Slow And Steady Wins The Race (or at least finishes...ha)

Excitement ensues! I accomplished 5 miles yesterday! Two weeks ago I wasn't feeling well, so I lost another week of running, which was pretty discouraging. I started up strong again last week and actually got out to the gym/outside 4 times!!! I know, I'm amazed too. I was doing pretty well, so I thought I'd up the ante and go for 5 yesterday. I've realized I need to start running more outside though, for two main reasons: 1. running on the treadmill makes me incredibly nauseous, no joke. As soon as I step off after any amount of running, I feel like I could fall over. 2. I really need to get my lungs prepared for the crisp, almost winter-like, air.

Yesterday...this weekend was my friend Holly's wedding to the most amazing guy, Joe. The wedding was on Saturday and it was absolutely perfect. The wedding was at the Fordham University Chapel and the reception/hotel were in Jersey. We stayed overnight in Jersey and I was determined to go running on Sunday when I returned home. We returned home around 10:30 Sunday morning to a gorgeous fall day. I ended up relaxing for a bit, since I had gotten no sleep all weekend, but I was still determined to get out for a run, and now that the weather was this perfect I really couldn't stay in. So finally around 1:30p.m. I started the walk towards the Hudson River and began running north towards the George Washington Bridge. I have never gone north along the river before, I tend to always go south for some reason. Let me tell you...this might be one of the most beautiful, peaceful stretches of land in NYC, and I am not lying. For most of the path you are pretty secluded from the cars on the highway and are surrounded by trees. I was able to get up the Bridge pretty well, although I have determined that I definitely run slower outside than I do on the treadmill...something to work on. From 125th to the Bridge is 2.5 miles, not too shabby. On the return trip the crisp air started getting to my lungs and I had to walk some of it. I did not want to walk all of the return 2.5 however, so I finally started jogging/running again and reached 125th with excitement. I was proud that I had just successfully reached the 5 mile mark, even if I still had to walk some of it. At least I know I can do it.

Now I need to continue to pick it up and slowly creep up on my mileage. Now that I'm up to 5 miles, I'm pretty much good for my shorter runs throughout the week, but the weekend long runs definitely still scare me. I'm getting nervous off and on, well...really when I allow myself to think about it too much, and I just need to stop doing that.

On a good note I got my Ipod back from my mom and it most certainly makes running a lot easier! I'm just trying my hardest to keep the little guy at the forefront of my mind and block everything else out. If I stay focused I know I'll be alright. I think a much needed visit from Mom, Dad and the little guy the week before the race will be a good kicker as well. They're coming up so we can bring Trey to see The Lion King for his birthday. I am beyond excited, and it's going to be an amazing time for all of us (I only wish Ian could be with us for it).

So...six weeks left. As I sit here and look at my running schedule I'm ready for those short runs, I know I can do those short runs...it's those long runs that make me nervous. I know that even if I have to walk some of it, as long as I keep at it, I should be fine.

That is where I'm at right now. Let's just hope my attitude stays this good for the next six weeks...I know I can do this.


Thanks for listening!

I Am Very Proud Of Me

Yes, in the words of Grover himself, "I Am Very Proud Of Me!" I got up to four miles this week and I am simply amazed! I had originally hoped to go to the gym after work on Monday, but after a long shoot with no lunch break that just wasn't going to happen. I woke up on Tuesday energized, but definitely not in time to run in the morning, ha. So I brought my stuff to go to the gym after work. I got up to four miles, with a little walking involved, and it felt great. As I said as I updated my Facebook profile the following day, it was the most I had ever run without a stick in my hand and grass under my feet. Seriously. I can still hear Dipi's voice screaming in my ear telling me pick it up, and to not quit...so sadly, Coach Bhaya will not be leaving me anytime soon, ha. Even almost ten years after the fact. One thing I've noticed as I've been running more and more is that when I am done and have completely caught my breath my face is still an unnatural shade of red. This happens so fast when I start running, and the hue tends to linger for quite some time. It's funny though, because my neck will be white, but then my face is red, it looks like I'm diseased or something. It reminds me of grade school when I used to play basketball and my coach would take me out of the games because he thought I was practically dying since my face was turning every shade of red. I was usually fine, but apparently this trait hasn't gone away. Well, at least you'll be able to pick me out of the crowd during the marathon...I'll be the one glowing red.

Yesterday I actually did the unthinkable and woke up in time to go running before work! It was so nice. Still didn't get out quite as early as I'd like, but I also realized that the sun doesn't really come up until 7, ha...so not much daylight available during non-working hours. Can't wait for that daylight savings. I was feeling good and headed to the street. I was doing four miles again and felt ready. I made it down almost to 80th (an aside: I live on 120th...20 city blocks is a mile) when my leg started bothering me. There had already been some scheduled walking in between blocks, but I had to stop a little more frequently because of the leg (as well as traffic lights, didn't want to get hit). I soon realized that running outside and running on a treadmill are much different animals, and running outside tends to take me a little longer (I like to blame it on the traffic lights and dodging small children on their way to school). After I reached the Natural History Museum (at 80th) I turned around and ran along the park...much easier, since there are less streets to cross and children to dodge. The only issue with this is that the sidewalk, which is all paver bricks, is extremely uneven due to the roots of the trees (nature can be damaging at times)...it reminds me a lot of the "sidewalks" in Mobile, which could be deadly. As I was huffing and puffing along heading back uptown to my apartment I almost fell over in horror as I ran towards a woman, clearly in workout gear, ipod on, smoking a cigarette! I'm sorry, but doesn't that cigarette just cancel out her workout? I sure think so.

I eventually made it back to the apartment, with just enough time to jump in the shower and head back downtown (basically where I had just run) to work. I felt great...a little sore in the leg/back region, but thankfully I have an ice pack in the fridge at work, so that solved those issues. I went about my day just being so proud that I somehow just ran four miles twice in one week. I'm quite stunned, and I know Dipi would be too.

3 miles on Saturday, 5 on Sunday...dare I say I'm becoming a runner...

Back In The Saddle

Hey Guys---So...it's true, I've started running again! I know I've been MIA for a while, so let me explain. I went on vacation to Peru on the 29th of August (it was amazing!) and before that, as you know, I was in PT feeling rather up (and down) about this whole running thing. I hadn't been actively running/working out while in PT, because I just wasn't sure if I could. I got released from my PT program the week before I left for Peru and made a decision that I'd start my training again when I got back. While in Peru we did a lot of walking, A TON of steps and took an intense four hour hike up and down Huana Picchu (next to Machu Picchu). I think it was the right kick I needed to get me motivated to get back to the gym. When I say that Huana Picchu was intense, you have no idea. It was straight steps up and down with a few very hairy spots that include us basically hanging off of a cable off the side of a cliff, seriously. See facebook for all of my pictures, there are a ton. But...once I conquered this mountain, I just knew I could do anything...as corny as that sounds.

So when I came back I was determined. It took me a week to recover from the vacation, seriously...I was exhausted. And then last week I started running again! Just three miles, three times throughout the week, and I walked some of it, but still...it felt great! I've decided to walk/run for the first few weeks, just so I don't jump too hard back into things and really hurt myself. I now know that I really have to focus on stretching before and after the runs and icing as well.

I was home in Philly this weekend and got to go for a run around my neighborhood on Saturday morning. It was absolutely gorgeous outside, very fall-like and so peaceful. I did pretty well and wish I could train in that setting more, unfortunately the next time I'll be home is for the race! So...I'm sticking to the treadmill for now. I'm trying my hardest to wake up early in the morning, so I can go for a run outside, but I'm not having much success at that, but I will keep trying. Today is a 4 mile run and I'm actually excited/ready for it. Sadly I left my ipod in Philly, but I'll be alright, ha...I'll just have to sing to myself (quietly, of course).

So...I'm back, it feels great, and I really feel like I can do this. Getting to see Trey this weekend definitely helped as well. He is the reason behind all of this and while we are raising money to support him, I'm finding that I'm already taking more from this experience than I ever would have thought.

My fellow teammates are all doing well in their own cities as well and training hard. It is quite inspiring to be able to talk to them all and see where they are in their runs and their ups and downs...it certainly helps having others to commiserate/cheer with on a day to day basis.

I had hesitated to update the blog in the past week since I've started running again, as to not jinx the work I'm doing. It's still hard sometimes to always stay positive, but I'm trying. Nine weeks and counting (give or take) and I'm feeling better than ever!


peace and happy running!

From Hip to Back

Things are progressing...now, with that said, things with my hip are progressing. Unfortunately I will have to return to PT after my trip to Peru (yes, Peru on Saturday!) for my back. So, I'm not quite back to running yet, but I'm getting there.
It's funny...before I told you about that sign "BELIEVE" with the marathon runners on the wall at PT, and well...the past few times there have been moments throughout my session where I get serious and very reflective on what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. It is those moments that keep me going. I have done many fundraisers over the years and the only one that comes close to being as personal as this one is when I used to run groups from Fordham to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk in Central Park. I have had many people in my life touched by breast cancer, but still none in my direct family. I feel very driven to run this marathon, and yet my body is holding me back, so when I get back from Peru I'm going to try to kick things into gear in the fundraising department at least. Do what I can, ya know?
Another sign that hits me twice a week as I leave PT is this great ad for some kind of insurance. It has a picture of an older father and his adult son running a marathon together. The twist is...the son is in a wheelchair. The caption reads something like this, "He has seen him through 65 marathons." I find this so inspiring, and wish more than anything I could bring Trey through these 13.1 miles with me. Unfortunately I think I'll have to do this one without him, although I know he will be there cheering me on. I am going to do this again however, and I do plan on bringing him with me.
One thing that this whole situation has definitely taught me is to take it easy, and when your body is telling you something, listen. PT has actually worked for my hip, and I had been just dealing with that pain for a little while until it became too much. Now that my back is acting up and I have confidence that the PT will work, I will no longer just deal with the pain. It has been very humbling to not be able to go all out in exercise like I was used to...down from a level 6 to a level 1 with no resistance, and just going slow even if things don't hurt at the time.
Saturday I leave for Peru where I will probably be seeing some of the most beautiful sites in the world. I am looking forward to having this time to get focused and motivated for these next two and a half months until the race. So...until then, thanks for reading, thanks for the support and be well!


peace.

Believe

So last week while in PT things just were getting frustrating. I started experiencing some new pain, and as I was doing one of the exercises I looked up and saw a picture on the wall of marathoners with the word "BELIVE" written under it. Doctors offices and the like always have those inspirational posters hanging around, and well this one I could have done without, ha. At that moment as I sat there in pain looking at the poster of marathoners, I really just wanted to throw something at it, ha. I thought it was a little cruel to have that in there when that is all I want to be able to do. That kind of set the tone for the day unfortunately.

This past weekend I got to go home and do what I call "Trey-bysit." It's by far one of my favorite things. My parents got to celebrate their anniversary in downtown Philly for a very nice overnight and I got to Trey-bysit. We had a lot of fun (or at least I did, ha). We read a ton (about 100 pages!) of his latest book "Inkheart"...it's a good one. We took a good walk through the Abbey (with Anna, which made it better, ha)...and we watched a lot of baseball. I even let him stay up a bit late so we could watch a movie. The fun continued the next day until my parents came home around noon. It was a great weekend and I'm happy that by living in New York, I'm able to go home intermittently like, this and get my Trey time, because well...everyone should have Trey time...he makes any day brighter, fo sho.

So now I'm still in PT, still feeling some new pain, and really trying my hardest to just move on. I haven't written in a while because I feel like anything I might have to say would be negative and I don't want this to turn into one long venting session about how I'm not able to run at the moment. This whole endeavor was never really about me anyway, and this weekend with the little guy helped start to get me back on track. I looked at that "BELIEVE" poster with the marathoners this morning while I was doing my exercises and started thinking about how to get myself better and not about what object I could find in the gym to throw at the poster. So I take that alone as a good first step, ha.

The Kindness of Strangers

The other day I was, admittedly, a little bored at work and found myself stumbling around Facebook, until I came upon a familiar post. My friend Kathleen, whom I haven't talked to in a while, from Fordham is actually running a half-marathon in New England in a month or so to raise money for leukemia and other blood cancers. The team was set up to help out her friend's brother, who is suffering from this disease. Without thinking I found myself donating a little to the cause, since I obviously can understand the situation.

A little while after I made my donation I received an appreciative email from Kathleen's friend, thanking me for my donation. From there we kind of had a back and forth discourse introducing ourselves and relating to our respective races and the reasoning behind them. I was so impressed with how she reached out, and she was so kind in offering an understanding listening ear if I were to ever need one. Someone I don't even know, and yet so willing to help. It is truly these unsolicited acts of kindness that keep my days going sometimes.

I remember being in Mexico on my service trip Junior year with Fordham and one of the volunteers with Los Ninos had siblings similar to Trey. We sat for at least an hour one night and shared stories on an old carseat outside the front of the house we were staying in. Even though I haven't spoken to Emily since that summer, again, it was that kindness of her support and understanding that I will never forget and truly added to the depth of the trip and my time in Mexico.

It's More Than Just A Race

I've been thinking a lot lately (since I can't do much running, I've been doing a lot of thinking, ha)...and remembering the bigger picture behind this race. Yes, that would be the amazing Trey, but it goes even deeper for me. Not many people, beyond my immediate family, know about the fact that Children's Hospital was a huge part of my life when I was younger too. I was really sick from ages 1-3 and my parents took me to CHOP. At the time we were living down the shore, so while I stayed in the hospital my parents would travel back and forth from Ocean City, never leaving my side. I have a very selective memory from my time at CHOP from when I was little, but I do know that they also used their expertise to pretty much save my life as they have time after time for my brother. The nurses there used to give me Drumsticks (the ice cream, not what my dad uses to play his drums) after my procedures and all, which is why they are definitely my favorite late night treat.

I'm still not a huge fan of going back to CHOP because I still get that feeling of being a scared 3 year old, but at the same time I am so happy to know that they have been giving my brother the same amazing treatment that they gave me over 20 years ago. Life-saving treatment at that.

Trey has been through a lot in his very quick 13 (almost 14) years, and has opened our eyes to so many things. While there have been many hard times throughout this period, I choose to have a selective memory, such as I do with my time in CHOP, and remember the amazing times we've had together, and continue to look forward to all of the fun and exciting memories we have yet to form.

My Leg Is Not My Friend Today...and other ponderings

Ok...so for those of you that are actually reading this and don't know yet, I have a bum hip (technically an enflamed muscle attached to my hip joint). I have no idea how this originally happened, but it did. I have been going to physical therapy for the past week and a half and started going back to the gym on Sunday because my PT said I was allowed to do the bike and the elliptical.

So that's the background...PT has been going well. I found a great place in an Equinox gym (p.s. Equinox is SUCH a nice gym!)...and I've gone three times so far. This weekend I finally went back to the gym, which felt great, and did the elliptical and bike. I can do those because I mostly feel the pain on impact, which those two exercises don't provide thankfully. This morning I went to PT and usually I feel good afterward, but this time my leg didn't feel any better. At the moment I'm sitting here with an ice pack, because I've been getting crazy twinges every so often on my hip. So yes, my leg is definitely not my friend today. It is kind of hard to avoid your hip, so here I am. It is a little discouraging, but really...as mushy as it is, whenever I see the picture of the little guy, it brings me back to all that matters.


Well...that's enough complaining for one day, onto the "other ponderings" portion of the post. As time has gone on throughout this process of so-called "training" I have encountered a handful of people who are running other half or full marathons for various reasons. Some at work, some old friends...and not even marathons but some are doing three day walks, etc. and it is so inspiring to hear all of their reasons behind running/walking. I haven't told too many people, but I have been incredibly overwhelmed by the support we have gotten in our run thus far. Even just with friends of my cousins who have agreed to run for a cause and a person they know nothing about. I have had old friends that I haven't seen in years, but just happen to be running the Philly Marathon, join our cause. It is one of the most amazing ways to bring people together, and I don't know if I can ever express my true gratitude to all those who have committed their time and strength. I have even heard rumors that my grandmother's sister (the fabulous Aunt Bette) is trying to recruit runners from her side of the family to join us. I know that some of my friends had wanted to join but they are already doing marathons/walks of their own, which I think is commendable enough...it is truly times like these that make me love the group that I have been lucky enough to surround myself with. Even in the encouragement of a complete stranger...every little bit helps.

That is as far as my mind will take me at the moment...thank you for reading/supporting/loving/et al.


peace.

At Least I Can Walk

Last week I finally sucked it up and made my appointment for physical therapy for my hip. It had started hurting the entire day and was just yelling at me to make the phone call. I really hate going to doctors, of any kind, especially for the first time...so it took a lot for me to make that call. I laid off the running for a few days and just became content with the situation.

This weekend I was down the shore with my family in Ocean City and got to run on the boardwalk on Saturday. There really is nothing like running along the ocean, if I could do it everyday, I would. I will also admit that I was running down to Brown's to get their coveted apple cider donuts for breakfast, ha...so there was a goal in sight. The only thing that was hard about running on the boardwalk was that when I run I have a tendency to stare at the ground and well, the boards are pretty mesmerizing after a while, so I had to continuously make myself look up as to not get too dizzy, ha. Unfortunately I didn't really run too far, just about two miles, because at the end my leg was starting to hurt. I still appreciate that I was able to have that little bit of time though. So then I rewarded myself with a donut, haha.

Monday I went to my first physical therapy appointment. I am so bad at being "weak" and having to do little exercises, it's frustrating. I am also not so good at just simply relaxing so the therapist can move me around how they need to, ha. So I now have a whole set of little stretches and stuff to do, and need to go back to PT twice a week for the next few weeks. And I have also been demoted to a walker...no running for me for the time being. Thankfully this happened now and I still have almost four months until the race. I'm also a little nervous because my trip to Peru is in a month and there will be some intense hiking involved with that.

So that's my story at the moment. I can be extremely supportive for the rest of my team of runners, but cannot do the running at the moment.


I'll update more as things progress.


peace.

Crawling, Walking, Jogging, Running...or in Trey's wheelchair...

I will make it across that finish line! The past week has been kind of hard in the running realm for me. Ever since my legs decided to revolt against my quest to start running last week, I haven't gotten much exercise time in. Thursday I went to the doctor to check out my leg, and she actually sent me to get an x-ray on my hip. She said my muscles were really tight, which is obviously the pain I've been feeling. I have to say, getting an x-ray by yourself is rather daunting. I felt so small and vulnerable on that table as the technician was working the machine above me. And I have to say, only in New York City would a radiology office have seersucker gowns that get washed, and not those scratchy throwaway paper ones. I had passing thoughts of stealing one to be honest.

This weekend I went home...yes, again...mainly for a friend's wedding on Sunday. It was a great weekend, but my legs were still hurting (even with four ibuprofen three times a day, ha) so running was definitely out of the question, and well...the couch seemed a lot more inviting than a walk. Finally Sunday morning I got myself going. It was gorgeous outside, and I knew we had to leave for the wedding around noon, so I got up and went. I took about a mile walk around the Abbey across the street from our house. I almost felt as if I was playing a game of Frogger dodging all of the cars speeding through the driveway as they were late for church. I even tried to jog a little bit, but I will admit...I was wearing pretty old shorts (Carroll gym shorts, to be exact) and well, the elastic isn't exactly the best. So within a few jogging strides the shorts were definitely going south a little, hahaha...so running/jogging was out of the question. It was a sign from above that I still needed to take it easy.

So I am hoping to wake up early tomorrow and try jogging again. I do still have to make an appointment for physical therapy, where the therapist will hopefully teach me how to stretch out the right way, because that must be what's wrong with me, even though I do stretch before and after running. So who knows...hopefully tomorrow will be better, that's all I can ask for.


peace.

I've Hit A Wall...Or At Least I Feel Like It

Hey guys---So yes, I do feel like I hit a wall...for numerous reasons.

I was home this weekend for my cousin Colleen's wedding (it was beautiful!) So needless to say Thursday (rehearsal dinner), Friday (wedding) or Saturday (recovery) there was no running to be had anywhere. Sunday morning I woke up with determination. I was able to drag my dad out to a local park (the same place I played t-ball in 1st grade...oh the memories) and had hoped to go for a run. So I started running, and quickly felt that it was going to be rough. It was pretty hot at this point and the park had hills, ha...not a great combination. I definitely haven't run in heat since preseason for field hockey in high school, and please, let's not go back there, ha. So I was able to do one loop around the path, and then my dad and I ended up walking another loop. It was a little frustrating, especially since on Saturday I just bought all of this great new running gear, and shoes! and thought I looked like a runner, but I definitely wasn't running like a runner, ha. I was also frustrated because just last week I had myself up to running 3 miles at a time.

Well...this morning I got up nice and early to go running in Central Park (new clothes and shoes and all) and was excited to get going. I got there, stretched it out and got on my way. I knew almost immediately that this was not going to be an easy morning. I still had to get used to my new shoes, and my knees and ankles were sore from the first step. I got through one loop of the reservoir with a few very brief stops to fix the shoes and the hair, and to catch my breath. I "run" at a pretty slow pace, passing only senior citizens...senior citizens who are walking, that is. The second loop was almost immediately a struggle. My right hip started hurting and I tried to run through it, but it just wasn't going to let me this morning. I had to stop and walk the rest of the way, which was so discouraging. My hip was hurting a lot and I exited the reservoir a little earlier than I usually do and caught the bus home.

My hip is honestly still bothering me a bit, and my mother is right, I may have just pushed myself too hard in the past couple of weeks. I had to make a doctor's appointment for something else, however, so I figure I will ask her about my hip when I go in on Thursday. And I'm just going to keep reminding myself that whether I am running, jogging, walking, crawling or using Trey's wheelchair I will be doing this half marathon in November and will cross that finish line.

On another note...I have set up the fundraising page for our run! It is now in the approval stages, so once that goes through I will pass it around to everyone so we can take all your money!

Thanks for reading!


peace.

I Feel Like A Broken Record

Yes...a broken record. This morning was so hard to get out of bed. Last night we got a great thunderstorm that cooled everything down, so sleeping was so nice. I finally did get up and out this morning, but definitely later than I would have liked. I headed down to the Y and slowly went up the stairs to the locker room.

Once I got on treadmill I was immediately sore, and yes, I stretched. I knew it wasn't going to be a good morning from the start. I ran the first mile fine, but was slightly struggling. I ended up taking a 2 minute walk between mile 1 and 2, which definitely helped. I still had to take a few very brief breaks throughout the run, but by mile 3 I was in more of a groove, definitely with the help of The Eagles "Get Over It" pumping me up. I got through the three miles again, but not as easily as Monday. It was a little discouraging this morning.

At one point I was ready to just stop running. I don't know about anyone else, but I find running extremely boring most of the time, especially when I'm on the treadmill. Once I get my new sneakers I'll start running outside again. But yes, I was ready to stop, and then serendipitiously John Fogerty's "Put Me In Coach" came on my playlist and I just knew I couldn't quit. This song has some great significance to me for numerous reasons, which is probably why I put it on the playlist meant to keep me running, ha.

So...I still was able to do the three miles I have worked myself up to, so that made me feel good. I won't be able to run again until Saturday, so I have a few days to rest. I'll be home this weekend, so I'll be able to buy my new sneakers and go run in the park at home, I'm excited.


Thanks for your support!


peace.

Amazed I Got Out of Bed---And Ran 3 Miles!!!!!

So yes, I am completely amazed I was able to pull myself out of bed this morning. I hope you all had a great Fourth of July, because I did, ha. I went to Boston to visit some friends for the weekend and it was just a great weekend, with the assembly of a grill included! I got home last night around 7 and was just exhausted. The entire bus ride home I was really looking forward to being able to run this morning (since I obviously didn't do it in Boston). So I was amped and I got myself together to finally make a playlist, starting with Sweet Home Alabama (of course). I went to bed ready, and when the alarm went off this morning I definitely was not.

I was able to drag myself out and get down to the Y at a reasonable hour. I did my stretches and headed in to the workout area where I saw workers putting on brand new tread on the treadmills. I was excited to have a little more traction and to be the first person to run on it, ha...yes, I'm a nerd, oh well. Today I had a handful in the gym--Ipod, cell phone, blackberry--it was just one of those mornings. Thankfully the treadmill has enough little holder spaces for all of my technology (yes, with my OCD, everything needs its' own space, ha). So away I went...the running felt good, surprisingly, after not having ran since Thursday. I felt confident and had a goal in my mind of going 3 miles today, or at least 2.5. My new playlist definitely helped, if anyone has any music suggestions that might keep me going, they'd be greatly appreciated!

Like I said, it felt good this morning. The first mile went by easily, the second mile I struggled a little, but began to really focus and I found my stride toward the end. I knew at this point that I could push myself one more mile. It was so close. The entire time I was running, I was also receiving emails on my Blackberry, ha...yes, I was working while at the gym. I had to stop at one point to respond, but I picked right back up and made up for the lost distance.

To my complete surprise I was able to finish the full 3 miles without stopping (except for the one email response). I sprinted the last little bit and then I was done! 3 miles today...a great accomplishment for me, for sure. I can't wait to go buy new sneakers when I'm home this weekend and start running outside again. I really hate treadmills, they make me dizzy when I stop...seriously, I don't know why.

So...this was a good morning. I know that we have added more people to our team, which makes me so happy. I don't quite have words for how much the support means to me and how enthusiastic people are. We are working on getting a fundraising website up and running so all you fabulous people can give us your money! haha...if you don't have money we take love and kind words as well.

That's it for today! Thanks for checking in and I hope you're having a great day! I'll be heading home this weekend and can't wait to see the little guy...the main inspiration behind everything, I mean hey...he is Tristan of Tristan's run, ha.


peace.

Almost Didn't Make It Today

This morning was a rough one. I woke up on time to get out and run early, but as soon as I looked out the window it looked as if it had just rained, or it was about to...and well, I'm not nearly the serious runner yet to feel the need to run in the rain, ha. So I went back to sleep...just for 15 minutes or so. I then woke up and forced myself out of bed and made the committment to go to the Y. As soon as I thought about this, I realized I'd have to buy a new lock (see entry from Sunday). On my walk to the subway I checked my local Rite Aid with no luck (can you believe it doesn't open until 8a.m.!!! I'm so used to everything else in the city being 24 hours, and the CVS at home, that this not being open as early even as 7 is astounding to me. I was able to get a lock at the Duane Reade (NYC's version of CVS, ha) by the Y and I was on my way.

Now...I consider myself a somewhat smart person, but this lock had me stumped. I was able to set my own combination and was supposed to just go from there. For some reason I am not lock setting literate at all, and this honestly took me about 15 minutes to figure out...no kidding, ha. At various moments within this 15 minutes I was very ready to just give up and go sit in my office and watch TV for a few hours, ha...considering it was only 8a.m. The silliest little thing was getting me discouraged, but I am so glad I didn't just throw the lock out and move on.

Ok, now onto the real running of the morning. Again, I was just amazed that I got up and out at all this morning. With how dark it is right now (surprise! it's going to rain today!) it would be the perfect day to just sleep until the absolute last minute possible. But, alas! I was able to make it out of bed and onto the treadmill. As an aside, I hate the treadmill, ha...I would much rather be outside and I was kicking myself the entire time I was there because it definitely wasn't raining outside. This morning was good though...I pushed myself a little harder and was able to run a full two miles around a 12 minute pace and then I walked 1/2 mile and then ran the second 1/2 mile a little harder than the first full two miles. I was able to push through and it felt so good. It was kind of weird, honestly. Around the 1.5 marker of the first two miles I felt a weird calm and I just knew I could press on for the extra 1/2 mile. It was pretty cool, especially since I felt as if I was struggling a bit in the first mile.

So yeah...it was a good morning. And...just as a funny story, as I was in the locker room there was a camp group of young girls (maybe early teens, probably in the 12-13 range) complaining about how their brother's and dad's can eat whatever they want and still be rail thin, hahaha...it never changes.


And...in the words of the tribe...peace now, freedom now! HAVE A GREAT FOURTH OF JULY!!!


peace.

I Did It!!!

Not to gloat, but I'm pretty proud of myself this morning, ha. I actually woke up at 6:00a.m., was out of the apartment by 6:35a.m. and down to the reservoir at 6:55a.m.!!! I really can't believe I did this, ha. I even went to sleep last night around 10:30, possibly earlier! haha. It was hard to fall asleep at first, because I haven't been going to sleep until after 12:00 lately. But...I did it, and I made it to the park this morning!

Thankfully it is actually beautiful today! Rare, I know. So that was a huge added incentive in getting up to run. Now, the one thing about running in New York City, and I'm sure it's the same in most large cities, is that there is no way to get around all of the "stuff" you have to bring with you every time you leave your apartment, ha. I had my Ipod, my phone (which sure, I probably didn't need), my MetroCard, the key fob (magnetic thingy) to open the front door to my building and then the key to my actual apartment, ha. That's a mouthful! So this is what I did...I carried the Ipod and phone, one in each hand, stuck the MetroCard in my shorts, ha...and I ended up putting my apartment key in my mailbox, because it's a pretty big key, definitely not something that should go in my shoe...and I instead put my mail key in my shoe. Phew...did you get all that?

At 7:00a.m. Central Park is packed. I'm sure the running commences as the sun rises, probably a little before that even, I can't even imagine. Those are the serious runners/bikers, and you're definitely taking your life into your own hands as you cross the street in the Park and basically play human Frogger avoiding the bicycles and runners as they zoom past doing the big 6 mile loop around the whole park. If you get hit, it's your own fault, how dare you be in their path? And if you go too slow, you may get someone screaming "LEFT!!!" in your ear, ha...so just beware. And yet, among all the people, I was amazed at how quiet it all seemed. I broke the silence, yet again, with the soundtrack to HAIR...what can I say? I love it, ha. The reservoir was covered in sun, which was fabulous, except for the fact that I had forgotten my sunglasses, ha. And it also smelled like low tide in the sunny parts, haha. As I made my way around the loop the smells were very pungent...from low tide, to the flowers on the trees and other random park aromas or odors (depending). So I was able to make it around one loop of the reservoir without stopping again, but this time in 17 minutes! Woohoo! hahaha...hey, I'll take any kind of accomplishment. And then I walked most of the second loop, until I sprinted the last leg. I felt good this morning and I'm not hobbling too badly at the moment, ha.

Today was a good day...I did that run and made it back to my apartment before my usual wakeup time, ha. And now I have the rest of the day to relax (well, I guess I should get some work done, ha)...but I'm proud I was able to get up and go. One day at a time, I say, ha. Tomorrow is another off day and Thursday I'm up and early again. This weekend is Boston for the fourth, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to get a run in. I'm still deciding if I should bring my sneakers or not, ha...the thought of a run just doesn't seem too realistic, ha. I'm just being honest.

Alrighty, well...that's my story today. Thanks for the support!


peace.

First Day "off"

Today is my first day "off" from training, since I worked out both Saturday and Sunday. Admittedly, I'm sore, ha, and I know this is just the beginning. For those of you that think going down steps is so easy, go run a few laps and then try to go down one step. You will soon realize that unless you walk awkwardly and kind of hobble down the steps, you will be flat on your face, ha. I mean, how important is bending your legs anyway? haha...so yes, this is just the beginning, although from my experience the soreness tends to go away the more you work out. I'll get back to you on that one though, ha.

Aside from the soreness I have my first sports injury. Well, ok...it's a blister from my shoes, but I'd like to call it a sports injury to sound tough and like a true runner that might get a real sports injury, ha. On that note, I cannot wait to buy new sneakers. For those of you that see me on a regular basis, or really know me well, you know that sneakers aren't necessarily my shoe of choice. Well, come on...are shoes really my shoe of choice? So this last pair I'm working on right now I have had for quite a few years. My friend had a great pair of New Balances on last night that were hot pink! I loved them! They were actually to support breast cancer research...my only thought is...would it be a conflict of interest to be wearing shoes that support breast cancer while I'm running to support mitochondrial research? Ha...I think the gods would forgive me. But...I have decided to wait to buy new sneakers until I go home in two weeks (yes Coll, you're wedding weekend! woohoo!), since my best guess is that the prices of Paoli/Malvern/or West Chester will be slightly cheaper than New York, ha...or at least I hope so!

Even though today is my "off" day, my mind is still racing (no pun intended, ha...or was it?). I'm trying to psyche myself up to be able to get up early tomorrow to go running, meaning I will be trying to force myself to go to bed at a reasonable time tonight.

For now I guess I should get back to work.

Thanks for checking in!


peace.

First weekend of "training"

Since I was so amped to run from Friday I honestly woke up on Saturday raring to go, ready to learn how to run for fun (if that is even possible). However, for the first time in about a month, it was actually a gorgeous day and was getting kind of warm. I wasn't sure I could run in the weather my first day, well...really, I was nervous, ha. So instead my mama gave me the great idea of going rollerblading along the river, which I haven't done in absolutely forever. Rollerblading is great because I really need to work on my cardio, not so much full out strength, since I've been doing a lot of rock climbing over the past six months.

So after breakfast I set out for the river with my rollerblades. It was a gorgeous day and really, there's nothing better than going along the river with the wind in my face. I had even forgotten my Ipod, but it just didn't matter. Whenever I'm near water, I don't need any other distractions. I ended up going pretty far down, past Christopher St., starting at 59th St. At this point along the river I was far enough south to sit and look at the Statue of Liberty for a while, which is always an amazing sight, along with the neighboring Ellis Island. I had stopped at a running station prior to taking a little break, where I picked up a little map of the trail and learned that my trip had taken me four miles down the river, so my round trip would be eight miles. Not too shabby for my first day out. After my trip along the river I went home and collapsed and relaxed to the sounds of Wimbledon. Really...what's better than that? hahaha.


Today I woke up and still energized to run...I was amazed. I had talked to my friend Courtney last night about running throughout Central Park and the different ways of doing so. My favorite running section would be around the reservoir (since I'm such an avid runner that I have a favorite section, ha...I've really only ran there like five times). So that's where my training would take me today. Around the reservoir is about 1.6 miles, so not a bad loop to start out on. I headed down to the Y on 63rd, since that is where my sneakers have been living since my last trip to the Y (which will be an undisclosed number of weeks ago, ha). Figuring out what to do with my membership card and the key to my lock was my first task. The card went in my left shoe, the key was initially in my right shoe, but quickly made it's way onto my bracelet. I walked the 20 blocks or so up to the reservoir, did my stretches and set out. What was on my Ipod you might ask? I have been admittedly obsessed with the newly released HAIR soundtrack from the new Broadway production. The great protest chants and high energy numbers are great for running. I ran one loop around the reservoir in about 18 minutes, I was proud, ha. I kept going another time around mostly walking this time until I was ready to run the last 1/4 mile or so. This run felt great actually, I was proud.

Throughout the run I had switched the key from my bracelet to my shoelace. Once I got back to the Y I quickly realized that the key was no longer on my shoelace. There goes another lock...(about a year ago I had a combination lock, but forgot the combination, ha...so that one had to be cut off my locker)...sadly this one would have to be cut off too. That ends that day of training.


Today was a great day though. I never thought I'd be able to make it through even one loop around the reservoir without stopping at least once, but I did. It was while I was running around the reservoir when I thought to start this blog. So, I hope someone beyond me is actually reading this, ha.

My brother is the most important thing to me, so the fact that I am able to do this for him is so overwhelming. So please, send your support...ideas for songs to keep me energized while running...really anything. I'd love to hear from any or all of you!


peace.

The day we decided to run

So I never thought I'd be one to have a blog, but I figured this would be the best and easiest way to keep track of my progress over the next five months before race day.


Ok...we decided to run on Friday, well I guess really on Thursday, but we started taking ourselves serious on Friday, ha. I don't know that Dani or I accomplished much work the entire day, we were really just gchatting the whole day and gathering together the start of a great race team. Team Tristan. Dani got our cousins Steph and Chrissy to join in and then all four of us got random friends to join. I think we're up to about 14 people right now! The amount of interest and support, almost all from people who have never even met Trey really energized me on Friday. Quite honestly it overwhelmed me, but it made me actually want to go out and start running, which for me is pretty impressive.

All day long we were emailing back and forth about newcomers to the group and different ideas we all had. I am really excited about the group and the prospect of people still joining us (any takers? ha)...the bigger the group, the more fundraising we're able to do and well...that's what this is really all about. Finally we had to say goodbye and log off of gchat for fear of being fired from all of our respective jobs, ha...but the committments were there and by the end of the day more than a few of us were officially registered!

If I can't say it enough, I love my family...and things such as this prove it to me every single day.


peace.