Static in NYC

Aversion

2008-09-20T11:01:00.003-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: easy 3

Yoga: not until 1:00

Weather: beautiful fall day

Happy Harvest Season! It feels like fall here in the NE. I love love love the fall. Running in NYC this time of year is exciting. Everyone is preparing for either the nyc marathon or another fall race. The park is crowed with running groups and the leaves will be changing soon. There were even a few runners wearing long sleeve shirts today.

During the past few months prior to signing up for Philly, I had been having an aversion to running. I was still running, but during every run all I wanted was for the run to be over. I've figured out what it was. I've been running in Central Park for almost 8 years. Central Park is amazing, without it I would not survive this big city. That being said there is a limit to how many different routes one can run in the park, most of which are loops (thus the name of this blog). In training for two prior marathons I exclusively ran in the park. The easy solution to this is www.mapmyrun.com. Its my newest addiction. Check it out its great!

Aversion list:

Running in circles

Cucumbers

Now that's serious talent!

2008-09-15T16:51:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's static stats:
Running: 1 hour 10 minutes- approx. 8mi. (amazingly hot!)
Yoga: the hardest class I've ever been to in my life
Cupcake consumption: 1

Here I am back at the running thing. I should say "structured running thing." Now that I have my yoga discount card aka: student i.d., I am commited to going to yoga 2x a week when possible. I love yoga. The mind connecting to movement is the perfect formula of meditation and thoughtfulness that my mind and body craves. If you've experienced it then you know what I mean, if you haven't then you should try it out. If you do try it out, it takes time to get there. Its very similar to a runner's high. A runner's high takes a certain amount of training for most before it can be acheived. The same is true with yoga. I've been practicing on and off for the past 7 years. My initial thought regarding yoga were: I'd be bored, I would pull a hamstring, I would laugh, fart or otherwise embarrass myself. I've done all of those...except farting...at least at the audible level however not at the olfactory level. Yesterday I had my very first laughing experience. My yoga instructor announced at the beginning of class that she is four months pregnant. Well, this superstar instructor is the superstar of them all. Maybe she wasn't a superstar instructor, but a superstar yogini herself. I've been to many a yoga class that was over my head, but I made do. This one was ridiculous. Seriously the hardest thing ever. At one point in class she did a cirque du' soleia style move as she instructed us to do the same. The instruction was given as if she had asked us to lie down in savasana (corpse pose). I laughed out loud and then couldn't stop. I had to bury my head. The worst part was that my dear friend A was practicing on the mat beside me. I hope the instructor wasn't too annoyed. She kept saying while looking our direction, "your in the right class. This is a level one and two class. I'll make suggestions and you can do them or not." Clearly not the right class, but seriously sister you've got talent!

Do you see what I see?

2008-09-14T15:17:00.004-04:00

That's right! Look at my list of races. I've signed up for the Philly marathon. 10 weeks from today. I know C-R-A-Z-Y. You can count on hearing all about my preparation here. Can't wait to share this experience with you. My goals are BIG for this one.

Off to yoga class. Its the best supplement to marathon training.

Loving kindness

2008-08-08T17:33:00.008-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: very little all week (bad cold)

Weather: amazing

Behavior: not so good

Well kids, I've done it again. You may recall earlier in the year that I uttered the unutterable at a person from the parks department who was wearing a uniform. Well, I am once again ashamed of my mouth.

What you non-new yorkers don't understand is that every day in NYC is like being stuck in afternoon traffic. People are annoying, people cut you off, run into your "bumper" without saying a simple "excuse me", people talk on their phones/type on their blackberry without paying attention to anything else, you actually get cut off by cars making left turns while you have the walk sign, pushing occurs, other people's body odor infuses your nostrils, your stuck inhaling cigarette smoke because construction on a street has you walking in line where there is no room to pass and sometimes other people's bodily fluids end up on you. Don't even get me started on the influx of tourists, the horse drawn carriages, the bikes for rent and the pedicabs. (can you tell I live in mid town?) Believe it or not I have left something out.

In the above rant, I failed to mention the film crews and their egotistical belief that the streets of NYC belong to them. Two weeks ago L and I were headed to the MET to see the Super Heroes fashion exhibit. On our walk we saw a film crew across the street. In unusual fashion we slowed to see what it was. We were rudely yelled at by some film crew guy who had the important job of moving pedestrians away so they couldn't see what was happening. There was no crowd around, no one seemed to care so it wasn't a very big job. I guess he just needed to feel like he was moving along. The first time he yelled at us we simply glanced across the street as we were walking. After he yelled, I decided to pause. He immediately yelled "if your not waiting for the bus you must move." What the ????. Its NYC dude, chill. I have news, He nor his film crew own Central Park East.

That's the back story to today's lashing out. Today after fighting all of the previously mentioned grievances above I made it to Columbus Circle. Only two more streets to cross and I would be free to run. I was looking ahead at the walk sign to cross the street when someone stopped me. It was yet another film crew. Some commercial. Who freakin cares? I need to cross the street and the light says walk so what's the big deal let me cross. I don't want to be in your commercial and if for some reason my back side ends up on the film, can't you edit me out? Anyhow, that's when it happened. I said the same word I said to the nice park ranger lady. The difference is that this guy was kinder than the usual "film guarder." After I said the words I refuse to type, he kindly put his hand on my back and showed me that I could in fact cross the street.

This leads me to how the week started, Monday night yoga class. The teacher has us set our intentions for class (the meditative part of the practice). My mantra was loving kindness. Hmm... not so loving, not so kind. Maybe I'll try that one again next week.

Power month ahead: 80 circles for the month of August

2008-07-28T22:08:00.003-04:00

Static Stats:

Cycling: an easy slow, 18 miles

Yoga: with old lovable roomie

weather: low humidity (love it)

Okay, so I put it out there 80 circles for the month of August. I am not allowed to ride around the lower loop in CP during bike rides to get these circles posted. I just need to bump it up a notch. I mean seriously I should be in the 500's by now.

Please note, non circle running and riding days are not accounted for in these statistics.

If it wasn't for NYC (yes I'm pointing fingers)

2008-07-27T15:26:00.004-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 9 miles

Weather: crappy (t-storms)

Preparation isn't everything. I woke up promptly at 4:45 this morning. Planned to leave at 5:30 to get to the start corral. They closed at 6:30. At 5:30 there was serious lightening and thunder. Being as I was walking to the start (2 miles) things weren't looking so good. I gave myself the deadline of 5:50 for the storms to clear and get there on time. It didn't happen. If I didn't live in this silly city it wouldn't have been a big deal. I would have hopped in my car driven over to the race and sat there waiting for the storm to pass. If the race wasn't in nyc, its likely that the corrals wouldn't have closed at 6:30 for a 7am race. By 7:00 the storm had passed.

So here's the question. Was I just being a wimp? The race stats say that over 10,000 people still ran today. That means that 4,000 did not.

Severe Thunderstorms looks like, I'll miss the race.

2008-07-27T05:46:00.002-04:00

According to the nyrr the race is still on. Obviously I am still sitting at home. I am suppose to be in my corral at 89th and 5th by 6:30. I would need to leave now to make it there on time. Am I missing this? I'm not going out in the 45mph wind with thunder and lightening.

Hopefully this will pass over very very soon, but I doubt it. Sorry race fans.

RACE READY? am i missing anything???

2008-07-26T21:16:00.003-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 20 minutes with L

Weather: too hot and humid

Race goal: to slow down and fight through to the finish!

Okay, so I did forget something. I need a wristband. Thanks to the last 1/2 I have a nice bright orange CMT one. Perfect. I will wear it with dual purpose. Obviously to wipe the gallons of salty sweat that I will be sweating and the second to remind me of the great fun and great run that I had at my last 1/2. That alone will calm the nerves and calm the mind. That alone will calm the nerves and mind. That alone will calm the nerves and mind. Calm mind....

My new obsession...photos of the food I'm cooking

2008-07-23T12:52:00.005-04:00

Summer squash veggie pizza, delicious!

Soba noodle salad. Not so pretty here but one of L's favorites!

Simple, yummy meal made with tomatoes and basil from the green market.

I made a rookie mistake

2008-07-21T13:53:00.003-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 4.5 miles

Sleep: 7 hours!! Woo hoo

Temp. 88 degrees 78% humidity

Much like any other runner, I love new running shoes. I know the minute I need a new pair. I'm not really sure how I know or how to describe the exact feeling, but I know. This time around I tried to convince myself that I just wanted a new pair, not actually in need of a new pair. I was wrong. I started having this slight foot pain after running. Indicating I need and want new shoes. The last pair I had I marked on my gmail calendar as to when I had my first run. Running shoes are suppose to last for 400-500 miles. According to my calendar based on a minimum of running 30 miles per week, not including the walks I often take after my run I was approaching the 400+ mark.

One should always have a pair of newer running shoes ready to go so that the second the foot pain starts you can start in with the new pair. I did not follow this logic. I just didn't want to spend the money on new running shoes if I didn't really need them.

Here is the rookie mistake. With a mere 8 days to the NYC 1/2 I was in need of new shoes. Textbook mistake. Never do a long run in shoes you haven't practiced in. The guy at my favorite running store in PA assured me that I would only need about 20 miles to break them in. It wouldn't be a big deal if I had been able to get the exact shoe I was running in. (It would have been the 4th pair of that exact model) Of course the model changed and I had to go up a 1/2 size from my normal running shoe size. So far they feel great. To date they have 8 miles on them. 12 miles to go.

Okay, okay...I'll give you an update and then take a nap

2008-07-17T10:41:00.005-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: day off

Desert consumption: none until after the 1/2

Sleep level: low

I've been falling behind on running reports lately. Don't get too concerned I am running. In case you forgot, I have the NYC 1/2 marathon one week from Sunday. My concern for this half (other than never training enough) is the heat. Never in my life have I had problems running in the heat and humidity. Perhaps living in the NE is finally having an affect on my weather preferences. I've actually had to cut a few runs short due to getting over heated. Tuesday I tired to complete an 11 miler. I had to stop running around mile 8.5 due to an overwhelming feeling of nausea. Just last week I had to cut a run .5 miles short because of being light headed. You would think I could have continued on for a mere 4 more minutes, but the thoughts of passing out in the middle of the day in Central Park were not enough to lure me to continue on. I can't be one of those people for goodness sake I'm a personal trainer. What if one of my clients saw me. Just kidding. There has been more than one occurrence of leisurely strolling through the park with an ice cream in hand as a client went running by. Nice....that will keep the clients coming back for more.

Check out the new poll and vote NOW!

That stinks!

2008-07-17T10:39:00.003-04:00

I totally just tried to upload some new pics of my latest obsession (albeit a non- running one) without success. I guess I'll try and add them again soon, but for now it's nap time!

Sweating in the kitchen

2008-06-29T08:59:00.003-04:00

Vegetable and brown rice paella. Yummy! I will not make this again until the hot weather is gone. I was sweating bullets in my kitchen as I made the poor choice of cooking this a few weeks ago. The recipe is from of all places Shape Magazine. And I confess I tore it out of a magazine at work. At least I left the magazine.

6 cups low sodium vegetable broth

1/8t saffron

1t paprika (add more)

1/4 t cayenne pepper (add more)

1/2 salt

1T olive oil

1 md onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

2 cloves of garlic, minced (i always add extra garlic)

2 medium tomatoes or 4 plum tomatoes or 1 14 ounce can of low-sodium diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups short-grain brown rice

1 small bunch thin asparagus, cut into 2-inch lengths

6 canned artichoke hearts, halved

1 cup frozen peas

Nutrition:

Serving: 1.5 cups

285 calories

4g fat

54g carbs

7gm fiber

9g fiber

77mg calcium

3mg iron

511mg sodium

Why I don't and won't road race

2008-06-16T15:45:00.003-04:00

Static Stats:
Running: 30 minutes
Still in love with running

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwcmSrBKvlc

This is a video of my cycling friend crashing yesterday. She's the one in the yellow who started the whole crash. Take the time to watch and discuss. The person who filmed the race has embedding disabled. Therefore, I am unable to post the video.

SERIOUSLY WATCH IT!

yummy!!

2008-06-15T09:44:00.003-04:00

My new addiction is so pretty I had to share. Its gotten too hot to cook in my un-air conditioned kitchen. Last week L. and I started making smoothies for dinner, breakfast, lunch and everything in between. This was today's breakfast post bike ride.

8 ounces vanilla soy milk
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 banana
1/2 cup mixed frozen berries

POSER

2008-06-15T09:22:00.004-04:00

Static Stats:
cycling: 18 recovery miles
running: yesterday 7+
loving: running

You may have noticed that recently I've been posing as a cyclist. The truth is that I am a runner. Sometimes I dabble with the idea of becoming a cyclist. I've even thought of joining a cycling team. While at the match sprint races at the track all I kept thinking in my head was "I'm a runner, what's wrong with these people." Don't get me wrong everyone I've met through cycling is super nice. Its just that they are super obsessed. Don't tell them that there is more to life than carbon and gear ratios. The endless chain of emails I receive about racing and training are enough to send me back to my solo runs. I will still wear my cycling disguise from time to time but its only that a disguise. I am a runner.

Getting schooled at the track (i'm in last place)

2008-06-06T13:14:00.004-04:00

Blackberry Thumb

2008-06-06T13:00:00.004-04:00

Static Stats:
Running: training for 1/2
Riding: staring in fear at my track bike

This week has brought about an interesting injury. Your gonna like this one. I have blackberry thumb. Basically its tendinitis in my thumb. Tendinitis is a result of overuse. I have been over using my thumb via text messaging and emailing using my blackberry. I have trouble opening things and my thumb actually hurts.

Initially I thought I had arthritis. I'm glad to know its not the case. I can't believe how old I've been feeling lately. It takes forever to recover from a hard effort on the bike or during a run. I think I'm beginning to feel the affects of having been relatively active all my 32 years.

An Olympian, a track and a lottery winner

2008-06-01T18:02:00.002-04:00

Static Stats:

Running - 5 miles

Riding - Match sprints at Kissena Track

Today was such a great day! I won the lottery! Not the kind that gives you money, but the kind that allows you to pay and train to run the NYC 1/2 Marathon. It was a great start to my day. They haven't actually posted yet, but I was charged and my name says accepted beside it. I really wanted to get into this one. I was going to train for another 1/2, but it would mean traveling. Its certainly fun to travel for races, but that takes winning a different kind of lottery. Training begins now, as I have 8 weeks to get ready. I can't wait!!!

Onto the Olympian. There was an Olympic track star that raced with us today. Her name is Liz Reap. I'm not so sure why she raced with us. She didn't even race with the men. I had a hard time clapping and be excited for her as she won the women's match sprint. Anyhow, she seemed super nice and man you should see her legs!

The part of this post you have all been waiting in for is the track report. First off let be say I had so much fun while I was actually racing. Secondly, there isn't much racing going on at a match sprint. You sit around until its your turn to race. I actually only raced 3x. I was pretty close to being the slowest one out there. I plan on going back tomorrow night. I'll post pictures soon!

Match Sprints on Sunday

2008-05-28T15:38:00.002-04:00

Here is an idea of what I'll be doing on Sunday. Just don't get the wrong idea that I'll be in the final sprint match up. I was one of the slowest people there two weeks ago. Enjoy!

Future track star at the velodrome

2008-05-28T14:43:00.004-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 3.4 miles with L.

Desert: never before dinner

Weight: hmm...not pro cycling weight yet

In case you haven't heard I'm getting a TRACK BIKE!!!! I've been totally slacking on the blog so I apologize for not sharing my new found interest with you. Much to my chagrin I headed out to Queens for a track racing clinic for women a few weeks ago. Sidebar: it amazes me how long it can take to get somewhere in the same city! It took cycling friend J and I 1 hour and 50 minutes to get there from midtown manhattan! I was shaking in my cleats! I've really been feeling the need to do something outside my comfort zone. Racing a bike without brakes on sloping racing track sounded like just the thing. Kidding aside I was literally shaking. I have mastered riding over the GW Bridge without shaking, but this brought the shakes back. (Please note I have not mastered riding up the ramp on the bride perhaps I'll make that a goal for 2010) Much to my surprise I loved the track!

One problem with the track...track bikes. The cool thing about most velodromes is that they have loaner bikes. The bikes are available for clinics and racing. The bikes are not for the extremely short legged female. Which means I have to buy a bike to ride on the track. To cut to the chase the man in charge of the clinic helped me hunt down a used track bike in my size for $100 less than the bike they were selling at the clinic. I'm going to pick it up tonight in NJ. SO EXCITED!!!

Did you know that there are only 15 velodromes in the US?

Chasing the "zone"

2008-05-09T09:43:00.004-04:00

Static Stats:
Cycling: rained out :( (I'll run later)
Dessert: last night ben and jerry's fro yo!
Weight: same as always

Yesterday a client asked about the much discussed runners zone. This particular client gave running a chance and found that she could never get "in the zone." The question was "How long during your run does it take to get "in the zone." Specifically during your half. She has friend who has recently fallen in love (become obsessed) with running. He claims he gets "in the zone" around mile 3. My answer for the 1/2 was mile 7? I don't know. This got the wheels churning. Maybe that's why I continue to run. Chasing the ever illusive "zone". Is it like being an addict and after you've been running for so long it takes more and more mileage to get into the zone and achieve a runners high? I realize that running in ny really doesn't allow me to enter that zone. No fault but my own as I prefer not running in circles and not having to worry about so many other factors that city runners deal with while running.

Perhaps, I'm no different from the druggie chasing his next high.

Hopefully, I'll hit my stride and enter "the zone" this weekend while running in PA.

I could!

2008-05-02T09:17:00.011-04:00

Static Stats:

Cycling: (formerly running) 25 miles

Desert consumption: not since Sunday :(

Weight: whatever

Okay Kids, I DID IT!!! Not that anyone ever had any real doubts. I mean we all knew that I would be able to cover the distance. We were just unsure of how long it would take. Not only did I complete the run without walking, passing out, or peeing on myself I actually finished with a quite impressive time. I was one minute off from the goal I set prior to the ski fall! Everything was perfect. Quick recap for those who may be interested (otherwise skip to the next paragraph). 20,000 people participated in the 1/2. It was my day. Why it was my day: I was given the beautiful corral number of 3, it was not 80 degrees and sunny, I had a bathroom to frequent before the run, my nutrition that week was on point, perfectly hydrated the day before to avoid issues, and most importantly I was for once being mentally strong by defeating every negative thought that came to mind. Let's see if that last thought can transpire into my day to day thinking. Non-runners don't realize how much you can learn from running. You see running in circles isn't static its dynamic. Thank you God for giving me a strong mind. I pray that I can continue to be strong minded and fight the negative thoughts.

READERS: Thank you for your confidence and participating in the first ever " I think she can" vote.

Speaking of readers: I now have 2 readers (not including L)! I love you both! Readership is up 100%. If only the economy was doing as well.

Thats it for a while with the running. The downhills did a number on my ill trained body.

I love love love riding my bike at 6am

2008-04-24T07:30:00.002-04:00

Static Stats:

Happy and blissful at 7am

I had my first girls bike ride of the year today. Man, have I missed starting my day like this! I did get yelled at by a tri group, but hey what's a bike ride in nyc if your not getting yelled at by some asshole? I am so lucky to have my riding girlfriends. Life wouldn't be the same without them.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can - part 3

2008-04-23T22:44:00.005-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: taper

Desert: laying off for a few days

Weight: I've been eating tons of Amy's frozen meals so serious sodium consumption

Hi Lovers,

I guess this is it. I haven't really posted much this week. I promise to write a post race recap. Which I'm sure will be the most interesting thing you will read all year. Just dropping in to make sure that on Saturday morning 7am Nashvegas time you too will be chanting " I think she can, I think she can, I think she can" so that I can say that I could.

Much love!!

Going back to the Cracker!

2008-04-16T20:54:00.003-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 3.7 miles 2x 1 mile intervals (second interval at 6:58!)

Desert: lame

Weight: barely within the recommended weight range i found online

Not much going on. Had a tough workout today. My legs were sore from my reformer workout so I didn't complete the 3x 1 mile intervals I had planned. Regardless, I worked hard! I broke down and made an appointment with the cracker today. My psoas tightness has turned into shooting pain. UGH!

Maybe I can, No I CAN!

2008-04-12T15:08:00.002-04:00

Static Stats:
Running: 10.1 miles
Days without desert: 0
Weight: nothing to report

It is sunny and 70 degrees outside! Can I get a WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO! Excellent weather especially since weather.com said rain and clouds all day. It was perfect weather for gearing up for the upcoming half. Today's run wasn't near as pretty as the weather. I set out to run 12 miles and ended up running exactly what I ran last Sunday. I suppose the two weeks of hard workouts are beginning to take their toll. I didn't run until 11:00am which was a mistake. I have to get myself up early to beat the other 9 million people to the park. Its total chaos dodging people. I am still very thankful for the park and the running options it gives me. After running 3 days on concrete this week, my back was feeling the pounding. I ran again today on the trails. I think that may have also contributed to the challenges of today's run. Those circles on the the trail are short! I was suppose to run up to the path complete 4 loops and then run back. I completed 3 loops instead. Its the excact same as last week. I really have to get mentally strong.

Now I have to focus on just running the nashvegas half as a run, simply a run. Its hard not knowing that I'm going to have to slow myself down in order to finish. My corral for the start is 3. I think I'll have to change that based on my modified training schedule.

I'm ready to start looking for my next race. Let me know if you have any ideas.

Its offical...I'm a rude NY'er

2008-04-11T10:22:00.003-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 5 miles

Days without desert: 4

Weight: no one cares

Yesterday it was sunny, 65 and I got to sleep in!!!! I ran to work in a tank top! I love spring! Anyhow you would think this would be enough to put any jaded ny'er in a good mood, but apparently this wasn't the case. I ran down along the west side highway to battery park. The path I chose took me right past the statue of liberty. It seems that every tourist in the city decided to go to ellis island. This makes running in that area super annoying. Anyhow, its usually no big deal. I run along side the millions of people and line and then cross over to the other side. But not yesterday. There was a park ranger blocking the crossover point that wouldn't let me through. I will confess that I cursed at her. To save your tender ears I won't tell you what I said, but it was a classic ny'er kind of thing to say. Wow! I can't believe I was that pissed. Its just that you can't just go for a run around here without someone being rude to you. I can't wait until my schedule changes and I can run in the early hours of the morning.

I was lucky that I didn't piss her off too much. I learned that park rangers are federal employees and that they can arrest you. I was a little frightened after I chose to cut across the line about 100 yards away from her and jump over park benches to get to a clearer path. I kept thinking well if she chases me down what will I say my name is? All I could think was Kelly Rippa. Somehow I don't think she would have bought that lie. At least I didn't have i.d. on me so I could have lied. Although, I'm a terrible liar and I'm sure I would have told her my real name and landed with a fine. That being said I think that you are required to have i.d. on "your person" at all times. Let's just hope that this isn't the start to an angry summer of running.

I saw GREEN!

2008-04-09T16:21:00.002-04:00

Static Stats:
Running: 3.4 miles + 5 hill repeats, 3 at race pace, 2 sprints
Days without desert: 3
Weight: no one cares

I saw green buds on the trees today in CP! Woo hoo! Spring is in the air. I ran without a jacket. I ran in the sunshine. Its nearly 60 degrees today! Thank you God for such a beautiful spring day. Boy do I need the warmth and the sunshine these days.

I'm not so sure what I'm doing during these hill workouts. The hill is kinda short, but I am working at what I would gage as an 80% effort. I somehow think this will help me prepare for Nashvegas. I can't be so sure though. I just feel like my training has fallen short of being able to finish with a good time. I really am trying not to care, but I do! I'm trying not to. Anyhow, workouts are focused and I'm trying to improve my fitness over the course of the next two weeks.

PLEASE VOTE OFTEN!

Much love to you all!!!

Daily circle thread

2008-04-07T19:23:00.002-04:00

Static Stats:
Running: 5 miles
Days without desert: 1 (formerly sugar consumption)
Weight: life is too short to care

Just completed a five mile loop. Man, was that a tough one. My legs are little tired from the run and from my leg workout today. (don't be deceived its only the exercises the cracker told me to do, but I'm WEAK). I decided last week that I'm going to try to have hard workouts from now until the recovery for the 1/2. My workouts are rarely hard these days so I need to take it up a notch or two so I can salvage what little time I have to get in shape before the half.

Dinner time!

I think I can, I think I can - Part 2

2008-04-06T11:54:00.014-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 10.5 miles @ 8:22/mile

Sugar consumption: none

Weight: high steady

Continuing to "think I can." If I can run 10.5 miles today then I can run
13.1 in 20 days. Piece of cake! I don't know why I get so nervous about
these runs. Today's run was fabulous. I stuck to the trails as I have
been having a little bit of trouble with my back. This meant that I
had to run in more circles, but it worked well. There was a marathon
in park. I am so thankful for CP and its lovely (yet short) trails. They
keep me sane and injury free. I wanted to finish my run in less than
1 1/2 hours and I made it! Much to my surprise when I got home I
realized that I had ran an extra .5 miles! Now people let me tell you
that the last 1.5 miles I was running like a mad woman. There was no
way I was going to take more than 1.5 hours for this run. It felt good to
run fast, but I guess it wasn't necessary as I had exceed the 10 miles I
was set to run. Silly me. Now, I just have to conquer

those TN hills.

Today I have to figure out if I have something to wear. I imagine it will
be shorts and short-sleeved weather. But I have yet to run in shorts this
year. And forget the fact that I have just now begun to trade in the jacket
for a vest. I have to test out a warm weather outfit prior to the run.

Wow today's run is full of fun and interesting things. (sign to stop reading
as this post just continues to bore even me). I got a blister from my new
shoes. I don't remember the last time I got a blister that wasn't from a long
run. I guess it takes more than 2 runs to break in new shoes. Glad I'm
breaking them in now.

Anyhow, I think someone said cake...gotta go!

REMEMBER TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

I think I can - Part 1

2008-04-04T17:43:00.005-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 40 minutes

Sugar consumption: low

Weight: high

My new mantra. This will get me through the CMM 1/2 that I haven't been

training for. This will get me through my 10 mile run tomorrow.

If you think I can then leave a comment and VOTE!

Sunny and circle free

2008-04-02T15:24:00.005-04:00

Static Stats:
Running: 7 hill repeats up cat's paw, 2 mile w/u and c/d
Sugar: no more for the day
Weight: not looking good

I'm back in the game. This week I have struggled to get my workouts in. However, today was a breakthrough workout. Now that the back issue seems to have subsided I'm back to mixing up the workouts. I think being quarentined (I can't spell) to the trails and no speedwork was a total burnout. Now, I'm free to mix it up. I realized while watching the Biggest Loser last night that all my workouts for the last 2 months have been easy. I promise to kick my own butt during workouts so that hopefully I can get into decent shape over the next three weeks to not look like a fool during the CCM 1/2. I also promise to do hard hill workouts to prepare for the hills on the course. The fear of the hills in Nashvegas will keep me moving.

Back to my running roots

2008-03-30T21:56:00.002-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: unknown distance and time

Sugar consumption: just ate two cookies for a total of 6!!

Weight: you guess

Tonight I ran for the very reason I first fell in love with running. I needed to clear my head. It was awesome. My run had no agenda just the shear joy and need to run drove me to lace up my running shoes. It was the first time I can remember this happening in recent history. I ran fast, I ran to think, I ran past a boy who of course tried to speed up when he saw a girl pass him, I ran until I didn't want to any more. That's just one of many annoying every run occurrences when running in CP. But today even that guy didn't piss me off. The run was just what I needed!

21 degree windchill = no bike ride with the girls

2008-03-30T08:25:00.004-04:00

Static Stats:
Running: too early and too cold for march
Sugar consumption: so far only in my coffee :)
Weight: who cares

Just taking a moment to vent. The weather forecast said it would be sunny and 50 today. I hate the weather forecasters. Why I continue to even check the weather aside from the current moment is beyond me. Anyone else do this? The weather for any future date is not valid. In fact you can't even trust the current weather on weather.com or on NY1. I've logged on to weather.com to have them tell me its raining, then proceeded to look out the window and see sunshine. I've turned on NY1 to have them tell me the forecast for the day where they say the low temperature for the day is 34 and yet the temperature that is displayed in the lower left hand corner says 29. Can't they at least update the current prediction to match the actual?

Anyhow, I guess my real anger here isn't with the weather forecasters its with the weather. The windchill is 21!!!!! Its March 31st! We have had above average temperatures all year and now that its "spring" we are below average. When am I going to be able to get back on my bike and actually be able to feel my hands so I can break and shift gears? Last year when I finally had had it with the cold weather I went out on my bike only to have to walk it back home due to lack of ability to do anything with my frozen fingers. I may have to try again before it gets warm. At least this year I have hand and toe warmers to test out. But for now I'll chicken out and stick with running. :(

But I needed a break...

2008-03-29T13:22:00.005-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: 7 miles

Sugar consumption: low so far

Weight: going back up

After what I deemed a much needed break off from running I ran again today. I've been steadily running since October and I just needed a break this week. I know what your thinking. How can she take a break when she has a 1/2 marathon coming up? Well its not like I've really been training since the ski trip. Now your asking then why does she need a break? I just needed a break OKAY get off my back. I did more working out then you did last week even with a week off from working out. Can you hear my guilt? Its causing me to lash out at my reader. Sorry reader, I promise not to lash out any more...I need you.

Maybe it was the seven hour hike on Easter Sunday that validated a week off. Yes that's right a 7 hour hike. My girlfriends and I got a little lost. It was awesome. Just to let you know about the "hike" my lats where the most sore as its was a total rock scramble. Thanks to S and J I had a great great Easter.

Okay back to running. Today's run validated my time off from running this week. I think I should start planning a week off every 5 months or so. This morning I headed out to CP around 8am. It was the perfect time to start running on a cold cold March morning. No one was out yet (except the crazy cyclists who had already finished their bike race). I guess my run was motivated by fear as I do have the 1/2 in 4 weeks My longest run so far has been 8 miles which was two weeks ago. All I have to do is double the distance of today's run by 4/26. It can't be that hard. I wonder how many times I've ran that distance or longer since I've been running? Anyhow I'm sure its at least a dozen or more times so I can do this!

The Princess, the pea, and the Cracker

2008-03-15T07:39:00.006-04:00

Static Stats:

Running: yesterday on concrete!!! 5 miles

Sugar: 2 magnolia cupcakes in one night! I'm in a sugar coma

Weight: well it was going down, but not after a cheat day!

As a little girl I loved the story of the Princess and the Pea. I deep down knew that I too was a princess. If only I could find a stack of mattresses to place on top of a pea I could prove to the world that I in fact was a princess. Well I did find a husband with the last name Prince and I'm beyond normal about my inability to sleep away from home. Perhaps its true...I am a princess (otherwise know as a pain in the ass)? Anyhow, I'm a little cursed by my "Princess and the Pea Syndrome." I can't sleep anywhere but home on my perfectly soft mattress. On any other bed I toss and turn, my back hurts, and I get no sleep.

By now your wondering what a Cracker has to do with this. When I say Cracker I'm not referring to a saltine or Ritz, I'm referring to my new favorite complimentary health care practitioner: my chiropractor. He's great! My back, hamstring and psoas are feeling much better. Its been a great experience overall and worth the money.

Upon my first visit with Cracker he asked me about my sleeping habits since the "injury" (okay, I don't think its an injury but I don't know what else to call it). I told him that since this issue had occurred I have trouble sleeping as I sleep on my stomach and I can no longer due that because it causes back pain. Cracker quickly explained that no one should be sleeping on their stomach. He instructed me to repeat the following mantra out loud 10 times before going to bed at night "I will not sleep on my stomach." He said it worked for him and it would work for me. I love getting health advice from someone. Its been a real treat to be on the receiving end for a change. For the record I have done everything he has told me to do. Five nights in a row I dutifully repeated the mantra. Five nights in a row, I would wake up just after falling asleep from being uncomfortable start to turn over and then the mantra would take over. I laid in bed flipping from side to side, tried sleeping on my back, but not once did I turn over on my stomach. Sleep was elusive. By 3AM each morning I gave up. The Cracker's mantra worked. I didn't flip over on my stomach once until the 5th night. I had had it! I hadn't slept at all! Needless to say I was super exhausted all week.

When went I for my second visit with the Cracker I told him about following his orders. He said "oh yea, you should try it a few nights in a row and then give your self a break, otherwise you won't get any sleep." Thanks, Cracker, you should have mentioned that.

Cracked by a Quack

2008-03-08T10:23:00.003-05:00

Static Stats:

Running: every other day due to back

Sugar consumption: my new average of moderately low

Weight: bloated

Yes, one reader that's right I was cracked by a quack this week. If you have been following along you know by now that I had a small back injury a few weeks back. The injury seems to be getting better, but other symptoms occur every few days. Being as L has been on the injured list for a year now from not doing something about his injury I decided I would see a doctor. I mean seriously I would be curled up in a dark room in a severe state of depression if I was out of commission for an entire year. I found an orthopedic surgeon who takes my insurance and is on my block! Woo hoo! People have been telling me to see a chiropractor. I personally think they are quacks. I wanted to see a doctor first to make sure there wasn't anything really wrong with me. (note I've never been to a doctor for an injury apart from when I was in High School) He said I was fine and that I needed to see one of his other doctors there for some stretching as I wasn't effective doing it on my own. I thought this is GREAT, I love being stretched. What he meant to say was "I'm going to feed you to one of the jerk - head chiropractors here in my office so he can be rude to you and crack your back so that you can come here forever to have your back cracked and spend lots of money so we can afford to hang out in the Hamptons all summer and drive nice cars."

I promptly called a chiropractor who a friend had recommended. He spoke with me over the phone for 15 minutes and I felt like we connected. He seemed understanding and knowledgeable. The only problem is the expense. He is out of network! And EXPENSIVE. I called his office to say that I can't afford him since my insurance won't pay, so I wouldn't be able to come. The receptionist called to say he would knock one hundred dollars off the price so that I could come in. Let's just say that the appointment was GREAT! Now I just have to wait and see if everything works. I am going back, so hopefully all this stuff will work so I don't have to keep spending so much money!

That being said I am going to do everything he says including not running the 9 mile race I was planning to run Sunday. As I have been instructed not to run on pavement. :(

Bacon & Cheese Crick-ettes

2008-03-01T11:26:00.002-05:00

Static Stats:
Running: 7.5 miles
Sugar consumption: two early to have evaluate
Weight: going down

The highlight of today's run includes bacon and cheese flavored crickets. When exiting Central Park today I saw a man handing out something. Being as it looked like it was a food product I decided to snap out of rude ny'er mode and kindly accept whatever he was handing out. Being the picky vegetarian eater I am, I figured I would give the product to L. Little did I know it would be edible cricketts! They even contain partially hydrogenated soybean oil. I guess they get that stuff in everything. Anyhow its a part of marketing for the t.v. show Bizarre Foods on the travel show.

Getting free crickets made the run worth while even if my back suffers. Another reason I love running...edible crickets.

Corn is King

2008-02-26T10:25:00.005-05:00

Static Stats for 2/26:
Running: recovery day 1.7 mile run and 2 mile walk
Sugar consumption: low
Weight: steady

I finally saw the much anticipated film King Corn. www.kingcorn.net It was great! Everyone must see this film. If I was in control of the worlds book list I would have everyone read the Omnivore's Dilemma. Being as that's impossible I've decided it would be easier to get those whom I love to watch the movie King Corn. I'm going to order it today. I can't wait for L to see it. I'm hoping that he will become less of a carnivore. The food chain here in the US is a mess. So check the info on the website and stay away from CORN!!!

For one more week I'm scaling back on the training plan. My back is feeling better. Mostly due to taking it easy and doing yoga. I was all set for my 9 mile on Sunday only to realize that the trails in CP were covered with ice. Since I knew my back couldn't take the pounding of the pavement I only ran one short 5 mile loop. From the way my back felt the rest of the day I'm glad I didn't do the 9. It was quite depressing as I counted 9 people who passed me. Yesterday was a recovery run to see how the back and hip would feel running consecutive days. Today, I hope to get out for a regular run.

Happiness found on the Dreadmill

2008-02-22T19:52:00.003-05:00

Static Stats:

Running: 3.5 miles (dreadmill says 13 loops does that count as circles, i guess not)

Sugar Consumption: low

Weight: Busting through the winter blues

Its a nice snowy day here in nyc. Its a rare day that I'm thankful to be outside before anyone else. Today was one of those rare days. Because I was on my way to work at the wee hours of the day, I was able experience the serenity of the city in a blanket of snow. The snow here is only pretty here for about 3minutes. By the time I got off the train near work the sidewalks were already shoveled and the street corners had turned into a black abyss invisible slush. If your a ny'er you know what I'm talking about. The first year I lived here I steped in every deep snow puddle. You know the ones that look just like the street. Those puddles in Inwood were deep and nasty!!! I hope I have finally learned to recognize those after 7 winters here.

I really, really wanted to run in the snow in central park however my old age imposed back pain prevented me from doing so. If I fell that would probably be the end of my CM 1/2 marathon goals. Very sad I know. How old am I that I skip a marvelous run in the snow because I'm afraid I might fall? Pathetic! The dreadmill and I are not friends. I have been successfully avoiding it this winter. In fact today was only the 3rd time I've had to resort to using it all winter. Lucky for me because of my "injury" my run was going to be short. With the perfect playlist ready to go my short 3 miles turned into 3 miles of bliss. In fact it was the high point of my extremely long day. Running makes me happy and who knew that I could find that happiness on the dreadmill.

PEOPLE this is a spin CLASS!

2008-02-20T21:52:00.006-05:00

Static Stats:
Running: 40 min.- slow
Sugar Consumption: dangerously low
Weight: unmentionable

Let's start with yesterday's rant...I mean news. I once again did not run due to my annoying back issues. However my rant isn't about running its about spin class. I agreed to sub a spin class yesterday. I instantly was reminded of why I hate teaching spin. First off no one in class ever pays attention, women are chatting as if they are high school students in gym class and no one responds when you ask questions. I don't expect a verbal response, just raise your head up and acknowledge that I am speaking. How a room full of 25 people can be so unresponsive is beyond my comprehension. I admit by 7:00pm on a day that started at 5:00am, I'm not in the best of moods however I'm giving it my best effort to be the perky energetic instructor they expect to see. The high point of class was when a woman comes barging into class at 7:25. Yes, 25 minutes past the start. Lucky her there happened to be one vacant bike in the back row.:) I get off my bike to politely and quietly approach her to let her know that she can't come into class at that time. In classic arrogant class goer style she ignored me. I can almost understand ignoring me when I'm talking to the whole group but, when I am standing in front of your bike....now come on! When she finally acknowledged me she stated that she wasn't there to take class, but to do her own workout. PEOPLE, this is a spin CLASS!!!! What part of class don't you understand? I had no other choice then to kick her out of class. She complained, she somewhat demanded to stay but not on my time woman...your OUT!

Signs of aging

2008-02-18T21:08:00.002-05:00

Today's static stats:

Running: 0

Sugar consumption: below average

Weight: probably great than yesterday due to L's birthday celebration

The only circles I ran today were in my head. :( It was strangely 65 degrees, which is perfect running weather. After much debate, I decided to skip my run today. This is all due to my falling while attempting to ski last weekend. My hip flexor was spastic all morning and my back is all out of sorts. You see this is why I would rather not ski. I would rather be able to run on warm days in February vs. sliding down a hill attempting to ski for half a day. UGH...Ski slope you tempt me by your newness and fluffy marshmallow snow but not for long. In time the sun will shine and your slopes will be nothing but dead grass and I will be running happily in the sunshine of the spring. So take that ski slope!!!

Perhaps the real reason for missing my run today is due to old age. I fell a week ago today and every day since my back has had a different sort of pain. For the first half of the day I was convinced my aches were from my 8 mile run... but come on give me a break...I'm not that old! After letting this thought run circles in my head for half the day I finally concluded that I am getting old, but an 8 mile run did not cause this. This is because when your old you don't recover from falling. And when your old and you fall down you get injured. I need chocolate.

Setting my training plan free

2008-02-17T18:23:00.007-05:00

Today's Static Stats:

Running:- 8 miles CP: one lower loop from home and one full loop (two circles for the day)

Sugar consumption: high :)

Weight: Winter weight has reached its peak

I'm currently training for the Country Music 1/2 marathon. Today was my first "long" run in three weeks. I decided to ditch the training schedule included with the entry fee. What's with all these complicated training schedules? It use to be so simple before every overweight person with legs decided to jump on the running bandwagon. Now training schedules must accommodate every jane running. Its not that I don't find it fabulous that so many people are falling in love with my first love its just that it was mine. My real complaint is that these complicated training schedules make me feel guilty for missing a workout. This led to the decision to follow my own training program for this 1/2. MY program only requires three days of running: one speed day, one easy day and one long run. Okay so I confess, I'm not one for discipline or structure so I had to come up with the easiest possible way to create a plan I might actually follow. How many times have I convinced myself that I could follow a training plan through to completion and failed? I don't know the answer to that, but no thank you active.com. Not this time. I don't need your free training plan.

Here is the real truth I want to PR. Ten weeks will reveal everything. :)