the wall

I'm not really a collector of stuff. I have some angel figurines from over the years. And I have a few Hummels my parents have given me. But I can't say that I actually collect something. However, I do keep things. :) Especially when it comes to my running stuff. I guess I'm sort of sentimental that way. I still, at times, can't believe that this running thing is something I enjoy and continue to do!

What types of things do I keep?

1. Medals. I have every medal I've ever received. Whether it was for a 5K (some of them give out medals, I don't know why) or a marathon. I keep them. Most of my medals are tucked away, but the marathon medals are where I can see them everyday.

2. Bibs. I have (almost) every bib I've ever worn. I used to write the date and my time on the back (and have an Excel spreadsheet) but I haven't done that in years. I keep them with the thought that someday I'll move into a permanent home and I can somehow decorate with them. Or turn them into coasters... In any case, I have 'em. (Perhaps I should add the marathon bibs to the wall below?)

3. Posters. If the race I'm doing happens to have a poster they have created just for the occasion, I will pick it up. Even if it means searching the expo high and low and asking multiple volunteers, as was the case at NYC. It started with Chicago and now I have 4 posters from my 7 marathons. And just like the medals, I look at them everyday.

4. Shirts. I don't keep all of these, by any stretch. Some are just plain ugly and I either give them away or use them as throw away shirts at other races. And some are old and out of the rotation, so those are given away, as well. There are some that I love: Route One 5K from all the years (this year's was super bright yellow so it's great for dark runs, but these have all fit well and are cozy cotton), Black Cat 10mi, Chicago Nike DriFit (I purchased this one so I guess it doesn't really count, but I really like it...), Tufts 10K for Women (I have run this race *just* for the shirt).

5. Various and sundry items. There are some random things I've received at races: pint glasses (you bet I keep those!), programs, gloves, hats, etc.

If you run races, do you keep anything or do you cycle stuff out after a few years? What do you do with your medals?

nyc marathon weekend recap

I never know how to begin these race recaps...There's so much I want to say, but only so much I know you'll be interested in. :) 

Let me start with Friday. Erin and I headed to the Javits Center in the morning and by the time we got there, there was already a line. We waiting for about 45min or so before being let in. Once we got inside, it was madness! There were SO many people. Everything was pretty well marked so I knew just where to go. Also, there were so many helpful volunteers available for any questions runners may have. I easily got my bib and shirt then made my way to the Asics (main sponsor) area to pick up a jacket. Most marathons I have my shirt and my bib...but Boston and NYC are special so I spent a little more. 

After the expo we headed back to Jersey City in time to catch Erin's oldest in her school's Halloween parade. She was the cutest Piggy Ballerina Fairy I have ever seen. :) That evening we went trick or treating with the kids then hung out on the stoop with neighbors handing out candy to the later crowd of kids. It was a fun night and totally different from my neighborhood where we get about 10 kids, maximum. 

Saturday was scheduled to be a total rest day - and it was! The weather was nasty so I'm glad we didn't have any thing planned, just hanging out with the kids and getting things ready for Sunday. That included setting out all of the things I was planning to wear, getting my name taped onto my shirt, packing my start village bag, and my post-race bag. Once all that was taken care of, I climbed into bed around 9:30pm, which was actually 8:30pm due to the time change! With the alarm going off at 5:30am the next morning, I didn't feel bad about going to bed so early at all.

Sunday morning dawned cold, partly clear, and WINDY. I had planned for the cold and thankfully felt prepared for the wind as well. I showed up at the start village (along with 50,500 other runners) with plenty of time to find a bagel, coffee, water, and bathrooms. I thought that the expo was busy, the start village was even busier! People from all over the world come to run NYC, so it was cool to be sitting there listening to all the different languages around me. Once the earlier waves started heading out to the corrals, the crowds thinned out and it was easier to move around. 

As each wave began, two cannons were fired. All those left in the start village knew to look up towards the bridge to see the runners getting their race started. Despite the cold (and numb toes), I was pretty relaxed, just ready to get running. And dreading just a bit taking off all my warm layers...

Promptly at 10:45, the cannons for my wave went off and we wound our way through the start corral at Fort Wadsworth. The starting line is right at the foot of the Verrazano Bridge and the first mile and a half are on the bridge. The wind was ridiculous but the view and the energy was spectacular. I tried to take it all in while focusing on maintaining a steady pace. 

Next up was Brooklyn. I loved running through Brooklyn! So many different neighborhoods. And the crowds here were the BEST. I ran along the side of the course so people would see my name and cheer for me - and holy cow, they sure did! Spectating a marathon is a sport in itself, and these guys were the best. Brooklyn went on for about 11miles or so, they flew by so quickly that when we got to the halfway point (in Queens) I couldn't believe it. My favorite two signs I saw in Brooklyn were: "If Donna Martin can graduate from high school, you can do this." The best part about this sign was it was a young dude with a completely straight face holding it up. The other sign was: "It's just a 10K with a 20mi warm up." I got a little chuckle from that. 

We were only in Queens for about a mile and a half before heading up (and I do mean up) and over the Queensboro bridge. Really cool views of Manhattan and the river. That took us to First Ave where we headed north to the Bronx. I don't remember a lot about this section...just that once it was finished, we'd be back in Manhattan, heading down Fifth Ave and Central Park and the finish line. So, up until this point I had tried to acknowledge most of the spectators who cheered my name - with eye contact, a smile, wave of the hand - but by the time I hit mile 22, I was just trying to focus on reaching the finish line. So when I heard my name being called over and over, I didn't look right away but when I did, I saw John and Karla standing in the crowd!! I was so excited to see them (as you can see by the photo below)! :)

The rest of the marathon was awesome. Central Park is beautiful (what I remember taking in...) and the finish line was exhilarating. We all shuffled along, picking up our medals, our heat sheets, and our recovery bags before being released to either leave the park or pick up our baggage. I was never happier to put on a pair of sweatpants than I was that day! I walked two more blocks before meeting Erin and Wayne who gave me the biggest hugs and made me finally cry (happens at some point during each marathon experience...). We hit the subway and headed to dinner at The Grey Dog in Chelsea (good beer, really good burgers).

Overall, this was an amazing experience. The volunteers were incredible. The crowds were one of a kind. Even the police officers and firefighters were cheering us on as they worked the race. The whole thing was so smooth and fun and such an experience. It's a tough but incredibly rewarding course. Thanks, NYC, for such a memorable day!

countdown to nyc - final photo!

DONE.

countdown to nyc #6

Got it! It's so real, y'all!!

After waiting in line for about 45min, they finally let us into the Javits Center where the expo is held. I was so excited to get my bib and pick up some sweet NYC gear: a couple of posters, ear warmer, jacket and a little something for my dad. It was mad crazy in there, but once we got in, we got what I needed/wanted and got out. Ready to get my NYC on in less than 2 days!

countdown to nyc #4

Did your stomach just do a backflip with a double twist? Mine did.

My two emotions upon seeing today's picture were crazy excitement and mega nervousness. I was telling a friend this morning that it's not the actual running that I'm so nervous about. I got that. It's all the logistics that surround the running that have my anxiety levels on the rise.

I know it'll all come together, and I'm looking forward to that. It's this anticipation that is making me crazy!

Missed a countdown day?

number #3

number #2

number #1

ten days. ten. days.

Yeah, so I'm freaking out a little bit here... With only 10 days left before the big day, I'm starting to get nervous that I'm completely and utterly not ready for this race. I know what you're going to say, "Of course you are!" "You've trained so hard!" "You're in great shape!" But this is when the taper goonies get in my head and make me question everything I've done up until this point.

It doesn't help that I've not had a lot of time to train this week. Things have been pretty busy and I've not had much time for as many good workouts as I'd have liked. The ones I have made time for have been great, but...there's that nagging feeling that I'm not doing enough! And it doesn't help that I follow the TCS NYC Marathon on Facebook and they are posting countdown photos everyday:

Each day the butterflies in my stomach get bigger and bigger. I think I'm so freaked out by this marathon because it's SO BIG and there are SO MANY logistics. I was not this freaked out by Maine, or Louisville...

Well, for whatever reason, the anxious excitement is getting to me. But thankfully (unfortunately?), the ten days will go by in a snap. And the big day will be here, whether I'm ready or not.

random musings

12 Days - You guys, there's only 12 days until the NYC Marathon. 12. Days. I know what you're thinking, only 5 days until our photo countdown.

Sidewalks - Do you ever wonder why runners are on the roads when there are "perfectly good sidewalks" for them to use? Here's why - on a recent run I encountered a motorcycle parked completely on the sidewalk, a man raking leaves ONTO the sidewalk, multiple cars half parked in driveways covering the sidewalk. Not to mention breaks and cracks and holes under those beautiful fall leaves!

Eggs - I love, love, love eggs! Buuut, I ate eggs before my long run on Saturday. Not cool. By mile 4 I had an upset stomach. I should know by now not to eat eggs... Ended up with 9 miles and tacked on another 5 miles on Sunday.

Baystate Half Marathon - Well, my friend, Lauren, TOTALLY rocked this race. She not only hit her goal but beat it by at least a minute. I, on the other hand, TOTALLY forgot to register and ended up not running with her. Which I'm quite sure helped her out - I wouldn't have been able to keep up with her!!

Packing list - What am I going to wear?! What do I need to bring? How will I pack everything I'll need during my hours long wait in the start village into the clear bag they give us? Long sleeves? Sleeveless? Tights or capris? Colored shirt or black shirt? Where will my fuel go? I'm definitely going to be overpacked, but I think that's okay.

Retreating - This weekend, I'll be helping out at my church's middle school retreat. Me, 10 8th grade girls, and a cabin in the woods - along with another 120 people. Should be a really good time - it's been a reeeeally long time since I've been on a middle school retreat. I'm looking forward to getting little sleep and eating lots of candy.

38.5

This is happening. For real. The NYC Marathon is just 38.5 days away!! I don't think I've been this excited for a race (especially a marathon) since Boston. After 5 years of dreaming, in 5.5wks my dream will come true. I will run through all five boroughs, enjoy the crowds, and get my finisher's medal in Central Park. I canNOT wait.

Everyone I've talked to who has run this race says to just enjoy it. Soak in the crowds, pay attention to the differences in the neighborhoods, talk to other runners. I'm not anticipating a record breaking race for me (I always say that, don't I?), but rather I want to do all the things above. I want this to be an experience that I will talk about like I talk about Boston - if you haven't heard me talk about it, I consistently say it was one of the very best days of my life, and still gets me choked up when I think about it.

I still have a few more long runs, and two more half marathons, in the training plan. I still have some planning to do with the schedule for the weekend. I still need to figure out how to carry my fuel with their rule of no packs. I still need to figure out what I'm going to wear!! All this will get taken care of, no doubt. Right now, I can focus on getting as ready as I can to have a fun, awesome experience.

That currently consists of eating well (again, I am working on a post about this...), diligently cross-training, and getting in 3 runs a week. It will inevitably consist of saying no to something fun so I can have time for a run or workout and saying no to something tasty and delicious, but currently placed on the "can't have" list.

So even though I may be Captain No-Fun for 38.5 days, on November 2nd it will all be worth it.

i'm so glad it's fall

Don't get me wrong, I love summer. I love going to the beach, I love the hot sun on my face, I love tank tops and flip flops. But I don't love to run in the summer. The heat, the humidity, the getting up at the crack of dawn to try and beat both of those things... It is miserable. I'm not one to complain too much about that kind of stuff, but I really do dislike those three things - in regards to running.

So while part of me is miffed that it has turned so cool so quickly, part of me is doing a dance of joy inside. Today's run was after work; cool and cloudy. I noticed the small amount of people walking, running, and biking around the lake and thought to myself, "People, where are you?! You're missing the best weather!" But then I realized not everyone thinks cool and cloudy is the best time to be outside. Weirdos. ;)

I'm looking forward to a crisp, cool half marathon this Saturday. I love when the air is cool, but the sun is nice and bright, the sky is a brilliant blue, and the leaves have yet to fully turn. This is my very favorite time to run. And that's a good thing, too. Only 6 weeks to Marathon Day!!!

5 in 9

If you ask me to run a race with you, chances are high I will say yes. I love running and I love my friends, combining the two is a winning combination!

This is the reason I'll be running three half marathons in the next nine weeks:

• Wicked Half Marathon on Sept 20th in Salem, MA. With my buddy, Steve.
• Smuttynose Half Marathon on Oct 5th in Hampton, NH. With my friend, Brenda.
• Baystate Half Marathon on Oct 19th in Lowell, MA. With my girl, Lauren.

They all seem to fit well into my training schedule so the question is not, "Why run them?" The question is, "Why not?" Another race that fits right into my schedule is the Cape Ann 25K. I wasn't going to run it, but after thinking about it, I decided it would be easier for me to commit to 15.59mi with all the other runners doing the race, than to try to grit my teeth and gut it out on my own - I tried that last week and ended up running 10mi and walking 5mi. Not good. The race is on Monday in Gloucester with many, many hills. I've run it twice before, the last time setting a PR on the course by 12 minutes. I expect no such thing this year, I'd just like to finish!

And finally, the last race of the year will obviously be the NYC Marathon on Nov 2nd. I am giddy just thinking about this race! Two friends are running it as well, and plenty more are hoping to be at the finish line. This race is 5years in the making, so let's all hope and pray I get to the starting line healthy and happy!

If you're keeping track, that's five races in nine weeks. Ambitious, yes. Exhausting, yes. Do-able, yes. 

what's next

For the past few weeks, I've been languishing in the "I just ran a marathon!" feeling. But that can only last so long. It's time to start thinking about what's next. Today marks just 21 weeks until the New York City Marathon. (Well, that just reminded me how short summer really is...*depressing*) However short that may seem, I'm incredibly excited to run NYC. So. Excited. I've heard/read so many accounts of how much fun this race is - can't wait!!

Although, I can wait...because I have a long training cycle in front of me! With a busy summer, it's so important to schedule in the long runs and (as I found this past winter) the shorter runs, as well. I'm interspersing a few races here and there to keep things moving along. I find that if I don't participate in actual races, I will just give up training altogether - or train as little as possible. And even though that seemed to work out okay for Maine Coast, I'm not willing to try that tactic with NYC.

That said, I already have a half marathon lined up for Sept 20th. A few friends are already signed up as well! I love doing races with friends. Check out the website (and sign up yourself!) here.

I continue to incorporate T25 into my training routine and I honestly think it helps a ton! And I love doing it with other people. Such accountability. Not sure about keeping that going during the summer...I'd love to get back into incorporating Insanity instead of T25...we shall see.

i'd be lying

I saw a post from Runner's World on Facebook yesterday that made me a little sad: #marathonmonth has begun!! It begins with the Chicago Marathon on Sunday and ends with the New York Marathon on Nov 3rd. There are lots and lots of marathons nationwide in between (and surely before and after, as well).

Why might this make me sad? Well, simply because I am not running one this fall. I was supposed to, but my lack of training had me (wisely) deciding not to. I see post after post of countdowns, taper madness, building excitement, and inspirational stories. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to be posting those as well.

I've waited to run NYC for three years. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sad to have to wait one more. All the excitement of Marathon Month always makes me wish I was running one in the fall, but then reality sets in - the reality of training through the long hot summer. On the flip side, training through the long(er) cold winter isn't the bee's knees either, but at least one doesn't have to get up at the crack of 5am to beat the weather on her days off...

So, I won't be running any marathons anytime soon, but I do have some fun races coming up. In fact, one of them is this coming Monday! The Tufts 10K for Women. Just how many women can fit on the Common? Yikes, we'll see... And of course, there's the Feaster Five on Thanksgiving Day. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited for that one! ;)

Also to note, the Insanity challenge is almost over! Just two and a half weeks to go. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ready for a new workout routine and the chance to run outside more...

i blinked, it's july

Well, June flew by in a hurry!  As a kid when I heard adults talk about how time flies, I did not believe them.  Especially if it was during the school year.  Now that I'm an adult, I hear myself say the same things..."That week flew by!" "Is it Thursday already?!" "Wait, how old am I??!!"

I could recap some things from June for you, but I don't really want to.  Let's just look ahead.  Today is Independence Day and I will be celebrating with things I like best:  a race, friends, the beach, and fireworks over the lake in Wakefield.  Probably some ice cream, too.  Let's just be honest.

It's been a while since I've had my weekly mileage add up to double digits but that will most certainly change in the next few months.  Marathons don't run themselves, I have to put in the work.  With just about 18 weeks until New York City (and about a month until the Tough Mudder!!) I've got my work cut out for me!

Happy 4th to you and yours!!

how tough is tough

A couple of years ago, I took a Strengths Finder test at work.  We all did it to see how we can work together better.  It was fun to see posted on a wall everyone's top 5 strengths! One of my top five was Consistency; along with Empathy, Harmony, Adaptability, and Developer.

I'm telling you this because when it comes to my running/workout routine, I am very consistent.  Not always in the day/time but especially in regards to running routes and not really adding much else into my training (like strength training or cross training or hills!).  I like the routes I run and I don't much venture away from them.  I know how long they'll take, I know what to expect...consistency!

This spring/summer, I'm doing something a little outside my box of consistency.  I signed up for a Tough Mudder.  A Tough Mudder is a 10-12mi long "experience" with 20-25 military-style obstacles thrown in...you know, for fun.  :)  I have always been somewhat opposed to these sorts of gimmicky races (Color Run, Spartan Race, Warrior Dash, Foam Fest) because I am a purist.  I like to run.  I don't like to have things thrown at me, to jump over walls, to deal with fire during my runs.  So when two friends (big, strong dudes) asked me to be a part of their team, I immediately said, "No, I'd rather run a marathon every week than do this Tough Mudder business."  (Exact quote.)  :)

However on my run that afternoon I started thinking...  Who else would I ever do this with if I did ever get the notion to do it?  I could think of no one.  So that evening, I committed to be a part of their TM team.  And I got down to business recruiting other people too.  We currently have a team of 8 (3 women, 5 men) and hopefully another 2 will be signing up soon.

I also got down to business training.  If there is one thing I lack more than anything else, it's upper body strength.  I just don't have it.  I could run for days, but ask me to do a pull up?  No way.  To help build a bit of endurance and strength, I downloaded the TM Boot Camp Training Plan.  It's 5 circuits of 6 x 2min of cardio/1min of obstacle training with one minute of rest in between each circuit.  It's good stuff and totally kicks my butt.  This boot camp is on my training schedule 3days a week.  I have to remember that I'm also training for the NYC Marathon (Finally!) so still doing runs 3-4 days a week, as well.

It's a lot of training and hard work but I know that it will pay off big time on Aug 10th (TM) and Nov 3rd (NYC).

countdown to louisville - photo #5

There is only one thing I can say about today's photo:  FINALLY!!!!!!!

This has been four years in the making, folks.  And I'm happy to say that on Nov. 3rd, 2013 I will be running the New York City Marathon!  I am SO excited!