word: "Down". That's all I could say to myself -- "down, down, down, down" -- to keep my feet hitting the ground and therefore, continue forward motion.

Anna's comment on "Pasadena Pain" reminded me of how personal and important mantras are, and how one or a few words can help you get through a tough run, can even change the condition of your body. I've been struggling with lower back pain and, instead of talking about it constantly, I say something similar to Anna and tell myself my body is healthy -- and the pain subsides. Now, please don't take this as permission to ignore pain. (I go to physical therapy for a specific lower back issue.) If you need to go see a doctor, go see a doctor. But, sometimes those little pains we get when we run are because we're running, which doesn't always feel good. And, sometimes, a few positive words can get us through that long 9 miler.

So, maybe we can try this mantra sharing one more time. If you've got a word or words you say to yourself to help you keep moving go ahead and leave them in the "comments" section. Mine lately is "I'm fast and healthy".

Pasadena Pain

2009-05-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

I'm in to rhyme apparently.

I've been in California this past week on a sort of Business/Pleasure trip so it has made it difficult to keep to my running schedule (4-5 days a week). Additionally, having been extremely busy before I left has really sort of thrown off my training. It would not be so bad if I wasn't prematurely training for a half-marathon (Brooklyn) while easing into my marathon training.

I say prematurely because I had been off a regular running routine and was just getting back into a regular running schedule when my girlfriend and I decided to sign up for the Brooklyn Half Marathon. We debated whether or not it was too early, and after a brief motivational call with a running girl I know, decided why not.

So last week, I ran 10 miles as my long run. We had done a 7 mile run the week before which turned into an 8 mile for lack of planning. So, in a way, the progression was okay. The 10 miler was good. Girlfriend was sick so I ran the first 6 miles by myself and she joined me for the last 4 which was an amazing energy booster. Well, she and the gel I had when I picked her up. So that went okay, and I felt good about heading towards this half-marathon.

So this week I am out at my brother's house in Pasadena. I've been eating poorly, sleeping poorly and not quite staying on schedule. I decided I was going to do my 9 mile long run on Saturday at about 4pm, despite having been out the night before, despite preferring to run in the mornings, despite the high heat.

I started out slow, something that is sometimes difficult, but since I don't do any pre-run stretching it's very important. Early into my run my brother passed me in the van and told me my 6 year old nephew wanted me to come see him skate at a nearby park that was along my route. I found I was feeling discomfort in my knees pretty early in the run. My knees have been pretty good lately. But last year was a different story.

Last year as my girlfriend and I began easing our way towards our first Marathon, the 2009 NYC Marathon, and decided we would take a stab at the half marathon and ran the Queens half in September of last year. As we ramped up our mileage for that race, I ended up injuring my knee. An injury that we later decided was my IT band. A common running injury from not stretching enough and adding too many miles too fast.

So as I am beginning my 9 miles, these fears start to arrive, that I am not going to finish, that I will have to take time off again, that this half is too soon, and I am adding mileage too fast. I don't want that feeling I had last year. The feeling that I've blown a tire, that I can barely walk let alone run. So while I am feeling this pain in the same knee (right) I get a different pain in my left knee, I try to float my legs, try not to let them hit too hard. The pain floats in and out.

At two miles I stopped to see my brother and my nephew at the skate park. I take this time to stretch, I am already worried I won't be able to finish. I begin to negotiate with myself, 'why not make this a 4 mile run, and do the 9 tomorrow?' 'No, we can do this, tomorrow has no guarantees.' I get back on the road, I am glad that I have told people I will be back around 6, I am glad that my brother knows the basic route I am taking. I am hopeful that none of that will matter. That I will finish my run running, not limping.

It's about 3 miles to the Rose Bowl, which I've never been to, then 3 miles around and a little more than 3 miles back. As I get towards the Rose Bowl, I get a little confused from the map I had in my head. The confusion doesn't help, but I push through. The voices are there, 'if you feel pain, stop', 'don;t push too hard', 'time to walk'. But I can't stop, I keep going. The pain continues to cycle in and out.

Around mile 6 I am trying to figure out why the run is so hard. I don't have a lot of push, I am trying to keep up with my run, not control it. A little later I realize that while I have been sipping water at every mile, I never ate a gel, I don't have a gel, I am not prepared for this run. It's a hard run but it looks like I might make it.

It's over an hour later and I see that my brother and nephew are still at the park. I run up but I still have a run to finish and I feel like if I stop it will be over, my knee will give up, the van will carry me home. I see they are packing up, and I get back on the road, with no real stop, just some running in place. I have about a mile left and I see my brother has pulled over. He tells me that my nephew wants to skate home with me. And while I have to be conscious of him as I run and he skates along a busy street, have to keep a pace that is neither faster or slower than him, I am thankful for the company, I am glad for the distraction. And the pain fades away.

After the run I don't feel as sore, I stretch, and I think 'I am going to make it.'

I am going to make Brooklyn and I am going to make NYC.

I am going to finish my first marathon.

What, me worry?

2009-05-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

So, the big ol' Brooklyn Half is coming up at the end of May. Since I've never run a race during marathon training outside Manhattan it's been one of my goals to do just that. Last year I couldn't pull it together to get to another borough as the disc injury prevented me from running until fairly late in the season. This year I have no excuse. Transportation is being taken care of so I can't use that; my back feels ok; and lots of friends are running, which is always motivation for me to do things I'm typically too lazy to do. The only problem is my long runs haven't been very long at all. The most I've done is a 15k and that was, what, seven weeks ago? To be fair I did run nine miles two weeks back, did a six miler while on vacation, and plan to run the 10K Healthy Kidney race tomorrow. That, combined with my regular runs and speed work class, should be enough. Not one to err on the side of caution, but definitely one to stress until after the race when I discover I have indeed survived, I will be at the Brooklyn Half. Hopefully in new Asics.

Ask the Coach (cough...cough...sniff)

2009-05-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Ah, Spring! Those lovely sun-filled morning runs with the cool air breezing by your bare arms (finally-tank tops and shorts weather!). I just love this time of year for running. I think my Tuesday Morning Maniacs appreciated it, too, since they had some half-mile repeats in the Park at 6:30am this week. Those are just not fun once the humidity bears down on all of us in July. Something to look forward to...

...I digress. I was thinking about how much I love Spring and everything that goes along with it except for when all of my clients and runners get sick and bring their germs to our workouts to share with everyone else, namely ME. So, here's the question I get all the time:

Q. Should I run/workout when I'm sick?

A. Eh, if you feel up to it. A good rule of thumb for the common cold/flu is: If your symptoms have settled in the neck area or above and you feel up to it go ahead and take a nice, leisurely jog. Nothing crazy, but moving around might actually help make you feel better. Generally strength training isn't high on the list of priorities because anaerobic exercise requires so much more power and your body usually just doesn't have it to give when you're under the weather. If you're too pooped to make it through a full day of work, let alone more than a mile of running, don't force yourself. Here's the skinny on why you're so very tired when you are sick:

A virus attacks your immune system (fight like the dickens, little white blood cells, FIGHT!) and your body is working to battle off what you've got and build up an immunity to ever getting it again. This is precisely why your core temperature can be elevated. You have a fever and, no, cowbell won't help. However, rest will help. Your body cannot be expected to function at 100% strength and endurance levels when there is a war within. When in doubt, it's a good idea to give those little soldiers a rest and let your DVR do some work.

When to absolutely not run, workout or come in contact with humans other than your significant other (they are obliged to feed you during your time of peril) or roommate (not so much obliged to provide food as they are just in the line of fire):

-You have a significant fever (usually over 99 degrees) which may or may not be accompanied by the chills
-You haven't been able to keep regular amounts of food down
-You have problems with one end or another (you know what I'm talking about)
-You're too dizzy, short of breath, or nauseated to complete everyday activities
-Your doctor tells you to rest
-You are projectile coughing, sneezing or anything else-there are people out there who don't want to get what ever you got
-You are too tired to get off the couch and turn off the reruns of "90210" (which we can all agree is awesomely bad, but still BAD)

When in doubt, rest. I promise you won't lose all of the training you've done up until the H1N1 Virus took hold of your body. It may take you a week or so after being sick to feel normal during your workouts but give yourself a break and remember that viruses last a whoooooole lot longer when you push too far too soon.

Run hard, friends!!

Coach Abby

Compromise

2009-05-09T10:33:00.001-07:00

Last night my friend threw herself a grad school graduation party, and while I had every intention of going to see and congratulate her, I fell asleep at 9:30 and missed it. Clearly I needed the sleep -- didn't wake up until after 8:30 this morning -- but it was an annoying reminder that I can't always have everything I want. I want to do speedwork, meet friends for a run (often) or drinks (once or twice a week), cross-train, eat well but have some treats too, and wake up ready for a long run on Saturday mornings. Oh, right, and go to work Monday-Friday. Is that so much to ask?

I guess so. But I'm insanely lucky that I do have most of that, most of the time. For now I'm blessed with (relative) youth and the lack of any real adult responsibilities -- you know, kids -- plus a supportive partner who almost always wants the same things and will wake up on those Saturdays with me. I'm lucky that I can show up for 8 miles of Prospect Park and only really be worried about the crushing humidity and getting up that stupid hill (twice! ha HA!). And now I'm off to another friend's party, this time in the afternoon. I just hope I can stay awake through it ... a nap is sounding awfully good right now ...

Why Do I Run (poem)

2009-05-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

WHY DO I RUN?
'TAIN'T NO MYSTERY--
WANNA HAVE A GOOD MEDICAL HISTORY.
DOCTOR TOLD ME
RUNNIN IS GREAT--
HELPS THEM BLOOD CELLS CIRCULATE.
GREAT FOR THE LUNGS,
GREAT FOR THE TICKER
CAN'T NOTHIN' GETCHA IN BETTER SHAPE QUICKER.
FEELS SO HEALTHY,
FEELS SO SWEET
PUMPIN MY ARMS AND FLAPPIN' MY FEET.
MOLDIN' MY MUSCLES,
FIRMIN' MY FORM,
PANTIN' LIKE A PACK MULE,
SWEATIN' UP A STORM.
KEEPS ME YOUTHFUL,
KEEPS ME LOOSE,
TIGHTENS MY TUMMY AND SHRINKS MY CABOOSE.
BEATS BEIN’ SLUGGISH
BEATS BEIN' LAZY--
WHY DO I RUN? MAYBE I'M CRAZY!

Astoria Rain

2009-05-06T22:43:00.001-07:00

So here is how I thought it would go.

One day I would get up and run 26 miles, um point something.

But then I found out that is not how it works. Apparently, before you can run 26+ miles you have to run 20 miles, and before that 18 miles, and 15 and 13.1 and so on and so on. Until one day months before you ever run 26 something miles, you find yourself running 4 miles in the rain a little after midnight just so you can run your pre-training training run.

Running after midnight isn't the worst. It's exciting in a way. In the way that it makes you feel like you are doing something wonderful, dangerous and super human. Also in the way that makes you think, 'I may not be ready to run a marathon yet, but if I can run in this crap then how bad can that 26 miler be?'

Ask the Coach: So Many Workouts, So Little Time

2009-05-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

Whether you are new or old to running (I am old, and I am okay with that) you may be asking yourself this question:

Q. How much should I be running and where does my cross training fit in?

A. By now, many of you have heard of the "Ultra-Marathon Man," Dean Karnazes, who claims that he is simply genetically gifted enough to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. What you might not get from that little sound bite is that he has a team of doctors that follow him every step of the way and that he trains every single day to build and maintain the strength to have his body perform at that level of activity. He, like Lance Armstrong and other fierce endurance athletes, has a genetically exceptional VO2 capacity and is just plain lucky that his body puts up with that kind of pounding. I promise you that this won't be the case forever. I know this because he is not Superman nor is he Wolverine, for that matter.

I tell you about Dean not to diminish his accomplishments or to discourage you from running great distances, rather to make a point. Running is not your job; it is a hobby. Most runners need not run more than 4 days a week. One tempo run, one speed/hill day, one moderate run, one long run. This is an age-old formula that is tried and true. If you are pressed for time and can only fit three days in, alternate the speed/hill day and tempo run every other week and keep your moderate run and long run every single week.

Your cross training (ie. lifting, yoga, biking, swimming) can be done on the same day as your moderate run or your tempo run or on an off day. You need not push your body further (provided you are doing a decent amount of distance or a challenging speed/hill workout) on the other days. You'll want to run first and cross train second on the days that you double-up your workout.

You will not gain anything by overtraining except a new relationship with your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. Don't get me wrong, I adore my PT but I'd really prefer not to see him during training season.

A note about weekly mileage: Mileage is slowly built over time in conjunction with a comprehensive strength training program. If you are strong, you can go for greater distances. That strength is built through weight-bearing exercise, not longer runs. Longer runs build cardiovascular endurance, not stronger legs. Strong muscles and a strong cardiovascular system are both complimentary and necessary in running.

So, next time you're considering following a running schedule that suggests you run 6 days a week to train for a marathon or any other race (I've seen them and couldn't believe my eyes!!), remind yourself that unless you have a coach, physical therapist, massage therapist, pilates instructor and nutritionist on retainer and you are running for money, IT'S JUST A HOBBY.

Run smart and run strong, friends.

Coach Abby

P.S. If you'd like me to tailor a running program to your needs, please feel free to leave a note in the "Comment" section of this blog and I'll get back to you.

The Battle of Brooklyn

2009-05-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

I figured I'd write my first post here after this week's long run, and here I am, still covered in salt (97% humidity? Is that really necessary?) and proud of myself for another tough trip to Brooklyn.

My husband Andy and I are training for our fourth Brooklyn 1/2 Marathon, so we've been trying to get in a few trips to Prospect Park, home of my favorite hill, which I'm sure has a real name but which I call the Battle of Brooklyn. It is a CLIMB, and during this particular 9-miler it comes at mile 8. Which is not usually how I roll -- I like the hills low and early, thank you -- but I'm trying to be tougher.

My brain was making a lot of noise this morning, telling me I was going to get overheated, that the Brooklyn Bridge was too long, the Battle was going to kick my ass, that the 1/2 marathon wasn't worth this, oh and also who the hell do I think I am for signing up for the NYC full marathon again this year? Clearly I needed to walk to the nearest subway station and go home.

It was a good day, though -- one of those days when your brain gets turned back around and you actually do get a little tougher. And it was the silliest thing -- a few minutes into the park, I noticed a guy walking up ahead and realized it was the actor who played Marlo on The Wire. So exciting! Hey, Andy, it's Marlo! He looks just like he did on the show! Should we say something? Nah ...

But after that, I got a little second wind. My brain started thinking about how well I was doing, what a good, steady pace I was keeping. How I needed to be patient -- the Battle was up ahead, but look at all these nice trees and other people in the meantime. And when the Battle came, my breathing got really heavy (97% humidity!!), but my thoughts were good. Keep going. Get angry. Get over. Yeah, it'd be nice to stop, but I'm not going to. I'm not stopping.

I made it over, I got through the last half-mile, I stretched and did my leg lifts (seriously, do not ignore Coach Abby), and we went to brunch at Dizzy's (yay, giant bowl of yogurt, granola, and fruit). So thanks, Marlow, I really did love you on that show! And though I'm not sure I'll ever be that tough, it's a great feeling to make it over another hill.

Mix Tape

2009-04-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Some mornings the angel and devil in my head (I'll call them "Good Runner Girl" and "Bad Runner Girl") battle it out for dominance, the argument always over running vs. one more hour of sleep. "Good Runner Girl" always wins when she bribes "Bad Runner Girl" with the promise of music. "Bad Runner Girl" cannot resist, especially when she thinks about the latest mix "Good Runner Girl" made the night before: Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Run (Gnarls Barkley), Shut Up and Drive (Rhianna), Loose Control (Missy Elliot) Sexyback (Justin Timberlake), just to name the first five songs.

Running with music is a little treat I give myself when I'm lacking motivation. And, since most of my runs are with a friend or with my self, having music becomes something to look forward to. Now, just so we're clear, I am not advocating running with your music making device during a race; it's dangerous to you and those around you. But, adding some rhythmic beats to the beat of your shoes hitting the ground during a daily run can be therapeutic, fun, and can also help you move a little faster than you normally would so you burn more calories.

Personally, I'm in dire need of some new music. Nothings worse than putting together a new mix of songs you like, but, ultimately, are terrible on a run. I'll tell you right now The Shins do not making "move your body" music. List some of your favorite running songs in the comments section of this post so I can make a new running mix!

Coach Abby

2009-04-28T10:02:00.001-07:00

Hi! I'm Coach Abby and I'm a personal trainer, a runner, a student and (now!) a Blogger :) I'm sort of new to all of this, but I'm going to give it a go and, God willing, I will not suck. This is where all that private school grammar kicks in...

I am going to be posting a weekly column called "Ask the Coach" that will address real questions that I've been asked by clients, friends, family and perfect strangers who ask for health and fitness advice from me in bars all over the tri-state area. If you have a question, feel free to leave it in the "comment" section of any of my posts and I'll do my best to get to it in a timely fashion.

Be aware that, as a personal trainer, I am not licensed prescribe any diet other than what the Food Pyramid designates. I will definitely talk about food and how it pertains to your running schedule and needs, but I cannot make individual diets for anyone. That's what licensed nutritionists and dieticians are for, my friends! Also, you should consult your physician before starting any fitness routine.

Disclaimers: done. Onto a recent question:

Q: Will lower body strength training make me bulky?

A: Short answer, no. Not unless you are consuming a serious amount of protein combined with lifting very heavy weight for very few repetitions and are also a man. Men have more testosterone than women and, thus, build muscle faster than women do. This also explains why men are generally faster and stronger than women where almost every sport is concerned.

So, if you are a female runner who is avoiding the weight training because you're frightened that you might end up looking something like Xena, Warrior Princess instead of Kara Goucher (she's had an impressive start to her marathon career!), have no fear, Coach Abby is here. Or, if you are a male runner who has legs that resemble a certain animal of the poultry variety that clucks, listen up!

WEIGHT TRAINING IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF EVERY RUNNER'S PROGRAM.

Trust me, you'll thank me one day for insisting that you head to the gym once or twice a week for your 30 minute leg circuit. It goes something like this:

3 sets x 15 reps Leg Extension
3 sets x 15 reps Hamstring Curls
3 sets x 20 reps Leg Press (not squats)
3 sets x 20 reps Calf raises

Finish up with the Four-Sided Leg Lifts (a la Jane Fonda-ankle weights optional) Each of these exercises is performed for one minute straight. These are the most important, and difficult, exercises you will ever do...if you are doing them right.

-Lie flat on your back with one knee bent (that foot on the ground) and one leg straight. Lift your straight leg up and down. Switch legs.
-Lie completely straight on your side. Lift your top leg up and down, being careful to always keep your foot flexed (the opposite of point) and your toes turned forward, not up. Switch legs.
-Lying on your side, cross your top foot over and in front of your bottom leg. Lift and lower the straight bottom leg. Switch legs.
-Lie on your stomach, face down. Lift one straight leg up and down and focus on squeezing your glutes (aka. tushy, butt, rear end) and not using your lower back. Switch legs.

Weight gain aside, you may experience a change in the way that your bottoms fit. Your muscles will have more shape to them and certain areas (ie. your glutes) might be a little more lifted and so your pants may feel a little more snug up there. However, these simple exercises are the key to the overall health of your lower limbs and are not to be ignored!

Your homework is to write these exercises down and get 'em done once a week. If you don't know what they are, ask a trainer at your gym. It is their job to offer advice and show you how to use machines-at no additional cost to you! If you don't already belong to a gym, consider the YMCA's Summer Membership. Last summer is was $215/person or $245/family for Memorial Day to Labor Day. It's a great deal and comes at the perfect time for the running/marathon season.

Until next time, friends, run your best!

Coach Abby

Move Your Body

2009-04-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Abby Sweitzer is an awesome trainer and a wonderfully generous person who is offering FREE running classes on Tuesday mornings in Central Park. You have NO EXCUSE to sleep in. Get a pair of good running shoes and get your butt to the park!

Running Gifts

2008-12-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Baby, it's cold outside.
Once the run starts, however, it's not so bad. In fact, I don't mind it so much. As long as it doesn't drop below 34 degrees I'm fine to throw on multiple layers and get my (cold) run on.
Speaking of multiple layers, Runner's World has some cool gift ideas for the holidays. I'm not going to lie -- most of the stuff on the list isn't priced for the frugal shopper. But, if you are a runner or have a runner on your gift list, give it a look. There's some great books on the list that are affordable, as is the pedi-relax set. And, we runners need products to help us take care of our tough, ugly feet. (I speak only for myself as I have plenty of runner friends with pretty feet. I, sad to say, suffer missing toenails and blisters.)
Other gifts runners love: massages, facials, foot rubs, yoga classes, socks, gift certificates to Niketown, Jack Rabbit Sports, and, if you want to do something really cool for your runner, pay for their first three NYRR race fees for 2009.

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful...

2008-11-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

Where the heck did fall go? I was expecting to enjoy some chilly, not freezing, runs for at least another month, but it looks like Mother Nature has other plans. Sigh.
Alison, Adam and I met at the gym this morning; Alison said she hated the gym at least 20 times. I was happy to be on the treadmill because I hadn't been motivated to get out of bed to run outside all week. It felt good to move my legs, work up a sweat.
Unlike some of my more thick-skinned runner friends, I do not like running in temperatures below 40 degrees. I have a really hard time getting started, and by "getting started" I mean getting my butt out of bed and out the door. Why would anyone want to leave a warm, toasty bed in favor of cold Central Park? So, it looks like I'll be in the gym and on the treadmill sooner than I thought.

The Run After

2008-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Feeling recovered I did a 4-miler in Central Park on Friday. By mile 2 1/2 my knees were talking and my disc was making it's presence known.

My disc was noticeably around all weekend, actually. I was sitting in a chair most of the day yesterday and I was really uncomfortable. I had to move to the floor. Am wondering if I need to go back to physical therapy more often.

Marathon and Beyond

2008-11-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

4:04:41. (Nine minutes faster than last year!)

Don't be afraid to be uncomfortable.

Mariana gave me this piece of advice early on and it's become my mantra. It's the reason why I almost hit my goal of 4:00:00. And, it's the reason I decided to take the chance and go for my goal despite the fact that the majority of my long runs this year were really...bad. There were times this year when I wasn't sure I ever wanted to run again. Ever. But, on November 2nd I looked down 4th Avenue in Brooklyn and decided that I was going to have a great long training run. While a lot of strangers cheered. And occasionally yelled my name.

Some cool stuff that happened:
Amye Lewis found us at mile 5.
I didn't have feeling in my hands until mile 16 (it was cold).
Kirk's brother Scott took 6 seconds of video.
My shirt was a big hit, and I enjoyed the shout outs... until mile 23.
I overcame my fear of pace bracelets.

I should explain my fear of pace bracelets. In the past I did not like them because it meant I'd have to commit to a certain time, and I was afraid to commit to a certain time because if I failed I'd be disappointed. But, this year I got a pace bracelet from Nike, I wore it, and it made the race more competitive, which made it more interesting. Mariana, Amye and I followed the pace per mile for more than half the race, until Mariana pulled ahead and Amye and I slowed down a bit. I have to admit, I really enjoyed the bracelet and I'm going to start wearing them regularly. I typically avoid anything having to do with numbers and calculations (another reason I've feared pace bracelets in the recent past), but now I want one for every race.

Mariana, Amye, Adam, and Keith ran their first marathon. Alison and I ran our third. Barnett, Andy, & Amanda ran their second. Ciara ran her 100th. (Just kidding; I'm not sure how many she's on. It's a lot, though.)

As usual, the energy from the crowd was invigorating, but this year it felt slightly elevated. My theory is since the race was so close to the election people were especially excited. I know I was. And, when Amye commented on how quickly the miles were going by, I was aware that I didn't even feel the first 16 miles I was so high. That all went away by mile 18 when my right knee kept insisting that I stop. But, that running-on-air feeling was great while it lasted. One more reminder of why I run in the first place.

11 Days and Counting

2008-10-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

This has been a challenging marathon season to say the least. You've heard enough of my moaning and groaning about my disc injury and the unfairness of life as a result. To top it off my obsession with the election has made it all but impossible to embrace the awesomeness that is the New York City Marathon. I've spent the better part of the year absorbing everything MSNBC, The New York Times, Huffington Post, CNN, blogs by political-savvy friends, NPR has to offer. I've lost sleep, my acid reflux is back, and I'm sure I'm developing cancer of the esophagus, which has me worried because no one does a walk to raise money for cancer of the esophagus.

I am happy to report that, while my Election '08 obsession continues, I am finally, FINALLY, getting excited about the marathon. This morning Alison and I did our speed work in Central Park, which included sprints crossing the finish line at Tavern-On-The-Green. It was cold, it was early, so it took me a minute to notice that, hey, the men are out assembling the bleachers! Look! The flags designating the marathon route are waving! It's a beautiful day! My back doesn't hurt! I've had great runs the past few weeks! And I'm going to have a great race!

I am going to have a great race. It's not something I have to force myself to believe; it just is. After all my complaining and all the struggles and all the physical therapy, the voice inside my head that knows everything told me that I am going to enjoy November 2nd and I am going to run strong. I am going to have a great race.

Grete's Gallop

2008-10-07T10:11:00.001-07:00

Wow, what perfect weather! It was a lovely day for a run last Saturday, and I took advantage by mentally and physically preparing all week in hopes of a strong race. I didn't disappoint myself; I finished feeling good and only one minute slower than last year, where I PR'd at 2:00:something. This year was 2:01: something. But, that's ok, I had a great race, especially compared to how I've been doing this year. The night before the race I ate linguine with white clam sauce. I think pasta is the way to go. I've experimented with a more balanced plate: a protein, a vegetable, and a starch. But, I'd been losing steam at the end. Having a more carb-heavy dinner proved effective, at least on Saturday. I'll continue down this road and see if it continues to make a difference.

Feeling good?

2008-10-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I'm not as fast as I was last year. So what?
I came in 4 minutes slower at the 18 mile tune up this year than last.
I'd be ok with this "getting slower" crap if I understood why it's happening. My disc isn't the problem. I'm eating what I think I should be eating. I never get enough sleep, but who does and when has that ever been an issue?
I did a good 4 mile speed work out this morning. I'm going to time myself around the 6 mile loop tomorrow...actually, scratch that. Grete's Gallop is two loops around CP, so I'm staying out of the park for the rest of the week. Speaking of, my average pace per mile at Grete's was 9:12. My 18 mile pace last year was 9:35. Over the weekend it was 9:47! OK, so it was incredibly humid and horrible outside, that may have affected me.
If anyone has any theories about why I may be getting slower I am willing to listen.

20 Miles

2008-09-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

I am chaffed in a very bad place.

20 miles with the NYRR, Alison, Amanda, and Andy on Saturday. It was a relatively painless run, save for the last 4 miles and the discovery later on in the shower of the chaffing in a very bad place. The good news is my before-run meal plan (oatmeal with honey, cinnamon, and lactaid) is working, as is ingesting Gu every hour and a half. I've learned this season to eat the Gu before I start losing energy instead of after I've lost the will to live.

Alan (why do almost all of my runner friends have "A" names? I feel like I'm part of some weird clique, like in "Heathers".) called yesterday after running the Queens Half. He's not feeling optimistic about running the marathon. I haven't had a chance to give him the "you can do it" pep talk. I'm probably not in the best position to motivate anyone since I've struggled this year myself.

On the opposite end of the running spectrum, Barnett sent a text saying he ran the half in an hour and a half, which is a pr for him. Good Lord. These days I'm lucky if I'm running under a 9 minute mile.

Things I Did Wrong

2008-08-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

In preparation for last week's 16 mile run I:

1. Did not eat the night before.
2. Did not eat enough in the morning.

Stupid.

Coming back from what started as a great run -- down Park Avenue in celebration of the city's Summer Streets, then across the Brooklyn Bridge, back up Park Avenue and finish with two CP 1.7 loops -- I felt my body give up. It literally deflated like a slashed tire. And, it didn't occur to me that I didn't eat enough until my body said "No", quietly, but forcefully.

I did a couple of things right, though. First, I met another runner who was having a hard time and hung with him for awhile. I planned to stop at mile 11 until my new friend Kevin said he was going to run - walk the rest. He was going to run-walk, but he was going to finish.

Second, Kevin and I hooked up with Pauline, a spunky little woman who was running at a reasonable pace and had enough energy to carry Kevin and I, though Kevin did have to walk again. I managed to hang with Pauline, surviving only because she was super chatty and I had a feeling she needed someone to hang with her, too.

So, I had yet another bad long run. But, I did finish. And, I guess that is always something to celebrate. And, side note: I took my first ice bath. In four years of running I've never taken an ice bath. I will not make a habit of it as it was -- excuse me for stating the obvious -- fracking freezing, but I must admit it TOTALLY worked. My muscles recovered in, like, no time. I had no pain the following day.

18 miles tomorrow. Fingers crossed I did something right tonight.

2008-08-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

I had my first workout with Anthony this afternoon. We're concentrating on core strength, which I'm going to do two days a week. This, along with my four day a week running schedule and one day of yoga will, hopefully, make me stronger an keep my body relatively safe from injury. It's taken me a minute to fully embrace running less, but I'm listening to Abby and Anthony and Dr. Amico, who have all said the NYRR training schedule is crazy. I used that schedule for two years, and it turned me into a runner, that is for sure, but I want to be more than a runner; I want to be a strong athlete who will be able to run for years. Anthony said it best; I'm not a professional athlete with access to expensive therapy and round-the-clock trainers. I don't have the time for it either. I work full time and have a million other things I do in addition, so I need to be smart.

This new training schedule should also help me enjoy running again, I hope. It's been so hard these past few weeks and not really any fun at all.

8.8.08

2008-08-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Olympics start today in Beijing! Not many people know this, but I am a sucker for the opening ceremony. I gotta say, it gets me right in the heart every time. Tears, I say. Tears.

Where does the time go? It's already August and I'm not feeling the marathon training this year. I'm no where near ready. I'll do my first 13 mile run this weekend, and I'll see how I feel after that, but I gotta admit I'm having a tough time. I'm tired. My body, generally, does not want to move. And, my little disc problem is flaring up again. What the hell?

OK, ok, so I'm complaining -- AGAIN. I know it's not fun to read someone bitch and moan, so let me give out some positive energy as I replay the running week.

Good stuff did happen. Speed work day was actually pretty good. My quad did not seize up and I did my "don't be afraid to be uncomfortable" chant as I ran around Sheep's Meadow in 3rd gear. And, we did some crazy sprints up a hill where I got to practice high knees. Abby says I'm improving.

Also this week: Alison and I finally got around to the weight training we've been threatening to incorporate. We're doing Wednesday mornings in the gym. Six pack here I come.

This morning: well, I did not feel like running, but I got my ass out of bed and ran 4 miles in the park. Once I got going I felt pretty good. I was anticipating a slow, painful drudge, but I was pretty speedy and comfortable.

The weather has been mild. Mornings are relatively cool and almost humidity-free. Maybe this change in the weather will re-energize me, get me feelin' good again.

I am so going back to Asics! Mizunos aren't my friend. They have a serious grudge against my feet, my toes in particular.

Gossip

2008-07-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Mariana told me that her friend told her not to be afraid to be uncomfortable.

Scandalous.

I woke up on Tuesday, early, and headed to CP for the torture that is speed work. I didn't give myself enough time to stretch, so I was stressed. The threat of re-injury whispers to me periodically, so I try never to start a run without at least 20 minutes of stretching. When we got to our location I tried to cram in some hamstring and quad stretches, but noticed that my left quad was still sore from the previous week, which seemed strange since it never takes my muscles that long to recover; plus, my right side was fine. I decided to ignore it and go about the business of "gear shifting" around Sheep's Meadow. Basically, we started running in 1st gear and had to work our way up to 5th so by the time we were at the the south part of the loop we were sprinting. (This is a hard exercise, by the way, and I highly recommend it.) So, there I was trotting along in 1st gear until the point where I had to shift to 2nd. Still ok, just a little faster, not bad. Then it was time to shift to 3rd, which is definitely out of the comfort zone. I sped up, started breathing harder, thought about slowing down for a split second, when Mariana's friend's words flashed in my head:

"Don't be afraid to be uncomfortable."

I shifted to 4th gear.

"Don't be afraid to be uncomfortable."

Shifted to 5th and sprinted up the slight incline, then came back down the other side, only putting on the brakes so as not to loose complete control. As I rounded the corner, full speed, Abby told me to keep my elbows at my sides and not let my arms cross in front. She also clapped in support.

We were given time to let our heart rates come down before the next assignment, which was the loop again, but this time running the whole thing in 3rd gear. Halfway through I kept up my mantra "don't be afraid to be uncomfortable", and I was very uncomfortable, but at least I wasn't afraid.

I'd love to say this story ends with the heroine empowered and faster than a speeding bullet, but she was thwarted by the aforementioned quad pain that resulted in a major cramp during the last exercise -- sprinting to a tree and back. I've never felt my leg seize up like that before. It was like that runner at the Olympic trials this year who, during his sprint, just collapsed because his muscles wouldn't cooperate. I have since taken a rolling pin to the offending quad and am hoping for a better result next week.

Saturday will be my first long run since the injury. 13 miles. I'm going to stretch like there's no tomorrow. And, I'm not going to be afraid.

Training Runs

2008-07-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

In an effort to get re-inspired / learn something new about running / get faster I've started running with Nike's 26.2 training group on Saturdays and I'm doing Abby's speed work class on Tuesday mornings.

Nike splits you up by pace and designs different running courses every week, which is great for me because I've been married to the West Side Highway / Hudson River and Central Park 5 and 6 mile loops for the past few years. So, learning new routes will be a nice change. Plus, running with a pacer will let me know if my 3:45:59 goal for this year is completely insane or just slightly crazy.

Abby's speed work class is a killer. It's an hour of all kinds of sprints -- sprint up hill, sprint around Sheep's Meadow, sprint to the tree and back, do some crazy leg exercise then sprint to the volleyball court and back. Holy crap. I did it for the first time last week and was in so much pain for the rest of the week. But, I'm going back tomorrow.

My attitude this season is very different from the last two years. I'm not as excited as I've been in the past; I feel like I'm starting over, which is slightly frustrating. The injury has forced me to take a look at everything I do wrong as a runner. I don't use my whole leg -- I use my thighs, but my calves aren't engaged. (Hopefully, the speed work classes will help solve that problem.) And, I don't push through my whole foot. Usually I either run on my toes or I'm too flat footed. Last week I practiced changing my gait to get my calves working and get my feet to do the right thing. It's hard work, though, leaving my comfort zone. And, it's exhausting.

Something that hasn't changed from the past is that my feet hurt like hell. Alison is going to try a more padded pair of Asics to see if it relieves some of her foot pain. If it works I think I'll do the same. I've got a pair of Mizunos right now that I'm not in love with. Why did I feel the need to change shoes? I've been wearing Asics for three years and they've been fine. The idea of something new is almost always better than the reality. Ain't it the truth.

I'm back (sorta)

2008-07-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

(When you have a second check out Recession This! which is a new blog of which I am a founder and contributer.)

After eight weeks of therapy two times a week I'm finally running again! I'm not at 100% yet, and I'm only running about 20 minutes at a time. (I cheated over the weekend and ran 30 minutes. I blame Madonna. I was listening to music and one of her songs came on just as I was coming to the end, so I decided one more song wouldn't hurt. That's probably what A-Rod thought, too.) But, I do feel much better than when this mess first started.

I'm totally inspired by the Olympics this year. It's always pretty inspiring, but Dara Torres is the woman! 41 years old and breaking records. I hope we don't find out in a week or five years that she was "juiced". Not my terminology, btw -- Dr. Amico said that this morning as he's very skeptical of my girl. Every time I start doubting my Boston Marathon goal I think of Dara, who is not only 41, but also a mom. I'm not a mom and I'm not 41. And, my injury is not life threatening or going to prevent me from running 3:45:59 this year, dammit!

Alison is getting ready for the triathalon in less than two weeks. I'm looking forward to being a spectator. I thought I'd change my mind about doing a tri, but I'm still not feeling it. I'm perfectly happy swimming simply to get relief from the heat and have no desire to dunk my head in the Hudson. Nor do I wish to experience the sore butt cycling brings, though I have mad respect for those who do.

July 14: Run in Central Park for the first time in 3 months.

Pain in the...

2008-06-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

I've been on a forced hiatus from running since May. I may or may not have a herniated disc in my lower back; the question will be answered by Thursday when the results of my MRI come in. Dr. Amico says he'll be surprised if it's not a herniated disc. I still don't know exactly what it means in terms of recovery. Dr. A says it can take from six weeks to six months to fully recover. I'm hanging on to the six week diagnosis.

So, this pain started about seven weeks ago, and instead of taking care of it right away I continued to run, which made it worse. In my defense the pain in my lower back wasn't all that different from pain I've had in the past. It always went away before; I didn't think this time would be different, like life altering different. And, I'm not being dramatic when I say it's "life altering". The pain travels from my lower back down my left leg to the bottom of my foot, making sitting, standing, walking, and lying down challenging, at best. I brace myself when I sneeze or cough. In addition, I'm in physical therapy twice a week, I sit on an ice pack four times a day, and I'm on my third doctor as of Thursday. (I'm going to see a physical medicine doctor per my primary care physician's suggestion. What the hell is physical medicine?)

I can't run, which is the most life altering part of all. To go from running five or six days a week to not running at all has changed me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Not being able to run, simply put, totally sucks. Being in constant pain, unless I take a ton of Advil, totally sucks. Sitting down sucks. Standing up sucks. It all sucks. It makes me appreciate my life before that day in April when I went to the gym and did too many squat-lunge-twist-with-ten-pound-weights. I know it's a cliche, the whole "I'll never take my health for granted again", and it's bullshit because, yes, we all take everything for granted until something goes wrong. But, I am going to remember this so that the minute I start taking my health for granted I'll read this blog and tell myself to stop being an idiot.

Blah

2008-05-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

I was just reading Kristin Armstrong's blog on Runner's World. (If you don't read it you should. Her recap of her Boston Marathon experience is inspiring, while also a totally fun read.) In her latest entry she talks about taking a break from running and how she enjoys the time off (a week off after running the marathon), and wonders if she should start "seeing" other forms of exercise, like yoga or pilates. I often dream of a life where I don't take a break from running, but am able to add stuff like yoga and weight training (I've never done pilates) to my workout. It's nearly impossible to fit anything else into my schedule, especially when I'm training for the marathon. I blame my full time job. If I just didn't have it I'd be able to do all the extra-curricular exercising I want. I wouldn't be able to afford those yoga classes, however, so, ok, maybe quitting my job is not the best idea.

Actually, right now I'm in a bit of a funk, hence the title of this entry. My schedule got all messed up for a few weeks for very good reasons. First, there was that pesky Living In Captivity shooting schedule. A script I co-wrote with Uma and Nicole (hey, NUmErical!) was funded with a bunch of money (ok, not a "bunch", but enough, and most of it was not ours) so we could actually shoot it, submit it to some t.v. festivals, and live out our dreams of being paid writers / executive producers / rich ladies. It was six days of very early mornings, with about 11 hours of shooting per day, surrounded by the snack-filled craft services table that, even if you're not hungry, you can't help but grab a handful of kettle corn and stuff it in your mouth. Then, I went to Florida where I tended to my family, specifically my sister who had surgery. (She is doing very well, thanks for asking.)

So, running took a back seat while I was dealing with life, and I missed it terribly. While I was doing cool stuff and being a responsible member of my very awesome family, I really missed the routine of my life.

But, when I attempted to get back into the routine of my life I discovered I couldn't do everything I'd done before. Yes, I was back at work, and yes, Kirk and I were back to spending time together. But, I couldn't run and here's why. I've had a pain in my lower back for weeks that I've managed not to deal with because I've been dealing with everything else. While I was in Florida I told my mom about it and, of course, she wouldn't stop bugging me about it until I promised to see a doctor as soon as I returned to New York. (Note: I did run twice in Florida, I think a total of four miles.)

I have an appointment with a chiropractor reccomended by a triathlete friend of Alison's. Fingers crossed it's something that can be solved with a few anti-inflammatories.

Special Guests

2007-11-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Now that the fog has lifted and I'm back to things as usual, I realize I forgot to mention two very special guests on the marathon course -- Mariana Silva and Melissa Jones.

Mariana, who was scheduled to run the marathon this year, but, sadly, had to forgo her space due to injury, cheered for us in Brooklyn AND in Manhattan. She made a pink flag in honor of Alison, Ciara, and pink shirts (not planned, btw), and, was therefore, easy to spot in the massive crowds. Plus, her arms did not get tired holding a bothersome sign, a lesson my fiancee and soon-to-be in laws learned very quickly. Mariana has been and continues to be our biggest cheerleader, coming out to races at 7:00a.m. to encourage us on (Nike Half), getting Alison entry into that same race, and, as mentioned, trekking around two boroughs to help us at the 'thon. And, she's cute as a button. Seriously, the girl is so freakin' adorable everyone she meets falls madly in love with her.

Melissa, who I met through Alison, gets so excited about our running. She's another one who supports every inch of the way. She was around mile 18 on 1st Avenue, then she high-tailed it over to 5th Avenue at mile 22ish with her big yellow sign to cheer us on to the last four miles. Unless you've run a marathon there is no way to express (at least for me) what a boost it is to see a friend in those last few miles. I was feeling like I was going to break, but I saw Melissa, and it totally recharged my will. Melissa drove in from Westchester, cheered for us, then helped Alison get home after her run -- above and beyond the call of duty. Melissa is pretty awesome.

4:13:51

2007-11-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

MARATHON 11/04/07

THE ELEVATOR STORY
So, I prepared all week for the marathon by getting my clothes, socks, shoes, body glide, bandana, throw away clothes all in place so I wouldn't be running around Sunday morning getting it all together. The alarm went off at 5:30a.m., I took a shower, got myself dressed, made my peanut butter and banana sandwich, and was out the door by 5:58, ready to meet Alison and Barnett at the Holiday Inn across the street to catch a cab to the ferry. I get in the elevator, hit the button to "1", do a little jig, and the elevator stops at the third floor. I'm thinking, "Who is up this early? Probably someone walking their dog." I wait a few seconds, but the door doesn't open. And doesn't open. And continues not to open for even longer. My heart starts racing, panic takes over. "OhmyGodohmyGodthiscan'tbehappeningthiscan'tbehappening." And, yes, I'm saying this out loud. I look around frantically, hitting every button on the panel -- nothing lights up, no sound, the elevator has died. I hit the alarm button, which does little other than make a very loud, shrill ringing sound that I'm worried is going to wake the people on the third floor. Yes, I was actually worried about waking the building; I'm nothing if not sensitive to the sleep needs of others. I hit the "Call" button, which dials down to Shaun, the doorman. He answers and I explain that I am stuck in the elevator. He says he'll call the elevator repair company. I hang up, then immediately call again: "Tell them it's an emergency! I'm running the marathon!" He hangs up, then calls me a minute later to tell me the elevator guy is on the way. I ask how long it will take because my friends are waiting, I don't have a cell phone to call them, and, ha ha, I know I said this already, but I'm running the marathon today. He says he'll call me back. When he does he tells me the elevator guy will be 20 - 25 minutes. I look at my watch; it's 6:10. I wonder how long it will take for Alison and Barnett to come looking for me. I call downstairs again and ask Shaun if he'll go across the street and tell my friends where I am. He says he will, but I don't think he did because he called back too fast to tell me he didn't see them -- then, Shaun says "Oh, wait, I think these are your friends." Next thing I hear is Alison's voice on the other end, very comforting. I tell her she and Barnett can leave me: "Save yourselves!" She says they won't leave me, there's plenty of time, the last ferry leaves at 8:00, she and Barnett will leave by 7:30 if I'm not out by then. I'm thinking "This cannot be how I miss the marathon. Really? This is happening today? But, I planned for everything that could possibly go wrong." And, that's when I learned a lesson I'll probably keep learning: we have no control over anything, really. We can plan all we want to, but, no matter what, eventually we're going to get stuck in an elevator. Anyway, Alison stayed on the phone with me until, 25 minutes later, the elevator guy arrives. Seconds later I hear activity right outside the elevator door and, suddenly, the door starts to open. I jump out, thank the elevator guy whose name I can't remember now, but I am eternally grateful to him for getting there in time instead of taking his time on a very early Sunday morning, race down the stairs, hug Barnett and Alison, and we grab a cab which seemed to be waiting for us right in front of the Holiday Inn.
The End.

ONCE AT THE START
I'll skip the ferry and shuttle bus travel to the start except to say it was crowded, long, and bothersome. We got to the tree where we were to meet Ciara, Amanda, and Andy, by about 9:00, but they weren't there. An hour and ten minutes later, while waiting to start on the bridge, I saw a little star tattoo on the neck of a tall woman. I turned my head to get a look at the woman's face and low and behold it was Ciara! We reunited loudly, probably bugging the people around us. We ran together for the first mile, then we got separated by the crowd.

BROOKLYN / MILE 8
Almost first thing over the Verrazano we see Colin in a fetching hat holding a cup of something warm looking. We wave and smile. It's early so smiles are coming easy. As we go up 4th Ave. I keep a look out for familiar faces, but don't see many until around mile 8 where Steve Schine and Matt Stinton are giving out high fives.
I think we caught up to Ciara and Co. around mile 9 (not Amanda and Andy who I never saw) once again. This time we stuck together for another few miles. By the Pulaski Bridge our group of five was spreading out with Barnett in front, Ciara and I in the middle, Alison right behind, and Ciara's friends suddenly just gone. I have no idea when they disappeared.

QUEENSBORO BRIDGE
Right after the Pulaski I knew Karl and Laural would be waiting to take my shirt, and, yes, they were there. It was great to see them as I hadn't seen them since August. I planted sweaty kisses on their cheeks, gave them my shirt, and took off. Barnett was still ahead, Ciara and I still together, and I no longer could see Alison behind me. Next would be Jody and Uma. I saw them and all I said was "I lost Alison!" and ran off. Later on the Queensboro Bridge I thought "Well, that was rude of me."
The Queensboro Bridge is hard. I don't know why exactly. It's not as steep as the Verrazano, but it's dark and kinda long, and anticipating the entrance into Manhattan on 1st Ave is exciting, but also causes impatience. Ciara and I didn't talk much, both of us concentrating on different goals: she, breathing; me, running.

1ST AVENUE
Finally, Manhattan! Kirk, Mary Lou, Bob, and my dad, Steve, would be here, somewhere in the 60's. I pulled to the left and scanned the crowd. Soon enough I saw them. I couldn't speak, I don't know why, so I gave a few poses and a smile and kept going. At this point my right leg was hurting at the thigh, knee, and especially my ankle. I tried to think of other things, like my mom, Kirk, Kiersten, brunch, catching up with the 4:15 pacer, if I would make my goal time.

BRONX
By mile 18 Ciara and I separated, a choice I was debating because I knew I'd really be on my own and, though I'd been preparing for this circumstance during training, I wondered if I could run the last eight miles by myself.
Entering the Bronx was cool, though. There isn't the crowd you see in Brooklyn and Manhattan, but they're fiesty and energetic, and there is good music.

BACK IN MANHATTAN --THE HOME STRETCH
Mile 22 I'm really struggling. My ankle is killing me as is my knee and I just want to walk. I stop this thought by looking at the crowd. No one is cheering my name because I lost my fabric name tag at mile five (lesson for next year -- attach fabric name tag with pins). However, I must've been close to another Erica because I hear her / my name yelled every now and then. I see Nicole with a friend I don't recognize, but he's smiling so I make an effort, tell Nicole Alison is behind me, and keep going.

MILES 24 THRU 26.2
This is the part where every step takes on new meaning. Some steps are slower than others. Some hurt more than the ones before. I can feel my posture change and I try to realign, stand up straight, and dig in for the last two miles. I'm convinced I can take it anymore, so I try to say things to myself like "hey, you're really strong, you're out here, you're going to make it", but all these thoughts do nothing but annoy me, so I clear my mind and think about nothing but connecting my foot to the ground. I push the pain away at mile 25 and pick up the pace. It's almost over. I'm on Central Park South and I can't even see the crowd anymore, it's just me and the end. Finally, I turn the corner and re-enter Central Park. Tears well up and I cry; just as soon as it starts it stops, though, and I see the finish line. Running a little faster I cross. As soon as my foot hit the mat I stop and walk, look down at my watch: 4:14:21.
I collect my metal and the heat wrapper thingy, have my picture taken, then walk with the crowd. Someone says "good race." I nod. Sara Kmack is a little ways ahead -- I see her curly hair. I am so happy to see a friend.

AFTERMATH
After wrangling me at 72nd Street, Kirk and the gang get me home (we walked). Later we go to the party Kirk's parents have planned, which was lots of fun. I don't get to talk to Alison about her race, but we promise to talk later.
At home I pass out by 10:00, but my sleep is interrupted periodically by the pain in my leg.
In the morning I check my official time and it's better than I thought: 4:13:51, 34 minutes faster than last year! I've made my goal, which was between 4:00 - 4:15 and I can't believe it! And, other than my ankle and knee, I feel really good. Stairs aren't fun. Other than that I feel like I can start running again by Saturday.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support us, and thanks to those who came out who I didn't see. Thanks to Ciara, Barnett, Amanda, Andy, especially Alison and especially Kirk who doesn't run, but supports my addiction with enthusiasm.

Until next season run strong, run proud, think big.

Mantra

2007-11-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

What do you say to yourself when the race gets tough?

Ciara:
The faster you finish, the faster you finish.

Barnett:
Come on motherfucker.
That's right bitch.
You not gonna take me.
You not gonna beat me.
I am about to kill you.
Fuck you. Fuck you.
Come on motherfucker.
Lets do this bitch.

Marne:
Around mile 25 last year, when I wanted to stop, some guy who had already finished the race was walking out of the park and saw me struggling. He called out “Stay strong Marne, stay strong”. I spent the last mile repeating that phrase to myself.

Alison:
You can do this. You are a single girl living in New York City.
Compared to that stuff (feel free to drop in whatever latest 'are you
kidding me' story)... THIS STUFF is cake! And then I like to picture
whatever latest loser who doesn't appreciate how fabulous I am on the
sidelines with his jaw dropping and regretful because I look fantastic
(no matter if I am sweaty or whatever) and full of power and
determination. And me blowing by him with a big "see ya I'm on to
better things in my life -- oh by the way I'm in the middle of running XX miles this morning, what did you do today?"
I also like to think... You can do this. "You've done harder things
than this before." I picture my decision to move to New York City and
how amazing and beautiful this city is. I focus on what I'm running
past (the trees, lampposts, whatever) and really SEE IT and it's
beauty. And thinking damn I am one lucky person! Moving here with
only a backpack and a couple of distant contacts and look at how full
and amazing my life has become with friends and experiences. Thinking
how happy I am to be living life to its fullest and that not many
people can really say that. Wow this run is so cool, not everyone
gets to run past this and see this. Then the moment of needing some
help while running is over and I feel really good for the next couple
of miles.
If on a hill -- Just make it to the top and the rest is easy.

Erica:
Damn, this is hard, but I'm not stopping. Not stopping, not stopping, not stopping. Never stop.

I like what I saw on a couple of signs this year: Pain is temporary, Pride is forever.

Easy 18

2007-10-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not in the mood to blog, so I'll sum up the last few runs quickly. Last week, 18 mile race -- the marathon tune up -- ran it in under three hours (woo hoo!). I credit Ciara, Alison, and new running partner Barnett with the great run as, again, all the chat kept me distracted. It was over before I could even think about what I was doing, although around mile 15 I was fighting to stay in it. I got over it by mile 16 after half a GU and some Gatorade.

Yesterday, 6 mile run with Alison, I fell and got a nice gash on the palm of my hand as well as some random cuts and scrapes. No big deal. Really, the missing toe nails on my right foot are much more interesting to talk about and look at.

Grete's Gallop half marathon tomorrow with Ciara, Marne, and Barnett. Alison out of town as well as Andy and Amanda.

31 days until the marathon. Run safe, people.

Did I Do That?

2007-09-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I was at the church without my best training mate -- you know her as Alison -- and decided to go ahead with the full loop, and I decided, just for fun, to see how fast I could finish. So, I set the Timex and took off, full speed, me and the iPod with the brand spanking new running mix. (praise Jesus, amen.) It starts with (don't laugh) Mexican Radio, which is a surprisingly good song to run to, especially early in the morning when the core isn't quite motivated to do the things it needs to do. Before Cat Hill we get a little Tenderness. That's right, I like the 80's, and so do you even if you don't want to admit it. You're screaming for General Public right now, I know you are. Anyway, I'm trudging up Cat Hill when my BF Justin Timberlake and his SexyBack come on. I think the next songs are When You Were Young, We Used to be Friends, 1234 (slow, but sweet), Lovestoned (yep, more JT), Lose Control, Shut Up And Drive ... after that I can't remember because by then I was making my way up the incline that never, ever stops, and feeling frustrated because a lesser runner passed me. Now, I know it's not nice to talk bad about people in church, but this runner had really bad form, and I did not like what she was wearing at all. Yet, she and her unnaturally long stride were ahead of me. I attempted to pick up the pace, but that incline was getting the better of me, so I stopped focusing on Long Stride and started focusing on not walking. Once up the hill (hooray for the downhill) I decided to try to catch up with Long Stride again, but she was pretty far ahead. Finally, she caught the light at the 72nd Street transverse, and I caught her just as the light was turning, so I zoomed past (yep, I said "zoomed") and started hauling ass the last 12 block with a "Ha! Take that" attitude. But, my cockiness was stifled when Long Stride silently passed me. "How dare she", I thought, and started running even faster, but, for no apparent reason, I started feeling dizzy. A chill took over my body, and I started seeing spots. I thought I was going to faint, but I didn't stop running. Finally, at the bottom of the park, I gave up on catching Long Stride because, hey, my run was over. I glanced at my watch, fully expecting to see 57 minutes flashing back at me... but, no, the Timex said 52:53. I rubbed my eyes. That couldn't be right, could it? I ran 6 miles under 9 minute miles? Come on! Surely I'd made a mistake.

Well, I went back out on Saturday morning to see if I could do it again. I won't bore you with the details; let me just say that church is crazy crowded on the weekends. I decided to take the loop in the opposite direction, and I also paid more attention to the Timex. Long story short, I got back to the start and, wouldn't you know, 52:47! I am running faster! Timex says so! I felt great the rest of the weekend, even though I skipped the Queens Half Marathon in favor of sleeping in on Sunday. I did do a 13 mile run down to Battery Park and back, but I didn't keep time.

Speed Demon

2007-09-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

7:00a.m. (hit the alarm) Maybe I should sleep for another nine minutes.
7:09a.m. Get up, dummy, no one told you to drink two glasses of white wine last night. Justin Timberlake sure is hot.
7:20a.m. Drink water don't forget to drink water, and roll, make sure you roll out the IT bands, and please stretch, stop being so freakin' lazy, I wonder if it's true that Meredith wants to leave the Today show, she and Matt look like they're getting along so well.
7:40a.m. Oh, I am going to be so late for work, shit, iPod not charged, must get other iPod.
7:45a.m. Playlist, need to make new running play list, so sick of Nelly Furtado and Black Eyed Peas.
8:00a.m. When are my wine-heavy legs going to wake up? That girl is fast, maybe I can catch her.... Nope.
8:05a.m. Let's check out what people are wearing at church today. Hmm, I like that tank, doesn't look like a Nike though, I don't like that guy's socks, why don't guys know they should wear short socks instead of scrunching the big ones down, come on it's 2007 the 80's are over, hey, cool group of very professional-looking foreign runners coming right at me, wow, they are cool, very lean, and very fast. I'll run faster. Ugh, legs still not ready. Stupid wine.
8:20a.m. Should I run the big loop? Six miles I need today. Big loop or time, big loop or time? Why is this a debate? What's the point? Is running 30 minutes up and back psychologically less daunting? I've run this loop a billion times, why am I angsting about it now? I know all about the tricky incline that goes for days, I know that after the incline is a satisfying downhill that takes you right into another hill, and I know when I pass 72nd Street the end is going to feel too far away even though it's only twelve blocks down with a water fountain in between. So, why the debate? Just do the full loop, dammit, and be done you silly silly woman. Stop being scared / lazy / whatever and do it!
8:25a.m. "... tail dropper show stopper do my thing mutha fucka..." If you can sing you're not running fast enough.
8:28a.m. I wonder why that guy smiled as he passed, maybe I was taking up too much space probably all over the place, he's fast, but not too fast, I think I can do that pace, little Asian dude in the red I am going to follow you... oh, no, don't go on the bridal path...
8:30a.m. He's back! Asian guy is back! And I am running with him! I am fast, faster than everyone in this park, me and Asian dude. Look, there's a stop light! Not anymore, I just took it, it is a thing of my running past, hey and I am going to pass this girl who is having entirely too much fun swinging her arms around, ha, I will pass her, oh no, Asian dude where are you going? Don't turn left on 72nd, stay with me!
8:33a.m. I can go fast on my own, I can. I slowed down, but now I'm back, and "coming out of my cage and I've been doin' just fine gotta gotta be down because I want it all it started out with a kiss how did it end up like this it was only a kiss it was only a kiss now theyre falling asleep and she's calling a cab while he's having a smoke and she's taking a drag and it's all in my head and my stomache is sick..."
8:38a.m. And the finish is up ahead thank you Killers you've helped me run fast as did the Asian dude, I see the end and I am speeding to it faster and faster... oh, man, why stop light do you tackle me now when I was so close to crossing?
8:43a.m. The green awning, I am going to be so late for work. Lady passing me looks miffed is it at me? Hey, lady, I just ran six miles before 9:00a.m. What have you done today?

Nike Half 2:03:36 (I think)

2007-08-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am really behind on blogs, mostly because I went home for a few days and ditched all tasks, including some running. For the five days I was home I think I ran a grand total of 14 miles, which might be a little generous. I did get some swimming in, not that I am a strong swimmer, nor was I doing it for exercise. It's freakin' hot in Florida, and even running in the a.m. is no protection from all things sticky and sweaty, so I jumped in the pool after most runs. I did get some great iPod time in since I ran alone. You're never really alone with the iPod though. My friends Missy Elliot, Justin Timberlake, Gnarls Barkely, Mike Doughty, etc. kept me more than entertained. I rejoiced in the vacant streets of New Tampa by lipsynching along to The Killers, as well as the above mentioned, dreams of rock stardom coursing through my brains. Fantasizing about celebrity is great on a longish run as, I can only speak for myself, I become infused with this crazy energy and the run is more like a dance than feet simply hitting pavement in the same repetitive motion.

Enough about my rock star dreams, though, even at 36, I refuse to give up. Back to the real news, the NIKE HALF, which happened on Sunday, August 5. Okay, issues upfront with this race: there was no guaranteed entry; there wasn't even a "first come first served". It was done by lottery this year and, thankfully, I got in. Alison, on the other hand, did not get in. Fortunately, the lovely Marianna won Alison a place at one of the Nike raffles. Still, the system set up by the NYRR was, in my opinion, completely unfair. My other issue is with NYRR and their communication skills which are seriously flawed. The only people who had guaranteed entry into the Half were those who'd run all the half marathons last year! What? No one knew this! Not that I would have completed that task -- I tried this year and gave up after the crazy 20 degrees half in the park -- but, it would've been nice to know what the options were ahead of time. And, NYRR, you should have a little bit more respect for your members than that. I've been paying dues, paying for races, supporting you for five years now -- the least you could do is tell me about your ridiculous rules well before the fact so I have a chance to decide what I want to do about it. Maybe I won't like the rules, but at least I know about them.

Back to the race. Unlike last year, where it started out humid and overcast, which then turned into torrential rain at mile seven, it was sunny, clear, and warm, with little humidity. Also unlike last year where I had a stomach ache, I felt great. Alison and I took a cab to the start, and through sheer luck, found Ciara about 20 minutes after we got there. We all ran the first seven miles together, which is the loop in Central Park; once out of the park Ciara and I hit the water station, and suddenly Alison was no longer with us. Pushing on and feeling great, I took in 7th Avenue lined with cheering fans and cover bands. I used that energy to journey on at a slightly faster clip. It's not often that I actually feel like going faster; it usually involves some serious convincing of my legs get out of their safety pace, but that day they were totally cooperative and ready to go. By mile nine I could see Ciara struggling a bit with a cramp. I asked if she was okay, and she said she was. I told her I was taking off and we parted; I found out later that she was never too far behind me, maybe four blocks at the most.

Off I went without my women, with three and a half miles left to go I felt like I could run faster. By mile 11 I was ready to be done. By mile 12 I had had so much Gatorade and water I felt like I was carrying a small pool with me. This is something that happens without fail. I feel great throughout a race until close to the end when I get a little cocky because "there are only three miles left, what's three miles?" totally forgetting about the 10 I just ran. So, by the time I crossed the finish line I was done. (Oh, and I forgot to mention that on my training schedule I was to add another 5 miles to make the 18 mile quota for that day.) With that said, I did manage to PR, and even though I did not hit my goal of 2:00, I did knock off two minutes from my time last year. I'll have another chance on September 23, the Queens Half, which I plan to do in 2:00 flat.

After the race, I didn't do the whole five, but I did add another three. We met Andy and Amanda for brunch at Florent, so I ran up to Christopher Street from Battery Park, then hopped on the train one stop, and ran to the restaurant. I got in 16 miles instead of 18. That's okay, I ran faster at the race, so I'll forgive myself the two miles.

Have brunch at Florent.

Rattatouile

2007-07-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Kirk and I saw Rattatouile (check my spelling please) a few weeks ago as I am a big fan of Brad Bird, Pixar, and their animation machine. The Incredibles is definitely on my top ten favorites. Rattatouile, while not up to The Incredibles, was completely cute, fun, and had one of the best flashback scenes I've ever seen. However, there was a part in Rattatouile where a large number of rats invade a kitchen, and I was not the only one in the audience who gasped "Ewwwww!" at the disgusting sight of all those furry creatures on top of stoves, in ovens, and stealing food from the refridgerators. My first apartment in New York had a pretty severe mouse problem. At one point it was so bad that mice would jump out of our kitchen trash can, like something you'd see on Tom & Jerry, one after the other, like they were in a swimming pool and couldn't be happier jumping from the trash to the counter where we kept the microwave, then back down the wall to the little holes they'd constructed while I was sleeping. I went to great lengths to get rid of them, even going so far as setting those dreadful glue traps that, really, are totally inhumane. My only defense is that I was desperate. And disgusted.

When I was a kid I loved rodents; guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice. I had them all. Now, the sight of any of the above gives me chills. I hate their sharp little paws and their stupid little rodent teeth; I hate they way they scurry. I hate the word "scurry"! Just thinking about them now is causing my face scrunch up. There is a big difference between the animated rat in Rattatouile and the rats in real life. First, Rattatouile could talk, at least to his other rat friends. And, he could cook, so he had some talent. He was pretty charming in an animated rat sort of way. And there's Rattatouile's biggest plus right there -- he's animated!

"What does all of this have to do with running, Erica? I came to this blog to get some training tips, not read about rats." Okay, okay, I will get to the point. This morning, Alison and I were RUNNING, heading uptown on the WSH. Side note, we were doing 4 miles and we decided to pick up the pace -- less talking, faster running. Anyway, as we were going up this incline, a HUGE rat ran right in our path. My right foot was in the air, about to strike the ground, and if it had I would've come right down on the suckers mid-section. Alison got the worst, though. The rat hit her shoe and kept going. Oh, my face is doing that scrunching thing again! I hate rats!

On the flip side, we survived a faster run. No thanks to the rat.

What I Love About Running

2007-07-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

I think I mentioned in a recent post that I suddenly have some free time -- taking an unscheduled hiatus from the desk -- which has allowed me to not only contemplate the rest of my life, but also spend more time working out. Today I treated myself to an extra hour of sleep, so I didn't start my 6 mile run until about 8:45. I also treated myself to a little soundtrack from the iPod. Music on a run is like a donut -- I don't have it very often, but when I do it's a delicious treat. (Side bar about music: when I first started running music was an absolute necessity. When I started training for the marathon last year I found, if I was alone with the iPod, that around mile 12, music became very irritating, and by mile 16 unbearable. I now prefer to be on the pavement with my thoughts, unless I'm on a shorter run, then music can be invigorating.)

I decided to do the big loop in CP, running against traffic as to avoid Cat Hill, which I'd already done a few times this week. I knew I'd have to do that crazy hill at the top of the park, but I find it generally easier running west to east instead of the other way. So, off I went, faster than my usual pace. I had to slow down around mile 3 as a result. As I got to that hill in Harlem I noticed that I was alone. It was so quiet, save for Mike Doughty singing in my ear. There were a couple of kids in the pool, but other than that it felt like the park was mine. And, I suddenly realized what a beautiful day it was and how grateful I am to be healthy and how lucky I am because for me running is a joy, not a job. If nothing else, I can put on my Asics and run. I always feel better after a run, I always feel like I've accomplished something that day, so other things I might not finish don't take on more weight.

I got past the hill, turned the corner, and there were the other runners. They don't know it, but I love them all, even the ones who don't know the rules of the road and get in the way. There aren't many of those.

I was back in my apartment by 10:00, at work by 11:30. I like this hiatus thing. I wish I had lots of money so this could be my life all the time.

Pain? What pain?

2007-07-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well, friends, I am afraid I'm going to have to deal with the fact that my left knee is, dare I say it, hurting. Noooooo!!!! This is a terrible time to have an injury -- not that I am injured, I'm not, I REFUSE to be injured -- but, my health insurance ran out, so even if I was injured, which I am not, I can't go to the doctor. I can go see Gene, the wonderful sports medicine trainer guy that helped me with last year's IT band issue. He's not terribly expensive and after seeing him I was able to run in two weeks. But, this is the beginning of Marathon training, and taking two weeks off would be a problem, I think. Or, maybe it wouldn't. Ciara trained for the Oregon Marathon in 12 weeks. Plus, I am already doing 15 mile runs. Ugh, I really, really, really do not want to deal with this. C'mon! On top of everything else -- I'm referring to my job right now, which, as been all year, is keeping me in financial distress -- I have to maybe, possibly, figure out how to cure my knee. Why were knees made so fragile? Why haven't we evolved by now to have strong-ass, unbreakable knees?

Let's talk about what I did this weekend. Well, the show I've been working on with Uma and Nicole opened on Saturday morning at 11:00a.m. (festival schedule. What can you do?) and was a big success! The show performed to a sold out audience. They laughed at everything. And, despite not having had a complete run of the show with tech, the actors were totally on and the show was tight. We had an opening day brunch, complete with mimosas (I drank 4) and beer donated by Sam Adams. Brunch was lots of fun and most of the audience was able to attend. When I got home I changed and went on a five mile run, mimosas swimming in my brain and belly. I think the adrenaline from the show gave me the energy to run those five miles, and I ran them pretty fast. I'd had little sleep the night before, too, so I certainly wasn't well rested. I do not condone or support running while intoxicated, but I have to say, it was an experience I didn't mind having, just that one time.

On Sunday I ran a much slower 15 miles, the first 10 with Alison. The last five miles were faster as, by that time, I was bored out of my mind and just wanted to be done. Wow, was I bored! Being bored on a run is awful because you can't think about anything other than "Are we there yet?". You just want it to end.

Erica & The City

2007-07-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Marathon training officially started last week and guess who forgot? I called Alison when I discovered week 18 (or week 1, though I prefer to count down) had come and gone with little more than a blink from me. How different from last year when I did nothing but think about the marathon. Every move I made, all social plans, my entire life last year revolved around my training schedule. Not that I'm behind; we've been training for the NIKE half in August, so I am doing long runs. Alison and I did a 10 mile run last weekend, and tomorrow we're meeting Amanda and Andy for another 8 - 12 mile run in the park. I've run 12 already this week. If I do 12 tomorrow and 5 on Sunday I'll be one mile under where I should be. Not to fret, though; since I've not neglected the weight training I count that toward my marathon time. In my mind I'm right on track. And, hey, my arms are looking good. Wish the belly would shrink.

Wow, I'll be 36 tomorrow. 30-freakin-6. I'm older than I ever thought I'd be. I feel like a 20 year old. And, if I do say so myself, I'm not looking my age. Definitely younger, though the puffy eyes are starting to give me away.

It's July and the streets are hot. My 5 mile run in CP on Wednesday was painful. Ah, the humidity. And the taxis. The exhaust from the cars is horrible.

I do love this city.

But, it's too hot to run!

2007-06-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Wah, wah, it's always something. It's either too hot or too cold, you can never get the porridge just right can ya?

Hello, friends. I've been away for awhile, but I'm back now with marathon dreams on my mind. I just printed out the NYRR Marathon Training schedule and I've decided to do the Basic Marathoner as opposed to the First Time / Casual Marathoner. Is it a little cocky, after just one marathon, to consider myself a Basic Marathoner? The schedule is about 5-10 miles more challenging. I think I can do it. Plus, I want to slim down since I've also got wedded matrimony on the brain and I want to look smokin' in my sample sale designer dress.

So, I'm determined to stay on this training trend of lifting weights 4 days a week with a four or five mile run to follow, then a long run on the weekends and two yoga classes in between. Yes, it sounds like alot, and I think it is, but I really missed yoga last year, and I feel it counteracts the pounding my muscles and joints take on the road. I'm worried I'm going to shrink if I don't do some major yoga stretching. This morning I lifted for a half hour, then ran 4 miles down the WSH.

More to come, running friends.

Running Shoes

2007-04-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Gotta give props to the girl at the running store in the Time Warner building who sold me another pair of Asics, same design as my old pair since I like them and have not suffered injury, unlike sweet Alison, who is almost ready to committ to the 2007 Marathon. Fingers crossed.

Speaking of Alison, her recovery seems to be going well. She's running three miles at a time right now and she's good about stretching and taking care of herself. She got a pair of Asics from Jack Rabbit on 14th. Check them out; she says they're better than Super Runners Store. Very attentive and knowledgeable, she says they have a fancy treadmill where you can try out a pair of shoes before you purchase. To be fair, the people at Super Runners encourage you to run down the block in a pair before committing. However, they don't watch you run, and, I guess, at Jack Rabbit they do.

The girl at the store in Time Warner suggested I wear polyester socks to avoid losing toenails. No one has ever said this to me before. I have polyester socks, but I also have cotton socks, and didn't really sense the difference. I guess it's all polyester socks for now.

Insomnia

2007-03-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

You know what cures insomnia?

RUNNING!

Last night I got, maybe, two hours sleep, and the only reason I'm functioning today is the half pot of seriously strong coffee I had at breakfast this morning.

(Sidebar: today is Amy's birthday, so we went to Norma's in Le Parker Meridien. I ordered the "Very Berry French Toast", which was two enormous slices of brioche soaked in blue / raspberries. I wasn't impressed with my food, though James had delicious Huevos Rancheros, and Nicole ordered some crazy "oatmeal" thing that was tasty. Amy had waffles with fruit and a raspberry sauce, which I also liked. But, I'm not reccomending Norma's as 1. it's terribly overpriced-- $20 for four coffees! and 2. I can make better french toast at home for three dollars or less. End Sidebar)

I had fewer insomniatic (?) nights while training for the marathon. My brain shut down completely when it was time to sleep because I'd wear myself out. Oh, I cannot wait for the weather to get better so I can spend more time running on the road! I hate, hate, hate the treadmill. I tried, okay! I tried so hard to like it! I've experimented with adjusting the speed, adjusting the incline, running faster for several minutes at a time, but nothing works. Nothing makes the treadmill an adequate substitute for the outdoors. I know this is my own fault; if I wasn't such a wimp I'd get out and suffer the cold. But, extreme cold hurts, and I haven't found a way to bear it. So, I'll suffer just one more week, I hope. It's in the 40's and I can deal with that. It's sunny, so the snow is melting.

Back to breakfast: I have got to diet! I should carry a picture of a girl in a wedding dress to remind me that I want to look good on March 7, 2008, and not have brioche french toast hips.

Feels Like Spring

2007-03-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

We're getting hit with some 60 degree weather this week. I got up this morning and ran four miles, to 97th and back, and got swept up in nostalgia. It felt and looked this way back in October when I'd get up early to train for the marathon. I was even listening to the same mix I made specifically for training. It needs to be updated. I'm sick of Nelly Furtado and Black-Eyed Peas. Well, it's going to get cold again. There's a storm coming tonight and, by Friday, the temp should be back down to the 40's. This is how Spring works.

Speaking of beautiful weather, I spent the weekend in Tampa planning the wedding. Date is set for March 7, 2008 at The Lange Farm in Dade City. I never thought I'd get married on a farm, but when Mom and I saw the place Sunday morning we fell in love. It's beautiful. We can have the ceremony and cocktail hour outside, and a reception in a gorgeous Garden House. I am finally having fun planning now that there's something to plan. Now, I have to get in shape so I can try on dresses.

Oh, my taxes!

I'm not registered for any races coming up. I think the Brooklyn Half is next on my list.

Mahattan Grand Prix

2007-01-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

What made me crawl out of bed at 7:00 in the morning on a freezing Sunday, layer myself in clothes that were never going to be warm enough, and force-feed myself honey-sweetened oatmeal that tasted a little like paste? The appeal of running a half marathon on one of the coldest days of the year was so great that I just had to get my sleep deprived ass up and out.

I wish that were the case. I wish I could say I was so excited, so driven, so motivated that I couldn't control myself. The truth is I don't know why, other than I paid money and I promised Ciara and Marianna. I had barely trained for it; my mental state was not even close to half marathon thinking; and it was cold. Painfully COLD!

So, why did I do it? I have been asking myself this question on and off all week. After the marathon there were lots of "are you addicted to running?" jokes, and I'd chuckle along with the joke makers because, yeah, it sounds funny. I've never been addicted to anything in my life. There were a few months in college where I had to play spades every chance I got, including between classes. Sometimes I'd even skip class depending on my partner and my luck. But, that subsided. This running thing, though, is not going away. I don't know why. It's in me now and I can't escape it. No matter how tired I am, how grumpy, how much I don't want to get up, I do and I run. Maybe it's because I know when the run is over for the day I'll feel better than I did before I started. It's true. No matter what kind of run I have, when it's over I feel amazing. It gets rough physically, but mentally I am brighter, happier, balanced. And, I enjoy the physical pain because it's a reminder of my accomplishment.

I got out of bed and ran. First half marathon of the season.

My goal this year is to run every Grand Prix, rain, shine, or snow.

Thank you, Global Warming

2007-01-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

It should not be 70 degrees in January.
I had a great run last Saturday, the 6 mile loop in the Park. I was out there like the rest of New York. It was a beautiful, sunny day on January 6. It felt so wrong, enjoying a day I suspect is the result of humans slowly destroying the environment, but I was out there anyway, feeling guilty and happy, mostly happy because I was running an it felt marvelous. My first real long run since the marathon. I did lots of short runs in Tampa, but this was an honest-to-goodness RUN. I plan to do the Manhattan half in a couple weeks, though I am not anywhere near ready. I'm so out of shape.

Thanks, Santa

2006-12-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

Since the marathon I haven't had much to say regarding running. I was training and learning a lot, and I had experiences to share. Now it's over, at least for the time being, and my running experiences have been, well...uneventful. I still go, but most has been on the treadmill because it's been so cold in the morning and, even though I have the gear, I'm too lazy or too chicken to run outside. But, a wonderful thing happened: THE HOLIDAYS. I am in Tampa, as I am every year at this time, and I've been running outside in shorts and a t-shirt just about every day. It's great, and it'd be better if it wasn't so humid. It's not even that humid; living in NY just makes me more sensitive to the difference in the air, I guess. But, I have been running a lot, and I've been doing minor weight work, along with ab work. Very minor. I'm letting myself have a break from the intense workouts of the past year. As long as I run just about every day I don't feel guilty.

Since I'm getting married in early 2008 I'm going to get on a rigid workout / diet so I can lose about 6 pounds, have tighter abs and arms, and a great ass so I can look amazing in my dress. Speaking of, Kiersten and I tried on dresses and the hips I normally hate I did not hate as much. Maybe I will get something really fitted and sexy.

Happy New Year! See you then!

5 Miles In The Park

2006-11-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

In my winter Nike gear I made my way to Central Park set to do the five mile loop. Dressed all in black I ran in the 48 degree sun. My pace was a little faster as I was so excited to be out in the park.

I usually start on the east side, as I did today, and come back down the west side. Now, the west side is not fun whether you're going up or down. It's inclined both ways with little relief until the 70's. The east side has Cat Hill, but the reward there is a decent downhill and mostly flat streets until you get up to the top of the park. But, the west side--never fun, and little reward. Okay, I guess the reward is running it.

Kirk took me to Brooklyn today. Right in front of the Moonstruck house at 19 Cranberry Street in Brooklyn Heights he proposed. And, I said yes through many tears and laughter. It was an exceptionally romantic moment without being cheesy. I'm so happy, happier than I thought I'd be. I felt ambivalent about marriage, but as soon as he asked I was suddenly so sure. It feels right. I'm looking forward to planning the wedding, and, even more than that, I can't wait to build a life with Kirk as married people. I'm even considering having a baby. It's amazing how one decision can change your world. These big life things I was so blase about are suddenly important to me.

I think I'm gaining weight. Not training is wearing poorly on me.

West End Girl

2006-11-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was back on the streets, iPod in hand, Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" encouraging my less than sexy back up an incline between 96th and 99th streets. West End Ave. is very hilly. But, in the mornings, it's much quieter than, say, Broadway or Amsterdam Aves., so I endure the hills so I can have a somewhat people / traffic free run.

I haven't been back to the West Side Highway since the day before the marathon. I don't like getting over there by myself; the blocks on 55th between 10th and 11th are sketchy, usually littered with porn. One morning Alison and I were heading to the WSH and right on the corner of 55th before crossing the street were pictures of vaginas. They were ripped out of a magazine or something, and they were all over the sidewalk. It was surprising, like seeing a cockroach. Out of nowhere--vaginas. Surprise!

I ran 3 miles in Central Park on Saturday. It was a beautiful day, so the park was crowded. The leaves were falling, making the street slick and dangerous, but pretty.

Slowly, I am progressing up to 25 - 30 miles a week. And, I'll start working out with Anthony again in December. We're focusing on abs. It's the only part of my body I worry about, and the only place I didn't loose much weight when training for the marathon. My belly taunts me: "Run all you want, but we'll NEVER let go of the fat. NEVER! Muuhhhaaaa!" (That sounds funny if you say it in Truman Capote's voice.)

I ordered my marathon pictures from BrightRoom Photography. Is it me or are their prices way over the top? They boast high quality pictures, but, really, $21.00 for one 5x7? Really? I'll make a final judgement when I get them, but, they better be laced in crack. That's all I'm saying.

26.2 MILES LATER

2006-11-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

4:47:20

It's been three (almost four) days since the marathon. I want to write about it, but I've talked about it so much now that I feel drained. Some brief words, then I'll let the pictures do the talking.

I did it. I ran the whole thing, save for a walk through a few water stations. I did exactly what I'd done in rehearsals: run, gel, drink. The first 10-15 miles were exhilarating. The energy from the crowd was so intense I didn't even feel like I was running. It felt like a crazy party in 52 degree weather and the entire city was invited. People shouted my name as I passed, I slapped hands along the way; it was fun! I didn't think about the miles until much later.

We managed to see most of our friends along the way, starting near the end of Brooklyn, where we saw Ron, then in Queens coming off the Pulaski Bridge we immediately saw Karl and Laural who decorated themselves with pictures of me on theor heads which made me laugh so hard. Then, we got near the Queensboro Bridge and the Sunnyside crew was in effect, armed with homemade signs that I loved. It was a great boost right before entering the long, dark, silent bridge. Entering Manhattan the crowd noise came blasting at us before we even saw them. Quickly upon entry we saw Kier, Jess, Scott, and Kirk and that was a huge rush. Paul and Bixby surprised me at mile 18.

I felt hydrated and energized the whole time, but by mile 21 my foot and ankle pain really started to bother me. I never hit a wall, but miles 21 through 26.2 were tough. I got so irritated, like I wanted to jump out of my skin. We saw Anthony around 22, Nicole sometime therafter, Marianna between 23 and 24, along with another appearance by Ninon and Dan. This was all so helpful, but nothing made the last miles easier. The end could not come fast enough. But, Alison and I crossed the finish line strong; we even had a party afterwards.

Everyone at the party asked if I'd do it again. Absolutely. I wanted to finish in 4:30, but the two bathroom breaks messed us up. So, next year I'll try for that or faster.

I think I'll start running again on Saturday. I did go to the gym this morning. I feel great, aside from sore quads. I'm not overly tired, either. I want to go to bed now, so I'm off.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

2006-11-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

Last night I was in bed by 10:20p.m. and up at 5:30a.m. to meet Alison at 6:00 for a two mile run in 38 degrees of cold air along the dark West Side Highway. I think the cyclists are crazier than the runners; even at 6:00a.m. they dominate the rec lanes. Gotta admire them for that.

This weekend feels like Christmas. I left work early on Thursday to meet Jessica and Kiersten at my place. Then, I shuttled them out to Brooklyn where Ciara graciously designed iron-ons for Marne, Alison, and I. As that was happening some sign decorating was going on along with the eating of the pizza. Yesterday morning Kier, Jess, Kirk and I hit the Marathon Expo, which was pretty freakin' cool. I'm still amazed by the number of people who travel from other countries to run this. It's part of what makes it so special. What I'm trying to say is there were a lot of people at the Expo who didn't speak English and I wanted to hug them all. Before anyone accuses me of reverse whatever, I wanted to hug the English speakers, too. I want to hug everyone! I'm having a Roberto Benigni moment, excuse me.

I think Thursday at the Expo must've been insane, because Friday was pretty calm. I walked straight up to the section where my number was and didn't have to wait in line. When I gave the woman my name she passed me my number. Not feeling terribly emotional before this moment I was shocked that as soon as she handed it to me, smiled, and said "Good luck", I got so choked up I had to bite the inside of my lip to keep from crying.

I'm going to cry again when my credit card bill comes in the mail and I see how much $ I spent on Asics stuff! Oh, and I bought some more stuff from Running Divas, whom I'd never heard of until yesterday. I look forward to exploring their website soon and going broke. They have such cute women's wear, nothing you'd actually run in, but sporty clothes you can look cute in and let everyone know you're a running diva. Or a lunatic. I think they're actually the same thing.

Tonight we're dining at Puttanesca with Karl and Laural for some delicious pasta.

I'm not nervous. I feel ready. I feel very peaceful, what I'm guessing could be described as "zen".

THE NOT SO SMART THINGS WE DO

2006-11-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

Two of my three sisters descend upon me and my home tomorrow afternoon, so tonight I went grocery shopping at Whole Foods. $110.00 later I'm trying to carry five heavy bags by myself to my place which isn't very far under normal circumstances; under the weight of whole foods it's at least seven miles away. I hail a cab and I'm home in four minutes... $6.00 and four minutes.

Alison and I met at 6:30 this morning instead of our usual 7:00. We've committed to meeting tomorrow at 6:00a.m. Arrrgghh. Is this a wise move? Should I be getting up that early, work most of the day, go to Ciara's for t-shirt transfer fun, and get up early on Friday? Will lack of sleep help me sleep better on Saturday? That's the plan, in a way. I want to be able to sleep on Saturday. If I'm exhausted maybe I will.

I did sleep last night, thank goodness. And, oddly, I feel much better than I've felt in awhile. The acid reflux isn't as bad, or maybe I'm just getting used to it. I'm going to believe that getting a fair amount of sleep is the cure-all.

EVERYTHING IN IT'S RIGHT PLACE

2006-10-31T07:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

Over the weekend I pulled out some old long sleeved "Chappelle's Show" t-shirts and a pair of "Stuckeyville" sweatpants that I won't mind discarding on the Marathon trail. One thing about working on t.v. shows--they all give out gym wear as gifts. So, I won't need to make a trip to the Salvation Army to buy disposable clothes. Check that off the list.

I ate the last of the oatmeal this morning. And, the bananas were too ripe to eat, so I had to pitch them. I'd planned a trip to Trader Joe's anyway. That'll happen after work. Check that off the list.

Kiersten and Jessica arrive Thursday. That means cleaning the apartment, doing laundry, and getting Kiersten a belated birthday gift. I think I can do some of this tonight and tomorrow.

The key is to stay focused and calm, and not let excitement and anxiety get in the way of enjoying the week. So far I've been okay. Last night I was in bed by 10:00, asleep by 10:30, started waking up at 5:15a.m., but stayed in bed until 6:33a.m. when my alarm went off.

Met Alison this morning at 7:00. Tomorrow we'll meet at 6:30. Then 6:00 on Thursday. This will be good practice for Marathon morning when I'm sure we'll be up around 4:00. I'm anxious just looking at it.

And now for the part where I talk about something completely unrelated. I'm reading a good book called "The Russian Debutante's Handbook" by Gary Shteyngart. I know it's good because the little I've read so far keeps me coming back, but I can't say it's really sinking in just yet because I'm busy thinking about (insert the word "Marathon" here).

Is "Heroes" a good show? I can't tell. It seems interesting, but do I want to follow it every week? I'm already committed to BSG, and I feel it's enough to sustain my need for serial sci-fi drama.

Look at that! I talked about entertainment for a whole 2 paragraphs before my mind drifted back to running! Yes, they are short paragraphs, but it's a start.

NIKE makes these fantastically comfortable dri-fit shirts that I LOVE. And, they come in an aray of rich, bright colors. I sound like a commercial. I know NIKE has been in trouble for their sweatshop practices. But, I love their clothes. They make the best clothes for women. No one else I've found so far really cuts clothes properly for women's bodies. It's embarrassing! Women have been athletes now for, what, like hundreds of years? And no one but NIKE has figured out how to make flattering yet functional clothes for the ladies?!? So, NIKE has my money. I even like some of their running shoes. Ciara is also a die hard NIKE fan, as I might have mentioned in a previous post.

Clothes: $100.00
Oatmeal and Bananas: $2.30
Knowing where all your shit is the day of the Marathon: Priceless

THE COUNTDOWN: 6 DAYS TO GO

2006-10-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

We ran the Poland Springs Marathon Kickoff 5 mile yesterday morning. I wore my brand new running pants that I got, along with some other winter gear, from NIKETOWN on Sunday, thanks to Ciara who, very awesomely and patiently, accompanied Alison and I to the store and gave us her 40% off discount! If that's not cause for a "Woo-Hoo" I don't know what is. So, my winter running wardrobe is looking good; I have no excuse for not running outside December - March.

It's very important to do a long run in your Marathon clothes before the Marathon so you know they're comfortable, if they cause chaffing, and how well they breathe. With that in mind, I bought new clothes that I've run in maybe once for, like, a four miler. Okay, my shorts have been through two 20 mile runs. They're great--just a little chaffing around the waist band, but nothing a little Body Glide can't handle. I bought a red shirt that maches my shorts and a long sleeved shirt to wear for the start. And I got a new hat. Everything matches. So, if my clothes start bothering me, well, at least I'll look cute, dammit.

We're going to Ciara's place on Thursday night to put our names on our shirts. Last night at Uma's Bill asked if I was going to put "Chief" on my shirt. I think I'll put "Go Erica!" on the front and "Chief" on the back.

Am I competitive? Alison says I am. Maybe, but I don't think I am competitive with other people; I compete with myself. At races I'm not concerned with Alison's time, or Ciara's time, or anyone's time. I think about my time, about what I can do, and what I want to do to feel like I had a good race. If I'm feeling strong and think I can run a little faster, then that's what I want to do. When I have an injury, like the IT band pain I dealt with earlier in the year, I "take it easy" as they say. I'm not one to put myself in jeopardy, but I hate taking it easy. I do. And, I'm not going to take it easy if I don't feel like it. So there! Seriously, though, it's not in my nature to back off. I'm always pushing, even just a little bit, to see what will happen. If I run a little faster, what will happen? If I take a left instead of a right, where will that lead me? I don't like playing it safe. And, if that means I'm competitive then so be it.

My Mom is like that. She quietly and confidently goes after what she wants. And, she's humble about her accomplishments, but she doesn't shy away from praise. I know she's amazing, and so does everyone around her. I think when someone is confident, but somewhat reserved about what they've achieved it can be sort of threatening or intimidating. Why is that?

It's going to be cold: 52 degrees for the high with 10% chance of showers. Sunny, but cold.

LET ME SLEEP

2006-10-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

9 DAYS TO GO

Oh my GOD I'm tired! Please, someone just give me a cot and a blanket so I can crawl under my desk at work and take a very long nap! Coffee doesn't help. Nothing helps. Getting to sleep at a decent hour might help, but that never seems to happen. I was smart, though; I planned nothing for next week, so, except for work, I'll be able to get home by 6:00, eat by 7:00, and crash in front of the t.v. I'm going to bed by 9:00p.m. every night next week so I can practice getting up at 4:00 or 5:00a.m.

How is it that people don't know the distance of a marathon? Isn't it taught in school during the Greek Mythology unit? I feel like it's pretty basic knowledge. I knew and have known that a marathon is 26.2 miles since I was a kid. The fact that so many people have asked me "how long is a marathon?"--should I find that troubling and a reflection of the poor quality of our educational system in this country? Or, am I being a snob? Once, an actress who shall remain nameless, asked me how long a marathon was and I told her; then she asked what my longest run was, and at the time it was a 1/2 marathon, which I told her; she then asked how long a 1/2 marathon was. Okay, I sympathize on one level because I, too, and bad at math. But, come on, it's basic math!

I'm grumpy today.

I don't know how to contain my excitement / anxiety. All I want to do is talk about the marathon, which is driving my co-workers crazy. I'm trying to think about other things, like writing projects, politics, and shopping, but I can only sustain those thoughts for brief moments before I find a way to relate them to running: "I hope Barack Obama runs for president. I wonder if he attended the Chicago Marathon?"

Since we're on the subject of politics, I think I'd quit my job and work for Obama's campaign if he decided to run. The thought of him as Prersident of the United States gets my heart racing as much as thinking about the marathon. (Damn, I did it again!) I like Hillary. I LOVE Barack. I worry that someone is going to try to assasinate him. I had that fear after his DNC 2004 speech, the one that had me and all my friends crying like babies. If I worked for him I could be responsible for keeping the staff in shape. Campaign staffs always get fat and eat lots of crap and drink tons of coffee. I could make everyone get up and run 3 miles before stuffing their faces with egg mcmuffins.

THE FINISH LINE AWAITS

2006-10-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

THE LAST TEN MILES

I'd like to take a moment to pay some serious love and respect to New York City. Training here has been such an amazing experience. Sometimes when I'm running along the Hudson I have to slow down and take it in: wow, I live here! I run here! We all complain about New York--it's too expensive, it's crowded, it's cold. But, everyone wants to live here. I don't know where else I'd go and be as excited, happy, frustrated, anxious, content, peaceful as I am here.

This is a beautiful city. It's also an ugly city, especially in the Bronx. Okay, let's not lie, the Bronx ain't pretty. At least, the one mile we have to run in the Bronx is very unattractive. On Sunday we did the last 10 miles, starting at 59th and 1st. It was a great run with a big turn out from my running groups TRIPLE TOWN THREAT (Ciara, Marianna, Marne, Jeremy, Erin, I'm sure I'm forgetting someone) and TEAM GORGEOUS (Amanda, Sasha, Andy, Nancy). Crossing the bridge into the Bronx was very cool. My runs, as I said, mostly take place in two areas, so not only was the course different, I also got to leave Manhattan, which, mentally, was a nice change. However, someone needs to put some garbage cans on the street corners in the Bronx. So much litter! I'm sure they'll clean it up for the race, but the fact that people live up there with garbage all around them is pretty depressing. What a difference a few garbage cans would make.

Once we got back into Manhattan it was only 6.2 miles to the finish. And, when I saw the finish line, man, I got so choked up. Even writing this now gives me heart palpatations. I cannot believe I'm running the marathon. There have been moments during my training where it's hit me like a lead weight that this is real, I'm making this happen. And, seeing the finish line on Sunday (the bleachers are already up) was a huge rush.

The last 10 was great. I felt strong. And, this was one of the only runs I've done where there weren't water stops, so we ran the whole thing. It's good to know I can do that. I carried a Gatorade with me, and sucked down one GU which was enough.
Psychologically, this was a great run. I know what to expect for the last hour and a half, which is a good feeling.

I bought my marathon shirt yesterday. I guess I have to run the race now.
Shop at Jack Rabbit Sports. They give NYRR members a discount on clothes and shoes. Very cool.

LAST 20 MILES AND NOTHING TO WEAR

2006-10-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

LAST 20 BEFORE MARATHON
17 days and counting

The other night Alison called me and said "20 days to go!". I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night I was so excited.

On Saturday, October 14, we ran our last 20. Alison and I met up with Nancy, Lisa, and Marne at 7:30a.m. at the Park (with a capital "P"). Let me just take a moment to acknowledge the wonderful friends we've met through running. There's Ciara (marathon #3 for her this year and a friend for about five years now) and the whole Triple Town gang; Amanda, Sasha, and Nancy who we met in running class; and Lisa and Marne who Alison met in running class. Running with a group of positive, fun people makes a world of difference, and, last Saturday was huge.

So, we started at the west side of the Park at the entrance on 60th and CPS. The plan was one 6 mile loop, two 5's and a 4. I had two Gu's with me. I'll digress for a moment and say that I've discovered the Power Gels have way too much sodium for me; Gu works much better despite it's unfortunate name.

Our group was pretty gung ho except Lisa, who is just over training. She's a really strong runner and, typically, runs faster than us, but I think she's just beat. I was worried she'd give up somewhere along the way, but she didn't. Marne, unfortuantely, had to bail around mile 8ish due to IT band and knee problems that got worse as she went. Poor Marne. She's been trying to shake this for awhile; she has drugs, sees a PT, ices, but it's not gone away. She swears she's meeting us this weekend for our 15 miler, but I'm concerned.

And, I've also been worried about Alison, who's IT band problems have turned into tendinitis of the glutteous maximus. She's doing these marathon stretch sessions before and after every run, plus icing her butt and knees. Okay, yes, it's kinda funny, the frozen booty and all. But, I must admit, I have had moments of real concern. If Alison gets worse and can't run on November 5, I will be crushed. I want to cross the finish line with my main woman who has gone through every minute with me, and if she's not there it won't be the same. So far she's not even talking about bailing. I'm so proud of her. I think several months ago she might have considered it, but now she's really dedicated. I remember last year she'd come up with every reason in the book why we shouldn't run the marathon. Now, she gets pissed off at her doctor if he even suggests she can't run on an injury! I love it!

This last 20 was leaps and bounds ahead of the 20 before. It was fun! We talked the entire time, which kept me from focusing on my burning belly (around miles 6-7), my frozen hands (it was pretty cold and I didn't have feeling in my hands until around mile 15) and the very slight pain in my right ankle. Nancy told us all about her boyfriend, who she's madly in love with; Alison talked about her dating life; Lisa talked about her non-dating life; I talked about GREY'S ANATOMY, which made me cry last week. The end of the episode when Izzy reads the letter from Denny and you hear his voice? It was so moving. I miss Denny. Why'd they have to kill him?

At the end of the run I felt great. No real pain. I was tired, of course, for the next two days, and I skipped working out on Sunday. But, I really felt, and feel, that if I had to run the marathon now I could.

We finished in about 3 hours and 38 minutes, which is consistent with our other 20s. I'm beginning to think there's a real chance we'll finish the marathon in 4 hours and 40 minutes. If we stay at our current pace it should be no problem.

ALL BY MYSELF

2006-10-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

MY SECOND 20

Second 20 mile run. By myself. I'm not going to lie--it was hard. Physically, mentally, emotionally. I just felt drained. I took my iPod with me as I was worried about how I'd stay engaged without Alison, but, wouldn't you know it, the batteries died around mile 10. So, there I was, stuck carrying my iPod in my hand with another 10 miles to go.

I have a love / hate relationship with Central Park. I feel it's my home away from home, my church, my nemesis, my support. I know the loops too well, I know the cat is going to be there taunting me, I know the west side incline on the north is going to frustrate me and I'm going to want to give up every time, but I keep going because I won't let it defeat me. When I hit mile 10 (the same time my iPod gave out) I decided to add a loop around the reservoir just to shake things up as I was really starting to hate the park, so at mile 13 I turned into the entrance of the reservoir around 86th street, hit the fountain, waved to that dude who I'm not convinced is really alive, the old man who has run many marathons and they have information about his life posted, why can't I remember his name? Anyway, I started mile 14, thought I'd do three loops and finish the last two on the street. After the first loop I was irritated with the reservoir, I was tired of being in the park, I just had to get out of there. So, with 5 miles to go I ran down the east side, back up the west and exited out 72nd street.

On the street I discovered my irritation wasn't just with the park, but with everything. The sounds of cars, the people walking down the street, the smells of the vendors. Everything was bothering me. I wanted to scream or hit someone, or laugh really loud in an obnoxious, scarry way. But, I trudged on, one foot in front of the other. I tried to think of how I'd feel when I finished; then I thought about what I'd eat for dinner. My knee hurt. I had a horrible cramp in my side. Around the last two miles I passed a man who felt compelled to encourage me, I must've looked like I was in pain. He said "You can do it" and, while I appreciated the support, I wanted to punch him. It wasn't personal. I was just tired and pissed off for no reason other than I was at the end of a really hard run, and the end wasn't coming fast enough.

At my street I "crossed the finish line" and walked to my door just a few steps away. As soon as I got in the elevator I cried. It was the first time since I started training that I really questioned why the hell I was doing this. I collected myself before entering the apartment as I didn't want to scare Kirk with my tears. I was fine, just emotionally and physically run down, literally.

HUNG OVER IN THE PARK

2006-10-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

Last week the long run was a 13 mile, which I did by myself in the park. I had two glasses of wine the night before, started my run around 10:30a.m. and it was the longest run of my life! The week before I ran 20 miles and felt great. Last week I could barely crank out 6 miles before I was ready to call it a day. I pushed through and completed the mileage, but it was not fun. So, I'm not drinking anymore. I think I was dehydrated from the wine. Plus, it was unusally hot and humid for late September.

THE FIRST 20

2006-09-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! I ran my first full 20 miles over the weekend! Aside from some soreness in my quads and minor pain in my lower back, I felt great. And, I slept great the rest of the weekend. I was so tired the rest of the day (even after numerous naps) and still felt tired on Sunday, even after a solid nine hours sleep.

The night before the run (which was organized by NYRR) I ate pasta with red sauce and turkey meatballs about three hours before going to bed. And, I was in bed by 10:00p.m. I did sleep. I thought I'd be too nervous, but I calmed down and managed to sleep almost 7 hours.

2:05:31

2006-08-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

NIKE HALF MARATHON
NYC
August 27, 2007
Central Park to Battery Park

As usual, I could not sleep before the race. Overwhelmed with anxiety, I sat up on Saturday night until after 1:00a.m. watching "The 40 Year Old Virgin" (how I love that movie!), my stomache burning so much I felt sure I was going to vomit. Kirk and I ate at Jake's Saloon and I had salmon, cous cous, and asparagus for dinner. Lesson: do not eat anything but pasta the night before a race. I'm sure the salmon was too much for my system to digest. Anthony (my trainer) warned me not to eat anything too complicated. How complicated is salmon, really? I guess more complicated than I thought.

When I finally got to sleep around 1:30 my stomache had settled down, but when the alarm went off at 5:00a.m. it was back to burning. I took a swig of Pepto, to no avail, ate a little pasta (which, I learned later, also not a smart move. Why did I distract from my typical ritual of dry toast before the race?), stretched, did some breathing to help my stomache, and rolled out my IT bands on the foam roller.

Alison and I met in front of the Holiday Inn at 6:00a.m, and caught a cab to 87th and 5th where we met Ciara, Marne, Jeremy, and Erin. It was overcast, probably in the high 60's - low 70's, nice and cool -- a perfect day for running as the humidity started off nice and low. It started raining pretty hard around the 7th mile, but it slowed down around mile 8 to a steady rain
instead of the torrential downpour it had been.

Kirk's the best boyfriend ever! He was in Times Square looking for me at 8:00a.m., in the rain, instead of in our very comfortable bed. He saw me and yelled my name which was fun to hear amongst the cheering crowd. Mariana also came out, balloons in hand, to cheer us on.

I lost Ciara, Jeremy, and Marne around mile 8 at a drink station. Alison disappeared after mile 4. I saw the gang (minus Alison) ahead of me for a few minutes and thought about catching up, but my stomache was cramping so much that I needed to back off. I was hanging pretty tough until mile 10 when I hit a mini "wall" and thought I was going to have to stop. Fortuantely, there was a drink station between 10 and 11 and I took advantage by grabbing a Gatorade and walking through. Once I got back to running I felt much better. Mile 12 was a little tricky: I was so ready for the race to be over by then! My feet were killing me--I think I need new shoes. My Asics have taken a beating as I've worn them for both 1/2's I've done this year, plus most of my training runs. It'd make sense that they're a bit worn out. As tired as I thought I was, as soon as I saw the finish line in the distance I kicked into high gear and crossed strong. I don't know where I found the spare energy as I ran this race faster than I've run any other half. As cramped and uncomfortable as I felt I somehow found the power to kick it in the last 800 meters.

I reconnected with everyone in Battery Park and found out that we were all within a few minutes of each other. I think Marne, Ciara, and Jeremy finished in about 2:03 or 2:04; I finished in 2:05:31; and Alison finished in 2:07:14 (I looked up our scores). So, there wasn't a huge difference between us which means we're all pretty even in terms of training. My pace was 9:34 per mile.

My goal for the race was 2:05, 9:30 pace. I can't believe I did it. I knocked 8 minutes off my fastest time. All this training is working, I guess. On to the next running adventure.

READY FOR THE HALF

2006-08-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

71 Days to November 5
NIKE Half Marathon
Sunday, August 27
Goal: 2:05

I skipped running class due to rain. The last time I ran in the rain I got sick and I can't afford to get sick right now. Rain during the marathon will be fine. I can get sick after November 5.

It was a smart choice to take yesterday off from running (I did weights in the morning) as I was feeling pretty beat. The four miles this morning were nothing. Wow, if you'd told me two years ago that a 4 mile run would be a cake walk I'd not have believed it. Now, I look forward to the short runs because I know the long run is coming. This weekend is 13.1 miles for the NIKE Half Marathon which I'm totally psyched about. First time ever in NYC. I'm already planning how I'll get to sleep on Saturday night, as I'm anticipating serious anxiety and sleeplessness. So, I've got my Tylenol PM all ready to go and I want to be in bed by 8:00.

Kathleen massaged me Wednesday night. I wish I could afford massages every week. I was so relaxed and slept like a rock. Problem is I am not getting enough sleep. Lately, I hit the bed and I'm out which is really unusual for me as I'm prone to anxiety attacks, but these days I can't keep my eyes open for more than two minutes once I'm in bed. Yeah running!

Carb load, carb load, hydrate, hydrate. That's my mantra this week as I prepare for Sunday. I can't wait. I set a goal of finishing in 2:05, which is about 8 minutes faster than my fastest time. Why do I get nervous when I set a goal? If I don't make it it's okay, nothing bad will happen, the earth will continue to spin, the day will go on. So, why do I hesitate to make the goal, and why do I hesitate to tell anyone about it? I'm strong, I'm prepared, I'm tough. There is no reason why I should be afraid to set pace goals.

2006-08-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Training Week 11:

I don't feel like getting dressed. I'm finding it hard to put on nice clothes these days. Fortunately, I have a job where I can wear shorts and flip flops, but it's not like me not to want to wear a cute dress, cute shoes, cute whatever. I never go out looking awful. The hair gets done, the mascara goes on, mani / pedi -- check. Just can't seem to get it together in the wardrobe department, and I totally blame marathon training. How can I want to wear anything but comfortable clothes when my muscles are all irritable? My lower back is always a little achy, my quads are always talking to me, my feet (despite the pedi) are jacked up with blisters, peeling skin, and soreness. I'm always tired and always hungry. So, why the hell am I doing this? Why do I put myself through the early morning West Side Highway run? Why do I spend hundreds of dollars on gear, my trainer, my pt, massages?

Gotta say I've got some kick ass Tina Turner legs goin' on. I'm not losing weight, but my body is starting to look like an athelete's, and I'm totally diggin' it.

Met Alison at 7:15a.m. for a 5 mile run up the WSH. This week's been tough. Yesterday had to run 5 miles and I just wasn't in the game mentally or physically, but I plowed through. Today the only reason why I didn't die of boredom was because Alison and I talked the whole time. Plus, fighting the bicycle traffic keeps things stimulating.

This weekend: Nike 1/2 Marathon! First time ever in NYC, we'll be running the park, then through the early morning streets down to Battery Park. Is it too ambitious for me to try and beat my 2(h), 11(m) time?