GiveAway!!! Have you seen these MilestonePods that track your mileage?

Feb8

I found a neat new gadget that could be pretty useful: the MilestonePod. It tracks your mileage so you know when to change your shoes. Some of us are a bit… ehem, type-A, and use megaspreasheets to track miles on shoes or something else but this thing could make life very easy for people who don’t do that (you know who you are!!) or a nice inexpensive gift for any new runner, walker or triathlete.

You just keep it on your shoe and constantly tracks mileage. That’s all. And you’ll be able to know when it’s time to replace them. And, there is a little storage on the device so you can also load health or emergency information which will be with you at all times.

The MilestonePods are in production and ready to ship soon. More information here.

So, who wants one? They gave me five to give away!

Here is three different ways to participate in the giveaway. Feel free to doall three, and share it too!

– Post a comment below, telling me why you’d like one, or why you think it’s a great idea.

– Tweet this: Cool new device from Milestone http://www.milestonepod.com. Makes tracking mileage on your shoes almost too easy @milestonepod and then post your tweeter username below in a comment telling me you tweeted. That would count as a second entry.

– Like the Milestone Facebook page and then Share the Page on your Status, and post a comment below that you did so (and name on FB), that could be a third entry!!

Share the love! Post this link in your twitter and facebook so other people can participate too, don’t be greedy! PS: disclaimer, as they are still in production, these will not ship until May and they’re only shipping within the US. You have until Tuesday to post/share/participate and we’ll pick the 5 winners then! Good luck!!!!

GiveAway!!! Have you seen these MilestonePods that track your mileage?

I’ve been a wimp!

Feb7

Since I got back from Argentina my running has been a little bit of a mess.

I was running every single day there, in the 90+ degree weather because I had no choice: I was eating SO much, I had to keep moving or I’d have to resort to rolling after a couple of days. Quite disgraceful. The runs weren’t such a big deal, but I did speedwork a couple of times, with my dad leading me on the bike, and put in some serious mileage.

As soon as I landed, mid January, all went haywire. I had 10 days inbetween trips and loads to catch up and a month’s worth of work I had to fit in. Plus it was in the 20s… I was not a happy puppy. And take the running off the equation. Bad week.

Then Bermuda, the first 4 days were so busy I barely fit in a 3 mile run (because I had to make it to a meeting) and then waaaay to busy until the event was over. So busy, I had no time to rest or anything. I got sick, flu-fever yucky sick. Then I got back and… still sick for almost a whole week. It was brutally cold… I ended up with 91 miles in January. Shameful.

It would have been ok if I did some serious quality. But I didn’t.

February is a different thing though. I’ve gotten into a furious fit of speed and I am just ripping it on every run. It’s quite ridiculous. I even left work early yesterday because I just couldn’t wait anymore to go do speed. What’s gotten into me? Ah, long story, for another post, but I am on a !*#*@#! roll. And it’s amazing. NYC Half is around the corner and I need to get ready. Fast.

I’ve been a wimp!

Racing all Over Bermuda, part deux

Feb3

So, where did I leave it last week? Everyone did the mile and the 10k, but the best part was around the corner. And the most stressful. Not really stressful, I was stressed about it, which is different. The day before an event, we do what we call the Inspiration Dinner. If you’ve been to one, they can be pretty amazing. We celebrate all their training and fundraising, cancer survivors in the team tell their amazingly inspiring stories, we pump the team full of inspiration for the big event the day before. It’s a massive planning undertaking and I had done them before, but I had never MCd one. There were 8 pages of text I had to say outloud. I had just a few days to memorize it. It was really stressed about some of the words. And I tend to trip over numbers in English sometimes with my accent… Pffff, breathe in…

—this was my view from the podium. We had decorated the tables and hotel put those super cute Bermuda-style houses as centerpieces. It was all ready to go.

Luckily, we had a super special speaker… Bart Yasso!! He was going to be the first speaker as he had to go to the official marathon pasta party after! The problem was… the food wasn’t ready yet and we were running out of time before he had to leave… I was in knots!

So, executive decision had to be made (well, we really had no choice!): we started the dinner speech, sat everyone down. I did my first paragraphs so I could let Bart talk and he could leave right after

He was fantastic. As you can imagine. I was a bit worried and half the room were first time marathoners and seriously had no idea who he was, but after three seconds I realized I had been an idiot worrying about it, Bart had everyone laughing and it was amazing. Even without food.

As soon as we was gone, we broke for food, they got back seated, continued the program and all went fantastic. Everyone was happy. I was completely spent but happy it went well! By 10 we were done, I had to scarf down some food and make super I was up at 4:30. Half and Full were on Sunday morning!

It rained all morning and I was already feeling a bit sicky… Luckily we had a dandy team tent, were we hid for a bit…

At some point they were calling my name over the loudspeakers, which I couldn’t hear from the tent, half a block away, so someone came to grab me. I rushed!!!

Bart and Sid were by the Finish and in the announcers tent. They just wanted me to give them some info on the team to announce. I was there for a bit as it was really fun to scream my friends’ names all over the loudspeakers in Bermuda. I am a bit loud to start with… and hyper.

—Pure love! PS: he called me his girlfriend for the weekend. (Laura Yasso, you know we’re joking obviously. PS: love you too!!)

A few hours later, the team was done, we all went back to the hotel… and I was feverish!!!! That night we had what we call the Victory Party. We celebrate the team’s spirit, racing and fundraising. Then they eat, and they all went dancing. I was a sweaty, hot, feverish mess.

I had 3.5 vacation days in Bermuda after work was done and I was a hot mess. And, FYI, you can’t buy any ibuprofen or anything (thanks, you know who you are who tried over the phone, from overseas) without a prescription. It was sucky. I still managed to get outside for food and fresh air. I had to, it’s frigging Bermuda!

Bermuda is truly gorgeous. I am planning on going back soon, May or June. It is just 2 hours from NYC!!!!! I am not gonna hide that I had no idea where Bermuda was… but it’s soooo close and so worth it. People are ridiculously nice. I am not sure it’s the best running: it’s crazy hilly, you have to run on the road with the cars, though they’re super nice and move out of the way, but definitely worth the trip. The pink beaches are just wonderfully amazing. I say yes.

Racing all Over Bermuda, part deux

Running in Bermuda

Jan31

A week ago I left for Bermuda, well more like 10 days ago. We had a big Team in Training group participating in the Bermuda Marathon Weekend so Jenny and I were the Staff.

What’s in the Bermuda Marathon Weekend? Friday there is the invitation mile, Saturday is a very hilly 10k, and Sunday you can do either the half or the full, so, three days, three events, you can do one or two and if you do three, you get 4 medals total, which includes the Triangle medal. Sweet deal, right?

Well, we ended with a big group, at the Fairmont Southampton, for one long weekend. We got there Thursday night and I was booked solid until Sunday night, with just a few hours of sleep.

But, before the work weekend started, Friday at 11 am, I HAD to get a run. It was then or never, so Friday morning I rushed out as soon as I woke up, around 9, with not a lot of time!

Nice view, right?

The hotel had these little pamphlets ready for me to get sweaty (don’t you wish EVERY hotel had these?)

So, off I went.

Two things I learned quickly, and you can see in the pictures:

– In Bermuda you run on the road with the cars, it’s really tight, and there’s no sidewalks or anywhere else to run on. Luckily, Bermudians are the sweetest people on earth so they’ll move their car around you, but it’s tiiight.

– Bermuda is EFFING HILLY as HELL. There is NO flat road, anywhere for more than two yards. Ridiculously hilly.

My run was NOT long. The elevation profile looked like this VVVVVVVWWWWVWVVVW !! It was tough… so hands up there for everyone racing in Bermuda… more soon!

Racing all over Bermuda

Jan31

So I was in Bermuda for the Bermuda Marathon Weekend. Friday was the Mile.

We all scooted over to Hamilton, and the mile is run on their main street, pretty much like the Fifth Avenue Mile!!

Bart Yasso was doing the announcements and he did a huge shout out for my team, as we had our own corral: corral two, the first one right behind the elites! It’s super cool to be part of a race that is SO accomodating…! There was this whole parade with bands before the race got going. It was quite exciting.

Saturday was the 10k, start and was in a stadium, which was really windy and I think that was the start of my downfall (of course there was a downfall!) as I was completely underdressed and freeeeeezing for 6 hours. I kept doing laps in the track just to keep warm…

nice finish line!

the team… ready because they had no idea just how hilly the course was going to be… For what I heard the 10K course was tougher than the half or the full…

At the start.

Jenny and I, I know you’re looking at the track and not us!

Anthony, the race director who I had been working with for months, and Bart, my boyfriend for the weekend (HE said that, no me!!). I love him.

Soon enough we see the winner approach. Soon after we start seeing our participants. A few of them placed really well, even 2nd and 3rd overall in the whole triangle challenge, which I think it’s pretty crazy to start with: I run a few of those hills!

the most exciting part is around the corner… but I need a nap!

Finally, my weird 2012 numbers and notes

Jan3

I’ve added the last years for comparison purposes… and my comments in Italics. I expect your comments too!

Total Miles:

2009- 678

2010- 1217

2011- 886

2012- 1241

—Highest so far, but not by a lot and not really that much. As I focused on the half for half a year, it was quality over quantity. It worked. Thumb up.

Races:

2009- 10 (9 in NYC, 1 in Nashville)1 marathon, 2 halfs, one 18 miler, one 10k, one 5M, two 4M, one 3 miler and a Mile.

2010- 19 (13 in NYC, 1 in Boston, 1 in Boulder, 2 in NJ, 1 in Philly, and 1 in Buenos Aires)

2011- 12 (10 in NYC, 1 in DC, and 1 in NJ)

2012- 16 (13 in NYC, 1 in PA, 1 in Germany, 1 in Argentina)

—Not my highest but a decent amount. A couple of them abroad is nice too. Thumb up.

PRs:

2009- Six! (Out of 10 races)

2010- Thirteen! (Out of 19 races)

2011- Six + 1 automatic one (Out of 12 races)

2012- Three (marathon, 5K, mile) + 1 automatic (out of 16 races)

—Three is not a lot, when there were 16 freaking races… BUT, a 10 min PR in the marathon, and two short races, almost makes up for it. Even thumbs.

Highest Age Grading:

2009- 60%

2010- 69%

2011- 68.5%

2012- 71:29%

—This is really how I measure success in a race, and I had wanted to go over 70% in a WHILE. Took a bit long but it’s amazing when it happens. Two thumbs up!

Injuries:

2009- 2 — retrocalcaneal bursitis (5 months out), piriformis syndrome (10 weeks out)

2010- ITBS (three weeks out right before the Boston Marahton!)

2011- broken shoulder, 2 broken ribs, torn rotator cuff (2 weeks before NYCM!)

2012- NOT ONE!

—Well, I don’t have words to qualify this one. Two thumbs up here too.

Races Cancelled or DNFed:

2009- none

2010- One DNF, a 50K where I fell twice.

2011- Chicago, DNS because of 2 stress fractures.

2012- ONE DNS (snow storm!)

—I hardly care, but it was kind of lame of me to chicken out of snow just because I was tired and wanted to stay in bed. Thumb down for being a wimp.

Highest/Average Weekly Mileage:

2009- Highest: 40. Average: 13

2010- Highest: 40. Average: 23

2011- Highest: 36. Average: 17

2012- Highest: 40. Average: 25

—I like these numbers. 25 a week, with the results I got is pretty amazing. Thumb up!

Marathons:

2009- One (NYC). PR: 3:45:22

2010- Two (NYC and Boston). PR: 3:42:33

2011- Two (National and NYC). PR: 3:37:57. DNS in Chicago for injury.

2012- One (Berlin). PR: 3:27:44

— Just one marathon, yes, BUT (I was going to do NYCM and) Berlin was amazing, a 10 minute PR, a half PR, a negative split, and no pain whatsoever. Two thumbs up.

Half Marathons:

2009- Two. PR was 1:45:55

2010- Six. PR is 1:42:47

2011- Two. No PR.

2012- Two. No PR. (though there was an unofficial half marathon PR in the second half of the Berlin marathon)

—Lame. I wish I could have run a half in the second half of the year because I think I could have PRed, but there wasn’t one I was able to do. Thumb down.

Balance: a really good year in paper with a few nice accomplishments. In my opinion: my best year so far. I got up to 71%, I managed to run my best marathon ever, perfectly, and changed my form to not get injured. Not many PRs but in my eyes, those three things make me really happy. I couldn’t be any happier with 2012! Obviously, all I changed this year really paid of and it’s great that there is still a lot to learn. Now, onto the new challenges for 2013!!!

San Silvestre 8K – a race to end 2012, in Buenos Aires (and a tour for you!)

Jan1

So… I run a race yesterday…!! It was pretty osom too.

The San Silvestre 8K is a race that happens in many cities all over the world, on the last day of the year. Seems like a really cool tradition and the best way to end the year and set yourself up of the end of year festivities!

The Course, or where you get to see Buenos Aires!

It’s SUPER scenic! I am not sure many races can match how scenic and touristy this course is. You get to run by so many cool interest points in just a short race… It’s pretty cool that they get to stop all downtown for this.

We start and finish in the Obelisco, which is like pretty much like the Washington Monument!

The Obelisco is located in Avenida 9 de Julio (9th of July Avenue, that is the date of our Independence), which is said to be the widest avenue in the world. You need to wait for three different set of traffic lights to cross it…

Then we turn into Avenida de Mayo, and we head towards el Congreso, which is just like the US Capitol building.

A few more steps there, we come back to 9 de Julio and we head to the Plaza de Mayo, (May Square), a focal point of political life in Argentina, as this was the scene of the May 25 1810 revolution. Also, as the President governs across the street, the square is still the busiest spot for demonstrators…

The Casa Rosada (Pink House) is the official seat for the President of Argentina and the seat of the executive branches of government. The president doesn’t reside there though. And it’s REALLY PINK.

Across the street from the Casa Rosada and the Plaza de Mayo is El Cabildo, where Independence was declared and signed. It’s now a museum.

We turn on the main Cathedral…

back to the other side of Avenida de Mayo (my favorite stretch) and go by el Cafe Tortoni. This place has been a paradigm of Buenos Aires culture for over 150 years. In the early 1900 you would find there every famous writer, poet, journalist you could think of. Borges used to go there. Even Albert Einstein was there. It now also holds the National Tango Academy as well.

Then we come back to Avenida 9 de Julio, for an out and back, and go by the Teatro Colon, our Opera House.

Then just back to the Obelisco for the WIN!!! Or just some finish water! (please?!)

Fun, right? Now,

The RACE

Well, they’ve been doing the race for three years. I did it on their first try, on 2010, and it was amazing. It had been my first race ever in my home country, so this one was my second. It’s really nicely organized, sign up was super smooth, all green lights!

It costs $120 pesos, which is roughly $24 dollars, it’s chip-timed, you get a short sleeve dry-fit, a medal, and lots of food and drinkies at the finish.

We got there… and it was HOT. It was really hot in the morning, then it poured, by 3 pm it got overcast and cold. Perfect. Then, 10 minutes before the race it got hot and sunny again. It was 86 degrees. JUST like last time. It was gonna hurt a bit. Again. On the other hand, it’s freaking flat as hell.

At the start people line up in not-very strict corrals and they sung the national anthem and we were all covered by a HUGE argentinian flag. HUGE. I’ve run over 90 races and I never get to hear MY anthem at a start: I had a moment.

People “warm up” at these races. I swear. It’s ridiculous and funny and I don’t get it, it’s super hot and everyone is jumping around to Psy like crazy. Argentinians… 😉 Gotta love it.

Soon enough, we get going, on time luckily, and it was crowded for a few blocks. But all the streets in this course are super wide so we were fine after less than a quarter mile.

First mile, my sis, and my dad and my mom cheering, as is their annual duty!

Juan and I had started together, though I had said 7:20s and he had said 6:50, all in kilometers which is REALLY confusing, something like 4:40s. Yes, I am THAT fast in Argentina. It’s kind of wild to line up in the 4:30 to 5:00 corral. Hilarious. We stuck together for a few miles, he would read the mins per kilometers: 4:05, well, that sounds fast; Motoactv would whisper 7:03s in my ear… I am going too freaking fast!

It is really hard for me to slow down in the heat, and mile 2 was 7:04, so right there I told him to go, cause he looked like he was walking… and I was dying. I got really hot soon. I wouldn’t stop to drink water, but I did grab one at mile 3 and threw in my head, bra and back. Delicious. Yum.

The course is really nice though and keeps you entertained, and I found myself pacing with people. It was ALL MEN around. Really. I am not sure where all the women were… Mile 3 was 7:17 and even though I was suffering, I was still under pace.

Soon enough, I get back on the 9 de Julio, and see the family!

By then, I was falling apart! Mile 4 was rough but I had a few guys pick me up and run with me to cheer me on, it was super cool. Mile 4 wasn’t so bad though, 7:11, all under 7:20 for an average of 7:13! Check out my cadence though, out of control, right?

I crossed the finish line and I needed a few seconds. I wasn’t feeling so good… I got really hot and I needed water desperately. I saw my family there by the side and got to chill a bit before I emptied a few bottles.

We hung out at the finish for a bit, as they were going to raffle a car… and because it was fun too! My half-race pacer Juan, below, who’s doing like 50 ironman a day and almost-ready to qualify for Kona.

OMG, there’s a POOL!! WITH ICE ON IT!!! AND NO ONE ON IT!??!?!?

We stayed a bit for the awards ceremony (and car raffle of course!) and it was weird to not know everyone (though Juan did!), it was pretty cool (not in the cold-cool-sense).

I think this is a wonderful tradition, no matter how bloody hot it gets in December here. I really like this race, the course, the fun, the organization and how chill it all is. Did I say wonderful?

Happy New Year Friends!!!!!! I am ready for my 2012 recap now (had to use up to the last minute!). 2013: BRING IT!

Where I’ve been running around here – Parque Leloir

Dec28

Three years ago they created an amazing running path in a neighborhood close to ours. It is like a mile away but the walk/run there is not so bad. I take the path I used to take to go to my elementary school…

It’s usually quite this quiet. This used to be my school (closed for the summer now):

This boro/barrio is Barrio Aeronautico. It was set up for people who worked in the airlines back in the 60s, and is now ecologically protected. Because of the history (theme?) of the area, you find stuff like this:

Below you can see my dad* walking, and it’s common to see dogs doing their thing and the same with people…

Soon we arrive to Parque Leloir, a little neighborhood with amazing houses (google pics here), lots of trees and shaded dirt streets, where they set up the 3.5K “track”.

This is how you know where to go running/walking so you’ll do a full loop and not get lost…

The place is gorgeous, and because it’s dirt roads, there’s not a lot of traffic or noise, or distractions.

You have to see the houses in there…

I will buy this next one, you can all have the rest.

I might have to get a place here, right? They all have swimming pools and barbecue pits! And the streets are great for running… see?

And you gotta feel safe with houses like these… I thought la policia was coming after me for taking all these pictures of the houses…!

There’s lots of little corner plazas where people hang out or exercise.

Soon enough, it’s over.

It’s perfect, right? It’s a bit short so I usually have to do a bunch of loops but I am glad I have this close because I have been eating non-stop. It’s pretty disgusting.

Where I’ve been running around here – Parque Leloir

Anatomy for Runners

Dec27

Just because some of you asked for more on form in my last post, about my 2012 best practices, I figured I’d share!

I just finished reading Anatomy for Runners by Jay Dicharry; there is an excerpt here, and check out the table of contents:

I am not sure about you, but Physics and Physiology can be a bit dry… I have read a LOT of Running Biomechanics in the last two years and I got used to it but I am aware that it is heavy stuff. And if you don’t have a very solid Physics base to pile on, you can get really lost. Physiology? Yuk. I’ve always hated it. But we all know it’s worth learning about it!

And text about that stuff is usually either superspecific, heavy and unreadable OR very light and not enough information… Somehow, this book does a great job of making itreally accessible. But, besides that, what I really like is that it is, not only very specific, but also catered to runners and not just biomechanics that you need to adjust in your head. It’s like he’s talking to every runner, and already telling me what I am thinking about asking next. There is also a few examples in there, tests, that you can do to see where your weaknesses are.

Or really great pictures of drills to do…. There are SO many charts, that make it all so easy, just a few examples:

No worries if something in those images confuses you, EVERYTHING in the book is really well explained, that’s just how through and deep it is! If you want to learn about what your runner’s body does and how, you might want to consider putting this one on your Christmas list…

Questions?!?!

Anatomy for Runners

When you’re on vacation, all bets are off

Dec27

Or at least I like it that way. I run because I want to, not because I have to. I would never do that on vacation. It’s vacations for Pre’s sake!!

But, the fun part is, I RUN MORE! I usually run an average 4 days a week. I’ve been here for a week and run every day. That’s seven in a row. I’d never do that if I planned it!

And, though I have been able to keep the running up (way up!) even running a lot more than usual because the weather is nice and I feel bad because I am eating a lot, the rest of the stuff isnot getting done. At all. I haven’t done any drills. I have not stretched. I haven’t even tracked my mileage so I have no idea how much I am doing. I hadn’t blogged til yesterday. I haven’t even signed up to the race I would like to do on Monday. There’s no routine, no organization: vacation. But I am eating, running, resting, having fun: good enough for me.

When you’re on vacation, all bets are off

My 2012 Best Practices Official List

Dec26

I’ve been mentally composing this post for the last 3 months…

I do a “What I’ve learned this year” post every year, but I have a lot going on this year… I did a lot of things differently this time around and I had a great year. Probably my best running year so far. I was able to have the perfect marathon, and a huge PR, while also PRing at the Mile a week before, so it’s not luck or coincidence. Times are a-changing, and you might not agree with some of these or they might not work for everyone, but of course, the more we share the better!

Basically, there are two huge principles that govern everything else:

Biomechanics! Technique is everything. And more so in this sport where we keep doing the exact same movement over and over again! My technique is not perfect but it has improved in heaps since I learned all about biomechanics and became a coach, and this is the first year I haven’t been injured. A miracle! If you’re not working on your technique to address weaknesses and do drills to fend off injury, the stakes are very high. I’ve been able to adjust my cadence from 130 to 190 in a year, and run races without feeling the effort. Efficiency is King.
Be a Happy Runner. That means, no pressure, no expectations, no need to ruin your hobby with crazy demands. Have all sorts of social runs, have fun out there, and please do many other things that are not running. A balanced athlete and individual is always a better runner. It is not only about how many miles you run or how hard you push. Give yourself a chance to relax and bring other things into your running. And don’t make your friends and family hate your Running. Love (for your close ones and your run) should be a part of your routine, just like fueling and warming up!

The Other Key Players This Year:

Mileage Compromise. This year I was able to keep my mileage down on recovery weeks/months. I was also able to do a lot more mileage than ever. No need to do 30 miles every week: there are weeks for 20 and weeks for 40.
Speedwork. Fine, it’s necessary. It really does help. It makes you develop the other muscles, create proteins and hormones we need, teach your body certain processes, mechanisms, and efficiency, and it will make you faster. Make sure you select the appropriate workout though as you can’t do speedwork every day.
Speed on Trails. I got used to doing some of my speed on dirt. Which means.. I recover a lot faster! A few weeks I was able to squeeze in two speed workouts!
Drills. Drills. Drills. Drills. Perfect practice makes perfect. Rehearse every movement from your gait, perfection it, make it faster, make yourself super efficient.
Run with a Group. It’s obvious: they’ll keep the pace honest. But besides pushing you, they’ll make it more fun. My two usual training partners are faster than me. As frustrating as it can sometimes to always be the one who is suffering, being the weakest link helped me a lot.
Consistency. There are always hard weeks. Keep at it no matter what, even if it’s little mileage, or slow. Or cross-train if you’re into that. Keep in mind ligaments start breaking down after 2 days, so less is better than nothing.
Specific Training. For Berlin, I did flat long runs. For shorter central park races, I did short hill sprints. There is just so much you could do: train smartly.
Less Fuel. Not only I was able to run on a fuel-deprived tank, but I run better. Also, I don’t need as much food the day before a long run or a marathon as I thought. I did a few runs starving and I did a lot better that usual.
Coffee before a short race. It works. (But I am the anomaly, I don’t usually drink coffee).
Shorter Long Runs. There is a lot to be said for a 14 miler at marathon pace, or a 16 miler at MP+20, or a progression 16. Train smart, less can be more.
Speed First, Endurance Second. Even (mostly) if you’re training for a half or full.
Try New Things. All the stuff here worked for me this year, but might not work for you, and will probably not work for me next year. Our body adjusts and will create new puzzles to put together and jump over. Do some new cross training, change your routine. You’re not just a runner, become a full athlete. Build yourself into biomotor problem solver.

Thoughts? Ideas? Feedback? Questions? 😉

Heard of Trigger Point Performance Therapy?

Dec26

Trigger Point PT makes all these ~~torture devices~~ interesting massage/stretching instruments… I went in because I was curious about the grid, this thing:

and ended up with this:

Because, when do we ever get what we want?!

That pack has everything. EVERYTHING. Those rollers are RIDICULOUS. You put them on top of the block and ouchie. Also, those roller balls are no joke. My tennis balls feel like feathers after getting used to these… I’ve been using them for a bit now and I’ve forgotten all about my masseuse (Shhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

What I like about it the most though.. is that, because it has videos, it forces me to stretch properly. Or o stretch at all.

These are the videos I got:

After my runs, I usually sit there, forget half the stretches, then get distracted, forget what I was doing and half-get-through-the-stretching-somehow, IF I get through it. With these, I set time aside, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and I know I’ll be told what to do, when to do it, how much to do, which means I will REALLY STRETCH. If left to my own device… oh, I already forgot what I was doing. I used to do this yoga-for-runners dvd a while ago, just to make sure I stretched and flexed stuff… and it wasn’t as specific as I would have liked so it got old…

The videos are for athletes so you know you’re doing the right stretching, and I’ve felt them, in that moment and/or the day after. Not all those exercises are pleasant… no need to lie here right? It has to hurt a bit sometimes to get the good out of it! Sometimes it feels like a massage, sometimes it feels like torture… and who doesn’t like that?!?!

And while at it, I also got this interesting gadget I will be trying out in the heat over the next two weeks in Argentina! It’s a cooling system, in your hand:

The website says ”Cooling the hand stimulates thermoregulation signals to the brain, which is scientifically shown to improve athletic performance and delay fatigue. The hand is the body’s natural radiator! Experience the performance benefits of a real cooling strategy today!”

I already fear that my dad is going to ~~want to steal it~~ inherit it for Christmas! I think I should have gotten two to make it biomechanically correct. Or to have one left.

Heard of Trigger Point Performance Therapy?

Reporting from the South!

Dec26

Ooooops, seems like almost a whole week has gone by and I haven’t had time to even blog!

I got to Argentina on Friday early and the days before I worked like a maniac to get things done. Once I landed I was so exhausted from the past week and the overnight flight (11 hours flight, which turns into an 18 hour trip!) that I couldn’t see straight. I still decided I needed a short run to shake the coldness, tireness and non-sleep off.

There is a really night nice residential area where you can run. Streets are dirt, not a lot of cars, many trees to give you shade… The problem is I get lost because the streets are not straight. Luckily my dad volunteered to be my pacer on a bike for the first few runs! I loved it! I never had a bike pacer before!!!! We even did 800s on Sunday morning!!! He would even point to the turns ahead of me so I could do tangents! Very cute.

It has been pretty nice to be able to run in shorts and sports bra in the middle of December. On Monday, though, it got really hot, to a feels like of 115 during my run. Funny thing: I did not check the temperature before I headed out so one mile in I noticed that my heart rate was up to the Max and I was doing very easy pace, like marathon pace +2 minutes. Since then it has been in the 70s which feels like winter. I am not kidding I even wore two jackets yesterday. On the other hand, I am getting a really nice tan already.

I am excited, the running is still going great and there’s a 5 miler on Monday I think I’ll do!!

Reporting from the South!

Dec26

Ooooops, seems like almost a whole week has gone by and I haven’t had time to even blog!

I am excited, the running is still going great and there’s a 5 miler on Monday I think I’ll do!!

Reporting from the South!

Yes, I am pushing it… on purpose!

Dec19

A few weeks ago I decided I needed a running-shoe cleanse.

I piled up the ones I don’t use and I know I will never use and decided who would get those.

Done with those.

My favorite pairs, around 15 of them, back to the rack.

And got stock with the “are these too old to run on?” pairs.

My go-to shoe, since the first day I started running were Asics GT21XX series. According to my running log, I’ve put over 4000 miles on these shoes, collectively of course. I always have a few brand new pairs around. When the current one is on around 400 miles, I start breaking in a new pair. They never feel right until they have around 150 miles in them (and these are my go to shoes! can you imagine how weird everything else feels?!?!?!). I think it’s because I also run in sandals/minimalist shoes, that my feet don’t like or need a lot of cushioning…

By the time they’re broken in, I’ve forgotten all about the old pair. So, I found 5 pairs lying around (yes, in a studio apartment, 5 pairs) with all sorts mileage ranging from 550 to 650.

I decided, I will either wear them to the floor or they go.

Of course I can’t let them go, what am I?

The evil Queen of the East?

Don’t think so.

I picked a (lucky) pair and put in in my suitcase for Argentina, two weeks there, around 60 miles, and I guess I can forget about them there. What about the other ones? Decisions, decisions… These are like my babies.

I am wearing them down to the ground. One by one. My first pick, after these past two weeks is up to 720 miles, and they still feel normal. Want to bet how far we can go?

Yes, I am pushing it… on purpose!

Do you get (a) Physical…?

Dec18

I love getting my annual physical exam! Not sure why I started, but I like seeing and comparing my yearly numbers and brining them to my cardiologist, he makes a big fuzz of my amazing cholesterol and I feel like I am doing something right (when, in reality I am eating all the wrong things, but that’s not the point!)

It’s come to my attention that most people don’t get one every year… ehem!! It’s free in most medical insurances, or you just have to pay the PCP copay (I think). So, pls try to get a physical every year. It’s really easy. I promise. They’ll just poke around a bit, take some blood and your basic vitals but you’ll get someone to check everything and ask you questions… I also like going to a dermatologist to check every inch of my skin, once a year, just in case! As runners, we spend a lot of time outside and I am not the best at putting sun protection on… Really, take time for yourself.

My dad told me, a long time ago “Your body is a priority, without your health you have NOTHING”. It stuck.

The most important thing though is to find a Dr you like and trust. You know I am really good at listening to them and then deciding what I think is best for me, which is sometimes not following their advice, but it’s good to have someone you trust to bounce crazy ideas off!

My regular drs, the ones I go to the most, are my generalist and my cardiologist, they ALWAYS ask me about my love life, my job, the running, if I am travelling, getting faster… why is that important? they’ll know if you’re stressed, eating well, sleeping enough… Make sure you have doctors that check on you as a whole person, not just body parts.

Even your running doc should ask those questions!!! I swear some of them (the good ones) do! If you have a sports injury and they tell you to stop running, RUN out of there, even if it hurts!!! Your doctor should understand how important exercise if for your health (even your mental health) and know better than that. Now, when you have something like a broken foot, he could say something like “let’s cross train for a bit”… you know? My cardiologist freaked out last year when I couldn’t run, he knew I’d be a DISASTER…

Anyway, I just wanted to get in front of all of you and remind you to stay on top of your stuff, get things checked, don’t wait, get people you trust on your side so you can make the best decisions and don’t be scared to keep looking for the perfect fit.

Do you get (a) Physical…?

One week to the Sun!

Dec18

In a week, I’ll be running around in 80s and 90s and who knows, possibly 100 degrees! Can’t wait!!!!

Packing will take two minutes.

I have been looking forward to this for a few months now.

I really need a vacation. I vacationed in Berlin and Hawaii this year and travelled to a bunch of other places as well, though mostly for work, but going to Argentina is truly a vacation: there is nothing there for me to do but hanging with the family, running, seeing friends, getting lots of it’sbeenawhile hugs and omgit’syou faces, minimal shopping, minimal touring, and one race. Call it too quiet or too boring if you want, but I think I really need to stop for a bit, and reset my brain.

I’ve really been going like crazy this year, doing way too many things (3 jobs now, 4 at some point!!) and… I need to unplug. And turn the phone off. Get off email. Look at the ceiling. Be bored. Lay there. Watch tv in espanol. Remember those summers when you were a child and you’d be bored to death? That’s exactly what I am needing: a lot of nothing and a little running in hot-as-hell weather. I am counting the seconds! There is not even much time to run next week on my schedule: I think I will be running off the plane, through customs, all the way to a steakhouse!

One week to the Sun!

NYRR’s Ted Corbitt Classic 15K – Excuse me but those legs are mine!

Dec17

I signed up on Tuesday for NYRR’s Ted Corbitt Classic 15K. Online registration closes on Tuesday, when a race is not sold out, which is always. As usual, I looked at the weather, looked 40ishy, and as I don’t do well in the cold, I always check. 40 is perfect. I am in.

How do you run a distance you never run before, pace-wise? I hadn’t run a half since May and a 10k since June, so I figured it had to be somehow faster than my marathon pace. HA. That’s me and my super low expectations! My pace in the Berlin Marathon was 7:55 so I figured that if I did 7:40s I could be very happy…

Race morning, it’s 39 degrees. I had NO clue what to wear. I didn’t want to freeze out there before and after as I was going to be hanging out with friends, but I also didn’t want to be hot during the race… Pffffff. I also didn’t feel like wearing a jacket. I am wild rebel sometimes. Two shirts seemed like I’d freeze. So I wore THREE shirts, two long sleeved, knee-length tights, and leg warmers. Yes, it did not make any sense at all, but I liked it.

I get there, see my two teams and catch up, such a fun race to see everyone at! Seriously everyone was there!

In the corral, I see two team mates, I ask what pace they’re each going for, 7:20s: I definitely will NOT be running with them and I tell them. As soon as we go, I kept telling myself to stay relaxed and not pass anyone. Anyone!!! Let them all go!!!! That always seems to help. I am not sure why, but the less I care about the race, the faster I go. I relax and find my inner rythym! I was clocking lowish 7s so I was happy wit the numbers motoactv was shooting into my ear, and that it felt easy.

I am the one with the blue leg warmers. Still, everybody else has more clothes on more than me!

Five minutes into it I was already hot. Pffft. Like burning hot. Took my gloves off and inserted them in my shorts. By Mile 6 I had to take 1 shirt off, I was dying… but I am good runner in the heat…! wink wink.

Good: I did the whole race with no food. No breakfast, no gels, not even a drop of water during the race.

Not so Good: It was a weird race… No one was running tangents, and it was crowded so it was a bit annoying. There is a lot of zigzagging in the park so it’d make a lot of difference in people knew how to do it, so I did what I could.

I finished somehow strong, but in shock that I could do such a fun and relaxed pace and still get low 7s in most miles. I sometimes think I am mentally stuck in the paces I used to do when I started and can’t get used to how much I’ve improved…

I do remember feeling during the race how it easy and comfortable it felt. And how it was the best way to close my running year in NYC with a race that felt so good. It’s weird right? I am the one who always hates racing… 2012 and I are in love!

Stats time!

Finish time: 1:08:04. Average Pace: 7:23

Previous PR: none, automatic PR!

Age Grading: 68.46% (anything close to 70 makes me REALLY happy)

Overall Place: 453 of 4014

Gender Place: 67 of 2115

Age Place: 12 of 588

I have been looking for the legs I had in Berlin since then and I felt them today! It was not as good but halfway there: I have been experimenting with muscle tension and I think I am closer to finding the right formula!

Guess who won? Delilah Dicrescenzo! Cool, right? (you know who she is, she had that song named after her!). Pics in the link at the top!

The race gives awards to faster teams by adding their top 5 runners, and the 5 top women in my team managed to score 2nd place! I was fourth in there, so glad to help get the team placing! Woo hoo, and that’s another medal! I picked up around 5 of those babies this year!

I think I love this distance. Or I love it because I hadn’t done it before and had no expectations. It’s close to the feel of a half, it’s hardish but not all out as a 10k would be, the goldilocks-option: it’s juuuuuuust perfect!

My 12-12-12 Run

Dec17

I’ve been having the randomest runs lately. I get one where I am dragging, and then the fastest, PR-setting runner’s high on the next one.

Who knows? I like that I have no idea what kind of run I have around the corner.

Yesterday I woke up at 5 am, for the randomest reason (lots of randomness lately!), and decided to go run. If I didn’t run then, I was not gonna have time for three days. Looked at the temps: 36, dark as hell.

But I was feeling good… I didn’t even realize it was 12-12-12: I hadn’t woken up before 8 am in months…

It was dark, the park was quiet, I kept warming up, I threw in a couple of mile reps to make sure I was not dreaming it, the sun comes up, and you see it gleaming in the buidlings, then you just did 6 miles.

I am not sure when I had gotten scared of waking up early and running in the cold. It was fantastic. Now I just have to figure out how to make 5 am feel like 10 am in the future. I am sure that was a fluke.

My 12-12-12 Run

A Runner’s Christmas Tree

Dec17

Seriously, this hot mess only took 5 minutes to build, obviously, but I think it’s loads of FUN. I just taped a bunch of race bibs together and added a few bike lights, and voila! It looks crappier in the picture than in real life because it’s hard to get ALL the lights on at the same time…In the video, here, 2 seconds long, it looks a bit better!

For an hour a day, in 10 days I’ll be in my apartment in December, that’s good enough!!!

I still have tons more bike lights I could put up, but I got bored after 10 minutes. The idea came to me instantly, because I put so many lights on when I run at night that I always say I look like a christmas tree, well, there we go! Gotta go run!!

A Runner’s Christmas Tree

runningandthecity

and by "the city", I mean NYC.

Archives

GiveAway!!! Have you seen these MilestonePods that track your mileage?

I’ve been a wimp!

Racing all Over Bermuda, part deux

Running in Bermuda

Racing all over Bermuda

Finally, my weird 2012 numbers and notes

San Silvestre 8K – a race to end 2012, in Buenos Aires (and a tour for you!)

Where I’ve been running around here – Parque Leloir

Anatomy for Runners

When you’re on vacation, all bets are off

My 2012 Best Practices Official List

Heard of Trigger Point Performance Therapy?

Reporting from the South!

Reporting from the South!

Yes, I am pushing it… on purpose!

Do you get (a) Physical…?

One week to the Sun!

NYRR’s Ted Corbitt Classic 15K – Excuse me but those legs are mine!

My 12-12-12 Run

A Runner’s Christmas Tree