"Favorite thing" Fridays - Exploration Runs

So here's the scenario, you're on a vacation and of course you've packed your running shoes. You've tried to no avail to tap into the infinite resources on-line to find a local running routes, but have had little luck. You think, "F-it!" and just decide to take a risk and explore!


Yes, you understand that you're taking a risk of running into a rough area or getting lost, but you head out anyway. But of course, first, you let your travel buddies know the direction your heading in or (if your alone) you tell the concierge, either way, some one knows where you'll be....and then you take off!

You forget about your watch, because the excitement of the unknown feels like it could keep you moving for hours and hours! Ahh, the joy of the open road! There's no telling what type of adventure you have in store.

I've found myself in similar situations before and have ended up seeing things that the average tourist would have never found. One particular instance comes to mind where where this was the case. It was one summer while I was studying in Ireland and my college teammate and I needed to stay on target with our summer training plan. We got in some pretty decent mileage around NUI,Galway (where we were studying). We saw some great views and took some fantastic pictures. However we didn't think much of it until, at the end of the trip, a non-runner friend mentioned to us, "Hey, do you guys know there's this really cool castle about a few miles down by the river?". We just looked at each other and laughed. We had found that on our first run - Day 1 of the trip. Here she had come across it after having wanted to take a long walk the day before we were scheduled to leave. We had seen that and so much more by simply straping on our shoes and heading out to explore.

Running while visiting a new place has can have some serious safety factors. You should always tell someone roughly where you are going and be sure to carry some money in your pocket in case you get in to any trouble (ex: get lost, roll your ankle, etc.. ). And you should make sure you have your RoadID strapped just in case! ...Also if you know you're not going to far, make sure to bring your camera! This way, when you get back, your friends will actually believe what you saw while out on your run! :)

I recently received an e-mail from someone who stumbled across my blog. He mentioned that he is working for a group which offeres running tours in the city called, well... "city running tours". Seriously, what a fabulous idea! This defintely cuts the risk factor and offers a safer option for those looking to explore a new area through running.

And as a reminder, after you head out for your next exploration run whether your running alone or with a running tour/group, send some of those fantastic pictures you snapped of your adventure to me at therunnerchick@gmail.com for my other blog whereirun.blogspot.com.

There's little that tops being an adrenaline/endorphin junky with wonderlust! So what are you waiting for? Go out and explore!!!

"I Wanna Get High - So High!"

In the lyrics of Cypress Hill,

"I want to get high - so high!.....Well that's the funk elastic, the blunt I twist it. The slamafied, (buddafied) funk on your discus. Oh, what you messed with, you got to bare witness.

Catch a ho and another ho Merry Christmas"

Come on, everyone! You KNOW you love Cypress Hill!! ....okay? well? maybe not so much. Honestly, what do those lyrics even mean? And so maybe you're not so much into "rollin' a fatty" (did I just write that?) as you are into getting that endorphine high, but let's face it, you're still a total junky! So, let's take a few minutes to talk about how great it is to get high!

One of my RUNNYC amigas recently sent me an article from the New York Times titled, Yes, Running Can Make You High . This might not come as a shock to many of you since you've probably experienced what a race or training run can do to your brain and consequently your emotions. I mean, as they say, the proof is in the puddin'! But the recent research mentioned in this article on the infamous "runner's high" is quite interesting. The research confirmed that "endorphins were produced during running and were attaching themselves to areas of the brain associated with emotions, in particular the limbic and prefrontal areas." It also explains that the limbic and prefrontal areas are those which are activated when people are involved in romantic love affairs or as researcher Dr. Henning Boecker of the University of Bonn states "when you hear music that gives you a chill of euphoria...'"

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Dr. Boecker even suggests that "runners" may have become addicted to the sport in the first place because of their physical ability to get a "runner's high". I mean, could it really be possible that some people do not enjoy running because they just can not produce the level of endorphines necessary to keep junkies like us pumped for hours post run? The very idea that one's actual ability to even experience a "runners high" might be a major factor separating us endurance "crazies" from the rest of the non-running population is just phenomenal. It's like we're our own drug dealers and the only price we have to pay for our high is the time an energy it takes to rock out a quick 5miler.

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Well, I don't know about you, but I'm off to go deal myself some endorphins. Seriously, can we all just take a minute and give it up for euphoria on-demand! It's flippin' awesome!

Happiness IS a New Bike!!

I just came across this blog post from Runner's World. Yes, maybe directing my focus towards the purchase of my new set of wheels will be the route of my new found happiness. With the little running I'm actually able to do, I think I need to join fellow blogger "Gotta Run" and "Saddle up"! :)


Coach Cane has been helping me search for a new bike within my budget, but with all my running around of late (and, ironically, the lack there of "actual running"), I've put off actively searching through eBay like I should have been doing for the past four weeks. You know that dumb saying your mom used to annoy you with is really true, "when it rains it pours!". I can just hear the sound of mom's voice and her following up by telling me that I just put too much on my plate! ... what can I say, I have a big appetite! I've just been overwhelmed with life and have felt like I can't get it together. geesh! Seriously, I'm way to stubborn to not to keep ploughing through, but if it's not one thing it seems to be another. I'll eventually get it all under wraps.. and especially now that I have all this time that I'm not running.

The pool workouts are getting a bit monotonous and the hammy doesn't hurt when I'm cycling so I think that's the right direction for me. Okay, off to spin!

Also, my doctor's appt is set for this coming Monday. Fingers crossed!

"Safety Never Takes a Holiday!"

If there is one thing they remind us of over and over at RUNNYC, it's that "safety never takes a holiday"! I for one normally feel very safe running in Manhattan and Brooklyn. And I must admit that although I try my best to be on guard, sometimes I tend to drift into that sublime meditative running state when I'm on on my own.. and I'm not always ready for the unexpected. No matter where you are, you need to do your best to be prepared.

A good friend and former college teammate of mine recently sent me this article about a recent mugging in Central Park. So, as a much needed reminder to everyone out there, be alert and be looking out for one another as well.

Also, I think at this point everyone should be running with a Road ID. In the article above, it says that the victim had his cell phone on him but could not speak to the 911 operator. Luckily a few bikers were able to come to his aid and help him out. Having your personal information on you during an unfortunate situation such as this will help medical personnel identify you and contact your loved ones a lot quicker.

Have a great run today... and BE SAFE!!

Getting Back in the Groooooooove!

Finally, the days of having to live out of a bag are slowly coming to an end. I'll be back in NYC tomorrow and will happily remain there for a few weeks... with no travel plans in sight! PHEW!

Seriously though... WHAT THE F*@% HAPPENED TO TRAINING WEEK #5??

This week seemed to fly by and my control over my training seemed to continue to spiral downward. I'm determined to focus in this next week and really get back on track. I'm sad to say that my hamstring is still give me trouble, so I'll continue to be in the pool a few times a week. But I'll be happy just to get back on a regular routine and not be worried about fitting in a workout between running to catch my next train or bus. I've spent WAY too much time on a train, bus or in a car over the past week and a half. I'm SO over it!

So, here's the ugly truth....

Review of Week#5 Training -(March 17 - March 23):
Monday: OFF
Tuesday: AM: 5miles, core strengthening routine - hamstring- OUCH! -Flew back from Savannah
Wednesday: Crashed... instead of working out, went home to sleep!!
Thursday: AM: Pool Workout - Intervals - 8x 3min pick ups with 1:30min rest. (5mins warm up/cool down)
Friday: AM: 6miles in PA - Driving the rest of the afternoon.
Saturday: 5 miles, 4; X 20 sec striders - still in pain!
Sunday: Trying to get out for 40mins today
Totals: It's just too painful to write down! :)

Thoughts:
I need to regroup after my week and a half of traveling and get back into the swing of things. Also, I plan to get back on my regular routine of daily blog posts. I've been taking an unplanned break in that department too!

I am happy to report that as of 12am last night I was able to resume normal consumption of chocolate, alcohol and coffee. woohooo! :) I'm glad I did it, but giving up three things I love made lent feel epic. Next year, I think it will be way more beneficial to just sign up for volunteer work or go out of my way to help family or friends with things. I also think I'll be less cranky that way! Anyways, HAPPY EASTER! .. I'm off to go eat some dark chocolate!!

Week #4 Training - Full of Surprises!

Review of Week#4 Training Schedule -(March 10 - March 16):

Monday: AM: 5miles, core strengthening routine, PM: 60min YOGA
Tuesday: AM: 7miles
Wednesday: Hamstring hurts like hell - OFF
Thursday: Hamstring still in pain - OFF
Friday: Traveling... hmm? off? Yes, OFF AGAIN! ugh!
Saturday: Savannah - 6 miles, 4 X 20 sec striders - still in pain!
Sunday: Savannah - 5mile run
Totals: 23miles (ugh!) + 60min YOGA



Thoughts: Well, as far as week #4 training goes, there's not much to talk about. My hamstring is sh*t! I'm not sure if it was the kickboxing or high repetition yoga that threw things completely out of whack, but something made things take a turn for the worse. I've been dealing with pain in my left hamstring for years but this was on a whole new level. So, I'm hitting the pool today and tomorrow for a few kick a*s workouts! I need to keep up my fitness level this week, and getting in a few good interval pool runs will help me out a bit in that department (while also allowing me to not put added strain on my hamstring.)



Additional thoughts: Week #4 brought it's fair share of surprises. First my hamstring went on the fritz, then I witnessed the Saint Patrick's Day festival madness in Savannah Georgia. Crazzzzy!! I also was in downtown Savannah during the blackout caused by tornadoes in the area. Walking through the city in the pitch-dark was a bit freaky!

But the ultimate surprise was when my boyfriend proposed to me in Forsyth Park after we finished up our run on Sunday evening. It was a beautifully warm & sunny day in Savannah.... and finding a fiance and ring of sparkling diamonds at the end of my run was so much better than any pot of gold!! So despite the training downer this week, the luck of the Irish was very much still alive! Erin Go Bragh!! :)


Training Plan: Week#5 -(March 17 - March 23):
Monday: OFF
Tuesday: AM: 5miles, core strengthening routine -
Wednesday: Pool Workout- TBD
Thursday: AM: Pool Workout - TBD, PM: YOGA?
Friday: Traveling... Yes, AGAIN! Try to get in 5miles in the AM
Saturday: 6 miles, 4 X 20 sec striders
Sunday: 7 miles run - depending on hamstring
Totals: mileage.. we'll see! + 60min YOGA

Getting Down Irish Style in the Dirty-Dirty

Ahhh.. it's vacation time! As Christian Siriano on Project Runway said, I am in need of a little "Breaky-Break". So, I'm currently maxin' and relaxin' down in Savannah Georgia.

Yesterday, Savannah held their renown Saint Patrick's Day Parade and post parade festivities down on River Street and in City Market. Wow! What a fantastic time!! Savannah is beautiful and it's just flippin' spectacular to be wearing flip-flops for a few days. Yesterday was so much fun despite the fact that it felt like it was three days long. We walked over 8miles throughout the day (yes, I'm a dork and I tracked it.. ha!) And in order to go along with the normal tradition of the day, we just HAD to start drinking in the early afternoon... But hey, I can do that kind of stuff.. I'm on vacation!! It was complete MADNESS down on River Street last night. Prime opportunity for people watching and I got some fantastic pictures!

Training Update: I'm way off my training schedule for this week and sort of bumming about it, but I think staying off my hamstring for a few days was well worth it. I feel a bit better today so I'm heading out for about 5-6miles. I really irritated it after Tuesday's run and what was originally one day of backing off (sadly) turned into three. I'm a bit upset about the whole situation since I was making great progress, but I'll have to just get back on the horse again and see if I can charge forward. I also made an appt to get an MRI on my hamstring, which is LONG overdue.

I plan to take some pictures on my run and post to whereirun.blogspot.com. I'll post them when I get back next week. For now, I'm off for a run and then some more green beer. :)

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!

Go Buster Martin! - Oldest Marathon Participant

This headstrong British "silver-head" is a testament to an active life! At the age of 101, Pierre Jean "Buster" Martin intends to become the oldest person to complete a marathon!


Buster completed the Great Capital Run (10km) in July 2007 in 2hrs 22mins he also completed the Roding Valley Half Marathon in 5 hrs 13 mins earlier this month. If he completes the London Marathon, Buster will be the oldest marathon participant in the world, beating the previous record-holder Dimitrion Yordanidis by 3 years, 6 months and 3 days (as stated on Wikipedia).


As the CNN Video states, Britain believes Buster to be their oldest employee. The video also shows him sparring and discussing how normal it is for him to be a father of 17! Phew! This guy's got some spunk! Sponsored by Pimlico Plumbers (his employer) and "minded" and trained by one of Plimco's employees, this gentleman is on a worthy mission.

The London Marathon race officials just better plan to have "Buster's Bitter" on the course, since he likes to periodically take brakes to rehydrate with this beverage which as specifically brewed for him to commemorate his 101st birthday celebration.

Buster's mottos,
"They (the man?) try to keep you down, and I'm afraid I'm not one of them that likes to be kept down"
"Never say 'I think I will', say you'll try"

..and other notable quotes:
"Before coming in (to work) I've already done and hours run"
"I was a nobody and then all the sudden I was a somebody and I can't understand it why they make such a fuss."

Crazy Laces - Take 2

Back in February I posted "Crazy Laces" and blogged about how I tie my shoes. I also embedded a video which showed how I do this and why. Well, I'm not sure if any of you have also stumbled across this great resource, but check this resourceful article from Runnersworld.com which shows not one, not two, but FIVE videos of various ways to tie your laces to solve common discomfort problems. A little lace change goes a long way... simply amazing!

Here's just one of the five video's which poses a solution to the problem:
"MY SHOE RUBS ONE SPOT ON THE TOP OF MY FOOT."

The Solution offered:
Eliminate pressure on a "hot spot" by lacing around it, not directly over it.



For more lace tying techniques click HERE !!!

Myth Busters!

And just because I still thought a few of these were true, I'm posting this up for all of you!

Top 10 Nutrition Myths from Active.com

Myth #1: Eating late at night will make you fat

Myth #2: Eating extra protein builds muscle

Myth #3: Cholesterol-free foods are heart-healthy

Myth #4: Eating fish is the best way to get heart-healthy omega-3 fats

Myth #5: Athletes don't get osteoporosis

Myth #6: If you're craving certain foods, it's because your body needs the nutrients they provide

Myth #7: Dark breads are more nutritious than white breads

Myth #8: Since herbs are natural, all herbal products are safe

Myth #9: Water is all I need to rehydrate after exercise

Myth #10: I should drink eight glasses of water a day

Read on, my dear blog friends. The full article has a few interesting tid bits.

And while you're at it, also check out Coach Cane's post on recovery nutrition.

Remember kids, knowledge is power! :) Happy Tuesday!

Holy Hamstring Pain

Today's Training: So, I went out for 6 and planed to warm up for the first 15mins and then do 5 x 3min intervals at 10k pace with 1.30 recovery. Before I even set foot out the door this morning, I could feel my hamstring was even tighter than it's normal every day tightness, but still I pushed on with the plan. After my warm up, I started into the first interval, but I felt like I was going any faster than my normal pace. I pushed alittle harder, but my left leg felt like dead weight ...and pretty much like I was draggin it up the west side highway. I finished up the first pick up and recovery and then the second interval felt a bit better but not much. By the third, my hamstring was screaming in rage! I figured this wasn't doing me any good, so I cut the workout short, stopped to stretch and then just kept an average pace the entire way back. I ended up putting in 7miles total, but I decided to push the intervals back a few days.

I foam rolled, stretched and iced immediately after my run but I'm still in pain. I think tomorrow is going to HAVE to be a Wet-N-Wild Wednesday. I need to give Mr. Hamstring a rest. Ugh... so frustrating.

Good Morning Sweet Sunshine!

This morning the alarm clock went off and I was thoroughly convinced that something was wrong. In my mind, it just couldn't have been any later than 3 or 4am. It was dark and way too quiet outside for it to be my normal wake up time. Also, I have this strange internal clock thing which (most days) wakes me right before my alarm clock actually goes off, but that didn't even happen this morning. What the heck is going on? Oh right! Daylight flippin' savings! But even in my foggy state, I still managed to get myself out of bed, strap on my Nikes and head out the door.

On a positive note, even though it's dark at 6:30am, it does mean that we're one step closer to spring and that I also get to enjoy beautiful sunrises while out on my morning runs!

The topic of morning runs has been recently (and so endearingly, I must add) touched upon by my friend PLe1der, as he refers to the AM run as being "on the same level as taking a big swig of milk and halfway through the swallowing process realizing it expired eight days ago, or the movie Baby Geniuses." If anything, I have to say it's an "interesting" analogy. I also found this blog, Half Fast, which has a pretty good list going of "I'd rather be's" instead of morning running.

Well, I don't drink milk, I've never seen Baby Geniuses, I'd rather not "eat yellow snow"and I definitely wouldn't rather "round up stray dogs wearing only Milk-Bone underwear" (funny, but wtf!?!) And I also happen to think that running in the morning is AMAZING. It doesn't always start out that way, but after the morning run is under your belt, you're unstoppable for the rest of the morning and afternoon.

Actually, I've never really been a morning person and as my brother's will attest (and would most likely reenact if asked) my AM rants about either the cereal box being empty or me not being able to find my school shoes or my hair not turning out right, were a memorable part of our childhood. I was also usually the one running late to the school bus with all the riders of bus #4165 glaring out the window at me as if they'd rather see the bus take off right before I actually reached it. So, how did this slow moving, disorganized, miserable morning monster of a person come to love AM runs? It's easy. I usually go alone and I always ease into it. And if no one talks to me until I'm at least two miles into it, no one gets hurt! :)

Morning running is this amazingly meditative and awakening experience that just fuels me for the rest of the day. To me, there's nothing like getting in a solid run in the morning and welcoming in a new day. To watch the sunrise over Manhattan from the Brooklyn heights promenade or the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge, to see parents walking their kids to school, shop owners opening up, and to smell the coffee brewing from the coffee carts or to smell the bread baking from the neighborhood bagel shop ...to feel alive and anxious to take on a new day. It's just magnificent!


So, forget all you haters! You can keep your runs in the evenings... which will help keep my mornings peaceful, which is just how I like it.

Week#4 Training Schedule -(March 10 - March 16):

Monday: AM: 4miles, core strengthening routine, PM: 60min YOGA
Tuesday: AM: 6miles (w/intervals), 4 X 20 sec striders
Wednesday: AM: 5miles, core strengthening routine
Thursday: AM: 7miles, 4 X 20 sec striders
Friday: Traveling... hmm? off?
Saturday: Away... 5 miles, 4 X 20 sec striders
Sunday: Far far away... 8miles
Goal Totals: 35 miles + 60min YOGA

Sunday- FunDay- RunDay

Today's Training: After two intense days of cross training... it was back to basics this morning. I got in a nice 8mile run over hills followed by striders and some core strengthening work. Ah.... it was chilly but wonderful to be out running again!

Review of Week#3 Training Schedule -(March 3 - March 9):
Monday: 3miles
Tuesday: PM: RUNNYC (5.8 tempo run) total: 7.5m- 4 X 20 sec striders
Wednesday: PM: 6miles
Thursday: AM: 6.5miles
Friday: AM: 60min -YOGA, PM: 60mins Ultimate Street Fighter class
Saturday: cycling session at City Coach 17miles (including warmup/cool down)
Sunday: 8miles, 4 X 20 sec striders
Totals: 31 miles + 60min of YOGA + 60min kickboxing + 17miles of cycling

Thoughts: Well, losing the Saturday running mileage lowered the original goal number (35miles), but I got in some quality cross training with yoga, cycling and kickboxing. The run Tuesdasy night with RUNNYC kicked my butt and I was still recovering through Thursday. Friday's Yoga+Kickbox combo top off with a spur of the moment late night dance party with some friends made Saturday's AM cycling session way more of a challenge!! Shorty got LOW on the dance floor and it defintely did a number on her hamstrings and quads (esp after 60mins of kickboxing!!). Whoops!

But all in all it was a great training week. I got in lots of quality core work and I'm really diggin' the YOGA class I've been going to. It's unlike any other yoga class I've ever attended. It combines lots of core strengthening and stretching poses but with very high repetitions. The instructor is great and the class leaves me wonderfully exhausted but refreshed at the same time.

Yesterday's cycling session was particularly disappointing. I got off to a slow start since the bike City Coach has generously lent me (until I get my own) was given a new seat which from the moment I hopped on... was an obvious problem. Let's just say it was particularly painful... and pretty much hurt like a little b*tch. The seat is designed so your sit bones rest directly on both sides of the split (picture on right). .. And HOLY HELL!!, it was painful. I had to sit on a towel for extra cushioning about half way through and finished the ride as bent forward as possible to take the pressure off my screaming sit bones. On top of that the bike wasn't changing gears correctly and kept skipping over gears as I tried to adjust. The big gear wouldn't even slide up to the big wheel (I know, I need to learn my cycling terms!) so I had to stay on the middle wheel. So, on top of my legs feeling like lead (from the kickboxing and dancing night before) there were several factors that distracted me from having a good ride. I was bummed about it, but I understand that sh*t happens.
I've learned a few lessons this time around... so hopefully next week's ride will be better! :)

"Favorite Thing" Fridays - Soy Chai Lattes

Over the last four weeks I have been abstaining from Chocolate (the entire time), and Coffee and Alcohol during the work week. Not that I'm a caffeine junkie and/or booze hound, but it does upset the normal routine of my daily cup of coffee and occasionally weekday happy hour or drinks with the gals. Slowly as people find out about my "sacrifice" of late, the typical response has been, "Why would you do that to yourself?".

Well, I'm still pondering that question... that is in between fighting my sometimes intense urge to hijack someone else's coffee in the subway each morning (ewww! That would be kind of gross!). The Chocolate, I'm okay with, but the NO coffee and NO red wine has been tough, I'm not gonna lie! By Thursday, I find myself crossing to the other side of the street if I know I'll be passing by a liquor store. I just miss my evening glass of vino! And so Lent rolls on....

And given my recent state, I have renewed my love for hot tea (Come on! It's cold in NY and I need something hot & uplifting in the morning). And the Starbucks Soy Chai Latte has become my "special" end of the week treat (at least until Easter). I don't necessarily like Starbucks or more so the paying $4.50 for a latte, but hey, it's New York where all things are generally pricey. Plus there's a Starbucks on every corner enticing me, so I occasionally cough up the change for a hot, sweet, caffeine boosting - soy chai Starbucks delight. YUM!

The other cool thing about my "Friday-Chai" is that the Starbucks cups now feature (and may have for some time) this campaign called, "The Way I See It".

Today my cup reads, "When I wake up in the morning, I want to know that my family, friends, and fans know what I believe in and what I'm all about. That's what should be important." - Robert Randolph

I like this thought, so I'm adding Chai Lattes and Starbuck's "The Way I See It" quotes to my list of favorite things.

And you may be asking yourself, what exactly does this have to do with running? Well my blog friends ,the answer is simply NOTHING. I suppose I would just like you to believe in "what I'm all about".

And with that, have a spectacular weekend!

Today's Training: Cross Training: 60min YOGA (YIN) & 60min "Ultimate Street Fighter" (YANG) :)

"So You Wanna Be An Olympian?" - Thoughts?

The picture posted above is from the latest installment of ESPN's e-ticket coverage of "Olympic Hopeful", Kathryn Bertine. Kathryn Bertine a former ice skater, professional triathlete and author was approached by ESPN and asked to give two years of her life to pursing her dream of qualifying for the 2008 Olympics. The latest article is the ninth installment focusing on Kathryn's self reported progress since the story began in August 2006. As the first article back in August '06 states,

"For the next two years, Bertine will chronicle her Olympic quest for E-ticket. While finding a spot on the 2008 U.S. team is the ultimate goal, Bertine will take every opportunity along the way to stop and smell the sweat socks ... and to share the smell, taste, sound and feel of the experience with you. You'll meet coaches, teammates, competitors, good guys, bad guys, people who will make you laugh, make you cry, make you cover your eyes in horror. You'll find out what the day-to-day life of an elite athlete is like, get a feel for the kind of sacrifices necessary, see for yourself what kind of politics is involved. "

It's an interesting and controversial story of a "regular" athlete turned "elite" cyclist (in 18mths) who wants to get to the Beijing Olympics at any cost, meaning, in any sport (although she's chosen cycling), and as a representative of any country. Yes, any country!! In this latest installment, Kathryn, after failing to make the U.S. Olympic Team is now searching for "athletic adoption" and seems to have secured hopeful interest by St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. ...And she's now off to attempt to receive dual citizenship there.

I'm not certain if anyone out there has been following this story, but I have a hunch that a few of you have. I think Kathryn's progress over the past (almost) two years is interesting and she's had quite a few fascinating revelations and memorable experiences along the way. I particularly like this quote from Kathryn in this latest (9th) article, " But I now understand that the purpose of human existence is to ask questions, no matter how outlandish, and seek answers, no matter how much the odds are against you. Ask, ask, ask. And when you can't find the answers to life, check your spam box. Hope hides in the strangest of places."

Although I admire her dedication and resilience, I'm not sure what I think about this whole project. And to be honest, I'm jumping into this a bit late and I haven't had a chance to read the entire story. But I'd love to hear some thoughts on this story and Kathryn's overall "progress" at this point. Do you think this is a good idea? What are the pro's and con's if she does end up competing for St. Kitts and Nevis in the 2008 Olympics? What will this prove if anything if she makes it to the Olympics?

NYC Half Marathon - July 27, 2008

"You have a confirmed spot in the 2008 NYC HALF Marathon
Presented by Nike!"

..and another "add" to the 2008 race calendar

Sweet!

Last Night's Run - RUNNYC

Here's last night's run with RUNNYC (click the map link below). The figure 8 loop we ran was about 5.8 and with the addition of our warm up and cool down, a few of us added on an extra 1.8miles. The weather was perfect and the rain held out. I couldn't keep up with the front group, but I was pushing pretty hard for the 5.8 loop and kept it rolling in through the finish. I had an excellent run and was on quite a high afterwards. I even had some awesome company for my cool down and striders after the run. Thanks guys for A. making me cool down and B. being such troopers with the striders!



So, I also signed up for the Nike+ challenge, so I'm excited to use the Nike+ for the first time and check it out. Everyone who signs up will be assigned to a specific team (teams will be selected on March 15th) who they will represent for the actually challenge which goes from March 17th through April 8th.

Tonight's Training: Five miles on the West Side Highway. I couldn't get myself out of bed this morning (shocking!!) to get it done in the AM... so if I can't rock it out at lunch, I'm heading out afterwork.

Doesn't Everybody Like a Challenge?

I'm thinking about giving this a shot.

Seems like it could be fun, but I don't have the Nike +

...so I'll see how that will work out tonight at
RUNNYC Run Club. :)

Anyone out there run with Nike+ and want to give me some feedback? :)

.

Ultimate Street Fighter ...Or Something Like That!

You may have noticed I've thrown a "Cardio Kickbox" class in to the mix over the past few weeks. I signed up for this class, officially labeled as "Women's Self Defense", to learn a few new moves to protect my sometimes risk taking (a.k.a. dark alley running) self. To my pleasant surprise, the course instructor has insisted to "make us sweat" while we learn how to throw proper punches and kicks. I totally love it! Great music, an intense punching, kicking, squatting, ducking routine followed by some ab work. It's a great cross training workout that leaves me wonderfully sore all weekend long.

In the first class, after I jabbed full out into my instructors hand held punching target glove, she endearingly referred to be as "a beast". hmmm??? well, as I saw it I had two options, I could either embrace my new inner street fighter self or back off and wimp out. I quickly chose to step up and whale into the punching pad yet again. Life's just too short not to release your inner beast every now and then!

Hey Mikey! (S)he Likes It! - Triax and Training Update

Nike Structure Triax Update - Week 1
So, it was a bit of a bumpy start and I still think the shoes are a bit snug, but with the addition of new (longer) laces and just the normal breaking in of a new shoe, I have to say, so far so good. It's amazing what a difference changing your laces or the how you're tying your laces can make. And so, I'm diggin' the new shoes.



Week#3 Training Schedule -(March 3 - March 9):
Monday: 3miles
Tuesday: PM: RUNNYC 6-7m- 4 X 20 sec striders
Wednesday: AM: 5miles
Thursday: PM: 6miles (tempo- tbd)
Friday: AM: 90min -YOGA, PM: Women's self defense/cardiokickbox class-55mins
Saturday: 5.5 miles, 4 X 20 sec striders OR cycling session at City Coach
Sunday: 8miles
Goal Totals: 35 miles + 90min - YOGA + 55min kickboxing (+ cycling)

Evaluate, Restructure, Regroup & Move Forward

Things are looking a bit different around here at http://mindofarunner.blogspot.com/ . Let me know what you think about the change. Be honest! :)

Sad to put this graphic to rest already (below), but I it was a fantastic starting point.


Also, check out my newest blog endeavor, http://whereirun.blogspot.com/. To give credit where credit is due, my boyfriend thought of the idea and pushed me to get it started. He got me interested in this other blog, http://ifoundyourcamera.blogspot.com/ which served as the inspiration for this new endeavor. I've seen some spectacular pictures as I've bounced around to your sites, so whereirun will be a collage of sorts of the favorite running places of all sorts of runners out there. I think this could be GREAT, but it's only as good as those who participate, so send your photos and captions to me at therunnerchick@gmail.com.

Review of Week#2 Training Schedule -(Feb 25-March 2):
Monday: DNR
Tuesday: PM: RUNNYC - 7miles - 2 X 20 sec striders
Wednesday: PM: 5miles
Thursday: PM: 6miles - Burrrrr.. it was COLD outside!
Friday: AM: YOGA, PM: Women's self defense/cardiokickbox class-55mins
followed by 2mile run
Saturday: 4.5 miles,
Sunday: 7.5miles, 4 X 20 sec striders
Total: 32 miles + YOGA + 55min kickboxing

Thoughts: My overall mileage increased a bit and I'm feeling stronger, but getting back on a regimented training routine has been difficult with work and life (..and weather). Something always seems like it gets in the way. I'm on the right path, but I need to continue to increase mileage over the next few weeks with not letting the little things (i.e. core work) and threshold training go.

Triathletes, as a runner pursuing triathlons, I'm having a hard time dealing with lower (running) mileage as I incorporate cycling and swimming into my routine. If there are any runners turned triatheltes out there, do you always track swimming, cycling, running mileage separately? Sounds like a silly question, but I was almost tempted last week to add my cycling mileage into my running mileage... just so I could see the numbers go up! ...But I resisted the urge! :)