26.2 miles in 4 hours, 6 minutes and 36 seconds

On Sunday, November 7th, 2010 at 10:40 a.m. I began my journey that lasted 4 hours, 6 minutes and 36 seconds starting on Staten Island and ending in Central Park after running 26.2 miles. I trained for 4 and 1/2 months or 18 weeks or 126 days or however you want to look at it in terms of time it took to prepare to get there. I had days of feeling invincible and days of never feeling lonelier. I dealt with shin splints 3 weeks before and a fever of 103 with just a week and a half left to go. Importantly I had the support of family, friends and even strangers to get to the finish. My biggest pride at the end of the day, I raised $3700 for the American Heart Association in the honor of both my Grandmothers Adrienne and Milli Vanilli as well as my beloved Uncles Tom and Joe. How did it feel? ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Here's how one of the best, if not the best weekends of my life went....

The Saturday before, my family mostly based in the Boston area, began trickling into the city. We met for a pasta feast at 5pm that lasted a whole 3 hours...pretty impressive for a group of 18 Irish folks. Dinner was the beginning of my amazing weekend. Having my parents, sister and brother-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins all come together to cheer me on the next day made my heart swell and smile. Shortly after dinner, I had to leave them so that I could get home and some rest for the next day.

Sunday morning. My alarm went off at 5:30am but I was awake before then. Nerves of excitement, nervousness and the unknown jolted my body out of my bed. I grabbed my snacks, water and gatorade then bolted out the door. I was late to meet my friend at the ferry but managed to make some friends along the journey to get there. Its astounding to see how many people are just as "crazy" as you are being herded along to a starting line. I finally got to Staten Island around 9am and had to hang out for about an hour before being "corralled" to the start line. I managed to keep warm, have a PB and J sandwich, a mini snickers, banana and drank more water. Before I knew it I was being moved closer and closer to the starting line with the sun shining down making it the perfect day to run 26.2 miles. While waiting for the gun to go off, there was a lil' bit of a pep rally and there were people even at the start to cheer on thousands of strangers about to run a marathon.

BOOM! The gun went off and I have no idea how many of us started our run crossing the Verrazano bridge at that moment (total was 44,829 runners). What a beautiful view of the city as well as Brooklyn! Once over the bridge, the stories proved true, guys ran off to the side to pee...how luvlay! A woman ran by at mile 2 cheering "only 24.2 to go!" I couldn't help but laugh. I'm pretty sure that for the first 10 miles all I did was smile. All the people along the roads in Brooklyn were so amazing, cheering, holding up signs, some saying "Beer this way" with an arrow pointing onward or signs for their loved ones. Those signs caused me to start my own countdown to when I would first see my "fans" at mile 16. I honestly don't remember a whole lot of the mile markers but I did remember the half way point because there was a slight hill and then 14 because it was right before the Triboro bridge bringing us to Manhattan and me to my family and friends. The bridge I do remember really well because I just wanted to fly over the thing but that is where a lot of people began walking and slowing down. I felt like a down hill skier maneuvering from side to side down the slalom. As I approached the end heading to 59th street I was so pumped. I knew my sister was at 61st street and couldn't wait to see her. Sure enough, I found her along with my cousin and other family members holding up signs and screaming. Passing by she gave my mini snickers and I shouted "I love you" as I moved on. Only two more miles until my parents, the rest of the fam and my friends!

First Avenue in NYC is supposed to be kind of hard because of the gradual uphill but also really motivating because of all the people out cheering. The hill wasn't too bad but there weren't many people cheering. It was more like people just staring, intently, waiting to see someone they knew. I couldn't help but start waving my arms up and down pleading "Come on people, please cheer!!!" That got a rise and I'm not the only person who did that along the race. I passed along by 88th street where there were a lot of people gathered outside the bars. I ran and high-fived my beloved day drinkers and even cheered THEM on! Then began to approach "my" crowd that I knew was waiting around 90th street. They were all tucked in a corner that I couldn't see as I approached the street but as soon as they saw me, I found them because of the awesome cheering. I saw signs, my best friend Liz jumping up and down screaming then my parents tucked right in front. I stopped to give them each a kiss, blew everyone else a kiss then as my friends described, "hopped back along." That moment was what I was most excited for all day and gave me a lift. My friend Amy jumped in shortly after there to help me along the last "leg" and then it was time to power up and through the Bronx.

I thought I had passed mile 19 with Amy and was looking for the 20 mile mark but I was mistaken and that deflated my bubble a little bit. Approaching the Bronx became tough because a lot of the crowd ignored the fences and were in the street. It was about a 5 to 7 people width wise for about a mile which was really tough when trying to pass people walking or moving slower. Luckily after mile 19 things opened up more and I was able to get back on pace. I had forgotten about the two advil I had in my pouch and took those because I could feel my hips and legs beginning to tighten up. It was a genius move. Between the advil, some water and a power gel at mile 20, I had a renewed sense of energy. Having a buddy to talk to and croon with as we passed the hot NYPD and FDNY out cheering made things a bit more fun as well. The bands and fans up in the Bronx were also pretty great. I had heard that there weren't many people up in that part of the race but I thought it was well represented.

Back into Manhattan....YESSS!!! So close. We passed along the 22 mile mark and around 125th street, there was a group of people out on a door stoop and a woman cheered out "looking strong CK." That made me smile and reach for more to keep going. Powering along 5th Ave which is a sneaky gradual hill that no one seems to mention really sucks, was tough, especially when a guy cheered on "Only 2 more miles to go!" only for me to hit the 23 mile mark after....BASTARD! Shaking it off, I grabbed some gatorade for some more energy and before I knew it, Amy and I were in the Park. Home stretch! I was shocked by how many people were in the park to cheer. They were packed up against each other like sardines....Love it! Mile 25, I skipped the water station when I realized how close I was to finishing in 4 hours. "Reilly, screw it, lets finish this thing!" At 59th St where the race momentarily exited the park, Amy gave me a high five, wished me luck and I was on my own to finish this sucker. I wasn't sure how my legs were still moving at that point. There were a lot of other racers walking by then and I wanted to cheer THEM on because they, excuse me, WE, were so close to finishing!

Mile 26, as seen to the right here, is where some of my family was able to see me again. I didn't think they would be able to make it to see me so I had no idea but I did hear them cheering for me and raised my arms because I was just another point 2 miles to the finish. Believe it or not, there is a slight hill up to the finish line which my cousin feels "is so cruel!" I powered myself up that bad boy and I was finished. "Holy smokes, did I really just do that?" Yup, Yup I did!

Once across, I was looking for that water that I skipped at mile 25 but they give out medals before water...what is this nonsense? People are posing with their medals and I was just like, "get me some water, ASAP!" Sure enough, the foil blankets were passed out then the "recovery packs" filled with H2O (yes!!!), gatorade, powerbar, apple, pretzels and a few other things I didn't chose to have. Then it was the annoying part, being herded along the checked bag trucks and trying to get the heck out of the park. All I wanted was a nice dry, cozy sweatshirt but I didn't check a bag. After what felt like an eternity, I was out of the park at 79th street and my legs began to say "Uhhhh...what just happened here?" I slowly made my way down to 72nd St to meet up with my family but as I turned the corner I saw my two best friends from high school first. "Hey, I think I know you..." They began SCREAMING and then a herd of my family and friends gathered around.

What a day! Pretty much amazingly awesome.

For the first few days after, going down stairs and I were not friends. In fact I dreaded it until about that Wednesday which is when I felt like myself again. Did that mean I was heading back out to run again? Negative ghostrider. I took a whole week and a half off from the gym and running to enjoy my freedom. What was my first run after like? Pretty much like riding a bike....My legs were kind of like, "okay, so we're doing this again." Would I do it again? YES!!! I already looked into running with the American Heart Association in Boston but the Boston Marathon is more full than a canoli! So, I'll take the time to relax, go back to my normal work out routine and dream of when my next marathon will be.

At this time, I would like to thank EVERYONE for reading my blog and for supporting me every step of the way. To see people I haven't seen in awhile say that they've been reading my blog was an eye opener as well as extremely motivating and touching. I've loved every minute of this journey, good and bad. THANK YOU!!!

Sooooooo close!!!

To say I'm in disbelief that the marathon is THIS Sunday is an understatement! I'm nervous, I'm excited, I'm pumped, I'm every emotion under the sun! The family starts arriving tonight into tomorrow. There's a giant crew on the way and as expected since a) my family is huge and b) they are awesome.

Last night I went to the expo and get my number. Engrave number 43408 into your brain! Unfortunately my start time is the last of 3 heats, at 10:40am but I'm going to be running so who cares, right!? The expo was run like a well oiled machine. You would think with the masses of people going in to pick up their numbers and bags that it would be backed up at 6pm on Thursday night but they just shuffled us right through and it was painless. The rest of it was a little overwhelming with all the different booths set up by Saucony, Asics, Nike, Reebok etc as well as Power Bar and Gu. I was pretty tired at the end of it.

Tonight, I plan to get some last minute items needed for Sunday such as a hat, sweats to bundle up in , hand warmers and iron on letters for my shirt (I still haven't decided what I'm going to go with on the front of it). After that I plan to go home, relax and work on my master mix to listen to during the race. SUPER exciting night, huh? I don't care, this is my last relaxed night after 18 weeks of laying low on Friday and foregoing my beloved Happy Hour.

New tunes...new woman!

So, not sure how much you've been following my blog or how much you actually remember but waaaaay back when I started out my training and blogging, I mentioned I was in need of fixing my computer. Well....I JUST got that taken care of! Yup, a whole 3 months later I finally got my itunes synced up on a newer computer (old one died) and therefore I have all sorts of new tunes! Currently I am OBSESSED with Florence and the Machine. I like to fondly refer to her as "Flo." I have also added some other great tunes such as "Sweet Disposition" by Temper Trap, "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and "Like a G6" by Far East Movement (0r something like that) just to give ya a lil' flavah of what is bumping in my ear phones as I do my measly lil' runs leading up to the ultimate run.

Tunes that I am trying to resist...those by the lil' teen "heart throb" Justin Beiber. Yup, there is just something about a 29 year old woman downloading tunes sang by a 16 year old boy that just seems wrong to me. I am aware that cougarville is closer in my future than HS graduation is in my past, so I think I'll pass on those tunes...I think I'll be covered just fine for the marathon!

What to wear....oh what to WEAR!

I'm not sure whether to laugh, cry or vomit looking at this picture! As marathons go, there are always a few crazy peeps that wear something completely embarrassing...like this guy. As wonderful as it would be to exploit myself as a playboy bunny wannabe, I am thinking something more on the conservative side. I am definitely going to be wearing my black running tights. They are warm and they are comfy. As for on top, I'm leaning towards one of two sleeveless tops; either my green or my blue.

If I wear blue, I am thinking of putting "Go Pats" on the front for people to cheer as I pass. Reasoning; Pats game is on at 1pm which means....wait for it...I'm going to miss most if not all of the game...GASP and head lowers in sadness...The upside of this for ME is that all of New York will be cheering for the Pats! How awesome is that in Giants/Jets land? I think pretty sweet!

If I wear green, I am leaning towards putting "Stella" on the front of my shirt so people cheer me on by shouting "Stella." As some of you may have picked up, I am a fan of Stella Artois and my green shirt is close to color of the beautiful green bottle she comes in. I love her in all her gloriousness and cannot WAIT to cradle her in her elegant glass after the marathon.

Other suggestions have been to put my family name or my Uncles names on my shirt but I've already gotten emotional at times thinking about my reason for running WHILE running. I don't really thinking running 26.2 miles in tears is a good plan of attack. Feel free to weigh in your suggestions but do it quick...only 4 more days left until the big day after today!

Where I've been all week....

I wish I could say that my lack of updating you on my training journey was because I was out and about doing something really really RIDICULOUSLY fun BUT I can't... Nope, I have been alternating my time between my couch and bed feeling like death warmed over then run over by a mack truck since Wednesday.

I started to feel "off" on Tuesday evening when I got home from the running store with my SIXTH pair of running sneakers. I tried to duck and hide from the sick storm by downing airborne and vitamin drinks but when I woke up Wednesday morning, my usual "tricks" had failed me and I was forced to call out sick. I went to the doctor, we discussed my symptoms then she took my temperature. "Wait a minute, let me take that again." "Why? What was it?" I asked. "104." "Well I feel pretty hot right now and NOT in a good way.." I responded. Turned out that I had a temp of between 103 and 104. She gave me a prescription to kill the fever and whatever else I seemed to have that knocked me on my back for three days straight.

Even after she told me I couldn't go back to work for the rest of the week, the more important question was, "When can I run again?" I can honestly say she looked at me as though I had 3 heads but I was serious. Yes, I understand I had a fever and could barely keep my eyes open that day but I was sure my body would be resilient and I would be back to myself by Thursday. She gave me until Sunday and she was right to say that. It is now Saturday and I am just starting to feel like a normal human being again.

So in the last few weeks of my training (which doesn't even really feel like training since I've been doing more resting than running) I have had quite the hurdles to get over. First it was the shin splints, now its getting so sick I just wanted my mom to take care of me. As frustrating as these things have been I'm not going to give up or throw the towel in. I can do it, I know I can do it. So here's to my last week of training (I get teary eyed just typing that)!

16 miles and indulging a lil' too much in a "reward"

Good news...I tackled 16 miles on Saturday and squashed it in 2 hours, 30 minutes. Bad news is, I indulged in one too many of the delectable little treats to the left later on that evening...

I've been trying to be good as I train and not indulge in adult beverages as much as I normally would but its not always so easy when its so easy to just go for "a drink" to catch up with friends. Saturday once I had recovered for the most part from my run, I threw some clothes on and met my friend Meg for a chick flick. We saw the new Katherine Heigl movie, "Life as We Know It." Yup we were the two gals among maybe 5 other couples at a theater in Chelsea on a Saturday night... Afterward, we decided to just go for "a drink" at a place down the street that has a bartender on Saturday night who makes a FAB lil' dirty martini. I had a salty craving and this well blended, perfectly chilled treat was JUST what the doctor ordered! We should have just stopped at one but as soon as it hit the lips, it was SO good and a second seemed like a really good idea.....Not so much. Meg had to jet out not too long after we finished our second because she didn't feel good and I woke up Sunday with a gi-gantor of a headache.

Lesson learned, sometimes less is more. I "deserved" a reward for getting my run on earlier in the day but I didn't need to go overboard. Those lil' dirty numbers sneak up on ya like nobody's business!

Kinda pathetic...

So as stated last night, I attended my beloved Total Body Conditioning class. Problem is that I have not graced the class with my presence in close to a month and boy am I feeling it today! For the last month or so, I had justified skipping TBC because of all the running I was doing. With most of my time getting consumed with running, it was hard to motivate to do additional exercise. As I sorely sit here, I am wishing I had pushed myself to get it done! Today, as I walked around the office like an 80 year old woman, I had SEVERAL coworkers ask me with extremely concerned looks on their face, "are you okay???" "Yup, yup, I'm okay...just a lil' sore, that's all."

Tonight as I prep for my anticipated 16 miler tomorrow I plan to most DEFINITELY hit Yoga. I need to stretch these sore muscles out foooo show! Then I'll have a lil' bath, make my yummy pasta dish that I had gotten into a pattern making and hit the hay for some rest. Not the most exciting Friday night but I'm so looking forward to it. Last week felt weird not prepping myself for a long run. I'm hoping that the my cardiovascular strength is still as strong and the 16 will go by like a breeze....

Exciting....

Ya know that feeling you used to have right before the first day of school after summer break? Well I do! I also have that feeling AS WE SPEAK. Yup, its been a WHOLE week that I haven't run and tonight, yes TO-NIGHT, I get to put one foot in front of the next and RUN!!! YAY!!!!

After work, I plan to hit the gym for a total body conditioning class then run on the treadmill. I am not a fan of the treadmill but it is easier on my joints and I will be able to get my total workout done faster. If it had been a "normal" week and I had been running and whatnot, I may have opted out of hitting the gym in lieu of running outside because its so beautiful, but I have to get pumped up for my 16 this weekend. I never thought that I'd be this excited for a long run but I am. I never thought I'd say this but I miss my horrendous running belt and my whole routine of gearing up to wipe myself out. There is a sense of satisfaction that you have at the end of a long run that is hard to describe but it feels pretty cool. Despite the fact that afterwards I walk around my apartment like an 80 year old woman, stop and stretch my calves in the middle of the side walk and slowly stand after sitting for an extended period, I still feel kinda awesome about it.

Lets just see how tonight goes though. I am a little nervous that the shins will hurt but I am going with the doctors orders and that I should be good to go. I shall report back tomorrow. Please enjoy yourself a thirsty Thursday for me :-)

Annnnnd I'm BACK!!!

GREAT news....I met with an orthopedic surgeon today and I've been given a high five to get back on the road running TOMORROW!!! My new best friend who has 25 marathons (yes that's 25) under his belt prescribed me a pair of orthodics, told me to go for a 15 or 16 miler this weekend and to keep going. I can't even begin to tell how happy and relieved this makes me. For the last two days I would just think about the doctor recommending that I not run the marathon and felt sadness I hadn't felt since my Uncle Joe passed away. I have to say, I feel like the family that I've lost and who are my motivators, are looking out for me. There is a reason that I have put myself through all of these weeks of training and they are making sure it happens.

So tomorrow I shall road test the orthodics for a 5 miler and hopefully all will be right in the world again in terms of my training. Two weeks from this coming Sunday, I will be seeing YOU on the other side of 26.2 miles! Happy Hump Day!

Nothing too exciting...

So I'm still laid up with shin splints. I have an appointment to go see an orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday to have some X-rays. Hopefully my icing, elevating, compressing and rest will have paid off and I will be given a thumbs up to run again. I'm not going to lie, it has me down and out of sorts. First of all, the last 14 plus weeks of my life were devoted to training for the marathon that is now less than 3 weeks away. I have trained hard and I have been dedicated. I am also doing this for beyond myself but for my family. Many of them have already made their arrangements to be here for the marathon, I will be so disappointed if in 3 weeks I am not geared up and in Staten Island waiting to cross the Verrazano Bridge to Brooklyn. I'm going to try not to throw myself a pity party here, all is not officially lost, I still have the doctor to see. In the mean time I must try to do my best which is riding a bike, doing the elliptical and that sort of thing. I don't have access to a pool nor am I a decent swimmer so thank you for the recommendation but I'm already ahead of you.

Sorry for being a Debbie downer, I really would prefer to be writing about how I just showed 20 miles who is boss over the weekend and that I am ready as ever for the 26.2. How I thought this part would be so different when I first started. Oh well, chin up Charlie, do the best you can do and hopefully Wednesday brings brighter and better news.

Shin splints..

Yup, the last thing one would want to happen with less than 4 weeks left in training for a marathon has happened...I'm injured. "Luckily" its not the WORST possible injury but it may set me back a little. I have shin splints. For those who have had them they can sympathize on the pain, for those of you who have never had them, it is not a fun time. It is shooting pains up the front part of your shin either on the inside or outside of your leg. I have them on the inside of my right leg. I started to feel them the end of last week and kind of ignored them thinking they would just "go away." Yesterday morning when I woke up to run in the morning I tried to run but it was more of a hobble. After 2 miles of discomfort and pain, I bowed out and walked back home. I was so mad, so disappointed, I wanted to throw in the towel all together. I felt like it was losing right before the finals of a tournament. I won't quit though. I immediately googled shin splints and remedies. RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. I'm down for all of that but the rest. How am I supposed to rest right now??? I am taking today off from running and doing time on the elliptical. Tomorrow is my scheduled day off but Saturday I'm supposed to run 20. That is so not going to happen. I'm thinking of swapping it with next week's 12 miles. I think I'm going to do 12 Saturday, then the 20 the next week, 2 weeks before the big day. It seems like a lot rather close to the big day but I don't know what else to do. They say one of the causes of shin splints is running in sneakers without enough support....great. I have new sneakers but they didn't really win me over Tuesday night when I ran and I didn't really get much of a shot to properly test them out yesterday. Therefore, my long run, whatever it ends up being Saturday, will be done in the old sneaks.

So frustrating, so disappointing. I don't want to deal with this right now. As we speak I have my leg up (elevation) with an ice pack on it (ICE). I got compression running pants, now if I can just "rest" I'll be good to go. Fingers crossed that my taking care of myself and the new sneakers do me some good.

"This is 4 my people" Missy Elliot...

Missy Elliot? I must be going nutso, huh? Naaah! I am just OBSESSED with her tune "4 my people" lately for oh so many reasons which I shall list for you...

1) I was with my hometown peeps this past weekend and this is for them and our fantastically fun times shared.

2) I am running FOR my people; my family, my friends, even peeps who I don't know but may benefit from some sort of education they receive from the American Heart Association protecting them from the killers heart disease and stroke.

3) Even when I run, I want to stop and shake my tail feathers like a mad woman as soon as this song comes bolting through my headphones....especially when it starts with an "OOOT Ooooooooo" then later with the lyrics "Ya'll I'm on fiy-yahhhhhhhh!"

So now that I've revealed thoughts that go through my head when I run, we're really starting to get deep and open up our whole relationship here....Anyway, this weekend was a whirl wind but a great one. I got back to Boston just in time to have some celebratory drinks with my high school friends for one of my friend's wedding. Saturday I did some recovering at Target then hit the road for my 12 miler. The first 5 miles were tough. My shin splints were acting up and I was lacking energy. I popped a Gu, gave myself a pep talk and kept going. I pushed myself to get the full 12 done even when I was contemplating cutting it short. It was about the last 2 miles that "4 my people" came on and I was runnnnn-ennnnnnnn'. The day couldn't have been a more beautiful fall day. Crisp, slightly cool, sunny...days that when you're running for just shy of 2 hours, you dream about.

After taking some time to recover, I put my party shoes back on for another L-town (how my peeps and I refer to our place of upbringing) wedding celebration. I'm not going to lie, after running 12 miles, DELICIOUS BBQ food including MAC N' CHEESE is DA BOMB. Probably not the healthiest to have but O.M.Geeee it was good!

Sunday was a more restful day. My mom and I went on a nice walk in the morning which is when she declared that there really is no use for the letter "R." True story. I kid you not, while we were walking she spoke a sentence that should have had at least 10 "R"s in it but not one was actually pronounced. I love my mom's accent but tease her to the high heavens so she defended herself with, "You know Caitie, I don't really see the use for the letter "R" unless it comes at the beginning of a word such as 'rustic' or 'right.' Othawise it just takes to long to say." Probably one of the funniest things my mom ever said to me. I love it, I love her.

Later on Sunday I lunched with some college gals then shopped then dined with my mom. There was a lot of eating on Sunday. Monday, it was up and at 'em relatively early, to bid farewell to my Bean and head back to the Apple.

I got a new pair of sneaks last night, for those of you are keeping count, its pair numbah FIVE! If these things don't work out tonight on my run, it is quite possible that I'll be the blond scooped out of the Hudson River with a cement block tied to her ankle....I kid, I kid, that's a ridiculous thing to say but it gets my point across that I will be just completely fed up with this witch hunt for sneakers that don't cause me pain!

Another day, another challenge...

What I'm tired writing about is probably what you're tired of reading about...the sneakers! Now I think I've found a pair that has not only caused my feet discomfort but has also managed to injure me. I have shin splints...yep, its official...I was in denial with the first hints of it but after my run last night it was as clear as today, they have made their way into my life. Positive outlook...I do have a plan of attack. I am NOT going back to City Sports to have some guy who hasn't run in weeks, maybe months help me pick out a sneaker, I am going to Jack Rabbit Sports. They have a technology that actually fits the right sneaker to your foot. I am going to go there, go through the process and hopefully walk out of there with sneakers that will no longer hinder my training or make it as painful as it has been at times. This is my last hope as I get closer and closer to the big day.

On a fun note, I'm heading back to Beantown this weekend to celebrate two friends from high school getting married (not to each other, two separate occasions). I only have 12 miles tomorrow so I figure I can have a few cocktails tonight, sleep it off and be able to get the task at hand done...provided my shins cooperate...I will be wearing my old sneaks, so at least the feet issue won't be present.

Have a great weekend!

Where did the week go?

I don't know where the week went but I'm not going to complain about it! As for the running...it has been a lil' touch and go.

Tuesday I was going to get up to run in the morning because I had a work dinner that evening but....I didn't. It was raining and cold outside and no place seemed any better than to stay tucked tightly in my comfy bed. This is my second skipped Tuesday and I hope that my trend of ditching my run stops here. I can't allow myself to get into this habit.

Last night, Wednesday, I did get my scheduled 8 miles in at least. I took advantage of my friend on the Upper East Side and ran in Central Park. I'm not going to lie, I could hear my shins SCREAM bloody murder when I took my first running step forward. They have still not fully recovered from the 20 miles but they also don't have a choice, gotta keep going kids. Aside from my shins whining for 8 miles and of course the feet hurting a lil' bit, it was a pretty nice run. I must say I enjoy the opportunities to break up my usual running along the Hudson River.

Tonight I face a 5-er but that seems like a breeze. My shins are still sore but I'll just have to stretch more and maybe if I have time, I'll take a bath tonight to loosen up my muscles still trying to figure out what in gods name happened to them on Saturday!

20 plus miles and tan lines that would make Gisele jealous!

Good news kids, I survived 20 miles over the weekend...whoop whooop!!! I'm not going to lie though, it was tough tamales!

Saturday morning, I woke up to a beautiful sunny fall day. I went through my "ritual" breakfast and preparation process. As I got close to completely ready, I started to stall. Knowing that a 20 mile run awaits is more than just "kinda" daunting. After about 15 minutes of procrastinating, I got it together and got outside. As soon as I started my calves felt tight but to be honest, its a rarity if something on my body DOESN'T hurt in some sort of way these days. I moved along and got the first 7 mile loop done. No problemo. Then I realized I basically had a half marathon to tackle and felt an "OOPH" but shook it off. I trekked on north along the west side. I passed by Pier 71 (a cute lil' outdoor lunch/dinner place), the Boat Basin where I've been known to throw down a Stella or two, then I reached the 104th St Sign. On my 17 and 18 milers, that was sort of a relief because I had 20 or so more blocks to go from there and then could turn around but Saturday, I had another 60 to go....YOWSERS!! I ignored my realization, had a Gu, drank some water and powered on passing 125th Street and Fairway. Then I ran through some parks and hit the 155th St mark (SWEET, just another 10 and I get to turn around!). Unfortunately there was no marker for 165th so I kinda just ran until I felt like it had been 10 blocks. I found a man walking his dog and asked him where abouts we were and he informed me 172nd st!!!! UGH! I did NOT plan to run a step further than 20 but luckily it wasn't TOO much further. I turned around and took in the beautiful day along the Hudson. I must say, if you have a chance to get up along that way (biking would probably be nice vs running) I highly recommend it. Its so quiet and peaceful up there.

The last 6 and 1/2 miles got increasingly hard as I moved along. The sun became relentless as it beat down on me (I'm going to have to get a visor or hat to help on the next run). I prayed for shade but it was afternoon and the sun had started moving West, only to beat on me more. I made it down along by the Intrepid and was relieved to know it was just about another mile more. My hips started to hurt and my buttocks were tightening up. The sun was like an annoying person that just gets in your face and won't back off. I tried putting my hand up as a visor but that didn't do much help. I almost slowed down to walk but literally yelled at myself to keep going and not stop. I made it to 17th street, THANK GOODNESS! I walked a block back to my apartment but I'm not sure if it looked like walking, probably more of a waddle. My entire body was asking, "what just happened?" I made it home, stretched, showered, put the legs up, ate and then became "one" with the couch.


Later on, I felt hot and realized why....I was silly and didn't put sunscreen on my arms or neck...to say that my new "tan lines" are "sexy" is an understatement! I have a lovely "ring" of color around my neck, only half of my shoulders are burned and my left arm has a nice "white" band from where my nano armband was strapped on. Needless to say, I'm probably not going to be wearing any strapless or spaghetti strapped type tops for awhile...

Weather tempermental....

Man has this week's weather been uninspiring! Monday and Tuesday were total wash outs and today started out with rain then decided to seal in its misery stamp by never getting sunny. I have only run once since Saturday but I do plan to run tonight....not exactly the "hard core training" I had planned to do leading up to one of my longest runs before the big day. My original plan today was to get up this morning and run so that this evening I could go to my favorite body conditioning class but between the pouring rain outside and the sick feeling I had in the back of my throat, I opted to stay in bed. All day I've felt tired, a little achy, SUPER cranky and this annoying clump in the back of my throat. All I have to say is that I better not be getting sick. If I do, I won't be surprised because on Monday I got absolutely soaked on my way to work and sat shivering the remainder of the day. Probably not the best thing for a person. As much as I'd love to trade this evening's trip to the gym (I'm doing my 5-er on the treadmill...) for an evening on the couch with the beastly feline, I shall resist because I keep hearing my dad in the back of my mind saying, "Just sweat it out kid, you'll be fine." I kid you not, growing up, my sister and I would be sick as dogs (where does that expression come from?) unable to move and my father would yell at us to go for a run around the block to sweat it out!!!

So it will be off to "sweat it out" and hopefully tonight's work out will support my dad's "theory" so that I will be feeling healthy for my 20 miles on Saturday.

I'm a knotty girl...

Monday night, after work, I indulged in a MUCH needed massage. During my run on Saturday I could feel the knotted muscles so heavily in my back I wonder if I was actually running slightly slanted. By the time Monday had rolled around, I felt like there were more knots in my back than there were on a frickin' sailboat! I immediately booked an appointment with a place recommended by one of my friends who frequently gets massages and was slightly thrown off when I arrived. It was not one of the glamorous NY type places, it was a lil' more "rustic" for lack of a better word. There were basically sheets hanging between the 3 massage tables...I apprehensively disrobed and jumped under the blanket. My masseuse came in and immediately got to work. Without any delay, she utters, "you knotty, knotty....very tense." "Uhh, yeah, " I replied. Our striking conversation excluded she became my best friend. She was determined to relieve me of such pain. She even got on top of me twice to push the bad boys out of my back. There were times that she was massaging so roughly with her forearm I was tempted to cheer her on with "Oh yeah, work it, show that knot whose BOSS!" I didn't though....

Tuesday my "knotty-ness" continued because I skipped a run. Yes my friends, after 12 weeks of never missing a run, I opted to skip it last night in the week before my 20 miles. I will probably regret the decision but it was for work. All my colleagues were going to dinner and I did not want to exclude myself and possibly miss anything important. The dinner was rather uneventful aside from being a total salt fest but I felt better safe than sorry.

Today, Wednesday, I have yet another work dinner. Deciding to be better disciplined, I woke up this morning and instead of doing 5 miles, I decided to throw in an extra mile making it 6. I felt guilty for last night but didn't have time to do more. I'm happy to report that my sneakers didn't absolutely kill too. My feet felt mostly numb with some pain in the end but in my mind, this is improvement. I'm trying to stay positive....I think I owe it to myself after my "debbie downer" kind of a week last week.

13 miles, a piece of cake, best dose of medicine and a Pats win :)

This past weekend I did my long run (which dropped down to 13 miles to thankfully give me a break after 18 the week before) at home. I mapped it out ahead of time on mapmyrun.com and was ready as ever when I woke up Saturday morning. My mom is the best and made sure I had all the things I requested to prep me for the run and help me recover post run. I had my usual toast with PB and banana with a Green Tea and coconut water. Then I got dressed and ready and was out the door. The way I had the run broken out was one short loop then a big loop. The first loop went well but I wasn't pleased that the heat and humidity had returned this weekend. On the second loop I had a Gu around mile 7 and was starting to run low on water...CRAP. I didn't want to bother the old men at the car repair shop that I had hit up for some water the last time I was home and ran my 14 miler so I popped into a 7/11 looking for a water fountain...no dice. I continued on and with about 2 miles left I went into a slight panic mode because one of the things I hate the most is feeling thirsty without any relief in site. I took a chance on a small mom and pop place hoping they'd have water. A guy that barely spoke English did not understand me when I asked if there was a water fountain to fill my water bottle with. He did understand "water" and pointed to the bottled water in the fridges behind me but I had no money and god forbid he help help a sister out! Frustrated I settled on just getting the run finished. I made it the rest of the way and couldn't wait to get water at home. As soon as I walked in the door and into the kitchen my mom was right there eyeing me as if she was waiting me to keel over! I gulped down the ice cold smart water in the fridge and began stretching. After showering I put my legs up for 20 minutes to help relieve the lactic acid build up while my mom and I chatted. It was nice to get some time with my mom.

Later we went to my cousin's baby shower (my reason for being home). It was so great to see my family and celebrate my cousin preggers with twins! After the rough week I had last week, it was great to see the fam, they were exactly what the doctor ordered. I have to give my other cousin a shout out for getting one of the most scrumptious cakes for the shower! The picture posted is not nearly as enticing as this cake was on Saturday.

The family saturated weekend continued with heading into the city with my mom, sister and aunt for some shopping at Lord and Taylor then a lil' bite to eat and some Stellas. After that I got to have some quality time with my sister at her apartment. We hadn't had some one on one time in a long time so it was great to get caught up and talk about everything and anything.

Sunday it was more family funness, this time brunch with my dad. My globe trotting father just returned from a trip to Amsterdam and Paris. He filled both my sister and I in on his travels as we sat and froze our butts off (we ate outside and the temperature dramatically dropped between the time my sister and I went for our morning walk and brunch). After that we headed to watch the Pats vs the Bills. I honestly think the fact that the Pats lost last week started things off on the wrong foot causing the whole week to go downhill...Luckily for me and the Pats, they pulled out a W.

All in all, it was a busy weekend but a great weekend. I needed a break from the crazy running (13 miles doesn't seem as crazy anymore...sick!) as well as NYC. I am back to feeling like myself again and soon more rejuvenated once I get my back massage after work tonight!

Light at the end of the tunnel...

So I've survived to Friday....YAY!!!! This has definitely been my most trying week of training but at least tonight after work I get to head home to get a break from NYC and get some TLC from the Fam. I hope to just make it through the 13 miles slated for tomorrow (I shall be running in my old sneaks). That's kind of all I'm asking for. I feel that if I can finish and then spend the rest of the weekend in good company along with some actual rest, I will be able to start week 13 off with a clear and fresh attitude.

Last night was another tough run in the new sneaks. Not only is it frustrating to run 5 miles in discomfort but the rest of my body tenses up in attempt to help support my aching feet leaving me more sore than usual after. To top it all off my pace is slower...you all know I like to run like a gazelle and when person after person passes me by I just want to scream. I am going to be patient though and the optimistic light is that I have three 5 mile runs next week in prep of my 20. That will put me in good sneaker breaking in condition for the shorter long run the week after this, lining me up to potentially have the new sneakers good enough for my second 20 miler the middle of October. If things don't improve, I do have a podiatrist lined up for an appointment....I hope it doesn't come down to that though.

So, sadly things aren't a WHOLE lot better than yesterday but they are looking up. I kinda need to knock myself out of this funk and get back to my usual self which is kicking each run in the butt! Cheers to a great weekend!

Feels like I'm hitting a wall...

Yeah, so that's not me. For those who know me I'm blond and sadly at this point in September, any tan I had over the summer has sadly faded. But that is how I felt last night and still have the "feeling hangover" today. I just feel like I'm tired. I'm tired of it all. The sneakers, being alone, not having time for fun, simply always just feeling tired, everything. I got my FOURTH pair of new sneakers last night, ran in them, experienced pain and realized that the last weeks of training are just going to be painful until I can fully break in a pair. NOT awesome realization.

Another thing that has me feeling worn out is that I barely have time to socialize let alone call my best friends to catch up. When I do go out, I really pay for it because my body is already being put through a lot that to top it off with late nights and excessive amounts of Stella, I'm trash. I lack energy and most importantly optimism.

Last night I set out for 8 miles that I had to condense to 7 miles because of not only the pain but the rain/lightening storm that the weathermen oh so reluctantly left out of their forecast for the week. It wasn't raining when I set out for my run so I didn't have a hat to help keep the rain out of my eyes and even better, I wore a white tank top with a white sports bra underneath. I'm not 18 years old on Spring Break and trying out for "Girls Gone Wild" here, I'm 29 and training for a marathon! The last two miles were my worst. I was aggravated that the pain was too much to get the full 8 in. I was so made that I was not properly dressed for the weather and to top it all off, fittingly the song "Mercy" by Duffy was playing and my nano kept stalling! Overall, it was bad.

I got home and put on the radio and as if there is a soundtrack to my life, Colbie Caillat's "Breakin at the Cracks" song came on. Like, really? I'm just all sorts of out of sorts and everything metaphorically and literally rained down on me last night. I need to get myself back on a positive track but I'm having a hard time. I'm heading home this weekend for my cousin's baby shower and I'm hoping a good dose of my mom (its amazing how a mom hug can make you feel better) and family time will put me back on track.

Running with the Nugget and learning how to end a 10 year relationship...

Last evening I had a running buddy for the first time in my training. My beloved Nugget emailed me earlier in the day to ask what I was doing for a run and if she could join me. She doesn't live far from me so she pedalled her lil' Nugget legs over and met me around 6:30 for a jaunt along the Hudson. It was lovely to have a lil' partner to chat with and we also hadn't seen each other in awhile so it was good to catch up with whats going on in her lil' Nugget world. Since she hadn't been running in awhile she sent me off to finish the remain the 3 miles of my run. I was feeling really good since I hadn't run since the 18 and these "shorter" runs I tend to pick up the speed.

Now onto my reallll and never ending dilemma; the sneakers. I ran in the new Saucony's last Thursday and again last night. Thursday they hurt me, not nearly as severe as the previous pain but they hurt. Then last night, it was the same thing again. Having been a DEVOTED and LOYAL Saucony customer for 10 years now, I kept thinking that when the sneakers didn't hurt they felt pretty good. Maybe with some time they'll be better.... Then I realized I sounded like someone in an abusive relationship!

Before getting home last night, I went to City Sports to try on different brands in models suggested by an online customer service rep that unfortunately for her, had to break the news to me that the pair of Saucony Progrid Triumph 6's that I ordered online were not in fact in stock and I was S.O.L. I tried on a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus. They felt like fluffy clouds supporting my feet as if they were molded specifically made for me. I felt as though this was the "drink meet and greet" with a possible suitor to replace my existing and now abusive relationship. These sneakers were like the "nice guy" that could be so much better to me if I could just forget the length of time I've tolerated the current and abusive guy. They could be the shoes to support me in the ways I need but also allow me to be me, the runner that I truly can be.

So, although I am heartbroken that I am going to have to break up with Saucony after a once really great relationship of 10 years, it appears that the writing is on the wall. Saucony has changed its shoes in ways that no longer "work" for me. We had a great "run" in our relationship and I shall miss them dearly but I'm on to bigger and better things and they are just not the guy, I mean shoes, that will help me make it to the finish line on November 7th....

18 miles and trying to stay awake..

I kid you not but when I was out for my run on Saturday I had gotten into such a "zone" that I had to snap myself out of it a couple times because I felt like I could have closed my eyes and kept running. I guess when you've been running for over an hour and then have about another hour and a half to go, you kind of lose sight of what you're actually doing, or at least I did...

Saturday morning, I woke up and began my new morning routine of green tea, coconut water and a toast sandwich with peanut butter and banana. This breakfast fueled me the previous week for 17 so I figured if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. When I started out on my run I felt kinda stiff and sore and was a little nervous that it wasn't going to be as successful as the previous week. I had my run split in two loops, 7 mile southern west tip of Manhattan then 11 miles up the Hudson and back down. When I reached about 96th street, that's when my daze took over and I had to "snap to" and "look alive" because I was totally having an out of body experience. I was running but I wasn't totally paying attention. So weird and I'm so not describing it properly but it was crazy. Anyway, once I reconnected myself to the task at hand and realized I had a few miles left, I was feeling pretty darn good. There is a billboard around 50th Street that has a clock on it and when I ran by it on the way back I had been running for about 2 hours and 20 minutes and had probably another 2 to 3 miles. I gave myself a lil' pep talk and picked up the pace to finish my 18 miles in 2 hours and 40 minutes. I kid you not, I averaged under a 9 minute mile pace...holy lord! Needless to say the rest of my day was spent on the couch with my legs up but that's okay by me, I think I deserved it!

TGIF....Fooo shooooow

Sooooo....an update on the "Sneak Situation," I have a new model.... I spent an hour with the manager at City Sports last night trying on a recommended model by Saucony as well as other brands to hopefully make the right decision on my next pair. Cheggie (pronounced like reggae) was very patient with me and wanted me to leave with the best possible new pair as I could. I think we succeeded because when I ran my designated 5 miles last night, I did not experience the pain I had previously... With that said, lets all cross our fingers, toes, arms, legs...hell lets even braid our hair in hopes that this new pair of Saucony ProGrid Ride 3's are the SHOESSSSSS!!!!!!!

Now that my stressful week caused by not having the proper footwear is over, I am looking forward to a relaxing evening ahead. I plan to grab some groceries, go to Yoga, cook a healthy pasta dinner, maybe take a bath and hit the hay on the early side. This routine seemed to help me out with last week's long run so I'm hoping that it pays off for tomorrow too. The weather forecast is favorable for another lovely run so all I have to worry about is making sure I'm properly hydrated and fueled. I'm feeling good about this, its starting to get really REAL (as if running all these miles every week hasn't been real enough!).

Sneakers made by Satan himself...

As I'm sure you can pick up from the title, my 8 mile run last night did not go well...AT. ALL. I tried giving the godforsaken sneakers a real shot but they took my hopes and dreams, squashed them and then mangled my foot in one full swoop. Yes my friends, these sneakers could only have been constructed by Satan himself to squash my optimism as I continue through week 11 of my training.

Last night I didn't even have an ounce of desire to run, let alone 8 miles but when I thought of the consequences and that it could put me back a little bit as I work towards 18 miles on Saturday, I decided to suck it up and get out there. My first mile was fine and it was actually a really nice night, so I was glad I snapped out of my funk. Then the pain struck after mile 1 and didn't let up, not even a little bit, the remaining 7 miles. I kept thinking, "okay, any minute the pain will subside and I'll be okay," but no, that never happened. Around mile 4 or 5 I stopped to loosen the laces on my right foot and that helped for a short time but once I got toward the last 3/4s of a mile to the finish, the pain grew so intense that I was almost in tears and just gave up running. I walked the rest of the way home in pure anger and frustration. I wanted to throw things, I wanted to scream. This is the last thing I need to deal with in my training. All I need is new cushiony sneaks, is that really too much to ask???

So this morning, I called Saucony customer service and asked what the deal is with the new Progrid Triumph 7. Apparently the new arch support added to the model has caused more pressure in the toe...AHHH HAAAA!!!! I am NOT crazy and there isn't anything wrong with my foot! I await some sort of email verifying this construction change so that when I go to return my 2nd pair, the manager of City Sports won't hold me accountable for this discomfort. I even have other Saucony models to try in replacement. I hope that one of the different models treat my feet with decency and respect and help me along the remaining weeks of training.

New sneakers and throbbing toes...

Look at these beautiful sneaks to the left...just LOOK at them! Don't they look so cushiony and perfect to run in? I agree! At least I used to... These sneakers of beauty are my second pair of the same model (I have consistently bought the update for the last 10 years) only this time in my accurate size (reference previous blog entry). I thought AUTOMATICALLY they would be the singing voice from above to guide me along my last 8 weeks of training and even on the big day....Well, my hope is still existent but I have some doubt, yes kids, I have some doubt. I wore them last Thursday for my 4 miles in the park, verdict: painful. I wore them for my 5 miles this morning; verdict: numb right foot toes. The ONE perk about this pair is that I am yet to experience (and hope not to experience) the painful feeling that I am running with razors on the bottom of my right foot like the pain I felt from the last pair that was a 1/2 size too big. I continue to carry the hope like a torch as I waver the idea that I may even brave wearing them for my 8 miles tomorrow night after only wearing them twice so far. "Why?" you ask. Because I am DETERMINED to have a new pair of sneaks broken in! My theory is this; the first pair was horrendously painful because they were not the right size, but this pair will earn its keep after a few break-in runs because no new sneaks will ever be as perfectly worn in on the first few runs as your existing pair. I hope to GOD that my theory pans out because as stated previously, we are in week 11 of 18 training weeks (can you believe it? I can't!) and I need fresh sneaks....BAD!

Note to self and to others: If you are training for a run of this size and/or any long distance run, I read that it is recommended to have two pairs of sneakers to alternate between. I read this well after I had begun my training and I wish I had the heads up ahead of time!

17 miles and then some...

I am ECSTATIC to report that my previously much dreaded 17 mile run was an absolute success! Not only did I finish, I did it in 2 hours and 35 minutes (9:12 avg minute) and only stopped once to refill my water bottle. I totally feel that after Saturday, I'm back on track to where I need to be and the horrendous 15 mile run I endured is behind me. I am really happy that all of my preparation last week paid off on the big day. Between my hilly runs in the park, yoga and making more of an effort to eat nutritious "fuel" foods, I think I'm on to something. Friday night, I cooked for the first time in ages (I hope that didn't cause you to fall of your chair in shock) a healthy meal of whole wheat pasta with chicken, garlic, cherry tomatoes and asparagus. It was DE-LISH if I must say so for myself. Then Saturday morning, pre-run I took a fellow marathon runner in training's advice to have toast with PB and banana.

When I started out on Saturday I was feeling well hydrated and "fueled." I previously mapped out my run by basically keeping my usual 7 miler to start and then adding 10 by going up the West Side along the Hudson then back down. I think that by staying on a constant route, not having to deal with any intersections or starting/stopping definitely helped my cause as well. Saturday was a rather somber day for NYC as it was the 9th Anniversary of 9/11. Aside from the extra NYPD detail along Hudson by Wall Street, I didn't feel like New Yorkers let it ruin the beautiful day it was outside. There were plenty of people out running, walking, biking, soaking up the gorgeous morning. As I made my way through the second half, onto the 10 mile section, I was feeling pretty good. Conveniently there were people promoting Power Bar's new "gel" right at my 7 mile mark and I gladly accepted it! As I made my way north up the Hudson, I rationed my water (so I wouldn't have to stop to refill) but still kept hydrated so my mouth wasn't dried out. I made it all the way up to 110th Street and then turned around to head back downtown and home. This was a mile 12 marker and I was feeling good! I didn't feel too tired, I wasn't feeling dehydrated and I thought to myself, "You're going to do this today." Around mile 13 or 14 I took another "Gu" to keep my energy up. I gradually made my way down and when I passed by the Intrepid, I had a smooth 30 more blocks to finish. I stopped around 34th street just to fill up one of my bottles so I would have some water as I walked the last block home. When I made it to the end and I felt like throwing my arms up victoriously. I not only showed 15 miles who's boss, I kicked it while it was down and threw another 2 miles on top of it!

The rest of my Saturday was spent mostly on the couch with my legs up and me drinking TONS of water. I was definitely sore and completely wiped out. Its only natural though since its not really normal for a person to run for two and 1/2 plus hours. I did manage to get myself together later to meet my cousin out for dinner that night but that was about all and I was completely okay with it (hard to imagine since I traditionally love to tear it up on Saturdays).

Sunday was officially my Funday but with some limitation....I woke up and got 35 minutes in on the Elliptical which I really needed to stretch out my tense muscles. Then I got showered and dressed to watch the Pats game at 1pm. I went to my fave Pats bar here in the city and joined my fellow fanatics for some beer guzzling, referee cursing funness. The Pats kicked off the season just beautifully by crushing the Bengals 38 to 24 making me a VERY happy woman :-)

So that is the latest and greatest. I think tonight I may do a lil' Yoga at home but I plan to just enjoy the day of "rest" from training. Tomorrow is a 5-er which I totally have! Can't wait in fact! Bring it!!!!

A long short week....

All I can say is TGIF!!! It has been a really long short week and I am relieved that its Friday. The sad thing is that the long part is attributed to my running and not my job or any really fun stuff.

Last night I went for my scheduled 4 miles with the Niketown running group again. I'm really having mixed feelings about this group because the run has consistently (a whole two times in a row) not started on time and I'm kind of a "no nonsense" kinda gal. I like to deal with the task at hand, move on and be done with it. I feel like with this group, you have to wait around in the store until everyone finally decides to head to the park. Then you have to wait for the group to get to the meeting spot in the park. Once everyone is there you get split up in your mileage pack and after all of that you finally can start running! Last night I only had 4 miles to do (sans nano because I forgot my godforsaken armband...grrrr!) and by the time I headed back to Niketown (skipping part of the stretching because I started stretching on my own waiting around yet again for the group to start) it was 7:50pm! Really?!? For 4 miles?!? I will say the good thing is that it has me running along hilly paths which will hopefully benefit me on tomorrow's run but other than that, I get more aggravated than a runner's high. Depending on how I do tomorrow will help me evaluate if I will continue with this group run. An idea I've concocted is that I may just bring my running stuff with me to work and head to the park from work then go straight home on the subway after my run....But that's just a lil' alternative plan I'm working out...

So tonight, to nurse my tired body and soles, I plan to grab some groceries, recovery bevys (no, no Stella unfortunately), throw in a wash, go to yoga, take a bath, make some dinner (this is getting ambitious) then hit the hay early. Ideally I'd like to rise and shine tomorrow at 7am, have some breakfast and tea then hit the road running by 8am for my 17 miles. I'm hoping it takes me 3 hours or less but I won't know until I'm done and look at my time. Let's hope I don't toss and turn tonight worrying about tomorrow so that I'll be well rested to take on the beast that is looming over me...

Where to begin...

Yesterday, I started my Wednesday in a Zen state of mind. A few weeks prior I purchased a yoga mat to utilize the Yoga available on demand...the mat has been sitting in the closet since then because I haven't quite gotten the motivation to actually use it. But yesterday was the day and I must say, I felt great doing it. I had to lock the Beast (Oliver) in the bathroom because otherwise he would have jumped on me or attacked me as I moved from plank to vinyasa to upward dog to downward dog. Starting the day out with a great combo of strengthening and stretching had me thinking the day has started off on the "right foot."

After work, I got my butt home, threw in a wash (I've been doing laundry as much as Zoila lately *reference "Flipping Out" on Bravo) and threw on my running "outfit." Last night was the first middle of the week run going 8 miles. I must say that its kind of crazy that when I say 8 miles, it feels like nothing. Now that I've made it running 15 miles and have 17 miles looming over me like a dark cloud, 8 miles doesn't seem so bad. I'm kinda like, "okay, this should take a little over an hour and then I'm done." Crazy!

So my route plan was similar to the 7 milers I had been doing, I just tacked on an extra mile. Starting out felt good, I made it the first few miles without any issue. THEN my RIGHT FOOT started to experience sharp shooting pains in the ball of it around mile 4ish....not good. Last night I decided to run my 8 miler in my newer pair of sneaks that I had already run a total of 12 miles in and figured they were ready for some distance (quick side note, I was convinced to buy a 1/2 size bigger but I am now thinking that was a bad idea). I am hoping that this pain I experienced is the SHOE and NOT my foot because we are just half way through the training baby and I am not giving up!

To cut to the chase, the last 4 miles were excruciating. So much so that there were times I wanted to cry or scream but I tell you the one thing I didn't do, I didn't stop! Maybe I will regret that decision later if this becomes a persisting issue but when you're running 8 miles, no matter what, you want it DONE and OVAHH. Miraculously I finished the bad boy in 72 minutes averaging about a 9 minute mile... I WILL TAKE IT! After I stretched out, ordered a healthy turkey burger, sweet potatoes and broccoli, jumped in the shower in time for my feast delivery and I was a happy girl.

What did I do at lunch today? I returned the "new sneaks" for a pair in the correct size and I'm crossing my fingers that I never experience the same pain again!

Change of pace...

Last night, for my 4 miles, I opted for something out of my "routine" and chose to go for a group run with Niketown. They have group runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in Central Park. I had hoped for a hill run but last night it was a Bridle Path run....huh? I have learned that there are dirt paths throughout the park called "Bridle Paths" that were created when people could ride horses in Central Park. Its just recently that they stopped allowing horses but I hadn't really paid much attention to the paths...EXCEPT for being intrigued about where the scene in the movie "Kate and Leopold" takes place when Kate's purse is snatched, Leopold jumps on horse that was being used for carriage tours, then tracks down the mugger and gets her purse back....Yeah...I've seen the movie...I used to be obsessed with Meg Ryan until she put enough collagen in her lips that I don't know how she keeps her head up these days!

Anyway, back to the run, along the bridle path....Starting from Niketown, a group of about 50 of us make our way from 57th and 5th to 63rd St inside the path to then reconvene and break up for various mileage runs. There was a 3 mile, a 4 mile, a 5+ mile and a 7+ mile run. Never having run this before, I stayed to my training schedule and chose 4. As we assembled into groups, it was unclear which group was the 4 mile group and I found myself next to two other girls around the same age. I asked if they knew where they were going because I had no clue and one of them said, "Yeah, I love the Bridle path, I wish we could still ride horses on it." I just nodded my head and looked down to the side thinking, "Is she for real? We are so from different backgrounds!" Moving along...the run started out and I began to run along with my two new friends but quickly realized, this was moving a lil' too slow for me. I threw on my headphones and picked up the pace, finding my comfort zone. The great thing about this group run is that they have people that run ahead to certain points to help direct you in case your confused or lost, like myself. As I moved onto the path, I went under the tunnels that Leopold goes under to rescue back Kate's purse. It was kind of cool because I always wondered where these were in the park. Then I went under a really dark tunnel that kinda freaked me out because it was a little bit long, a LOT dark and you literally couldn't see next to you for part of it. I was not looking forward to going through it on my way back (which I ended up sprinting through because I was so freaked). I made it up to where they (Niketown peeps) tell you you've made it 4 miles and to turn back around to the original meeting spot. I must say, at the end this was a pleasant surprise of a run. I did not expect to enjoy it simply because it was on dirt and I was wearing my new kicks...I wasn't ready for them to no longer be pretty and new!

At the original meeting spot on 63rd, there are groups for stretching and then you all head back to Niketown to grab up your stuff and they give you Gatorade, which I prefer just plain and simple water, but whatever. To give you a timeline, we got back to Niketown around 7:45 (this thing was supposed to start at 6:30 which it obviously didn't) and then I didn't get home until around 8:30...not my total ideal time of arrival home when I'm only throwing down 4 miles. Timing aside, I did enjoy the run, it was hilly (what I was looking for), on dirt (easy on your knees and joints) and just something different to add to my training. I'm not sure if I'll rush back for this particular run but I am still planning to go on Thursday that promises to be a hill run.

Back from a long labor day weekend!

I am back! Not that anyone really missed me since it was Labor Day weekend and I highly doubt anyone was checking their facebook or my website for updates. If you were, thank you and I'm happy to be restoring joy and love in your life...

So Friday was a day off and much needed after an agressive Thursday consisting of a 4 mile morning run then conditioning class later that day after work. The rest was good in order for me to refuel energy for my 11 mile run on Saturday. After my 15 mile run the week before, I was looking forward to an "easy" run this past weekend. I say its easy only because I've run the mileage already in my training and to be honest, anything under 15 was going to feel easy in my book!

Saturday morning, I got up and made myself some toast with peanut butter and green tea. Then I grabbed a packed back and headed to the Upper East Side to enjoy my run in Central Park. Once I made it up there, I got my "gear" on and headed out towards the park. It was a beautiful morning; sunny, clear skies, no humidity and just a little bit warm. My run went smoothly even with hills and all. I opted for a hilly long run because I hear hills help you on the really long runs. I need all the help I can get in preparation of my next big one, 17 miles. So, sorry to disappoint, I really don't have any crazy stories from this past Saturday. It was just a nice pleasant run and I felt great afterward.

Sunday and Monday, I rested although I should have done cross training or yoga at least one of the days but I was enjoying my last weekend of summer and so, whatever!

Today is Tuesday. I had planned to rise and shine then practice some yoga "on demand" that I found on cable...Yeah...that plan back fired...I woke up instead feeling depressed about the official end of summer and having to return to work after a wonderful 4 days out of the office. So, tonight I will keep to the second part of my workout plan for the day and go to Niketown to join in on their group run. I've been once before and it was a hill training run and that's what I'm hoping for again tonight. Regardless if its that specific, the hills alone in Central Park are better than the flat surface I've been training with along the Hudson.

And that is my unfortunately, not very entertaining update. This is the start of my 10th week though which is crazy to think about. I also plan on kickin' things up a notch and getting more strengthening exercises in addition to the running. I refuse to let the 17 miles looming ahead of me win on Saturday. I guess you could say I'm in fight mode and this one I WILL win!

A lil under the weather but definitely over it!

Yesterday, Wednesday, my plan was to get up early and get my run in before work and before the temperature outside soared to above 90 degrees for the upteenth time during my 8 and 1/2 weeks of training. Unfortunately the alarm didn't go off with "Eye of the Tiger" but some random commercial and I woke feeling like the last thing I could do was run 7 miles. Deciding to be safe and not sorry (sorry if I get sick), I changed the wake up time on my alarm and slept for another hour. By the time I did actually get up to go to work, I did feel somewhat better. Once I was at work, I was so busy being in and out of meetings all day that even if I didn't feel well, I didn't have a chance to realize it. Once 5:30pm rolled around. I tied up loose ends and got ready to peace out for the evening. I checked the humidity level and although the current temp was 93 degrees, the humidity level was only 31% so I decided to brave the 7 miles outside in the heat.

As soon as I got home, I made a quick change and was out the door in 15. I had my handheld water bottle with me but I picked my usual run along the Hudson that has plenty of water fountains to refill if I needed to. To be honest, it wasn't as bad as you may have thought. Because it was hot, it was hazy so the sun was beating dreadfully down on me. There was also a slight breeze and having little humidity in the air was definitely on my side. I took my time but managed to keep my 9 minute mile pace more or less. When I got home, I ordered in a healthy meal and was feeling better by the time I laid my head down on my pillow.

This morning, Thursday, you can call me a "machine" as some of my other friends have today, but I woke up and went for a 4 miler. I love a total body conditioning class after work and I have plans to hang out with my beloved Gumbi. Not wanting to miss out on a run or my class (I need to get stronger for these long runs) or be too late to meet up with my buddy, I had to get up and get the 4 miles in or it would have thrown everything off. It went rather well and I ran in my new sneaks again, this time, they felt better.

So in the last 24 hours, I've run 11 miles and I'm about to head off to an hour conditioning class. Today I will accept anyone calling me a "machine" because a) check out the hot pic to the left and b) I am determined like a machine. I am really trying this week and next to get my strength up so that when I run 17 a week from this Saturday, I don't feel like I've been buried by a road!

Eye of the Tiger.....GRRRRR....

Every morning, my alarm goes off to a radio station in NYC that has old school rock because to be honest, I can't stand their pop music stations. This morning, I KID YOU NOT, the song "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor came on to wake me up. Talk about instant motivation upon eyelids opening! I looked at Ollie and said, "this should be good!" (Please don't judge me for talking to my cat. You try living alone with a feline and see if you don't start talking to it like a person)

Anyway, so I got out of bed and got myself ready for this morning's run. After having trouble with Saturday's run, I have decided to try to be better about incorporating strengthening workouts into my routine. This morning was only 4 miles so before I went out, I used some free weights for my arms and for some squats. After that, I strapped on the Nano armband and was out the door.

Yesterday I got a new pair of sneaks and this morning was my first run with them. I was so pumped up but the enthusiasm faded as my run went on. I must have really broken in my current pair because these bad boys felt like cement blocks as I guided along the Hudson. "W-T-F?" I said to myself. In theory, the cushion in these should feel unbelievable and I thought I'd be flying through this morning....NOT SO MUCH. Oh well, I won't rule these new Saucony Triumph Progrid 7's out just yet. I have been a dedicated Saucony wearer for 10 years now and I'm not about to change 9 weeks into training for a marathon. I shall give these another chance on Thursday, my next 4 miler and if they still don't feel much better, I may have to bring them back.

So sadly, my run wasn't as badass as waking up to "Eye of the Tiger" was but I swear, its as if Google Images is waiting for the twists and turns of my training and prepared to have the perfect image for every adventure I encounter. How awesome is this one? Especially since I had a tough run on Saturday. I will see past my challenging run, not continue to look back at it and keep on fighting forward. (I feel like I should put up my dukes up in a boxing stance as I say that....I think all signs are saying, "watch Rocky this weekend!")

15 miles....as painful as it sounds...

This picture has nothing to do with my running or the 15 miles that I painfully endured on Saturday but it makes me smile so I figured that was significant enough. This fine character, Hammy, is my favorite from the movie "Over the Hedge." I simply adore him because we both, "Love the cookie." (PS if you haven't seen the movie "Over the Hedge" which Hammy stars in...Rent It, NOW! I promise it will make you smile)

So Saturday was an unfortunate day in my training. To say completing the 15 mile tour of the city I mapped out for myself was a struggle is an understatement. I woke up after getting a solid 9 hours of sleep (so its not like I wasn't fully rested), got myself together (properly dressed), and had some coconut water along with half a protein bar (proper hydration and fueling practice). Completing my "transformation" and putting on my "fuel" belt, handheld water bottle and nano armband with earphones in, I caught a glimpse of myself on the way out the door and looked comparable to someone waiting to be transported to another planet. I looked like a total weirdo but these "accessories" are what keep me somewhat functioning on these long bad boys. The first half of the run I must say was enjoyable and pretty cool too. I started out going down along the Hudson to the tip of the city and waved hello to Lady Liberty. Then I turned up the East Side passing by the Staten Island Ferry and crossing Canal St. I ran under the Brooklyn Bridge, the Williamsburg bridge and then I had to detour away from the running path along the East River because apparently they decided to stop it at 38th St... Not so great since my plan was to go up to 59th St and then cut over...Oh well...So I ran over to 1st Ave since I didn't have any other option (I would be insane to run on the FDR) and kept moving uptown along there. That is when my run started to take a turn. Having to stop and start up again at certain lights where I had to no choice but to stop or become roadkill, made it difficult to establish any sort of pace. Once I made it to 58th St I began cutting over to the park and thought the worst was over. Another sense of relief came over me knowing that there were water fountains for me to refill my water bottles. As I made my way up through the park to 72nd St, I was in pain but I knew that all I had left to do was make it over to the Hudson River to head back downtown. It sounded like smooth sailing from there....I was wrong. There were barely any trees for shade, so at 10:15ish, the sun was really starting to get hot as it beat down on my sweat soaked, tired body. I couldn't help but feel worn out and flat out exhausted. I did allow myself to walk and I took advantage of being able to drink plenty of water because there were multiple fountains along the way to refill if I needed. It was difficult to keep pushing forward when I couldn't help but feel defeated. Every 10 blocks or so seemed like eternity. I alternated between walking and mustering up energy to run. The last 10 blocks I literally cursed myself every step of the way to finish. Once I made it and could walk the rest of the way home, I didn't feel an ounce of pride because I felt like this time, the road won. I am not sure how long it took me but it took me longer than the pace I've been keeping and that was like another knife to the gut.

So, as I blog this, a couple days later, I do still feel defeated but I have this week and the next to pump myself back up before I tackle the next extremely long run which will be 17. This Saturday I have 11 which sounds like a breeze after 15, but to be honest, this is starting to get insane!

Sorry I've been so out of touch....

I feel like I have been on full speed for over a week and boy does it feel good to sit back tonight on the couch, kick my feet up on the ottoman, drink a corona (light) and rest up for tomorrow's run. I have been keeping up with my training (unfortunately not my blog) regardless of my travels and social obligations. Wednesday night I managed to get my 7 miles in after work, stretched and showered quickly, then met a friend for dinner and drinks...this is also after just getting back from a quick trip to Milwaukee for work. Then Thursday, I got up, went to work, pounded out 4 miles after work then met up with a few of my favorite boys from high school. I must say that the 4 miles weren't the "breeze" I was expecting being the day after a 7 miler. The 7 however, didn't feel too bad given I was running on fumes. It is so weird how your body adjusts and reacts to the challenges you give it.

So to provide you with a more interesting post, I shall share with you my latest "shopping" trip. Tonight I went to Sports Authority to pick up some Gu (ick but necessary) then to Bed, Bath & Beyond. BBB is a random one but I have found they have the cheapest all natural groceries as well as the cheapest toiletries in the city. It is also happens to be only 3 avenue blocks away from my apartment so making stops there isn't too out of the way (as a New Yorker, its all about convenience). Tonight I purchased, neosporin, blister band aids, callus remover, cherry juice, coconut water, a Cliff protein bar, Kashi Go Lean cereal and a few other miscellaneous. Can you frickin' believe that 2 weeks later I am still dealing with this god forsaken blister????? It is a) so painful and b) so annoying. Luckily it doesn't bother me too much when I'm running but the rest of the time it does. I picked up some attractive callus remover because I think that has a little bit to do with why this blister won't heal. I could go into further detail but I don't want to gross anyone out (if I haven't already).

Now I am geared up for my big 15 tomorrow. I have my route mapped out on mapmyrun.com. I have my protein bar and coconut water to have pre-run. I've got the Gu to help me out during the run and I have cherry juice for post run. As an "FYI," I read that cherry juice is great to have after a hard run to help your body naturally recover faster. I am starting to believe in it since I've had it after all my long runs and am yet to feel major aches or pain later the same day or the next.

Well my dear friends who I love so much for simply following along and supporting me beyond belief, I wish you all wonderful weekends and I will update you (hopefully) tomorrow.