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.

No...no pictures!

Oooph! I feel like I am running on "E" in terms of my fuel tank. I have been on the go since last week and I can't wait until I can put my feet up and CHILL. Monday I mustered up needed energy to get 4 miles in after work. That is totally off schedule but my schedule is all kinds of screwed up from my travel over the weekend and now my weekday travel. Tuesday I was off because I had to be up at 4:30 am to make an early flight to Milwaukee for work (yes, they send me to the glamorous places for work). Today, I am yet to face my 7 miles but today will put me back on track. I am overtired, frazzled and in need of a good night's rest. There will be no run tomorrow morning, just the 4 miles after work. Friday is rest and believe you me, I will! My plan is to have a crazy evening that has my head on my pillow no later than 10pm. So I leave you with nothing motivational at the moment, no "victorious" triumph over a run, just a whirlwind of a blog that leaves you wondering, "what the hell did I just read?" Tomorrow I promise to return to posting pictures that lure you in and either make you crack up or horrify your eyes. I hope you all enjoy your hump day!

Saturday and Sunday quick overview....

These last couple of days I was here....Gorgeous right? My dearest friend from college got married here over the weekend. It was quite a trek to get to, especially from NYC, but once we got there, it made sense why she dragged everyone up there for her nuptials. I got up there on Friday night for the rehearsal. Most of us were beat from the travel so we luckily hit the hay by 10:30 pm. Saturday I woke up a little after 8 am feeling revived. I went for a lovely walk with one of the other bridesmaids to get in my cross training after my long run on Friday. Then we got ourselves showered up and reported for duty. We couldn't have asked for a better day for her to get married, there were clear blue skies and it was in the 70s. We spent the day hanging out in the executive suite getting our hair done, sipping on mimosas and snacking on some yummy treats her mom brought for us. All of a sudden it was 3:30pm and it was time to get in our dresses and most importantly her in her dress. By 4:10 the beautiful bride was on her way down the aisle where she and her now husband said their vows overlooking the beautiful Maine coast and Islands. After the ceremony we were thrown into about 20 to 30 minutes of photos then it was time to have some fun. The band was phenomenal and we all danced our butts off the rest of the night. I'm so happy that she had a fantastic day!


Sunday, a little less as fun. I peeled myself out of bed around 8:45 because I had to hit the road fairly early because my ride needed to get back to the Boston area for her father's birthday. We hit up the morning after brunch, I kissed my now married friend good bye and we hit the road. After about 4 hours I was at my Uncle's who would be giving me a ride into town for the train. I was able to have some time with him and my aunt to catch up then it was back in the car for the last leg. I got to South Station with just enough time to get my boarding pass and get in line. Completely exhausted, we waited as some idiot Amtrak worker delayed our boarding time. I literally almost got confrontational, I was so annoyed. Once boarded we were 5 minutes after departure time...not tooo bad. I watched "I love you, Man" and then listened to my nano the rest of the way. By 8:30pm, I was back in my apartment and wiped out. I cuddled with the furball who was ecstatic to see me (one of his redeeming qualities), watched some tv then hit the hay. It was a long day, and on top of it I left my phone in my friend's car back in Boston but I'd do it all over again to see one of my best friends get married.

14 miles on a Friday...

Thursday night, I took the train home to Boston as the first part of my journey up to Maine for my friend's wedding this past weekend. Of course with my luck, the train was delayed over an hour and I didn't arrive until 11:20pm. My mom picked me up and before we went home we did a drive thru of the 14 mile course I picked out for the next morning. On the first loop she was already crying because the road was "too narrow." I tried to reassure it would be okay but she thinks this whole training is crazy, which it is but its also for a great cause that touches me deeply. By the time we got home, I washed my face and brushed my teeth, it was after midnight. I had to be up at 6:15am to get ready for my run so I was off to dreamland as soon as my head hit the pillow. What seemed like a blink later, the alarm was going off and it was time to get up and get ready for the longest run in my life (here on out they will all be the longest but this is the true "kick off"). I made some toast, had some coconut water, washed my face, brushed my teeth and got dressed. I was out the door by 7:00 am geared up with my belts and hand held water bottle (the newest of my "hot" accessories). I also had Gu packed and a note in my pocket with my name on it and the two numbers my mom could be reached because "Bartholomew Street is very dangerous, please be extra careful."


I had the run broken out into two loops, one small and one long one. The first felt like a breeze. Part of it reminded me of when I was younger and getting up early for soccer camp with the smell of fresh cut grass. It was also interesting running in the "burbs" because there is not a whole lot of careful attention paid to the sidewalks and people drive by looking at you like you are a whack job running in the heat (it wasn't even that hot). On the second loop, that's when things started getting a little tougher. I had finished my water bottle and was left with two 8oz bottles of Gatorade and two Gus. I took one thinking it would help and it did for the most part. There were two long legs on the second loop. The first one felt like eternity as I finished my first gatorade and I knew had to ration the second. I started feeling a lack of energy mostly because I was on a 2 hour run with only 6 hours of sleep the night before. I slowed down and walked for a little bit as I had my second Gu and half of my second gatorade. I was thirsty and tired and still had at least 3 or so miles to go. I kind of panicked a little but shook it off and got running again. I passed by a 7/11 and as I did I wished I had stopped to see if I could fill my bottles with water there...I knew that there was at least an auto body shop up ahead, maybe they would have a water fountain. I stumble in as 3 old men are sitting around gossiping. Soaked in sweat I ask, "I have been running for a long time, do you have a water fountain I can fill my bottle with?" "I'll do you one better," cute bearded old dude responds, "I'll give you a whole water bottle." He disappears and then returns with an ice cold bottle of water. Its as if a golden halo of light surrounds him as he is my savior! I gulp it down and then use the rest to fill up my bottles. Feeling refreshed and like I have a whole new lease on life, I get back at it and get running again. The next two miles feel tough but I push through as there is just two left and I've already come so far. I got to the end of my journey, looked at my time and I did it in 2 hours and change. I wanted to throw my arms up in the air as if I were Rocky at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art! I made it, all 14 miles and I'm not upset that I walked because I still did it in kickass time despite my obstacles. Here's to 15 and a good night's sleep next week...I'm looking forward to it!

Seven Miles and a Sunrise

Wednesday morning, I had to rise and SHINE earlier than my previous morning runs. Yesterday, I embarked in a 7 miler before work. A challenge? Yes. Terrible? No. I got out of bed and fuzzily made it to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. Not being hungry but knowing I would need something to help fuel myself I painfully ate/slurped/not sure what its called, some Gu. I don't know if the first time I took it, I was so in tune with my run that the consistency or taste didn't bother me but yesterday it bothered me. It was reminiscent of my toddler days and being forced to take medicine that I preferred to spit out on my mother's glasses rather than ingest. Although it was gag-force inducing, I do believe it helped me along so I'll just have to chalk it off as one of the many things I will have to "grin and bear"(reference, water belt). Then I popped some advil (helps avoid inflammation), drank some coconut water (hydration people!) and then got dressed. I felt good as I began my run. The humidity from the day before had let up and it was a nice morning. Another treat was that because it was 6:15, the sun hadn't fully risen yet. As I waited at the light to cross West St to get to the Hudson River Path, I looked up and saw the sun starting to poke up. Its so cool when you are awake for things that you normally sleep through.

My run was long but not horribly long and it seemed to go by kind of fast now that I think back to it. My mind usually wanders and thinks about things going on personally as well as preparing for what I have to get done at work. If I'm not thinking about something, I'm paying attention to my tunes which sometimes gives me an extra kick.

At the end of the day, I wasn't as tired as I thought I'd be and still had energy to clean my apartment, pack and have a friend over for some wine and yummy cheese. My packing is for this weekend, I have my best friend from college's wedding up in Maine. I leave NYC this evening and make a quick pitstop with my mom. It is from home that I will embark on the longest run of my life, 14 miles. I decided to move it to Friday so that on the day of the wedding I can be on my "A game" as her Maid of Honor. So today, being Thursday, the day before my long run of the week, I am "resting" (not sure how much rest I'll get between my last minute errands and my train ride but I'll try).

I will be bringing my computer along so I hope to be able to update you tomorrow on how the 14 miles goes. I'm a lil' nervous but I can do it :)

Hot and Steamy Tuesday morning...get your head out of the gutter!

This morning happened to be another humid one for a run....I don't understand why people are calling this a "dry summer" when the humidity has been so bad its impossible to get from any point A to point B without being as drenched as you were stepping out of the shower...then again, that could be just me. Thanks to my father I've inherited all the really "attractive" genes. My sister will go to the gym for hours on end and look like a supermodel when she walks out with a lovely "post-workout" flush in her cheeks. I go to the gym or lately, run outside and I look like someone literally took a hose to me! This issue isn't only isolated to when I work out. I have found that when I have a really spicy bloody mary or spicy buffalo wings, my frickin' head sweats...Yup, I can't get much more attractive can I? Luckily for my father, sweating a lot makes him look "macho" (hard these days as he gets up there in age but worked when he was younger) and when his head sweats, he just takes a napkin to it because he's balder than an eagle (even though they aren't actually bald, ever think about that? weird.)

Anyway, I went out for my 4 mile run this morning and managed just fine. I actually felt really good regardless of the humidity and kept consistent with my faster pace on these shorter runs. Keeping with routine, I got home, stretched, did some crunches, fed the beast and jumped in the shower. These days, no matter how cold the shower, I still can't cool down enough by the time I walk out the door to head to work. Unfortunately for my dear Starbucks dude, Alfredo (I kid you not, real name) by the time I step foot in his location on the way to work, I'm sweaty as can be, dabbing my forehead with a napkin and cranky as an old man, which these days, my father. Alfredo is so sweet and always has a smile on his face no matter how much of a snarl is coming off mine. He orders my drink over the headphone thingys, tells me to have a GREAT day, I pay, grab my drink and feel tempted to poor the ice cold beverage over my head as I finish the last walking leg to work.

Moral of today's story? I CANNOT WAIT for Fall to get here so I am not a) a sweaty beast by the time I get to work and b) can be pleasant and sweet back to my dear Alfredo.

Week 7 Start..."Shopping Trips"

It used to be that during my lunch time, I would have the opportunity to go poke around some of the stores midtown at lunch...ya know, like Banana Republic, H&M, Lord&Taylor and see if there was anything to spike my interest and update my wardrobe. Today, my shopping was purely for the treatment of a ginormous blister that is happening on my right foot. How lucky and glamorous am I? I believe it was last Wednesday, during my 6 miler that around mile 4, I felt one coming on....Obviously at that point there wasn't much I could do about it other than finish my run and deal with it when I got home. My problem was, that I didn't. I thought that it would just "go away." Yeah...not so much....Thursday it didn't seem much better then Friday I was too lazy to deal. Saturday I still had one of these Dr. Scholl's treatment bad boys and that helped me get through the 9 miles but on Saturday I had to buy more. Then this morning, I had treated it, put on a blister bandage but thanks to the lovely humidity, by the time I got to work it was already falling off. At lunch I had to take care of this situation because I've got a lot of running coming up this week and I am not about to let some blister hold me back. I purchased another box of Blister Treatments (I have a feeling that stocking up on these is going to be helpful) and some rubbing alcohol swipes to keep it from getting infected. Yup....the purchases are getting sexier as the weeks go on...this here is the Start to week 7...Lets hope in 10 weeks I still have feet to not only run on but stand on!

Weekend update....

This is similar to what I dined on Friday evening...Not the best idea the night before a 9 mile run...Not because it wasn't DELISH or that it made me sick, just that it was still sitting like a ton of bricks at 9 am when I went out for my run Saturday. It had seemed like a really good idea at the time and it tasted so good but the minute I was finished and sat back on the couch I felt a "UHhhhh" come out and regretted my decision instantly.

Saturday, once I had geared up and got ready, my stomach was still bloated from the grease and fat I had ingested a good 12 hours previously. I had no option of delaying my run though, I had a hair appointment that I was not willing to change at 12:15 on the Upper West Side and if I was going to get my long run in, it had to be then. I started out and about a mile in my thighs were already burning probably from the added bloat. Being the fighter that I am, I kept on and just honed on into my music. Saturday morning, heck the whole day, was a BEAUTY and despite my unhealthy dinner choice the night before, I got a good run in. I was able to still keep my roughly 9 minute mile pace and finish my run in an hour and 20 minutes. I was happy with the outcome and felt pretty good after. I will just have to take note not to eat salty, fried, deliciousness the night before a long one...

SUNDAY.....I slept in after an unforeseen late night. My dearest friend K-pup got engaged and she shared her exciting news with us Saturday night. Once I came to, I met up with my old roomie and her mom that was visiting for some yummy brunch. Being exhausted from the evening before and just in general I vegged on the couch for the remainder of the afternoon. I had been so tired the day before, I took a nap (I never take naps) and today I didn't have a whole lot more energy. I think I need to start taking it a little easier with my "socializing." This will be difficult because I always like to be out and about. I can still do that but I think H2O will have to find its way into my palm more than my beloved Stella. As much of a challenge this idea poses I think the benefits will be far outweigh the "costs."

Happy Friday...Namaste.

Today is my day of rest but I have so many knots in my back that I'm surprised I don't look like Quasimoto. To help relieve all of these clustered up muscles, I'm thinking a lil' yoga action this evening will be good to settle the body (and mind) before I hit the pavement for 9 miles tomorrow morning. A couple weeks ago I took the class that I plan to take this evening and it was really great. The instructor was really helpful with everyone ensuring that they were correct in their poses and he had a calm manner in his voice. I left class feeling o' so zen! Once I got home I had some dinner and at like 9:30 I was not winning the battle of my weighted eyelids. I was in bed by 10 and got a really great nights rest. How could I not want a repeat of that? Especially since Stella may have had her "ways" with me last evening... ;)

Just call me Shera...Princess of Power!

I'm not sure if this title makes me a total dork or a total toolbox but I TOTES-MA-GOATS feeingl like Shera, Princess of Power after my workout this evening! Originally I was thinking "Hercules" but then I said to myself, "I'm no dude and there are some fierce females out there." So hence, Shera!

Tonight, I left work slightly earlier than normal but the boss is in Scotland (hopefully he's not actually keeping up with my blog, guess I'll find out Monday!) so I figured I'd take a small tad bit advantage of it. I scooted downstairs to the NYSC in my work building, set up my Total Body Conditioning class spot, changed quickly and hopped on a treadmill. Sometimes, tonight is an instance, I don't mind the treadmill. Tonight it worked to my advantage because I was able to push myself to pound out 3 miles in 25 minutes making it in time for TBC just as they were finishing the warm up. I love these types of classes because in an hour you work you're whole body and it doesn't feel so painful (until after) because you have people pushing you.

Getting home after my great workout, I'm feeling pretty good. I wanted to toss this all on a page before I showered myself up to go out for some cocktails. I believe I deserve them after hitting the gym tonight...oooooh foooo show!!! ;)

Introducing Oliver...Mister cause of TROUBLE!!

Yesterday (Tuesday, first run for the week) I don't even think one of these bad boy cranes could have gotten me out of bed (well...maybe if it crashed through my ceiling...). I was so beat from my fun and family filled weekend that there was no hope for me getting up and going for a run in the morning. Luckily I didn't have any plans after work so I was able to get the needed 3 miles done at the gym (ugh, on the treadmill) as well as some free weights. Afterward I was feeling pretty good and happy that I was at least able to get what was needed accomplished.

Then this morning....the alarm kept going off and as a moth to the flame, so did my hand to the snooze. I didn't nearly get to bed early enough last night (damn Rachel Zoe and her bananas) and yet again struggled on getting out of bed. Knowing that I had no choice due to obligations after work, I peeled myself out of bed to gather myself for the 6 miles that awaited me. In between the alarm and my snooze, I heard out of the corner of my ear that my beloved furball was playing with something but I didn't care enough to look to see what it was. Once I made it into the bathroom I discovered that the little scoundrel broke into my medicine cabinet and removed/swiped multiple items out of it. Two of the items being earrings from two different pairs....THAT...LITTLE...PAIN...IN...THE...(fill in the blank). Oliver (his actual name) is notorious for scalping any and all items that give off any remote source of shine. I have included a photo of the precious (only when he's sleeping) feline so you can see how misleading his looks are to his devious lil' fellah ways. He appears so sweet and innocent but he can be a real terror, hence this morning. I am currently down to just the two pairs of matching studs that he has now conveniently dismantled. Not willing to accept this, I set forth a scavenger hunt in my apartment to find what he could have possibly done with them. Luckily I am getting "wise" to his "losing of his toys" so I know the "hot spots" to check first. Those came up empty so my hopes turned to him dropping them in something he couldn't retrieve them from. BINGO!!! Found one in my purse and then the other after hunting a little longer in my sneaker.

Once I had reassured myself that I would have earrings to wear later, I continued on to wash my face, brush the pearly whites, toss the mop into a bun, get dressed, tie the sneaks and get out the door. This morning was another hot and muggy one (oh yippee!) but I kept a good pace and managed to get the 6 miles done in about 50 minutes or so. I then had to rush to get ready for work because between my infamous snooze hitting and the impromptu scavenger hunt, I was WAY behind schedule. Unfortunately the shower didn't cool me off enough and thanks to it still being as humid as the Everglades, I was sweaty Sally by the time I actually got to work. Oh well, not much I could do about it but I was tempted to tell all the people looking at me strangely that I was training for a marathon and couldn't help that I was still sweaty....then again, they probably would have just told me to take a shower!

Last four days were a flash....

I apologize, I have been offline for the last four days but I will lump them into one posting...

Friday, 12 miles, bim, bam, boom, done! I wish it was as easy as I just described though.... I headed to the Upper East Side to run it out in Central Park. Traditionally I start out going north in the park but on Friday I thought it would be a "good idea" to "mix it up" and go the other way thinking it was easier....I was WRONG. The way I went definitely brought harder hills than I remembered and when you are doing a hilly 6 mile loop not just once but TWICE, it really takes a toll on you. My first loop went pretty well but when I was almost done, I wasn't exactly "rearing" to do it again but I kept on. Around mile 8 or 9 I decided to try out "GU" for the first time. I had heard that it was helpful on long runs and I am happy to confirm the accuracy of the rumors. Once I "Gu'd it," it was amazing how much it was like a swift kick in the behind to help me finish my 12 miles. My run lasted about an hour and 47 minutes, not the best but not the worst amount of time.

Saturday. Early morning rise to get to here....HEAVEN. I got a ride with my cousin and her hubby to head from NYC to Wellfleet, MA to meet up with the Kelley Clan for a weekend of awesomeness. There were about 15 of us and to say it was fantastically fun only barely scratches the surface (the getting there and back not as much since it took 6 and 1/2 hours to get there and around 5 and 1/2 to 6 hours to get back, but oh well!). Regardless, when you combine my family and beach, it is my heaven. Once we all arrived on Saturday we got to the beach, chilled out, had some brewskis, some snacks and caught up. Then my Uncle Bob got antsy and rallied us all off the beach to head to dinner. After dinner we hit the tavern near where a bunch of us were staying and were treated to my Uncle Bob singing a couple songs with the piano.

Sunday. A bunch of us stayed in a Bed and Breakfast. The room I had shared a bathroom with my (other cousin) and her hubby....around 7:45am I hear a lil' knock and then "Cousin? Are you alive?" Having slept like a babe, I opened my eyes and had to take a second to remember where I was. Once I came to, we got dressed, grabbed our continental breakfast, hit Dunkin' D's and met up with the rest of the fam. My cousin Brian participated in his second Pan-Mass Challenge (A 192 mile bike ride from Sturbridge, MA to Provincetown, MA in I believe 2 days....I'm not the only crazy person in my fam ;-) this weekend so the whole Clan headed to a rest stop set up in Wellfleet to see how he was doing and support him. After that we all kinda did our own thing but "Three's Company" (name given to myself, cousin and her husband) hit the beach. Around 3 pm, the Clan came down to join us and happy hour "beach side" recommenced. After a few hours it was dinner time again followed up with bar. By Monday morning, I was tired as a rag doll.

Monday, ride back. Upon getting home, post awesome weekend blues settled in...Aside from my long run on Friday, I didn't really get too much exercise aside from the carting of the coolers and chairs up and down the beach. I was "on vacation" more or less so it is to be understood that workouts are tough to get in. I won't get down about it and just make sure I get my planned runs in for the week. No matter what, it was WORTH IT!

Changing my tune for the week...

I had a whole different song and dance for today's post, then looked for an image for today's post (half the fun is finding a good pic), found this hysterical number and deleted the previous sentiments instantly. I was feeling all "worried and nervous" about running in the heat tomorrow but why worry about something that hasn't even happened? Why doubt my ability to knock down 12 miles if its hot outside? I've BEEN running in this heat, I'm just going to have to make sure I drink plenty of water tomorrow and wear my oh so "sexy" belt. To relate to the picture on the left, my brave "thing" is running in the heat but I will be prepared and I hope that I can run like hell....Hell, I did last week! (On an entirely unrelated note, how frickin' cute is this picture? I love it!)

Not my week....

I couldn't even find a good image for today. This week isn't bad by any means but as far as running is concerned, it hasn't been my strongest. This morning I battled 6 miles along the Hudson and I am sad to report that the Hudson won. For the first time since I started my training, I walked...did you hear me? WALKED. UGH!!!! I had a hard time getting up this morning and was a little behind schedule so I think I started out my run a little too fast. It would have been okay if I was doing 4 miles but when you add the extra 2, it makes a difference believe it or not. My legs won the "to run or to walk battle" around mile 4. I probably walked about a 1/4 mile and then got back to it. I'm glad I walked because I my legs did feel better after but I'm not a combo type girl, I'm all or nothing. Anyway, it just seems that my legs never woke up this morning when I did and it wasn't a good run. I guess it could be worse, every run could be painful and I'd have to fight the "run or walk battle."

Tomorrow I am taking off (supposed to do 3-4) because I'm moving my long run up to Friday night. Saturday I am Cape Cod bound for a long weekend with my whole family. To say I'm excited for the weekend is an understatement. In order to get the most out of my time with them, I am getting my just shy of 2 hour run done before being with them so that I can enjoy every moment. At least I know there is light at the end of my somewhat blah week!

A lil' too much TV and...

Yup, I found myself here again and on a Tuesday morning....OOOPH! Monday night I got a lil' too wrapped up in the Bachelorette finale (insert open arms embracing spinster city), followed up by Real Housewives of NJ, iced off with Chelsey Lately...I just couldn't get enough of reality TV and boy did I as well as my run pay for it this morning. I obviously a) did not want to get up and b) did not move even remotely close to the looks or speed of a gazelle once I got out for my run. Nonetheless, I did make it up and I did make it for 4 miles so although I may punish myself sometimes, at least I am keeping integrity in my training. Tonight I plan to get to bed by 10pm so that I can have a good night's rest before my 6 mile run tomorrow. I also need to be fresh and ready for a big meeting I have at 9:30. Sleep well my friends...

Day 1 of Week FIVE...Cleaning MACHINE!

Lean...mean...cleaning machine! That is how I ended my day of "rest." I think its okay since the most movement I got on Sunday was getting off the couch to pay the food delivery guy....oops! I actually had my old roomie over Monday night for the Bachelorette finale (squirm). This is the first time I've actually watched a season of this show and I am embarrassed. I think its a terrible show. The fact that these people think that after sorting threw 25 people, they can come to one person who they completely, one hundred percent, without a doubt, want to marry and spend the rest of their life with is BOGGLING! The evidence behind this match making show is so strong too...a whole ONE couple has successfully stayed together once the season ended...WOW...GREAT ODDS!

Anyway, with my old roomie coming over, I had to do some serious cleaning. I scrubbed down the whole bathroom, finally put stuff away that has been chilling in the Living Room and gave the kitchen a good clean up. I continued my "Suzie Homemaker" frenzy by cutting up an apple and pear to go with our dinner of cheese and wine...YUM!!! Entertainment excluded, it was great to have her over and partake in our beloved old past time of yummy wine and cheese night :)

End of Week 4....

Yup...I was a lazy piece o' nothin' on Sunday. I should have gotten some sort of cross training in but even with me actually putting work out clothes on, I still never made it for a walk or even to the gym. I woke up around 10 am and moved my horizontal position from my bed to the couch. I caught up on my DVR'd programs and then ordered in some lunch. Around 4pm I figured I should join the land of the living and get my orange and white furball some food because I was all out and he was starting to look at me as if I could be his supper. I got home and thought I'd go for a walk but then the Billy's Peanut Butter pie that I picked up along the way "somehow" landed on my lap and I needed to factor in a "digestion" period after devouring it. That's when I realized there were "Shark Week" teasers on before the official kick-off at 9pm...THAT was the nail in the coffin. I decided my work out gear was a cute and nice attempt but I put my pjs back on and was one with the couch again. I felt a little guilty about my incredibly lazy day but I can't remember the last time I had one quite like this so I guess its allowed....

11 miles and counting....

LOOK. AT. THAT. THING.....Could you imagine a less attractive accessory? I certainly can't! For 40 buck-a-roos, I could have a MUCH cuter belt but I sucked it up on Friday and made the purchase so that I could stay hydrated on my long runs....

Saturday morning, I was up at 7am, had some toast with peanut butter, cleaned myself up and got dressed. I had a bag packed and was out the door by 8am to get to the Upper East Side to drop my stuff off at a friend's place and get this week's 11 miles done in Central Park. What a simply GORGEOUS morning for a long run in the park. There wasn't an ounce of humidity and the temperature was in the upper 60s/low 70s. I started out my run and came to the first tough hill (Central Park is really hilly if you've never run it before). I was nervous it was going to be the beginning of the end but when I got to the top I realized I had psyched myself out over that one. I cruised along listening to my tunes and not stressing the hills as they came, instead I just took them in stride. I finished my first lap and was thankful I had my "sexy belt" because I didn't have to stop at any point to grab some water. The second lap my legs started to feel a little tired but I kept my mind off of thinking about it by paying more attention to my music and thinking about everything and anything else. By the time I was done, I had started at 8:37 and was done by 10:07...pretty great time. I guess I was cruising faster than I thought I was. I'll take it!