NYC Marathon Weekend 2010 Recap #2

Sunday Nov. 7, 2010 ** Race Day**

I woke up at 4:30am nervous because I wasn't sure if my phone had actually registered the time change (I knew it did, but I was still nervous). I laid around for about 45 min and then got up for my pre run shower. Diane and Alex stayed asleep until about 6:15 am, which was perfect because I really needed to be with my own thoughts. This was a big thing I was about to do and I had no idea how the day would play out. I just wanted to think and find peace and quiet.

Alex got up and drove me to the subway (only 5 blocks, but it was dark and he didn't want me walking alone) at 6:30 and I headed down to the platform, fully ready to see other runners......but I didn't! Still nervous that I had my times messed up! Then another runner showed up and another one, so I felt more at ease. We all stood around in silence, mentally preparing for the day. The R train pulled up and we were greeted by many more runners on their way to the South Ferry station.

When we got off the train, there were mobs of runners, all headed up the stairs, up the escalator, and into the ferry terminal. I then stood shoulder to shoulder with hundreds or more runners waiting for a ferry to pull in and take us to Staten Island. I was able to get on the 3rd ferry to pull in and was on my way to Staten Island by 7:50am.

I could just feel the excitement building!! I met a woman named Regan, who was born and raised in NYC and had run the marathon 11 years ago. We met in the terminal and stayed together until we headed into our separate start villages. I also met a man from S. Carolina who had run 10 years ago and a woman from N. Carolina who was a first timer like me! I took pictures as we went by the Statue of Liberty and I was reveling in the fact that it was the most beautiful day I have ever experienced!! Not a cloud in the sky, perfect sun, and 40 degrees. I couldn't ask for a better day to run!

We arrived in Staten Island and waited to get on a shuttle bus to Fort Wadsworth and our start village. When we got off the buses, we passes numerous cops making sure only runners entered the start area and were asked many times to show our race bib. Regan and I parted and I headed to the Orange start village to drop my bag and get some coffee and a bagel and just relax before my start time. I made it in time to hear the canon for Wave 1 and watch them start over the bridge....how freaking cool!!! I stood in awe when I first arrived, just looking at the Verrazano Narrows bridge and thinking about running over it....amazing.

After quite a bit of a wait, they called Wave 3 to the corral staging area. As we were walking, the Wave 2 cannons went signaled the 10:10 start. We lined up, waiting to be let into our corral and I met a few more people who would be starting the race with me at 10:40. We were in corral 53 in the Orange group. At this point, I was just getting more and more excited and started thinking that I could actually do this!

We entered our corral, walked to the start, met some more people, and then the cannon sounded our 10:40 start!! Frank Sinatra's New York, New York was blaring over the loudspeaker and everyone started singing. So awesome!! We were off and running!

As we crossed the bridge, I couldn't help but feel like I was having an out of body experience. I felt suspended in time and space and totally free as I ran along. Reality set in just before the 2 mile mark when I realized I was running at a pace 2 min faster than my planned and practiced marathon pace! Yikes!!! I just felt so good!! I checked back into reality as I came off the bridge and headed for 4th ave in Brooklyn. I slowed my pace for fear that I wouldn't be able to finish if I kept it up!

Brooklyn was amazing! The crowds and cheers were amazingly helpful! I had my name where I was from on my shirt, so people were calling me by name and yelling encouragement. Loved it!! Totally kept me going!! I saw my family at 7.5 miles and gave them my baselayer. I had already shed one layer b/c I was starting to feel overheated already. After some quick hugs and kisses, I continued on to complete my journey. It's funny, I remember the whole day, but the memories are fragmented and fade in and out. I think I really spent a lot of time in my own head and while I was taking in all that was around me, I wasn't fully present for that part of the day. Strange....

Anyway, Brooklyn pretty much rocked and the people were incredible! I saw the Bishop Loughlin HS band performing the Rocky theme, the hasidic jews going about their day (pretty much the quietest part of the day), and all the people of Brooklyn lining the streets for 13 miles to cheer, support, and help us on our journey. Lots of high 5's and lots of cheers!

The bridge to Queens was not too bad, sharp incline but otherwise not a bad trip over the bridge. Amazing view of Manhattan as we crossed the halfway point of the marathon! Clearly I wasn't in a competetive section because we all were stopping to take pictures! We were in Queens for a short 2 miles and then up and over the Queensboro Bridge. Seriously, this was by far the most difficult part of the run.

Queensboro Bridge was a 1 mile gradual uphill between 15-16 miles and was insanely tough! Everyone around me, including myself, dropped to a speedwalk. I started feeling a calf cramp and pulled off to the side to stretch and try to head it off. I knew if I didn't deal with it, there was no way I would finish. I did have 1 fleeting moment on the bridge where I felt I was done and over it......pretty sure I could have just stopped at that exact moment, but, I pushed that through out of my head and reminded myself what was waiting on 1st ave in Manhattan!

1st ave was incredible...although I was insanely jealous of all the people cheering with beers in hand! :) It was a tough go at this point for me, gradual uphill AGAIN!!! Ugh, I swear, NYC is the town of gradual uphills! One foot in front of the other all the way up 1st ave. Headed for the Willis Ave Bridge, I speed walked the sharp incline onto the bridge and ran again once I crested the top. Trotted right into the Bronx to loud cheering crouds and a jumbo screen where we could see ourselves running. Through the Bronx for a hot second and some seriously soulful cheering, then up and over the Madison Ave Bridge back into Manhattan for the final stretch of our journey. At this point, every step is further than I've ever run....WOW! I think that though re-energized me! Insane.....

On our way down the bridge into Manhattan, a large crowd was waiting, cheering, and blasting Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z. It was the perfect way to start the last leg of the trip. I ended up with a group of people that were just having fun running.....and one asked "is it possible for your hair to hurt right now?" Which we all answer a resounding YES! So we continue......Just keep running, just keep running....don't remember much of this part, except that the miles seemed to start ticking off a bit faster and I was still in disbelief that I had actually made it 22+ miles. I saw my family at this point, they surprised me with big hugs and big cheers! Just what I needed to finish this thing!

The last 4 miles were kind of a blur.....of gradual uphills!!!!!! Seriously!?!? I mean, I knew it was coming, I had read all the books, studied the course, I knew right where it was.....but still, it was tough. I'm pretty sure I started focusing on what I was going to eat b/c my stomach started growling and how yummy that beer was going to taste!

I remember lots of cheering as I came down 5th ave, but that's about it. Lots of people calling my name, which helped, but I don't remember smiling too much b/c it took too much energy! My thumbs up even became half hearted b/c lifting my arms was becoming challenging. As I entered Central Park, we were greeted with more crowds and encouraging onlookers, again, helpful because we were all pretty beat at this point. We had been running for well over 5 hours!

We exited Central Park, wrapped around the street for a minute and then re-entered for our final trek to the finish line. At this point the sun was just about down, and I swore I would hit that finish line before it was completely gone! As we re-entered the park this last time, we were greeted by a large screen that showed us running and a fantastic band. As we turned the corner, we could see the 26 mile sign and knew that just feet beyond that was the finish.....although, you couldn't actually see the finish until you were on top of it!

When I finally saw the finish and realized I would be making it in barely under 6hrs, I pushed my legs to the finish to make sure I made it! I can't even describe the feelings that were whipping through me as I approached the finish line. Pure elation, relief, disbelief, shock, joy......and on and on......

It was an absolutely incredible moment. I crossed the finish line in daized disbelief, and was becond by the woman holding the medal to come over and get my bling. My eyes started welling up with tears as she said "congratulations!! You did it!!" YES I DID!! I stopped to take my finish picture with my medal and then headed over to get wrapped in the heat sheet. I was then handed a bag with food/water/recovery drink and then started walking to get my bag with a change of clothes. Once I retrieved my stuff, I stepped to the side to try and slip my clothes on and warm up.....and just stop moving for a minute.

Official Finish Time ~ 5:59:02

All I wanted to do was stop moving at this point! I called my husband to let him know I'd crossed and figure out where to meet. It was after dark, so I didn't want to have to go far by myself. I then sat on a stone wall at the corner of 77th and Central Park West and dug into my bag of goodies to begin my recovery and reflect on the day. What an amazing day!!

I met up with my husband and friend Diane and began the quest to find food and beer! What a day, what a day......as I ate and drank and talked with my family, I just couldn't stop thinking.....I actually finished a marathon today! AND....I would do it again! :)

What could be next.........

NYC Marathon Weekend 2010 Recap #1

Well, this time last sunday I had finished my first 26.2 miles, reunited with my husband and friend Diane, and found the closest pub to down a beer and some yummy food! I can't believe it was just a week ago that I finished my first marathon! Now, time to reflect about the weekend!!

Friday Nov. 5, 2010

Up bright and early (5am) to load my car, pick up Diane, and hit the road to NYC by 7am!

I was rather frantically running around the house trying to make sure I had exactly everything I needed for the big weekend, and still felt I was forgetting something! In fact, I made a list of what I needed to bring, packed my bags the night before, unpacked my bags, repacked my bags, and so on.....a little OCD?? :) I picked up Diane and we were on the road by 7:30.

The drive there was absolutely uneventful, we chatted and she continually tried to calm me down because I was speed talking. So much anxiety, self doubt, aches/pains, fear, you name it, I was feeling it! In fact, I had multiple sleepless nights the week before the marathon. I just couldn't bring myself down to a calm state to sleep. Seriously, it was ridiculous!!

We arrived in NYC around 2pm, checked into Holiday Inn Express in Brooklyn (2 blocks from the marathon course, perfectly convenient for marathon viewing)! We immediatly got directions to the Javits Center for the expo and headed to the subway. As we exited the subway, I fell UP the subway steps...yep, that's me, grace! What a way to start my marathon weekend!

The expo was good, we found our way to check in, picked up my race number, took lots of pictures, and then rummaged through the vendors and purchasing items here and there. I picked up a NYC marathon half zip tech hoodie, love it! We also bought some powergels & bars, and I found a pair of sport sunglasses I love!!

After the expo, we headed back to Brooklyn to visit with my friends Stacy, Scott, and their kids. It was wonderful to see them and catch up, it's been a very long time!

Through this entire day of travel and getting into NYC, I missed a meal and did a lot of walking. By the end of friday, I was absolutely spent, hungry, and thankful I came a day early to get situated!

Saturday Nov. 6, 2010

I woke up a bit early for my liking on saturday morning. First, I woke up in total panic because I had absolutely no idea where I was, what was going on, what day it was, or anything! Talk about freak out!! Then, as I woke a bit more, I realized I was also on my way to a migraine. Seriously! All I wanted to do saturday morning was get up, head into Central Park and go for a jog, not deal with a massive headache. Diane and I headed down to breakfast in the hopes thatI could eat a large number of calories and kill the headache. I added in some mild drugs as well!

After a bit, we got ourselves together and hopped the subway into the city to check out the marathon course in Central Park. It was awesome to jog part of the course and check out the finish line. After checking out the finish line, we jogged around the park a bit more and then headed back to Brooklyn to meet up with my husband who had just driven down from Boston.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, checking out a pub in lower Manhattan, and deciding where to go for my pre run pasta dinner. We picked a little place called Sophia's of Little Italy in....you guessed in...Little Italy. We also met up with 3 of my cousins who had made the trip to NYC to cheer for me during the marathon. Dinner was fantastic!! I had Gnocchi with red sauce and it was incredible!! Diane made me eat the entire plate of Gnocchi because she knew I was still in need of more calories!! After dinner, I was still having some anxiety about the run and was pretty tired, so we headed back to Brooklyn to get my stuff ready for the morning and get a good nights sleep!

Take that NYC!!

I did it!! I finished the NYC marathon this past sunday....I'm still sitting in amazement that I actually did it AND felt OK!!

I came back late monday night and was back to work yesterday, so I haven't had time to post a full weekend report. I will chronicle all my experiences during the 4 day trip in the next few days. Until then........ Veni, vidi, vici !!

Track me on Nov. 7th!

It's almost here! Just a few more days before I leave for 4 glorious days in NYC!

If you want to track or check in on my progress, click here.
Tracking opens the morning of Nov. 7th.

Here is my runner info:

Runner Registration #528147
Bib #53332
Color: Orange
Wave #3
Corral #53

Start time: 10:40 a.m.

If you want to send a message to play on the course, click here.

Thank you so much for all the support over the past few months!!! I can't wait to get to NYC on Friday and take the final step in the journey!!

Hugs!
Melissa

I'm as ready as I'll be.....

Now I just need to relax and enjoy the ride! Easier said than done!

I'm totally in my head now and I need to stop freaking out!! Everytime I think about it I either tear up or start to feel ill. Seriously, I need to let it go and have faith that I will finish just fine and I'll probably make a lot of friends out there on the course! I can't wait to meet my fellow 5hr+ marathoners!

I'm still doing my 5am workouts and some after work classes at the gym, but running has been minimal. I'll go out tomorrow for about 13 and then a few short runs this week before I head to NYC.

I can't believe that at this time next week I'll be tucked away in my hotel in Brooklyn working on that best night of sleep before the big event. Just wild....

Thank You!!

I am just so excited that 3 of my cousins are joining me in NYC! It was such a surprise when they told me they'd be there. And, my cousin Jeniene sent me a surprise treat that arrived on my front steps yesterday....a super fun and helpful new sport watch called a TECH 4O Accelerator watch. Love it!!

Thank you so much! I can't wait to wear it! Watch out NYC....here I come!

Love ya!

A Race Like No Other

I'm getting ready for my final long long run of training and ramping up my excitement by reading "A Race Like No Other" by Liz Robbins. What a brilliant book! I love being able to visualize all the excitement of the NYC Marathon! It gives such a detailed account of the day and the sights along every mile of the course.

I'm still finding it hard to believe that I am only 14 days and a wake up away from running in NYC! It feels a bit like a dream that I am actually going to do this!

YIKES....

I'm starting to feel a chest cold brewing!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Took today off from all exercise and I'm heading to bed soon after loading up on Vitamin C and some healthy eats. Ugh.....really, a chest cold after all this work! That is absolutely not happening! I'm making sure I'm bundled at all times for now and cutting down on my dairy intake.

Any thoughts on how to stay absolutely healthy for the next 18 days??

If you're slow, are you still considered a runner?

YES!! In my books, if you go out there and do it, no matter your speed, you are a runner. I might have a biased opinion because I'm a slow runner, but seriously, if you put in the energy and the training, shouldn't you get the same label as someone who is faster?

I started thinking about this when I learned that the Today Show's Al Roker will be running the NYC Marathon. Fantastic!! Kudos to you Al for taking on the challenge of a marathon after all you've been through with your weight. My mom had the same surgery as Mr. Roker, so I have first hand knowledge of what he experienced and the work he had to put in to make a permanent life change. I applaud him!!

I'm super duper excited because he is listed as running at a 13:00 min/mile pace. I have been averaging between 11:30-12:30 (depending on the hills) so maybe we'll run into each other on the course! How cool would that be....running in NYC with Al Roker! I'm planning to have my camera with me so if I do see Al, you better believe I'll be taking a picture!

Now, after reading the article announcing his entrance into the marathon, I read the comments and found some that said in no uncertain terms that he was not a runner and should consider himself a fast walker at best. Really? I'm pretty sure he has been training just as hard as the next guy to assure a finish on Nov. 7th. I have friends who are far faster than me and I joke with them about saving me some water at the end or maybe a banana so I don't miss out on post race food/drink! These people have never acted as if I was a poser because I call myself a runner.

Running is one of those sports that simply amazes me. I mean, think about it.....in what other sport can a world record holding marathoner and a 13 min miler share the same stage? It is truly special. In what other sport do you find the stories of life and survival and the shear will to cross a finish line that is 26.2 miles away? I'm a lover of all kinds of sports, so don't take this as me saying that running is superior to other sporting events. I'm just saying, not every Joe who tosses a football in the backyard is going to be in the NFL, but anyone who has the determination and desire, can run....no matter what distance.

20 miles!!!

It took me a while, but I have my 20! It was tough at times, but not that bad. My feet are hurting a bit still, but not too bad. I did LOTS of hills....to the point where I thought I might cry if I had to go up another hill!! Seriously, what was I thinking? I think I did about 10 miles of hills. Ugh! Surprisingly, my legs don't feel too bad right now. Just my feet are bugging me.

I used 1 gu pack and 1 powergel during my run. I've made a plan that every 7 miles during the marathon I'll down a gu/powergel. So today, I took a gu at 7 and the powergel at 14. I also used chomps and had my water pack with water and a container of gatorade. Before I headed out this morning, I had a bowl of cereal and a banana....clearly not enough before a 20 mile run. I definitely felt myself get to the hunger point during the run.

When I got home, I had another banana, a tuna sandwich, and a protein shake. I'm now getting hungry again, so I'm thinking about what I want for dinner! Wegman's has these fantastic $6 dinners where you get to pick an entree and 2 sides. It's healthy fresh food and delish!! Love my Wegman's! My fav dinner is coconut crusted tilapia w/mango salsa. Holy yum!!

I'm pretty tired right now, but just started feeling that way. I can't believe I did the longest run of my life today! Kinda excited for NYC now! It's gonna hurt, but I know I can do it!!

Official Handbook has arrived!!

Yay!! It arrived in the mail today and made my stomach flip flop!

25 days!!!

NYC....Here I Come!

I'm super excited ...... I just found out 3 of my cousins are making the trip to NYC to see me run AND one of them is volunteering! How awesome!! They totally rock!

Lorna, I look forward to seeing your smiling face at mile 17! Love ya!

Perfect Running Weather!

I had a fantastic 10.2 mile run yesterday! The weather couldn't be more perfect for running! I'm getting there, still can't believe NYC is coming up so fast. It just seems unbelievable....it seems like just yesterday I registered for the lottery in the hopes of running! Now, i'm 27 days away from my first marathon!

I did a super duper easy 2 today and I'm gearing up for my first 20 miler tomorrow! Love 3 day weekends! I've got my GU ready to go, my course mapped out, the Garmin charged, and my ipod loaded. I'm as ready as can be!

OMG.....

28 DAYS!!!! Yikes!!

Better head out for my 10 miles! :)

Yep, starting to freak out now.......

Holy Hills....

Well, I didn't do a particularly long run today....around 7 miles.....but it was ALL HILLS!!! Seriously....I had planned a longer run, but decided to turn to the left instead of right after a mile and ended up doing non stop up and down hills for the next 4 miles. Right would have taken me on my normal pretty flat run. I'm glad I turned left because WOW did it feel good to push up those hills and cruise the downs!

Start Info is set!!

Our start information was posted to our NYC Marathon profiles this week! Whoo Hoo!!

I can't believe it's coming up so fast.....and the start info makes it feel so much more real.

Bib #53332
Color: Orange
Wave #3
Corral #53

Start time: 10:40 a.m.

I'm super excited b/c my orange start color puts me on top of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge (I was nervous about possibly running on the bottom).

Now, back to work getting ready!!

It's 10 Mile Tuesday!!

Whooo Hooo! 10 miles tonight on the canal path. Loved having the garmin as my assistant....and my friend Diane as my "coach"! Thanks lady.....Sorry I was Casey Complainer.....but I'm glad I made you laugh with my totally random comments! HA! Promise I won't be so complainy next time!

I also was up at 4:30 this morning and did a short elliptical and then upper body weight workout before I headed into school. It's been a full day of exercise and work. Now it's bedtime.....my favorite part!

Happy Running!

In Love...

Thanks for all the comments!! I'm so in love with my Garmin! How did I ever run without it? It's fantastic to see my pace and when I'm slowing or when I'm going out too fast. Awesome!

Running is going alright. I'm just having a good time doing it, I can't continue to put pressure on myself. The goal is to finish. It's that simple. I'm not competitive, I just want to be able to do it and finish what I started. I'm totally psyching myself out and it's got to stop!! It will be a good day, no doubt about it!

Finally.....My GARMIN!!!

Yes, I finally sprung for the Garmin Forerunner 205! I'm so excited, I can't wait to run with it tomorrow! I had to charge it tonight, so I couldn't use it, but I'm ready for tomorrow. It's all programmed, uploaded, and personalized. Whoo Hoo!

NYC Marathon Course Video!!!

ING NYC Marathon Course Video

This is fantastic!! I am using it to get remotivated!

I got into the marathon so many months ago and the training is so long, now my motivation has been waning. Watching this video and visualizing myself crossing that finish line is giving me that super duper final push. I can't believe it's 7 weeks away! WOW!

Good running this weekend! Still working on the foot pain, but continued icing and ice foot baths, along with advil seem to keep me moving. Thinking I might get my feet looked at.....after Nov. 7th of course! :)

Rochester 1/2 Marathon 2010

My 5th half is in the books and it wasn't too bad! With my last half being one of the worst running experiences of my life, I was a bit concerned about doing this one. However, it turned out to be a pretty good experience. It was most certainly a great gauge for what I need to do in the next 8 weeks to finish prep for NYC!

I got up around 5 this morning and immediatly wasn't thrilled because it was POURING rain. I have a skylight in my kitchen and I could just hear it pouring down. Ugh! I took the dog out, got soaked, and started praying it would pass before the 7:45 start time! I hopped in the shower (I always need the wakeup shower!) and then got into my running gear. My friend Diane sent me a text about the rain and after checking the weather channel and watching the local news, I assured her the rain would pass by 8ish. Again, praying the weather people were right for once in their lives!! :)

Thankfully the rain turned to a light mist as I drove into Rochester to meet my friends Diane and Renee. It was actually pretty perfect for running, 50/60 and misting. We headed over to Frontier Field to pick up our chips and then walk to the start line. We actually used the drop bags today b/c it was so chilly at the start that we wanted to wear our jackets and layers as long as possible! All was going well, still light misting, and I was feeling pretty darn good!

The start gun sounded and we were off! Diane went ahead (she's a bit faster) and Renee and I stuck together until we were 3 miles into the run. She was having some hip problems, so I went ahead when she took a walk break. I was still feeling good as we headed to the long drawn out Highland hill and I made it up and over without issue. Sweet! At that point I decided I would allow myself a walk break at the Clinton/Westfall hill.....but low and behold, I made it up and over with no problems! Double sweet! I turned onto Westfall and made my way to Brighton town park to connect with the Erie Canal path. We passed the 7 mile mark headed toward the path and I used my GU b/c I started to feel hunger pains and didn't want to keep running on a total empty tank. I started taking water/gatorade around mile 5, so I was still replenishing the lost fluids.

I kept it moving on the canal path, still feeling pretty good. Once the GU set in, my legs felt better and I kept up my pace. All was going well until I hit 11 miles. Out of nowhere I had a massive foot cramp that curled my toes and made my lower calf/ankle spasm repeatedly. Awesome!! The first cramp nearly made me wipe out on the course! It took my leg right out from under me! I kept running and every few steps I would get another cramp and spasm....to which I started swearing! I'm sure the people around me were thrilled! Understandably, I was pissed! So close to the finish and now this after a seemingly good run! Ugh!!!

So, I kept it moving and just worked on keeping my toes firmly in position and taking long strides to keep the calf stretched. It was the best I could do and yet, the cramp kept coming back. When I exited the canal path and headed over the Ford St. bridge (picture is me on Ford St. bridge), I stopped and stretched on a bridge pillar. That seemed to help for a bit, but once I got to the other side of the bridge, rounded the corner and started down Exchange St, I was hit with another cramp. I chose to walk the hill on Plymouth because the extra use of my calf caused more severe cramping. I knew that once I got over that hill, it was all downhill or flat to the finish. I started running again, and ran the rest of the way to the finish line. I was so close, I just wanted to finish and get my leg worked on, so I pushed through and gimped it when it started cramping.

I rounded the final turn onto Morrie Silver Way and headed for the finishline which was just a few hundred yards away. The crowds were fantastic, but I didn't have my usual finishing smile today. I was struggling so much to just get there, some friends told me they could see the pain on my face. Sad...I love finishing with a smile! I crossed and my friend Nancy was a volunteer and put my medal on....and then helped me to the medical staff. I made my way over with some help, got a banana, chocolate milk, and some water and began my recovery. I ended up laying on a massage table and had this women do an amazing job releasing my foot and calf muscle on my right leg! When I got off the table, I felt like I had a new leg! She was brilliant.

All in all, it was a great day to run in Rochester! I had a fabulous time aside from the cramp, and shared it with good friends! And, it gave me confidence that I will be OK in NYC!! That's really what I was looking for in this run! 16 next weekend! Yikes!

Happy Running!

So..............

I might update this someday! :)

Seriously, I have been busy....beginning mid Aug......getting ready for back to school and getting on top of my counseling stuff. Reading, creating documents, procedures, etc, all in preparation for this week when all their shiny little faces walk through the door.

I love it!! It has been a fantastic first 2 days of school....some bumps, but I work in middle school, so that is to be expected! Once they realize they don't have to "front" at my school, the bumps should start to iron themselves out.

I'm still running, although, I've strayed from my marathon training. YIKES!! Panic button isn't fully pushed yet. I think I'm in the "mid way of a long a$% training program" slump. I'm doing the Rochester 1/2 Marathon this coming sunday and that will put me right back on track. I think I need to be part of the organized race to get my drive back.

I've been in the gym alot, so I'm still in decent physical shape, but I have to step up the running to finish getting ready for NYC. It's a must!

I'm thinking I'll check back in with a post Rochester 1/2 report. while I'm watching my Buffalo Bills home opener! Man this will be a good sunday!! Running and Football!!

More on Sunday!

New Shoes!!

I can't believe I forgot to mention my new running sneakers!! Love them so much!!

Of course, they are still my Brooks Adrenaline's, but they are new and comfy and I just love them.

I took them out for a few spins last week during my 4/7/4 mile weekday runs. They felt fantastic.

Yay for new running sneakers!!

Getting back on track & nasty little bugs!!

Taking a injury prevention time out is where I've been! I'm having some problems with my feet again (heel pain mostly, some pain on outside of rt foot as well). So, in light of that....and not wanting to be in the same predicament as last summer (plantar stuff), I took some time from running and dedicated it to gym work. I spent a little over a week just spinning and doing boot camp at Gold's. I did some short runs, 3 miles max, but that was about it. I figured if I could nip this now, then I could still jump right back into marathon training.

I got back to the running this past week doing my 4m, 7m, 4m weekday runs. I also did 2 spinning classes and 2 boot camp classes. Awesome jump back into it and I felt good on the runs. I was especially looking forward to the 12 mile run for this past weekend. On Friday, I had to mow the backyard and while mowing, something (A bug of some sort) jumped out of the ground and zapped me! Wouldn't have been a big deal except the searing pain I felt wasn't like a regular bee sting or bug bite. I did a few more passes around the lawn before I decided to go in and ice it. I was in that much pain!! WTF?? It felt like someone put a hot poker to the back of my calf and the pain just radiated throughout my lower leg. Awesome! I iced, finished the yard, and went about the rest of my day. Still had some pain, but I was trying to ignore.

I got up Saturday morning and the red area had tripled in size and it was extraordinarily painful!! Seriously?? It was a bug bite! On my husband's suggestion, I took some Advil and put some Benadryl lotion over the area. Neither of these things helped. We went out with some friends and had dinner/movie/drinks, and by the time we got to drinks, my leg was swollen, my ankle was starting to disappear and it was bright red and hot to the touch. Not a good sign.

I figured I'd see how it looked by Monday morning and call my doctor if it was worse, however, I didn't make it to today. I got up yesterday morning, again in terrible pain and I totally had a cankle at this point. In fact, the swelling was well into my foot. So, once the house was ready for the Open House, I decided to head over to Urgent Care and have them take a look at my leg. Turns out it was an infection (Cellulitis) and it started from whatever bit me. I even had a fever when I got there! I had no idea.

So now, I sit here, not discussing my 12 mile run, but discussing the fact that I'm couch bound with my leg propped and heavily medicated. While I'm feeling groggy today, I feel that my leg already looks a bit better.....well it's at least not as warm and red as it was yesterday. If I wake up tomorrow and the swelling it all gone and it looks a lot better, I will try for my 12 miler.

In fact, if I'm feeling better later today, I may try to head over to the gym for a mini workout. I hate just sitting on the couch!! Although it's raining and in the 60's, so it a perfect day to have to be immobile!!

My New Little Friend

The SPIbelt! You make me so happy! Your little polka dotted self carrying around all my junk while I run. You are a true runner's companion that doesn't add lots of baggage. Thank you!!

Sports Bras-R-Us

Those of you who know me, know I'm not what you would call small chested.....or even medium chested. Therefore, running has been somewhat of a challenge at times. Working to keep the girls in order while pounding out the miles is no small task! I've not been above multiple sports bras to keep them in line! It's almost become a science with extensive research, trying, jumping up an down in dressing rooms, well, you get the picture.

About a year ago I was turned onto the Moving Comfort Fiona Sports Bra which I totally love! It does the trick and is designed for women like me. However, I am in search of a racer back sports bra and thinking I might try the Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra. Has anyone tried this one or another racer-back bra that would work for the not-so-small-chested??

Well, that's enough about that for today! Happy Running!

Next time.....

I try to shorten a long run I will just tell myself NO! It's Tuesday and guess what gang....no 11 miles yet! I fell victim. Not to say I haven't run or exercised (60 min of spinning yesterday was fantastic). So, my goal is to do the 11 first thing tomorrow morning. This works well this week b/c I won't get to my next long run until Tuesday next week. I'll just have to get back on track after that, meaning, long runs on sat/sun. Alright....off to mow the lawn!

Might have changed it up a bit.....

So my long run should have been 11 today....but I did 6. Just wasn't feeling the other 5 this morning. I think I started too late in the morning and just didn't have it in me. It's alright, I'll do it tomorrow. It's nice being off all summer, makes the training schedule must easier to manage! Now, what do I do when school starts again?? I'm thinking 5am pre schooltime runs may be in my future!

It was such a fantastic run this morning! Lots of people out running, walking, and biking...all saying hi and smiling. Love it! The sun was shining with a perfect summer breeze....does it get better than that?

AND....I love days like today where I can get my run on and my tan on! Sweet! Nothing like multitasking!

Week 4 is in the books.....14 more weeks to go before I'll be standing at the start line in NYC (or Staten Island to be exact!)

Incredibly sad and shocked...

I simply have no words to describe this feeling. I just learned that a running friend passed suddently the other day. Mark Barry was 57 yrs old and a truly inspiring runner. I first met Mark through Athlinks. The website matched us up because we had done so many of the same races (it actually matched us as rivals....even though he runs a 6/7 m mile to my 11-12!). Right from the start, I could tell Mark was a great guy who loved life and loved running! We began crossing paths at many Rochester area races and would discuss where we were at with training and what was up next. He competed in everything from 5k's to marathons and found success across the board.

Mark was always offering supportive and encouraging words and would commend all who simply got out there and ran, no matter how fast. I enjoyed this about him. He was never condescending just because I was a slower runner, he just offered encouragement and congrats on any running accomplishment.

As I train for the 2010 NYC Marathon, an event Mark ran in 2008, I will think of him and all the joy and dedication he ran with over the years. Mark, my NYC marathon is dedicated to you friend. I know you will be there in spirit.

Marathon Training...Week 3!

Today began week 3 of training! Whoo Hoo! I can't believe it's here....it seems like just yesterday that I checked my status and found out I was accepted!

Things are good so far, I am mixing my running with lots of cross training and athletic conditioning classes. Cycling and Body Attack are my new best friends! I want to train as smart as possible this time around! My feet are still bugging me, but I'm working through it and treating them well when they aren't running me around! Lots of heel pain, but I keep stretching and working it in the hopes that one morning I won't wake up feeling like I'm walking on stumps!

Mileage this past week: 17 mi
Long run: 6 mi

This week brings two 3 mile runs, one 5 mile run, a 5K on saturday, and an 8 mile long run on sunday. Sweet!!

Happy Running!

Boilermaker 2010 is in the books!

What a fantastic weekend for running! Boilermaker 2010 was a great time with great friends! This year boasted a record number of registrations (13,086), finishers (11,600), and multiple broken course records (men & women)! My 4th Boilermaker was certainly not a PR, but was still a rockin time! The run was yesterday morning and it was a nice, comfortable 60 degree morning, no real humidity at the start....which was a nice change from the 95+ with heavy humidity from the previous week! Unfortunately it didn't stay that way!

We headed to Utica on saturday, hit up the expo for our race stuff, and then checked into our hotel. The weekend began as a comedy of errors as we took every wrong turn and scenic route we could find....not purposely of course! After checking in, we picked a place to get pasta and headed out to dinner. After a very eventful dinner (Utica residents are VERY interesting....) we headed back to the hotel to get in some pool time then off to bed!

After turning the wrong way down 2 one-way streets, and really upsetting a cop, we arrived at the pre race shuttle and headed to the start line very early (6:15 a.m.) and had about an hour and 45 min before the start. It was nice and relaxing to be there early and have easy access to the bathrooms and the starting area. It was great to watch the people just pouring in throughout the morning (nearly 12,000).

The wheelchair gun went off at 7:45 and our gun went off at 8am. It only took 4:30 min to cross the start this year....last year it took us 10:00 min to cross. I felt ok starting, was moving well until about 2-3 miles. The humidity just crept right in and I felt myself begin to overheat. It was way too soon for me to start having issues! Fortunately, there are 25....yes, you heard it, 25 water/ice stations along the course and with the help of cold water on the back of my neck and ice in my hands, I was able to bring my temp right back down and keep moving. I ended up walking a bit in the section through the golf course because it's a very long, winding uphill and I just didn't have it in my yesterday. I had a minor issue halfway up the hill around 4 miles because I took my GU shot at a water stop and nearly hurled it right back up! They totally would have taken me off the course! :) Ooops! I also started getting chills around 7-8 miles, but I knew I was close, so I pushed it through to the finish.

I went through the finish line and there was an older gentleman in a suite standing there who shook my hand and said congratulations, great run. I figured he was a race official....later on, I found out it was Senator Chuck Schumer. Ha, I thought he looked familiar, but I was a bit delirious when I crossed!

After making my way through the finish area and over to the post race party, I grabbed my lunch courtesy of Price Chopper, and went to find my friends. I love my friends, they had beers in hand and ready for me! Nothing like partying with 40,000 of my closest friends after running 9.3 miles! I will say that the sun was high yesterday and after running for 2 hours and then drinking beer, we were starting to feel a bit ill! So, we left the party around 11:30 and headed back to the hotel to jump in the pool. Just what we needed after a long run! Awesome!

All in all, it was a great weekend with friends and runners and I can't wait for next year! Already checking on hotel reservations! :)

Next up....Marathon training! That will be the rest of my summer!

Keeping Up!

OK, I keep putting this blog on the backseat because of all the craziness right now. Unfortunately, my running has been on the backseat as well....not so great!

NYC Marathon training officially began this week, 17 weeks to go! I can't believe it! Yikes!

Boilermaker is this weekend, this will be a SLOW training run. No PR's this weekend! I'm not nearly in the shape I need to be in for this run, but oh well, here goes nothin!

School is over and our house if officially on the market (yes, we are moving....not sure where as of yet), I can refocus on getting myself back together. Get back to the gym, get back on top of my work, and figure stuff out. Running is certainly going to help me find some clarity in life!

Now, if only we could get out of the 90's.....I'd like to run without getting heat stroke!

Yum Yum Yum!!!

I tried a new recipe today and fell in love!!

Turkey & Black Bean Sloppy Joe's

I found this recipe while randomly looking for new, fun, and healthy meals. I haven't had sloppy joe's in so long, it was a wonderful treat! It's a bit spicy, but not bad at all. I'm not a huge fan of spicy and I had no problem eating these. I put this on a lite whole grain wheat hamburger roll and added some celery as a side snack. It was the perfect lunch!

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients
19 ounces turkey (93% lean)
black beans 1 can - drained and rinsed
one medium onion sliced
1 tsp minced garlic
1 can - 6oz tomato paste
12 oz low sodium tomato juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp chili powder
1 can tomatoes and green chiles
0.25 tsp salt
1 tsp Onion & Herb Ms Dash

Directions
Brown ground turkey and drain fat. Combine remaining ingredients and heat till hot and desired thickness. Server on whole wheat hamburger buns or whole wheat bread. (bun/bread in not in calorie count).

Number of Servings: 8

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 199.2
Total Fat: 7.1 g
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Sodium: 702.7 mg
Total Carbs: 20.0 g
Dietary Fiber: 5.6 g
Protein: 17.7 g

ENJOY!!

Solid Run

I did a solid 5 miles this morning....although I was way under hydrated for the heat! I felt good, didn't struggle at all, and loved it! However, it was a super hot morning with the sun beating down and I didn't pick a particularly shady route. Awesome! I got a little dizzy and thought I might be sick when I walked in the house, but I quickly refueled with an eloctrolyte replacement drink and started to feel a bit better. I need to be careful of that!!

Headed out for 6 tomorrow, Happy Running!

Today's program

Did a 5am workout today....some crosstraining and focus on lower body. Legs/calves/glutes got the brunt of it this morning. All good! Run scheduled for tomorrow. Can't wait!

Short One!

Quickie run tonight! Maybe 2+ miles? I wasn't tracking, just running and it felt good! :) I was down by the lake with Alex and Guinness walking the trails and the lake path to the peer....which was soooo beautiful. It was the perfect evening. Instead of walking back the way we came, I decided to take to the streets and jog around the outskirts of the park to get back to the parking lot. If I had my cell I would have told Alex to meet me at home and I would've kept on running! Love it!

And life goes on.....

I've been struggling with a bunch of major decisions lately and have ultimately been rather blocked. Blocked from thinking about anything other than what needs to be done to get past these decisions. It's been a challenging few months and time is of the essence right now.

Not that long ago, I could go for a run and it would bring clarity of mind, body, and soul. I can't even manage to get out the door lately and when I do, the runs are a struggle. When I do run, it seems to be with someone or a group....maybe I need to focus on some solo runs for a while. I need to have that 'me' time again. That time with me and the outdoors to bring clarity to life again. When I put it like that, it seems so simple....just go for a run and the world will be right again! I wish it were that easy!

So, I'm getting back in the saddle and focusing on me this week. Or, more specifically, my running, that seems to be the key! I miss that feeling of freedom!! And of course, Boilermaker is only 27 DAYS AWAY!! Yikes!! I most certainly better get back out there! I can't wait! We aren't at our same hotel this year....shockingly, they were full when I tried to book our rooms back in December! I think we may like the new hotel better....more centrally located. Our group is smaller this year, but we are welcoming a Boilermaker virgin, my friend Nancy. She will do awesome I'm sure, she is a kick ass runner! Unfortunately, Derek, who normally does this run, will be a spectator (and our stuff holder) b/c he is injured. What a good sport, he's still going to come and root us on! Love ya D!

Over the past week and a half, I've run 3 times, which is way low, but 3 times more than I've run the previous month! It felt good. I did the Corporate Challenge (3.5), a run with Guinness (~3), and the Remington's Run (3.5). All good, no soreness, so my plan is to continue with anywhere from 3-5 miles 3 days this week and I'm toying with a 6 mile long run on Saturday. That should get me right where I'm supposed to be!

Oh yeah....new running shoes are in my very very near future....I don't know how much more mine can take! Happy Running!

53 Runner's Commandments

What's your favorite Runner commandment? Mine is #14.....

1. Don't be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner, not even other whiners.
2. Walking out the door is often the toughest part of a run.
3. Don't make running your life. Make it part of your life.
4. During group training runs, don't let anyone run alone.
5. Keep promises, especially ones made to yourself.
6. When doing group runs, start on time no matter who's missing.
7. The faster you are the less you should talk about your times.
8. Keep a quarter in your pocket. One day you'll need to call for a ride.
9. Don't compare yourself to other runners.
10. All runners are equal, some are just faster than others.
11. Keep in mind that the later in the day it gets, the more likely it is that you won't run.
12. For a change of pace, get driven out and then run back.
13. If it was easy, everybody would be a runner.
14. When standing in starting lines, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be there.
15. Getting out of shape is much easier than getting into shape.
16. A bad day of running still beats a good day at work.
17. Talk like a runner. "Singlets" are worn on warm days. "Tank tops" are worn to the beach.
18. Don't talk about your running injuries. People don't want to hear about your sore knee or black toe.
19. Don't always run alone.
20. Don't always run with people.
21. Approach running as if the quality of your life depended on it.
22. No matter how slow you run it is still faster than someone sitting on a couch.
23. Keep in mind that the harder you run during training, the luckier you'll get during racing.
24. Races aren't just for those who can run fast.
25. There are no shortcuts to running excellence.
26. The best runs sometimes come on days when you didn't feel like running.
27. Be modest after a race, especially if you have reason to brag.
28. If you say, "Let's run this race together," then you must stay with that person no matter how slow.
29. Think twice before agreeing to run with someone during a race.
30. There is nothing boring about running. There are, however, boring people who run.
31. Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.
32. Distance running is like cod liver oil. At first it makes you feel awful, then it makes you feel better.
33. Never throw away the instructions to your running watch.
34. Don't try to outrun dogs.
35. Don't trust runners who show up at races claiming to be tired, out of shape, or not feeling well.
36. Don't wait for perfect weather. If you do, you won't run very often.
37. When tempted to stop being a runner, make a list of the reasons you started.
38. Never run alongside very old or very young racers. They get all of the applause.
39. Without goals, training has no purpose.
40. During training runs, let the slowest runner in the group set the pace.
41. The first year in a new age group offers the best opportunity for trophies.
42. Go for broke, but be prepared to be broken.
43. Spend more time running on the roads than sitting on the couch.
44. Make progress in your training, but progress at your own rate.
45. "Winning" means different things to different people.
46. Unless you make your living as a runner, don't take running too seriously.
47. Runners who never fail are runners who never try anything great.
48. Never tell a runner that he or she doesn't look good in tights.
49. Never confuse the Ben-Gay tube with the toothpaste tube.
50. Never apologize for doing the best you can.
51. Preventing running injuries is easier than curing them.
52. Running is simple. Don't make it complicated.
53. Running is always enjoyable. Sometimes, though, the joy doesn't come until the end of the run.

Done!

OK, bedroom is officially repainted and we are taking a time out for a few days before we begin the next house project. This project took forever....ok, it took a week, but when you are living in chaos and stuff is everywhere, it feels like forever!

Now, back to refocusing on my stuff.....still at the gym.....still haven't really run......still frustrated. Ugh! When does it end?? I'm guessing it will end when I finally suck it up and go for a run and realize it isn't that bad.....it's all in my head now. My trainer at the gym has extended our 5am workout group another 4 weeks...she rocks! At least I've been sticking with the workouts and I haven't completely thrown in the towel! I also started softball last week (team through work) and will play every Tuesday night until July. Good stuff! I'm pretty sure I couldn't move my arm the day after the game. Apparently my body wasn't used to the motion of throwing a ball! :)

I'm off to take enjoy some much needed down time! I officially won't have another day off until May 22 b/c I'm a chaperone for the Washington D.C. 8th grade trip next weekend. Whoo Hoo! I hope D.C. is ready for us!

Struggling....

The half marathon really took a toll on me and not in a good way. I was definitely sick, so physically I wasn't 100% and didn't even realize! It took me so long to recover, and not from muscle pain. Surprisingly, I had virtually no muscle soreness, I was just run down and mentally burned from the run.

So, I decided to take last week off from all things running (including blogging) and gym related! OK, I did my 5am workout that monday morning, but that was it. I did stuff around the house and yard, but no workouts. I kind of felt like a slug, but I think I needed it! No, I know I needed it!

I was back to the gym yesterday morning for my 5am workout and I'm getting back into the swing of things. I'm still feeling run down.....this is kind of ridiculous.....not sure what is going on mentally/physically, but I'm trying to push through it and get some good workouts in with the hope that a kick butt workout pulls me out of this space!

Post Run Recovery

Conveniently, I didn't even mention the fact that I had a very hard time recovering Sunday. My mind is probably choosing to forget that part of the day! My muscles were firing all day and I couldn't get my body to relax. I also had to force myself to eat because I felt nauseous. I tried to take a nap, but kept tossing and turning and my head started pounding. I had a bagel and water at the finish and then I forced down some pasta with bolonese sauce that Alex had made. Along with more water. I just couldn't get comfortable and didn't feel right at all. I have to say, this was the worst I've ever felt after a run. Seriously, I was miserable the rest of the day. I finally got to sleep sunday night and then made myself get up at 5am monday morning for my trainer workout. It was worth it because I worked out whatever junk was in my muscles and I actually haven't been sore very much at all.

So, who knows what was going on, but obviously I need to go back to the drawing board b/c my body was missing something on sunday between all my problems during the run and then my lack of recovery.

Unity Health Systems Flower City Challege 1/2 Marathon

I had a lot of anxiety going into this event for a few reasons.....

1. I didn't train nearly as much as necessary to have a decent time.....
2. The forecast called for continuous rain/downpours beginning at 1am and not ending for days.....
3. My husband had been sick all week and I was not feeling 100%......
4. We watched a rather depressing movie the night before this run and I ended up in a very strange mental space...
5. I wasn't sure how I was feeling about my pre run banana, toast, and peanut butter...

This all turned into the perfect mix for a not so great run.

First, this was a wonderful event that was very well organized and easy to maneuver. Fleet Feet Rochester (Ellen and Boots) truly put on a top notch inaugural event! The entire event was a full weekend that included a Duathalon and Triathlon on Saturday and the 1/2 Marathon and a 5K on Sunday. All events toured the participants through all the beautiful treasures and historic neighborhoods that Rochester holds. We began at the Rochester War Memorial, wove through the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood (where we were cheered on by members in period attire!), and then headed past Frontier Field, where our Rochester Red Wings play. We then made our way down Main St. to East Ave. and passed the Little Theatre (best popcorn ever!), George Eastman House (Kodak), and headed to Park Ave neighborhood. We then made our way to Highland Park area and began our trek through Mt. Hope Cemetery where we spent about 2 miles. Once out of Mt. Hope, we ran through the University of Rochester campus, over the Ford St. Bridge, into the Corn Hill Neighborhood, and then could see the finish line back at the War Memorial. What an incredible course through our beautiful city!

Now....what I was really feeling that day! I chose to run with the 2:30 pace group and bumped into my friend Kelly (who was running her first half marathon) as well as some other friends I trained with last summer at Fleet Feet. Ellen from Fleet Feet was shouting encouragement from the microphone and then got us ready and yelled GO! It was invigorating; I was actually feeling really good! There was a ton of crowd support (actually the 5kers and family) cheering us on as we started our 13.1 mile journey. I did learn one thing about myself right out of the gate....I start way too fast! I was having a hard time getting into the groove with the pace group and kept getting ahead. Once I got the feeling of the 2:30 pace, I was feeling pretty good. Kelly and I were chatting and running, saw my friends Derek & Katie road marshalling at mile 1 and got in a good high five.

All was good up until the 3 mile mark and my stomach started cramping. Awesome. Way too early in the run to deal with this. I knew from the pre race newsletter that there would be a porta potty at the 5k point, so I figured I would stop before it got too bad. Little did I know, this would turn into my fatal error for the run. There was one porta potty and a 4 person long line. I lost about 4-5 minutes waiting, and I was trying to bounce around to keep my legs warm, but it wasn't working. At this point, the race participants were dwindling, and next thing we know (b/c there were still at least 4 people in line behind me), the ambulance goes by. Seriously...am I now at the end of the run!! I've been at the end of a run one time only and I swore that would never happen again. So, I did my business, and got back on the road with the goal of getting back in front of the ambulance, which was now a good 1/2 mile or more ahead of me. My legs felt like LEAD!!!! I started freaking out b/c I still had 10 miles to go! Ugh!! But, I pushed it hard, passed a bunch of people and caught up to the ambulance as we were turning to head up to Park Ave. Yay!! I was elated when I caught up and got ahead and then settled into a comfortable pace that would get me to the finish. At this point, I had already thrown the towel in on my hope of 2:30 b/c I had just lost too much time with the bathroom stop and now felt worse that I did before I stopped. My new goal was to just keep moving, and, with the course being nice and flat at this point, that wasn't too difficult.

Next up was the Highland area and Mt. Hope Cemetery. I knew there were hills coming, but I was truly unprepared for the continuous, repeating hills. Especially when I got to what wasn't just a hill, but was a cobblestone hill. Are you kidding me?? I was already feeling somewhat defeated, and the hills pushed me over the edge. Somewhere in the cemetery, I felt like I could possibly throw up or start crying, I wasn't sure...and I was feeling severely dehydrated. What the heck was happening?? I had hydrated for days, it was cool and misty weather, and I had been taking water, sport drinks, and GU from the aid stations. But, I started getting scared that I wasn't actually going to finish. My legs also started breaking down and I had to start taking walk breaks. Ugh! I hated it and just felt terrible....which didn't help my mental space.

Luckily, while in Mt. Hope Cemetary, I found my new friend Rene! Yay! She was also struggling and we decided to help each other to the finish. We started doing a run/walk rotation while chatting it up and found our way out of Mt. Hope, through UofR, over the Ford St. bridge, and past Corn Hill to the finish line! Whoo Hoo!! I had a few more break down moments in that time (calves cramping), but knew we were closing in on the finish, so I pushed through.


As I said in my last post, I matched an old Half time, and I'll take that with all the issues I had.

Lastly, I have to say, I have never seen volunteers who were more supportive and encouraging in any other run. Their incredible smiles and words of encouragement meant more than they will ever know.....they helped me through some tough moments. Thank you!

Alright, that was my day. Now I where I'm at and exactly how much work I have ahead of me to get read for NYC!!

Today......

Kicked my behind. Seriously. I'm still recovering, not feeling that great right now. I had a hard time about midway through (around 7miles) and alot of my parts started breaking down. I'll give more of an update tomorrow and a better overview of what was a fantastic course. I finished, didn't have a PR, but matched the time from my very first half marathon in '07. I'll take that!

Looking for a special watch....

I'm thinking I need something to help me better understand my runs and my pacing. I've been researching various wrist gps devices to help me with this so I can train smarter for NYC. After looking at what's out there, I'm most interested in the Garim Forerunner 205. I keep going back and forth about getting one that's also a heart rate monitor, but I'm reading that the monitor isn't that reliable and I'm most interested in knowing my distance and understanding what my goal marathon pace feels like.

Any thoughts on the Garmin's?

Let's try some new shoes....

I'm in need of new running sneakers. The pair I'm in are far past their prime (I know, bad!) and with my training continuing to ramp up, I'm looking for a new pair. I've been running in Brooks Adrenaline for a long time and love them. I tried Saucony's at one point and immediately went back to Brooks. Hated the Saucony's after about a month. My running friend Diane has always worn Brooks as well and just switched to Mizuno's and loves them, so I thought....why not? WRONG!!! I picked up these lovely new Mizuno Wave Inspire 6's this past friday and took them out for a spin yesterday. Now, these are also a 1/2 size bigger than my Brooks. They felt good initially and when I stopped to wait for a traffic light and took off again, I felt a nice heel cushion and was almost bouncing. That was all during the first mile. Everything after that went downhill. Maybe I took them out for too long of a run, but wow, my feet were killing about 5 miles in and at the end (about 8.2) I had 2 blisters. I haven't had a blister in a very long time! Booo! So, I'm headed back to Fleet Feet to swap these out for my tried and true Brooks Adrenaline's!

Aside from the foot issue, I had a really nice run! It was a gorgeous day and I set out to get what I thought was a 6 mile run, but when I went back and checked, it was actually 8.2! Not too shabby! Of course, this is still in prep for this sunday's Unity Health System Flower City Challenge 1/2 Marathon. This is totally going to be a training run for me, I'll be lucky if I touch my PR from the fall. I'm going to run with a 2:30 pace group, but my best half is 2:37, so that will certainly be pushing it! I know I can do it, and I'm hoping that running with the pace group will push me to hit that 2:30 mark!

Hope everyone's training is going well!!

I'm enjoying Spring Break week and the beautiful weather in Upstate NY!

Thanks!

I appreciate the comments Erin & AZ! I am experimenting with stuff right now and looking for what works best with my body before and after the workouts. I am drinking a Whey Protien shake right after my workouts and it is helping a great deal! I just started this about 2 weeks ago, but I feel better post workout. I think my biggest issue right now is pre-workout fueling including the meal I'm eating the night before a run.

AZ, yes, I do use supplements during events, I tried the GU and had a really hard time with it so I started carrying Jelly Belly Sport Beans and Chomps. I seem to be able to stomach those better. I may try GU again during this training just to see how I feel because it's been a while.

Running Nutrition Education 101

I'm working on educating myself as best I can before my "official" marathon training begins. I want to be in the best shape possible before I begin this program because I've been plagued with injuries during past trainings (including a nasty stress fracture in my hip & lots of time on crutches). I realize I can't possibly know everything, but I'd like to know enough to keep me healthy!

Right now I'm working on Nutrition Education for endurance events. I've found a great deal of information and right now I'm reading through How to Fuel for a Marathon on Active.com. I'm going through this because I often suffer from (I apologize for TMI!!) runner's trots on most runs over 3 miles. Awesome....kind of hurts the training when I have to keep stopping to find a bathroom.....or side of the road.....or woods.....you get the picture.

Any thoughts on best nutrition before and after long runs will be greatly appreciated!

Happy Running!

Happiness is.....

......an early spring motorcycle ride and experiencing the amazing smell of renewed spring life. Feeling the crisp April air on your face and letting it fill your nostrils with the scent of blooming flowers and trees. Until.......3 deer run out in front of you......snapped back to reality very quickly!!

Happy Spring!!

Awesome Sunday Run!!

Fantastic run yesterday in fantastic weather! Yay for a beautiful April in upstate NY!

I ran with my friends Diane and Patty and I cut out around 6 miles to go to a baby shower and they went on to hit 11 (I'm actually jealous!). I felt great and wish I could have kept going!! Looking forward to the next 2 weeks! Spring break is coming up so I'll have some time to get in some nice spring runs. Love it!

The Unity Health Systems Flower City Challenge 1/2 Marathon (could it have a longer name??) is in just 2 weeks and I'm feeling good......although my mileage has been pretty low over the past few weeks. Yikes! So much for the much loved taper!

I've been working in a good deal of weight training and using that to supplement my running at this point. I know I have the endurance in my lungs, but I want to add more strength to my legs and overall body. It has been working as I posted a PR at the annual St. Patrick's Day 5 mile run. We will see how well it worked for the half marathon! My recent runs have all felt good, so I think I'll be OK.

Make Over....

OK, so I'm going for a new look and a fresh start as I haven't been as diligent as I would have liked at updating my blog. Of course, I haven't had much to update because just about everything I do is related to work these days.

So, let me know what you think of the new layout. I wanted something that seemed more alive, and for me, nothing is more alive that nature. I may also be moving my whole site b/c I don't feel my web address is truly accurate anymore. I'm thinking I might actually be a runner now! It seems weird to say that, or type it, I feel a little phony. I mean, let's be real....I'm pretty slow! However, I came across some quotes the other day and they put some wind in my sail's and helped me view myself in a different way. So, I leave you with this:

"All runners are equal, some are just faster than others."

"No matter how slow you run, it is still faster than someone sitting on a couch."

I'M IN!!!!

"Marathon Registration Status: Accepted"

OMG!!! This is the first lottery I've ever won! :)

It's official. I will be running in the 2010 NYC Marathon! This will be my first marathon.....what a way to start! I had heard last night that if there was a hold on your account, then you were in, so of course, I had to check my bank account. I nearly threw up when I saw there was a hold on my account! I waited very impatiently today to get the official word at 12:30, repeatedly clicking refresh until the log in screen finally showed up! I had some of my students in my office and they were hysterical at how nervous I was. They were awesome though.....totally high fiving me and stuff. Awesome! I can't believe I got in!! Whoo Hooo!!

I have to say it's bittersweet though....my good friend Diane did not get in. It would have been amazing to train and finish this together. :(

Now the real work begins.......

NYC Marathon Lottery!!

OMG, the lottery is tomorrow! I'm freaking out!! I want to get in so bad, but I'm scared to death!! This will be my first full marathon and to be able to do it in NYC would be AMAZING!!!

I'll log back in tomorrow to share whatever news I receive!

I swear I'll get back to updating this blog at some point, work has been rather busy lately. Only 11 weeks left until summer break!! :)

Happy Running!

Gold's Gym Body Transformation

The program is officially over and we had our final measurements this weekend. I did much better than I had expected losing a few pounds, but also losing 2% body fat, and 10 inches from my body. We also did our end of program fitness test and I made huge improvements going from 25 laps on the running beep test to 50 laps, from 5 push ups to 19, and from 20 situps to 30. I'm happy with my results considering I had made zero progress midway through the program, so basically all of this happened in the five weeks where I switched up my routine and learned to love the 5am workout! Thanks Paige! I'm looking forward to continuing in the 4 week small group training programs!!

Johnny's Runnin of the Green

Oh happy day! Two years ago, this race marked my fastest 5 mile run. Last year, not so much as I ran with a massive chest cold. This year, I was back on track and ran my best 5 miles ever! Yay! I did all my training in the gym and maybe went for one outdoor run. Oh yeah, also had the BEST bagel EVER post race. They ran out and the hotel made more that came out piping hot and amazing! Love the post run bagel!

Next up: Flower City Challenge Half Marathon!

Out of Touch.....

I've been very out of touch with my updates, but I will get back on it very soon! I'm hoping to update this weekend.....hoping being the key word!
Updates include: Johnny's Runnin' of the Green 5 miler, Half Marathon training, BTC final week, and waiting with anticipation for the NYC Marathon lottery draw on April 7th!! :0

Muscle Gain

Yes AZ, it's the muscle thing! I think for this week I'm going to scale back slightly on the weigh training and heavy circuit training to get more cardio back into my schedule. I think I only ended up with 1 cardio day last week. Let's see what that change does for this week! Thanks for the thoughts!

Week Three

It's been nearly 3 weeks since the start of the BTC and I've been killing it in the gym. In fact, my body is a bit sore and beat up right now, so I'm taking tomorrow off.....well, I say that now. I've been having some problems sleeping, so I've been getting up and heading to the gym at 4:50am. It's great for my system and has been an awesome way to start the day, so I'm thinking if I'm up tomorrow, I may just go in and run for 30 minutes. We shall see how I feel in the morning. I do like getting the workout in before my day starts b/c more times than not, I'm so drained from the day that the temptation to just go home and veg wins over a gym visit. Anyway, enough on that!

The point of my rambling is that I feel like I'm doing well, I feel changes in my body already, and I'm energized. Someone actually said to me at the group training last night "You've got to be doing well, you are here all the time!". Yay! It's truly a life change. I've been working out for years, but this time it's different. I'm incorporating proper nutrition with daily exercise, and I'm getting results.

I do have a question??? I'm doing great and feeling changes, but when I get on the scale, I'm not really seeing the results. I JUST DON'T GET IT!!! I can't put my finger on what I'm missing on this journey and I really need to figure it out in order to make the life change permanent, and not get discouraged along this 10 week BTC journey and beyond. We have mid program weigh in coming up around week 5. If anyone has any insight or suggestions to get the scale moving, I'm all ears! I've been working out (hardcore workouts), monitoring my diet, and working to get proper sleep and decrease stress. Over the 3 week period I've only seen about a 2lb change in the scale. I realize that isn't enough information to make a diagnosis, but any suggestions on jumpstarting would be fantastic!

SPARKPEOPLE.COM

Love this website!! One of my BTC workout buddies from Gold's turned me onto this site for diet, nutrition, exercise advice along with some moral support. It's kind of like Facebook for people who want to live healthy! It's fabulous! Within the website, you can set up personal goals and the site will suggest weekly workouts and nutritional content. It can create meal plans and print out grocery lists for you. You can join different teams of people who have common interests and/or common goals who can offer suggestions and support along your journey.

Just head over to sparkpeople.com to check it out and sign up today. Enjoy!!