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!
Monday, November 02, 2009
Ooorah!! Coach's Corner
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!
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
Monday, October 26, 2009
First Last Week
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Chicago Marathon Part 3: More Videos
Here's some fun footage of flying clothes, miles 16 & 21, and what I had for breakfast.
Chicago Marathon Part 2: Videos
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.
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.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tapering is Hard to Do
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Chicago Marathon: 4:15:40
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.
Monday, October 12, 2009
20 miles down 26.2 to go
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.
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.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Barefoot in the Park
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Blog Like A Runner
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Run Like the Tarahumara
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.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
What if...(by Coach Abby)
...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
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
Monday, August 17, 2009
NYC Half Marathon -- 13.1 Miles of Hell
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!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Seems like they only get longer.
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?
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?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Run and Raise Money
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!
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!
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Beg to Defer
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!
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Summer Streets!!!
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
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
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
"I'm A Fan" by Coach Abby
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
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
Monday, July 27, 2009
My first Triathlon: Done!
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#%$- off," which I admit resulted in a gratified smile if only briefly.
So, for those seasoned vets who came before me, what's the cheer that gets you angry?
So, yeah I did it.... my official time was 3 hours: 13 minutes: 24 seconds. And the only injury I have is this #$@%^ 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?
Saturday, July 25, 2009
NYC Triathlon!
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...
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...
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