Big News Comes in Twos?

I wanted the title of this post to be “Big News Comes in Threes” since that’s the magic number that things usually happen in, but unfortunately, after today I’ll be out of announcements…at least for the foreseeable future.

Yesterday I confessed that I’m running a Spring Marathon.

I was so excited over sharing that news and I wanted to badly to reveal my other exciting registration over the last few days, but decided to give it to you in doses. You need SOME reason to return to my ramblings day in and day out, right?

So in May, I’ll run my second 26.2. And a few weeks later in June, I’ll spend a weekend in Bloomfield, CT learning the ins and outs of being a certified running coach! Woot woot! Shameless plug: if you know of ANYONE who may want to leave their couch on a Saturday in the near future and attempt a mile run, a 5k, 10k or any other running distance, please, think of me.

I realize that there are 48025839045 other coaches living and running in NYC (fun fact: Celia is taking the same class as me, and I’m stoked to have a travel buddy) and the “competition” will be high as far as finding friends and clients who want silly ol‘ me to guide them in their quest to pound some pavement, but no matter what happens post certification, it will be AWESOME to add that line to my email signature: “RRCA Certified Coach.”

I may not be able to decide what I want to go to grad school for (much less where, when, etc…) but I do know, that for the last year and some months, amongst all of the applications to various publishing/writing/editing jobs in and around New York City (again, talk about a flurry of competition!) and all of the gentle and not-so-gentle rejections, running has been the one thing in my life that has worked. It is the one thing I feel truly, without a doubt (which is pretty much unheard of in the indecisive world of marathonwiner) passionate about, and successful in. So regardless of where this certification takes me (if anywhere), it’s one more thing I can add on to my running resume, and feel proud of myself for. Big thanks to RRCA and the sport of running for the much needed confidence boost.

Speaking of running (really, do I talk about much else?)…it’s a good thing it’s a cutback week because ever since I returned from Key West my body has been fighting the cooler weather that is Spring time in New York. For the last four days I’ve had a nasty on-and-off cough and NO voice. It’s making for some really awkward moments at work, specifically when I attempt to answer the phone…

Cutback week, you ask? Yes. I’m sort of following a training schedule(s)/sort of winging things as I go with this whole Buffalo Marathon deal. After achieving the 20 mile run that I needed to register for the race, I created a completely ridiculous and confusing schedule for myself that basically merges the Novice 1, Novice 2 and Intermediate training programs from good ol’ Hal Higdon. Basically, I’ve got the requirements for all three programs written down on a calendar, and on any given day, if I hit one of the three run prescriptions, or a median of the 3, I call it a success. This makes my life much easier, given that it’s wedding season and nearly every single day (and certainly every single weekend) requires some sort of a modification. Yesterday I was supposed to cross-train (which I haven’t done in a week now…oops), but didn’t want the evil glares of fellow gym-goers when they heard my black lung cough, so instead I went for a run. And accidentally ran 9 miles instead of the Novice 1/2′s median suggestion of 4.5. Now, I’m hoping the anti-hacking drugs I just popped will keep the cough at bay long enough for me to log some much-needed time on the ellitpical at lunch.

You probably didn’t need that hours long explanation of my training/coughing/life, but I figured by making it public I’ll hold myself more accountable.

So there you have it. I’m running a spring marathon. I’m hoping to become a run coach this summer.

I’m probably out of big news for the next 6 months. I apologize in advance, but please stop back from time to time and say hello so I don’t feel like a big waste of internet space.

Happy Tuesday kids! Make it a good one.

 

 

 

Now What?

Runner’s World sent an e-blast this morning that essentially mirrored one of my post-marathon write-ups regarding PMD, and essentially every other thought that’s crossed my mind since Nov.12th:

i've asked myself that question every day for the last 10 days. holy crap. it's been 10 days??

Apparently I’m not the only one who equates race-day excitement to Christmas morning. And post-race depression to the after-holiday haze.

And my being one of those people is the reason it’s taken me until 11:30 to get myself writing a post for today.

I spent a good hour or so covering the dirt paths of a quiet and overcast Central Park this morning, racking my brain for ideas of something to write about once I finished.

I didn’t do anything cool and NY-ish last night. I had a late night at work, plugged away for a bit on the elliptical and went home to have a bowl of cereal for dinner. Not exciting at all.

I wanted to try a spin class as part of my plan to “use this month of downtime to train in fitness areas outside of running.” Spin class was filled. Fail.

I banged out 6-ish miles on my favorite running route this morning. Big deal. I’ve done that a few times in the last two weeks. It wasn’t part of a marathon training plan so I can’t even mention Hal’s name when rehashing it to you. And you’re probably bored by the rehashing.  You probably don’t care or need to know that I was way overdressed for the warm weather this morning or that my glutes are still a little tight from The Marathon but overall, I felt comfortable, and good. And like my legs are getting back to normal and I really, realllly want to hit a distance higher than 6 in the near future.

So last week PMD left little hints that he was planning on making an appearance in my life in the near future. I acknowledged those hints for about 5 seconds, then pushed them aside and started gushing about my marathon again. If you want to see another picture of my medal, I’m happy to show you. Or perhaps you’d rather take a peek at my sweet marathon-worthy tshirt:

this shirt won me two awesome friends on Race Day. their names are larry and tracey. you knew that because i talked about them 24/7 last week and still hope they will stumble upon this blog some day and say hi to me.

But this week, despite my trying to convince him not to come–my NYC apartment is way too tiny, and my life is too busy since I finally have a real job and the holidays approaching–PMD moved in anyway. The jerk.

Luckily I’m only one more boring run around the reservoir (please note that my whining about my “monotonous” runs these days have nothing to do with how I feel on them or the route–I love them, just hate boring you), half a workday, and one very long and potentially frightening Chinatown bus away from the greatest holiday of all time with the most fun fam in the world:

raise your hand if YOUR thanksgiving includes props?

there are no words. but everyone’s welcome. so if youre interested in having the best turkey day of your life, let me know and book a chinatown bus ticket.

I’m 100% positive that this weekend will convince PMD that I don’t need him in my life. I have plenty of other things to make me happy. Like the people you see above, and many, many more. Not to mention…the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, pumpkin bread, delicious food, board games and of course, wine.

 

I plan to come back happy, refreshed and miles away from that nasty PMD. And I plan to come back with a gameplan on how I’ll tackle this next month of non-running focused fitness, but also a gameplan on how to get back up to 8 miles, and 10 miles and more. Not just for me, but for you reading about my recaps on it.  

 

In the meantime, for putting up with me and my PMD-afflicted self, you get the chance to win free delciousness. Friday’s giveaway is still on, and readers can continue to enter until it closes tonight. A winner will be announced in the morning!

 

Have a very happy Tuesssssday kids! I may not, thanks to the unwanted guest I’ve got, but I still certainly hope you do!!

Only Crazy People Run Marathons

That may be true.

But everyone’s a little crazy.

Does that mean everyone should run a marathon? No.

But CAN anyone run a marathon? Yes.

So for day 4 of my binge of post-marathon glow ranting, we will discuss how anyone can run a marathon. And the benefits that come along with it.

Seriously, I was never, ever a runner. I’m pretty sure my own parents had to hide a chuckle when I used to run the short distance from first base to second base in pee wee softball. And things never improved. When I played basketball for a rec league I’m pretty sure I NEVER made a break away for a lay up. The court was too far for me to run too fast. And I hated running. So there’s that.

I won’t re-bore you with the details of how I got hooked on running. You can read all that here (oh, and that friend who convinced me to sign up for my first 5k? coming into town this weekend…yay!).

And I’ve written plenty of posts on how moving to NYC made it impossible for someone like myself (who had had a little taste of distance running with my first half marathon and Ragnar Relay) to NOT get into the running scene. And shortly after, intrigued by the marathon.

So say you’re crazy enough to enjoy running a little bit. And you’re crazy enough to join a running group, or try a race for the first time. That’s all you need to get the itch to run a little faster or a little further somewhere down the road. And lots of recreational runners follow that pattern. They start out at 1 mile. Then 3, then 6, then 13. And sometimes the running stops there and the excuses start.

“I’m not in shape enough to run a marathon.” I certainly won’t be the first to tell you, and Runner’s World and Hal Higdon and the rest of the world won’t be the last…in order to begin training for a marathon, the recommended “base” fitness level is being able to run for at least 30 minutes straight. That’s it. If you can run a mile right now–in 15, 11, or 9 minutes. It won’t take you long to work your way up to 3 miles. And BOOM! You’re ready to start.

“My job keeps me too busy.” Ha. I didn’t have the time to waste attempting to make a pie (that I’ve successfully made 43243 times in the past) and fail last night. Twice. But there’s a burnt mess of cold pumpkin and runny egg in the dumpster outside this morning.

Any who. The only time you need to carve out to train for a marathon is time you should be carving out for yourself anyway. If you don’t have one free slot of time in the amount of 30 minutes to upwards of 3 hours in two whole weekend days to give to yourself and the great outdoors, than we need to have a conversation on the side where I tell you to quit your job because life is short and happiness is important. But that’s a lecture for another day. The bottom line is, if you want there to be time, there will be time. A friend of mine is a lawyer, whom–if his job is anywhere near as demanding as the JD’s–we can assume works 80-100 hour weeks. And he completed his first marathon two weeks ago on the very tough streets of New York (awesome job, again!). Alls you need is a weekly long run!

“I don’t have the time to train for a marathon.” How many times did quasi-jokingly chide and berate myself for using Hal’s “easiest” training plan? A lot (let’s be clear though, no marathon training plan is “easy”). But the point is, there are a million different plans out there, and if you want to you will certainly be able to find one that fits into your schedule. Marathon training does NOT need to take over your life, as so many seem to think. Over the course of the last 18 or so weeks, I still managed to travel to places like Chicago and Arkansas, make multiple trips to visit my family in Richmond, spend weekends out on Fire Island, host bachelorette parties and go to weddings, attend cooking and painting classes in the city and do every touristy thing I wanted to do. And still train for a marathon. You can too!

“I’m scared of hurting myself.” Who isn’t? But you can hurt yourself falling in the shower,  or hopping down the subway stairs, or walking down the street. But with marathon training, you’ll be less likely to injure yourself. Because you’ll be eating healthy (well, if you are good and follow a healthy running diet…not saying I did…because I didn’t) and stretching a lot and building muscle and all kinds of other health/scientific words that I don’t have the credentials to be using.

“I’m scared I won’t be fast enough and I’ll disappoint myself.” Oh hi, did you pull that excuse out of my marathonwining mind? Because I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what I said to my mother on Race Day Eve when I was trying to explain why I had a stomach ache. She yelled at me. “You say you LOVEEEE to run and you love it SOOO much that you PAID MONEY to register for this race and YOU TRAINED for allll this time to run a MARATHON! Who cares how fast you do it, as long as you do it? And you will do it fast enough FOR YOU because YOU did the training!”

Or something like that. Well put mom, well put.

And you’re probably saying right now, what I said in response to her: easier said than done. But if you have the slightest twinge of desire to want to run a marathon, you are likely already a runner. And runners always compete with themselves. So whether its not getting the time you want in a 5k or 26.2 miles, the point is the challenge. So what if you don’t get the time you want? You trained and you tried and you challenged yourself to train and to try. And you can always have a rematch.

“I’m scared I won’t finish.” Again. So you don’t finish. If you were scared every single time you got in your car that your car wouldn’t make it to your destination, you’d never leave your house. But you trust your car. So trust your body. And just like sometimes your car is physically unable to keep on chugging on a certain drive for whatever tiny or gigantic reason, your body sometimes needs a tune-up, or a little juice. So you give it a rest and then give it another whirl. Don’t believe me? Ask Dori (and p.s., congrats again, Dori!).

I’m not advocating that everyyyone in the world who likes to lace up some sneaks now and then sign up for a marathon…that’s just crazy. I’m just saying if there’s something you’ve thought about trying–whether its running 26.2 miles, or going back to school, or scuba diving or attempting karaoke– but didn’t for any number of silly reasons…then try it. You’d be really, really surprised what you are capable of. And the feeling of success and achievement that comes after it? There’s absolutely nothing like it.

 

Your turn!

- What’s something that you did that wowed even you?

- What’s something on your bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet? Let’s get worrrkin’ on it!

Marathon Love

I should maybe take a few minutes to chat about my first day at the new job yesterday and thoughts as I prepare for day 2. Or brief you on my return to NYSC last night and the fact that I listened to Hal and only ran 3 easy miles this morning. But I have more important things on my mind.

Like taking a second to say a big fat thank you to so many supportive, awesome people in my life, but more specifically [at least this week] in my marathon training.

So here goes.

Thank you to the “healthy living” blogging community…or whatever you are called. If it weren’t for you (and the many hours of boredom at my first NYC job), I may never have devoted 43243 hours to reading up on Garmins and discovering what the term “negative splits” means. And therefore never gotten hooked enough on the subject of running to ever want to hit that “register” button for the Suntrust Richmond Marathon.

Thank you to my NYC running friends and the random runners who I’ve met along my miles. Whether I met you through NYRR, randomly on the streets of the UWS, through blogging or some other weird and sweaty means, I’m so glad I did. Without you, I’d lose every early battle with my alarm clock, drive all of my non-running friends bat-shit crazy with all of my talk about road runner races, GUs, compression socks and bathroom stops and never have conquered 15, 18 or 21.5 miles.

Thank you to my friends and family who (at least at this point) may even be more excited about Saturday than I am (what can I say, I’m currently more scared shitless than I am giddy with anticipation…). So excited that they are also making the trek from New York to Richmond to come cheer me on. That’s right. I have three very awesome people who are traveling by plane and–even more impressively–by car, to watch me cross the finish line. Words just can’t express how cool that is.

Thank you to my friends and family who my not entirely understand why I run, or the magnitude of attempting a 26.2 mile, but support me and cheer me on anyway by sending me adorable “rah! rah! you kickass!” cards, or reply to my inquiries about whether or not they’ll be able to line up along the racecourse with emails like this: ”Even though I think its ridiculous, I know its important to you duh, and I would be out there at some point to watch, but I have to work.” And then promise to come celebrate the second they get off work. There are also those friends who DO have off, and even though they just tied the knot and are likely still riding the honeymoon high, offer to take a timeout from married life and come to said race. And not just to spectate, but jump in the race to pull me through the terrifying nomansland that is the last 10k. Yeah, I have awesome friends. Really, freaking awesome friends.

Thank you lastly, but certainly (by far) not the least, to the JD. My absolutely 100% amazing bf. Who suffered (and continues to suffer) through my whining for 18+ weeks. Eighteen long weeks of early nights that lead to earlier mornings, long runs, laments about nerves and doubts, unnecessary levels of excitement over PRs and nerdy glove purchases, talking about Hal Higdon as if HE were my boyfriend, and far too many hours spent overanalyzing my training plan/running log. Most normal dudes would have probably peaced out long ago. Or atleast gone crazy and/or turned into a raging alcoholic. But the JD has the patience of a saint. And through all my marathonwining, told me not only that I can run a marathon, but I can kick ass while I do it. And in case that didn’t get me pumped up, he had pretty flowers ready to distract me from my scary marathon thoughts.

I had a stressful first day of work. Amplified by the fact the my nerves are a little on edge with Nov.12th fast approaching. But thanks to virtual and real cheers from friends and family–by way of blog comments, cards from Chicago, phone calls from 10k runners in Richmond and hugs from the best bf in the world–I’m feeling good about Saturday. I may not hit the time goal I secretly have set in my head, but I will cross the finish line of my first marathon with a big fat smile on my face. And that’s a good enough goal for now.

 

Nightrunning

I officially have the song nightswimming by R.E.M. stuck in my head…anyone?

Anywho. As I mentioned yesterday, I had attempted to wake up early and get a run in before work, but sleep got the better of me. I pushed snooze and lounged almost until it was time to walk out the door.

My original plan to wake up early had had many reasons. I really want to get myself back in the habit of early morning runs before the new job takes off on Monday morning. I also really wanted to get myself in the habit before November 12th, when I’ll have to wake up at 5 something in the a.m. before running 26.2 miles. Eeks.

But I’ve been told sleep is just as important–if not more important–than mileage during taper time. So I took the mini fail in stride.

As often happens in the restaurant business, I didn’t get out until a full hour later than I had anticipated. This meant I had to tell Katherine to run without me, rather than continually keep her waiting (sorry again, Katherine!) and change up  my own Central Park attack plan. Since it was getting dark out and I had gorged myself on a gross amount of spinach dip before leaving the restaurant, I didn’t think the 12 miles I had planned would have been the greatest idea. Instead, I figured I’d see how busy the park was (I’d never really run it at night before) and if it looked like there was a good sweat crowd out, I’d do one outer loop and then head home.

Well, you know me. I’m stubborn.

I had 12 miles on the brain yesterday, and so 12 miles is what I ended up doing. Oops.

In all fairness, the park was probably just as dark as it would have been had I made it out at 6:30 a.m. (watch this be the one time my parents decide to read the blog and go apeshit when they see I DARED enter the park after dusk), but it was ALIVE with runners, bikers, tourists and who knows who else!

There were lots of glowstick-clad pace training groups sandwiching me in every segment of the run, and I felt 100% safe. And I guess the “newness” of a nighttime run super charged me, because the spinach dip as fuel did not have any negative impact on my run. In fact, it was best run I’ve had in a couple of days–I felt great!

I did one outer loop as planned, including the full scale of Harlem Hills, and then stuck around for one more 4-mile jaunt around an inner loop.

There were more bats than the birds I’m used to seeing. So that was weird. And I did get a little confused by the corral-like structures lining the west side of the park for this weekends marathon and had to retrace my steps a few times, but the run was otherwise a dream. Awesome views of the city skyline lit up, great weather, and an overall feeling of excitement from the other groups of runners and the entire west side of the park, but specifically, this little gem:

again, dumphone quality. but if you're a runner, you likely already know that this is the finish line of the ING NYC marathon. annnnd says "run for life" on it. LOVE.

I figure last night may have been the last chance I’ll have to get that close to the finish line…until maybe next November? We’ll see.

Once I got home I tried to be better about stretching and foam rolling and then spent the remainder of the evening stalking every single page of the Richmond Marathon to see if there’s anything I’m missing. It appears that the elevation for the course is considerably flat though, so I’ll be good to go if I keep my runs from here on out along Riverside park or even just the neighborhood streets. Because other than an 8-10 mile jog on Saturday, I really, really REALLY want to keep the distance down to Hal’s taper time recommendation. If you see me post about any other longer runs, leave your computer, hit the streets and track me down. And then punch me in the arm and drag me home. Because taper time means rest time.

Not sure what’s on the agenda for today, but very likely some wandering around the city until my shift at 4:00, because its beautifulllll outside If there’s time, perhaps a VERY EASY 3-4 mile shakeout run, or maybe even a spin class to switch things up a bit! Who knows. Recommendations welcome!

*All this of course…AFTER I watch Hoda (and KLG, if that mention is necessary. sorry, that was mean). It’s my second-to-last morning of non-office freedom to enjoy the Today Show, so my butt will be glued here for a few. And I just found out Hoda and KLG will be reporting from Orlando [read: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter] next week. Maybe I should have put my work start date off a few days? Bahaha/Sera, sera.

Have a very happy Thursday kids!

Beating myself up

I’ve been beating myself up, both mentally and physically for a while now. If you’ve read this blog for more than one day you’re probably well aware of the fact that I give myself grief on the regular over having chosen Hal’s “easier” marathon training plan. I dote on that for a while, throwing lots of billying (billy=bully in my world. long story) comments at the mirror and scoffing when I look at my training log that reports a peak week of 55 miles instead of 60.

Then I back up and tell myself to chill. This is, after all, my first marathon. Given the fact that prior to signing up for it my running history had essentially consisted of one–I repeat, ONE–half marathon and a Ragnar Relay (that really shouldn’t count because it was far too fun to really be considered work of any kind) I know I should pat myself on the back for every mile run past 13.1. I should be happy knowing that I killed 20 miles on Friday afternoon. Yes, but you read about so many others who run 20 miles THREE times while training. And then 22. And then 231.

See? Did you see the mean little voice come out? Happens all the time.

That is me mentally beating myself up.

Physically, I guess you could say a 20 mile run is considered a beat down. But I won that fight. I felt great after a little couch time Friday afternoon, and even made it through a very long night of work afterwards, completely pain-free. In fact, I woke up Saturday STILL feeling well. I ran 7 miles and some change Saturday afternoon–all along the Bridle Path and reservoir to give myself a break from the concrete. And I felt great. And could have kept going. My confidence was soaring because I figured if I could run close to 29 miles in less than two days, I could certainly do 26.2 in one day.

But then Saturday night came. And while I swore to myself that taper-time would involve ZERO alcohol, peer pressure [read: severe lack of willpower] got the better of me. And I was the one suggesting a shot of patron immediately upon walking into a bar on the LES Saturday night. I don’t even like shots! What the hey?! I think I was subconsciously have a delayed celebration from Fridays run/trying too hard to keep up with the JD and his sisters and our friends. Le sigh. Epic fail marathonwiner, epic fail.

Yesterday was an almost perfect day–beautiful weather, our company extended to include the JDs parents at a delicious brunch, a late afternoon walk around town with the JD (during which I got a great deal on some workout clothes at Gap and finally found shoes for this weekends wedding!), etc. etc….all with a weenie headache that refused to leave.

And was still hanging around this a.m. when I got up to run. So I spent the first half of my 6.5ish mile run thinking about how I’d have to come back and write about the worst run since that fateful day in September when I thought I would collapse into a pile of mush in the middle of the Hudson River Park. Instead, as running always does, it cured me. Halfway through the run I found the high, I found the calm, I got deliriously happy over the fall weather and I felt good. And I vowed that I’d instead come back and announce to internet world that the last few days just don’t count. And from this taper point forward, no alcohol, no inhaling bags of Halloween candy (courtesy of the JDs mom) in one sitting, no following every meal with “just a little taste” of dark chocolate dreams PB. It’s time to get serious. Healthy eating, health drinking (hello water!), and healthy sleeping from now until race day. This (unfortunately) includes this weekend, where even though I’ll be celebrating my best friends wedding in Richmond with my family and favorite friends, there will be no cheating. Okay, maybe wedding cake is acceptable. Just a smidge. Hold me to it, internet world, hold me to it!

In the meantime, I’ve got a speech to write, an interview to kill, packing galore and lots of stalking/memorizing of the Richmond Marathon website to do. Busy week!

Have a very happy Monday kids–enjoy this gorgeous weather!

And here’s a fun little clip to keep you entertained if you’re stuck in an office and can’t enjoy the weather right now:

- Tell me more about your taper. Do you have a Jekyll and Hyde thing going on too? I need pointers!

- This wedding is the first one that I’m in/the first one of my nearest and dearest friends to tie the knot. If you’ve got ideas on anything I can do to make it extra fun and special, do tell!

Puddle Jumpin

I guess I can’t complain about all this rain, seeing as how I was fortunate enough to get lots of sunshine while in Richmond for Labor Day. While there, I knocked out another half marathon (sort of by accident), a 4.5-mile jog the next day and randomly covered 8.75 miles on Sunday morning. I almost reached 40 miles last week. Sooo, that was pretty cool.

Then, for the first time in a long time (maybe since I started marathon training), I did what Hal told me to do. And took a total rest day on Monday. And I mean TOTAL. Because I was in RVA and not NYC, there wasnt even any mileage covered by walking to the store or up and down our apartment stairs. Instead, I spent the morning shopping and spent the afternoon posted up by the pool. And it was delightful.

Then, due to the drive back to NY and lots and lots of intimidating rain (which is odd, because just two weeks prior the rain didn’t stop me from hitting the pavement), I took another total rest day yesterday. TOTAL. Complete with lots of sweets and wine. Oops. [Sidenote, I've officially decided that to live up to my blog's name, it's only right that I indulge in a few glasses of wine here and there, because this is about marathon running WHILE wine fueling. Or something like that. Or at least that's what I tell myself when the little devil on my shoulder kicks of the halo-d Katie and says "uncork that bottle now!"]

So today, in an attempt to be a good student and really listen to Mr. Hal, I ran yesterdays 3 miles. And today’s 7 miles. And just a smidge more during the cool down. Put me in coach! I’m ready to play!

Was it stupid to do like 11 miles today? Yes and no. I’m still early enough into training that one extra rest day couldn’t have killed me. Then again, my legs had two full rest days behind them, and I took it slow out there. So, all in all, not so bad. The weather was perfect for sweeping around Central Park.There are a lot of interesting runners in the park midday. I saw a man decked out in hot pink spandex kicking a pink soccer ball around the loops, saw a man in street clothes sprinting through the grass with what appeared to be a small tire under his sweatshirt and another old dude–kudos for being out there!–doing JillianMichaels-esque high knee skipping along the bridle path. Not the normal 6 a.m. crowd I’m used too, but made for some great people watching.

I covered the 5 mile loop, 4 mile loop (careful both times to avoid the Harlem Hills) and it was misting the whole time which kept it nice and cool. The heavy rains didn’t really hit until just as I finished up and was ready to do some walking to shake it out. Thank you Mr. Raincloud, for postponing your visit!

Before I head back out of town Monday I realllllllly want to try to make it to both yoga (I have 3 Living Social-given classes that expire next week!) and the gym–I neeeeed to reconvene with that heavenly foam roller AND do some strength training. MAKE ME STICK TO IT. YELL AT ME. TELL ME FIRST TIME MARATHONERS DONT CROSS THE FINISH LINE WITHOUT DILIGENT YOGA. I’ll know you’re lying, but I’ll feel sissy and scared enough to listen to you. Great, thanks in advance for that.

Now I’m off to stretch, contemplate spending money I don’t have on my own foam roller, and spend this rainy day catching up on True Blood. Before you scoff, go watch the first season straight through and try and tell me its not addicting.

Have the happiest of hump days kiddos!

Ouchie Mama

There are many great things about having an RB, but the two greatest are:

1. When you’re alarm goes off at 5:45 a.m. and you convince yourself you’re not realllly a runner and can just go to back sleep and make up those miles some other time, just before you hit snooze you remember your RB is waiting for you 10 blocks away so you better hop to it. Moral of story: having an RB is much better than having an alarm clock.

2. When you realllly don’t feel like running for this reason or that reason, as soon as you jog those 10 blocks to where your RB awaits, you have company. And the chatter helps take your mind off the fact that you didn’t want to be running, and the next thing you know you’ve hit your runner’s high and you’re good to go for another XX miles.

This morning, I failed my RB in terms of point numero uno up there. Sorry RB, I stink. I could just NOT get out of bed. My legs were stiff, my eyes were tired and I just could. not . do. it. and decided to put things off until later in the day. After I dozed back off and woke up a few hours later, I realized “later in the day” was not an option, as I’ve got errands on Long Island after work today. So I dragged my bootay outta bed and laced up for a solo, late morning run. Which means I also missed out on point numero dos above.

It was a gorgeous morning! The rain finally seems to have left for good, the sun was shining but the heat was holding off…everything about this morning said Runners Paradise. Unfortunately, I just wasn’t feeling it. Whatever the reason–those achy legs, the funny hip thing I’ve got going on or overall lack of sleep–I just could not hit that high today.

And I’ve realized that’s okay, for many reasons, primarily:

1. Perhaps the bod is screaming at telling me it’d like me to take a breather, go easy on it for a while. Ok, body. I can do that. Because,

2. Tomorrow is a travel day. And I’ll be traveling out to Chicago with the JD and his fam and really couldn’t guarantee any kind of a workout even if I wanted to, because I haven’t a clue where the day will bring us. Wish granted achy legs, funny hips and tired eyes. Get ready to rest up. Because burnout is one thing I do NOT want. Because,

3. Once I’m back from this long wedding weekend away I am going to finally sync up my schedule with what Hal has laid out in the training plan..though whether or not I’ll be following that novice 1 (vs 2 perhaps?) to a tee is still up in the air. One thing I DO know is, I want more quality and less quantity.

This morning I hit a little over 7 miles (that seems to be the theme this week), but I was miserable for most of them. Meanwhile, in Richmond, I covered a much shorter distance doing mountain hill repeats and loved every minute of it, plus felt like a badass for the intensity of the workout. That’s going to be the focus upon my return. And some shorter mileage in the week before the Bronx Half is probably, no–definitely, a good thing. There you have it body, wish/rest/Hals plan granted!

*Funny update…this was posted on FB this afternoon:

SunTrust Richmond Marathon: Do you have a training group or running buddy that’s helping you keep your eye on the prize? Tell us about ‘em and you will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Roadrunner Running Store. Winner will be drawn Thursday, August 25.

Ironic? I think not. MY marathon ALSO discussing RB’s and the day of choosing a winner is my bday? Hot dog! I want it!

Anywho–another busy day at work ahead, followed by a quick trip out to Long Island to drop off items for a realllllly great cause! New Yorkers/Long Islanders, if you’re around this weekend, it’d be worth your while (and the while of many others) to head to Cedar Beach for the 2nd Annual Lexi’s Beach Bash, hosted by the Alexis Pilkington Memorial Foundation! There will be live music, fun raffles and an auction with lots of cool giveaways

Onward to tackle the day! Not sure what the posting will be like while in Chicago/Madison, but will do my darndest to stay on top of things. If I don’t, make me feel cool and leave comments about how you’re just dyingggg to know what sort of runs I’m logging in the midwest

- Do you push through a run you don’t want to be running or call it a wash?

- [Shameless plug for my city] Is there a friendlier city than NY? No really. People who have never been to the Big Apple associate it with all things pushy and terrifying. But this city is so nice. A friend who was in for the bachelorette party this weekend (from Boston) said she’s never seen so many people so willing to give directions or smile a hello. I have NEVER seen a mom/babysitter/womanofothersortswithababy have to carry a stroller up a flight of subway stairs. Some gentleman always offers first. And the little man at my favorite fruit stand always takes whatever change I pull out of my pocket, even when I tell him I have more! He takes my 25 cents, hands me a plum and tells me to have a lovely day. I love this city. So tell me really…is there a friendlier one?

Sticky

Gotta keep this short because I’m in a hurry to get out the door and start a fun-packed Friday!

So yesterday did not go quite as planned. I did not, in fact, make it to yoga. Who’s surprised? But for a change, it was not my fault. There was a wee bit of drama (if you can call it that? anyway, more on that later. maybe.) at work and I ended up staying later than usual and missed the 5:30 dadasana (I don’t know yoga poses, that just sounded like a good starting one). I was a bit disgruntled over missing yoga [yet again] and headed home to make sure I was all packed for tomorrow’s early-morning departure to Richmond. Then waited very patiently for the JD to get home from work (sooo late) so I could say hello, how are you, goodnight.

This morning was extra hard waking up, what with hearing the rain pitter-pattering outside. I swear EVERY morning when my alarm goes off I have an internal battle with myself “You don’t need to run now, you can do it later, go back to sleep. You can’t do it later your day is jam-packed. One day off won’t kill you. But you’ve already taken XX days off this week. Meh, take another. Meh, you have a MARATHON to run. Ugh, ok.”

I’ve just admitted to the internet world that I’m crazy. But that script really does play in my head justttt about every morning that I’ve got a run scheduled. Add it some rain and the fact that it’s a solo run (RB’s are SO much better!), and its that much more difficult to bid farewell to the blankets.

But I did. And rather than head to the Hudson as I planned, stuck with the familiar loop of Central Park. Speaking of Central Park, is there one direction that is significantly easier than the other when doing the outer loop? I always tell myself that whatever direction I’ve decided to go is definitely the easier, but then I hit a killer hill (be it any in Harlem Hills or Cat Hill) and I’m like “doh! wrong direction!”

But today was nice. The rain, while sticky, kept things relatively cool. The park was pretty quiet this morning and it made for a nice, peaceful run. I went in at the NW corner near 110 and exited at the same spot. Then headed back toward the apartment and did an extra mile closer to home. The total for today was just over 8, which is just what I wanted!

So I’m feeling really good as this week of training draws to a close. Hal had this week as more of a taper week with 5 on the schedule for the long run. But I was comparing his plan with the one I followed for last fall’s half marathon–comparing  the first half of Hal’s (so 8-weeks) with the 10-week routine I covered a few months ago. At this point I was at about 10 miles, so I felt behind. But after talking with my oh-so-wise RB, she reminded me that last fall, the half was my end goal. This time around, my August 28th half is my midpoint, so I shouldn’t be going full-throttle into it if I want to last another 8 weeks afterward. Thank you again, RB (running buddy/running BRAINIAC)!

After the run I had to run a few errands (har har). I swung by the local bakery for some black and white’s to bring home to the fam (they may be in Richmond, but they know what to ask for in New York), cat food to last the monster while I’m gone for the week and some fresh-from-the-oven NY bagels from Absolute (again, for the fam).

dear fam, if you weren't excited about me coming home before, you will be now. these will arrive with another bakery surprise.

And that super-fun-packed Friday I’ve been talking about? Heading to Discovery Times Square today to FINALLY see the HP Exhibit (laugh all you want, its love) with some cousins and their lovely significant others, then spending the day doing whatever city things we feel like doing! And laterrrr, dinner at the [apparently] famous Sardi’s with some more fam AND hitting up a dueling piano bar! Shwoof. Busy day, so I better hop to it!

Talk to you later….from RICHMOND! YAYAYAYAY!

- Let’s see how much you’d like my day…Are YOU a HARRY POTTER fan? Have you been to Sardi’s? Heard of it at least?

- What do you have planned for this lovely overcast Friday?

Hello world!

Everything about this blog to date is misleading (and its only about 5 minutes old). As I’m sure you oh-so-savvy and seasoned blog readers noticed, I was trying to be creative with the title.

Let me back up a minute. I graduated from JMU in the Spring of 2007 with a degree in Media Arts and Design (concentration: print journalism, minor: writing and rhetoric). Beginning in some of my earliest SMAD classes (abbrevo for school of media arts and design that I will use often) professors were urging us to start blogs–they were the “wave of the future,” “the future of the industry,” “The Reason magazines and newspapers were on their way out the door.”  I never had any desire to, and for a number of reasons:

1. While I missed the leo-line by a mere two or three days as far as birthdays go, I am lightyears away as far as personalities go. It’s hardly ever “all about me” in my own little world, so why would the world wide web have any interest in what I have to say?

2. I don’t have that much to say. At least, not that much that I think is deep and profound enough to shoot off into cyber space. 

3. I don’t even read blogs, so don’t know the first thing in the world about starting one, keeping one going, finding and maintaining a readership, etc. etc. etc.

All of those reasons still ring true as I begin this blog–with the exception of numero tres. Since moving to New York City, joining New York Road Runners and signing up for my first-ever marathon (much more on all of that to come), I have become quite literally obsessed with all-things running…specifically, blogs devoted to running.

So I promised myself that to enhance my career (if you can call it that) and recommit to the fall marathon I’m running (you know what they say, the more people you tell the more likely you are to reach your goals), I would sync up the launch of my first-ever blog with the first training day of my first-ever marathon.

Well, that first training day wassss….last Monday. But better late than never, right?! I did at least begin my training according to my coach’s plan the Hal Higdon marathon guidebook and the delay in the blog was due to lack of creativity in coming up with a name. Which brings me back to where this all started.

I need to to be clear to all those who dare to read any further, that if “Winer” is supposed to be a clever spin on words, its a spin of “whiner” and never “winner.” I by no means consider myself a winner when it comes to running–I still have trouble convincing myself I’m a “runner” at all (I did after all opt to follow Hal Higdon’s Novice 1 program. What, Katie?! Couldnt even buck up for Novice 2?!). And while I do love, love, love my red wine, I am also by no means, a wine connoisseur. I don’t really plan to ever become a wine connoisseur either. But I do plan to become a better runner as I train over the next 16 14.5 weeks, and a better blogger as I track that training. And you better believe that after I hit my first PDR (personal distance record…which will be anything beyond 13.1 miles) my reward will be a glass of wine. Well, I’ll indulge in such a reward for many distances before 13.2 as well, but thats besides the point. The point is, I do love to run. And I do love wine. And after two weeks of trying to sum all that up in a blog name and finally get this party started…and failing…I shared those sentiments with my geniusly creative cousin, and such was born: Marathon Winer.

And for those of you completely uninterested in everything I just said and planning to never return to this site again, I will leave you with this: When I’m not running or enjoying a glass of wine somewhere [preferably outdoors], I am for certain traipsing all over this awesome city–hitting every tourist spot in sight (I’m not afraid to say so) and discovering every little street festival, sidewalk art, musical act, workout freebie, restaurant gem and turning over every other rock this dear old dirty town has to offer. So if you’re not on the island–live quasi-vicariously through me. And if you are–return to this site for tips on whats cheap fun and/or free ( I swear I can give couponmom.com a run for its money) or at the very least, to critique my opinions on what is cheap fun and/or free.