Success!

16 miles were completed last night!!!!

I ran the first 11 on my own and then met up with the Flyers Thursday night running group for the last five. Meeting up with them really helped and the last five miles went by fast. Talking with others while running really does distract you from what you’re doing 🙂

My pace for the first 11 miles was between an 8:40 – 9 minute pace and the last five miles were between a 9 – 9:05 minute pace. Nice and easy. And you know what, I’m really not that sore today!

Happy, happy Friday!!!

Keeping Pace

Tuesday night after work I headed to Jack Rabbit Sports to get my New York Flyers singlet. They had two different brands – Nike and Brooks – I went with Brooks and I can’t wait to wear it in my first race as a New York Flyer!

During the day on Tuesday one of the New York Flyers reached out to me to join their group speed session that night. I had gone to spin class that morning (tired legs) but really wanted to get to know my new “team” so decided to go.

Well, it was a WORK-OUT. Let me tell you. That night they were working on learning your pace without the use of a watch. Just knowing your body and trying to keep the same pace throughout your run/race. Our goal for the night was to run four miles at race pace and keep the same pace the whole time. It was very hard but awesome. I basically ran a race on Tuesday night! I ran the first two miles in 14:42 and finished the four miles in 29:52. Pace: 7:28. I’m pretty sure that was the fastest four miles I’ve ever run.

I loved the speed session and I can’t wait run more with the Flyers! I know this will only help me become a better runner and I’ll meet other people who like running as much as me!

Bowling, Race, Relaxation

It was a busy, busy weekend!

Friday night we headed to Lucky Strike for some bowling.

We had so much fun and I really want to go back there again! How cool is that lamp?!

Everything about the place was cool. Atmosphere, music… I ordered an appetizer and it was really good, so I assume the dinner menu is good too.

We went with our friends from college, Amanda and Marc. I’m pretty sure they had a great time too. 

Saturday Ryan and I just relaxed and played with Bailey. We went out to dinner at an Italian place by his apartment which was excellent. I really wanted good pasta before my 18 mile race and this place did just that. I was too busy eating to take any pictures…

Sunday morning came very fast and I was up at 5am. Eating toast and ready to go. For this race I tried out my Portland Marathon outfit – with rain gear if needed.

I look pretty dorky in this picture… I also used gels/GU in this race and I must say. They worked a lot better! The race went really well. I tried to keep my pace around 9:30 in the beginning and gradually sped up. I stopped at almost all the water stations and had three gels. The race was three of the 6 mile loops. That means I ran the Harlem Hill, or what I call DEATH MOUNTAIN three times!!! Three times!!!

My overall time was 2:44:02 – pace of 9:07!! I’m very happy with that!

This morning I hit the gym for my recovery session – 35 minutes on the elliptical and lots of stretching. My legs are feeling pretty good compared to the other long runs I’ve done in the past.

 

 

 

Central Park is my Track

This morning I ran 20 miles. I could have run to New Jersey. I wouldn’t be able to make it back but I could have run there… This morning I stuck to what I know. Central Park. I ran the 5 mile loop 4 times. I told myself it’s like the track my high school had. Four laps equals a mile (or 5, but whatever, mind over matter!).  All I had to do was run the loop four times and I was done. Piece of cake. (Cake sounds really good right now) 

It took about three miles for my legs to warm up and then I was good to go. I started off pretty slow. I think I was almost at a ten minute pace and gradually got up to 8:25 per mile and then slowed it down again at the end. The last two miles of this run were the hardest. 

My legs right now are pretty dead but I feel way more better than I did two weeks ago when I ran 17 miles. Seeing improvement is a big confidence booster!

Now, it’s time to stretch, hydrate, eat and maybe take a nap!

Happy Labor Day weekend!!! And GO DUCKS!!!!

Morning Run & a Blueberry Bagel

This morning I woke up at 6:15am and headed to the gym for my recovery run. My body did not want to move but after about two miles I felt pretty good. I ran at a slower pace than normal (9:40 mins per mile) and watched the news. I haven’t really been keeping up with current events so I thought there’s no better time to start then while running four miles… Our world is not doing too hot right now…

Tomorrow I’m hoping to run eight miles but the only time I would be able to run would be in the morning… hmmm that could be difficult. 5am…. Do I really want to wake up that early???

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In other news: This morning I had a blueberry bagel from Dean & Deluca and it was heavenly. I highly recommend it. I just got it toasted with butter.

This post was pretty exciting, huh?

Hello Monday…

Friday after work I was on puppy duty so Bailey and I went to the dog park to see her friends. It’s really crazy how she’s like a little celebrity! After the fun at the dog park it was time for my 14 MILE RUN. This farthest I have ever run in my life! And I did it! At times it was pretty miserable but I finished and never walked.

I also used NUUN for the first time and I am a fan! Before, during, and after races I have been drinking Vitamin Water. I love the energy flavor. But, it’s loaded with sugar… NUUN replaces your lost electrolytes without any sugar. And they have a ton of great flavors. I tried the berry one 🙂

When I got back to Ryan’s apartment I had a glorious dinner (a huge sandwich and bbq chips) and lots of water. I did stretch and ice my knees and shins. Ice really does help with muscle fatigue. Oh, and I had to be ready for my 4 mile race the next morning… Great planning on my part…

Living in New York you are never know what you will see. These two lovely ladies were on the train with me at 7am… It looks like they had a wonderful Friday night.

There were tons of people at the race! The weather was beautiful but a tad hot… What also made this race great was my friend Ashley had also signed up for the race so I was able to see and catch up with her! We also got a photo together which I will hopefully get sometime this week!

I really did not have any goals for this race except to finish and get one step closer to my 9 + 1 NYC Marathon goal. Running 14 miles the night before can make your legs pretty darn tried. Though I was nervous at the start I surprised myself and finished the race in 32:05, which is a 8:02 pace. Not bad for sore, tired legs!

After the race it was time for some relaxation and fun with Bailey and Ryan. There’s nothing wrong with watching TV for three+ hours, going to the dog park, and then going to sushi (date night!!). I say that’s a perfect Saturday.

Sunday we enjoyed a lovely brunch at my favorite Belgium/French restaurant. We also got to see some friends from college which was a nice reunion. I forgot how wonderful those people are!

Once we got back into the city Ryan and I took Bailey to the dog park late night (9:30pm) for some fun – we needed her tired so she’d sleep through the night!

As you can guess I’m exhausted from this weekend! And tonight I have a Core Fusion class at Exhale…

Sleep? What’s that???

 

 

It Finally Caught Up With Me.

I AM EXHAUSTED.

This week has been incredibly busy and my lack of sleep has finally caught up with me.

I did get my 7 miler in last night. It was a relaxing run but it’s really difficult to get used to the humid weather. I know I talk about the humidity in almost every post, but I’m not used to it. For 18 years I lived on the West Coast (the best coast!!!) where we have dry heat – no humidity. My body just can’t handle it… So I ran the seven miles at a 9:30 pace and was just happy to finish and get in some mileage.

I ran along the East River, by where Ryan lives (he bought me dinner after my run! Score!) and had lots to look at. I didn’t need any music. People watching is entertainment enough.

It seemed as though it was going to rain the entire run but it never did which was nice since I had my phone and the last thing I need is my phone to get soaked and not work. My computer not working is enough, thank you very much.

I ran under a bunch of bridges including the Brooklyn Bridge! I’ll definitely be running this again.

I’m suppose to run tonight… I can’t remember how many miles. I think 4 or 5? And then ten on Sunday.

I hope you all have a great weekend. Good luck to those people running in the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon/Half-Marathon!

Dad

Cheers to the best Dad there is! Happy Father’s Day!

To the man who never doubts me. Who always says I can do anything I want (as long as I work hard and put my mind to it.)

He taught me so much about life  and I’m sure there is much more to come!

Oh, and he’s pretty stylish too~

Dad – I hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day! I will be seeing you very soon!!! XOXO

And as my Dad says, “Life’s a banquet and most people are starving.”  

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Race Update: 5 mile Portugal/ Father’s Day Race: 39:13 – Pace 7:51

It was pretty hot out and I think I should have eaten more for breakfast… I’m happy with my time but I know I could have done better. I’m off to take a nap! I’m tired!

10K Mini Re-Cap

Saturday morning I had the pleasure of waking up at 5am…

I caught the 6am train into the city which gave me enough time to get to my office, change, warm up and get to the starting line with 20 minutes to spare.

I wore my running “mini” skirt just for this race!

(source)

For some reason I was in the FIRST CORRAL… Meaning I was with super fast runners. I was a little intimidated. The world-class runners were right in front of us! So cool!

(source)

I loved the course! It started in Columbus Circle and we ran along side Central Park for a mile until cutting in to the park for the remainder of the race. There were some hilly parts, but I have been training in Central Park so there weren’t any surprises.

The best part of the race was running along side Mary Wittenberg, NYRR President and Jack Waitz, Grete Waitz’s husband who was running in her honor. This year was the 40th Anniversary of the race and the race was also honoring Grete Waitz who recently died of cancer and who had won the race five times.

I loved this race and will definitely run it again next year. The whole morning was about empowering women and all the running accomplishments that women have had throughout the decades. Loved it!

Oh, and you’re probably wondering if I achieved my goal???

YES I DID!!! I ran the 10K Mini in 48:46!!! 7:50 pace!!

AHA Start! Wall Street 3 Mile Run

This is the fastest I’ve ever run in my life.

3 miles. 22 minutes = 7:20 pace!!!! Whaatttttt!??! I was 11th in my age group 🙂

ME! The girl who hated running ONE MILE! Someone pinch me!

The race wasn’t as organized as other NYRR races but we still had a blast. The rain held off and the five us (out of the seven who signed up) ran our butts off!

One of my friends took some pictures of us pre and post race so I’ll post them once I get them.  Above is the only picture I took. I wanted to capture the chaos before the race began.

Ryan made me a wonderful post race dinner of tortellini and homemade garlic bread. It was delicious!

I’m exhausted from the past weekend, work, and the race… I’m probably not going to run tonight…