I am in a rut...a 3 mile rut, that is. My schedule has kind of been all over the place the past few weeks between jury duty and Fordham Homecoming, that I haven't been able to get myself past a 3 mile run. Yes, this is frustrating. No, I'm not letting it get me down...or at least I'm trying not to.
Last week I bought some new sneakers, and well...they're pretty schnazzy (aka blue sparkly sections on the heels!). I went back to my tennis roots, with some Mizuno running sneakers (who knew they existed?). I was excited to get in my first run with these sneakers, with dreams that they'd make me run faster and less sore. Alas, PF Flyers they are not. I went for my run this morning, and well...I was not jumping higher or running faster. I ran like I normally do. The first mile and a half were kind of hard on me, since I hadn't run in a week and the stop and go nature of city running isn't always easy. I then got my sh*& together and decided to run full force back. I was able to pick up my speed on the second half and felt better knowing I was still on my normal pace, even after a horrible first half of my run.
I have been getting slightly discouraged with how hard it still is to get out of bed, and how I am not at the mileage I'd like to be. I realized this morning while running (because what else can you do while running but think) that I have put some large expectations on myself since this is the second time I'm doing this. While yes, I'd love to better my time and truly run in a more efficient and comfortable manner, I need to realize that I am still me and I can only do my best. Running is not something that comes natural to me (as I always say, I always played defense in all of my sports...I hit people, I never ran after them), and the fact that I am doing this at all if a major feat for me. I need to remember to have fun and just keep that picture of the little guy in my head. So, on Thursday I will run 4 miles...that is a promise to myself. I will get out of this 3 mile slump and continue having fun in the process.
peace and new shoes!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Am I Crazy Or What?
This is the question I have been constantly asking myself in the past two weeks since I finished the sprint triathlon. Why may I be asking this? Because the Tuesday after the tri marked 10 weeks until the half marathon! Yup, that's right...that Tuesday morning I dragged myself out of bed and ran 3 miles. Painful? Yes, but I'm excited. I have so far ran 12 miles in my training (I'll admit, I skipped what was supposed to be a 4 mile run this past Sunday). I feel pretty good, and yesterday I kept my best 3 mile pace yet.
So yes, the running/training for the Philly Half Marathon has started. I think having the tri to lead into this helped a bit, since I was already in the mindset of running, etc. The weather has turned fall-like (although today not so much), so it's been gorgeous running in 65 degree weather in the mornings. It's sad, but I almost can't wait to be able to put my running pants on, but I will hold out as long as I can.
One exciting thing coming up is new sneakers! Payday is tomorrow and new sneakers are on the horizon. I'm hoping they'll help my ankles, knees, hips, haha...sometimes I feel as if I have the body of a 70 year old. I'm also going to look into orthotics, as I've heard they may help as well.
One morning last week while I was out I decided that running in New York City can sometimes be cruel. Why is that Sonny?...you may ask. For anyone that has lived in or visited New York, you know that the city is one big TV/movie set. There are production trucks parked everywhere anyday of the week. What comes along with productions trucks? Craft Services trucks. See where I'm going with this? Last week I was running down Central Park West one morning and had to run by a Craft Services truck with all of their food set out. Not very nice to do to a hungry runner who still has 1 1/2 miles left in their run, haha.
Yesterday I did my 3 mile run in the morning and actually got yelled at by a woman on the sidewalk! I kind of laughed, because in my head I made up a story that she was jealous that she couldn't run as well as I could, hahaha. She yelled at me because I ran in between her and a light pole, granted the space I ran in was at least three feet wide, so she was not in jeopardy of being hit in the slightest. I found it funny beyond anything else, and I've decided that people yell unnecessarily way too much in New York. I wish they could get fined for unnecessary yelling, instead of honking, because really...who ever gets fined for honking?
We have a great group running with us this year and the fundraising efforts have doubled with an event in Philly and NYC! We are getting off to a great start and I am beyond excited to do all of this for the little guy yet again, and also hopefully better my time from last year.
So...thank you all again for you support! Keep on keeping on...
peace and happy first day of fall!!!
So yes, the running/training for the Philly Half Marathon has started. I think having the tri to lead into this helped a bit, since I was already in the mindset of running, etc. The weather has turned fall-like (although today not so much), so it's been gorgeous running in 65 degree weather in the mornings. It's sad, but I almost can't wait to be able to put my running pants on, but I will hold out as long as I can.
One exciting thing coming up is new sneakers! Payday is tomorrow and new sneakers are on the horizon. I'm hoping they'll help my ankles, knees, hips, haha...sometimes I feel as if I have the body of a 70 year old. I'm also going to look into orthotics, as I've heard they may help as well.
One morning last week while I was out I decided that running in New York City can sometimes be cruel. Why is that Sonny?...you may ask. For anyone that has lived in or visited New York, you know that the city is one big TV/movie set. There are production trucks parked everywhere anyday of the week. What comes along with productions trucks? Craft Services trucks. See where I'm going with this? Last week I was running down Central Park West one morning and had to run by a Craft Services truck with all of their food set out. Not very nice to do to a hungry runner who still has 1 1/2 miles left in their run, haha.
Yesterday I did my 3 mile run in the morning and actually got yelled at by a woman on the sidewalk! I kind of laughed, because in my head I made up a story that she was jealous that she couldn't run as well as I could, hahaha. She yelled at me because I ran in between her and a light pole, granted the space I ran in was at least three feet wide, so she was not in jeopardy of being hit in the slightest. I found it funny beyond anything else, and I've decided that people yell unnecessarily way too much in New York. I wish they could get fined for unnecessary yelling, instead of honking, because really...who ever gets fined for honking?
We have a great group running with us this year and the fundraising efforts have doubled with an event in Philly and NYC! We are getting off to a great start and I am beyond excited to do all of this for the little guy yet again, and also hopefully better my time from last year.
So...thank you all again for you support! Keep on keeping on...
peace and happy first day of fall!!!
I'm A Triathlete!!!!
That's right...two weeks ago I completed the HV Sprint Triathlon in Danbury, CT. I am still amazed at how quickly that day came and went. My mom drove me to the lake that morning around 6:00a.m. and the nerves came with me. I had to check in my bike, get my swim cap and have my number written on my arm (291). We were doing a lot with Team Juju production stuff early on, getting pep talks from our trainers, etc. I went and felt the water - it was warm thankfully.
As the start time was getting closer I really wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into. I knew that I could do it, but I had no idea what I had in store.
The gun goes off and the swim starts. They didn't stagger the waves very well, so we were all pretty much on top of each other. This was very scary and in the first 50 yards I was starting to gulp down water and gasp for air. Turning at the first buoy was quite a nightmare as well, seeing that I made the silly choice of being on the inside of the corner and everyone came in on me as they made their turn. Note to self for next time, definitely go to the outside lane. I decided to then take my time and do whatever I could to get through the swim without having to grab onto the boat used for safety or one of the kayaks. I wanted to do this on my own, no matter how long that took. I finally got out of the water and headed to the transition area to get ready for the bike.
The bike...I definitely didn't take training as serious as I should have and that became very apparent early on in the bike leg. I started out strong and then wham! There was the biggest hill right in my way that absolutely killed my legs. I eventually got up the hill and continued on my way. For the first time I was actually thankful for my 12 year old mountain bike. The roads in this neighborhood were full of potholes and I can't imagine being on a road bike. At one point I was going pretty fast down a bumpy road and I was jostling so much that the cage holding my water bottle broke off, my water bottle fell to the ground and I ran over it! That was it...only about 1 1/2-2 miles in and I was lacking my water supply. Eventually I made it through the first loop, dreading facing that hill again and just kept going. I was finally done the bike!
When I went back into the transition area to put my bike back and get ready for the run, people were already finished the race. A little disheartening, yes, but I kept going. As soon as I got off the bike my legs were jelly. I knew I could keep going, I had to finish, and I knew I had those three miles of the run left in me. I continued on through the neighborhood pretty much alone, as I had been for most of the race, and could hear the music from the finish line. I reached the turn around point, went down a straigtaway and saw the water of the lake in the distance. This is when I almost lost it. I started to tear up and the emotions were taking over. I couldn't believe that I was finishing a sprint triathlon and I was so close to that finish line.
Even though I finished pretty close to last, it was still an amazing experience. My parents and Trey were there waiting for me at the finish line and that made it all worth it. Now that I know I can actually do this, my competitive instincts have kicked in and I want to do another sprint triathlon in April, take the training seriously and get better times.
It was a great time, but as I said...I cannot believe how quickly it came and went.
Peace and happy swim/bike/running!
As the start time was getting closer I really wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into. I knew that I could do it, but I had no idea what I had in store.
The gun goes off and the swim starts. They didn't stagger the waves very well, so we were all pretty much on top of each other. This was very scary and in the first 50 yards I was starting to gulp down water and gasp for air. Turning at the first buoy was quite a nightmare as well, seeing that I made the silly choice of being on the inside of the corner and everyone came in on me as they made their turn. Note to self for next time, definitely go to the outside lane. I decided to then take my time and do whatever I could to get through the swim without having to grab onto the boat used for safety or one of the kayaks. I wanted to do this on my own, no matter how long that took. I finally got out of the water and headed to the transition area to get ready for the bike.
The bike...I definitely didn't take training as serious as I should have and that became very apparent early on in the bike leg. I started out strong and then wham! There was the biggest hill right in my way that absolutely killed my legs. I eventually got up the hill and continued on my way. For the first time I was actually thankful for my 12 year old mountain bike. The roads in this neighborhood were full of potholes and I can't imagine being on a road bike. At one point I was going pretty fast down a bumpy road and I was jostling so much that the cage holding my water bottle broke off, my water bottle fell to the ground and I ran over it! That was it...only about 1 1/2-2 miles in and I was lacking my water supply. Eventually I made it through the first loop, dreading facing that hill again and just kept going. I was finally done the bike!
When I went back into the transition area to put my bike back and get ready for the run, people were already finished the race. A little disheartening, yes, but I kept going. As soon as I got off the bike my legs were jelly. I knew I could keep going, I had to finish, and I knew I had those three miles of the run left in me. I continued on through the neighborhood pretty much alone, as I had been for most of the race, and could hear the music from the finish line. I reached the turn around point, went down a straigtaway and saw the water of the lake in the distance. This is when I almost lost it. I started to tear up and the emotions were taking over. I couldn't believe that I was finishing a sprint triathlon and I was so close to that finish line.
Even though I finished pretty close to last, it was still an amazing experience. My parents and Trey were there waiting for me at the finish line and that made it all worth it. Now that I know I can actually do this, my competitive instincts have kicked in and I want to do another sprint triathlon in April, take the training seriously and get better times.
It was a great time, but as I said...I cannot believe how quickly it came and went.
Peace and happy swim/bike/running!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
A Little Runner Is Hiding Inside Of Me
It's true...Thursday I was completely dedicated to the fact that I'd go home and run after work. By mid-afternoon I was seriously questioning my sanity, but when I got home, I got changed right away and headed out. The night before I had just run in my neighborhood and decided I liked that ten times more than my usual route of simply running straight down Frederick Douglass (my street) until I came along Central Park and then turned around. That route has been getting boring. So Thursday I set out among my neighborhood, South Harlem/Morningside. I ran down along Morningside Park and through the streets of South Harlem. One of the major motivators was the fact that it was an absolutely gorgeous night. I honestly wore a long sleeved running shirt, it felt like fall was right around the corner.
Luckily, for these runs, my phone (Droid) has an app that will map where you run and keep your pace and how far you're going, etc. This helps me so much, because while we all think 20 blocks is a mile, really...how are we supposed to know?
So as I ran I felt good. I was keeping a steady pace and was just letting the blocks go by me. The only thing that kept nagging at me was the fact that the Mr. Softee truck was honestly following me, ha. Every block I turned down I could hear the familiar jingle coming through its' P.A. system, just urging me to keep running away from it. It wasn't until the end of my second mile that my hip started hurting, which was pretty good for me for now. My goal for the night was two miles, so I was set. As I checked my phone to relay back to me the details of my run I saw that I had averaged a 10:40 mile, which is honestly unheard of for me, so that was incredibly encouraging. Now, I understand I only did two miles and it may be easy to keep that pace for 2-3 miles, but still...I was excited. For the sprint I'm figuring that three miles isn't that far and you can keep a fast pace and just push through. It's not like for the half or a full where you really do have to pace yourself. But, in the end I'm also thinking that if I can start my training with a 10:40 mile, I am well on my way to bettering my time! So, all positive things.
And now the sprint is in a week and a half and I'm still probably not as ready as I should/could be, but...I've never been one to back down from a challenge. We got our team uniforms last week and I now look like a real triathlete. What a summer this has been.
Peace, love and happy running!
Luckily, for these runs, my phone (Droid) has an app that will map where you run and keep your pace and how far you're going, etc. This helps me so much, because while we all think 20 blocks is a mile, really...how are we supposed to know?
So as I ran I felt good. I was keeping a steady pace and was just letting the blocks go by me. The only thing that kept nagging at me was the fact that the Mr. Softee truck was honestly following me, ha. Every block I turned down I could hear the familiar jingle coming through its' P.A. system, just urging me to keep running away from it. It wasn't until the end of my second mile that my hip started hurting, which was pretty good for me for now. My goal for the night was two miles, so I was set. As I checked my phone to relay back to me the details of my run I saw that I had averaged a 10:40 mile, which is honestly unheard of for me, so that was incredibly encouraging. Now, I understand I only did two miles and it may be easy to keep that pace for 2-3 miles, but still...I was excited. For the sprint I'm figuring that three miles isn't that far and you can keep a fast pace and just push through. It's not like for the half or a full where you really do have to pace yourself. But, in the end I'm also thinking that if I can start my training with a 10:40 mile, I am well on my way to bettering my time! So, all positive things.
And now the sprint is in a week and a half and I'm still probably not as ready as I should/could be, but...I've never been one to back down from a challenge. We got our team uniforms last week and I now look like a real triathlete. What a summer this has been.
Peace, love and happy running!
Is My Bike A Death Trap?
This was the question of the evening last Tuesday when my friend Sean, who is an avid bike rider, came to give my bike a once over to make sure it won't kill me on race day. Well, he was able to do a few things to it, such as make the brakes tighter and give me a few more gears that I had lost throughout the years. Let me preface this by saying that my bike is at least twelve years old and is a mountain bike. Definitely nothing one should really be riding in a road race, but oh well. The new bike will have to wait until Christmas.
So...I was very grateful for Sean's expertise to come and help keep me safe, and I promised him I'd stop riding this bike after the race to limit my chances of getting killed, haha.
Wednesday I was excited to try out my improved bike. Having brakes that actually work right away is pretty thrilling stuff. The entire day at work I tried to keep up the momentum, knowing that I'd have to go home first before heading out to ride. Knowing myself, heading home before doing anything is pretty dangerous. The couch is just so comfy, and really...there is always some mindnumbing television just calling my name. Not today though. I was able to pull through, go get changed and get my bike out there for the world to see.
Unfortunately two blocks into my ride I think I lost one of the gears Sean had just given me the previous night. Major blow to the motivation. I also have a major problem with my route. I enter Central Park at the top right before the Great Hill, and pretty much use every last bit of energy getting up that hill. I didn't hit a good stride until the E. 70's and by that point I was almost done. The next time I do this, I am going to enter the park at 96th St. so that I am not faced with the hill right off the bat. We'll see if that makes the difference that I'm expecting it to.
So yes...I continued around the park at an okay pace. I'm definitely not going as fast as I'd like, but that's okay. I'm not dying, and I'm not falling off my bike. Those two things alone equal success. I used my gears to the best of my abilities and tried to make it easier on myself when I could. From what I have heard of the bike portion of the sprint, the course is the hardest leg of the swim, bike, run. Go figure. While I was riding around Central Park, I had it in my head to do two laps, but by the time I reached the top of the park it was starting to get dark and "mind over matter" was nowhere to be found. So I exited the park and headed home. In all I bike 7 miles (or so) and was happy with it. Again, not the time I'd like, but that's alright.
When I was done I took a walk and called my mom. After the phone conversation I had just walked a half mile, so I decided to run the second half back to the grocery store to pick up some dinner. It felt good, and I felt somewhat accomplished. Definitely more biking to be done this week though. My goal is to do two laps, it's a must.
Happy biking!
So...I was very grateful for Sean's expertise to come and help keep me safe, and I promised him I'd stop riding this bike after the race to limit my chances of getting killed, haha.
Wednesday I was excited to try out my improved bike. Having brakes that actually work right away is pretty thrilling stuff. The entire day at work I tried to keep up the momentum, knowing that I'd have to go home first before heading out to ride. Knowing myself, heading home before doing anything is pretty dangerous. The couch is just so comfy, and really...there is always some mindnumbing television just calling my name. Not today though. I was able to pull through, go get changed and get my bike out there for the world to see.
Unfortunately two blocks into my ride I think I lost one of the gears Sean had just given me the previous night. Major blow to the motivation. I also have a major problem with my route. I enter Central Park at the top right before the Great Hill, and pretty much use every last bit of energy getting up that hill. I didn't hit a good stride until the E. 70's and by that point I was almost done. The next time I do this, I am going to enter the park at 96th St. so that I am not faced with the hill right off the bat. We'll see if that makes the difference that I'm expecting it to.
So yes...I continued around the park at an okay pace. I'm definitely not going as fast as I'd like, but that's okay. I'm not dying, and I'm not falling off my bike. Those two things alone equal success. I used my gears to the best of my abilities and tried to make it easier on myself when I could. From what I have heard of the bike portion of the sprint, the course is the hardest leg of the swim, bike, run. Go figure. While I was riding around Central Park, I had it in my head to do two laps, but by the time I reached the top of the park it was starting to get dark and "mind over matter" was nowhere to be found. So I exited the park and headed home. In all I bike 7 miles (or so) and was happy with it. Again, not the time I'd like, but that's alright.
When I was done I took a walk and called my mom. After the phone conversation I had just walked a half mile, so I decided to run the second half back to the grocery store to pick up some dinner. It felt good, and I felt somewhat accomplished. Definitely more biking to be done this week though. My goal is to do two laps, it's a must.
Happy biking!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Don't Run Up An Escalator
Yes...that is exactly what I did on July 5th in Boston that caused me to go to the ER and get a stitch in my knee. I have not run in the past month and a half because of this injury and this morning I thought it was time. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I opted just to do 1.5miles. Nice and easy, right? I'll admit that since I knew this wouldn't take very long, I still slept a bit later than the usual workout wakeup time. I got dressed and felt ready. My new cell phone has an app on it that can track your run...super handy. So I took my phone and my water bottle and headed out to my concrete track. And...two blocks later my hair started to fall out of the ponytail, ha. So I then had to immediately stop, fix the hair (so important to have a tight ponytail while running, ha) and continue.
As I was running the pain in my knee was front and center. I knew it'd be there, just wasn't sure how bad. I definitely was able to run through it and just knew it'd be sore the rest of the day. I could feel myself correcting my gait to protect my knee, something I'm not too fond of doing. I also noticed that my endurance isn't exactly where it was a month and a half ago. While I have been swimming and biking every so often, endurance is different for every exercise. I was a little disappointed, because I was only doing 30 blocks, 1.5 miles (or 1.63 according to my phone, ha), and I was winded...ready to just stop and walk. I continued on at my pace, my average minute per mile being around 12, which is pretty good for me (I know, I'm a crap runner, you'll have to get used to it, ha), and I pulled through.
One thing I can say about me and exercise is this...my face reddens extremely fast and stays that way for quite a while. When I got home and upstairs I could feel the fire that was my face. I used to get pulled out of sports games when I was little because my coaches thought I was about to pass out, I cannot control the fact that blood loves to rush to my face, ha. Today, however, I knew it was different. I have to accept the fact that I'm just starting out running again and it'll take me a few tries to get up to where I was. My knee is sore today, but not nearly as sore as I thought it would be. I can run through the pain and keel over afterwards, at least that's what I think I can do, ha.
My training for this sprint triathlon definitely hasn't been what it could have been, and I blame some of that on Boston's South Station escalator, but I know most of the responsibility lays on me. We'll see how I do on that day, but for now I'm glad I got out and ran and still have it in me. Every little bit at a time.
And to end this post, a fun fact for the day: The Camp Rock 2 premiere is across the street from my office at the moment and the red carpet hoopla is happening right now. Let me tell you, there is nothing like hundreds of teenage girls screaming every five seconds. It really warms the heart.
As I was running the pain in my knee was front and center. I knew it'd be there, just wasn't sure how bad. I definitely was able to run through it and just knew it'd be sore the rest of the day. I could feel myself correcting my gait to protect my knee, something I'm not too fond of doing. I also noticed that my endurance isn't exactly where it was a month and a half ago. While I have been swimming and biking every so often, endurance is different for every exercise. I was a little disappointed, because I was only doing 30 blocks, 1.5 miles (or 1.63 according to my phone, ha), and I was winded...ready to just stop and walk. I continued on at my pace, my average minute per mile being around 12, which is pretty good for me (I know, I'm a crap runner, you'll have to get used to it, ha), and I pulled through.
One thing I can say about me and exercise is this...my face reddens extremely fast and stays that way for quite a while. When I got home and upstairs I could feel the fire that was my face. I used to get pulled out of sports games when I was little because my coaches thought I was about to pass out, I cannot control the fact that blood loves to rush to my face, ha. Today, however, I knew it was different. I have to accept the fact that I'm just starting out running again and it'll take me a few tries to get up to where I was. My knee is sore today, but not nearly as sore as I thought it would be. I can run through the pain and keel over afterwards, at least that's what I think I can do, ha.
My training for this sprint triathlon definitely hasn't been what it could have been, and I blame some of that on Boston's South Station escalator, but I know most of the responsibility lays on me. We'll see how I do on that day, but for now I'm glad I got out and ran and still have it in me. Every little bit at a time.
And to end this post, a fun fact for the day: The Camp Rock 2 premiere is across the street from my office at the moment and the red carpet hoopla is happening right now. Let me tell you, there is nothing like hundreds of teenage girls screaming every five seconds. It really warms the heart.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Rainy Days Are Not Good Motivation
Going to bed last Wednesday night I had it in my mind that I'd wake up early the next morning, go to the Y and do both some swimming and biking. This sounded like an amazing idea and I was ready to be so proud of myself as I envisioned my morning taking place.
Thursday morning I woke up at 7, I was ready to go...and then somehow I hit the snooze button (again, and again, and again). All of a sudden it was 9a.m. and I had no motivation to go anywhere. The pretty picture of me feeling refreshed and energized leaving the Y had gone, making way for the even better picture of laying in bed on a wonderful rainy day. Needless to say, mind over matter did not take over on this fateful morning and there I was, laying in bed, not moving...at all.
So yes...Thursday was disappointing. I realize I haven't pushed myself nearly as much as I should have been for this sprint triathlon and who knows how I shall fare. This week I'm not feeling the best, but hoping to get some biking in, and possibly...just possibly, start running! Scary, I know. First, a trip to CVS/Duane Reade/Rite Aid (whichever of the big three is closest at the time) to get a knee brace that isn't from 7th grade. Not that I've really grown, but I figure I should update the darn thing, ha.
Hopefully the motivation will return tomorrow and I shall have more inspiring words...definitely something better than "I stayed in bed."
Until then...peace and happy swimming/biking/running!
Thursday morning I woke up at 7, I was ready to go...and then somehow I hit the snooze button (again, and again, and again). All of a sudden it was 9a.m. and I had no motivation to go anywhere. The pretty picture of me feeling refreshed and energized leaving the Y had gone, making way for the even better picture of laying in bed on a wonderful rainy day. Needless to say, mind over matter did not take over on this fateful morning and there I was, laying in bed, not moving...at all.
So yes...Thursday was disappointing. I realize I haven't pushed myself nearly as much as I should have been for this sprint triathlon and who knows how I shall fare. This week I'm not feeling the best, but hoping to get some biking in, and possibly...just possibly, start running! Scary, I know. First, a trip to CVS/Duane Reade/Rite Aid (whichever of the big three is closest at the time) to get a knee brace that isn't from 7th grade. Not that I've really grown, but I figure I should update the darn thing, ha.
Hopefully the motivation will return tomorrow and I shall have more inspiring words...definitely something better than "I stayed in bed."
Until then...peace and happy swimming/biking/running!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
What's the Best Way to Start Training for a Half Marathon???
Do a sprint triathlon of course! Seriously, what was I thinking? In one month exactly I will be in Danbury, CT participating in the Housatanic Valley Sprint Triathlon. That equals a quarter mile swim in a lake, a 12 mile bike ride over some rolling hills, and a 3 mile run ending on a beach. Wow.
Yes, I've been training...if you can call it that, ha. I did start swimming again and realized that I actually like it more than I remember. I can do the quarter mile in about 12 minutes, which I don't think is too bad. I mean, at least I'm not sinking and I do take small breather breaks (or else I would be sinking).
I have not been doing nearly as much biking as I should be. I've gone around Central Park once, thankfully didn't have to get off the bike and I didn't fall over going up the Great Hill. And for those of you that don't know or are non-believers, Central Park is one large hill, both ways. There are some nice down hill moments, but not many flat areas, so I figure that's good training. I've done some biking on the stationary at the Y, but no matter how much television I watch, that is incredibly boring.
Running...the running hasn't really been there this summer. I successfully managed to hurt my knee while I was in Boston over Fourth of July (one tip: never run up an escalator. trust me, it won't turn out well). So...two hours in the ER and one stitch in the knee later I realized I wouldn't be running much this summer. Thankfully this was the one leg of the race I was the least worried about. I figure I'll try to get at least one good run in before the race and I should be fine.
I've done a few transitions (swim to bike, bike to run) and the bike to run is an interesting one. Your legs feel as if there are no bones in them, complete jelly. Kind of like the scene in Harry Potter when Harry is playing Quidditch and hurts his arm and the daft teacher (who in real life is a famous British Shakespearean actor) does a spell and takes the bones out of his harm so it's just left to flop around! Thankfully in the transition from bike to run, while that may be how my legs feel, I do not have to drink that unsavory potion to regrow my bones...poor Harry.
So yes...this is what I am doing in a month. And then Half Marathon training starts! I am doing this Sprint Triathlon with a group from work, which makes it a lot easier with training. It's always nice when you have a group, so you can commiserate about training and joke about how bad we all feel we're going to do. Thankfully I'm still alive and I'm pretty confident. I just have to make sure my bike is up to snuff (it'd probably be a good thing if the tire held air longer than a few rounds of pedaling). But I think I'll be alright. In all reality, ask me September 12th and I'll let you know if I'm walking yet.
Yes, I've been training...if you can call it that, ha. I did start swimming again and realized that I actually like it more than I remember. I can do the quarter mile in about 12 minutes, which I don't think is too bad. I mean, at least I'm not sinking and I do take small breather breaks (or else I would be sinking).
I have not been doing nearly as much biking as I should be. I've gone around Central Park once, thankfully didn't have to get off the bike and I didn't fall over going up the Great Hill. And for those of you that don't know or are non-believers, Central Park is one large hill, both ways. There are some nice down hill moments, but not many flat areas, so I figure that's good training. I've done some biking on the stationary at the Y, but no matter how much television I watch, that is incredibly boring.
Running...the running hasn't really been there this summer. I successfully managed to hurt my knee while I was in Boston over Fourth of July (one tip: never run up an escalator. trust me, it won't turn out well). So...two hours in the ER and one stitch in the knee later I realized I wouldn't be running much this summer. Thankfully this was the one leg of the race I was the least worried about. I figure I'll try to get at least one good run in before the race and I should be fine.
I've done a few transitions (swim to bike, bike to run) and the bike to run is an interesting one. Your legs feel as if there are no bones in them, complete jelly. Kind of like the scene in Harry Potter when Harry is playing Quidditch and hurts his arm and the daft teacher (who in real life is a famous British Shakespearean actor) does a spell and takes the bones out of his harm so it's just left to flop around! Thankfully in the transition from bike to run, while that may be how my legs feel, I do not have to drink that unsavory potion to regrow my bones...poor Harry.
So yes...this is what I am doing in a month. And then Half Marathon training starts! I am doing this Sprint Triathlon with a group from work, which makes it a lot easier with training. It's always nice when you have a group, so you can commiserate about training and joke about how bad we all feel we're going to do. Thankfully I'm still alive and I'm pretty confident. I just have to make sure my bike is up to snuff (it'd probably be a good thing if the tire held air longer than a few rounds of pedaling). But I think I'll be alright. In all reality, ask me September 12th and I'll let you know if I'm walking yet.
Monday, April 12, 2010
New Style for a New Year
Yes...I changed things up a bit, a little brighter for the new year. This style of page immediately jumped out at me...it's called Harbor, immediately making me think of Stone Harbor...reminding me of family...bringing me back to why we're doing this whole run in the first place.
And now it's late and I tend to get a bit wordy late at night, so I will stop.
Peace to all.
And now it's late and I tend to get a bit wordy late at night, so I will stop.
Peace to all.
And it begins!!!
Last week I received an email that made me check my calendar. Pre-registration for the Philly Half/Full Marathons has arrived! I couldn't believe it, it's only April! I really didn't think this would come until June, but it's here! It's amazing the difference of this year to last year...there is no hesitation whatsoever in wanting to sign up for the race this time around. Last year I was beyond nervous. Now I know there is nothing holding me back, especially a bum hip, and I know that I can do better.
I've been a bit sick for the past few weeks, but once this is over with I actually can't wait to get out and start running. The weather is getting nicer and the park (or preferably the river) is calling my name.
I figured I'd give a few days until I started hounding everyone to register and see who wanted to run. Well...I loved it! Dani beat me to it this morning! She had emailed out to the team that had run last year. Hopefully we'll get some of them back this year, it was a great team. We already have some new runners, which I am very excited about. After being on my support team on race day, Coll and Chris have taken up the mission as well as their friend Signe...three new runners!
My goal for this time out is to take training slowly...really slowly, stretch A LOT and run for more than two months before the race, haha. Even if I start training May 21st, that's six months...if I double my three month schedule, that would be amazingly slow and hopefully get me in great shape for the race.
Remembering the hype from last year, I am so excited for all of this to start. I'm slowly starting to think of new ways to fundraise and get the word out. It was such an exciting time last year watching the donations come in and supporting the rest of the team as our mileage increased.
So...in a few weeks running will commence for me and I will be that many steps closer to another finish line. I can barely hold the excitement in.
peace.
I've been a bit sick for the past few weeks, but once this is over with I actually can't wait to get out and start running. The weather is getting nicer and the park (or preferably the river) is calling my name.
I figured I'd give a few days until I started hounding everyone to register and see who wanted to run. Well...I loved it! Dani beat me to it this morning! She had emailed out to the team that had run last year. Hopefully we'll get some of them back this year, it was a great team. We already have some new runners, which I am very excited about. After being on my support team on race day, Coll and Chris have taken up the mission as well as their friend Signe...three new runners!
My goal for this time out is to take training slowly...really slowly, stretch A LOT and run for more than two months before the race, haha. Even if I start training May 21st, that's six months...if I double my three month schedule, that would be amazingly slow and hopefully get me in great shape for the race.
Remembering the hype from last year, I am so excited for all of this to start. I'm slowly starting to think of new ways to fundraise and get the word out. It was such an exciting time last year watching the donations come in and supporting the rest of the team as our mileage increased.
So...in a few weeks running will commence for me and I will be that many steps closer to another finish line. I can barely hold the excitement in.
peace.
I'm Back!!! Race Day Recap
It has been forever, I know. And somehow I never even got on here to recap the actual race day! Let me try to do that in so many words...
The night before the race we had all of the runners and some family over to our house for the pre-race carb load. Our cousin, John, came all the way up from South Carolina to surprise everyone and to support us in the race (or so he thought). If you've ever been around more than one Pippett at a time, you know the persuasive powers of the family. Needless to say, by the end of the night we had John convinced he was running the race with us! You can sneak into the race without being registered, and that is exactly what John did. Some may say it was easier for him to do it since he was an athletic 16 year old, but I still was incredibly impressed that he was at the door ready to be picked up at 5:45a.m. that next morning.
That morning...there are no words for the equals parts calm/chaos that were running through my stomach as we drove downtown. Jeannine got dropped off, we picked John up, and Trey was all dressed up for his birthday in his chair in front of us. As soon as we got off 476 the energy was in the air. The nerves started to wilt away as I saw more and more runners walking towards Ben Franklin Parkway, where the race was waiting to begin.
As we reached Eakins Circle (sp?) we said our goodbyes to Mom, Pops and the little guy...waited in line for one last potty break and made our way to our assigned corrals. Jeannine, the more experienced runner, was in a corral much farther ahead than John and myself. We were in the far back...basically the end of the pack, ha. But...we did find the rest of our runners! By chance I saw Aunt Becky and Aunt Beth on the sideline, looking as if they just said goodbye to their nervous runners. I tracked them down and found the pack!
The music was going and it was time...our corral began and we were off. I was able to keep up with the rest of our runners for about the first two miles and then had to continue on my own. I will say that at one point around Mile 6 I started allowing myself to think about the reason behind my running and started thinking about Trey and got a bit worked up. Well, let me know tell you...crying and running do not go together, ha...so I had to collect myself before I had an asthma attack and keep on going, ha. I was in quite a groove until we reached Fairmount Park and I said hello to a huge, unexpected hill. I tried to keep running/jogging up the hill a bit and then reality set in and I decided to walk "with purpose" up the hill. I knew if I saved my energy getting up the hill I'd be able to run some more for the last 3-4 miles.
At last...the end was in sight! I saw the Art Museum and I was running towards it! Running along the Schuykill with Manayunk on the other side of the river was such a beautiful sight. We honestly lucked out completely with the weather that morning (low-mid 40's and sunny), and the beauty certainly helped me keep going. Just as I started to round the corner for my last 200 yards or so of the race I look to the sideline and see none other than Jen DePetris (a friend from high school). I automatically screamed to her and totally took her offguard. We hugged, she said I didn't look tired at all and told me I was almost to the end. That little bit of unexpected encouragement pulled me through to the end. And I have to say, there is not much like running through those last 100 yards with screaming people on either side rooting you on. There is no way you couldn't feel like a rockstar. And I did it...I crossed the finish line. As I crossed, collected my medal and got a water I turned to my right and broke down. The entire day enveloped me as I had turned to my right and saw my own personal cheering section (Mom, Pops, Trey, Coll, Chris, Uncle Dennis, Michelle and Jeannine). That feeling is something I will never forget and I cannot wait for it all over again in November!
The night before the race we had all of the runners and some family over to our house for the pre-race carb load. Our cousin, John, came all the way up from South Carolina to surprise everyone and to support us in the race (or so he thought). If you've ever been around more than one Pippett at a time, you know the persuasive powers of the family. Needless to say, by the end of the night we had John convinced he was running the race with us! You can sneak into the race without being registered, and that is exactly what John did. Some may say it was easier for him to do it since he was an athletic 16 year old, but I still was incredibly impressed that he was at the door ready to be picked up at 5:45a.m. that next morning.
That morning...there are no words for the equals parts calm/chaos that were running through my stomach as we drove downtown. Jeannine got dropped off, we picked John up, and Trey was all dressed up for his birthday in his chair in front of us. As soon as we got off 476 the energy was in the air. The nerves started to wilt away as I saw more and more runners walking towards Ben Franklin Parkway, where the race was waiting to begin.
As we reached Eakins Circle (sp?) we said our goodbyes to Mom, Pops and the little guy...waited in line for one last potty break and made our way to our assigned corrals. Jeannine, the more experienced runner, was in a corral much farther ahead than John and myself. We were in the far back...basically the end of the pack, ha. But...we did find the rest of our runners! By chance I saw Aunt Becky and Aunt Beth on the sideline, looking as if they just said goodbye to their nervous runners. I tracked them down and found the pack!
The music was going and it was time...our corral began and we were off. I was able to keep up with the rest of our runners for about the first two miles and then had to continue on my own. I will say that at one point around Mile 6 I started allowing myself to think about the reason behind my running and started thinking about Trey and got a bit worked up. Well, let me know tell you...crying and running do not go together, ha...so I had to collect myself before I had an asthma attack and keep on going, ha. I was in quite a groove until we reached Fairmount Park and I said hello to a huge, unexpected hill. I tried to keep running/jogging up the hill a bit and then reality set in and I decided to walk "with purpose" up the hill. I knew if I saved my energy getting up the hill I'd be able to run some more for the last 3-4 miles.
At last...the end was in sight! I saw the Art Museum and I was running towards it! Running along the Schuykill with Manayunk on the other side of the river was such a beautiful sight. We honestly lucked out completely with the weather that morning (low-mid 40's and sunny), and the beauty certainly helped me keep going. Just as I started to round the corner for my last 200 yards or so of the race I look to the sideline and see none other than Jen DePetris (a friend from high school). I automatically screamed to her and totally took her offguard. We hugged, she said I didn't look tired at all and told me I was almost to the end. That little bit of unexpected encouragement pulled me through to the end. And I have to say, there is not much like running through those last 100 yards with screaming people on either side rooting you on. There is no way you couldn't feel like a rockstar. And I did it...I crossed the finish line. As I crossed, collected my medal and got a water I turned to my right and broke down. The entire day enveloped me as I had turned to my right and saw my own personal cheering section (Mom, Pops, Trey, Coll, Chris, Uncle Dennis, Michelle and Jeannine). That feeling is something I will never forget and I cannot wait for it all over again in November!
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