Winter Training Blows!!!

I am going to try to stay updated with this blog. It's tough juggling all the different aspects of social media. I finally caved in and started an Instagram account; but no twitter. Lol. This winter has been tough. Last year we got more snow and plenty of cold but the whole month of February has been colder than it has been it many years. I've had to many runs on the treadmill because of cold and icy conditions. The toughest is when I had to do my 2hr 10 min long run, that was just awful. Spring soon come and will not be soon enough. This year I am really committed to hitting my sub-5 hour goal. It would be great to get it in NJ especially since the flat course will be ideal for it. The way this winter training has been set up, who knows. I just recently started get the 2015 race calendar together. Here it goes. April: Scotland 10K, NJ Marathon. May: 5 Boro Bike Tour, Air BnB Brooklyn Half. June: Niagara Fall's Women's Half, Oakley Mini 10K, Achilles Hope and Possibility. November: TCS NYC Marathon. December: Reggae Marathon 10K. Looking to add maybe the Trenton 10 K and the Rocky Run. Spring please hurry up!!!

Taking it international!

Well the weekend after the TCS NYC marathon I ended up run/walking the Trenton 10K with a dear sole sister.  On Thanksgiving I ran my 3rd Prospect Patk Turkey Trot.  The race that I had been waiting for to close out my 2014 season happened this past Saturday, The Reggae Marathon 10K.  This was my first trip to Jamaica and first trip out of the U.S. in 6 years!!!   I boarded an insanely early flight with my fellow Reggae Runnerz.  We were at least half the flight.   We arrived around 930 am and first stop was a Pina Colada at Margaritaville (actually it was to duty free shopping 😊).  After a long ride from Mobay to Negril, we checked in and made a quick dash to change and hit the beach.  I enjoyed having time to chill out before the race.  Friday was the Pasta Party I never made it to (won't go into whole story but don't fall asleep in the Caribbean sun when you have been partying).   Race start was 5:15am so  set alarm for 3:45.  I fell asleep early and woke up after midnight and tossed and turned till time to get up.   Even with early start in the dark it was warm but not horrid.  Exodus was the song that got the race started.   I started to feel itchy and thought I was getting bitten by bugs but turns out it was just my sweat.   Music at every mile.  Water and electrolyte drinks in baggies (when need this in the U.S.).   It was a flat course but dark early.  I made sure to look down to avoid tripping.  Along the course were specators,  some saying nothing, some saying a whole lot....hint...hint.  Also some ganja smokers along the way.   At one point there was a baby goat running along with us.   I started to race in the 1.5 miles to beat the sun.  I actually kept a better pace than expected.  A fresh coconut awaited at the finisher party.  Also nice ice cold red stripe.  I hung around for a bit before the bugs started to invade the area.  I walked back to the hotel along the beach.  I was back on the beach by 10am.  Running was such a small part of the trip but I can say I enjoyed myself and would definitely do it again.  10K only, once the sun comes up there is no shade on the course which happens to be an out and back. 

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

"Do epic sh@*" was one of the signs I saw on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course.  It was definitely epic for myself and the other nearly 45,000 participants.   My plan this year was only to visit Chicago for the AAO conference which starts later this week.  On a whim I entered the lottery thinking I had no chance of getting in and was surprised by the confirmation in April.  I was thrilled to change plans and have the opportunity to do two world major marathons.   I had a tough task of treating Chicago as a training run and not going all out.   I had to get my pace under control and because downtown Chicago has funky gps signals I couldn't glance at my watch to check on my pace so I had to go by feel (which is better anyway).  It was a fantastic trip through 29 neighborhoods with great crowd support except around 15-16 (people were there but dead quiet).  I remembered to wave at the senior citizens at the residence we ran by.  The Hispanic neighborhood of Pilsen was lively with music. We had great temperatures but with little shade on the course,  I ended up getting rather warm in the late miles.  I have to thank my family and friends for the support during training and during the race.   What touched me the most was the virtual circle of support from my running family, BGR! NYC.  My phone was in ultra power save mode during the race and when I was done, I switched to normal mode and got a blitz of notifications.   They followed myself and fellow NYC sole sisters from start to finish; cheering, praying, willing us through.   Prayers go out to the two men who went into cardiac arrest; one is fine the other is in critical condition.
I am very pleased with my 15 min pr.  I have a certain time goal that I will shoot for next year but I am happy to have finished #2.   3 years ago doing this form of epic sh@* was something I never dreamed could be possible.  I enjoyed meeting my virtual friends and making new ones.  In 20 days I will take on my hometown marathon.   Thank you Chicago for a fabulous time.

It's been a long time.

I haven't posted here in a long time.  My last post was about the NYC Half. Two weeks after that I ran the inaugural Philadelphia Love Run. That day made history. The most amount of rainfall every on that day in Philadelphia; over 4 inches. What started as some light rain developed into a monsoon. Definitely the toughest race conditions ever! Time of course went out the window. Around mile 10 is where the sky opened up and I wanted to cry. There was nothing to do but suck it up and go because we were in the middle of Fairmount Park. I eventually got a second wind and picked up the pace. I ended up catching up to my travel roomie who was having a hard time so I stayed with her to the finish. I am seriously considering not every doing a half marathon in the month of March again. After the Love Run I participated in the Crescent City Class in NOLA, UAE Healthy Kidney 10 K, Brooklyn Hal Oakley Mini 10 K, Achilles Hope and Possibility and the 2nd annual Moonwalk NYC Half Moon. I decided to cut down on races this year to focus more on training for the fall marathons. Next race is Join the Voices 5 miles which got moved from December to August. I will be doing it as a Sunday recovery run. I am little concerned that I am slightly behind in mileage considering that Chicago is 0ct 12. I have my coached designed schedule and I bumped up my long run by a little under 2 miles for this past week. I forgot to mention that I also pursured running coach certification. I am a Level 1 USTAF coach and once I finish my test I will be RRCA Certified Coach!

Catching up

I haven't posted in quite some time. This winter has been an interesting one with multiple snow/ice storms, bad weather days, etc. Though I took time off to recoup from the marathon I still wanted to keep up a base and also be ready for the NYC Half which I ran last Sunday. I found it really hard to stick to a consistent schedule. I did virtually no speed training but did a little hill work. I having been shooting for a 2:15 half since RnR Philly but it became pretty evident that wasn't going to happen with the NYC half. My first race this year was the Gridiron Class 4 Mile on Super Bowl Sunday. I didn't even try to beat my 4 mile PR of 38:20 so I was happy with my 41 and change finish. Though not as well prepared I was looking forward to the NYC Half. Initially the weather reports were looking good but as the time got closer the weather started to look very similar to last March during the Allstate 13.1. On race day it started out at 31 degrees and even dropped down to 29 before heading up again. My plan was to take it easy in the park because of the crowds and the hills. I did pretty well with that and even ran up Harlem Hill nice and steady. The course had a change from previous years. We started right on Cat Hill and continued up before exiting the park at 110 and Lenox before coming back into to head up Harlem Hill. Things were tight on the round about back into the park. My least favorite portion of Central Park is the rolling hills. My pace naturally slowed but before long I was headed out of the part to the most exciting part: Times Square. It was pretty awesome running downing the center of Broadway. We turned on 42 Street to head over to the West Side Highway and this is where trouble began for me. I was able to get into my origin corral so I was slightly back and located pretty close to the 2:30 pacer. Right while on 42 street I noticed the pacer pacing me which did not make sense because I knew I was running under that pace. I let doubt get the best of me and I speed up to 9:40 miles for 2 miles which brought me right to the point where I got smacked hard with head winds on the West Side Highway. I knew that the pacer was running under pace but still the competitive edge of me would let me stick to a good pace. The West Side Highway was tortuous. Windy and boring. I eventually picked up a little speed and before long I was headed to that tunnel near the Battery Park after you pack the WTC. I was thrown off my how dark the tunnel was (plus I was wearing my transitional lens glasses) and how long it seemed. I felt as if I ran a mile in the darkness. It was a bit scary because you could barely make out what was in front of you. After exiting the tunnel I had to pleasure to run up and a hill but fortunately just after that was the 800 meters to go sign. I crossed the finish in 2:26:24, nearly 5 minutes slower than my last half in September. I wasn't too disappointed considering how I felt, but really has me questioning ever doing another half marathon in the NYC area during March. Next up is the Philadelphia Love Run on March 30.

Trenton Doublecross 10K

I was very hesitant to sign up for this race.   It was 13 days after MCM.  It was being widely publicized as a BGR! national event with the opportunity to earn double bling.  I was worried about pushing myself too hard in my post marathon recovery.   I am so glad I signed up.  It was a great road trip.  I headed down Friday afternoon with my morning running buddy and sole sister.  We were able to pick up our races packs which included a cute tech shirt.  We then headed over to Rho for a meet and greet.  It was a nice space and for $10 we got a nice buffett.  There was a live band playing but unfortunately their selections were a little too country.  The band took a break and the Dj started spinning and BGR! hit the floor.  He played the "Wobble" and it was on.  We didn't stay too late because of course we had a race to run.  Saturday morning was chilly but it warmed my heart to see all my BGR sisters and some of our brothers from Black Men Run.  I ran the 10K but there was a half marathon as well.  It was quite a sight to see the group of 700+ of us together trying to take pre-race photos.  We ended taking pictures in city sections.  Trenton was not ready for us.  Every other runner around me was BGR!.   The course took us over two bridges and across two states.  I didn't particularly like the bridges because their surface allowed you to see the Delaware River beneath and messed with my gait.   I had to hold myself back for going out to fast but I had fun.   I loved the post race pretzel.  Apparently there was a whole spread lsid out at Rho but we had plans for a NBMA/BGR! brunch.  It was yummy!   I wouldn't mind running it again but if it is one week post the NYC marathon I may have strong reservations. 

The 2013 New York City Marathon-volunteer/spectator view

One week after completing my own first marathon I volunteered at the mile 16 water station for the NYC marathon. I knew many people running it this year; including many of my sole sisters who were running their very first marathon. The days leading up to the marathon were exciting. There was such a buzz in the city. I went to the expo on Thursday when it first opened to check it out and see how it was. I did not really get to spend much time at the MCM expo given all the waiting I had to do. There were so many people and so many languages being spoken. There was a long line to go through security but it moved fast. The expo space was huge! I walked around check out the merchandise and looking for freebies. Alot of the gear was nice (and expensive) and I wished I could buy some but I will just have to wait for 2014. I did buy a pair of new mizuno thermal gloves. They heat up when you hands get a little sweaty. I got a discount on them, so the price was right. I picked up several freebies: a megaphone and orange sunglasses from ING. Bam Bams and neck warmers from Grano Padano, gatorade samples, packs of mixed nuts from fresh direct, other goodies. Sunday was the big day. My shift was from 7:30-3:30. I arrived a little after 7 am. One of the things I learned from racing/volunteering is that there can be some much chaos involved in getting a giant race set up. I initially didn't plan to be at the Gatorade section but worked with several of my BGR sisters. We had to mix the formula: 1 bottle of the gatorade solution with 5 bottles of water, add to a huge can and then stack of 4 sections high of cups in a honey comb pattern. We had to make sure the the Gatorade branding was visible on the front cups. The handcyclists came throught first and we made tons of noise at 1st ave and 61st as they came off the Queensborough bridge which is a tough one to cross. It is long, has a big incline and quiet because no spectators are allowed. It is often said the the NYC marathon begins at mile 16. Not too long after came the elite women. What a site to see. Deba who has made the Bronx here home was in the lead followed closely by her training partners. The rest of the pack was quite a ways behind at that point. I noted several other elites: Firewhot Dado, Kim Smith, Amy Hastings, and another local elite Aziza. Only one of them took water from the station. Next came the men. The men's elite pack was very tight at that point. I don't even remember who was leading. The crowd went wild when Meb came flying by. He was blowing kisses as he came by. I later learned that he wanted to drop out at mile 20. He was just coming back from a injury to his knee and a torn calf muscle. He didn't get to training beyond a 15 mile long run. You would have never known we he went by at mile 16. The rest of the runners began trickling in. We cheered loudly for them as well. We were calling out the names of runners who had placed their names on their shirts. The best parts where seeing my fellow BGRers on the course as well as some of NBMA local NYC runners. There was so much emotion, hugs, and kisses to ladies who I have run and trained with. Most inspiring was seeing the runners with disabilities who were completing the race; a reminder that anyone who really wants to can complete a marathon. Waves and waves of runners came in. Things began to space out a bit. Around 3:00 we had to start breaking down the station. I felt bad about that because runners who had been on their feet already nearly 5 hours were coming in. It was about to get to the point where they would have to finish the race on the sidewalks. We got word that the first runner with Down's Syndrome to complete the NYC marathon was about to come through. He received thunderous applause and cheers when he came through with his guide. I was so impressed by the determination to finish and not give up seen on the faces of those at the end of the pack. After breaking down the station, with tired feet and sore throats a group of us BGR volunteers went to grab a bite to eat and talk about the day. At least one of us who didn't plan on running the NYC marathon was now set on making that happenend. I have one more race to complete to finalize my guaranteed entry into the 2014 (now to be called) TCS NYC marathon. God willing, that will be the highlight of 2014 for me. I will make sure to get my family and friends out on the course to see me in action. I already know my BGR! family will be there. Marine Corps was a great marathon but I don't think it has the magic that the New York marathon has.

I'm a marathoner!

Well today is two days post my completion of my first ever marathon, Marine Corps 2013. It was one of the hardest and best things I've ever done. The MCM weekend for me started with a very early (6:45am) train down to D.C. The nervousness I had about the event had given away to sheer excitement. I arrived at the DC Armory around 11am Saturday morning to unfortunately find a very long line just to pick up my bib. It took a hour for me to get inside of the tent. Once inside I found out why things were taking so long, they had lost power. The tent was dark except for the lights of the computers used to check our entry. After making sure my bib would be recognized I left to wait in yet another line just to enter the expo. I would have skipped the expo but that was the only way to get my shirt and bag. This line moved faster; only a 20-25 minute wait. They really should not have separated the bib and shirt pick up like that. At this point I didn't want to spend too much more time on my feet so I quickly got my shirt and then went to the Brooks store (to see what merchandise was actually left in my size). I had seen prior posts on facebook about the ridiculous lines for official Brooks MCM gear. I picked a short sleeve and long sleeve shirt and thankfully the line to pay wasn't that bad. I walked around the expo but did not stay long. I had my luggage and it was too crowded. I would have liked to get another item, something that said 26.2 on it but wasn't in the mood. I was hungry and didn't want to end up with a headache by delaying eating. I went to my hotel and had difficulty getting from the metro stop to it (despite it being only 0.4 miles). Once I was finally checked in, I drop off my things and then went to search for food. I ended up at BBQ joint, I was tempted to go for some wings, but knew that would be a bad idea. I had a turkey salad with a side of mashed potatoes. I did get an order of banana pudding to go. I ate a little bit of it later (it was good) and saved the rest for post marathon. I relaxed, layed out my race day outfit,and hydrated. I was in bed around 9:15 and definitely fell asleep before 9:45. I woke up around 12:15 to use the bathroom. I woke up again at around 2 am. I finally got up for 4:30am with my alarm to get ready. I had oatmeal for breakfast and drank a very slight amount of water. I was dressed and ready to go by 5:30. I headed out to the metro (it was very dark, so I walked past it initially). I got on the metro around 5:45-5:50. The train was packed and hot. I got off at the Pentagon stop with all the others and then made the nearly 1 mile walk to Runners Village. I headed straight to bag check out to have to wait around because the UPS workers were not there to open the trucks. Our Marines were there prepared to take out bags but to no avail. Apparently the UPS workers were supposed to be there at 6am. They didn't start showing up till 6:20. I saw some of them carrying Dunkin Donuts boxes (that made me angry). I wanted to quickly drop my bag, use the porta potty (before they became gross) and meet up with BGR for a photo. The worker for my truck got there around 6:30. As soon as I dropped my bag I headed to the potties and thankfully didn't have to wait. Next step was finding my sole sisters. We posed for a couple of pics and then dispered. It was chilly that morning. I had a sweatshirt as my outer layer over my singlet (with tank underneath), arm sleeves and gloves. I was glad I chose to wear my tights rather than shorts with calf sleeves under my camo skirt. I wish I had brought one of my heat sheets from a prior race with me. I headed over the start to wait. One of the most spectaular things about the MCM was the wounded Army and Marine servicemen who parachuted into the start area with American flags attached to them. That was a sight to see. 7:55 came and the howitzer went off. It took nearly 15 minutes for me to cross the start. I already knew that there were significant hills in the first 4 miles so I made sure to hold back. I started off with straight running for the first mile and then started my 3:1 intervals after that first mile. I shedded my sweatshirt around the 2nd mile. Those early hills were difficult and I was glad I took it easy. Of course plenty of people were bobbing and weaving around but I made sure to not do that. Early on I woman taped me on the shoulder and said "I thought we had Michelle Obama running with us".  That made my day but would have really got me going if that was at mile 22.     I saw my morning running buddy and sole sister Shidah a little after mile 8, right after the turn around on Rock Creek parkway. At this stretch there was a little incline and a handcyclist was having some difficulty getting up but everyone was cheering him on. I wasn't running with music; I had planned to carry my ipod and play it throught the speaker if I felt I need a boost in the last few miles but ended up leaving it with my armband in my checked bag. I am glad I don't need music to run. One thing that was upsetting was that people running were so tuned in that they didn't hear the call to keep left or right for the handcyclists. One guy was so tuned out another runner had to tap him on his shoulder. When we got to West Potomac Park and Hains Point, I knew this could be a problem stretch from my prior runs during the Cherry Blossom and Nike Women's Half. There are sections that are very isolated with no crowd support. Similar to Nike there were lots of signs to distract you and also a row of signs showing lost service men and women. It was very serene. There were tons of funny signs throught out the course as well. "You run better than the government." "Run faster, I just farted." "Look at all these people dressed up as sexy runners." "Run like a Jamician. Repeat 422 times." "The Kenyans are already done."  And one of my favorites "Never trust a fart during a race." I was holding a consistent pace until mile 21 when I developed a sharp pain in my right pinky toe. I thought my toenail might have split in two. I never had toe issues during all on my long train runs. I kept going for a bit(extending my walk breaks and shortening my run interval) but a little after mile 22 I had to pull over to the sidewalk and take off my right sock. I didn't even look to see what was the issue I just put my sneaker back on and kept going. In retrospect, I should have just reverted to 1:1.  The fact that I was walking more and running for shorter intervals lead to my quadriceps stiffening and becoming tight. While I didn't hit the dreaded wall, I couldn't stick to 3:1.  I walked alot of last 5+ miles and I wasn't alone. It seemed to take forever to get to that mile 26 sign. I already knew what was waiting, that final hill up to the finish at Iwo Jima. I dug dig and said I would run up that hill no matter what. It is not a particular long hill but after running 26 miles it is hard. After getting up the hill I slowed a bit but then I saw the finish line ahead. I couldn't help it, the tears began to fall and I started sobbing. This was really it, I was about to finish my very first marathon! I crossed the finish and then had a little walk to meet the Marines who were placing the medals around our necks. They saluted us and said great job.  Next was the line to take a finisher photo in front of the memorial.  I proudly posed for my photo after chatting with a fellow first-time in the queue. I then head through the lines to get out post race goodies and finsher jacket. There was still more of a walk to get to baggage check and the finish festival. I got my bag and quickly put on my hoodie as I was started to cool down. I grabbed some delicious free watermelon and posed for another photo at the USAA tent. The finish area was crowded. The lines to get on the metro or get a shuttle back to Crystal City strecthed for blocks. I very happy I paid extra for a hotel in walking distance. It meant walking up a hill but it was worth it. I didn't stop to used the bathroom during my marathon journey but it was the first thing I did upon getting back to my room. Next came some stretching and then the ice bath. I did alot of facebooking while in the ice bath. That is how I first learned that they ran out of medals for some of the later runners (and I myself at 5:36:15 was a back of the packer) I did some time on the floor with leg inversions. Of course the hunger set in and I headed back to BBQ joint to eat. I had some garlic pepper wings with sweet potato fries and two Lynchburg lemonades (alcohol included of course). While eating a runner walked in and I congratulated him. He asked if I had gotten my medal. I told him I did and how I heard what happened. He said he was one of the ones that didn't get one and how devastated he was about it. That really hurt. I can imagine how hurt particularly a first-timer marathoner would feel to have that happen. In the end it is not about the medal the accomplishment is greater, but that is part of the post marathon experience and you can't get that back. Yes Marine Corps will mail those runners their medal asap but it not feel the same. People had to borrow other runners medals to take a finisher photo. Others were so disappointed they walked away without even taking a finisher photo. This is the second race I participated in that this happened. There was a lot of talk in my various running facebook groups about this issue and I really don't know what the answer is. Overall, I am very happy that MCM was my first marathon experience. Yes I would have loved to run NYC as first as I would have been nice to be able to get my family and NYC friends out of the course but there is always 2014. The Marine Corps Marathon is know as the people's marathon as it does not offer price money for the top finishers. It is really a race for people to achieve something that only 1% of the American population has done. I looked at my marathon fotos pictures (which I will of course purchase despite them being so expensive) unfortunately the main one I was hoping to see the photo in front of Iwo Jima seems to have not made it through. I will make a couple of days to see if shows up.   That makes me sad but I luckily have plenty of others to commemorate that very special day. Yes it's official, I'm a marathoner!

2 weeks to go and a race recap

Yesterday I completed my triple crown race at the Rock and Roll Brooklyn 10K.  If you have read my previous post about RnR Philly, you know that my opinion of the Competitor group has soured.  The expo for the race was lackluster.  Philly was a great expo in comparison.  I didn't go into the race with any particular goals.  I got up a zero dark-thirty and walked over to the park to meet up with BGR! There were ladies from all over including South Florida, LA, San Fran, Atlanta,  Philly, D.C, and North Carolina.  The race started without any issues and off I went.  I ended up seeing two med school friends on the course.  I started a little too fast but settled into a rhythm.  Of course the cheer squad was in effect especially on the hill.  By the time I got to 5.5 miles I realized I was within my PR time and I pushed it.  I finished in 1:03:33 slightly faster than my 1:04:10 at the Mini 10 K in June.   MCM is in sight, 14 days away.  I just needed to keep my runs easy and keep myself from going taper crazy.  

Rock and Roll Phildelphia Half Marathon

I haven't posted here in a while.  I've been living, running, and getting myself prepared for the Marine Corps Marathon next month.  I was excited about Philly give the positive the reviews I had  from those who had run it before and the fact that is is flat.  I was aiming to run 2:15 just under 2 minutes faster than my PR at RnR NOLA in February.   I attended the expo early Saturday morning.  The expo was pretty nice, I picked up some nice freebies, took pictures, and I didn't buy a thing!!!!   I had a nice lunch in the city with some of my sole sisters.  I developed a headache later in the day and made sure to continue hydrating and took some naproxen.  I slept well and was up at 5:30 to get ready.   I met up with the BGR! ladies for a pre-race photo in front of the Art Museum and a warm-up.   I had forgotten my arm sleeves at home but luckily I purchase a 4-pack of black men's sock which I cut to make arm warmers.  It was chilly in the morning but by the time my corral got to the start line I was warmed up and I tossed the sock in the trash.  I had a pace band to try to keep myself on pace but I forgot that while using intervals on my Garmin 210 I would not be able to see the time elapsed but only distance.  I felt good during the run keep at my 3:1 intervals. My initial plan was to stop the intervals at mile 11 and then give a hard effort for the last 2.1.   The course was beautiful and scenic, congested at times, and flat.  I was bothered by a couple of things though.  As I passed the very first water station I saw that it was non-staffed and there were only cups but with no water.  Many runners around me look horrified that there was no water.  I had my 20 ounce amphipod in fuel belt so I was good.   The water stations continued to be a mess throughout the course.  By the last station I was running low so I decided to take one cup which was actually nice and cold.   I didn't end up finishing in 2:15 but I am happy with my efforts but I stuck to a plan and my legs feel good during and after.  The finish was congested and it was getting close to 11:00 am so I grabbed some items and headed back to my hotel to shower and checkout.  I was of course hungry so I headed to Reading Terminal for a chicken cheesesteak and also pickup a delicious looking rocky road fudge cup.   I inhaled my sandwich and later joined a couple of ladies at their post race meal and I had dessert.  I started to get the bad news about what happened at the race for the back of the pack runners.  They ran out of the event day medals and started giving out generic series medal to finishers.  They ran out of chocolate milk, water, etc for these folks as well.  Another finishers posted a picture of how the water was being served, scooped out of trash bag lined trash cans (and other runners not knowing had thrown their used cups in).     Supposedly 1000 medals were stolen.  That explanation really doesn't jive with me because the number of finishers  was over 1000 less than registrants so there still should have been enough medals.  Also, why did they have these "extra" medals on hand.  Hearing the experience of the back of the packers, not to mention issues at past races makes me wary of running further RnR races.  I am doing the Brookyn 10 K next month but it is likely that this may be my last.  I had such a good time in New Orleans and I was hoping to run it again but the Competitor group really needs to get their act together

It's been a little while.

Haven't posted anything in a while. I've been living life and training of course.   I covered some of my longest running distances ever: 14.3, 17, and 18 miles.    The 14.3 mile was hell because it was during the heat wave of July.   The 17 mile was blissful because the weather was great.  I actually felt like I could have kept going. The 18 was supposed to be 19.5 miles.  It felt tougher though again the weather was beautiful.  The route ended with me going up Harlem Hill in Central Park (clockwise direction).   Next up with be 20 miles!   I've decided not to go up 26 miles as the Galloway program suggests.  I will likely cap at 22.5 miles.   Yesterday I ended up doing a local 5K in Riverside Park put on by Urban Athletics.   A special Galloway price got my a coupon for free Feetures socks, a $50 coupon to use toward new shoes, and beer after the run.  I finished in 28:59, a new PR!  I felt good about that considering my last 5K and PR was Coogans at 29:48.  The weather was great but it was still nearly 40 degrees warmer than the Coogans!  There is something to training in the warmer weather.  30 days to Rock and Roll Philly!  72 days until MCM! 

Moonwalk NYC

Moonwalk NYC was a nighttime half and full marathon in which participants powerwalked in decorated bras to benefit the Harlem Breast Center and provide mammograms and breast cancer treatment to uninsured women.  Walking a half marathon was very interested.  It was a great event.  We definitely caused  traffic slow downs. 

Distance Milestone!

The Marine Corps Marathon is about 15 weeks away.  Training is getting real.  I have be doing my long runs using the Galloway method and running with the group when I can.  Yesterday I tackled my longest distance ever 14.3 miles.  I may sound like a broken record but it was of course another hot and humid day in New York City.  We met up at Columbus Circle at 6:30 am for a 6:45 start.  We ran down 59st to the Ed Koch Bridge into Long Island City, across the Pulaski Street Bridge into Greenpoint and Williamsburgh and back.  Three boroughs and 2 bridges (times 2).  I had my camelbak for certain as I knew I would need plenty of fluids.  We had an aid stop set up just for us in Long Island City.  At 4 miles I took in some gatorade, pretzels and 2 oreos.  On the way back I refilled my camelbak with water and nunn, had two cups of gatorade, and more pretzels.  I had some gel and cliff shot blocks for energy as well.  I tried out my first gel which was the Body Surge that I got in my July Stride box (which I never posted about, lol).   It sat while in my stomach and I would try it again but definitely another flavor ( I was given double espresso).   My cooling towel made a big difference as I probably would have had to drop back to catch the 45/45 group.  I felt pretty group for the majority of the run and was able to stay near the front of the group.  The return on the Ed Koch Bridge (which is apparently  notorious for affecting runners during the Marathon) really took a lot out of me.  The sun was overhead and beaming.  I slowed during to the middle of the pack and stayed there until we returned to Columbus circle.  My shirt and sportsbra were extremely soaked and I knew I would have to pick up something dry to change into for the train ride home.   My feet also started to swell.  I waited until TJ Maxx opened and purchased a shirt, Danskin sports bra, and flip flops which made my ride back home bearable.   I was sore but not completely done so I very happy to complete my longest run ever.   The next longest distance with be 17.5 in a couple of weeks. 

Color Run 5K

I participated in my first big fun run event (if you can call it a run) the Color Run 5K at Aviator Field on July 6.   The event has become the largest 5k in the U.S but is not a timed event.  Participants run and walk their way along a 5K course that has different color stations where the runners are doused in colored cornstarch powder.  It was yet another blazing day in Brooklyn and I was looking to get covered in color.   I met up with a few of my BGR! ladies and we completed the event together.  We walked, skipped, did very little running, posed for pictures and got doused in color.  It was fun and I would definitely do it again.  It was a nice way to shake things up.

Achilles Hope and Possibility 5 Miler

June 30 was my second annual running of the Achilles Hope and Possibility 5 Miler.   After my first run last year I vowed that as long as I was living in NYC I would also participate in the race.  It is so inspirational to see all the runners of various capabilities participating.   One of my running sole sister's from BGR! ran the race with her nephew who has Down Syndrome.  Many of the ladies joined in as his running crew.  I lost them in the beginning but I was there to cheer them in.  He had such a look of pure joy as he came to the finish line.   There were visually impaired runners, blade runners,  hand cyclists, and wheel chair participants.   I always get reminded how fortunate I am to be able to participate full-bodied.  It was a very tough run. First of all it was a long training run day.  I did 5.5 miles before the race with another one of my sole sisters at 1:1 intervals.  It was already hot and humid when we started at 7am.  It only got worst.  By 9 am it was baking.  I did 2:1 intervals for the run but with no plans of racing.  I walked it I felt I needed more of break.  I stopped at every water station and poured water on myself.  I had my camelbak and went through 50 oz in the first portion of the run and another 35 oz during the second portion.   I am trying to get acclimated to the heat and humidity but I have no problem slowing down and listening to my body.

June Stridebox!!!

I got my first installment of my stridebox subscription (products geared toward runners).  I was excited to tear into my box.  It cost me $15 but the value is around $27.  The box has goodies I can't wait to try. 
Contents include: a shoe lace system, a massage ball, 2 citrus energy bars,  a hydration mix, an electrolyte ice bar, packs of anti-chafe cream, and almond butter pocket fuel.  So far I've had the ice bar and one energy bar and both were fantastic.  Looking forward to trying out the shoe lace system because one of the ones I have on a pair of my current shoes I am not liking so much.  I will update once I try out more of the products.