"Favorite Thing" Fridays - COME BACKS!

Everybody loves a come-back!

So, now that I've answered the question, "Is she still alive?", what about you? Are you still out there? :)

Wow! Well, its certainly been a while since my last post. I just got increasingly difficult to keep posting since I felt that most of my posts just focused on my hip/hammy drama. And since in the last (almost) two months, I haven't really been doing too much running and nothing had changed with my injury, well, there seemed to be little I wanted to write about.

Watching everyone gear up for marathon season has been so difficult. I'm okay with not running one this fall, but I'm not okay with the fact that I still can't run.... well, can't run fast and frequent like I normally would be. Also, my new career as a medical circus poodle has consumed my life and temporarily sucked the passion out of my very being. ...and yes, I have become a bit of a drama queen!! However, things in the circus poodle realm did take a bit of a twist a few weeks ago. Let me explain, but let me start from where I left off in the summer...

Since my labrum tear diagnosis in early August, I have been on a steady recommended diet of slow, flat, infrequent running. I have complimented this insufficient meal with a few servings a week of the elliptical and swimming. As you may recall, following my diagnosis my Orthopedist, Dr. Bharam said that he wanted me to go to physical therapy because he did not feel comfortable operating on me until he was certain that my symptoms could not be fixed by PT treatment. In his words, "I treat patients and symptoms, not MRI films". I found this very honorable, but frustrating since, in my mind, it meant that the saga would continue. He sent me to his "go-to" Physical Therapist, Ben Gelfand (owner to S.T.A.R. Physical Therapy) in midtown who spent a decent amount of time assessing me and asking questions. He prescribed two weeks of VERY slow and flat and short (could this get worse) running. Ben had a great sense of humor and I like his action plan, so I was content with backing off and logging my progress. After two weeks, I e-mailed my progress to him, which really wasn't all too promising. After a few weeks of phone tag and a long over due conversation, I was set up with an appointment to meet both Dr. Bharam and Ben together at one place.

Finally, judgement day arrived (or at least that's what if felt like) and I met with both Bharam and Gelfand to discuss my fate. After another evaluation and a significant conversation about my progress (or lack there of), they decided that surgery to repair my labrum tear would be the next best option. And so there you have it... I'll be going in for the procedure next month with the hopes that my symptoms have been related to this injury or that they will be better treated by first fixing this deficiency in my hip.

When I first met with Ben he promised me the Broad Street Run in 2009. And not just a "you can finish" the race, but a " you can race the race". When we met to discuss the surgery, Ben assured me that I would be underwhelmed with the recovery. A few days on crutches, a few weeks until I was returning to activity and then a few months (4-5) until I was out running.

Oddly, I had peculiar dream last night which concerned my recovery. I dreamt I already had the surgery and had just woken up in the recovery room. To my surprise, Coach Cane was in the next gurney and he had just had the same surgery. After saying hello and exchanging the normal niceties (of course) I jumped to my feet and started walking. Everything felt great! So great that I was like, see ya Coach Cane and I went in the next room where there was an indoor pool and I started swimming a few laps. ha! I mean Ben did in fact tell me I'd be underwhelmed by the recovery! Anyway, my hip and hammy started to hurt of course and so I went back to tell Coach Cane who immediately said, I told you so. ha! ...That Coach Cane, such a wise man!

So...back to reality and now it's count down to surgery day. I'm back bloggin' for now.. but the true comeback starts November 18th. Stay tuned!

"Favorite Thing" Fridays - SUMMER TIME!

This weather just gets me so excited! And the forecast for this Memorial Day Weekend - Summer kick off is looking fan-friggin'-tastic!

Now, I have to admit, I'm not much of a fan of the heat when I'm running. Some people can run mid-day during the summer and be just fine. Me, not so much! But mornings and late evenings are just golden. LOVE IT!

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Also, RUNNYC will probably kick up it's Nike Half Marathon Training Events soon which are always a highlight of my summer. The opportunity to meet up with running friends at various parts of the city... getting a quality run in and then eating, drinking and of course DANCING at the NIKE post run parties is definitely a highlight of any summer work week!

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This weekend I'm off to Virginia (it's for lovers, you know? ha! lame!!). But I'm hoping to get in some good runs now that things are feeling a bit better. I had my sixth appointment with the chiropractor today and she beat me up pretty badly with the graston tools, but things feel like they're shifting around in there.. so I'm taking it (still) as a good sign. It's small steps for me, but I'm feeling so much better about things!

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Here's how the past week's training shaped up:

Training Plan: - May 18-27

Sunday: AM: 3miles

Monday: PM: Run on the Charles: 35mins

Tuesday: PM: Traveling and tied up with work - DNR :(

Wednesday: PM: Bridge Runners Run- HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKLYN BRIDGE - 5miles

Thursday: PM: Swim - Workout:

WARM-UP: 300m, 200m (pull), 100m (kick);
Wkout: 3x200m, 3x100m, 4x50m (pull, finish), 100m

Total: 1800m

Friday: AM: Didn;t get to ride :( PM: Run - 30mins

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STILL AHEAD:

Saturday: Virgina is for LOVERS!! Happy Memorial Day (Weekend) Run/Swim - TBD

Sunday: VA - Off (should have brought my bike)

Monday: VA - Run: 35mins

Tuesday: Back to NYC - RIDE MY BIKE!!!!

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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY, EVERYONE! Have a fabulously fit and exciting weekend!

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XOXO,

TheRunnerChick

"Favorite Thing" Fridays - NIKE Discounts & Free Stuff!!

Okay peeps, this is two discount alerts in one week. So it's sort of obvious where my budget conscious mind has been these days.

First up, we have the 20% off code "MAYSALE" available for use at check out on nike.com until Sunday May 11th.. Does Mom fancy something nice from nike.com ??? Just asking!

Next up, for all you morning-sunshine craving, concrete treading manhattanites, tomorrow morning NIKE is generously giving a 30% post-run discount for RUN NYC members at NIKETOWN (located at 6 E 57th St btw Madison and 5th Aves) in manhattan. So get your run on and shop all before noon... what a fabulously productive way to spend the morning! :)

And for us Brooklynites, could there be a new Saturday morning run club option??? The answer is YES! A group will be meeting this Saturday @ 9am at the Starbucks-Park Slope, Brooklyn. This inaugural RUNNYC- BKLYN run will take place through Prospect Park and will offer Starbucks Frequent Runner rewards.

Personally, the 30% Niketown discount sounds like the winner in this Saturday morning runclub - borough rivalry (at least for this week), but we all know that for some of you, morning runs are more about the location convenience (if contemplated at all).

So.. there seems to be plenty of options out there for you to fulfill all (or most) of your discounted/free stuff cravings~

Don't forget to check out the RUNNYC facebook page and NEW May runclub schedule on InsideNikeRunning.nike.com

"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!!!

"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) :)

"Favorite Thing" Fridays - Cozy Socks & Warm Gloves

No one likes to have cold toes or fingers! So it's important to keep those metacarpals and metatarsals warm and cozy for the ride and not to mention protect them from the elements of the harsh winter weather. If last night's run taught me anything, it was having the proper socks and gloves can make MAJOR differences in your run.

I was ever so fortunate to forget a pair of socks last night so I decided to run in my work-trouser socks. Not the best decision of my life, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do! So, half way through the run my left (stocking thin) sock slips under my heel and instantly it begins to chafe. I tried to stop and fix it but no amount of yanking could keep it from slipping right under my heel again. Sweet! So, this led to thoughts of what pair of socks I has wished were on me feet. At least it helped to distract me from the inevitably forming blister for about 5mins! My favorite pair of socks are my Nike Elite Running - No Show Sock. I'm typically not a thin sock wearer, but these socks have great cushioning in the parts that you need it most. They're extremely comfortable, stylish and not at all bulky. LOVE them! My other favorite socks are the Ladies Under Amour cushion- no show. They're very comfortable and durable.
If anyone was out running last night, all the power to ya! The weather was a BEAST! I believe that at 6pm it was reported to feel like 12degrees. But as planned, I braved the West Side Highway (a.k.a. Hudson River Park rec path) after work (check my "fun stats" posted below). The wind was so fierce that it actually felt best when I had to stop for traffic lights on the way to/from the path. I was soooo.. VERY happy to have remembered my "good" gloves which kept my hands toasty, so thankfully that was the least of my concern. If you don't have a good pair of gloves (and you live in a cold climate), I suggest you invest in a pair. Once you try them, you'll never want to go back to that old ratty pair that you got for free at a race 10+ years ago that are three sizes too big for your hands. .. or at least I never went back to mine! My favorite are the women's lightweight running gloves. My hands heat up quick so anything heavier than a "lightweight" glove is a bit uncomfortable (at least, for me).

Stats from Yesterday's Run - 6miles (out and back) - WSH
# of times I thought about going back inside: 1
# of times I thought to myself "I'm crazy!": 1 million
# of times I had to stop to (try to) fix my sock: 5
# of runners spotted out on the WSH: 8 (brave souls)
# of bikers " ": 12
# of pedestrians " ": 4
# of times I wished I brought my metro card: 0 (I'm not that lame!)
# of times I wished I had put on an extra top layer: I can't count that high!

Today's training:
AM: Yoga, PM: 55min Cardio Kickbox, and 2 miles

Nike Structure Triax Update - Day 2
Today I used the RW Shoe Finder to see the comparison between what I was running in, the ASICS 1120's and the NIKE Structure Triax 11. I tried to link directly to the comparison between the two, but it didn't seem to work. So here's the skinny, they are both a stability shoe but the major differences were that the ASICS 1120's are slightly heavier (by 1oz) and the Triax was more of a neutral shoe where as the ASICS 112o is better suited for the overpronator.

So, last night went well sans the sock debacle!! I do wish the laces were a bit longer so I could do my "crazy laces" knot for more ankle support, but I suppose I could purchase new laces myself. As for the overall ride of the shoe, it was still just okay in my opinion.

"Favorite Thing" Fridays - Clif Bars

Call it a favorite thing, call it an addiction..... Really!!

If this these where a controlled substance, would I try to get my hands on them anyway? Questionable!

What are they? ........Clif bars!

Here is another company with a fantastic philosophy and history.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

1. The Luna Bar! My favorite flavors being the Chai Late, the Iced Oatmeal Raisin and the newest flavor of the bunch, Berry Almond (YUM!)

2. The Z bar!!! I completely understand that I'm way closer to 30 than I am to 13, but I can't help it, these snacks are so tasty! They're a great way to satisfy that sweet fix you have after dinner or during the day. LOVE 'em! Especially the Chocolate Chip & the Peanut Butter flavors.

3. The Original. An oldie but goodie! If I do have one of these, I pretty much stick to my favorite, Cranberry, Apple, Cherry. It's lower in fat and I just love how it tastes.

4. My boyfriends Favorite, Clif Builder. He will only eat the Cholate Mint (which he raves about every time) and Peanut Butter. I have tried both and they are quite good. I'm personally not into the HIGH protein bars, but I had to mentioned them since they were so highly recommended.

Some of my fellow marathoners are also big fans of the clif shots. I've tried them but they're just not for me. I think it's a consistancy thing. I prefer my gels during the race.

If you have any favorite bars or comments about clif bars, please share! Sharing is caring! :)

A Runner's Log!

You've heard it time and time again just how important it is to keep a training log. You know the deal. For the more obvious reasons, a runner's log is an important tracking tool needed to provide a visual evidence of your base, your build up, your progress. To show you were you might need to improve or where you should give yourself a mighty ol' pat on the back.

You're log is your best friend and your worst enemy. Either way, your log is with you through thick and thin. Your log doesn't lie (that is unless, you do!).

I'm not so great at using my log while I'm not specifically training for anything, but as I get ready to face what's sure to be an exciting Spring season, I know I'll be dusting off the cover and setting up my framework for the training to come.

My log is an old generic day/week planner that I found at CVS four years ago. A small spiral notebook with a bright blue plastic cover that I adoringly covered with RUNNYC and BridgeRunner's stickers. When I'm in training, wherever I go my log goes with me. I look forward to writing in my training each day, tallying in my weekly totals each Sunday night and adding those weekly totals to my overall training mileage and of course, training shoe mileage. Just as I love writing down the mileage I've rocked out for the day, I completely dread writing when I've fallen short of a daily plan or weekly goal (as I appropriately cover those spaces with frown faces or curse words ;) ).

My log is simple in that I don't go into tons of detail re: my daily routine, but I put enough down that it provides a great reference for later review. It also helps boost my confidence the nights leading up to a big race, when I can lay in bed and look at all the "money in the bank" and feel completely invested in what I'm about to take on.

So no matter how big or small your current goals are, log your progress. It's so gratifying to watch your dreams become a reality right before your eyes.

I prefer the old fashion way, but there are so many great resources online for logging your mileage/training. Here are just a few suggestions:

Map My Run
Running Ahead
Runner's World Online Training Log
..And this is a new one (for me), ProgressLog

If you have any other suggestions or would like to share how you map your training, please let me know! I'd love to hear it!

"Favorite Thing" Fridays - Nike Track Shorts

I'm am so incredibly happy that it's Friday! How about you? Geesh, what a week. So, I'm revisiting favorite thing Friday's since thinking about all the things I LoVe is certainly helpful to get through these last few hours of work.

Now this particular post may appeal more to us runner chicas, but it's a good piece of advice nonetheless. I was thinking earlier this morning about some of my favorite pieces of running gear from running apparel to watches to all sort of winter weather layer pieces etc... but my mind kept going back to the basics. Back to those nice weather days where all you have to do is throw on a pair a shortsm a t-shirt and your shoes and skip out the door. Ahh.... those long awaited days of spring and summer can't come quick enough.

So, why wait until summer to discuss one of my favorite summer pieces of apparel, the Women's Tempo Track Short by Nike. My girlfriends and I all have multiple pairs and if you don't well the time is now. If you notice from the link above, NIKE is having a sale on these shorts (only $19!!). Not to mention that I was in NikeTown this past Tuesday night and they have their new colors out. They have this great new "dodger" blue color this season and the dodger blue track shorts (not online just yet) are pretty flippin' sweet.

If you're anything like me, you typically always miss the "out of season" sales, so jump on this deal while you can!

"Favorite Thing" Fridays - Road ID

STRAP IT BEFORE YOU TAP IT!!

Ok, now that I have your attention....

I think every RuNNeR, especially RuNNeR ChIcKs, need one of these!

The peace of mind is well worth the $20!

My personal preference is the ShoeID. It just makes the most sense to me (and takes the least effort to remember on the way out the door). I love my shoe ID! I also recommend getting your favorite quote on the bottom. Something really inspirational that you can think about during the toughest part of your run or while stretching (when you can finally read the small print!).

Whether your crossing a busy intersection in mid-town on your way to Central Park or trail running in a State Park in the middle of (what seems like) nowhere, it's a jungle out there! And especially for our RuNNeR Chicas! ...We can be held back or intimidated to head out there and take on the open roads or trails, but we owe it to ourselves to be smart about it and STRAP IT (our road IDs, that is) before we head out the door. Just remember to switch it over (after 300 miles) when you get your new pair of shoes.

*** Oh, and be sure to check out the new Road ID interactive. What a cool new idea from Mike and Edward Wimmer the co-owners or Road ID.

AND... if you're still not sold, you need check out the Top 10 reasons to you should wear Road ID!