Tag Archive | racing

And… we’re BACK!

I guess I hadn’t told many of you so when people see me running and they haven’t seen me in weeks or months, they are perplexed: “you’re running now?“.

I am. It all started back again, out of nowhere, with July, and I’ve been doing around 25 miles a week consistently, even some enthusiastic speedwork. Slow, and frustrating, yes, but back on the horse. Mid-July I made myself a NYC Marathon training, program, the exact same one I’ve been using for all my NYC Marathons, since my first in 2008, I know it works for me, and so far so good.

Mind you, that plan, where I am mostly hitting all the workouts, says I can do a marathon in 3:32, which would not be a PR but a bit better that the miserable Boston race I did (untrained!!) at 3:49! A 3:32 marathon translates into a 3:37 in NYCM.

I am so excited about the speedwork though, that I somehow convinced Daphne and Kettia to move this week’s tempo to today. And instead of the prescribed 8:03 pace we did: 8:03 (nailed it), 8:09 (still yeah!), 7:44, and 7:32. Plus, these were on hills and dirt, so you can safely take at least 10 seconds off of each.

Finishing Speedwork Feels good.

Feels really good to be able to feel the come back.

It’s not easy. I don’t always still have the motivation. But having good friends with me just make it A LOT easier. Daphne should start getting paid to pace, she’s a natural rabbit. No matter what sort of run it is, she’s ALWAYS keeping it honest. It’s exactly what I needed. Kettia tends to push my ~~buttons~~ pace too, but as neither of us are 100% committed I sometimes convince her to back off, boo me.

It’s going well. I did 12 last weekend, my longest in a long time, and it felt like I was doing 20, during and the whole day after. I was so exhausted. Not sore or in pain but overall tired. 14 this weekend… and on and on hopefully. Good thing is, it’s Summer Streets already, which has me so excited!!! Everyone I know is doing Team Champs so I’ll have to find someone to run with (anyone? 14 miles at 9:30 pace? I promise I’ll chat so much you won’t even notice the miles!) but things are moving. And I am already over 100 miles this month, that is the first time this year!!!!! Yeah, I’ve been quite lame with the running for a WHOLE YEAR. That included two marathons (plus a million medical things!) but that just proves you that anyone can finish a marathon!

My big lesson is that it’s all in your head. In the good times, and in the bad times.

Do you “like” to run hard?

Jul11

I really don’t.

I always knew I run my easy runs too slow, my long runs too too slow and I do my tempos and intervals with very little enthusiasm. I realized this morning, when a friend was dragging me through a fast half mile (which was probably at 9mm) that I just don’t like pushing! Ever!!!

Two weeks ago, when I was in Florida, I run with two coworkers that were, as they said, slower than me. Compared recent times, and I felt safe, it’d be a fun easy run… and then they took off at a “can’t talk” pace for what was an easy run for them. I run with Kettia often, and even years before when there was a gap in our race times, she’d make me cry in training runs. Even this past winter, I run with her group in training for the NYC Half, and even though I ended up racing faster than them, I was crying and dragging during the long runs… Kettia says I show up for race day. I know I don’t like pushing hard, so I limit myself to the races for that.

I DO NO LIKE RUNNING HARD.

I DO LIKE WHEN MY “EASY” IS “FAST”, that’s what I would call a good performance. But that, obviously, takes a lot of work to achieve… I’d even say that my fastest times were easy, and I was completely relaxed. It felt nice.

Right now I am at SLOW AND EASY, meh. And I know that I need to run hard to get fast… it’s gonna be tough. Or slow.

I know some of you go hard (at “can’t chit chat” pace) even for easy runs. My husband, for example, doesn’t even know what slow or easy mean. He goes all out in every run. I call him “one-speed-Juan”. He’d go out at the same hard pace whether he was doing 7 miles or 18, to end up just walking back (suicide pace works?). I’d measure my effort by heart rate, or by the talk test… I can go fast, only when it feels easy… Most of the people I know are the opposite though, they take off, always, like it’s a race. Ugh.

Am I alone here? Or do you also prefer to go out hard, have a better workout, train like an animal, get stronger/faster; if so, did you always enjoyed it or is it something that you learned to like over time?

I just like to do a running tour and watch people and birds and trees and bop to my music! I wonder if there is a way to wake up the beast in me or the competitive in me? I have ZERO of that!

Race Report: NYRR Oakley Mini 10K – my 100th RACE!

Jun17

As you might have read, I lost most of my running mojo some time back and I have been quite off. But, I had signed up for the mini… and my parents were in town and wanted to see me race. Also, the mini is like THE quintessential race… I have done it every single year since I started running, in 2007, so that’s EIGHT in a row. I love this race.

Okay, why you say? There’s not cute boys to look at, you say! Yes, no boys, but can I just tell you a secret?? This is, shhhh, OUR race… We just race with our girl, we bond, we all support each other, we do it for us. Yes, it’s sexist to have our own race and to keep the race going shows that we’re still not equal to men, or exagerates that we need special treatment, but you know, let’s take it while we have it! Plus, this race smells better in general. And… we all know it, we women pace BETTER. Yes, it’s true, men are just too emotional to pace off. I know I can just click behind another girl with my pace and sleep to this finish here. That doesn’t happen in the other races… You KNOW what I am talking about… you know.

Love that I always get a 500 something number for this race

As my parents were visiting, Saturday morning we all woke up around 6:30 and walked to the start. It was hot and humid already and got this sight:

NO EXCUSES. oh oh.

yes, I am wearing the tutu

The day before my friend Florencia had called me to see if I was around NYRR as I live super close. I had forgotten she was running!!!!! We decided we’d run together. Made me SO happy to know I could run with her!!!!! We’re besties, and what else could a mojo-ed out runner than a friend to chill with at a race? EH> well, maybe frozen pops all the way but Flor would be good enough! I then heard from Sole: “I want to have a fun race too!!” yeah then!! The three argentinians would be pacing and lolling up and down the park at a festive pace. Plans UP!

Headed to my corral, blue, and the great thing is that the stage is right there… many pics were taken!

Martina and I

Patricia and I

Then the NYRR photographer snapped a picture of a few of us there for the site, link here.

full size craziness:

Soon enough the speeches start!

Mary Wittenberg

Kathryn Switzer

Deena Kastor

Spotted: Josh Cox!!!

Desire Linden at the NYRR Oakley Mini 10K

Desiree Linden (nee Davila!)

Nina Kuscick

Spotted: Greg Welch (If you don’t know who he is, my iron-husband would yell: Ironman World Champion, etc etc!!)

Boston Strong!

Soon it was 8 am, muggy as hell, and Peter Ciaccia was giving us clearance on the roads. We were just a few minutes late, 3 or 4, which is unusual for NYRR races but I was getting hypernervous. Why? Oh WHY? My heart was pumping scared.

Em, I hadn’t run in over a month and I was towards the front of a crazy fast 10K full of olympians. Of course I moved back like 4 corrals; I moved towards the back of the stage and let everyone go while I waited for Sole and flor, I was NOT about to get trampled at one of the fastest women road races!! but… wow, my heart was ready to jump out!

Peter Cha-Cha we love you!!!!!

Two-three-4minutes later or something, Flor, Sole and I get moving, while we chatted. I knew Juan and my parents would be on 72nd, on the west and then the east sides. So my first goal was to run 5 blocks to see them.

that was easy. Mom having a super emotional (and patriotic) moment. Juan snaps away.

I snap back. We all hit each other!!! (I swear it was hot!)

My dad, already overheating too!!!!

Jeremy and his Jeremy-baby!

Sooo, I love that stretch we run in Central Park West. We NEVER run outside the park and it’s so nice and historic and amazing and museumy, ah, love it. But that’s when I usually go out too fast (because, hey, no men means I get places up high in the first corral with the ultra fast women, SHIZZZZ ensuing pace!) and then it’s sooo painful going into the park at 90th to climb that stooopid Harlem hill. This time, it was breeze. Only, there was no breeze, so I was overheating (also probably because I have no muscle and I am made of nutella and wafers and cookies these days. It was like I couldn’t breathe, doing a 10 minute mile pace. KindaRIDIC. Still: FUN.

So, I caught up with Meghan, from my previous job at TNT and we run and chatted for like half a mile. That’s what I miss about running the most, not that it shapes me into a perfect 10 (hahahhaha!!!!) but the social aspect of it. I get to see all my friends (plus all the other people I know) in the funnest environment. I don’t drink so I am not the bar type and you really can’t eat with everyone (not the way I eat!) or have time to hang out with everyone, but you CAN see eveyrone, at the same place, doing something fun: RUN A RACE. Heck, I miss THAT. A LOT.

When I tell people I hate racing they don’t understand why I do it so much. Because THAT.

See?

Even Flor (on my right) looks happy and we were both looking for a frozen pool by then!

Miles went by easily, mostly chatting in Spanish (the three of us are Argentinians, go figure!), laboring up the hills a bit with the humidity (note: when you’re out of shape, you feel it a LOT MORE! thousands of kudos to the people who are just starting to run, it’s HARD work!! Please do stick with it, it gets a LOT LOT easier) –I need to get back to “easier” please!).

We had two cups of water at miles 3 and 4, we were melting. Then, back at 72nd, now on the east side, we saw the Dashing Whippets, plus Juan and my parents. Spot the flag!

with one mile to go, they cheer you into 5 minute mile pace and then you realize you need to calm the EFFFF down!

easy way to get everyone’s heart rate spiking to the final sprint! Loved the 9+1 reference Fred!!!!!!! From left: Ned, Fred, David, Tom and a Whippet I haven’t met yet! (click on pictures for full res, you know you want to!)

HIGH something. What is up with my face?

Took a shot of my partners in (slow and fun) crime.

We finished, so hot and ready to be in a cold shower, and went straight to drink 4 cups of water. YUM.

i think we all HATE carnations. YUCK. a towel or a wipe would have been better.

my parents right at the finish and us. And guess what we did with the carnations!?!?!

ah, boys are SO ok after the race! OR an IronMan.

We had to ship out of town soon so we didn’t hang out for too long at the post race, which is my favorite to hang-out at! We headed straight to brunch at EJ’s which by then was pretty empty, yey for a fast table!!!! but first we scored a few pictures of the winners/record breakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOT US

Juan too excited, with Greg Welch, if you, again, don’t know who that is (it’s ok, I didn’t either!!!), here

Mandatory visitors’ shot

Hand is visible!!

Because Tom.

Now… this was my SLOWEST 10K EVER at 1:03. Even in my slowest times when I was starting up I never even went over the hour… Pace was even slower than the Brooklyn Half a month ago (which was my last run!). Nothing surprising how things are turning here.

My 10ks:

Look at the last 3 for this year, emmmm. No excuses, as the Mini bibs read:

I need that bib. I live that bib.

There is no excuses. It is what it is and I am who I want to be. Pace usually represents something. Sometimes your body can’t cope with the brains demands for speed and gives up. I am in a period where my brain has given up and the body has no reason to push at all. Could my body have gone a bit faster? Possibly. But my brain is not in it.

Now I have no other races up ahead in the close future, like I had Scotland, Brooklyn and the Mini to force myself to go do. I didn’t run in between them. This was my SLOWEST RACE EVER with a 49% age grading. A 10K. Insanity… We shall see now. But I did go out for a slow-short 3 mile run last night… Who knows.

Boston Marathon Race Strategy

Mar25

(also, I wrote these “Boston Marathon notes: what to do/not to do next time” after my last Boston, which might be helpful. More links at the end of the post)

–

People sometimes complain or talk about how hard the Boston Marathon course is. Nope.

I believe (KNOW!) that:

– if you have a strategy,

– and stick to it

you can do so well.

I certainly believe Boston is easier than the NYC Marathon, without a shadow of a doubt.

The thing is, you have to be really smart, cold-headed, and great at pacing to be able to race it well. You can’t just go out and go by the excitement and let the emotions take over.

Umm, no.

(But no one does that, right?)

–

So, here is what I used to get a strategy ready!

The course elevation is here, and the highlights:

		Length	Gain/Loss	Average	Steepest
Mile:	Up/Down:	(Miles):	(Feet):	Grade:	Grade:	Comment:
0.0	Downhill	0.60	-143	-4.5%	-5.7%	Starting line
0.6	Uphill	0.14	36	4.9%	5.2%	Very short uphill
0.7	Downhill	3.00	-187	-1.2%	-4.3%	Very long downhill section
7.6	Uphill	0.13	31	4.5%	4.6%	Very short uphill
7.8	Downhill	0.18	-30	-3.2%	-4.2%	Very short downhill
15.3	Downhill	0.60	-118	-3.7%	-5.2%	Just before Newton Lower Falls
16.0	Uphill	0.60	75	2.4%	3.2%	Just past Newton Lower Falls
17.6	Uphill	0.30	74	4.7%	4.9%	Just past Newton Fire Station
19.2	Uphill	0.40	63	3.0%	4.5%	Newton City Hall
20.3	Uphill	0.40	97	4.6%	5.2%	Heartbreak Hill
21.0	Downhill	0.50	-87	-3.3%	-4.4%	Boston College
22.0	Downhill	0.50	-57	-2.2%	-3.9%	Cleveland Circle
23.1	Downhill	1.00	-95	-1.8%	-2.9%	Beacon Street

Basically, in VERY BROAD terms:

DOWN for approx. 16 miles

UP for approx. 5 miles

FLAT/DOWN for approx. 5.2

–

So, really, not so scary broken down, right?

–

Well, hopefully, you trained specifically for the course, which means rolling hills, up and down, down and up. People tend to focus on prepping only for the uphills and forget the downhills. And if you’re not prepared for all those 15 miles of down, your quads are going to be trashed very early on and you’ll suffer throughout. Just because downhill seems easier doesn’t mean they don’t have a lactic price! So, hopefully, you’re properly trained for the demands of this course. Or make a mental note to get yourself a proper coach for next time (HELLO!!!)

–

Very very VERY important note: the massive drop in the first half mile. If you start just a bit excited and go out too fast, YOU ARE TOAST. Curb your enthusiasm. Or start a few corrals back (at least two or three corrals) if you can’t hold your horses. I repeat: DO NOT start too fast or you’re donzo.

–

Breaking down the plan:

–

Part 1: DOWN for approx 16 miles

Ease up on the quads and take it easy on the downhills, at least for the first 5 miles. DO NOT think that you need to store up time now. Do not; there will be time for that. Remember BANK = BONK. You can speed up in the flat parts, and the subtle ups/downs but if you take these downhills as your chance to PR you WILL regret it later.

Now, make sure you’re running downhill properly or it’s gonna cost you. How do you do that? Make sure you let gravity adjust your body position as get as close as possible to being perpendicular to the hill. Short steps + increase your turnover. Do not overstride, do not break, do not lean back. Stay relaxed.

If you can: ENJOY.

–

Part 2: UP for approx 5 miles

This is not a constant climb, so it is not as scary, there are long flat stretches where you can gain some speed. There are four climbs, the last one being Heartbreak hill. I didn’t think they were such a big deal as they made them up to be, but that might be because I was prepared for the course, and because I run NYCM every year, and because Harlem Hill exists. This was not that hard and I actually had to ask around to know I had climbed Heartbreak… I really had no clue I was done with it, I barely noticed it. So, I would NOT be scared. Can I say it again? the hills are NOT BAD AT ALL if you run a smart race. Take them easy and go wild in between. Maybe check the climb or your local hill and compare it to the elevation above so you know what is coming. Your goal and motto should be to get to the top of Heartbreak in one piece and in good spirits because that is when you can break lose.

In case you care, here is the info on the uphills:

Mile 16.5:
Length=.6 miles
Elevation Gain=60′
Grade=2.8%

Mile 18:
Length=.3 miles
Elevation Gain=60′
Grade=4.8%

Mile 19.5:
Length=.4 miles
Elevation Gain=60′
Grade=3.8%

Mile 20.75:
Length=.4 miles
Elevation Gain=80′
Grade=4.3%

As a reference, in you are a NYC Runner, Harlem Hill is 0.32 long but it has a 84′ rise, with a 4.4%. As you can see, Heartbreak hill (the last of the 4) and Hill 2 resemble HH. Hill 1 and 3 are a bit less steep.

–

Part 3: FLAT/DOWN for approx 5.2 miles

You go wild. You hit the gas and run like you’ve never run before.

If you run the previous parts of the race smart and paced well, you’ll be ready to set yourself on fire here. This race is basically a loooong tour towards the last 10k, use the 10k up and really get some smoke going. There are not more than 3 turns in the whole race (no need to worry about tangents at all!) and they are in this last part, so you’re really clear to go ahead and speed up like a maniac. It’s still a few miles but you can really recover a few minutes here. Also, you’ll have a lot of cheering and support to wake you up and sprint, if you slept most of the previous miles…

–

Other notes:

* For overall pace, I’d recommend running Boston the same pace as your qualifying race, and then, if you have any more speed left at the end, go for it and PR.

* Because most of the course is exactly on the same direction, don’t forget to apply sunscreen, mostly on your shoulders and back, and if you’re wondering if you need sunglasses, you don’t. Sun will be at your back/side 80% of the race. If you are a squinter like me bring them.

* If you still don’t have a pace bracelet, and you want one, I really like these, they’re customized to the Boston course and you can set it up based on: effort vs pace, slow start/fast start, min vs max fading, etc.

* Race Day, arrive at the shuttles early, you don’t want to stress in the lines and when there is traffic. Use the portapotty before, the drive to the start can be over an hour long.

* At the finish, pretend your last name starts with C or D, otherwise you’ll have to walk a lot longer to find your family/friends.

* Wear your medal proudly: you’re amazing.

–

Other things you can check out if you want more info (or are THAT bored or OCD)

Boston Marathon notes after my last Boston, which might be helpful

Boston Marathon pace bracelet, customized with the specific race course hills and stuff

My Boston 2010 race report, with lots of info you could use

My Boston 2014 race report, lots more info and pics

Boston 2014 race, Sunday pictures, Saturday pictures.

Boston 2015, as a wet spectator

–

Good to go? Think you can hold your horses? Questions?

—

Race Report: NYC Half 2014 – training starts here!

Mar18

Well, the NYC Half happened. Again. For the 6th time for me. And I am VERY happy about it. I hadn’t trained, I was 13 minutes slower than last year, but this was such a different story from the NYC Marathon a few months ago…!

The truth is, since July my training has been a disaster for one reason or another (and there were many!!), and I knew I wasn’t going to PR, so I just wanted to use it as a training run, maybe to see if I can muster Boston in a month, maybe to see if I had lost all my running mojo. But it was horrible going into it, I had done so well last year in this race so coming back with no expectations was hard. And the NYC Marathon 5 months ago was just so painful on my untrained legs that I was really dreading this. I had assumed I was going to suffer for 13.1 and there was no way around it, turns out, there was one.

Race Morning: It was really cold, and I was getting to the start 1 hour early. Brrrr. Walked into a brand new clean portapotty with no line and I just wanted to stay warm in there… I had extra clothes on, two mylar blankets, hand warmers, you name it, I could barely move with that many layers on, but my feet were not having it: they froze! They had security checking our checked-bags and then we all went through metal detectors going into the park (yey!), and then a walk to the corral where I met up with a few friends (Rose, Ilana, Julie, Marie, Jason!). We huddled and waited. Rose and I determined we’d take it easy and to try to go together. We talked about how we both had so gotten off the wagon, I said training starts here. This would be a long run, and I would take if from there. Soon enough we were moving…

Race ON: The first miles felt ok. My feet were still frozen but we were determined to take it easy, have fun, run it as a longish run and that’s what we did. We held our horses.

Miles 1, 2, and 3 were quite conservative.

On my post where everyone guessed my finish time, I had assumed I’d do around 1:50, which is 8:30 pace, so I started thinking that maybe I am more in shape for a 2 hour marathon, which I haven’t done in a looong time. Oh well, it is what it is. I felt GOOD, and that is all that mattered, I was not going to push it.

At Mile 2 I saw Juan and his phone froze so he got no pictures. I am sure he was as frozen as the phone… I always feel so bad for the spectators! Then I just started seeing everyone pass me, everyone. People I know did slower than me in the NYC Marathon. I knew I hadn’t trained since so I know I was in way worse shape but it made me feel good that I could hold my pace back as much as I wanted. You can all go!!! I felt so relaxed and in control. Being in control in the early miles of a race is tots HARD people!

Soon we were up in the Harlem out and back and hello Harlem Hill x2. I love out and backs! You get to see everyone! It was wild to be out of the park and everyone sped up a little. Rose and I held it in place.

Miles 4 and 5: a bit faster and settling up in a rhythm.

After we crested the hill and went to the 90s, I saw Juan again. I stopped for a roadside kiss. I was feeling good now that I was feeling my feet again (it really took 4 miles!!) and was warming up. Then I started losing Rose, she told me to go, I told her I’d get Gatorade and wait for her there but never saw her (I’d end up losing her and she’d come in a few minutes behind me). But, I just wanted to hit the gas. I wanted to get to Times Square, make that turn and see what I had. I turns out, I didn’t wait until Times Square…

Miles 6 and 7: need for speed already!!!

Going through Times Square is ALWAYS exhilarating, even the 6th time you do this race. And it widens up SO much, you feel like you can fly… I spotted a Team Up runner and we introduced! It was pretty cool!!

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww: F U N!!!! Then we turn onto 42nd st, the street narrows a bit and the wind….!!!!!! well, we pushed through and kept rolling down. Luckily, my Dashing Whippets team was there to cheer us all up, handing out gels and water. I got so excited, I grabbed a 2X caffeine gel which would probably kill me if I tried it, so I put it right back. And forgot the water. Cheering stations can really make you lose it.

Seems like I was having a fun time, right? I was. I have a slow time to prove it 😉 (don’t scream, slow compared to last year’s!!!) But… with fun comes responsibility and since mile 5 I was feeling good: I was on a roll and kept tearing at it little by little.

As soon as I hit the westside highway and found NO WIND (WTF?!???! It was colder in the park!!! I was dreading the wind and cold here for no reason!?!), I opened my lungs, I let the Hudson nasty air sip in, and sped up. UP UP. From there on, I was picking up runners 10 at a time. You know, if you were there, this is quite probably where 9 out of ten people started to slow down: I WAS FLYING!

Miles 8 and on: Time to Fly!

I lapped the tunnel part up there (“mile 12”) as there’d be no GPS there, and the last bit (“mile 13”) I am sure is wrong because in the seconds it took to locate satellite it made it look quite slow. I know I was sprinting for my donuts…!!!

Did you see how I sped up after mile 6, as I had recommended to do in my post? If you didn’t notice, here it all goes again:

Yes, I probably did start too slow, but whatever. What matters is that I was strong at the end and had a lot too push. Quite a difference from last year‘s pace, but still another great pacing example.

The last mile includes over a half a mile in the tunnel, which I didn’t hate as much as last year (because I knew there was an exit somewhere!!) but then you get out, you make a left and OMG, I was SOOOOO EXCITED to be there. I had to hold the tears back (yes, I cry all the time when I race) and all the flags and the finish and it felt SO GOOD to be back, and to be on the road again and to feel strong and to be able to finish with a kick and to know that even if unprepared it doesn’t have to be as bad as the NYC Marathon was if you can pace yourself… It was amazing.

Then it was over. I was so happy. I wanted to hug all those sweaty runners. Then I wanted to punch a few of them who stopped right at the finish for a selfie (seriously people!!! there’s 15K runners behind you!!!! WTF!). I was back to happy in two seconds. I am moody like that 😉

Got a few pics and with two steps I found friends and team mates… I was just back to frozen in a few seconds!!!

I love this race.

Now I know that, not only I can set the tone for a race and pace as I please (without pushing myself into pain for no reason!) but that I can also enjoy a race and finish it without ANY training… in a decent time too, plus have fun, AND not FALL!! I felt very happy about the results…

see how happy I was???

Juan knew I wanted donuts. Juan got me donuts. Juan is a keeper. I ate almost all of that.

Right after the race ended we got on the 1 train uptown to Finish Line, we had some food, chatted, celebrated, all that. The platform and the train was crowded… and a bit smelly ;-P

Finish Line was fun, but soon I couldn’t wait any longer for the 3 hour shower I was looking to do at home… plus the nap. Then burgers… ah, I love how doing a 13.1 makes me think I can go on some sort of food bender. I do have 5 weeks until the Boston Marathon and I know I am not in shape to run 26.2 comfortably, but I can’t seem to be able to make a decision about going or skipping it… I just counted the weeks back. If I manage a long run the next two weekends, I’ll let myself participate in the marathon. If not, then I am not going to Boston.

One week until my birthday, the next craziness. One thing at a time here.

I don’t know what to do

Jan29

I have two races up ahead, very close, LOOMING:

March 16, New York City Half Marathon

April 21, Boston Marathon

I am in no shape to race or PR at any, but I could probably finish them. Well, the half at least. Boston, I am not sure. When I did NYC Marathon 3 months ago I was in awful shape (and still better than now!) and it was horribly painful. I have two options. Sludge through the half and do my best to prep for Boston. It’s quite lame actually. Or: do the half as a training run, and skip Boston.

This has been my mileage for the past weeks:

Week of January 20: 8 miles total
Week of January 13: 31 miles total
Week of January 6: 23 miles total
Week of December 30: 6 miles total
Week of December 23: 7 miles total
Week of December 16: 16 miles total

Not really any kind of half or full marathon preparation. I think I should not race Boston. I haven’t commited mentally (I haven’t even gotten hotel room, and we KNOW that’s another big issue!) and I am not in shape. But still, just like with NYCM last year, I can’t seem to be able to say no. What’s wrong with me?

Jenny Simpson’s abs

Oct3

In case you missed this picture in my post NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile – The Pros last week, pay attention:

Why am I posting this AGAIN?? BECAUSE I AM OBSESSED. THIS IMAGE HAS RUINED ME.
I want to look like that, but… you know me. I like food. And I don’t cross train…

So, at least I’ll try to stop ALL the sugar… this pic has been positioned in “key” places (like my office, how appropriate!)

There was a Crumbs cake in the kitchen yesterday. I wanted tea but I was scared of how many servings of cake I would have. Genius Idea, I unpinned Jenny’s picture and brought it with me to the kitchen. It works! Thanks Jenny!

I like to run

Jul15

I like to run at night, early before work, in the middle of the day and with the sunset.

I love to run in the city, in the countryside, by the beach.

I like to sweat, get soaked in the rain, and get runners’ tan lines.

I like to run for no reason and I like to run to define myself.

I like to tempo, have fun at an easy pace, do mile reps, and run for hours and hours.

I like to come back home ready to keep going with my day and wanting to take a nap and sit out the rest of the day.

I like to run with the bright sun in my face, and with the stars as my running partners.

I like to run with no goals and like to race and get better.

I like to run with friends, with my dad, with my boyfriend, and I like to run alone.

I like to wear as little as possible and I like to wear all my running gear and make it match.

I like to line up at races, pace with people, chase each other, finish races, spectate, and congratulate everyone.

I like to run in cities I don’t know, maybe get lost, get a little worried, and use my running shoes as my escape from anything. I like to enjoy the comfort in the same old familiar route I could run with my eyes closed.

I like to greet friends and new people in my runs, and I like being invisible.

I like to have many running shoes, shorts, singlets and sunglasses. I like that I can run without most of it.

I like running. I love the million different choices and opportunities for challenges and fun.

Giveaway: customized Official NYRR ING New York City Marathon Online Training Program (or for a half marathon!)

Jun28

I used this program twice already, for the 2011 Footlocker Five Boro Challenge NYC Marathon, and then this year for the NYC Half. You enter ALL your running information in there and it gives you a predicted finish time. You get a (weekly or daily) email with the workouts and you have an online hub where everything is recorded, listed and explained. If, midway through the program, you run a race and want to adjust your times, you can do that! It’s really cool because you can customize with your personal history and data, but also with races and times that happen thru the training, and keep it realistic. Plus, it gave me workouts I had never tried before… It also predicted I’d run a 1:35, which I thought was ridiculous (my last halves had hovered around 1:42s); and, I did 1:35:37!! I definitely recommend it. Also, you get the support of all the NYRR coaches, so, why not?

For this giveaway, we have available a program for NYCM marathon OR any half marathon.

You have THREE chances to play and win:

– Post below a comment: what you will be training for starting July 15 and why you’d like to win it, and maybe what you think your training needs help with = 1 entry

– Follow me on twitter, comment below you did so and your username = 1 entry

– Follow this blog via email (bottom right in the bar there –> on the right), comment below you did so = 1 entry

Every entry counts, do all 3!!! The 16-weeks program starts Monday, July 15th., so on July 8th we’ll randomly select a winner! Super easy, right? Go for it and, also, share!

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And in case you want to keep reading about the Official NYRR ING New York City Marathon Online Training Program here is more info, and their website:

The Official ING New York City Marathon Training Program is unlike any other; it uses data you provide about your fitness level, race experience, and scheduling needs to generate a workout schedule that will prepare you to run your race. Input your age, gender, training history, race results, and schedule to start training like a pro for November 3, 2013. You’ll be able to set realistic goals, and your online program will adjust as your fitness changes.

Other marathon training plans are neither dynamic nor flexible, they don’t cater to your schedule, and they aren’t specific to the ING New York City Marathon course. Our program uses proprietary insights from the NYRR marathon-finisher database and unique knowledge of the NYC course to get you on track. Let our experts take you all the way to the Central Park finish line!

I choose NOT to be a better runner

Jun27

Yes, you read that right.

I made this decision a while back. And it was Right. For me. It’s who I am.

But, I was reading Matt Fitzgerald’s “Runner’s World Guide To Cross-training” and at the end he lists things we should be doing to be “a better runner”. All obvious stuff: sleeping, eating well, hydrating, etc., etc., and as obvious as all that is, “life” (or my life, at least) goes in the other direction. And yes, I could change it, and be a better runner…

But no, I chose to go out, I chose to eat all I want, and whatever I want, and it’s ok if it affects my running. So be it. I own the consequences of my choices.

I run because I like it. I run because it’s good for my health. I run because it helps me relax and think. I run because it allows me to eat all I want and makes my body look and feel like I am 22 without having to go to the gym, diet, cosmetic surgery, tanning beds, and all that gross stuff.

I want my running to bring that good stuff into my life, and NOT to take stuff out. I am not willing to cut my nights short, or miss out on quality time with friends or family. I am not willing to say no to that donut, that cupcake, that steak, or anything else.

I love running THIS much BECAUSE it is NOT stopping me from doing all the other things I like. I am not willing to sacrifice much from my life to run a few seconds faster. So I am ok with having less speed, or less endurance, or being a bit heavier on my feet.

I will cross-train a bit to avoid injury, I’ll give him that. I’ll do drills and I’ll wear flat shoes most days. I’ll hydrate, I’ll sleep a bit more when I can, and I’ll eat good stuff half the times. I’ll give him all that too. And I’ll ice-bath (who am I kidding? I love the ice baths!).

So it is OK if I never ever reach my full potential as a runner. I don’t mind. But I love and enjoy my running more this way, because it’s not taking anything away from me.

Pre said that “giving less than your best is sacrificing the gift“. But, what is that “best”? And what is that “best” for me? And what is my “gift”?

For him, it probably was to suffer in the track, to leave it all out there, to get to the point of blood and guts and broken bones and knowing he did all he could to win. Ah, Running and Pain go so close together… But what is it about with glorifying the pain in this sport? WHO likes pain???? No, don’t lie. No one likes it… You like knowing you are tough and you can withstand anything and feeling unbreakable, but no one likes the pain itself. Still, pain is inevitable here. I am still trying to learn to subject myself to as little pain as possible, short of walking. I might be sacrificing the gift, but I don’t think that’s “my gift”. My best is definitely something else. It’s not in a PR. It’s not in how many miles I suffer through, how high I place, how fast I can get, how many PRs in a row I score, how many races I do or qualify for. That is not the measure of me.

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Kara Goucher

Jun25

Kara said:

My most embarrassing running moment was probably the time in HS when I went to pull off my warm ups and realized I forgot to put on my racing shorts. Tears and a quick change later I was on my way…

Kara Goucher is an American middle and long distance runner. She was the 10,000 meters bronze medalist at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics and represented USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics. She made her marathon debut in 2008 and finished third at the Boston Marathon.

Previously:

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Bart Yasso

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Lauren Fleshman

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Molly Pritz

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My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Molly Pritz

Jun19

Molly said:

My most embarrassing running moment was one of the first practices of my college career. Our coach gave us a 3200m time trial to do. This was my chance to strut my stuff and have all that summer training pay off! Literally 100m into the time trial, I tripped and went down HARD. I’m fairly sure I felt every one of my teammates’ spikes either go into my back or kick my limbs. By the time I got up, the wind was completely knocked out of me and the last place runner had at least 50m on me. I got up, with tears in my eyes, and a nasty gasping wheeze while trying to catch my breath and finished my pathetic time trial. As if this wasn’t embarrassing enough in front of my new teammates, I followed it up by slipping and falling off the bus in front of everyone at our very next long run. To this day, I think my college team sees me as one of the clumsiest runners of all time.

Molly Pritz is a professional runner sponsored by ASICS who won the 2010 Rock ‘n Roll San Antonio Half Marathon in 1:12:14, was second to New Zealand’s Kim Smith at the 2011 Mardi Gras Half Marathon in 1:11:05, and won the 2011 USA 25K National Championship in 1:25:28. She was also the first American and 12th overall at the 2011 New York City Marathon, running a 2:31:52.

Previously:

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Bart Yasso

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Lauren Fleshman

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New York JPMorgan Corporate Challenge / Volunteering / what to do at a water stop

Jun13

Last night, some people from my team and I were volunteering at the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge. This race scares me a bit so I never run it, even when my company participated. There’s over 15K runners/walkers in a 3.5 mile loop in Central Park (such an odd distance!). Companies participate and race each other so there is a huge probability that your boss or coworker forced you to do this. You could tell a lot of the people were not really into it. It has gotten a LOT better in the last two years, but I remember seeing many (MANY) people cutting across the park through the reservoir and doing all sorts of crazy things to finish this event. It was so crowded you would go crazy, I get it. That’s not what I call a race or fun, so I never did it.

In the last two years they’ve gotten timing chips and corrals which has helped a lot and I’ve seen a HUGE improvement. People actually seem to enjoy it! Some dress up, they all run with friends, it’s turning into a HUGE and super FUN event. How do I know all this if I’ve never participated? I’ve been volunteering at the same water stop in the last 3 years. My team participates in this water stop and I always go. It’s always fun to watch and cheer, so at least this way I do something productive.

Last night was my third, and here are some pictures:

2013-06-12 18.49.14 1005058_10201130415119675_1716993205_n

And because running is such a free-happening activity, there’s a lot of rules, processes, efficiencies, and etiquette. So… I decided to write down a few tips for all of us, because we are at water stops all the time.

If you are racing
Be careful approaching the tables and don’t cut anyone off changing lanes. Please. Use your arm to signal you’re changing lanes.
If you didn’t notice the tables until it’s too late, you might just be better off waiting for the next water stop; if you don’t want to wait, you can’t just turn and make an abrupt angle. I know, you’re thirsty and delusional and tired, but keep going, change lanes carefully and come back if you have to.
Never go for the first table, that’s where the clump of people will be and you’ll get stuck, keep running for the last tables.
If possible: don’t stop running. Make eye contact with a volunteer who is handing out water, slow down, grab it slowly and go.
If you can not run while drinking, like me, get your water at the last table and move behind the last table, sip there, then merge back in carefully.
Never stop abruptly for water, there might be someone right behind you. Put your arm up, signaling you’re about to stop, get close to the table and slow down.
Once you get your water, for Pre’s sake, get out of the way. Carefully. There’s more people who need water.
Please don’t linger there comparing the amount of water in each cup and picking through them. Grab two if you have to.
Try, I know it can be hard, but try not to throw a million cups down while grabbing one.
Thank the volunteers if you have any breath left, they are soaked, stressed, and out there for no reason other than to help out.

If you are at a water stop
You are a miracle worker, these people need you. Please be mindful of what is happening because someone might need your urgent help.
Your cheers mean the world too. Giving a runner a smile during a race buys you a hundred karma points.
Smile. There is nothing you can do about your wet feet. Get over it.
Have a cup in each hand and hold them up so runners can see them and reach out for it. Make eye contact, and reassure them that’s their water. Once they grab it, push a bit in the hand-over, they are moving and it will help not drip any water.
Move one cup from the other hand to the extended arm that just handed out water, so you always have one cup up.
Smile and cheer. You got this. Keep at it. Looking great. All come out of your mouth very easily.
If you are funny and smart go for that too. Juan was shouting free water, and Kenneth hot water, or water for pretty ladies only. Have fun. Make sure everyone else is having fun too. We all need each other after all, don’t we?

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Lauren Fleshman

Jun11

Lauren said:

My most embarrassing running moment was in high school. I was rushing toward the startline of a race because I was almost late, and right on the infield next to the start, I stripped off my sweatpants and accidentally pulled my shorts off with it, and there I was standing bare assed in front of the entire stadium. Not awesome!

Lauren Fleshman was the U.S. 5000 meters champion in 2006 and 2010, and has competed at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in 2003, 2005, and 2011. She competes in a variety of middle and long distance events, ranging from the 1500 meters and mile to the 5,000 meters. She debuted in the Marathon November 6, 2011 at the ING New York City Marathon, finishing 12th. She currently trains in Eugene, Oregon as part of the Nike funded professional team Oregon Track Club Elite. Fleshman is the Co-Founder and Brand Director of a gluten and dairy free energy bar company, Picky Bars. In 2013, Fleshman joined Oiselle, a rapidly growing women’s running apparel company, as a sponsored athlete and business partner to create new products, opportunities & messages for female athletes.

Previously:

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Bart Yasso

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Running Biomechanics: Lightweight / Minimalist / Barefoot shoes are NOT the same thing

Jun6

all right, let’s be clear so we all know what we are talking about:

Lightweight shoes, just like racing flats can be anything. High arch, high heeled, narrow fit, drops of 4mm or more, etc. It can be anything from 4 ounces to 10 ounces, anything, depending your needs (and size), and they usually have some degree of cushioning. They are just lighter.

Minimalist shoes are always lightweight but also they are always zero drop, that is, no height difference between the front and the back of the shoe (most shoes, even lightweight ones, have a heel). Minimalist shoes need to be very flexible but also have a very thin and dense sole, 4 or 3 mm or under. They need a wide toebox to allow the foot to splay out when collapsing on contact and they need to feel like you’re almost barefoot when you need some protection.

Barefoot shoes: there is no such thing. What part of bare feet are we not clear about?
(no, not even running sandals are barefoot anything!)

More on Running Biomechanics

Running Biomechanics Sessions

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Bart Yasso

Jun4

I’ve had so many ridiculously embarrassing moments that I figured this must have happen to everyone. So I decided to get out there and ask around. Get ready because I have already collected a few that will make you have another embarrassing moment of your own 😉

Bart Yasso said:

My most embarrassing moment was doing my PowerPoint presentation at the Bare Buns Fun Run. I had no clue until I arrived at the location that the runners would be naked at the pasta dinner. The race wanted me naked and on a stage to deliver my presentation. I thought this will be easy: I’m not going to look at the naked people and hide beyond the podium. Well guess what, no podium! I had a cinder block to rest my computer on. I guess it’s good practice if you’re nervous about public speaking.

— Who is Bart Yasso in case you have been living under a rock… Stay Tuned, more coming soon!!!

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Do we always need goals?

Jun3

I never wanted to run. I hated all sports equally.
Then, a few years ago, I started running, very very slowly, just to mess up with my cardiologist’s plans.
I liked it.

I never wanted to race. Why would I?
In 2006, I was forced into a half marathon.
I became addicted. That was the day.

I never wanted to race a marathon. Those long runs were scary, and I didn’t want to spend so much time training.
I did the New York City Marathon in 2008, I cursed like a sailor for the first 10 minutes after crossing the finish line.
Two hours later, I was figuring out how many more races I’d to do to qualify for next years’ NYCM.

I never ever thought I’d get to run Boston.
I was very surprised when I qualified, during the 2009 NYCM, injured and all.
I ran my funnest and smartest marathon in Boston that year.

I never thought I’d want to run anything further than 26.2. That sounds just about brutal.
Then the slower pace, the trails, the camaraderie of the all-night runs bug bit me.
So I run my first ultra marathon and a couple more.

Then I wanted to get a bit faster. I thought reaching 70% in age grading would do it.
I did that last year.
I am sure I will be happy with these if I start getting old and slow tomorrow.

Well, what now? Do I even need to have goals?
A part of me feels like I need them. I like structure, goals, objectives, I like achieving them.
Another part is very happy to be running free and content with what I have done so far.

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To get the award or not get the award

May31

The Love of Awards!

I have been getting a few of these age group placings lately and I always feel like they made a mistake. I feel really awkward about them. I say Thank You, I smile for the picture, but it all feels weird and fake to me.

They made a mistake!!!!!!!

Or:

Were all the fast women my age doing something more fun I wasn’t invited to?

Should I just leave it there in case it really was a mistake?

I am always afraid they are going to call me on it.

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How to piss off EVERY non-Runner!

May29

In this Cult, things can turn ugly very fast if you are faced with the nonbelievers, the same way it happens with religion or politics.

So, if you are having one of those days when you feel like starting a fight, it is quite simple:

-Talk about PRs, pace, missing toenails, races, strategies, v02 max, age grading, what Kara Goucher was wearing, Pre, logging miles vs times, Centro’s splits, your lactic acid, Nick Symmonds, yassos 800s, and how Boston should adjust their qualifying times, for hours and hours and hours.

-Tell them you don’t want to go out because you can’t eat at that place/don’t want to drink/rather sleep early to run in the morning than spend time with them and how nothing is as fun as running. For hours.

-Eat. Just Eat. They hate it. They hate that we can eat all that. Or, it might convert them, this could also be your most powerful tool when dealing with those people. Food. It’s always the food.

Two things could happen, they’ll eventually get it (or feel jealous of your amazing body, stamina, and good looks!) or they’ll block/delete/unfriend/stop listending to you forever.

Oh well, worth a shot, right?

Keep pushing, eventually we will win. Mua Hua hua hua huaaaaaaaa

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What I am doing this weekend – NOT: NJ Half / YES: Bronx Community College, 35th Annual Hall of Fame 10K

May3

I was sure I’d be doing the NJ Half this weekend but it got really complicated to get on board so late. Needed to get a hotel (all booked up) or stay at my relatives or wake up at 3 am and take the train, plus someone would have to pick my bib up the day before… I say NO to complicated so I decided to give it up!

Also, I went for a run yesterday and 9:30 pace was hard… maybe a half is not such a good idea.

Instead, I’ll be doing a short race! Because I love racing as speedwork… Shooting for a 10K and found this: Bronx Community College, 35th Annual Hall of Fame 10K

Anyone going there? And all these shorter races are the perfect tune up speed I need for the Brooklyn Half coming up, my next goal race!

PS: had a date last night in Central Park’s Loeb’s Boathouse with the bf, but it always just seems crazy to go into the park and not run. Did I mention already how much I love Central Park?

Happy Weekend and Happy Racing!! Plus Happy Spring!

runningandthecity

and by "the city", I mean NYC.

Tag Archive | racing

And… we’re BACK!

Do you “like” to run hard?

Race Report: NYRR Oakley Mini 10K – my 100th RACE!

Boston Marathon Race Strategy

Part 1: DOWN for approx 16 miles

Part 2: UP for approx 5 miles

Part 3: FLAT/DOWN for approx 5.2 miles

Other notes:

Other things you can check out if you want more info (or are THAT bored or OCD)

Race Report: NYC Half 2014 – training starts here!

I don’t know what to do

Jenny Simpson’s abs

I like to run

Giveaway: customized Official NYRR ING New York City Marathon Online Training Program (or for a half marathon!)

I choose NOT to be a better runner

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Kara Goucher

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Molly Pritz

New York JPMorgan Corporate Challenge / Volunteering / what to do at a water stop

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Lauren Fleshman

Running Biomechanics: Lightweight / Minimalist / Barefoot shoes are NOT the same thing

My Most Embarrassing Running Moment: Bart Yasso

Do we always need goals?

To get the award or not get the award

How to piss off EVERY non-Runner!

What I am doing this weekend – NOT: NJ Half / YES: Bronx Community College, 35th Annual Hall of Fame 10K

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Part 1: DOWN for approx 16 miles

Part 2: UP for approx 5 miles

Part 3: FLAT/DOWN for approx 5.2 miles

Other notes:

Other things you can check out if you want more info (or are THAT bored or OCD)

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!

Share the love!