Marathon Recap!

It's weird, after all that time of thinking that training for the marathon was such a long, never-ending process, now that it's finally over, I can't believe it's over so fast.  Here's how it all went down last Saturday/Sunday:

My mom arrived in town around 6pm on Saturday night and she, my brother Jonathan and I headed to Pepolino, a cute Italian restaurant in my neighborhood.  Since I really don't love pasta or carbs, I reserve visits to Pepolino for pre-race meals.  My mom and I had the most delicious butternut squash ravioli, and I made sure to eat several large pieces of bread.  My mom and Jonathan walked me home and then headed to Jonathan's apartment in Brooklyn, with instructions that they, along with my dad, would cheering for me at mile 8 in Brooklyn, mile 17 in Manhattan, and then around mile 25 in Central Park.  I was a bundle of nerves, so I turned my clock back one hour (yay daylight savings!) popped an Ambien and put myself to sleep around 8pm.

It felt like 6am came way too fast.  I got dressed, toasted my bagel, and headed out to catch a cab.  It was a short ride to South Ferry, and before I knew it I was filing into the ferry station with hundreds of other runners bundled in throwaway sweats toting clear plastic bags. 

It was a little bit hectic, but once I was on a ferry, it was awesome.  I have lived in NYC for over 2 years and have never been on the Staten Island Ferry before.  The views were amazing!  I was right out on deck with the foreigners, taking pictures:

 

 I met a girl on the ferry named Meghan, and we became fast friends.  Meghan was by herself, too - she had planned on meeting a friend but couldn't find her, and neither of them packed a cell phone.  Meghan and I took the bus from the ferry to the start together, and I was so happy to have met her.  We split a Luna bar, drank some water, and talked out our pre-race jitters while we waited for the second wave to be called to our corrals.

Fort Wadsworth, the starting area, was crazy.  It was freezing, windy, and packed with people, and it was pretty confusing to figure out where to go.  They made us get in our starting corrals almost an hour before the starting time, and that just made me more nervous.  Meghan and I separated at that point, as she was starting on the lower deck of the Verrazano and I was starting on the top.  I stood with a funny New Zealand man who kept me entertained for our hour wait, and then before I knew it, it was time to start.

The start of the race over the Verrazano Bridge was awesome.  I had been nervous because it's a mile incline and a mile decline, but it was amazing.  The views of the city, the excitement in the air, the helicopters overhead - those two miles passed in no time.  And then we shot out into Brooklyn and were hit with a wave of cheers.  There were SO many people cheering.  It was absolutely crazy.  I thought the numbers would dwindle at some point, but they didn't.  I looked for my doorman Jose, who had said he'd be around Mile 3, but the Green Corral was on one side of the street and we were on the other, and it was hard to see fans standing on the other side of the street.  I looked for my co-worker Tracie at Mile 6 but didn't see her either.  And I looked for my family at Mile 8, but again, no luck.  It was just craziness.  So many runners, so many cheering fans, so many cultures as we passed from one neighborhood in Brooklyn to the next.  I kept holding myself back from going too fast, because I knew there was a long way to go, but it was hard to do with so many cheering people urging me on.  Right after the half marathon point, we crossed the Pulaski Bridge into Queens.  It was a bit of a hill, but manageable.  I had some PowerGel Chews, drank some water (I stopped at every water stop, which they had at every mile point), and kept going.  We were only in Queens for about 2 miles, which felt so short after spending so long in Brooklyn.  Before I knew it, I was facing my biggest marathon fear: the Queensboro Bridge.  Mile 15-16 is spent on that bridge - a steep half mile uphill and then a half mile downhill.  I stopped to walk for a minute on the bridge, but mostly ran the uphill.  There were a lot of other people walking, and so I didn't feel so bad.  The downhill half ended up being worse.  My hamstring, which had been feeling a little sore up to that point, really started to hurt as I pounded the pavement on the downhill stretch of the bridge.  I panicked as I felt the familiar twinges of pain, but I kept going.  We wound off the bridge, made some turns, and were hit with a wall of cheers.  First Avenue in Manhattan!!!  This is the part of the race I was looking forward to the most.  All thoughts of my hurt leg were forgotten.  I pulled my headphones out of my ears and enjoyed the cheers.  Since I'd put my name on my shirt, there were lots of personalized cheers for me, and I loved it.  I heard "SNUG!" and looked over to see Carrie, right around Mile 16.  I was so excited - finally, someone I know!  I kept going, and soon after I heard "LAUR!" and saw my dad, mom, and brother.  Then I saw Moffatt, Devon, Nora, Hilary, Katie and Matt.  I couldn't believe it!  I was so happy to see my friends and family and was really having a blast.  I rode that high up the slow incline of First Avenue, but as we got further and further up First, there were less and less cheers.  I started to feel pretty tired around Miles 18-19, but I had some more chews, drank some more water, and kept going.  We crossed the Willis Ave bridge into the Bronx, and once again, the crowds were there to carry us along.  The Bronx flew by - it was mostly a series of turns one direction and then the next, and we were soon crossing the last bridge, the Madison Ave bridge, into Manhattan.  Now, I did not realize this, but Fifth Avenue is an incline.  It was HORRIBLE!  So exhausting, especially after already running 21 miles.  I walked a bit, made sure to drink enough water and Gatorade, and then picked up again.  I had come this far, I had to make it to the finish!  I found Amal around Mile 22, and seeing her (along with the amazing "SNUG" necklace she'd fashioned out of cardboard) was just what I needed.  I kept telling myself "you're almost done!  keep going!!!" and soon I could see Central Park ahead of me.  I remember thinking that if I didn't tell my legs to keep moving, they'd stop.  I was really ready for the race to end, but luckily, the end was near.  As I entered Central Park I told myself "this is YOUR park!  you've run this a hundred times!  KEEP GOING!" and adopted my spin instructor Gregg's mantra of "push push push go go go."  I saw Moffatt, Devon, Katie and Matt again, and was thrilled.  We exited Central Park at 59th Street, looped around, re-entered at Columbus Circle, and in no time at all, I saw the finish.  I almost cried I was so happy.  I was going to be a marathoner! 

 Once we crossed the finish, the infamous death march began.  I'd heard stories of how terrible it is leaving Central Park after the marathon, but I couldn't really imagine until I was doing it.  We got our mylar capes,  medals and bags of food, and then slowly shuffled along for over half an hour before we were allowed to exit.  I saw one guy collapse and have to be seen by the medics, and many others looked awful.  I munched on some pretzels, sipped on the Gatorade recovery drink that I was given, and kept moving.  I felt pretty good, all things considered.

I got my bag at the UPS truck and practically ran out of the park to meet my family at the Museum of Natural History.  It was so great to see them!  My mom, dad and brother had raced around the city trying to cheer for me, and made it to miles 8, 17 and 24.  I only noticed them at Mile 17, but my mom said I looked really focused at Mile 24.  My mom gave me orange flowers (ING NYC Marathon colors!) and we headed to dinner (lunch? it was only about 2:30pm) at a french brasserie on the Upper West Side.  I was NOT hungry.  I sipped on some onion soup, nibbled a croissant and had a cup of coffee.  We took the subway to Port Authority, dropped off my parents, and then dropped off my brother Jonathan at West 4th St so he could transfer trains.  As I walked home from the subway, I felt some soreness in my legs, but nothing too terrible.  A hot shower felt great that night, and then a nice and early bedtime.

All in all, it was an amazing day, one I won't soon forget.  I can't believe that I am a marathoner now.  I really appreciate all the support from my family and friends as I raised money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and trained for this race.

Now the million dollar question: would I do it again?  And you know what?  I actually think the answer is yes!

I did it!

I will write more later about the amazing day yesterday, but here's a preview.  Yay!!!

Here I go!

BRING IT ON!

TOMORROW

I cannot believe the NYC marathon is tomorrow.  I keep vacillating between being really excited and really freaking scared.  Right now I'm leaning towards scared, because my hamstring started hurting again after my last run (which was only 3 miles) and it's sort of been at a dull ache ever since.

I was feeling super excited after the expo, which I stopped by with my co-worker Sophie, who's also running.  It was like a marathon exploded in the Javitz Center.  We got our bibs and goody bags and then were forced to walk through all the booths before exiting.  Sophie and I had discussed our plan before going to the expo.  Don't spend too much time there, and DON'T buy anything because it's overpriced and we don't need it.  Well, as soon as we entered the madness of marathon loot, our plan flew out the window.  My blackberry, which was vibrating nonstop to indicate all the work emails I was ignoring, was shoved firmly in my jacket pocket, and we wandered around for close to an hour through all the marathon paraphernalia and booths representing every single brand of running clothes/accessories/you name it.  I couldn't resist splurging on a cute marathon jacket and headband for when it's cold.  Oh yeah, and some socks that say NYC marathon on them.  What can I say, I'm a sucker. 

Sophie had been as nervous for the marathon as me.  She's been struggling with bronchitis and has skipped a lot of her training runs because she's been so ill.  I was actually relieved to talk to her about her struggles, because it made me realize that I'm not the only one who hasn't stuck perfectly to their plan and is really nervous for the race.  It was fun going to the expo with her, and she gave me the great idea to email my friends and family with my anticipated pace and when I think I'll hit certain mile marks.  That made me even more excited, because so many of my friends wrote back to tell me that they'll be out there watching. 

But now my hamstring is hurting again.  And I'm doubting myself.  And am getting scared that so many people know I'm doing this race and will be looking for me out there.  What if I can't do it?  I really hope I can. 

Some other things that have made me feel better (or have at least made me smile)
Perfect weather forecast for tomorrow.  A teensy bit chilly for my liking, but at least no rain.

This exchange with my friend Chris, who's also running: 
me: Chris I'm scared!
Chris: You'll be fine. Walk in the park!
Me: Wait what?  Really??
Chris: No, it'll BE a walk in the park.  I'm not telling you to walk in Central Park!

This photo, taken by my wonderful Amala Balla:

Running with giants!

And most importantly, the support of my friends and family have really helped.  Like Sheila, who never wastes an opportunity to wish me luck every time we talk.  She even wished me luck in her thank you card for her wedding gift!  And my doorman Jose, who whipped out a map of Brooklyn to show me exactly where he'll be waiting to cheer for me.  And Anne Marie, who is an amazing runner who can run marathons hours faster than I can even hope to finish, who has listened to me whine and complain about how I'm scared for this race for months now.  My wonderful friends sent me flowers at work this week, and every time I look at them, I feel better:

Thank you so much Steph, Natalie, Nora, Anne Marie, Katie and Amal!

Now, with the big day almost exactly 24 hours away (I start running at 10:10am tomorrow), all I can do is think about these things and know that I've done all I can to prepare.  I'm planning a nice little day of grocery shopping, purchasing some disposable warm-ups for the start of the race, and having dinner with my parents and brother.  Hopefully, with a little luck and a prayer, I'll be crossing that finish line at Tavern on the Green tomorrow afternoon!

Something very cool...

http://supportyourmarathoner.com/

This is a website sponsored by Asics where you can make personalized messages that might show up on a big screen when I run by during the marathon!  My mom already uploaded a picture, which it appears she took using the self-timer on her digital camera:

The only info you need is my entry number, which is 449349.  I'd really really love to be surprised by messages and/or videos as I run!

Last 20 Miler

Yesterday I ran my last 20-miler before the marathon, which was really my first 20 miler since I accidentally only ran 19 miles last time I was supposed to do 20.  It was less than ideal that this run happened on a Tuesday, but with all the weekend traveling I've been doing, it just happened to work out that way.  I was extremely nervous for the run because of my hamstring pain and the fact that I've skipped a bunch of workouts lately to recover.  It's actually pretty ridiculous how scared I was for it - I haven't been able to sleep, I had a pit in my stomach every time I saw the NYC Marathon subway signs, etc.  I was pretty convinced that there was no way I'd be able to finish a 20 mile run, let alone 26 miles on Nov 7th. 

To my relief, the run went well.  Because Dr. Snug said to avoid hills, I ran all the way up the West Side Highway from Tribeca (at Harrison Street) to the George Washington Bridge (at 178th Street) and back down.  The course was pretty flat, although there were a few tiny hills up in Harlem.  My legs were really feeling the distance, and around mile 17 I had to stop and stretch out my hamstrings.  I have learned that certain miles will always be more difficult for me.  I always get tired around mile 7, 12, and 17.  For some reason I felt great during Miles 18-20, minus my screaming legs which I was trying not to think about, and was able to pick up my speed a bit.  I was pretty sore afterward, but took time to stretch and ice, and have been wearing my compression tights ever since. 

The long run gave me a little bit of confidence that I'll be able to run the marathon on November 7th.  This was the last long run before the marathon, so it was really my last chance for this peace of mind.  I am so relieved that it went okay, and now I can go into the taper without that panicky feeling I've had for the past few weeks. 

Dr. Snug

Yesterday I had an appointment at Manhattan Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group.  My doctor, Dr. Klion, is awesome.  He has completed eight Ironmans and at least one marathon (I saw a race photo from a marathon in D.C. hanging in his office). 

Dr. Snug!

Dr. Klion told me that my problem is an overuse injury.  It's in my right hamstring, and he said that I should have been better about strength training.  Whoops.  I was doing strength training like lunges and weights for awhile, but then when the mileage increased I stopped.  He told me to do some light strength training now, and to take 3 Advil 3 times a day until my 20-miler on Saturday.  He said that I will definitely be able to run the marathon, although I will probably not be able to run as fast as I could have otherwise.  I need to run slower and take more breaks to be sure the hamstring is feeling okay during my runs.

It was really cool going to a doctor who was an athlete.  I was worried that no matter what was wrong with me the doctor was going to say I can't run and that I shouldn't do the marathon, but Dr. Klion understood all that's gone into my training and worked with me towards a solution.  I'm a little sad that I'm probably going to be embarrassingly slow on race-day, though.  I already get anxious about all my friends stalking my race times and thinking I'm a slowpoke, but now I'll probably be legitimately slower than I'd have hoped.  Oh well, if I get to that finish line, that's all that matters!  I'm no athlete, but I did raise $4,000 (so far!) for cancer research, and that's the real point in all this.  And once I cross that finish line I can take a nice, loooooong break from running and give my body a rest for awhile.

Feeling a Little Better

Several things have happened lately that make me feel a little better about the marathon and all the training.  The first is that I saw my friend Anne Marie this weekend and she told me that everything I've been feeling - my fears about not being able to run 26 miles, my concern about skipping workouts - is all normal.  Anne Marie really is the expert, as she recently finished her fourth marathon with a time of 3:18.  I fully anticipate spending at least an HOUR more than that running the NYC marathon, if I can even finish the damn thing at all.  But thanks to Anne Marie, I'm slightly more confident that I can.

Also, I made an appointment with a sports medicine doctor to have him look at my leg.  When I called, they said that lots of people running the marathon are experiencing aches and pains like this, and that I shouldn't worry.  That's nice to hear!  I am planning on going for an easy run today, and then my appointment with the doctor is tomorrow.  My fingers are crossed that everything looks okay.

Weekly Training Plan:

Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 8 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: Spin
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 20 miles
Sunday: Fun and relaxation in Philly!

30 DAYS!

Today is October 7th, which means the NYC Marathon is in exactly 30 days.  I am really nervous, mostly because my right leg has still been giving my problems.  This week I have skipped a lot of my workouts and have been icing and foam-rolling lots, but now I'm nervous that I'm getting out of shape.  It's not my knee, which is ironic because ever since I started marathon training I was nervous I was going to injure my knees.  It's either my hamstring or IT band or some other muscle in the back right side of my thigh.  I actually think I might make an appointment with a sports medicine doctor just to have it checked out, which goes to show you how serious I'm taking this, since I *hate* doctors and never usually go for any reason.  Either that or I'll just have my doctor brother poke around at it and let me know whether he thinks it's serious or not. 

Last weekend I ran the Hamptons Half Marathon, which went surprisingly well given that my leg has been bothering me.  The bad part was that I had to wake up at 3am and take a 4am Jitney to the Hamptons because my friend who was supposed to run with me canceled a few weeks ago.  So I was basically a zombie at the start of the race due to sleep deprivation.  It was a beautiful day and a gorgeous course, though, so once I warmed up I really enjoyed the race.  I had never been to the Hamptons before, but I definitely want to go back.  I kept looking to see if I could spot the Barefoot Contessa's house, or Ina Garten herself, but no dice.  I did get some beautiful glimpses of the ocean!

Here are some pictures from the race.  What an unflattering race outfit (that shirt just hits right at my widest point), although I do look happy!

Lucky Number 29970

I got my bib number and corral assignment for the marathon!  Ahhh!  This makes it so REAL!
               
I'm in the second wave, on the upper level of the Verrazano Bridge.  SCORE!  Apparently all 3 waves of the marathon have runners on the upper and lower levels of the bridge at the start, but your color is what determines whether you go over or under the bridge to start.  Blue and orange go over and green goes under.  

It is wonderfully lucky that I get to start on the upper level for two reasons: 
1. Great views at the start of the marathon
2. Apparently people on the top level pee off the side of the bridge, and you could get splashed if you're on the lower level.  Ewwww. So many people have warned me about this and I was really really scared that I'd have to add this to my worries on marathon morning.  


So I guess 29970 is my new lucky number!

20 Miles is FAR

Every weekend, I have big plans to do my long run on Saturday morning.  And every weekend, without fail, I procrastinate until I'm doing my long run as late as possible on Sunday.  This weekend was no exception.  I fully intended to go for my long run of 20 miles on Saturday morning.  But then I looked at the weather report and Sunday's weather looked so much better and plus I reaaaaally didn't want to do 20 miles on Saturday so...sure enough, at 3:30pm on Sunday afternoon I was finally dragging myself out the door.  And the weather was really nice on Sunday.  It was perfect running weather.  And my run was actually really good.  I have found that I really need the walking breaks that I let myself take while I refuel during my run, but I have stopped feeling guilty for taking them.  I'm not running the marathon because I want an amazing finish time.  I just want to finish, and will probably walk a little bit during the race itself if that's what it takes to get me to the finish.

Anyway, 20 miles is really really far.  Further than I thought, incidentally, because when I mapped out my path online after I got back I found out that I only ran 19 miles.  Oh well, it was still a productive run, and was the longest I've ever gone in my life.  I didn't really have an appetite afterward, but headed to Brooklyn for dinner with Jonathan anyway. One whiff of the delicious dumplings at Yun Nan Flavor Snack and my appetite was back with a vengeance.  Yun Nan Flavor Snack is consistently rated to have the best dumplings in all of New York City and just so happens to be right near my brother's apartment, lucky for us.  We ate dumplings and noodles while watching the highlights of the Eagles game (I'm now fully on board with Michael Vick after this week!).  All in all a nice little Sunday. 

This week is an easy week, ending with a half-marathon in the Hamptons on Saturday.  I have decided not to race the half-marathon full speed, because I don't want to injure myself and have been having a bit of IT band pain.  It should be a fun race either way and a nice change from my usual running trails on the Hudson River Park and Central Park:

Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: rest
Friday: rest
Saturday: half-marathon (13.1)
Sunday: rest

Oh, P.S.

Did you notice?  I reached my fundraising goal!  Whoo hoo!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed.  It means so much to me and to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to have your support.  And there's no penalty for going over my goal, so please feel free to continue to donate!

I Want to Ride my Bicycle Bicycle Bicycle...

In case you're wondering, I'm still sick of running.  I'm so thankful that today is a day off and that tomorrow I only have to run 5 miles instead of 8.  I am trying so hard not to think about Saturday when I have to run 20, and am just hoping I have the motivation to drag myself out there to do it.  

But anyway...

Recently I have been thinking a lot about bike riders.  Generally, as a pedestrian on the streets of NYC, I hate them.  Nothing angers me more than when bicyclists come flying through the cross-walk when pedestrians have the walk signal.  If you are going to ride your bike on city streets, you have to follow the rules.  You are not immune to the giant red stop light, and you certainly cannot run these red lights when innocent people are trying to cross the street.  I do not think it's my duty to look every time I cross the street when I have the walk signal, just to make sure a bicyclist is not breaking the law.  I understand that it's a pain in the ass to stop at lights, but that's the price you pay for riding your bike instead of taking the subway. 

And if that's not bad enough, they're generally terrors on the pedestrian paths in Central Park and the Hudson River Park.  They come careening by, sometimes two or three in a horizontal row, as if they have sole privileges to enjoy the path.  The fact that there need to be signs all over the Hudson River Park instructing riders and walkers to "share the path" is unbelievable.  And certainly the bike riders aren't doing it.  I fear for my life every time I cross the path to enter/exit the park, as these bikes come flying by faster than cars. 

I generally keep my feelings of rage to myself, and actively hold myself back from living out my dream of kicking a bicycle as its rider rides into a crowded crosswalk.  It's a struggle, believe me.

But lately, I have made friends with the enemy.  Specifically, Tessa:

Ridden by this bundle of love:

I couldn't help but be impressed as I heard this road warrior's tales of racing home on Tessa in flip-flops to beat a thunderstorm, getting respect from random car drivers commenting on her speed.  I delighted in hearing how she reprimands cars that don't obey the bike lane rules, and praises those who follow the rules especially well (SUCH a teacher...)

And just like that, yesterday I was standing on the corner at Astor Place, contemplating a coffee, when I heard a voice.  "BIKE LANE!"  I looked up to see a bicyclist swerve around me as I stood on the corner.  Then I looked down.  Sure enough, I was standing off the curb, directly in the bike lane:

Incidentally, the only picture of the Astor Place bike lane shows a car parked in the lane, but I was standing exactly where that car was parked when this interaction took place. 

For the first time, I realized that maybe pedestrians are just as annoying to bicyclists are they are to us.  That they are dealing with swerving around cars as well as dumb people who are oblivious to bike lanes.  That some are road warriors fighting daily battles of road etiquette.  Therefore, I'm calling a truce with all the bicyclists of the city.  And I'll try to stay out of the bike lane when I leave work today.

Burned Out

I haven't written in awhile, and it's because I am so sick of running.  I'm stuck in a rut of feeling burned out, both mentally and physically.  After my long run on Sunday, I started feeling a twinge on the side of my right knee.  Not really too painful, but the muscle just felt sore.  I'm not sure if something is wrong with my knee or not, but it felt okay when I ran today.  I have been using my foam roller and taking lots of time to stretch, so hopefully it's fine by the time I do my long run on Saturday (20 miles, good lord).

Today when I was running 5 miles I completely burned out - just did NOT want to be running anymore - and walked home after only doing about 3 and a half.  13 weeks into my training program (with 6 weeks left to go) I am just low on motivation.  I am tired of having to figure out when I'm going to go running each day.  I'm tired of it being an obligation, rather than something I'm enjoying.  I'm tired of missing my yoga class and pilates class.  I'm just...tired. 

Weekly Training Plan:
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 8 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles (well, actually only 3.5)
Thursday: Spin
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 20 miles

Total mileage: 43 miles

Weekly Training Plan

I am sore today.  I felt a little stiff when I got out of bed this morning, but I really noticed it when I was trying to rush down the stairs of the subway station to catch the R train to work.  I wonder if it means that I didn't stretch enough or whether it's normal to be so sore?  I was sore after my 15-miler as well, but I did a lot more stretching/foam-rollering and relaxed in the steam room at Equinox.  Yesterday I took an ice bath after my 17-miler, but it was so cold in the bath and I was so chilly after running in the rain that I only stayed in the ice bath for about 5 minutes.  I heard somewhere that you're supposed to eat bananas to ward off being sore after a hard workout, so maybe I'll try that next week.

This week is another increase in mileage.  Training is getting intense!  My shorter runs that I do on Monday/Wednesday have increased to 5 miles and the Tuesday/Friday runs are 8 miles. It's difficult to do longer weekday runs before work, which is my preferred workout time.  I have started doing the 8-milers after work, but I'm never that enthused about heading out for a run after a long day of lawyering.  Thankfully, this week is the first week in ages that I won't be traveling or out-of-town, so I should have no trouble fitting in my workouts.

Weekly Training Plan
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 8 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: Spin
Friday: 8 miles
Saturday: 18 miles
Sunday: Rest!

Total: 42 miles

Rainy Running

I was in Washington D.C. this weekend for my friend Sheila's bachelorette party, and I didn't get the chance to do my long run before I got there.  I was coming to D.C. from the suburbs of Boston where I spent the Jewish holiday, and it was difficult enough to do my 8-mile run on Friday let alone a 17-miler on Saturday.  I was seriously nervous about my 17-miler after a night of partying in D.C. and then a 5 hour drive back to NYC today.

The bachelorette was really fun last night.  The best part was that Sheila really loved all the activities her sisters planned for her, and it was so much fun to celebrate such an exciting occasion in my dear friend's life.  So many Sig Taus were there to share in the fun!

Sheila!

I usually get a little out of hand with the drinking when my best friends from college and I get together, but I managed to control myself last night and only had a few drinks spread through the night.  Before bed I drank a Powerade Zero, and even though I didn't get a good night's rest because we went to bed so late and left for NYC so early in the morning, I was able to eat a bagel and drink lots of water during the ride.  I took a little nap when I got back to the city, and then, despite the fact that it was raining, off I went to run 17 miles.

After talking with Katie, Anne Marie and Sarah, I learned that it's okay to stop to walk and regroup during long runs.  I think this advice directly resulted in me having a good run today.  I was tired and hated being in the rain, but I took it nice and slow and walked a little several times to drink water and eat my delicous Powerbar Gel Blasts.  I also ran a slightly different course thanks to Katie's advice, and saw the West Side Highway north of 59th Street for the first time.  It was beautiful up there!  I'm not going to lie, 17 miles felt far, but I was not dead by the end of it and it wasn't the torture that I was dreading it to be.  Thank goodness for my wonderful marathon expert friends!

Weekend Recap & Weekly Training Plan

This past weekend I was supposed to do an 11-mile run on Saturday.  Not a big deal, especially considering I had run 15 miles the week before.  However, as I was running by the ferry terminal for Governor's Island, which was crowded with people, I tripped on the curb and fell.  I skinned my knee and my hands, and bumped my head on the curb.  Anyone who's close with me knows that I had an awful week last week, and this was just the last straw.  I got up, assured the giant audience of people who witnessed the fall that I was okay, and limped home with blood dripping down my leg.  I hate being a quitter, but how awful is that?  I just could not make myself keep going.  I was in pain and did NOT want to be running anymore.  So I missed my long run on Saturday, and then felt guilty for the rest of the weekend because of it.  This weekend I am supposed to do 17 miles, and I am just hoping I'm able to do it after missing my long run last weekend.

Weekly Training Plan:
Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: 8 miles (it felt sooo long for a midweek run!)
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: rest
Friday: 8 miles (should be interesting, as I'll be in Wayland, Mass far away from running trails!)
Saturday: rest
Sunday: 17 miles

Total: 41 miles

Random Thoughts

1.  It's really annoying when people are condescending about my inexperience with marathon running, slash think they are the expert on my training.  For example, on Tuesday I had some time to kill at Grand Central, and popped into the running store.  I've been reading a lot about compression socks/tights and was curious to find out more information.  I was approached immediately by a rotund 20-something guy who asked if he could help me.  I asked him to tell me about the benefits of compression socks, and he scoffed in my face.  He asked what I was training for, and I said a marathon.  "Which marathon?" he asked skeptically.  When I replied that I was training for the New York marathon, he kind of laughed and asked if it was my first.  When I said yes, he chuckled again and asked how many miles I was running.  I told him that my longest run so far has been 15 miles, and that I am following the Hal Higdons Intermediate training plan.  He scratched his goatee and said that 15 was too far for this stage in the training.  He then launched into a lecture on how many 20-mile runs I should be doing and when, and that I need a water belt, and that I should start using GU gels and that I certainly DON'T need compression socks and it wasn't even worth telling me about them.  SO annoying!!!  I think Hal Higdons, who won 4 World Masters Championships, probably knows what he's talking about in his training schedules.  I just wanted to see some compression socks, not be patronized by someone who's probably never run a marathon before. 


2.  I recently read this article on the long-term damage caused by wearing high heels.  We've always known that heels aren't the best, but a recent study showed that wearing heels puts extra pressure on a woman's knee joints, increasing her risks for joint degeneration and osteo arthritis.  It's been shown that heels change a woman's posture, making her ankles tilt inward which destabilizes them. A different study found that regularly wearing heels could make women less efficient at more flat-shoed activities, such as running.  Yikes.  I love my Manolos, but I think I'm going to try to lay off them for awhile, at least until after the marathon.

Roof Deck Fundraiser!

My fundraiser on Friday was such a hit!  I always get mild social anxiety about hosting parties, like, what if no one comes, or if they come but don't have fun, etc. Throw in the fact that I'm trying to raise money, and that just makes it all the more stressful.  This party, however, was so surprisingly easy and I ended up making more money than any of my previous fundraisers.  It was a beautiful night and a great crowd - I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.

The real secret to my success was the fact that all the alcohol (except for a Heineken mini-keg) were donated by my local wine store.  The manager of the store was so helpful in coordinating with one of her wine distributors, and I had the choice of several varieties of wine.  My favorite summertime wine is rosé, so I made sure there was plenty, and I had lots of white and red wine, too.  And although I hadn't thought of it, Steph, the eternal party-planning guru, thought that my guests would want snacks, and she brought over a variety of dips that she'd made.  She also made bread and brought pita chips and regular chips.  I cut up some crudité, and by the end of the party there was not a scrap of food remaining.

Steph, Christine and Jenna came early to help me set up.  Thanks guys! :)

The spread

Steph and Emily played their iPods on my little speaker system, and everyone chatted and mingled and enjoyed the beautiful view.

The view - for some reason it never looks as pretty when I take a picture of it as it does in real life!

New friends were made, and bicycle sales were negotiated.

Amal (she's kind of a big deal) and Jonathan, her biggest fan

Joe, Carrie, Nicole, Sarah, Amal and me

Lots of us wore white in honor of the last weekend before Labor Day weekend.

White and turquoise snugs

Amal, Carrie and me

I can't believe I don't have a single picture of Anne Marie, who wins the award for most dedicated supporter.  She traveled all the way from Philly for the fundraiser!  Lizz also wins for bringing the most friends to my party.

Thank you so much to everyone who came!  I'm so close to my goal!

Farmers Tans & Weekly Training Plans

I am planning to write a separate post about my fundraiser on Friday, but I wanted to say thank you to everyone who came!  It was so much fun and we made $500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Only $161 to go before my goal!

Saturday morning I woke up early and headed out for my longest run to date - 15 miles.  I was dreading this run so very much after last week's painful 14-miler, but I forced myself out the door nonetheless.  I decided to run along the West Side Highway for this run, since my dad was coming around lunchtime and I didn't want to have to take the subway home from Central Park.  From the start, the run felt heaps better than last week.  I ran along the Hudson River, around the bottom of the island, and then up along the East River to the Williamsburg Bridge and back.  At this point, I'd gone about 9 miles, and still felt good.  I continued up the Hudson River Park to 42nd Street and then back down to where I started.  By the last mile, my legs were really feeling it, but I was able to finish and then walk shakily back to my apartment for some Gatorade and stretching.

I think I had a better run for a few reasons.  I'm getting used to running with the dreaded, dorky-looking water belt (I had to get one - the hand-held water bottle drives me nuts!), I switched from Chomps to Powerbar Gel Blasts, which I think taste so much better and are less dense, and the course had fewer hills than last week.  The belt/chews reasons are good, but I need to practice long-running on hills, since the NYC Marathon is a hilly course.  Next weekend I'll be back in Central Park to take on those Harlem Hills.  And I'll also be applying more sunscreen since I now have a horrible farmers tan!

This week is my third step-back, and I'm so glad.  My legs are still a little sore from Saturday!

Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: Spin
Friday: 7 mile pace
Saturday: 11 miles
Sunday: REST!

Midweek Report

After that 14-miler last weekend, I was feeling a little down on the whole marathon training thing.  I'm 8 weeks into an 18-week program, and it seems like I've been training forever.  But then yesterday I had a great 7-mile run and it reminded me how much I love to run.  The weather was crisp and cool, almost autumn-like, and I felt the stress of the past week melting away.  I can't wait for fall; it's my favorite season! 

Today I am home in Bethlehem, PA for my dad's 82nd birthday, so I did my Wednesday 4-miler by the Lehigh Canal.  I used to struggle to find places to run at home.  My mom lives in a housing development, but running around the neighborhood gets boring really quickly.  My dad lives in the woods, but there aren't sidewalks and the country roads are super narrow and dangerous for pedestrians.  When I was home earlier in the summer I asked the employees at the local running store about running paths.  They gave me a ton of information on where to run, and I have really enjoyed exploring their recommendations.  It does make sense that the town where Runner's World Magazine is produced would have a plethora of good trails out there, but I just never knew about any of them until recently. 

The Lehigh Canal towpath is by far my favorite trail.  The canal was constructed in the 1820s to carry anthracite coal from the Lehigh Valley to urban markets of the Northeast, especially Philadelphia.  The path is 46 miles long, so its perfect for long runs.  Often when I do my long runs in NYC, I wish I could be at home on the Lehigh Canal towpath instead.  I love running along a path that's rich with history, surrounded by trees, plants, and fresh air.  Now I feel refreshed and ready for my 15-miler on Saturday. 

Weekly Training Plan

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired. When you were younger the mind could make you dance all night, and the body was never tired...You've always got to make the mind take over and keep going."  - George S. Patton, U.S. Army General and 1912 Olympian

On Saturday I ran 14 miles, which was my longest run ever.   It felt FAR and was way more difficult than I expected.  I thought that if I just went nice and slow it'd be fine, but by mile 9 I was *so* ready to be done.  I had a caffeine headache, was climbing the Harlem hills in Central Park, and could not believe I still had 5 miles left.  I actually had to stop and take a little walking break, which I don't usually have to do when I run.  I filled up my water bottles and collected myself, then continued on my way.  The promise of a soy misto at Starbucks after the run kept me going, and I made it to the end.  I cannot believe that on November 7th I'm going to be able to run 14 miles plus 12 more.  Heck, I can't believe that this Saturday I'm going to be able to run 15!  I feel a little bit overwhelmed at the moment. 

Here's this week's training plan:

Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: 7 miles
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: spin
Friday: 7 miles
Saturday 15 miles

Total: 37 miles (ahhh!)

With a Wink and a Nod

This weekend my training fell apart.  I missed my weekend long run, but in my defense, I had a really good reason.  I was planning on running on Sunday, but on Saturday my left eye was really hurting me.  It was red and watery, and stung terribly.  I was on a bus to Philly to visit my best friend Neha, and when I arrived, I took out my contact and it started to feel a little better.  By Sunday morning though, it was worse.  The pain was so awful that Neha suggested we get it checked out at Wills Eye Hospital.  After being examined by two residents and an attending physician, it was determined that I scratched my cornea.  The doctors think that some foreign object became lodged under my contact, and when I rubbed my eye I scratched my cornea.  Today I am finally starting to feel a little better, but it's hard to look at a computer screen or my cell phone for too long.  I can't wear a contact in my left eye for awhile - at least a week. 

My first thought when I found out that I couldn't put my contact in was how the heck am I going to run this week?  I am blind as a bat without my contacts, but my glasses aren't exactly cut out for running.  My brother Jonathan suggested that I wear one contact - in my good eye, obviously - so that I can at least see where I'm going.  I tried it today and it was a little fuzzy and headache-inducing, but not as bad as I thought it was going to be.  Unfortunately, this week is an increase in mileage, so it's going to be a lot of one-eyed running.  I really felt like I was winking at everyone on the running path this morning!  I guess that'll just be my style this week.

This week's training plan -
Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: 7 miles
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: Spin
Friday: 7 miles
Saturday: 14 miles
Sunday: Much deserved rest!

Little Bit of Venting

You know what really irks me?  When people who are not running the marathon give their commentary on how insane/crazy/stupid it is to run so many miles.  This has happened to me a lot lately, especially at work.  I don't really need commentary on what I choose to do with my free time.  I don't judge my boss for spending her free time watching the Sci-Fi network whilst measuring the daily growth of her houseplants.  Well, to be fair, I DO judge her for that, I just keep my opinions to myself.   Also, I really dislike the "how can you run in this HEAT???" that I get a lot.  It is hot outside, hotter than I'd like it to be, but I don't really have a choice.  I signed up for this marathon, and I am on a training schedule that requires me to get out there and run.  Sometimes I myself wonder whether I'm crazy for doing all this, but with 12 weeks to go before the marathon, I have to just keep pushing and know that I'm doing it for an amazing cause and that I'll feel so great when I've done it.  So keep your nay-saying opinions to yourself, please!

Summer Streets & Weekly Training Plan

 This weekend was the first weekend of Summer Streets, an event sponsored by NYC Dot where Park Avenue/4th Ave/Lafayette Street is closed from Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge and runners, walkers and bikers can take to the streets.  It was awesome - there were swimming pools set up near Grand Central, bands playing along Park Ave, and all sorts of activities along the way.  My long run was 12 miles, which meant that I ran from the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd Street and then over to Central Park up to 91st St. and back.  There was so many new sights to see that the run flew by, and before I knew it I was done.  By far the coolest part was running up Park Ave to Grand Central, then through the tunnel to the other side.

In other news, last week was the first week in awhile that I actually did all my scheduled runs.  The new workout schedule is a success!  This week is another step-back week (thank goodness), so here's the schedule, my 6th official week of marathon training (of 18 weeks total...yikes!):

Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: Spin
Friday: 6 miles
Saturday: 9 miles
Sunday: Rest

Total: 26 miles

Expert Advice

I am so glad I ran into my friend Katie on the Esplanade yesterday, because she gave me some mind blowing advice about my running schedule.  She suggested that I do my weekend runs on Friday/Saturday instead of Saturday/Sunday.  That way I can stay out late on Saturday night and take off all day Sunday worry-free.  It's amazing that I never thought of this solution myself, but there it is. 

Katie is a Sig Tau - a member of my group of friends from college.  Sig Tau is a special group to mention in my running blog because the majority of the members of the group are runners.  Three of the members - Katie, Anne Marie and Sarah - are marathon runners who have completed more than one marathon.  Katie and Anne Marie ran so fast that they qualified for, and ran this past spring, the Boston Marathon.  They are now training for yet another marathon in Berlin, which will be Anne Marie's fourth and Katie's third.  Of the rest of the girls, I think 4 of us have run at least one 10-miler or half-marathon before.  That's pretty impressive!  Actually, sometimes I have to remind myself that running a marathon is a big deal and a huge accomplishment, because it just seems like so many of my friends have done it and are doing it. 

So here's to my amazing marathon running friends.  Hopefully I get through the next 3 months and am able to join the club!

Katie running the Boston Marathon

Sarah at the Philly Marathon

Anne Marie running the NYC Marathon

Weekly Training Plan

Monday: Spin (and now you know more about it!)
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 6 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 6 miles
Sunday: 12 miles

Total: 30 miles (or 24 if I skip the 6 miler)

Push push push

I love my spin instructor Gregg and his spin class - Terracycle - at Equinox.  Before I started training for the marathon I would go every Friday morning at 7:30am.  Now that I'm on a different workout schedule because of training, I go to Gregg on Monday evenings.  I must say that it really gets me to look forward to Mondays.

Gregg Cook, my spin instructor (taken from his website www.greggcook.com)

Gregg is an extremely motivational instructor, and his advice during class always enters my head as I run.  He tells us to pick a mantra like "push push push" or "go go go" and repeat it as you work out.  He is fond of telling us that there's a level of discomfort that we're comfortable with reaching, and that to see positive changes in our body we have to train ourselves to push past that level.  I think that's true for running as well.  There are times that I'll be running up a hill and thinking that I'm uncomfortable and want to stop or walk.  But then Gregg's voice enters my head and I think "push push push - just relax your shoulders and go go go, yes yes yes!"  Getting past the mental block of "I can't" is difficult, but being cognizant of the block makes it easier to put it aside and keep pushing on.

Speaking of discomfort while running, this past weekend I headed out on Saturday for my 11-miler, but was totally unprepared and forgot to bring water and Chomps (and I hadn't eaten).  Then I missed a turn on my second loop around Central Park, so I ended up running 12 miles instead of 11.  At least I learned that the water fountains in the park are too few and far between to rely upon, which is good to know for future, longer runs.

I also came to the realization that two runs on the weekends probably will just never happen.  This past weekend my dad came on Sunday, meaning that I didn't have the chance to run the 6-miler I was supposed to do.  Next weekend my mom is coming for the weekend, the weekend after that I am going to Philly, the following weekend I have a friend in town...it's never ending!  I think doing what I've said before - the Beginner-II schedule and just adding the second weekend run if I can fit it in - is the best it's going to get.  And at least that way I won't start resenting running because it's something I "have to" do all the time, rather than something I want to do.  It's too early in training to be losing motivation!

Thanks to you!

I just got an email from Team in Training letting me know that I won a TNT visor because I've raised $333 over the past 2 weeks!  Thank you so much to everyone who has donated - I truly appreciate your generosity.  I'm 76% of the way there but still have a long way to go - $927 to be exact.  Keep spreading the word and keep those donations coming! Hopefully lots of people come out to my fundraiser on Friday, August 27th on my Tribeca roof deck.  I will send a save the date out soon!

On a different note, I am more than a little anxious about the prospect of running 26.2 miles in a little over 3 months.  Sometimes I wonder what I am getting myself into.  This video, which takes you on a journey through the marathon course, is pretty cool and inspirational but totally freaks me out.  This article by Bob Glover on the NYC Marathon website is also pretty scary.  He talks about the difficulty of the course, specifically mentioning the hills, wind, crowds, the logistics...by the end I am sufficiently nervous.  I really need to start doing more work on hills.  In the meantime, however, I really need to stop sitting at home in my apartment researching scary things about the marathon.  I have to keep pushing on and trust that Hal Higdons will get me to that finish line!  101 days to go...

Weekend Review & Weekly Training Plan

I need to figure out some way to manage my weekends.  I'm doing Hal Higdon's Intermediate I Training Plan, which calls for weekday runs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and then weekend runs on both Saturday and Sunday.  I'm usually pretty wiped out by Friday after all the early morning runs during the week, so a low-key Friday night is never difficult.  My big problem is that I always want to have a big night out on Saturday night, and inevitably end up staying out late and drinking too much before I have to wake up on Sunday to do my long run (which is probably the most important run of the week).  Last weekend I couldn't get out of bed on Sunday morning to run, and was forced to do my 9-miler after a day spent on the beach.  Needless to say, I was super dehydrated and the run was miserable.  This Sunday, I was so hungover from all the it-seems-like-a-great-idea-at-the-time tequila shots on Saturday night that I ended up doing my long run this morning (on Monday).  With the mileage jumping to 11 miles this coming Sunday, I cannot let this happen anymore.  I am either going to have to go down a level to Hal's Beginner II marathon training plan, which is the same as the Intermediate I minus the double weekend run, or get serious and stop drinking on Saturday nights.  To be honest, I'm not sure what my decision will be.  It might be a weekly decision - it can't hurt to use the beginner schedule as a base and do an extra day of running if it's a quiet weekend.

That being said, being ambitious about my willpower to avoid the bottle next Saturday night, here's the week's training plan:

Monday: Spin
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 6 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 6 miles at marathon pace
Sunday: 11 miles

Total: 29 miles

Timing

I never used to be a runner who was very concerned with time.  I'm certainly not the fastest runner (although my dad thinks I am - without fail every time I run a race he asks if there's a chance I'll win).  And I never really used to take much notice of my pacing during training runs.  As long as I was covering the distance, I was happy.

But this has all changed with my new Garmin GPS watch.  It shows you how fast you're going, beeps every mile, and after the run displays on a website all your mile splits, a map of your exact running route, and even your heart rate.  For a Type-A person such as myself, this device is a dream.  However, it's made me slightly obsessed with how fast I'm going - whether it's because I'm trying to go slower on "easy run" days, or trying to go "marathon speed" on other days.  I don't even really know what's a realistic pace to expect for a marathon - heck, I'll be happy to just finish the thing.  But being able to track my pacing with the watch has really changed the way I run by throwing a little bit of accountability into the mix.  Accountability just to myself (and the people monitoring the GPS airwaves), but still. 

All in all, it's an amazing thing.  I love being able to go out for a run without mapping out the course beforehand and having the watch tell me when I've gone the right distance.  And I really do appreciate knowing my pace, because its about time I learn how to pace myself for slow runs and tempo runs.  But I think that sometimes, as a treat, I may just leave it at home and let my legs carry me at the speed they feel is right.

Me, at the CPC Run for Central Park 4 Miler last Saturday.  I didn't win, but I did come in 1649th place with a time of 33:32!

Closer to the Cure...

I officially have less than $1,000 to raise!  Only $975 to go.  Thank you to everyone for donating to this great cause - please keep it up!

Weekly Training Plan

This week is a "stepback week," where you cut mileage slightly to allow yourself to gather your energy for the next push upward in mileage.  Next week the long run jumps to 11 miles.

Monday: Spin
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 5 miles at marathon pace
Sunday: 6 miles

Total: 22 miles

SAVE THE DATE

It's official: My next fundraiser will be a champagne and wine party on my roof deck in Tribeca (view pictured above) on Friday, August 27th.  Stay tuned for details!

Remembering the Cause

Since marathon training has officially started, it's easy to focus on the running, and on my gripes about the running.  Especially when it's way too hot to even stand outside, let alone run 8 miles out there. 

But it's important for me to keep in mind why I'm running, and that's the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).  I still have $1260 to raise before I reach my fundraising goal of $3800.  As I walked to work today, I resolved that today is the day that I'm going to plan my next fundraiser.  And send out more donation emails to friends and family.  And offer to walk more dogs in my apartment building in exchange for donations.  I've received multiple emails from friends who have told me that LLS has supported their family members who suffer/have suffered from blood cancer, and realizing the importance of my cause renews my motivation to reach - and hopefully surpass - my fundraising goal. 

So NYC-area friends (and those close enough to visit) - I'll soon be announcing the date of my next fundraiser, which will be a wine and champagne cocktail party on my roof deck in Tribeca.  I appreciate everyone's support and donations - please spread the word.

Weekly Training Plan

Monday: Spin
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 3 miles + strength training
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 4 miles (I'm doing the Central Park Conservancy Run for Central Park race)
Sunday: 9 miles

Total: 24 miles

Hot Hot Hot

"Running is a lot like life.  Only 10 percent of it is exciting.  90 percent of it is slog and drudge."  - Dave Bedford

The marathon is so far away from right now (almost 4 months to the day!) that it almost doesn't seem real that it's going to happen.  It's so hard to motivate to get out the door and train for something that's so far in the future.  What's made it especially difficult lately is that it's been super hot and humid in NYC.  A stifling hot, with record breaking temperatures.  The kind of hot that gets me to actually turn on my A/C, which I *hate* doing.  I am really not sure how to handle running in these unbearable conditions.  I have been going for runs as early in the morning as possible, but lately it feels like the weather doesn't even cool off overnight.  

A few things motivate me to keep going:

1. Steph's playlists on my iPod.  I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but I'm sick to death of Lady Gaga.  Along with every single other artist/song on my running mix.  Steph's music is fun, different, and gets my legs moving.  Also, I think it probably increases my coolness factor exponentially.
2. GU Chomps.  They're delicious, like energy-packed gummy candy!
3. Eating a Popsicle after a long, hot run.  Nothing says summer like a cold Popsicle.  I wonder how Gatorade Popsicles would turn out.  Might just have to try making some this weekend.
4. My new Garmin GPS watch!  I'm obsessed. 

I am going home this weekend, so will be doing my long run (8 miles this week) in Bethlehem, PA.  Hopefully the weather cools off a little!

Weekly training plan

Monday: Spin
Tuesday: 3 mile run (take it slow)
Wednesday: 5 mile run
Thursday: 3 mile run and strength training
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 5 mile pace (run at marathon pace)
Sunday: 8 miles (take it slow)

The Things I've Seen

This weekend on my long runs I saw Jon Stewart and his son walking out of their home in Tribeca AND a guy proposing to his girlfriend on the Brooklyn Bridge!  What luck!  I was tempted to attack Jon with the news that we went to the same college and that I was the one squealing in the studio audience of his show when he talked about the W&M mascot, but I was really proud of myself for showing restraint and not saying anything beyond the "good morning" that we exchanged (!!!).  I did, however, hover awkwardly around the couple on the Brooklyn Bridge to see if she would say yes, which she did.

Also, Carrie and I registered for the Hamptons Half Marathon on October 2nd, and I could not be more excited.  I've never been to the Hamptons before and the half marathon course is supposed to be beautiful.

Power of the Cure?

Triumph over adversity, throughout the years:


Melinda and I ran/walked 3 miles yesterday on Wall Street, for Heart Disease.

Victorious race time?
...well, not exactly (too many people + hot and humid conditions = abominable result).

One step closer to the cure?
...every single day!

Running in Shanghai

I'm back in NYC after a great trip to China.  It was really difficult to find the time to go running, but I managed to squeeze in a few runs and did a ton of walking.  My favorite runs were in Shanghai, along the Bund, which is the name of the path along the Huangpu River.  One side of the Bund looks like Europe - with beautiful old looking buildings:

The other side of the Bund, the Pudong District, is ultra modern, with a unique skyline that includes the Oriental Pearl Tower:

I ran along the Bund in the early mornings, around 5:30am.  Surprisingly, there were always a lot of people out along the Bund at that hour.  Tons of people (mostly older folks) would be out flying kites in the misty morning sky, and I would have to dodge the thin strings that held them up.  There were running clubs of men dressed in matching outfits, who would shout "zǎo shang hǎo!" aka "good morning!" in Mandarin to me as I ran by.  There were girls in heavy makeup teetering on 4-inch heels, coming home from a late night on the town.  I never once saw another Westerner, and often people would gape and sometimes snap my photo as I trotted along.  Despite the unwelcome snapshots, it was peaceful being out in Shanghai in the early morning, before the hoards of Chinese tourists in town for the World Expo would emerge from their hotel rooms for a day of sightseeing.

I think going for a run is one of the best ways to explore a new city or town.  It was a nice change from my same-old run along the Hudson River Park, and now that I'm back my old path seems exciting again.  Which is good, because marathon training kicks into high gear next week. 

China

I just got back from a week in the Caribbean, and am leaving for China on Friday morning.  While googling around to find out good places to run in Beijing, I came across this information from a runner complaining of the smog:  "After your first few weeks here, you may start to develop a light cough/hack. Fortunately, once you go home it seems to go away after a few days"  Hmmm.  Even though I am only going to be in China for two weeks, I think I'll stick to the treadmill. 

Karaoke Fundraiser

I have never been a fan of karaoke.  I think my first real exposure to it was when I was living in Japan in high school and all my friends dragged me to a karaoke parlor where they made me sing all the American songs like Backstreet Boys and Britney while they chimed in for the chorus.  In college I was a waitress at a bar that had karaoke on Friday nights, but I never participated since I was always either working or avoiding the bar in order to go out elsewhere with my friends.  So when Steph Opitz told me her idea to do a fundraiser at a karaoke place, I was a teensy bit skeptical.  She assured me that karaoke is really fun, and that in Minnesota her friends do it all the time.  In fact, she was having a bunch of MN friends visit the city on June 5th, so why not do it then?

The karaoke fundraiser was this past Saturday, and I can officially say that it was one of the most fun nights I've had in awhile.  I learned that it's not a fluke that my friends Steph and Jenna, hailing from Minnesota, are so fun and beautiful.  There must be something in the water in the Land of 10000 Lakes, because every last one of Steph and Jenna's friends was as fun and beautiful as the two of them.  I was glad that so many of my own wonderful friends - and my big brother Jonathan - could make it out, too.  To my surprise, I found myself jumping up to sing some of the songs that DJs Steph and Jonathan put on the list, and by the end of the party I didn't want it to end.  The best part?  I made $400 for my cause.

Thank you to everyone who came, I hope you had fun.  I will post details soon about my next fundraiser - it's already in the works!