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.