Tag Archive | new york city marathon

Central Park WINTER Water Fountains

Nov28

So, you might know, it gets cold in NYC in the winter, and so, the park closes the water fountains because the water will freeze and that will make the pipes burst. Or something like that.

There is usually 3 water fountains that stay open throughout the winter, aka NOW. 

Side note: bathrooms start opening at different times through the park, some at 6 am, some at 7 am, some at 8 am. If in dire thirst, you can always go to a bathroom and drink from the sink. It seems gross. Sometimes it looks/is gross. But the water is safe. Or at least, I haven’t suffered any special side effects.

I just want to point out my new gorgeous adidas kit. The trefoil monogram track jacket and the striped shorts are the cutest and so comfy. I am loving all this new adidas gear and I wear them all the time, not just for running, ooooops! 

Here are the details to find the water fountains.

The first one is always trustworthy and my favorite. It always works, ALWAYS.

She is not easy to find at first but then you’ll always see her. 

We’ll call her East 102. 

When you are running in Central Park, on the East Drive, you’ll see the E0002 lamppost (that means East 102th street so look for the lamposts/streets to get there). 

Right there is also a set of traffic lights right 101th street. That is the spot. 

Go east (towards Fifth Avenue) on the path right under the traffic lights and you’ll see the water fountain on your left.  She is about 20 meters East of the East Drive and 101th street, but she’s right off the E102 lamppost so we’ll go with 102 for her official name. These are her coordinates if that is easier for you: 40°47’29.9″N 73°57’19.7″W

Next!

Then there is the ResLoop/Tennis Court fountains (there’s two)

The good thing about this one is that you can easily access from the West side of Central Park (about 400 meters from the West Drive), but also from the bridal path and the reservoir loop.

The easiest way to find her is to know where the Bridge #28 is. 

Bridge #28 is in front of the tennis court. The bridge intersects with the reservoir track, and right there are the fountains. You have to get (on the bridge towards) the reservoir path.

This one is harder to get to sometimes when it’s early or late (as it’ll be dark) or snowy (snow!) or raining (because mud, etc). But it’s very convenient sometimes, plus usually the bathrooms in the tennis courts are open after 6 am, so it can be a good spot for other things. 

There’s two fountains, yesterday one wasn’t working but they’re usually trustworthy.

And you get a great view for pictures too if you’re in the mood after the drink!

Their coordinates: 40°47’19.7″N 73°57’42.7″W

Next!

No name, let’s call her 61st? better ideas?

There is one more, that is usually open. WAY trickier to describe and find but very useful sometimes. It was NOT working yesterday, but I’ll update you. I did take pics anyway so you can find it if you need to. If you look at the map, this is hard to describe, but just look for the crosswalk, the traffic light. 

The traffic light across the street read W60X but it was hard to read, so around W6something.

The water fountain is on the south side of the road, a bit moved in towards Central Park south. But again, let’s hope it’s working again. Just use this:  40°46’01.8″N 73°58’37.9″W

Hope this helps! Questions? Let me know!

February Recap (with two halfs!)

Mar5

Heeeeey peeps! Napoleon February -short and wild! I did TWO half marathons, which is insane, two weeks apart and both were awesome.

To start with, we went to Florida on the first weekend to run the Daytona Half, which was a blast. I totally planned to put together a post, and haven’t but who knows, maybe I will, but also keep breaking post promises! On the other hand, I got a cute little video. Not only it was fun, but I was also quite fast AND I came in as the 2nd Woman, which is insane for a half. Both things were very impressive -for me, but I am impressed early with my own achievements just get yourself some really low expectations!).

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Also, then, after that, or because of it, or whatever else I can add at the beginning of a random sentence, I run the Central Park Half Marathon. Holy sweaty headband Batman, what a doozy. The course is insane. I had run the exact same course in December and thought it was INSANE. Then I signed up again of course. ’cause torture, am I right? I actually felt tired and like I was pacing it poorly, and wanted to quit and not kill my legs for the next few week’s worths of workouts. I ended up running a very decent second half and a whole minute faster than the same race/course in December. Whaaaaaaat. Also, 3rd in my AG but a 1:39:04 half in that EFFING-AWFUL hard course is a win. Again, low expectations! 

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Now, in between the little tapers and the recoveries, my monthly mileage and amount of quality workouts were meh, but what can you do? Let’s jump right into it, should we?

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 148… pretty lame
  • Downs: tapering and recovering TWICE
  • Ups: running on vacation AND running with my husband AND placing 2nd woman and doing two great halves back to back
  • Balance: Yeah, HAPPY.

January

was like a dream. Awesome and gone too soon. To tell you the truth, I have no idea what happened before my amazing 2 weeks and 3 days in Buenos Aires, so let me go look it up, I really can’t remember.

Well, turns out, maybe nothing interesting happened in those 10 days because all I have left if my phone are pictures of my niece… she is really cute. Who knows what had happened, also, who cares?

According to my log, I run. And I remember that on the day that I was leaving it was like 70 degrees (in January, yes, a huge shocker) so YEY for garmin global warming! Ah, yeah, speaking of that, I got a new running watch, the garmin venu, pretty cute and awesome. It was a liiiitle sensitive topic for a bit because it was a gift from my husband, and I HATE gifts… so as much as didn’t want it, I also didn’t want to be an a**hole, so I kept it. And I ended up liking it… I am crazy, I KNOW. He also knows.

So, best part… OMG I RUN EVERYWHERE IN BUENOS AIRES and it was THE BEST. I wonder if I should put together a separate post, because I am sure enough ppl will fall on it, but I am lazy so I won’t. Here is a recap: it was so amazing. OK, maybe I will put a separate post together cause I am too lazy to write it all here… I can’t win.

The other thing that happened that I am now remembering is that my cutesy-hubsy starting running with me and my group. Given he has fallen off the training wagon and is in VERY poor shape, he can run at our pace. Good????? well, I love it. Also loved having him around for all those amazing runs in Argentina… 

DATA DOWNLOAD

 

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 186… I always end up with decent mileage in January in general… not sure why.
  • Downs: NONE
  • Ups: running on vacation AND running with my husband.
  • Balance: OMG Fucking AWESOME!!! Bring it on, 2020!

New York City Half Marathon Tips, Course Strategy and Logistics

Feb21

updated 11/28/23

You know the “don’t wear anything new on race day” and all the basics… now, let’s do the United NYC Half Marathon as well as we can. I have done this race 12 times so far -since 2006, its first year, to last year, 2023 and I keep running into people who haven’t raced it and have lots of questions (post in the comments section below if you have any questions not covered here!).

 

If you just want to see RACE STRATEGY scroll through to the section in green.

And in case you want to see photos and/or read my race reports, here is the 2019 race report, the 2019 race video, the 2017 race report, the 2016 race report, 2015 NYC Half report, here is 2014 NYC Half and 2013 NYC Half.

PRE RACE LOGISTICS

Make a race prep list of what you’ll need a week or two before and sort it all by stages, here is a Marathon Packing List to start with. Whether you’re traveling or not, get everything in the list ready as soon as possible. Start prepping 2 weeks out.

Plan your nutrition waaaay ahead. You can buy gels at the expo if necessary, but get bagels/oatmeal/bananas and whatever you need for race day the day before as there will not be a lot of delis open at 4, 5, or 6 am. Some may be, but not a lot.

If you need any last-minute things, you can buy most stuff at the expo/bib pickup (don’t forget to bring your photo ID, and your NYRR account QR code, or here is an organized list with all the running stores by area.

I promise you this look is totally normal at the start!!!!

Prep some cheap or throwaway clothes for the start. Find a mylar blanket from your last half or marathon (and don’t throw away the one you’ll get at the finish here!). You will need them until the last minute in the corral (I wear one as pants with tape and one as a cape). I wear my throwaway cardigan or a sweater (cut in the front for easy peeling, kept it in place with a safety pin!) during the first mile too! Go to the dollar store and get knee-high socks, cut the foot part and you’ll have throwaway arm warmers! I keep half of it on until I warm up, it can be windy and cold at the start!

Gear/What to wear… the weather can be anything from 50s to 30s so prepare (aka, train in) a few options and decide the day before. Or that morning. Be smart, and make sure you can peel off layers comfortably. If you don’t want to carry your phone, at least carry a $20 bill, a metrocard, and an ID with you, just in case. My rule is if it’s over 42 degrees, I do just singlet and shorts. PS that garmin+apple pay works on subways and buses!

This is what the weather looked like the last few years:

  • 2023: 30 DEGREES, 30% HUMIDITY, WIND 9 MPH (GUSTS OF UP TO 20 MPH). (what I wore) unusually FREEZING!!
  • 2022: 54 DEGREES, 59% HUMIDITY, WIND 6 MPH. (what I wore) unusually hot!!
  • 2019: 34 DEGREES, 46% HUMIDITY, WIND 6 MPH. (what I wore)
  • 2018: 28 DEGREES, 31% HUMIDITY, WIND 9 MPH NW
  • 2017: 34 DEGREES, 70% HUMIDITY, WIND 18 MPH (what I wore)
  • 2016: 34 DEGREES, 35% HUMIDITY, WIND 14 MPH (what I wore)
  • 2015: 42 DEGREES, 60% HUMIDITY, WIND 10-18 MPH (what I wore)
  • 2014: 31 DEGREES, 40% HUMIDITY, WIND 18 MPH (what I wore)
  • 2013: 30 DEGREES, 64% HUMIDITY, WIND W 7 MPH (what I wore)
  • 2012: 47 DEGREES, 90% HUMIDITY, WIND 3 MPH.
  • 2011: 37 DEGREES, 41% HUMIDITY, SUNNY
  • 2010: 53 DEGREES, 55% HUMIDITY, SUNNY
  • the ones before that, 2006 to 2009 were in the summer, so weather was SO HOT.

The temperature has been preeeetty consistent… but, you should assume it’ll feel 10 degrees under that temperature (hey wind!). So, depending on the wind/humidity/lack of sleep/whatever, you can add a hat, arm sleeves, leg warmers, etc. Always add things you can get rid of easily and won’t miss. If you’re not sure about a layer, keep in mind that once you leave Prospect Park and get to the Manhattan Bridge or the FDR, it can get a little windy there. Also, check the wind direction in the morning!

Headphones or not? If you are used to racing with headphones, bring them. I sometimes leave them on my ears (with the music off), and turn them on only when necessary. Make sure you can still hear everything around you though, that is key. I just wear one on low and have the other ear ready for anything!

If you need a short run before the race, go to Central Park. You’ll see many of your race buddies and get to enjoy the best place in the world for runners.

Find a mantra, or two, you might really need them. I write them in my hand where I am sure I will see it.

RACE LOGISTICS

Memorize your Start Schedule (or write in your hand like I do).  2023 version as example, this will be updated once available.

Screenshot 2023-03-08 at 5.43.44 PM

Getting to the start/Baggage Check. The easiest way to get there is to take the train.

Also, check the Start Map carefully. 2023 version as example, this will be updated once available.Screenshot 2023-03-08 at 5.46.24 PM

Give yourself ample time (as this is a weekend schedule) and check MTA for weekend alerts, or try any subway app: make sure your train is running! Avoid a last-minute mad rush: NO RACE BEFORE THE RACE. Also, if you are not sure where to go, I am 100% confident that if you just head over to the closest train stop, you’ll see someone you could follow to the race start.

During the race, please please be careful, stay alert, and keep the music down or off. If you need to stop for a walk or move sideways for water, please please please signal with your arms, and look around behind you before you make any moves, dO NOT just stop or go sideways. Be considerate of your fellow runners who could trip! The good side of having all these people around is you’ll always have someone to run with, pace off, or follow when you’re tired. Pick them up when you feel strong, encourage them when they need it, and keep your eyes peeled for anyone who might need help!!

There will be water/electrolytes around every mile or so, so if you miss one, don’t stress. Don’t go for the first table as everyone will do that. There are many tables: go to the last one. You’ll find the portapotties where the water is, so keep an eye out and don’t just dart sideways!

Think about joining an official pacer from the NYRR Pace Team, they’ll be wearing a blue and white striped singlet and will run even splits through all 13.1 miles of the United Airlines NYC Half.

RACE STRATEGY

The easiest way to tackle this race is to divide it into three parts:

  1. start comfy and relaxed -the first 3 miles are a roller coaster of a warm-up.

  2. at mile 5.4 pick the shit up

  3. at 54th St, hit the gas, and light the torch

Because this is not your typical half, where you can actually pick it up and finish fast, you have to pick your battles and do the best you can. I would race part 1 at 70% effort (or heart rate), part 2 at 80%, and part 3 at 95% and up. Obviously, adjust as you please.

Here is the course profile elevation. yeah.

Screenshot 2023-03-08 at 5.49.08 PM

 

Quick look at the course map too!

Screenshot 2023-03-08 at 5.48.03 PM

PART 1

Now we start on the side of Prospect Park: it will be SUPER crowded and downhill for the first hundred meters so please be careful.

Also, ppl won’t be ready and still looking for GPS signal and discarding layers, a recipe for disaster, look out and keep your ears attuned.

Stay to the right and once you turn, HELLO FIRST CLIMB.  You’ll be doing an out-and-back on Flatbush so relax and look at the runners on the other side. Those out-and-backs always get me super psyched. Keep yourself in a hard check. 

At around Mile two you are starting the climb onto Battle Pass Hill. You will feel this one, it’s early in the race but at least you had two miles to warm up the legs. Don’t be scared, but don’t be a fool to try to race up the hill.

Then we have a nice run by Grand Army Plaza and there is the straightaway on Flatbush for a couple of miles towards the bridge. From 2.5 to about 4.6 you have the easiest stretch of the race. Downhill, spacious, and the best time to relax and enjoy the race.

We are heading straight towards the Manhattan bridge thru Flatbush, which is, quite, and literally, easy.

Mile four will go SOOOO quickly with the excitement of the bridge coming towards you, that you won’t even notice the climb that starts at 4.6 It’s uphill for about a mile, 4.7 to 5.5, pretty up/long but so amazing and worth it. I can’t even tell you how insanely scenic Mile five is. AH ❤ 

WOOOOOOOW THAT WAS SUCH A RUSH!!!!!! VIEWS ON BOTH SIDES!!! SO EXHILARATING… HELP.

WOOOOOOOW THAT WAS SUCH A RUSH!!!!!! VIEWS ON BOTH SIDES!!! SO EXHILARATING… HELP.

The top of the bridge actually happens at about 5.6, and you start dropping quickly. Into Manhattan. That’s when we come face-first into the second part of our plan.

PART 2

Let’s

GO

This is when we pick things up. HARD. Mile five, the downhill from the bridge is going to feel like SO amazing, ride it hard. There is going to be a very hard right turn off the bridge right before Mile 6, brace yourself, but also, take it and keep your eye out for gels, they’re right there, along with some AMAZING views of the bridge and Chinatown you don’t want to miss out on.

Beautiful, right? But FOCUS.

This is when you can bang out some really fast miles on the FDR. Miles 7 and 8 all the way to 9.6 are flat, use them up, you’re going to miss them later.

You might get bored. Find someone 20 meters (yards?) ahead and chase them down.

Focus on the United Nations Building ahead, because that is where we turn left. That is also, ehem, where we start climbing again, at mile 9.7. There is a ramp you’ll hate. This is when things will start getting tough. Hold the pace. Stay right there, same effort. Mile 10 at 42nd and Lex will start feeling hard, but enjoy the views and the crowds. It’s quite special.

Also, it might feel windy here, there can be a wind tunnel from the east river to the Hudson (remember I told you earlier to check the direction of the wind?) so tuck between people if you can and stay in your rhythm.

At 7th Avenue, we turn right onto… TIMES SQUARE. A few blocks over, it’s Mile 11, and now you’re just really really really close.

and what happens now…?

PART 3

At 54th St, we MOVE. Why 54th? Well… it’s a combo of reasons, there’s a downhill and we are close enough to take into account the bumps along the road and the amount of time we have left. This will obviously depend on how much gas you have left in you. But if you paced yourself properly, this is the moment you waited for, so go for it. In 2019 I had my friend Whitney waiting there to signal the start of the end: 

We turn onto right Central Park South for a couple of blocks before entering the park and there’s Mile 12. 

A left onto the park, more rolling hills all the way to the 72nd transverse and IF YOU TRAIN IN CENTRAL PARK, I’D RECOMMEND YOU RAN THIS BIT ONCE OR TWICE BEFORE THE RACE. I promise it will make a huge difference to know exactly how it will feel (HARD, shocking, right?). The transverse is also an uphill until the middle, it will be (also) hard and I want you to be mentally prepared for it. 

And then, right there on W 67th Street, is the finish line! 

Get your medal obviously.

and walk. You have to walk to Columbus Circle to exit, that’s 59th St, so just keep moving.

Check the website for a map of the finish area. Then brunch, shower, ice bath, rest, eat more, sleeeeeep, all the stuff, you know!

For more, definitely check out the 2019 race report, and the 2019 race video.

Questions?? Anything to add? Anything you want to go over? Lmk in the comments below!

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Hey 2020! January Recap

Feb3

January was like a dream. Awesome and gone too soon. To tell you the truth, I have no idea what happened before my amazing 2 weeks and 3 days in Buenos Aires, so let me go look it up, I really can’t remember.

Well, turns out, maybe nothing interesting happened in those 10 days because all I have left if my phone are pictures of my niece… she is really cute. Who knows what had happened, also, who cares?

According to my log, I run. And I remember that on the day that I was leaving it was like 70 degrees (in January, yes, a huge shocker) so YEY for garmin global warming! Ah, yeah, speaking of that, I got a new running watch, the garmin venu, pretty cute and awesome. It was a liiiitle sensitive topic for a bit because it was a gift from my husband, and I HATE gifts… so as much as didn’t want it, I also didn’t want to be an a**hole, so I kept it. And I ended up liking it… I am crazy, I KNOW. He also knows.

So, best part… OMG I RUN EVERYWHERE IN BUENOS AIRES and it was THE BEST. I wonder if I should put together a separate post, because I am sure enough ppl will fall on it, but I am lazy so I won’t. Here is a recap: it was so amazing. OK, maybe I will put a separate post together cause I am too lazy to write it all here… I can’t win.

The other thing that happened that I am now remembering is that my cutesy-hubsy starting running with me and my group. Given he has fallen off the training wagon and is in VERY poor shape, he can run at our pace. Good????? well, I love it. Also loved having him around for all those amazing runs in Argentina… 

DATA DOWNLOAD

 

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 186… I always end up with decent mileage in January in general… not sure why.
  • Downs: NONE
  • Ups: running on vacation AND running with my husband.
  • Balance: OMG Fucking AWESOME!!! Bring it on, 2020!

December 2019 – closing out the double doors.

Jan2

was not like any recovery month… There was no “jumping into a training plan” right away but I got to squeeze some really good runs and workouts!

I managed some good weeks and also reached my yearly goal of 1800 miles by December 19! 

Also, I raced a half marathon.

Correction: a very HARD half marathon.

The start was fun. Senator Schumer was there

The Big Apple Half is 2.5 loops of Central Park, that includes 2 Harlem Hills and 3 Cat Hills. Hello. It was actually super fun. Not super crowded, the weather was I and I know the park like the back of my hand. 

It was pretty cold and I was the only person wearing a sleeveless shirt. Probably stooopid.

Also, I had Juan cheering in both loops which was so awesome.

For some reason, I got rid of my arm warmers and was even colder… I was frozen but it’s so hard to race with so many layers.

Also, about half the field passed me on the first mile. 

Of course I passed them all back in the last 4 miles… PEOPLE!! how do you think it’s smart to go all out in Central Park?? no matter how cold you are! Anyway, I did a faster half the one I did in October, and that one was flat, wooooo. Also, placed third in my AG! Wohooo! Getting an award!

Besides that there many fun workouts but nothing tops the Holiday Lights Run we do every december. Awesome video here. Love this run so much!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 145. not bad… with the cold weather and a half marathon…!
  • Downs: it was very cold a few days. Also, I had a little procedure and then I hemorrhaged a few days so I had to skip a bunch of runs… booooo
  • Ups: feeling fit this early in the season. Or is it “late”?
  • Balance: 2019 was a blast, December included!

November

The month started all around the New York City Marathon… There was a run and fun times with my best Judys Jenny Simpson and Emma Coburn a couple of days before…no big deal you know, we’re all team New Balance…

That was pretty cool… Then we got to the NYC Marathon expo, to get bibs and one million other things that we totally need will make my nyc apartment feel claustrophobic. 

 

Then, the big dance happened. The NYC Marathon report is here. And the crazy video of that morning is here. It was amazing. I rested for a week. I also got a cold so I was barely running for two weeks. I then got a little surgery so I stopped for a few days. Then… Thanksgiving.. a month full of things but little running… and it shows in the numbers!!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 121. Lowest month this year. Nothing bad with that.
  • Downs: not being able to run after the marathon. I got a stoooopid cold and I felt miserable. also, it is frrrrrreeeezing
  • Ups: the marathon!!!!!!!!! 
  • Balance: meh. I need to adjust to this cold weather. I am not INTO this.

October

was a kick in the face, LITERALLY

Runs were good, did a half marathon -the Brooklyn Half, here is the race report, plus here is the video, did a couple of weekend “last ten miles of the marathon” runs, all good, but, of course, I had to fall again. WTF SERIOUSLY ELIZABETH, YOU JUST NEED ALL THE ATTENTION DON’T YOU?

This fall was bad. Once I hit the ground I knew it. I felt all the blood all over my face instantly and I feared for my nose so hard. I didn’t even think I could have gotten a gash on my face or broken teeth or my lip, nope, I sat and touched my nose bones everywhere… IT WAS FINE THANK YOU OMG. I could still feel all the blood pouring down from my face, not sure where from so I assumed I had a hole somewhere in my face WHOCARESMYNOSEISFINE!! This was during speedwork so about 20 of my friends showed up 4 minutes later and they all looked at me so scared, I knew something was wrong…

On the first picture you can see all the blood that dripped from my face. My knees and elbow were badly scratched. I’d find out about two weeks later that I had a thin fracture in my nose and a bruised bone, the right knee. 

I WAS PISSED. I had fallen literally a month before in Bruges, WHY THE HELL DO I KEEP FALLING? anyway, I know why, it’s fine. that was on a Tuesday, I couldn’t really run so I took a few days off. I was doing the Brooklyn Half that Saturday so I showed up to the start line unsure if I could run, and super traumatized about the fall… The half, actually, went fine. Again, here is the race report, plus here is the video, and I didn’t win anything but also didn’t crawl… Glad I showed up!

So, you know I was recruited by New Balance to run the NYC Marathon, right? well, that’s old news now but here are a few shots of that prep!

A few “last ten” runs, one last speedwork… and the marathon was around the corner, but you’ll have to wait for that report… 

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 155 NOT bad, given I had a bad fall…>!
  • Downs: Training is done… we just now heal from this stooopid fall and taper, UGH. The taper felt more abrupt given the fall.. I was doing a lot less than I wanted to.
  • Ups: Felt good during the half.
  • Balance: only time will tell!

September

Heeeey October, what’s up? I am SO READY for this… but let me get to the recap first!

We started the month in Nice ->my husband was competing in the Half Ironman World Championships. Running in Nice was EVERYTHING -so amazing- and here are some pics! I truly enjoyed it. My runs were slow crap but the scenery was top notch -also, it was quite hilly. The food was RIDICULOUS. Love. The highlight was a 5K organized by Ironman, where I did horribly. My legs were crap all week. The next week I did a run in Brugge, in Belgium, where I… emmm… hit the pavement a bit and got scratched up a bit… it was no fun… I started hyperventilating and almost crying. Luckily Juan was with me and helped me relax… so scary, but the run was gorgeous. 

Then we went to Paris for a week and it was also amazing… I run about 4 or 5 days but my runs were still slow. Maybe it was all the food, maybe it was my vacation mindset, maybe it was PMS (or all 3!). Again, and of course, Paris is amazing. 

Anyway, the first half of the month was unbeatable… then I came back to NYC (yeah, nothing to sneeze at) and had two weekends to complete the month. Weekend 1 I did a 22 miler with 6 loops of the top loop (Harlem Hill) which is NO joke, oh, and a rabid pace. It an insane confidence booster.

Weekend 2 I run the Bronx 10 Miler -ha, in the Bronx!- and I PRed HARD. It was a bit shocking given my PR was from a flat 10M in nice weather but it happened. My pacing was ridiculous. These are my last 6 miles:

And it was so much fun… see the proof:

Anyway, it was awesome! time for the:

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147 ha. Vacation in France. what else need I say?
  • Downs: more croissants please!
  • Ups: it was gorgeous over there, FAST over here.
  • Balance: time to catch up. that was fun but there is work to do now.

August

Full of PRs!

I have no idea how this happened. Yes, I have been training like a beast since December and yes, I always surprised when things turn well (to me, the key to being happy is always having low expectations!!!) but omg how did I run the highest mileage I ever did without intending or noticing? I did 216 miles. That is insane!  Also, there was a little racing to be done… The month started with SUMMER STREETS!!!!!! Summer Streets is my favorite. I did all 3. It is the BEST.

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The first summer streets I did 10 miles because/but I had the Manhattan 7 Mile race the next day, OOOPS… SOMEHOW, I PRed, but that’s only because 7 miles is such an odd distance and because I was sick last year when I did it. My pace was actually good enough for top 20 (out 2435 women) and 2nd in my AG (out of 357) which is quite shocking! My expectations were so slow and I had so much fun that it’s shocking that I did well..

Then I did about 19.5 in summer streets, speedwork, many great workouts….

and did a 5K, another one of the PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series which was actually decent! I came in 1st in my AG and 20 SECONDS FORM A PR. WTF! ALL I DO MAKES NO SENSE!

More workouts, more summer streets, more miles, the highest week ever in my life and then I did a half in the Rockaways with Andrea and Elizabeth. It wasn’t particularly good but a decent effort. Overall, a month I didn’t plan and couldn’t have foreseen!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the MOST ever ever. woooot. didn’t even know this was happening while it was happening. blame summer streets?
  • Downs: that it’s over????
  • Ups: HOLY CRAP I AM STILL HIGH FROM ALL THIS RUNNING!!!!
  • Balance: MORE more more more please.

July

You’re so predictable, hot weather and all, but so so great. I love summer, have I told you that before? You’ll never hear me complain about the heat, unless I don’t want to wash my hair that day and it’s getting to be a sweaty mess, ever. The tiny layers, the sweatiness, the sprinklers, the sun, the colorful runners, the never-ending weekend morning runs that always come down to a sweat puddle in a brunch situation… omg the finest things in life….

so, July, I went to see a preview of this movie which was a blast and a true story about a girl who decides to run the NYC Marathon. It has very funny running moments. If you’ve seen it, let me know your thoughts!

On July 3rd I run a 5K, which was burning hell a bit balmy. I did ok. I started slow, you know, to warm up a bit more up the hill and the hammered down to get 1st in my AG. YEAH. Then I almost melted.

There was a LOT of running actually in July, fun runs, speedwork, tempos, long runs, always with the most amazing friends and all over the city! 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the most so far this year, so yeah, GOOD, and a even few miles ahead of he 1800 yearly miles goal.
  • Downs: there was a bunch of rain… like flash flooding. Two of my 5Ks got cancelled because of rain..
  • Ups: ALL OF IT! I LOVE SUMMER RUNNING!
  • Balance: MORE please.

June

was awesome and QUICK…?

It started with the Italy Run, a 5 miler in Central Park that was fun. I run it with a few friends and we had a blast. The next weekend, I raced the Mini10K, hot as always but also a blast, so how could I miss it? The next weekend I raced the Queens 10K, also always hot but totally manageable this year. Then the next weekend I raced the Front Runners NY Pride Run. Yes, a race every weekend. A little insane on the racing side but that is how I like my summers… There were also some amazing runs sprinkled in. Like, for example, that midweek run where we went up Riverside to see the goats munching on poison ivy…

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 157. Racing that much kills the mileage.
  • Downs: NOT ONE!
  • Ups: Racing! Love seeing all my friends at the races!!!!
  • Balance: July, here we come!!!!

 

May

was a quick one… It bothers me a bit that mileage goes down as soon as the weather gets nicer BUT that is only because I race much more and hey quality over quantity (plus mini tapers…!). You just can’t do it all -or do it all well, correct? So, I’ve been replacing my tempos by races this past month, I only got in a tempo or two, I just can’t do that many hard miles a week. But I always get my intervals in!

Early May I run the Sharon 5 Miler, which was super horribly hill fun! 

 

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I REALLY need to get out of NYC more… I always say that and I then I get so lazy. Anyway, that was a super fun weekend out of town with friends. Then we had the Brooklyn Half, which was also awesome!

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 134, I am getting behind on my 1800 goal!
  • Downs: just the mileage.
  • Ups: all the races and the runs and the friends. Life and running is GOOD.
  • Balance: I am in a good, GREAT, place. see below…

I have come to terms with WHERE I AM. For 3 years I haven’t PRed and I was pouting about it. I had a few PRs this year, yes, but it’s because it’s at distances I hadn’t bothered with before, it’s like they almost don’t count. A few months ago, I’d get a 1:40 half and I’d point it was about 4 minutes off my 1:36 PR. Now I KNOW that 1:40 is where I am. I am training hard, I am doing all that I should be doing, and HEY, I am older, THIS IS MY BEST. And it’s fine. I am happy with it. Not sure how to explain what changed in my perspective. I am not sure I can say that I will never get closer to 1:36 again -because the truth is not only I am not sure I can get there at all but if I could it is a very remote possibility I am not willing to chase. This, this right here today, is my best. And it sort of reset my goals and status quo of what I can and want to do. Hard RESET. Let’s go.

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

 

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

 

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The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

 

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Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

 

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

November was a WIN

Dec6

The month started all around the New York City Marathon… There was a run and fun times with my best Judys Jenny Simpson and Emma Coburn a couple of days before…no big deal you know, we’re all team New Balance…

That was pretty cool… Then we got to the NYC Marathon expo, to get bibs and one million other things that we totally need will make my nyc apartment feel claustrophobic. 

 

Then, the big dance happened. The NYC Marathon report is here. And the crazy video of that morning is here. It was amazing. I rested for a week. I also got a cold so I was barely running for two weeks. I then got a little surgery so I stopped for a few days. Then… Thanksgiving.. a month full of things but little running… and it shows in the numbers!!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 121. Lowest month this year. Nothing bad with that.
  • Downs: not being able to run after the marathon. I got a stoooopid cold and I felt miserable. also, it is frrrrrreeeezing
  • Ups: the marathon!!!!!!!!! 
  • Balance: meh. I need to adjust to this cold weather. I am not INTO this.

October

was a kick in the face, LITERALLY

Runs were good, did a half marathon -the Brooklyn Half, here is the race report, plus here is the video, did a couple of weekend “last ten miles of the marathon” runs, all good, but, of course, I had to fall again. WTF SERIOUSLY ELIZABETH, YOU JUST NEED ALL THE ATTENTION DON’T YOU?

This fall was bad. Once I hit the ground I knew it. I felt all the blood all over my face instantly and I feared for my nose so hard. I didn’t even think I could have gotten a gash on my face or broken teeth or my lip, nope, I sat and touched my nose bones everywhere… IT WAS FINE THANK YOU OMG. I could still feel all the blood pouring down from my face, not sure where from so I assumed I had a hole somewhere in my face WHOCARESMYNOSEISFINE!! This was during speedwork so about 20 of my friends showed up 4 minutes later and they all looked at me so scared, I knew something was wrong…

On the first picture you can see all the blood that dripped from my face. My knees and elbow were badly scratched. I’d find out about two weeks later that I had a thin fracture in my nose and a bruised bone, the right knee. 

I WAS PISSED. I had fallen literally a month before in Bruges, WHY THE HELL DO I KEEP FALLING? anyway, I know why, it’s fine. that was on a Tuesday, I couldn’t really run so I took a few days off. I was doing the Brooklyn Half that Saturday so I showed up to the start line unsure if I could run, and super traumatized about the fall… The half, actually, went fine. Again, here is the race report, plus here is the video, and I didn’t win anything but also didn’t crawl… Glad I showed up!

So, you know I was recruited by New Balance to run the NYC Marathon, right? well, that’s old news now but here are a few shots of that prep!

A few “last ten” runs, one last speedwork… and the marathon was around the corner, but you’ll have to wait for that report… 

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 155 NOT bad, given I had a bad fall…>!
  • Downs: Training is done… we just now heal from this stooopid fall and taper, UGH. The taper felt more abrupt given the fall.. I was doing a lot less than I wanted to.
  • Ups: Felt good during the half.
  • Balance: only time will tell!

September

Heeeey October, what’s up? I am SO READY for this… but let me get to the recap first!

We started the month in Nice ->my husband was competing in the Half Ironman World Championships. Running in Nice was EVERYTHING -so amazing- and here are some pics! I truly enjoyed it. My runs were slow crap but the scenery was top notch -also, it was quite hilly. The food was RIDICULOUS. Love. The highlight was a 5K organized by Ironman, where I did horribly. My legs were crap all week. The next week I did a run in Brugge, in Belgium, where I… emmm… hit the pavement a bit and got scratched up a bit… it was no fun… I started hyperventilating and almost crying. Luckily Juan was with me and helped me relax… so scary, but the run was gorgeous. 

Then we went to Paris for a week and it was also amazing… I run about 4 or 5 days but my runs were still slow. Maybe it was all the food, maybe it was my vacation mindset, maybe it was PMS (or all 3!). Again, and of course, Paris is amazing. 

Anyway, the first half of the month was unbeatable… then I came back to NYC (yeah, nothing to sneeze at) and had two weekends to complete the month. Weekend 1 I did a 22 miler with 6 loops of the top loop (Harlem Hill) which is NO joke, oh, and a rabid pace. It an insane confidence booster.

Weekend 2 I run the Bronx 10 Miler -ha, in the Bronx!- and I PRed HARD. It was a bit shocking given my PR was from a flat 10M in nice weather but it happened. My pacing was ridiculous. These are my last 6 miles:

And it was so much fun… see the proof:

Anyway, it was awesome! time for the:

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147 ha. Vacation in France. what else need I say?
  • Downs: more croissants please!
  • Ups: it was gorgeous over there, FAST over here.
  • Balance: time to catch up. that was fun but there is work to do now.

August

Full of PRs!

I have no idea how this happened. Yes, I have been training like a beast since December and yes, I always surprised when things turn well (to me, the key to being happy is always having low expectations!!!) but omg how did I run the highest mileage I ever did without intending or noticing? I did 216 miles. That is insane!  Also, there was a little racing to be done… The month started with SUMMER STREETS!!!!!! Summer Streets is my favorite. I did all 3. It is the BEST.

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The first summer streets I did 10 miles because/but I had the Manhattan 7 Mile race the next day, OOOPS… SOMEHOW, I PRed, but that’s only because 7 miles is such an odd distance and because I was sick last year when I did it. My pace was actually good enough for top 20 (out 2435 women) and 2nd in my AG (out of 357) which is quite shocking! My expectations were so slow and I had so much fun that it’s shocking that I did well..

Then I did about 19.5 in summer streets, speedwork, many great workouts….

and did a 5K, another one of the PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series which was actually decent! I came in 1st in my AG and 20 SECONDS FORM A PR. WTF! ALL I DO MAKES NO SENSE!

More workouts, more summer streets, more miles, the highest week ever in my life and then I did a half in the Rockaways with Andrea and Elizabeth. It wasn’t particularly good but a decent effort. Overall, a month I didn’t plan and couldn’t have foreseen!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the MOST ever ever. woooot. didn’t even know this was happening while it was happening. blame summer streets?
  • Downs: that it’s over????
  • Ups: HOLY CRAP I AM STILL HIGH FROM ALL THIS RUNNING!!!!
  • Balance: MORE more more more please.

July

You’re so predictable, hot weather and all, but so so great. I love summer, have I told you that before? You’ll never hear me complain about the heat, unless I don’t want to wash my hair that day and it’s getting to be a sweaty mess, ever. The tiny layers, the sweatiness, the sprinklers, the sun, the colorful runners, the never-ending weekend morning runs that always come down to a sweat puddle in a brunch situation… omg the finest things in life….

so, July, I went to see a preview of this movie which was a blast and a true story about a girl who decides to run the NYC Marathon. It has very funny running moments. If you’ve seen it, let me know your thoughts!

On July 3rd I run a 5K, which was burning hell a bit balmy. I did ok. I started slow, you know, to warm up a bit more up the hill and the hammered down to get 1st in my AG. YEAH. Then I almost melted.

There was a LOT of running actually in July, fun runs, speedwork, tempos, long runs, always with the most amazing friends and all over the city! 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the most so far this year, so yeah, GOOD, and a even few miles ahead of he 1800 yearly miles goal.
  • Downs: there was a bunch of rain… like flash flooding. Two of my 5Ks got cancelled because of rain..
  • Ups: ALL OF IT! I LOVE SUMMER RUNNING!
  • Balance: MORE please.

June

was awesome and QUICK…?

It started with the Italy Run, a 5 miler in Central Park that was fun. I run it with a few friends and we had a blast. The next weekend, I raced the Mini10K, hot as always but also a blast, so how could I miss it? The next weekend I raced the Queens 10K, also always hot but totally manageable this year. Then the next weekend I raced the Front Runners NY Pride Run. Yes, a race every weekend. A little insane on the racing side but that is how I like my summers… There were also some amazing runs sprinkled in. Like, for example, that midweek run where we went up Riverside to see the goats munching on poison ivy…

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 157. Racing that much kills the mileage.
  • Downs: NOT ONE!
  • Ups: Racing! Love seeing all my friends at the races!!!!
  • Balance: July, here we come!!!!

 

May

was a quick one… It bothers me a bit that mileage goes down as soon as the weather gets nicer BUT that is only because I race much more and hey quality over quantity (plus mini tapers…!). You just can’t do it all -or do it all well, correct? So, I’ve been replacing my tempos by races this past month, I only got in a tempo or two, I just can’t do that many hard miles a week. But I always get my intervals in!

Early May I run the Sharon 5 Miler, which was super horribly hill fun! 

 

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I REALLY need to get out of NYC more… I always say that and I then I get so lazy. Anyway, that was a super fun weekend out of town with friends. Then we had the Brooklyn Half, which was also awesome!

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 134, I am getting behind on my 1800 goal!
  • Downs: just the mileage.
  • Ups: all the races and the runs and the friends. Life and running is GOOD.
  • Balance: I am in a good, GREAT, place. see below…

I have come to terms with WHERE I AM. For 3 years I haven’t PRed and I was pouting about it. I had a few PRs this year, yes, but it’s because it’s at distances I hadn’t bothered with before, it’s like they almost don’t count. A few months ago, I’d get a 1:40 half and I’d point it was about 4 minutes off my 1:36 PR. Now I KNOW that 1:40 is where I am. I am training hard, I am doing all that I should be doing, and HEY, I am older, THIS IS MY BEST. And it’s fine. I am happy with it. Not sure how to explain what changed in my perspective. I am not sure I can say that I will never get closer to 1:36 again -because the truth is not only I am not sure I can get there at all but if I could it is a very remote possibility I am not willing to chase. This, this right here today, is my best. And it sort of reset my goals and status quo of what I can and want to do. Hard RESET. Let’s go.

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

 

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

 

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The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

 

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

World Premiere of my 2019 NYC Marathon video…

Dec4

not sure if you’re ready for this, but it’s here. Finally. I know. I could hardly wait myself 😂🤣

report coming soon… stay tuned.

October OMG WHAT

Nov11

October was a kick in the face, LITERALLY

Runs were good, did a half marathon -the Brooklyn Half, here is the race report, plus here is the video, did a couple of weekend “last ten miles of the marathon” runs, all good, but, of course, I had to fall again. WTF SERIOUSLY ELIZABETH, YOU JUST NEED ALL THE ATTENTION DON’T YOU?

This fall was bad. Once I hit the ground I knew it. I felt all the blood all over my face instantly and I feared for my nose so hard. I didn’t even think I could have gotten a gash on my face or broken teeth or my lip, nope, I sat and touched my nose bones everywhere… IT WAS FINE THANK YOU OMG. I could still feel all the blood pouring down from my face, not sure where from so I assumed I had a hole somewhere in my face WHOCARESMYNOSEISFINE!! This was during speedwork so about 20 of my friends showed up 4 minutes later and they all looked at me so scared, I knew something was wrong…

On the first picture you can see all the blood that dripped from my face. My knees and elbow were badly scratched. I’d find out about two weeks later that I had a thin fracture in my nose and a bruised bone, the right knee. 

I WAS PISSED. I had fallen literally a month before in Bruges, WHY THE HELL DO I KEEP FALLING? anyway, I know why, it’s fine. that was on a Tuesday, I couldn’t really run so I took a few days off. I was doing the Brooklyn Half that Saturday so I showed up to the start line unsure if I could run, and super traumatized about the fall… The half, actually, went fine. Again, here is the race report, plus here is the video, and I didn’t win anything but also didn’t crawl… Glad I showed up!

So, you know I was recruited by New Balance to run the NYC Marathon, right? well, that’s old news now but here are a few shots of that prep!

A few “last ten” runs, one last speedwork… and the marathon was around the corner, but you’ll have to wait for that report… 

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 155 NOT bad, given I had a bad fall…>!
  • Downs: Training is done… we just now heal from this stooopid fall and taper, UGH. The taper felt more abrupt given the fall.. I was doing a lot less than I wanted to.
  • Ups: Felt good during the half.
  • Balance: only time will tell!

September

Heeeey October, what’s up? I am SO READY for this… but let me get to the recap first!

We started the month in Nice ->my husband was competing in the Half Ironman World Championships. Running in Nice was EVERYTHING -so amazing- and here are some pics! I truly enjoyed it. My runs were slow crap but the scenery was top notch -also, it was quite hilly. The food was RIDICULOUS. Love. The highlight was a 5K organized by Ironman, where I did horribly. My legs were crap all week. The next week I did a run in Brugge, in Belgium, where I… emmm… hit the pavement a bit and got scratched up a bit… it was no fun… I started hyperventilating and almost crying. Luckily Juan was with me and helped me relax… so scary, but the run was gorgeous. 

Then we went to Paris for a week and it was also amazing… I run about 4 or 5 days but my runs were still slow. Maybe it was all the food, maybe it was my vacation mindset, maybe it was PMS (or all 3!). Again, and of course, Paris is amazing. 

Anyway, the first half of the month was unbeatable… then I came back to NYC (yeah, nothing to sneeze at) and had two weekends to complete the month. Weekend 1 I did a 22 miler with 6 loops of the top loop (Harlem Hill) which is NO joke, oh, and a rabid pace. It an insane confidence booster.

Weekend 2 I run the Bronx 10 Miler -ha, in the Bronx!- and I PRed HARD. It was a bit shocking given my PR was from a flat 10M in nice weather but it happened. My pacing was ridiculous. These are my last 6 miles:

And it was so much fun… see the proof:

Anyway, it was awesome! time for the:

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147 ha. Vacation in France. what else need I say?
  • Downs: more croissants please!
  • Ups: it was gorgeous over there, FAST over here.
  • Balance: time to catch up. that was fun but there is work to do now.

August

Full of PRs!

I have no idea how this happened. Yes, I have been training like a beast since December and yes, I always surprised when things turn well (to me, the key to being happy is always having low expectations!!!) but omg how did I run the highest mileage I ever did without intending or noticing? I did 216 miles. That is insane!  Also, there was a little racing to be done… The month started with SUMMER STREETS!!!!!! Summer Streets is my favorite. I did all 3. It is the BEST.

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The first summer streets I did 10 miles because/but I had the Manhattan 7 Mile race the next day, OOOPS… SOMEHOW, I PRed, but that’s only because 7 miles is such an odd distance and because I was sick last year when I did it. My pace was actually good enough for top 20 (out 2435 women) and 2nd in my AG (out of 357) which is quite shocking! My expectations were so slow and I had so much fun that it’s shocking that I did well..

Then I did about 19.5 in summer streets, speedwork, many great workouts….

and did a 5K, another one of the PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series which was actually decent! I came in 1st in my AG and 20 SECONDS FORM A PR. WTF! ALL I DO MAKES NO SENSE!

More workouts, more summer streets, more miles, the highest week ever in my life and then I did a half in the Rockaways with Andrea and Elizabeth. It wasn’t particularly good but a decent effort. Overall, a month I didn’t plan and couldn’t have foreseen!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the MOST ever ever. woooot. didn’t even know this was happening while it was happening. blame summer streets?
  • Downs: that it’s over????
  • Ups: HOLY CRAP I AM STILL HIGH FROM ALL THIS RUNNING!!!!
  • Balance: MORE more more more please.

July

You’re so predictable, hot weather and all, but so so great. I love summer, have I told you that before? You’ll never hear me complain about the heat, unless I don’t want to wash my hair that day and it’s getting to be a sweaty mess, ever. The tiny layers, the sweatiness, the sprinklers, the sun, the colorful runners, the never-ending weekend morning runs that always come down to a sweat puddle in a brunch situation… omg the finest things in life….

so, July, I went to see a preview of this movie which was a blast and a true story about a girl who decides to run the NYC Marathon. It has very funny running moments. If you’ve seen it, let me know your thoughts!

On July 3rd I run a 5K, which was burning hell a bit balmy. I did ok. I started slow, you know, to warm up a bit more up the hill and the hammered down to get 1st in my AG. YEAH. Then I almost melted.

There was a LOT of running actually in July, fun runs, speedwork, tempos, long runs, always with the most amazing friends and all over the city! 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the most so far this year, so yeah, GOOD, and a even few miles ahead of he 1800 yearly miles goal.
  • Downs: there was a bunch of rain… like flash flooding. Two of my 5Ks got cancelled because of rain..
  • Ups: ALL OF IT! I LOVE SUMMER RUNNING!
  • Balance: MORE please.

June

was awesome and QUICK…?

It started with the Italy Run, a 5 miler in Central Park that was fun. I run it with a few friends and we had a blast. The next weekend, I raced the Mini10K, hot as always but also a blast, so how could I miss it? The next weekend I raced the Queens 10K, also always hot but totally manageable this year. Then the next weekend I raced the Front Runners NY Pride Run. Yes, a race every weekend. A little insane on the racing side but that is how I like my summers… There were also some amazing runs sprinkled in. Like, for example, that midweek run where we went up Riverside to see the goats munching on poison ivy…

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 157. Racing that much kills the mileage.
  • Downs: NOT ONE!
  • Ups: Racing! Love seeing all my friends at the races!!!!
  • Balance: July, here we come!!!!

 

May

was a quick one… It bothers me a bit that mileage goes down as soon as the weather gets nicer BUT that is only because I race much more and hey quality over quantity (plus mini tapers…!). You just can’t do it all -or do it all well, correct? So, I’ve been replacing my tempos by races this past month, I only got in a tempo or two, I just can’t do that many hard miles a week. But I always get my intervals in!

Early May I run the Sharon 5 Miler, which was super horribly hill fun! 

 

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I REALLY need to get out of NYC more… I always say that and I then I get so lazy. Anyway, that was a super fun weekend out of town with friends. Then we had the Brooklyn Half, which was also awesome!

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 134, I am getting behind on my 1800 goal!
  • Downs: just the mileage.
  • Ups: all the races and the runs and the friends. Life and running is GOOD.
  • Balance: I am in a good, GREAT, place. see below…

I have come to terms with WHERE I AM. For 3 years I haven’t PRed and I was pouting about it. I had a few PRs this year, yes, but it’s because it’s at distances I hadn’t bothered with before, it’s like they almost don’t count. A few months ago, I’d get a 1:40 half and I’d point it was about 4 minutes off my 1:36 PR. Now I KNOW that 1:40 is where I am. I am training hard, I am doing all that I should be doing, and HEY, I am older, THIS IS MY BEST. And it’s fine. I am happy with it. Not sure how to explain what changed in my perspective. I am not sure I can say that I will never get closer to 1:36 again -because the truth is not only I am not sure I can get there at all but if I could it is a very remote possibility I am not willing to chase. This, this right here today, is my best. And it sort of reset my goals and status quo of what I can and want to do. Hard RESET. Let’s go.

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

 

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

 

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The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

 

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Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

 

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

2019 TCS New York City Marathon: race week events!

Oct22

  I will be updating this every day. If you have anything to be added, just forward it to me. So, recheck every day! And don’t forget to re-read the New York City Marathon Tips, Course Strategy, and Info! post—- below updated 10/28

Monday, October 28th

  • NYRR Member Monday Presented by Biofreeze: Course Strategy and Happy Hour

When: 6 pm to 8 pm

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion

What: Learn course strategy, meet your pacer, and enjoy a happy hour with your fellow runners!

More info and RSVP.

  • Nike Shakeout Run

When: 7 pm to 9 pm

Where: New York Running Company powered by JackRabbit, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

What: If you have the need for speed and want to test your legs before the big race, you won’t want to miss this workout! Join JackRabbit and Nike for a fun night of speed work to get you ready for the marathon followed by a celebration! We will be doing lite speedwork and getting the opportunity to demo the Next%’s and Pegasus.

More info and RSVP.

Tuesday, October 29th

  • TCS New York City Marathon Book Club: Running with Sherman, Chris McDougall

When: 6 pm to 8 pm

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion

What: Join Chris McDougall, best-selling author of Born to Run, as he presents his new book, Running with Sherman, days before the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. Chris will discuss the challenge of rescuing Sherman, a desperately sick donkey who’d been held for years in a small stall by an animal hoarder, and transforming him into a long-distance runner with the heart and guts to take on the World Championship Pack Burro Race. Chris will be taking your questions, signing books, and personally applying good-luck Sherman tattoos.

More info and RSVP.

  • Run & Pasta Party with New Balance

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Paragon Sports, 867 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

What: Join us on Tuesday, October 29 at 6:30PM for a Run with New Balance and Paragon Sports Run Club followed by a Pasta Party! Whether you’re racing the NYC Marathon or just looking to get in some miles, this will be a fun night for all! Bag check is available. All levels are welcome. If it’s your first time running with us, please arrive 5-10 minutes early. The running route will be shared on 10/28, but the run will be low mileage as we’re getting close to the big 26.2!

More info and RSVP.

  • Marathon Sign-Making Party with Brooks

When: 6:30 pm

Where: JackRabbit Brooklyn, 151 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

What: Join us and Brooks Running as we host a Marathon Sign-Making Party for the NYC Marathon! We will have all the materials you need to make an awesome, inspiring, funny, crazy, sign along with food and drinks for a great time! We will also be raffling off a FREE pair of Brooks shoes to one lucky participant!

More info and RSVP.

Wednesday, October 30th

  • On Track: NYC Marathon Race Prep Panel

When: 6 pm

Where: 1156 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10128

What: Join your Marathon Race Prep instructors for our final On Track panel at our Madison Ave showroom located at 1156 Madison Ave on Wednesday, 10/30, to help you with all those pre-race questions. Can’t make it in-person? Tune in on Peloton’s Facebook channel for our Facebook Live starting at 6:30 PM EST.

More info and RSVP.

  • Shake it Out with Shake Shack

When: 7 pm

Where: New York Running Company, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

What: It’s back for a third year running by popular demand! Let’s get those legs shaken out and run for some Shake Shack as we take on an easy shake out run before the big day. Altra and Icebreaker will be there to support with demo shoes, demo product and some great surprises for all. In addition, Altra Elite Amelia Boone will be joining this run. Amelia is a 4x Obstacle Racing World Champion. Ultrarunner just coming off of 100k and did we mention fulltime attorney? She will be sharing some of her story as an athlete and a runner! Additionally, Icebreaker will be hosting a social media giveaway. All runners who take a pic and share on social media post the event with appropriate hashtags – #movetonatural @icebreakernz will go in the drawing to win $1000 worth of icebreaker apparel from JackRabbit.

More info and RSVP.

  • Midnight Runners Halloween 6.66k Bootcamp

When: 7 pm

Where: Rockbar NYC, 185, New York, New York 10033

What: Drag your body out for a spirited All Hallows Eve edition of our Wednesday 6.66k Boot Camp run. With music and a bootcamp run past some of New York’s most hauntingly iconic landmarks, this FREE event will surely be a frightfully awesome time. Costumes are encouraged, even if you’re just dressed as a “human runner”. Ghastly surprises will be awarded to the most wickedly creative souls among us.

More info and RSVP.

Thursday, October 31st

  • Sunrise 5K on the High Line

When: 7 am

Where: JackRabbit – Union Square, 42 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011

What: Join JackRabbit, Asics, Rhone, Beyond Type 1 and Honey Stinger for a pre-race shakeout run on the High Line led by Rhone Co-Founders, Nate Checketts and Kyle McClure! We’ll start the morning with a short 3-mile run over the High Line and back down by the Hudson River before heading back to the store where all participants will receive a gift from Rhone, as well as a gift with purchase of any JackRabbit x Rhone Graphic Tee. Morning bites and refreshments will also be provided by Asics! Asics will be providing demo shoes to test out and enjoy during the event! And don’t forget to sample on Honey Stinger as they are the nutrition offered on the TCS NYC Marathon race course!

More info and RSVP.

  • TIME TO RECONNECT

When: 7 am

Where: JackRabbit – Union Square, 42 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011

What: Join us and our friends at Outdoor Voices for a morning yoga session followed by local coffee, healthy bites and Sweatee shirt customization! Yoga mats will be provided. Each pre-registered participant will receive a complimentary pair of ORA SLIDE at the conclusion of the event.

More info and RSVP.

  • TCS New York City Marathon Charity Breakfast Run

When: 9 am to 10 am

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join your fellow TCS New York City Marathon charity runners for an easy shakeout run in Central Park!

More info and RSVP.

  • ANNUAL PARAGON SPORTS MARATHON PARTY

When: 12 pm to 6 pm

Where: 867 Broadway at 18th St., New York, NY 10003

What: Every day we’ll have drinks with Anita, FREE Pasta with Asics, Caricature Drawings & Photos with Brooks, Race Day Shirt Name Customization, Massage with Fit Club NY, and Recovery with Theragun. Questions? E-mail [email protected]

More info and RSVP.

  • Run Talk: Abbott Dash to the Finish & USATF 5K Championship Meet the Elites

When: 4 pm to 5 pm

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join us for a Run Talk with elite runners competing in the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line and USATF 5K Championships!

More info and RSVP.

  • New York Road Runners Hall of Fame

When: 6 pm to 7 pm

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion

What: Join us for the presentation of awards to the NYRR Hall of Fame Class of 2019, as well as the presentation of the Abebe Bikila Award for outstanding contributions to the sport of running, and the George Hirsch Journalism Award for excellence in the reporting, writing, and broadcasting of the sport of running.

More info and RSVP.

  • TIME TO RUN NYC SHAKEOUT

When: 6 pm

Where: HOKA ONE ONE POP UP, 93 MERCER STREET, NEW YORK, NY

What: Train hard. Race fearlessly. Share every part of the journey.  You don’t want to miss this very special event with HOKA NAZ Elite’s top female athletes and special guests for an evening of empowerment ahead of the NYC Marathon.

More info and RSVP.

  • Halloween Costume Run – Powered by on by Jackrabbit

When: 7 pm to 9 pm

Where: New York Running Company powered by JackRabbit, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

What: Join us on 10/31 at 7pm as we take to the streets in our costumes and celebrate not only Halloween together but NYC Marathon. On will be there with demo shoes, spookishly awesome treats and giveaways! Stay tuned for more information on the night!

More info and RSVP.

  • NYC Marathon Week ’19 w/ Harlem Run

When: 7 pm

Where: Harlem Run, 124th Street and Lenox Ave, New York, New York 10027

What: The week of the NYC marathon is like every major holiday combined. There will be so many events happening and we invite you to check out our schedule and join us! Note – these events are open to everyone, whether you’re running the marathon or not! – Halloween themed shakeout/ sign making

More info and RSVP.

Friday, November 1st

  • November Project Pre-Race Friday Workout!

When: 6:28 am

Where: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, New York, New York 10023

What: It is our favorite workout of the year, every year. Come join us as we wish the marathon runners good luck, get a workout in, and prepare for what is always the best weekend of the year. THIS year, we area also celebrating November Project’s 8th Birthday!

More info and RSVP.

  • Morning Miles with Emma Coburn, Jenny Simpson & Cory McGee

When: 6:30 am

Where: New York Running Company, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

What: Join New Balance Star Athletes, Jenny Simpson, Emma Coburn & Cory McGee for a morning of Q&A and shakeout run. Purchase any New Balance official TCS New York City Marathon gear and receive a gift with purchase that morning. Runners are also invited to come back to our Columbus Circle store for refreshments after the run and New Balance swag and enter for a chance to win goodr sunglasses.

More info and RSVP.

  • Own Your NYC Marathon Moment with JackRabbit & BRWD – Shakeout Run + Panel

When: 7 am

Where: JackRabbit – 3rd Ave, 1051 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10065

What: You’ve done the training and put the work in, now the most magical weekend in NYC has arrived. Join JackRabbit and BRWD Refreshing Energy for an easy 3-mile shakeout run before we sit down with a panel of runners who have run the NYC Marathon and will share their experience and advice, including the unconventional things that probably aren’t on your radar.

More info and RSVP.

  • TIME TO RUN NYC SHAKEOUT

When: 7:30 am

Where: HOKA ONE ONE POP UP, 93 MERCER STREET, NEW YORK, NY

What: Join HOKA for an easy 4 mile shakeout run through the streets of New York, customize your very own shirt, and get excited for the big weekend ahead. The first 50 to arrive will receive a limited-edition NYC themed Miir tumbler. See what the hype is about – test a pair of shoes from HOKA for your run

More info and RSVP.

  • The morning shakeout podcast LIVE with Mary Ngugi and Jared Ward

When: 12 pm to 1 pm

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join us for a live recording of the morning shakeout with Mario Fraioli, featuring special guests Mary Ngugi and Jared Ward.

More info and RSVP.

  • ANNUAL PARAGON SPORTS MARATHON PARTY

When: 12 pm to 6 pm

Where: 867 Broadway at 18th St., New York, NY 10003

What: Every day we’ll have drinks with Anita, FREE Pasta with Asics, Caricature Drawings & Photos with Brooks, Race Day Shirt Name Customization, Massage with Fit Club NY, and Recovery with Theragun. Questions? E-mail [email protected]

More info and RSVP.

  • I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein LIVE: TCS New York City Marathon Pros

When: 1 pm to 2 pm

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join host Lindsey Hein for a live podcast with TCS New York City Marathon professional women Sara Hall, Kellyn Taylor, and Roberta Groner.

More info and RSVP.

  • UCAN Presents: Master Your Marathon with NYC Champion Meb Keflezighi

When: 1 pm to 2:30 pm

Where: New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

What: Who better to take you through the ins and outs of the New York City Marathon course than Meb Keflezighi, a 12x NYC Marathon finisher and author of some of the most memorable moments in race history! If you’re looking to run your best race in NYC, you won’t want to miss this special chance to get marathon tips from a running legend!

More info and RSVP.

  • Marathon Stories with Angie, Carrie, Emily and Tina

When: 6:30 pm

Where: New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

What: Join podcasters and marathoners Angie Spencer, Carrie Tollefson, Emily Abbate, and Tina Muir for Marathon Stories – a motivating, inspiring, and real look at the journey to the marathon.

More info and RSVP.

  • Friday Night Lights with Saucony

When: 6:30 pm

Where: New York Running Company, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

What: New York City is breathtaking by day, but by night it is just down right magical! Let us transform your NYC trip in to a magical journey through Central Park. It’ll all start with you getting your Saucony shoes laced up. But the magic doesn’t stop there! Thanks to the light stick you get when checking in, you will be guided on a mystical run through central park, ending in the perfect location to watch the NYC skyline light up with unmatchable fireworks brought to you by the TCS New York City Marathon. Still not enough… well you’re in for treat once you make your way back to the New York Running Company store in Columbus Circle, as you will be greeted with a buttery and sweet smell of your very own popcorn bar and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream buffet! That’s not enough.. well we will have one last parting gift for all our hard working athletes!

More info and RSVP.

  • Recovery Lounge with OOFOS & Hyperice

When: 6:30 pm

Where: JackRabbit Brooklyn, 151 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

What: On Friday, November 1st at 6:30pm we will have a class focused on Recovery and Stretching ahead of the NYC Marathon! We will have a 30 minute workout session, followed by demos of Hyperice product and oofos recovery sandals so you can rest and recover in style! We will also have snacks and drinks for participants post-workout! All participants will receive 15% off their purchase (some exclusions apply) and we will be raffling off a pair of OOFOS slides to one lucky participant!

More info and RSVP.

  • The 41st Day—Journey of Ryan Hall Screening, w/ appearance by Ryan Hall

When: 7:30 PM

Where: Fohr, 72 Allen Street, Floor 3, New York, NY 11217

What: We’re proud to bring The 41st Day to New York, with a special appearance by Ryan Hall.

More info and RSVP.

  • NYC Womxn’s Relay

When: 9 pm

Where: Columbus Circle

What: Time to Go Bananas! Join Volee teammates and other womxn runners at our first #BananShenans event, a series of fun, unsanctioned events to bring womxn together for the love of running and community. All paces are welcome! This event will take place on Friday, November 1st at 9pm, at Columbus Circle. Please RSVP below by Thursday, October 31st so we know how many people to expect. Each relay team must have 4 runners, and each runner will run a 0.6 miles out-and-back, for a total of 1.2 miles per runner/4.8 miles per team.

More info and RSVP: [email protected]

Saturday, November 2nd

  • TCS New York City Marathon Shakeout Run: Presented by Strava

When: 8 am

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: get in an easy run with Strava members and some awesome pacers. All paces are welcome. Join the run whether you’re in town to cheer someone on Sunday or looking to get in one last run before conquering 26.2 miles.

More info and RSVP.

  • Sit Back & Relax with Meb

When: 8 am

Where: Where: New York Running Company, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

What: Join us on November 2nd as we sit back and relax with Meb. He will be joining us for a short shakeout run and Q&A session to help you prepare for the New York City Marathon on Sunday! He will talk about his journey and mental fortitude during marathons. We will have KT Tape onsite to tape as well as UCAN onsite for any of your last minute marathon needs. Enjoy our Normatec chairs and mentally prepare for race day!

More info and RSVP.

  • Athletes Unfiltered: A Strava Podcast LIVE

When: 9 am to 10 am

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join Athletes Unfiltered, A Strava Podcast LIVE the day before the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon.

More info and RSVP.

  • Coffee with Dr. Jack Daniels, World’s Greatest Running Coach

When: 10 am to 11:30 am

Where: Brooklyn Running Company, 480 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

What: Come talk training, NYC Marathon course strategy, and running culture with Dr. Jack Daniels on Saturday, November 2nd before the 2019 New York City Marathon. Join us for coffee and some good insight from one of the greatest running coaches in the history of sport, along with many previous NYC Marathon finishers to talk course strategy and race-day preparation.

More info and RSVP.

  • Shake out run, stretch and conversation with Vasha & Power Malu hosted by Charlie Dark

When: 10 am

Where: 125 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012

What: A rare chance to hear a candid conversation from pillars of the global run movement on social impact and the future of run. In 2007 Dark founded the now 500-strong (and still growing) run collective Run Dem Crew. An alternative to traditional running clubs, he wanted to create a run club that was as much about running as it was about camaraderie and conversation.

More info and RSVP.

  • C Tolle Run LIVE with Paula Radcliffe and Abby Anderson

When: 10 am to 11 am

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join Carrie Tollefson, host of C Tolle Run, Paula Radcliffe, and special guest Abby Anderson.

More info and RSVP.

  • HOKA Cheer Sign Party

When: 10 am

Where: New York Running Company, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

What: On November 2nd from 10am-9pm we will be partnering with HOKA ONE ONE to offer a fun and exciting Cheer Sign Party at our Columbus Circle location. Stop in anytime that day to pick up your last minute marathon essentials and create a sign for a family member or friend running! Take a picture with your sign and tag @Jackrabbit_original and @hokaoneone for a chance to win a free pair of shoes! We would love to see your race signs and hear who you are cheering for!

More info and RSVP.

  • NYC SHAKEOUT RUN

When: 10 am

Where: 11TH AVE & W 27TH, NEW YORK, NY 10001

What: Lace up and get ready to run the city during this marathon inspired weekend as we shakeout the legs, loosen up those muscles and sweat out the nerves before race day. Our light three-mile run will kick off from 11th Ave & W 27th at 10:00 AM. Reserve your spot, bring a friend, and get ready to roll.

More info and RSVP.

  • Running for Real with Tina Muir LIVE with Deena Kastor and Jonathan Fader

When: 12 pm to 1 pm

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join podcast host Tina Muir for a conversation with Olympian Deena Kastor and New York Mets and New York Giants psychologist Jonathan Fader.

More info and RSVP.

  • ANNUAL PARAGON SPORTS MARATHON PARTY

When: 12 pm to 6 pm

Where: 867 Broadway at 18th St., New York, NY 10003

What: Every day we’ll have drinks with Anita, FREE Pasta with Asics, Caricature Drawings & Photos with Brooks, Race Day Shirt Name Customization, Massage with Fit Club NY, and Recovery with Theragun. Questions? E-mail [email protected]

More info and RSVP.

  • Ali on the Run Show LIVE: Why It’s an Exciting Time for Women in Running

When: 1 pm to 2 pm

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join Ali Feller, host of the Ali on the Run Show, as she sits down with Lauren Fleshman, Mary Wittenberg, Lindsay Crouse, and Jen Ator.

More info and RSVP.

  • Honey Stinger Hive Life Podcast LIVE

When: 2 pm to 3 pm

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: Join us for a live recording of Honey Stinger’s Hive Life podcast with host David Willey, featuring Honey Stinger athlete Mohamed Hrezi.

More info and RSVP.

  • On Track NYC Marathon Weekend Events

When: 6 pm

Where: 1156 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028-0410, United States

What: Get race-day ready with Peloton as we approach 26.2! Create customized gear, relax in our recovery lounge, pick up free juices, fit in a final meditation session or sign up for 3 unique yoga experiences before you hit the course on Sunday.

More info and RSVP.

Sunday, November 3rd

When: 2 pm

Where: HOKA ONE ONE POP UP, 93 MERCER STREET, NEW YORK, NY

What: Congratulations! Whether or not you’re racing the NYC marathon, join HOKA for a pop-up experience and special celebration throughout the afternoon. Stop by the HOKA pop-up anytime between 2 – 6 PM and enjoy complimentary drinks, snacks, special prizes and NormaTec recovery product.

More info and RSVP.

  • AFTER:MILES POWERED BY ADIDAS

When: 4 pm to 8 pm

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub

What: 26.2 After Party. Join us as we celebrate the biggest marathon in the world. This will be the livest party in the New York City, with recovery, food, drinks, and music by Uptown’s own Yoo Q! & Steph Cakes.  RSVP now, as spots are expected to be filled fast.
RSVP does not guarantee entry. First come, first serve. This is a 21+ only event. Bring your ID.

More info and RSVP.

Monday, November 4th

  • The Repair Shop

When: 10 am to 5 pm

Where: New York Running Company, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

What: This is an all-day recovery event at the New York Running Company, featuring laser engravings of race times on all Goodr Sunglasses! We’re taking Marathon Monday to a whole new level with our Repair Shop! Featuring the first-ever laser engraver at Jackrabbit thanks to Goodr! Stop by after your race on Marathon Monday and get your Goodr glasses laser engraved with your race time!

More info and RSVP.

  • Recovery Workout – Mobility & Stretch Post-NYC Marathon for Runners

When: 7 p,

Where: New York Running Company, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

What: Join us for a Recovery Session post race on Monday, November 4th at @ 7pm with Spring Forward Physical Therapy! Move, stretch, and recover, all while supporting the American Cancer Society (proceeds from the class will be matched by SFPT and donated to charity). During and after the class, Normatec boots will be available for use! Class participants will also receive 15% off their purchases (some exclusions apply and we will be raffling off a free physical therapy evaluation ($250 value) as well as a FREE pair of Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 to one lucky participant!

More info and RSVP.

updated daily so bookmark this post and keep checking here every day!

Don’t forget to re-read the New York City Marathon Tips, Course Strategy and Info! post

I’ve compiled this listing from brands/athletes/stores’ social channels or emails. Events might have been updated at a later date so please check the source for updated info. If you have/see any other events not listed here, pls send my way. Have fun!

 

  • xx

When: x

Where: x

What: x

More info and RSVP.

September is always a good time

Oct10

Heeeey October, what’s up? I am SO READY for this… but let me get to the recap first!

We started the month in Nice ->my husband was competing in the Half Ironman World Championships. Running in Nice was EVERYTHING -so amazing- and here are some pics! I truly enjoyed it. My runs were slow crap but the scenery was top notch -also, it was quite hilly. The food was RIDICULOUS. Love. The highlight was a 5K organized by Ironman, where I did horribly. My legs were crap all week. The next week I did a run in Brugge, in Belgium, where I… emmm… hit the pavement a bit and got scratched up a bit… it was no fun… I started hyperventilating and almost crying. Luckily Juan was with me and helped me relax… so scary, but the run was gorgeous. 

Then we went to Paris for a week and it was also amazing… I run about 4 or 5 days but my runs were still slow. Maybe it was all the food, maybe it was my vacation mindset, maybe it was PMS (or all 3!). Again, and of course, Paris is amazing. 

Anyway, the first half of the month was unbeatable… then I came back to NYC (yeah, nothing to sneeze at) and had two weekends to complete the month. Weekend 1 I did a 22 miler with 6 loops of the top loop (Harlem Hill) which is NO joke, oh, and a rabid pace. It an insane confidence booster.

Weekend 2 I run the Bronx 10 Miler -ha, in the Bronx!- and I PRed HARD. It was a bit shocking given my PR was from a flat 10M in nice weather but it happened. My pacing was ridiculous. These are my last 6 miles:

And it was so much fun… see the proof:

Anyway, it was awesome! time for the:

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147 ha. Vacation in France. what else need I say?
  • Downs: more croissants please!
  • Ups: it was gorgeous over there, FAST over here.
  • Balance: time to catch up. that was fun but there is work to do now.

August

Full of PRs!

I have no idea how this happened. Yes, I have been training like a beast since December and yes, I always surprised when things turn well (to me, the key to being happy is always having low expectations!!!) but omg how did I run the highest mileage I ever did without intending or noticing? I did 216 miles. That is insane!  Also, there was a little racing to be done… The month started with SUMMER STREETS!!!!!! Summer Streets is my favorite. I did all 3. It is the BEST.

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The first summer streets I did 10 miles because/but I had the Manhattan 7 Mile race the next day, OOOPS… SOMEHOW, I PRed, but that’s only because 7 miles is such an odd distance and because I was sick last year when I did it. My pace was actually good enough for top 20 (out 2435 women) and 2nd in my AG (out of 357) which is quite shocking! My expectations were so slow and I had so much fun that it’s shocking that I did well..

Then I did about 19.5 in summer streets, speedwork, many great workouts….

and did a 5K, another one of the PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series which was actually decent! I came in 1st in my AG and 20 SECONDS FORM A PR. WTF! ALL I DO MAKES NO SENSE!

More workouts, more summer streets, more miles, the highest week ever in my life and then I did a half in the Rockaways with Andrea and Elizabeth. It wasn’t particularly good but a decent effort. Overall, a month I didn’t plan and couldn’t have foreseen!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the MOST ever ever. woooot. didn’t even know this was happening while it was happening. blame summer streets?
  • Downs: that it’s over????
  • Ups: HOLY CRAP I AM STILL HIGH FROM ALL THIS RUNNING!!!!
  • Balance: MORE more more more please.

July

You’re so predictable, hot weather and all, but so so great. I love summer, have I told you that before? You’ll never hear me complain about the heat, unless I don’t want to wash my hair that day and it’s getting to be a sweaty mess, ever. The tiny layers, the sweatiness, the sprinklers, the sun, the colorful runners, the never-ending weekend morning runs that always come down to a sweat puddle in a brunch situation… omg the finest things in life….

so, July, I went to see a preview of this movie which was a blast and a true story about a girl who decides to run the NYC Marathon. It has very funny running moments. If you’ve seen it, let me know your thoughts!

On July 3rd I run a 5K, which was burning hell a bit balmy. I did ok. I started slow, you know, to warm up a bit more up the hill and the hammered down to get 1st in my AG. YEAH. Then I almost melted.

There was a LOT of running actually in July, fun runs, speedwork, tempos, long runs, always with the most amazing friends and all over the city! 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the most so far this year, so yeah, GOOD, and a even few miles ahead of he 1800 yearly miles goal.
  • Downs: there was a bunch of rain… like flash flooding. Two of my 5Ks got cancelled because of rain..
  • Ups: ALL OF IT! I LOVE SUMMER RUNNING!
  • Balance: MORE please.

June

was awesome and QUICK…?

It started with the Italy Run, a 5 miler in Central Park that was fun. I run it with a few friends and we had a blast. The next weekend, I raced the Mini10K, hot as always but also a blast, so how could I miss it? The next weekend I raced the Queens 10K, also always hot but totally manageable this year. Then the next weekend I raced the Front Runners NY Pride Run. Yes, a race every weekend. A little insane on the racing side but that is how I like my summers… There were also some amazing runs sprinkled in. Like, for example, that midweek run where we went up Riverside to see the goats munching on poison ivy…

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 157. Racing that much kills the mileage.
  • Downs: NOT ONE!
  • Ups: Racing! Love seeing all my friends at the races!!!!
  • Balance: July, here we come!!!!

 

May

was a quick one… It bothers me a bit that mileage goes down as soon as the weather gets nicer BUT that is only because I race much more and hey quality over quantity (plus mini tapers…!). You just can’t do it all -or do it all well, correct? So, I’ve been replacing my tempos by races this past month, I only got in a tempo or two, I just can’t do that many hard miles a week. But I always get my intervals in!

Early May I run the Sharon 5 Miler, which was super horribly hill fun! 

 

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I REALLY need to get out of NYC more… I always say that and I then I get so lazy. Anyway, that was a super fun weekend out of town with friends. Then we had the Brooklyn Half, which was also awesome!

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 134, I am getting behind on my 1800 goal!
  • Downs: just the mileage.
  • Ups: all the races and the runs and the friends. Life and running is GOOD.
  • Balance: I am in a good, GREAT, place. see below…

I have come to terms with WHERE I AM. For 3 years I haven’t PRed and I was pouting about it. I had a few PRs this year, yes, but it’s because it’s at distances I hadn’t bothered with before, it’s like they almost don’t count. A few months ago, I’d get a 1:40 half and I’d point it was about 4 minutes off my 1:36 PR. Now I KNOW that 1:40 is where I am. I am training hard, I am doing all that I should be doing, and HEY, I am older, THIS IS MY BEST. And it’s fine. I am happy with it. Not sure how to explain what changed in my perspective. I am not sure I can say that I will never get closer to 1:36 again -because the truth is not only I am not sure I can get there at all but if I could it is a very remote possibility I am not willing to chase. This, this right here today, is my best. And it sort of reset my goals and status quo of what I can and want to do. Hard RESET. Let’s go.

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

 

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

 

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The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

 

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Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

 

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

August full of PRs! WTF?

Sep2

I have no idea how this happened. Yes, I have been training like a beast since December and yes, I always surprised when things turn well (to me, the key to being happy is always having low expectations!!!) but omg how did I run the highest mileage I ever did without intending or noticing? I did 216 miles. That is insane!  Also, there was a little racing to be done… The month started with SUMMER STREETS!!!!!! Summer Streets is my favorite. I did all 3. It is the BEST.

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The first summer streets I did 10 miles because/but I had the Manhattan 7 Mile race the next day, OOOPS… SOMEHOW, I PRed, but that’s only because 7 miles is such an odd distance and because I was sick last year when I did it. My pace was actually good enough for top 20 (out 2435 women) and 2nd in my AG (out of 357) which is quite shocking! My expectations were so slow and I had so much fun that it’s shocking that I did well..

 

Then I did about 19.5 in summer streets, speedwork, many great workouts….

and did a 5K, another one of the PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series which was actually decent! I came in 1st in my AG and 20 SECONDS FORM A PR. WTF! ALL I DO MAKES NO SENSE!

More workouts, more summer streets, more miles, the highest week ever in my life and then I did a half in the Rockaways with Andrea and Elizabeth. It wasn’t particularly good but a decent effort. Overall, a month I didn’t plan and couldn’t have foreseen!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the MOST ever ever. woooot. didn’t even know this was happening while it was happening. blame summer streets?
  • Downs: that it’s over????
  • Ups: HOLY CRAP I AM STILL HIGH FROM ALL THIS RUNNING!!!!
  • Balance: MORE more more more please.

July

You’re so predictable, hot weather and all, but so so great. I love summer, have I told you that before? You’ll never hear me complain about the heat, unless I don’t want to wash my hair that day and it’s getting to be a sweaty mess, ever. The tiny layers, the sweatiness, the sprinklers, the sun, the colorful runners, the never-ending weekend morning runs that always come down to a sweat puddle in a brunch situation… omg the finest things in life….

so, July, I went to see a preview of this movie which was a blast and a true story about a girl who decides to run the NYC Marathon. It has very funny running moments. If you’ve seen it, let me know your thoughts!

On July 3rd I run a 5K, which was burning hell a bit balmy. I did ok. I started slow, you know, to warm up a bit more up the hill and the hammered down to get 1st in my AG. YEAH. Then I almost melted.

There was a LOT of running actually in July, fun runs, speedwork, tempos, long runs, always with the most amazing friends and all over the city! 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the most so far this year, so yeah, GOOD, and a even few miles ahead of he 1800 yearly miles goal.
  • Downs: there was a bunch of rain… like flash flooding. Two of my 5Ks got cancelled because of rain..
  • Ups: ALL OF IT! I LOVE SUMMER RUNNING!
  • Balance: MORE please.

June

was awesome and QUICK…?

It started with the Italy Run, a 5 miler in Central Park that was fun. I run it with a few friends and we had a blast. The next weekend, I raced the Mini10K, hot as always but also a blast, so how could I miss it? The next weekend I raced the Queens 10K, also always hot but totally manageable this year. Then the next weekend I raced the Front Runners NY Pride Run. Yes, a race every weekend. A little insane on the racing side but that is how I like my summers… There were also some amazing runs sprinkled in. Like, for example, that midweek run where we went up Riverside to see the goats munching on poison ivy…

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 157. Racing that much kills the mileage.
  • Downs: NOT ONE!
  • Ups: Racing! Love seeing all my friends at the races!!!!
  • Balance: July, here we come!!!!

 

May

was a quick one… It bothers me a bit that mileage goes down as soon as the weather gets nicer BUT that is only because I race much more and hey quality over quantity (plus mini tapers…!). You just can’t do it all -or do it all well, correct? So, I’ve been replacing my tempos by races this past month, I only got in a tempo or two, I just can’t do that many hard miles a week. But I always get my intervals in!

Early May I run the Sharon 5 Miler, which was super horribly hill fun! 

 

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I REALLY need to get out of NYC more… I always say that and I then I get so lazy. Anyway, that was a super fun weekend out of town with friends. Then we had the Brooklyn Half, which was also awesome!

 

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DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 134, I am getting behind on my 1800 goal!
  • Downs: just the mileage.
  • Ups: all the races and the runs and the friends. Life and running is GOOD.
  • Balance: I am in a good, GREAT, place. see below…

I have come to terms with WHERE I AM. For 3 years I haven’t PRed and I was pouting about it. I had a few PRs this year, yes, but it’s because it’s at distances I hadn’t bothered with before, it’s like they almost don’t count. A few months ago, I’d get a 1:40 half and I’d point it was about 4 minutes off my 1:36 PR. Now I KNOW that 1:40 is where I am. I am training hard, I am doing all that I should be doing, and HEY, I am older, THIS IS MY BEST. And it’s fine. I am happy with it. Not sure how to explain what changed in my perspective. I am not sure I can say that I will never get closer to 1:36 again -because the truth is not only I am not sure I can get there at all but if I could it is a very remote possibility I am not willing to chase. This, this right here today, is my best. And it sort of reset my goals and status quo of what I can and want to do. Hard RESET. Let’s go.

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

 

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

 

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

July

Aug6

ah you’re so predictable, hot weather and all, but so so great. I love summer, have I told you that before? You’ll never hear me complain about the heat, unless I don’t want to wash my hair that day and it’s getting to be a sweaty mess, ever. The tiny layers, the sweatiness, the sprinklers, the sun, the colorful runners, the never-ending weekend morning runs that always come down to a sweat puddle in a brunch situation… omg the finest things in life….

so, July, I went to see a preview of this movie which was a blast and a true story about a girl who decides to run the NYC Marathon. It has very funny running moments. If you’ve seen it, let me know your thoughts!

On July 3rd I run a 5K, which was burning hell a bit balmy. I did ok. I started slow, you know, to warm up a bit more up the hill and the hammered down to get 1st in my AG. YEAH. Then I almost melted.

There was a LOT of running actually in July, fun runs, speedwork, tempos, long runs, always with the most amazing friends and all over the city! 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: the most so far this year, so yeah, GOOD, and a even few miles ahead of he 1800 yearly miles goal.
  • Downs: there was a bunch of rain… like flash flooding. Two of my 5Ks got cancelled because of rain..
  • Ups: ALL OF IT! I LOVE SUMMER RUNNING!
  • Balance: MORE please.

June

was awesome and QUICK…?

It started with the Italy Run, a 5 miler in Central Park that was fun. I run it with a few friends and we had a blast. The next weekend, I raced the Mini10K, hot as always but also a blast, so how could I miss it? The next weekend I raced the Queens 10K, also always hot but totally manageable this year. Then the next weekend I raced the Front Runners NY Pride Run. Yes, a race every weekend. A little insane on the racing side but that is how I like my summers… There were also some amazing runs sprinkled in. Like, for example, that midweek run where we went up Riverside to see the goats munching on poison ivy…

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 157. Racing that much kills the mileage.
  • Downs: NOT ONE!
  • Ups: Racing! Love seeing all my friends at the races!!!!
  • Balance: July, here we come!!!!

 

May

was a quick one… It bothers me a bit that mileage goes down as soon as the weather gets nicer BUT that is only because I race much more and hey quality over quantity (plus mini tapers…!). You just can’t do it all -or do it all well, correct? So, I’ve been replacing my tempos by races this past month, I only got in a tempo or two, I just can’t do that many hard miles a week. But I always get my intervals in!

Early May I run the Sharon 5 Miler, which was super horribly hill fun! 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I REALLY need to get out of NYC more… I always say that and I then I get so lazy. Anyway, that was a super fun weekend out of town with friends. Then we had the Brooklyn Half, which was also awesome!

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 134, I am getting behind on my 1800 goal!
  • Downs: just the mileage.
  • Ups: all the races and the runs and the friends. Life and running is GOOD.
  • Balance: I am in a good, GREAT, place. see below…

I have come to terms with WHERE I AM. For 3 years I haven’t PRed and I was pouting about it. I had a few PRs this year, yes, but it’s because it’s at distances I hadn’t bothered with before, it’s like they almost don’t count. A few months ago, I’d get a 1:40 half and I’d point it was about 4 minutes off my 1:36 PR. Now I KNOW that 1:40 is where I am. I am training hard, I am doing all that I should be doing, and HEY, I am older, THIS IS MY BEST. And it’s fine. I am happy with it. Not sure how to explain what changed in my perspective. I am not sure I can say that I will never get closer to 1:36 again -because the truth is not only I am not sure I can get there at all but if I could it is a very remote possibility I am not willing to chase. This, this right here today, is my best. And it sort of reset my goals and status quo of what I can and want to do. Hard RESET. Let’s go.

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

 

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

 

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

June, where did you go?

Jul21

June

was awesome and QUICK…?

It started with the Italy Run, a 5 miler in Central Park that was fun. I run it with a few friends and we had a blast. The next weekend, I raced the Mini10K, hot as always but also a blast, so how could I miss it? The next weekend I raced the Queens 10K, also always hot but totally manageable this year. Then the next weekend I raced the Front Runners NY Pride Run. Yes, a race every weekend. A little insane on the racing side but that is how I like my summers… There were also some amazing runs sprinkled in. Like, for example, that midweek run where we went up Riverside to see the goats munching on poison ivy…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 157. Racing that much kills the mileage.
  • Downs: NOT ONE!
  • Ups: Racing! Love seeing all my friends at the races!!!!
  • Balance: July, here we come!!!!

 

May

was a quick one… It bothers me a bit that mileage goes down as soon as the weather gets nicer BUT that is only because I race much more and hey quality over quantity (plus mini tapers…!). You just can’t do it all -or do it all well, correct? So, I’ve been replacing my tempos by races this past month, I only got in a tempo or two, I just can’t do that many hard miles a week. But I always get my intervals in!

Early May I run the Sharon 5 Miler, which was super horribly hill fun! 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I REALLY need to get out of NYC more… I always say that and I then I get so lazy. Anyway, that was a super fun weekend out of town with friends. Then we had the Brooklyn Half, which was also awesome!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 134, I am getting behind on my 1800 goal!
  • Downs: just the mileage.
  • Ups: all the races and the runs and the friends. Life and running is GOOD.
  • Balance: I am in a good, GREAT, place. see below…

I have come to terms with WHERE I AM. For 3 years I haven’t PRed and I was pouting about it. I had a few PRs this year, yes, but it’s because it’s at distances I hadn’t bothered with before, it’s like they almost don’t count. A few months ago, I’d get a 1:40 half and I’d point it was about 4 minutes off my 1:36 PR. Now I KNOW that 1:40 is where I am. I am training hard, I am doing all that I should be doing, and HEY, I am older, THIS IS MY BEST. And it’s fine. I am happy with it. Not sure how to explain what changed in my perspective. I am not sure I can say that I will never get closer to 1:36 again -because the truth is not only I am not sure I can get there at all but if I could it is a very remote possibility I am not willing to chase. This, this right here today, is my best. And it sort of reset my goals and status quo of what I can and want to do. Hard RESET. Let’s go.

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

HEY!!! May 2019 Recap

Jun11

May

was a quick one… It bothers me a bit that mileage goes down as soon as the weather gets nicer BUT that is only because I race much more and hey quality over quantity (plus mini tapers…!). You just can’t do it all -or do it all well, correct? So, I’ve been replacing my tempos by races this past month, I only got in a tempo or two, I just can’t do that many hard miles a week. But I always get my intervals in!

Early May I run the Sharon 5 Miler, which was super horribly hill fun! 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I REALLY need to get out of NYC more… I always say that and I then I get so lazy. Anyway, that was a super fun weekend out of town with friends. Then we had the Brooklyn Half, which was also awesome!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 134, I am getting behind on my 1800 goal!
  • Downs: just the mileage.
  • Ups: all the races and the runs and the friends. Life and running is GOOD.
  • Balance: I am in a good, GREAT, place. see below…

I have come to terms with WHERE I AM. For 3 years I haven’t PRed and I was pouting about it. I had a few PRs this year, yes, but it’s because it’s at distances I hadn’t bothered with before, it’s like they almost don’t count. A few months ago, I’d get a 1:40 half and I’d point it was about 4 minutes off my 1:36 PR. Now I KNOW that 1:40 is where I am. I am training hard, I am doing all that I should be doing, and HEY, I am older, THIS IS MY BEST. And it’s fine. I am happy with it. Not sure how to explain what changed in my perspective. I am not sure I can say that I will never get closer to 1:36 again -because the truth is not only I am not sure I can get there at all but if I could it is a very remote possibility I am not willing to chase. This, this right here today, is my best. And it sort of reset my goals and status quo of what I can and want to do. Hard RESET. Let’s go.

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

April 2019 Recap

May8

April

Just like that, we are back to RACING!!!! I started the month with a race I had heard SO much about, the Washington DC Cherry Tree Blossom 10 Miler, an epic run through a very scenic and historic course. The race was truly beautiful, joyful and fast. The race report is here and the video recap is there as well. There was a taper before, a recovery after and then I race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn. Also Fun. Did pretty well and the speed is coming back (slowly). Training is good for the soul. And the race results ;-). Oh and I almost forgot: I did a relay marathon in a 200-meter track. That was fun and brutal and insane and fun. More here.

Of course, there were many other fun runs, speedwork sessions, group intervals and what not. See pictures below for more:

I ate everything with melted chocolate dip and washed it down with chocolate

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 127, CRAP. Three races really bring down the total with the taper and the recovery…
  • Downs: legs were sore
  • Ups: All the fast miles!!!
  • Balance: Good month overall. Hard work is starting to pay off!

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

March 2019 Recap

Apr9

March

was momentous!! On December 10 I started a training program (that I wrote obviously) that would take me through the NYC Half on March 17. It took 527 miles, 14 weeks, 101 miles at goal pace, 6 training partners, two continents as training grounds, and a lot of sweat to get there. The United NYC Half popped up and it was glorious. My race recap is here, and the race video recap is here if you are curious. It was not a PR or a particularly fast race but I felt strong and did amazing. I was able to crush the distance and come out happy. I love halfs. This one is super scenic and that helps.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The other BIG thing is that I was in Buenos Aires for a week and the running was AMAZING!!!! I will post a video soon. Or maybe a “where to run” type post but for now, here are a few pictures for now:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Running in Palermo was a total blast. Can’t wait to go back. I really will work on a post. 100%!

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 159, still ok, the taper and the post half recovery slowed me down! Though I am still somehow 31 miles ahead of the 1800 miles goal for 2019.
  • Downs: not one!
  • Ups: I had an insane 5-mile tempo that will inspire me all year. Running in Palermo. Finally managing to do speed by myself when I don’t have an option. This month was above the charts!
  • Balance: TOO GOOD

February

was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

February 2019 Recap

Mar1

February was cold and FAST. Did I tell you I have been training HARD?? I started mid-December, this is week 12 of 14. First race is the NYC Half in two weeks. Training is going amazing. The hardest part was the first 2-3 weeks… when I still didn’t think I could do it. It had been so long since I had a written-down-formal-training-program that I was a bit scared. But if my runners do it, why wouldn’t I? They inspired me. They ask for it, they pay for it, they’re not afraid… what am I waiting for??? So I did it to myself!!!!

So… it was aggressive. So far in these 12 weeks, I’ve run 83 miles under 7:30 pace. Which is what I think should be around my half marathon pace (though who knows?); that’d be around a 1:38 half, not a PR but I don’t think I am in PR shape. We shall see in the next few months… stay tuned.

February had a little snow, some cold days, some brutally cold days, lots of friends and runs, no races, and I don’t remember what else. It was chill, fun, and rewarding.

2019-02-09 14.30.47 (2)
2019-02-22 06.27.56
2019-02-14 18.34.36
2019-02-12 07.14.43 (2)
2019-02-03 11.33.14
2019-02-13 06.44.49
2019-02-20 06.45.36
2019-02-19 07.10.19
2019-02-09 09.13.53
2019-02-17 14.46.55
2019-02-03 09.23.13
2019-02-05 07.44.06
2019-02-23 08.40.54
2019-02-02 09.47.00
2019-02-02 08.08.31

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 170. not bad. at all. for a short month
  • Downs: by the end of the month I was getting sick of the cold… as usual.
  • Ups: Training is going amazing!
  • Balance: Excited for warm weather and less laundry soon!

January

was something: it started REALLY HOT (the first day of the year I did speedwork in a sports bra!) and then it was record-breaking COLD. Running in the cold is so tricky… if you’re underdressed you’ll be miserable (and prone to injure stiff muscles), but if you’re overdressed you’ll also be miserable (and prone to not finish a workout either). Not only I spend way more time layering up but leveling each layer’s materials is a science I work at perfecting every day. Plus, add the wind-chill, the humidity, the area you’ll be running around, and the specific workout to the variables and it could literally cripple you in distress before you even start running… WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF, HUH?

ANYWAY… so it was hot, then cold, then freezing, then back to cold that felt warm because after freezing cold is nothing. I am, somehow, still sticking to my crazy exhausting training plan, and it’s actually going great (some days better than others!). It’s mostly 4 hard workouts a week, but I built them slooooow, so it’s all safe. Painfully horrible BUT SAFE. It’s going well. Plus, I’ve had a few good friends jump in to help in, to pace, to train with, or just distract me from my thoughts of jumping into the reservoir. They are ALL faster than me. I swear. No joke, it’s super humiliating humbling, every week. My main pacer, Pamela Hunt, just won Runner of the Year at the NYRR Club Night. And there I am, trying my best, huffing and puffing, week after week. Why? Because I a not ready to give up. Not yet.

January was a challenging month on the personal side, most of you know. It was heartbreaking but also full of joy. I am trying to navigate all those super strong emotions. We learn something every day if we keep our eyes and hearts open. I am mostly thankful to get to go through this, and to know the people in my life are super strong and we hold each other up.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DATA DOWNLOAD

Overall Small Recap

  • Total Miles: 147. Not bad! IF I am shooting for 1,800 miles in 2019, the monthly average should be around 158, so I need to up it up a bit. I think it’s hard to put on a lot of miles when I am training because I am currently doing 4 hard workouts a week, so I need more rest than usual…
  • Downs: just the world-record-breaking really really really cold temps
  • Ups: I have managed to stick to my training even in this cold weather!
  • Balance: starting the year STRONG! Let’s go!

2018 TCS New York City Marathon: race week events!

Oct20

  I will be updating this every day. If you have anything to be added, just forward it to me. So, recheck every day! updated 10/30. 7:30 pm

And don’t forget to re-read the New York City Marathon Tips, Course Strategy, and Info! post

 

Wednesday, October 25th

  • Wednesday Morning IronStrength Workout in Central Park with Dr. Metzl

When: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM

Where: Delacorte Theater, 81 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023

What: Come join our monthly morning workout in Central Park with Dr. Jordan Metzl on Wednesday Morning October, 24th in Central Park! We will meet by the benches outside the Delacorte Theater starting at 6:20 AM and will leave by 6:25 AM. The workout runs 6:30-7:30 AM and will consist of hills, strength, and tons of fun! (and SWAG for those who work hard!) Come join us as we celebrate movement, community, fun, and sweat! Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

Thursday, October 26th

  • NYC Marathon Discovery Event

When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: 295 Madison Avenue, 10TH FLOOR, New York, NY 10017

What: Virtually discover the NYC Marathon! Led by running coach John Honerkamp, we’ll walk step by step through the course. Cost: $10.

More info and RSVP.

Saturday, October 27th

  • On the Last 10!

When: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Where: JackRabbit, 1051 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065

What: JackRabbit & On will be leading the way with GU providing the fuel that will help you get one step closer to that goal by leading you through the Last 10 miles of the Marathon course. Plus, you won’t need to worry about a thing the whole way. We will have nutrition on the course and we will take care of your bags as well. Plus, there will be breakfast at the finish with plenty of other fun SWAG. Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • Yoga for Runners to Benefit Achilles International at Pure Yoga East!

When: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Where: Pure Yoga East, 203 East 86th Street, New York, NY 10028

What: Join us for a special IronStrength for a Cause event on Saturday, October 27th at the beautiful studios of Pure Yoga East. We are honored to host a Yoga for Runners class to raise funds and awareness for our friends at the New York Chapter of Achilles International, an organization that promotes athletic participation for disabled athletes. Runners and non-runners are welcome! To give a small sense of the amazing courage and strength of Achilles athletes, this class will be a blindfolded yoga class. Registrants are asked to bring a blindfold. We’ll be hearing from some of the amazing Achilles runners before class. Cost: $25

More info and RSVP.

Monday, October 29th

  • NYRR Member Monday: Course Strategy, Meet Your Pacer, and Happy Hour

When: 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, Central Park at West 67th Street, New York, NY 10065

More info and RSVP.

Tuesday, October 30th

  • On x Paragon Sports Fun Run & Live Panel Event

When: 6:30PM to 9:30PM

Where: Paragon Sports, 867 Broadway, New York, NY

What: Getting excited about the NYC Marathon? Join On x Paragon Sports for a pre-marathon fun run followed by a LIVE podcast recording of Hurdle by Emily Abbate with On Co-Founder Caspar Coppetti. Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • The Unifying Power of Sports After Tragedy with Deena Kastor, Meb Keflezighi, Peter Ciaccia, and Clifford Chanin

When: 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, Central Park at West 67th Street, New York, NY 10065

More info and RSVP.

Wednesday, October 31st

  • Special Screening: The Human Race and Post-Screening Chat with Director Liz Vassey and Kathrine Switzer

When: 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, Central Park at West 67th Street, New York, NY 10065

More info and RSVP.

  • Shake It Out With Shake Shack & JackRabbit!

When: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: New York Running Company by JackRabbit, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

What: Who’s ready to shake it out with Shake Shack, Rhone, and Ciele on 10/31? Wait…10/31, that’s Halloween! Yes, it is and not only are we bringing back our annual Shake Shack Marathon Shakeout Run, but we are also adding in the fun spirit of Halloween. So, get out your costumes, get out your running shoes, and let’s show this city how fun runners really are! This year’s Shake Out Run will start at JackRabbit Columbus Circle at 6:30pm and take runners through Central Park on a 3-mile route passing by the finish line of the NYC Marathon. The sweat will be worth it and rewarded with a complimentary drink at Shake Shack on the house! The run will finish at the Shake Shack on 86th & Lexington. Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

Thursday, November 1st

  • Hoka One One Runs the Highline

When: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Where: JackRabbit – Union Square, 42 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011

What: What better way to kick off your pre-marathon celebration than by joining JackRabbit and HOKA ONE ONE for a group shakeout run on November 1st at 7am. We will take runners on a short 3-mile run over the Highline and back down by the Hudson, followed by a special talk and Q&A at 8:00 AM with HOKA sponsored athletes. Lite bites and refreshments will be provided! Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance

When: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m

Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Halls 3B and 3E. 11th Avenue at West 35th Street, New York, NY 1000

What: Number Pickup / Course Strategy with NYRR Coaches / TCS New York City Marathon Logistics with NYRR Staff.Cost: Free to enter.

More info and RSVP.

  • NYRR RUNTalk: Olympians Bernard Lagat, Abdi Abdirahman, and Juan Luis Barrios

When: 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • TCS New York City Marathon Prep with HSS: Strength Training with Pam Geisel

When: 5:00–6:00 p.m

More info and RSVP.

  • Pre-marathon happy hour + trivia at Brooklyn Running Company

When: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Where: Brooklyn Running Company, 222 Grand St, Brooklyn, New York 11211

What:  fun evening of running trivia + beer with the good folks at Brooklyn Running Company plus a chance to shop the super-limited edition rabbit NYC collection.

More info and RSVP.

  • NYC Race Day Ready with Jackrabbit & Saucony

When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: New York Running Company by JackRabbit, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

What: Join Jackrabbit and Saucony for an exclusive event that will get you ready for your big day in the Big Apple! Shake out your legs on a group run in Central Park at 6:00pm. Customize your race-day outfit from 6-8:00pm, though we’ll take a short break for the athlete chat. Settle in for a championship-level chat with some of running’s finest: Rod Dixon, Molly Huddle, Jared Ward and Tim Ritchie. Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • NYRR RUNTalk: Running with Diabetes Hosted by Abbott

When: 6:00–7:00 p.m.

More info and RSVP.

  • Empowered by Running: Des Linden

When: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: 295 Madison Avenue, 10TH FLOOR, New York, NY 10017

What: Join Custom Performance for an Evening with Desiree Linden, champion of the 2018 Boston Marathon! Hear Des’s story and take a personal photo with the legend herself! Cost: $80/$100

More info and RSVP.

  • Screening: Icarus and Post-Screening Chat with Academy Award-Winning Director Bryan Fogel

When: 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, Central Park at West 67th Street, New York, NY 10065

More info and RSVP.

  • NYRR RUNTalk en español con Beverly Ramos y Rafa Botello

When: 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

Friday, November 2nd

  • Morning Miles with New Balance – TCS New York City Marathon Edition

When: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Where: New York Running Company by JackRabbit, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

What: Join us on November 2nd as we take on the morning with a shake out run and some fun hosted by New Balance. We will do a 3-mile route and end back at the store where we will have some lite brunch items and refreshments. Don’t miss a special guest appearance – you will be running with 2017 World Steeplechase Champion, Emma Coburn! Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • KT Tape NYC Marathon Shake Out Run with Meb

When: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Where:  JackRabbit, 140 West 72nd Street, New York, NY 10023

What: KT Tape and JackRabbit offer an experience to remember! Become one of the lucky few who will get a chance to meet and run with one of the greatest marathoners to ever wear the Team USA singlet, 2009 New York City Marathon Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Meb Keflezighi. Come get KT Tape’d up at 7 am, hear some inspirational words from Meb, and head out with him on an easy 3-mile run through beautiful Central Park! Light refreshments will be served afterwards and Meb will be there to sign autographs, take pictures, and answer questions. Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance

When: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m

Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Halls 3B and 3E. 11th Avenue at West 35th Street, New York, NY 1000

What: Number Pickup / Course Strategy with NYRR Coaches / TCS New York City Marathon Logistics with NYRR Staff.Cost: Free to enter.

More info and RSVP.

  • TCS New York City Marathon Estrategia del Recorrido con Germán Silva

When: 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • Consigli strategici per la TCS New York City Marathon

When: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • NYRR Corriendo un Recorrido de Historia con German Silva

When: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • Kursstrategie für den TCS New York City Marathon

When: 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • Tour di corsa escursionistica NYRR

When: 12:00–1:30 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • Stratégie de course pour le TCS New York City Marathon

When: 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • NYRR-Tour der Laufgeschichte von NYC

When: 1:00–2:30 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • L’histoire du NYRR en petites foulées

When: 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • TCS New York City Marathon Prep with HSS: Foam Rolling

When: 5:00–6:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • On Art Run with Q&A Featuring Mammoth Track Club Coach Andrew Kastor

When: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Where: New York Running Company by JackRabbit, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

What: The On Art Run arrives in NYC at New York Running Company by Jackrabbitto help you shake out your legs before the marathon while enjoying a few of our favorite art pieces in the area. Mammoth Track Club coach Andrew Kastor will be on hand for a panel discussion and a short Q&A. Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • TCS New York City Marathon Book Club: Sebastien Samson and Amby Burfoot

When: 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • NYRR Night of Champions

When: 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, Central Park at West 67th Street, New York, NY 10065

What: For tickets, visit nightofchampions.nyrr.org Cost: check the link.

More info and RSVP.

  • Yoga & Meditation for the NYC Marathon

When: 6:30 PM

Where: THE FOUNDRY powered by Finish Line PT

What: Join 8-time NYC Marathon finisher and therapeutic yoga teacher for athletes, Amanda Kerpius, for a gentle runners yoga flow and Yoga Nidra meditation and visualization of the NYC Marathon course. Hosted at THE FOUNDRY powered by Finish Line PT, the evening will start with a gentle yoga flow designed to stretch major muscle groups and prepare the body for deep relaxation and lead into the meditation portion of the evening. Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • After Kipchoge:  Records, Barriers, and the Future of the Marathon Panel

When: 7 PM

Where: Tracksmith New York Pop-Up at 161 Grand Street

Saturday, November 3rd

  • Rabbit Pop Up + Recovery Lounge

When: 9 am to 1 pm

Where: 295 Madison Avenue, 10TH FLOOR, New York, NY 10017

What: Join rabbit and our friends at Custom Performance NYC for the perfect pre-marathon morning. We’ll start off with a nice little shakeout run, led by Street 101, and followed by juice, bagels and a recovery lounge you won’t want to miss. Not to mention, you can shop all of rabbit’s super-limited edition NYC gear!

More info and RSVP.

  • RUNHealthy: TCS New York City Marathon Pre-Race Stretching

When: 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • Shack-Out run with Mario Fraoli

When: 9:30 am

Where:  Tracksmith New York Pop-Up at 161 Grand Street

  • TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance

When: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m

Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Halls 3B and 3E. 11th Avenue at West 35th Street, New York, NY 1000

What: Number Pickup / Course Strategy with NYRR Coaches / TCS New York City Marathon Logistics with NYRR Staff. Cost: Free to enter.

More info and RSVP.

  • NYC Shakeout Art Run

When: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Where: Burton Flagship Store, 69 Greene St. New York, NY 10002

What: Whether you’re in town for the New York City Marathon, a New Yorker running the NYC Marathon or just want to get in a beautiful tour of the world’s best street art, come do a 5K art run around downtown NYC. We will see lots of new street art and murals in the Lower East Side and SoHo on this relaxed pace NYC Shakeout Art Run. Cost: $30

More info and RSVP.

  • Nike NYC Shakeout Run

When: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: 138 Bowery

What: Lace up and get ready to run the city during this marathon inspired weekend as we shakeout the legs, loosen up those muscles and sweat out the nerves before race day. Our light three-mile run will kick off from 138 Bowery at 11:00 AM
Reserve your spot, bring a friend, and get ready to roll. 10:00am – 11:00am check-in / 11:00am – 12:00pm shakeout run /
12:00pm – 2:00pm Q&A with special guest + DJ’d post run hydration and nutrition. Cost: Free

More info and RSVP.

  • The Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance with Author Alex Hutchinson and Team New Balance’s Emma Coburn

When: 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • Six Who Sat: A Conversation with ESPN 30 for 30 Podcast Team, Nina Kuscsik, and Kathrine Switzer

When: 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • I’ll Have Another With Lindsey Hein and Paula Radcliffe Live!

When: 2:00–3:00 p.m

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • NYRR Marathon Legends: Joan Benoit Samuelson, Frank Shorter, and Bill Rodgers

When: 3:00–4:00 p.m

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • Team #MovedMe: Inspiring Stories of the TCS New York City Marathon

When: 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

  • Carbo-Load with Gwen Jorgensen

When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Tarallucci e Vino Nomad, 44 E 28th Street, New York, New York 10016

What: Join us the night before the NYC Marathon to chat with Olympic gold-medalist Gwen Jorgensen about her training regimen, setting goals and how sleep is crucial to all of it. Pasta bites + drinks will be provided!

More info and RSVP.

Sunday, November 4th

  • TCS New York City Marathon Live Stream

When: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

What: Swing by the NYRR RUNCENTER while you are waiting for your runner to finish the TCS New York City Marathon or join in after the race to shop for official TCS New York City Marathon gear presented by New Balance!

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

Monday, November 5th

  • Marathon Monday at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion

When: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Where: TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, Central Park at West 67th Street, New York, NY 10065

What: Celebrate your accomplishment at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion. Jumpstart your recovery at the Hospital for Special Surgery Runner Recovery Zone, shop for New Balance finisher gear, have your finisher medal engraved by Fond Memories, and purchase commemorative editions of the New York Times. Cost: Free to enter.

More info and RSVP.

  • TCS New York City Marathon Re-Broadcast

When: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

What: After you have your medal engraved at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, come check out the re-broadcast of the TCS New York City Marathon, which will be playing all day at the NYRR RUNCENTER. You can also shop for official TCS New York City Marathon gear presented by New Balance!

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

Tuesday, November 6th

  • TCS New York City Marathon Medal Engraving

When: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

Wednesday, November 7th

  • TCS New York City Marathon Medal Engraving

When: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Where: NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, 320 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

More info and RSVP.

updated daily so bookmark this post and keep checking here every day!

Don’t forget to re-read the New York City Marathon Tips, Course Strategy and Info! post

I’ve compiled this listing from brands/athletes/stores’ social channels or emails. Events might have been updated at a later date so please check the source for updated info. If you have/see any other events not listed here, pls send my way. Have fun!

December/November/October Recaps

Jan2

Well, it turns out I totally forgot to post a November recap, AND ALSO, an October Recap…  so I am going to keep it short and good. But it was a quite eventful 3 months. If I told you everything that happened since October, you would not believe me. You wouldn’t. The good, the bad, the just really unbelievable, so it was all and crazy and crammed and shockimg. All of it. 2017 needs to be a bit more relaxed. Please. It’s NOT looking that way though… stay with me, here we go!

meme-lets-do-this-1

December

I started the month in Italy!!! My husband, my parents and I spent two weeks travelling from north to south. It was glorious. I didn’t run one mile, had ALL THE FOOD and still came back in amazing shape. Italian food is magical. I have no idea how they do it; well, clean unprocessed food will do it, but it’s just ridiculous. Two weeks on vacation is INSANE these days, but so totally worth it. And needed. We got back to NYC mid December and, after three weeks of no running, on December 13, I looked at my log and I realized I was at 1406… so close to 1500!! My highest year ever I had done 1240 (and 1237 last year), so I already had my highest mileage ever, but why not go for 1500?  I did 28 miles that first week back, and after 3 weeks off, 28 is a good way to ramp up! 44 miles the 19-25 week, and 30 this past last week…. It was hard to get the miles in the last week as everyone was out of town and I hate running alone, but when you have a goal, you get it done! I am also participating in a streak, December 21st to January 21st, which requires a mile every day, for Coach Stuart Calderwood’s 30th anniversary streak. The logistics are crazy but so far, so good! Oh, and did the Midnight Run on December 31st!!

  • Total Miles: 97 miles (between December 13th and 31st)
  • Races: one, though I wasn’t really racing…
  • Ups: Some runs alone were quite interesting. I’d also find myself running easy miles in sub 8 pace, which was completely weird but welcome. Most of the miles were super slow but I can see my endurance building with the higher mileage.
  • Downs: Running alone sucks but I did manage to get it done. The cold is here. ugh. The piles of laundry is scary.
  • Balance: AMAZING, 1502 MILES FOR THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!! HELL YEAH!

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And some pictures from Italy, I promise I will do a post about it soon! (HAHAHA, “promise” and “soon”!!)

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November

November was a busy month, between the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon and the Philly Marathon… I participated in and attended many events before the big day, I spent LOTS of hours at the marathon expo, I run my last miles for the Philly Marathon, I tapered, and then I went to Philly, got super sick and didn’t run a yard! I definitely was in way better shape than before ANY other marathon, I trained a lot harder and did many more miles, and came out the other side with no race… SUCH a STRANGE FEELING!!! But there was not time to dwell on it, the day after the marathon I managed to close a HUGE project (even if I was still sick and super weak), then a Thanksgiving trip and by Saturday I was off to Italy for two weeks, all in 6 days! And it took until Friday for my stomach to feel normal again; so happy it was as good as new in Italy!

  • Total Miles: 72. Hilarious.
  • Races: nope
  • Ups: the NYC Marathon week fun. Nothing beats that week, all year. And Thanksgiving!!
  • Downs: OMG, the Philly marathon that didn’t happen. There went all the training I did, nowhere!!!!
  • Balance: okay…

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October

October was wild. How did I manage such mileage? Well, I got some decent long runs, two halfs and apparently some ridiculous extra workouts. Both halfs were good but not what I expected. The Great Gallop turned out to be a hot/humid training run of sorts, and the Verrazano Half was a wind tunnel I was glad to survive. I was a bit disappointed to not have good weather in the Verrazano Half to PR, but oh well, can’t win them all. Then, the marathon madness swiped over us and took over my life. It was easy to forget all the racing!

  • Total Miles: 187, WHAT!??!?! MOST EVER BY A LOT
  • Races: 2 halves, no PR but good overall
  • Ups: Crazy fun runs and highest mileage ever
  • Downs: No great races so far this Fall. Oh well.
  • Balance: well, still have a marathon next month!

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September

is it really almost October ALREADY??? WHAT!

meme-winteriscoming

actually, this is more like it:

bwqofcpl0jst21jc1ajuI am already dreading it ALREADY, though of course the running gets easier… On the other hand, I was finally adjusted to the heat. You know how it is…

September shocked me a bit. I ended up with 160 miles. Oooops.

I actually had the same reaction many Fridays or Saturdays when I had a race that weekend and realized and already had run way too many miles that week to be rested for the race. No idea how that happens!

september-2016

This was probably my month with the highest mileage EVER. I say probably because I am too lazy to go check. Then I reply to myself, “what is the point of keeping track of EVERYTHING, if you are not going to use it to check on stuff?” And I just pretend I have to go to the bathroom and walk away offended. So, I am assuming there’s a 95% change this is my highest monthly mileage ever.

This month my routine was thrown off a LOT. I had a set-in-stone routine: Speedwork on Tuesdays (THE main workout); Easy or nothing on Mondays (Stairs workout for the last 4 months); November Project on Wednesdays; Easy or Tempo on Thursdays. Nothing Friday. Long or Race on the Weekend.

Then, I started coaching the NYRR Long Training Runs a few weeks ago, AT NIGHT. First of all, I hadn’t run after 7 am in AGES… 3, 4, 5 years maybe? I don’t even remember! Which is SO STRANGE. Adjusting to running at night is still a struggle. It feels weird waking up and not heading out. Do I shower? Do I just watch the news???? WHAT DO PEOPLE DO?!!?!?! Then, what’s the latest I can eat? One time, I forgot, had a snack at 3 pm and I was so uncomfortable during the workout (there’s always speed-work or some sort of speed component), I felt like I was going to throw up. Then, I get home past 8, which is usually my bed time… it’s weird to go to sleep so late, with food still in my throat, I’ve woken up early a few mornings after still full and gagging in my first few steps. There’s some major logistics mishaps that need straightening. On the other hand, SO much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

What do other women do about long sweaty hair when they run at night?????

What do other women do about long sweaty hair when they run at night?????

I still need to figure out how to reinstate my own speedwork instead of just doing it with the group, but running twice on Tuesdays, speedwork twice in one day, seems crazy. Still fine-tuning this. Stay tuned!

Oh and I had a few races and did many fun this, but I am SURE you’ve read my previous posts anyway!

  • Total Miles: 160. Most ever. For Sure. Almost Sure. Not 100% sure but almost really sure.
  • Races:Two. The New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile and the Newport Liberty Half. I run both quite poorly to tell you the truth, now that I have the perspective.
  • Ups: Apparently something good was happening if I was clocking this many miles. 😉
  • Downs: Races and their tapering… ugh. Oh, and no PRs since MARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Balance: The more I race the more I get deflated about the no PRs since March’s United NYC Half thing. But we’ll get there when we get there, right?

Some pictures from the road:

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See you next Month for the next recap!

August

I can’t get over how now 70 degree weather feel like Autumn… it’s amazing how fast we get used to 90s or 10s around here…. I am already missing the high temperatures and dreading the winter, but ohboyohboyohboyhowfastwearegoingtoberunningsoon!!!

August was insane. I don’t know if I ever run 149 miles in one month and I am too lazy to look it up. I know that’s weekly mileage for some of you, but whatever, we all have our limits! I love sharing my training month once in a while because no one believes me I run this little/much or at this pace or whatever. And we’re all nosy, aren’t we? You’re welcome. So here’s the naked August truth:

august runs

I did 3 long runs, all in Summer Streets, one better than the last one. I felt great, fast and powerful, even with awful heat and humidity, go figure. I am still cross-training a lot more than usual, and I totally felt the difference in the long runs. The 4th week I was supposed to be off so I raced a 5K. I didn’t PR but I was 9 seconds away! It was hard, but I was just so happy with the race, the fun, and my negative splits! This past month was interesting as my gastroenterologist put me on a no-dairy, no-gluten, no-artificial sweeteners diet. Quite messy at first, because, is there anything left? But once the 16Handles cravings subsided, I got used to it. This past month was one of the funnest ever, and I am so happy I decided to sign up for a marathon: I found out I could rally the troops to have great long runs with great company and have been having the best time! September, and all is racing is just so close I can smell it!

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  • Total Miles: 149. Most ever? Let’s assume so!
  • Races: one!!!! Not a PR but a great effort! Still, that’s race 7 this year, I am waaay behind!
  • Ups: The miles flew by and have been getting in quality workouts with QUALITY PEOPLE!
  • Downs: Tapering for races annoys me. And the easy weeks. UGH. But I know they’re needed.
  • Balance: best month ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

July

So, last month I finally STOPPED. I had been running crazy for years and never ocurred to me to rest. There. One week. Ugh. It was tough. I finally decided to maybe do another marathon this year, and scheduled a few halfs. I got on a groove with the stairs workouts and the cross training at November Project, so all seems to be going in the right direction. I’ll share my training for all July as I know you’re all curious, but there was nothing groundbreaking. Not even a lot of miles!

july training

  • Total Miles: 109. Shit
  • Races: zero. ooops. forgot
  • Ups: LOTS of stairs and running and cross training. AND SWEATING.
  • Downs: the easy week!!!! I am scared about the marathon training plan I put together.
  • Balance: It’s great. Though  I am a bit anxious about how this marathon season is going to play out.

June

did I forget to write about June??? I guess SO! Oooops, what a mess. Well, my parents were visiting for a month if that is a good excuse! It was BU-SY!

BUSY

what happened in June..?? well, I we took my parents everywhere. a month is like, 4 weeks, so we had tons of time to do stuff, and they’d done all the touristy stuff all the other times, so this time we did local’s stuff stuff, you know? like they’d walk to Randall’s Island everyday, or go to the GW, or go to November Project, or volunteer at a water table (for the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge). fun part is this is the first year in like 15 years, that my parents and I spend my birthday and my dad’s bday and father’s day  in the same place! So cool right? Little things you get used to not having… oh well. We did do a couple of touristy things, like the Freedom Tour Observatory (meh), the NY Philarmonic in Central Park, and the Intrepid. But it stops there! Juan had a half Ironman so we went to Maryland or somewhere for the weekend. He did amazing. But he has been training like a maniac, twice a day, hours and hours in the indoor trainer, so I was happy he could get some good results! Me? I’ve been running and workout as usual. I finally managed to make cross-training part of my routine, which I talked about here, and I am SO excited about it!

  • Total Miles: 137. YES!!
  • Races: Just one, the NYRR Achilles Hope and Possibility
  • Ups: LOTS of running and cross training. And we starting doing stairs workouts. AND IT’S HOT OUT
  • Downs: that this weather can’t last forever??? nothing!
  • Balance: I feel amazing. As fit as I’ve ever been. I have no interest in racing because I don’t want to taper. I just want to train and train and train!!!! that’s crazy right?

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May

Flowers Month started with the NJ Half, which now seems like aaaaages ago. Maybe because I did the Brooklyn Half and that also seems like aaaaaages ago!!! Well, it was only 10 days ago. Wow, I am aging fast! New Jersey was a meh race, I got bored, my heart rate was spiking and I wasn’t even sure why, missed a PR by 20 something seconds. I spent the whole month trying to lower it and find the culprit. Then I did the Newport 10K, which was fun but super hot so I missed a PR by a whole minute. A minute in a 10K is like a minute waiting for your Shake Shack buzzer to go off: e-t-e-r-n-i-t-yyyyy. A week later, and still tired, was the Brooklyn Half. I knew I didn’t have it so took it easy there and had a great fun (though slow) race. Best decision evah. Why try when you can just give up? 😉 Overall, I had a fun month, I did a million workouts and runs with lots of friends, I went out a lot, I looked for many races to do as soon as I recovered from Brooklyn then was happy that I didn’t sign up for anything, as it’s SO HOT out. Speedwork Tuesday was not just hot, it was HUMID and awful. Need to make sure I adjust to this crap ASAP. If you need a read on how to adjust to the heat and a lesson on how to over-hydrate, check this (skip to the bottom if you’re not into sciency/nerdy stuff). And you better be ready for the summer runs/racing. It’s happening whether you like it or not! What’s happening in June…? I’d like to say I have x race and x race but…. I do have a bunch of races in my calendar, but nothing I am 100% on. I think I need a liiiiiitle break from racing. Usually in May/June I have a race every weekend, sometimes 3 races in a week! I am just going to go with my heart this time, and see where the wind blows!

  • Total Miles: 120. Ok with me!
  • Races: Three. The NJ Half, the Newport 10K, and the Brooklyn Half.
  • Ups: solid workouts, not just running, all sorts of stuff. I went up LOTs of stairs and bridges too.
  • Downs: my races sorta sucked. BK was fun but nothing fast.
  • Balance: Still in building mode for the Fall, I guess?. And having fun with it. May was fun but not the usual May where I score a bunch of awesome PRs! Oh well. Healthy and Fun wins over FAST. Actually, looking at the pictures in the slideshow, I have proof that I had all sorts of fun!

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April

I am ready… feeling ready to say hello to May and a NEW HALF PR, whether that’s New Jersey (May 1, this Sunday!!!!!) or the Brooklyn Half, well, that… I still don’t know, but I’ll be trying at both. Or I’ll be trying at NJ this weekend and then we’ll see about the other one!

I did one fun race in April, the Run for the Parks 4Miler, that went a bit (12 seconds) too slow and two IronStrength workouts that zapped my legs. Like OUCH. Or more like this feels worse that my first marathon (walking backwards downstairs and all). I also did a lot of coaching, I went to cheer on my athletes, team, and friends at the Boston Marathon, and last week I participated the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay. A busy month at work, lots of coaching, and quality runs. Plus some cross-training, which you know I hate! I am getting over it though, I think, we’ll see.

  • Total Miles: 90 (ooops)
  • Races: One, Run for the Parks 4Miler, not a PR by a bit.
  • Ups: I got back on the horse about the #!*$! cross-training with some November Project and some Ironstrength. Each time I was out for days. I am not built for burpees. at all.
  • Downs: same as above, cross-training kills me. I’d do it and then not be able to walk normally or run for days!!!! And… where did my mileage go? Even last Saturday I tried to run (3 days past Ironstrength!!) and I couldn’t, UGH.
  • Balance: Building, building, waiting for my chance to ATTACK. Stay tuned. May should be my chance!
  • Good news: not to be braggy but I noticed how all my races lately have been over 70% Age Grading, which had always been my goal. So, happy (very happy) about that. Also noticed, that I have no need to do the 9+1 now as I qualify for the marathon (with my NYC Half time) , if I ever decided to do it. Whaaaaat? yeah, it’s a bit braggy but hey, it took YEARS! And lots and lots of sweat and early mornings!

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March

Ah it was a roller coaster!!!!! It was cold, it was hot, it was cold, you get it. I did some amazing workouts, some confidence-boosters, and lots of junk miles. It took a bit to psych myself up that I could do a sub 1:37 half. I did it. And then, the same day, I left for Argentina for two weeks, so it’s like it almost didn’t happen (it was funny when I got back home last week and my apartment looked like I just had done the half: pace bracelet, Gatorade, extra layers, mylar blanket, and stuff everywhere!!!). Remind me not to do that again! I barely run when in Argentina; maybe about 30 miles in two weeks. But had such a relaxing time!

  • Total Miles: 110
  • Races: ONE. The NYC Half! with a PR!!! the PR I had been chasing for THREE YEARS
  • Ups: I got a lot of fun easy runs, slow runs, fun runs
  • Downs: where did my mileage go? I had no interest in running while I was on vacation.  Or workout. Or anything, as usual.
  • Balance: Overall good. I still need to figure out a thing or two about the half, and how to drink while running and why I sometimes, after a hard effort, have no interest in any of it, but overall good.

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February

confirmed that this would be the most confusing and best winter ever. One day you have low temperature records and the next day you’re in shorts. A Blizzard, then 60 degrees. Still a lot better than just straight out freezing for the whole month (like last year). Somehow, I have still been able to train a lot this month, which is strange as I haven’t really taken a break since last March… So weird. I did quite good mileage, once short race, 6 interval workouts, three runs over 15 miles, ooops no tempo! Forgot about the tempo. Though I should probably count every time I run with Patricia as a tempo!!! 76% of my miles were on the briddle path, maybe that’s why I have been able to do all this mileage?

  • Total Miles: 137.
  • Races: one 4 Miler, not a PR (by 3 seconds) but placed 2nd in my Age Group
  • Ups: the weather was awesome for February. Lots of miles. Lots of fast miles! I love that we’re back in the briddle path for the speedwork!! Got a lot of new Under Armour gear and shoes. Managed to survive a long run with Patricia.
  • Downs: I am tired and we are 2.5 weeks from the NYC Half: I am starting to get nervous!
  • Balance: Great, ready to pounce!!

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January

was a solid month. I got 132 miles… how? Apparently I started doing longish runs again without noticing!!! I got five of them in the log: 12.5, 12.5, 15, 11, and 15.5, not sure what distance is “long” anymore but I guess if I am training for a half, anything over 8 miles is LONG. Right? Anyone knows?

I also did 5 speedwork sessions: Mile Repeats, 6x400s + 3x800s, 5x1K, 5 Cath Hill Sprints, and 6x800s. Plus a stoopid-hard workout at Orange Theory I had no idea how to include in my spreadsheet 😛

Weather has been ok so far, nothing like last year. We did have a rough day, when it was 17 (feels like 5) and we were doing intervals. It was BRUTAL. but you know, those are the days you go out because after that 20s and 30s feel like Summer. We had a little blizzard (22 inches of snow in 1 day) but I was able to run the day before and the day after so no biggie. And the briddle path was back in just 10 days!

I have now 6 weeks to the United NYC Half Marathon and I am super pumped. I need a Half PR this year guys, it’s been 3 years! I am desperate. I also signed up for the New Jersey Half. Oh, and Brooklyn Half too. It’s coming. I promise. I can see it. I can almost taste it! I am sure it tastes like unicorns, and victory and clouds, and sunny and yes, pizza from Rome.

  • Total Miles: 132.
  • Races: Zero (unless you count the times I need to race to be on time to meet running friends!)
  • Ups: the weather is not 100% miserable. Lots of consistent training and cross training.
  • Downs: I am sick of wearing layers. My legs and my bun want out!
  • Balance: Good, on a patient waiting mode.

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Race Report: Grete’s Great Gallop

Oct4

hey hey friends! This isn’t going to be much of a race report as I didn’t really race Grete’s Great Gallop (a half marathon if you’re not from NYC!). I wasn’t sure what do make of the race, as I wasn’t tapered to race it fully so I checked with Martina what she had planned for race day. She said she’d be doing 12 miles at Marathon Goal Pace (about 7:35 for her, I think I am closer to 7:45 but how do we know MGP until Race Day, huh???) and a total of 20. That seemed like a good plan to me, and at least I’d have company!

My A goal for this race was to test out another fueling strategy. Goal B was to have a good workout. Goal C would be to have a good time…

Thinking back, two loops of Central Park at MGP doesn’t seem like a good plan. It hurt. I was almost hoping I was doing the Tune Up, as that’s an easier pace to hold in the park for THAT LONG.  But anyway, goals A, B, and C achieved and more! Let me tell you.

I started doing some major research on fueling on Wednesday. I spent 4 hours on this guys! I hadn’t had a good race where my stomach held out. Basically, I either run out of energy because I am avoiding putting stuff on my stomach, OR, I get stomach cramps for about 5 to 10 minutes anytime I put a gel or Gatorade on it. I can handle water, but not a lot. It’s a catch 22 really.

According to my gastroenterologist, I can’t handle anything with sweeteners on it (Acesulfame Potassium is everywhere guys!) ever, and gliadin (in gluten!) while I am running (which is also everywhere!). So, from that I moved onto finding out that I don’t do well with the maltodextrin/fructose combo (aka: most gels…). Anyway, if you want to read more, this is a good start about fueling with fats, but I made a list of things I should try and my plan for Sunday was:

  • Pre Race: 2 cups of white rice, with coconut oil, and salt. Water.
  • Race: 1 gel and LOTs of water

Gels I wanted to try out:

  1. Huma
  2. Vega
  3. Pocket Fuel
  4. Glukos Energy

in that order. The gel situation is complicated though, because there’s a lot of things about my stomach I still don’t understand so I have to avoid LOTS of things that might not even be a problem (like honey for example).

So, Sunday morning, I had the rice, but only 1 cup because 2 seemed like too much and I wasn’t hungry and apparently I am into boycotting my own plans… I was so not stressed out that I forgot to put my bib on and run out. Had to come back. Then, I run the 2 miles to the start. Yey, 2 miles in already.

I was supposed to meet Martina in the B corral and she wasn’t there… even though I was the first person in the corral! I waited and then the start… UGH. I figured she’d be catching up (or coming with the 1:40 pacer, 7:37 pace) soon so I took it as easy as I could in the first mile and kept my eye out for her. About a mile in, she caught up! Phew. I was running at 8:00 and already felt uncomfortable. Why is marathon pace SO uncomfortable??? It’s not SUPER EASY pace, but it’s not ALL OUT either… Plus, mentally, it’s a lot of work to balance in that middle ground. UGH. These workouts are HARD! Oh, add the Central Park course to the mix… by the time she got to me I was already sick of it!

Mile 1: 7:51 But I had Martina!!!!!  Friends are always the super powers you need in a race. Aren’t they?

So we started trying to pace ourselves around 7:40. Which wasn’t so easy. But we kept ourselves entertained. Plus, I saw Juan about 1.5 in yelling!

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Photo Credit: my husband, the tallest man on earth

We kept trucking and right before Engineers Gate I see Carolina cheering and taking more pictures. How could we get bored??? Mile 2: 7:50

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Photo Credit: Carolina Pena. The guy in red is just amazing.

Right after, the 1:40 pacing group catches up with us, and Stephen tells us we’re chatting up too much! Ha. We let them go! Mile 3: 7:33

There’s to letting pacers go… Up Harlem Hill at Mile 4: 7:48 So crazy to have to do this twice in a race! Somehow our pace wasn’t as awful as it felt.  Mile 5: 7:49

Right around here we had built a little pace group of our own, with this guy Tony, in orange below, the girl in the blue shirt next to him, and this guy Jeff, who’s right behind us in this picture, from GNY. So much fun to run in a group!

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hey hey look at me! By then Carolina and Juan had joined forces cheering!

The Lower Loop of the park always gets to me, there’s so many turns… I don’t know but I don’t like it there (basically mile 1 and 7). Mile 6: 7:33  But we were doing fine. We were getting tired, but you know, pace was fine.

Mile 7: 7:35 I had told Martina, we could take the first loop easy and reassess after the second Harlem Hill, so I was saving a bit for the end as usual. Then we go up Cat Hill, which was ROUGH for me Mile 8: 7:51 as you can see in the pace! But the next one is the easiest stretch so we take it easy there! Mile 9: 7:33 Martina wasn’t feeling well so she said she was going to slow down up Harlem Hill, the Sequel. We did. I was obviously happy to take it easy up the hill. Though, as in any hill, everyone would take off and I’d be left breathing like a crazy person ways back!!! Mile 10: 8:11 Then, I started to feel my legs getting super stiff. I knew I needed the %^$@#@$ fuel. What to do, what to do?? I am just so scared these days, I rather fall apart slowly because I have no energy, than cramp up and have the pain for a mile.

But the point of this “training run” was to test out my fueling!!!! So I manned up, had the Huma, STOPPED for water for about 10 seconds or whatever, and dealt with it. I figured, if it didn’t help, it’s not like I cared much about my finish time. And what was I waiting for to try it? It’s not like I can try it in a long run at 9: 30 pace!!!! Mile 11: 8:00

I actually felt better instantly…. I had to rush to catch back up to Martina, she was like 30 seconds ahead (because I stopped for the water!). I pushed and pushed and got there. And when I got there… I sort of kept going… Oooops. I felt bad. But my legs wanted to move!!

Mile 12: 7:25 and Mile 13: 7:35

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Right before the finish. Photo Credit: Steve Mura

Point 1: 7:16 pace

I was done! average pace was 7:44. I wish it could have been a bit more even but between the hills and the stomach things, I had a hard time focusing this time around. I waited for Martina and the rest of the little 2nd loop group by the finish and we caught with a few team mates at the finish too.

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Young (in the middle) had a 1:34 PR. We met DURING this race a few years ago (so Sat was probably our runniversary!), and we run it together. We also run the second half of the NYC Half this year together.

Stats Time!

Finish time: 1:41:12. Average Pace: 7:44

Previous PR: 1:36:03. From: March, 2016

Age Grading: 67:12%

Overall Place: 464 of 4177

Gender Place: 69 of 2015

Age Place: 5 of 258

– NYRR Grete’s Great Gallop (13.1) race results

Training run, done. New fueling protocol tested with positive results. Mission Accomplished.

Now another 20 miler (while you all race Staten Island), then a taper, and then another Half! Can’t wait!!!!

Check out this picture from a few years ago at the same race!!

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