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. 

Oakley NYRR Mini 10K

This was second time running the Mini.  I was hoping to run a 1:02 but knew regardless I would pr over last year's 1:10:03.  Thankfully, the rain from Friday's monsoon departed.  The sun teased us through some overcast skys.  Again, BGR! was well represented.  I planned to try to keep the 1st 5k in the 10+ min/mile range and then push down to 9:30 for the rest.   As soon as we entered the park from CPW the humidity hit hard.  After the 2nd hill, I really started to feel it.  By the time I got to the 5K marker, I had to stop for a walk break.   I took several more because I got so hot.  I hadn't anticipated needing to drink on the course, but I did and even dumped some water on myself.   I got to the finish and whipped off my singlet.  There was Gatorade at the finish.  I felt like a calf cramp was about to develop and quickly downed a banana.  I finished in 1:04:10 despite the walking!  Almost a 6 minute pr!  No 1:02 but we will see what I can do in Charlotte in September.