I've wanted to run the NYC Half ever since I learned about it but so far have been unable to win the lottery When the results for 2013 came in and I learned that Alek would be in the race while I was denied, I was excited for him but not sure what I wanted to do. I was hoping that the Sleepy Hollow Half or the Allstate New York Half would be held on the same weekend so I could also run a race. Sadly both of those will take place on March 23 and I've already got plans!
I noticed that fundraising spots were still open for the New York City half, so I decided that was the way I would enter the race! I've decided to join the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation team to help with cancer research and prevention.
After 2012, its pretty clear that a half marathon is no challenge for me. I want my supporters to feel like they're helping to push me through something challenging, so I'm going to train to run the NYC half in less than 2 hours. I've never before been able to do this, but with some dedicated training it will be possible.
If you'd like to help end cancer and support me in my sub 2 hour NYC Half, you can donate at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/sadpony. Remember, every dollar helps!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
2012 Year End Summary
I did it! My 2012 resolutions were to run 1 race of at least half marathon length each month and also to qualify for the 2013 New York Marathon through the NYRR 9+1 program.
I ran 11 half marathons and 1 full marathon. I also managed to get faster through the year. Check out all of those medals! (There are only 11 because Grete's Great Gallop didn't have a finisher medal. So disappointing.).
I ran 9 NYRR races, and was able to transfer my registration for the cancelled Dash to the Finish Line to a different race for next year. I'll be running NYC in 2013!
I ran 11 half marathons and 1 full marathon. I also managed to get faster through the year. Check out all of those medals! (There are only 11 because Grete's Great Gallop didn't have a finisher medal. So disappointing.).
I ran 9 NYRR races, and was able to transfer my registration for the cancelled Dash to the Finish Line to a different race for next year. I'll be running NYC in 2013!
Stay tuned for my 2013 plans! Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Treadmills (boo)!
I really dislike running on the treadmill. But with the park closed after 4:30 PM or when the weather is crappy, its sometimes my best option. Last night I ran 8 miles on a treadmill. Usually when I start a run outside, the first mile is the hardest. After that I get in a grove and press on. I found that on the treadmill, the first three miles were brutal. How can you fix this?
I found that pumping up the speed for 1 minute and then going slower for 5 minutes helped the time pass. My target was no longer 8 long miles, but rather 5 minutes from now when I would really push myself. This made the last half of my run pass in no time.
What tricks do you use to make treadmill running bearable?
I found that pumping up the speed for 1 minute and then going slower for 5 minutes helped the time pass. My target was no longer 8 long miles, but rather 5 minutes from now when I would really push myself. This made the last half of my run pass in no time.
What tricks do you use to make treadmill running bearable?
Monday, December 17, 2012
Brooklyn Bridge Park's Newest Area
Saturday I had the chance to run through Brooklyn Bridge Park's newly opened Pier 5. The pier includes several soccer fields, a picnic area with charcoal grills, and a children's play area. It looks like they did a nice job, even though there still aren't any lights on after 4:30pm, meaning the park closes.
It was a chilly morning, and as I ran through I saw a few curious folks walking around and checking things out. I'm excited to use the charcoal grills when it warms up, although I expect we'll need to get there very early if we want to use one of the community grills.
Running through the park's newest area also reminded me how great it is to run through the park during the colder months. As I imagined how full the park would be like this summer as folks are using the grills, I was happy for the chance to visit the park without so many people.
It was a chilly morning, and as I ran through I saw a few curious folks walking around and checking things out. I'm excited to use the charcoal grills when it warms up, although I expect we'll need to get there very early if we want to use one of the community grills.
Running through the park's newest area also reminded me how great it is to run through the park during the colder months. As I imagined how full the park would be like this summer as folks are using the grills, I was happy for the chance to visit the park without so many people.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Goofy Challenge Training Check-in
We're currently 4 weeks out from the Goofy's Marathon and a Half Challenge. I don't feel prepared at all. As I was starting my training, I was struggling with a hip injury. Fortunately that's better now, but I did skip several long runs because of it.
When training for my previous two marathons, I completed two 20 mile long training runs before the race. Now I won't have time for that. I'm planning long runs of 18 miles this weekend and 20 next weekend. Right now, my longest run has been 16 miles. There are several marathon training programs that have long runs max out at 16 miles, so I should be ok.
The last two weeks before the race are meant to be a taper. This is the time to back off on miles, and rest up so your legs are fresh for the big day. I've planned a few ski trips during the taper. I'm not entirely sure how that will go. Downhill skiing does involve a lot of squatting, which is good for strengthening the hips. However, I'm going to miss several scheduled runs because of them.
Luckily, Disney is liberal with their time limits. Even if I find that I wasn't prepared for the race, I don't think I'll be so slow as to not cross the finish line within the 7 hour time limit.
Here's hoping the next few weeks go well without injury or too much rain (I hate running outside in the rain).
When training for my previous two marathons, I completed two 20 mile long training runs before the race. Now I won't have time for that. I'm planning long runs of 18 miles this weekend and 20 next weekend. Right now, my longest run has been 16 miles. There are several marathon training programs that have long runs max out at 16 miles, so I should be ok.
The last two weeks before the race are meant to be a taper. This is the time to back off on miles, and rest up so your legs are fresh for the big day. I've planned a few ski trips during the taper. I'm not entirely sure how that will go. Downhill skiing does involve a lot of squatting, which is good for strengthening the hips. However, I'm going to miss several scheduled runs because of them.
Luckily, Disney is liberal with their time limits. Even if I find that I wasn't prepared for the race, I don't think I'll be so slow as to not cross the finish line within the 7 hour time limit.
Here's hoping the next few weeks go well without injury or too much rain (I hate running outside in the rain).
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Dancing
Alek and I have started taking ballroom dancing lessons in preparation for our wedding. We're not good enough at this point for me to really consider this cross training. We stop and start to get advice on where we've messed up and we never really get our heart rates up.
So why am I even talking about this on my blog? Form is very important in dancing. It's something I think about abstractly when I'm running but I don't pay much attention to it. Our dance instructor is constantly impressing the importance of good posture on us. As someone with not so great posture, it's good to spend a couple of hours every week working on it. I also find myself more aware of my posture when sitting or standing at work and while running!
I'll give another update when we're good enough for our dance lessons to count as cross training :)
So why am I even talking about this on my blog? Form is very important in dancing. It's something I think about abstractly when I'm running but I don't pay much attention to it. Our dance instructor is constantly impressing the importance of good posture on us. As someone with not so great posture, it's good to spend a couple of hours every week working on it. I also find myself more aware of my posture when sitting or standing at work and while running!
I'll give another update when we're good enough for our dance lessons to count as cross training :)
Monday, December 10, 2012
Book Review: Robert Jordan's The Eye of the World
After some hesitation, I finally decided to start listening to Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time Series. I hesitated because it is a 14 book series (including a prequel) and each of the audio books range from 20 to over 40 hours long. Its going to take a long time for me to get through the series!
I completed the first book, The Eye of the World. The publisher's summary is:
The book is packed with adventure and intrigue, although sometimes a bit confusing as I listened while running. There are many characters and keeping who was a member of which group was a bit difficult. Luckily though, I was able to come back after runs and look at Encyclopedia WOT for chapter summaries.
I would recommend this one for running. As you can tell from the summary, there were many scenes where the main characters were fleeing, making it easy to picture myself in their shoes while running. The whole book was a grand adventure that was able to keep me wanting to get out for the next run so that I could find out what would happen next!
I completed the first book, The Eye of the World. The publisher's summary is:
When their village is attacked by trollocs, monsters thought to be only legends, three young men, Rand, Matt, and Perrin, flee in the company of the Lady Moiraine, a sinister visitor of unsuspected powers. Thus begins an epic adventure set in a world of wonders and horror, where what was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
The book is packed with adventure and intrigue, although sometimes a bit confusing as I listened while running. There are many characters and keeping who was a member of which group was a bit difficult. Luckily though, I was able to come back after runs and look at Encyclopedia WOT for chapter summaries.
I would recommend this one for running. As you can tell from the summary, there were many scenes where the main characters were fleeing, making it easy to picture myself in their shoes while running. The whole book was a grand adventure that was able to keep me wanting to get out for the next run so that I could find out what would happen next!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Eating for Night Races
So far, I've run three night time half marathons. The 2011 Disney Wine & Dine Half started at 10 PM, The Davis MOOnlight Half started at 7PM, and most recently the Vegas Rock 'N' Roll Half started at 4:30 PM (yes that is nighttime in the winter)!
The day of the Disney Wine & Dine Half, I had pasta with a cream sauce at 3:00PM and nothing until race time. At about mile 8 I started to have quite a bit of stomach pain and it lasted through the evening (even after the race). I regretted the pasta and decided that night races are harder than morning races.
The day of the Davis MOOnlight Half, I had a veggie burger and fries for lunch around noon. After driving to Davis from San Francisco, I had a short stack of pancakes from IHOP at 5:30 PM. I hoped to PR at this race, as the course was flat and I'd been working on speed leading up to it. Instead, at mile 6 I got an upset stomach and ended walking a good bit. I finished within 30 seconds of my PR and if it weren't for the pancakes so close to the race things may have gone better.
The morning of the Las Vegas Rock N Roll Half, I had 1 egg and three pancakes at about 8 AM for breakfast. At 12:30, I had pasta with marinara sauce and a few pieces of garlic bread. After Alek read in the Running Doc's Guide to Healthy Running that taking antacids before a race will help relieve nausea, I decided to give it a try for this race. I also had a Gu immediately before starting. I didn't feel any stomach problems at all until the 12th mile. Even at that point it wasn't enough to slow me down!
After three tries, I've figured out how to eat for a nighttime race:
I suspect if I were to run a nighttime race closer to home, eating would be less of an issue. But when running a destination race, I'm left eating restaurant food that is almost always much heaver than my normal meals.
The day of the Disney Wine & Dine Half, I had pasta with a cream sauce at 3:00PM and nothing until race time. At about mile 8 I started to have quite a bit of stomach pain and it lasted through the evening (even after the race). I regretted the pasta and decided that night races are harder than morning races.
The day of the Davis MOOnlight Half, I had a veggie burger and fries for lunch around noon. After driving to Davis from San Francisco, I had a short stack of pancakes from IHOP at 5:30 PM. I hoped to PR at this race, as the course was flat and I'd been working on speed leading up to it. Instead, at mile 6 I got an upset stomach and ended walking a good bit. I finished within 30 seconds of my PR and if it weren't for the pancakes so close to the race things may have gone better.
The morning of the Las Vegas Rock N Roll Half, I had 1 egg and three pancakes at about 8 AM for breakfast. At 12:30, I had pasta with marinara sauce and a few pieces of garlic bread. After Alek read in the Running Doc's Guide to Healthy Running that taking antacids before a race will help relieve nausea, I decided to give it a try for this race. I also had a Gu immediately before starting. I didn't feel any stomach problems at all until the 12th mile. Even at that point it wasn't enough to slow me down!
After three tries, I've figured out how to eat for a nighttime race:
- No large meals within 3 hours of start
- No high fat, high protein, or high fiber meals day of
- Have an antacid before the race
I suspect if I were to run a nighttime race closer to home, eating would be less of an issue. But when running a destination race, I'm left eating restaurant food that is almost always much heaver than my normal meals.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Race Recap: Las Vegas Rock N Roll Half Marathon
Pre Race
Sunday's Rock N Roll Las Vegas schedule of events had a pre race concert featuring The Journey Experience starting at 2:00 PM. The full marathon started at 3:00 PM and the half marathon (my main event) started at 4:30. Alek and I were well placed in our hotel room on the north side of Excalibur to actually see the starting area and crack our window to listen to the Journey Experience while we made our race preparations.
Our window also gave us a view near the second mile of the marathon course. We watched as the leaders ran by before heading down to the pre-race festival ourselves.
The Main Event
The half marathon had 22,000 people organized into 36 corrals. I was to start with corral 11 while Alek would be back in corral 15. Each corral was supposed to have its own start countdown. This mostly worked but just like at Rock N Roll St Pete, my corral fell apart. I probably started with corral 9 or 10, I'm not sure. Alek's corral did hold together - so I guess there are just sometimes glitches in the Rock N Roll starts and I always happen to be in the glitchy corral!
Shortly before the race start, the wind picked up tremendously. We first ran north on the Strip and then after about a mile turned back toward all of the casinos. It felt nice having the strong wind occasionally gust and push at our backs as we ran south. Around the halfway point we turned off to the most boring part of the race through a neighborhood. There were no shiny lights or spectators here. We then ran back to Fremont Street before again heading north on the Strip toward the finish line in front of the Mirage. As I headed north, I was now running into the strong winds. Even though I felt like I was pushing hard, my pace was slower than expected. I crossed the finish line at 2:02:09. A personal record for me but not the sub 2 hour goal I was hoping for. Alek finished in 2:09:10 but I had to wait nearly 20 minutes for him at the finish line because of the corralled starts. Full results are here. The finish area had lots of food and drink but the bagels were just no good. Maybe I'm spoiled by being from New York?
Anyone who has visited Las Vegas knows that the pedestrian path down the strip takes you up and down elevators and sometimes through buildings. It takes a bit longer than expected to get anywhere. Running down the middle of the Strip was awesome!
The race was a lot of fun but there were a few factors I didn't plan for. The wind was definitely one of those. By the halfway point I was on track to finish in 1:58. Running into the wind slowed me down a lot. My water consumption plan didn't work out either. The temperature was perfect but I'm used to running in more humid air. The dry desert air left me much thirstier than expected, forcing me to stop at water stops and drink all of the water from my fuel belt.
The finish medals and race T-shirts were quite nice. Since this is my second Rock N Roll event of 2012, I should get one of their heavy medals for completing two events! I'll share a photo when I get it.
How'd that playlist work out?
Alek mentioned to me that I never talk about how my playlists worked for races, so I decided on a new section for my race recaps to let everyone know what went well and what didn't.
This playlist for this race was quite good. Listening to Dave Matthew's "Don't Drink the Water" as I was avoiding water stops early on was amusing, as was listening to Florence & the Machine's "Seven Devils" as I ran past people holding up signs encouraging runners to turn to Jesus. The instrumental pieces between sections of the playlist smoothed the transitions between themes and the tempo of the songs was also fast enough to keep me going.
Sunday's Rock N Roll Las Vegas schedule of events had a pre race concert featuring The Journey Experience starting at 2:00 PM. The full marathon started at 3:00 PM and the half marathon (my main event) started at 4:30. Alek and I were well placed in our hotel room on the north side of Excalibur to actually see the starting area and crack our window to listen to the Journey Experience while we made our race preparations.
Our window also gave us a view near the second mile of the marathon course. We watched as the leaders ran by before heading down to the pre-race festival ourselves.
Leaders gonna lead (see the three yellow shirts in the middle of the strip)
We finally headed down to the pre race festival around 3:30. It was already slightly windy by that point but nothing too bad. The temperature was perfect for running and I was pumped hoping to break a 2:00 half marathon!
Pre race (yes, its the wind making my hair crazy)
Concert stage behind me with the Journey Experience
The Journey Experience was a Journey cover band - and they did a great job at revving up the crowd. They sounded great. Who doesn't want to hear "Don't Stop Believing" just before trying to set a PR at a race?
The half marathon had 22,000 people organized into 36 corrals. I was to start with corral 11 while Alek would be back in corral 15. Each corral was supposed to have its own start countdown. This mostly worked but just like at Rock N Roll St Pete, my corral fell apart. I probably started with corral 9 or 10, I'm not sure. Alek's corral did hold together - so I guess there are just sometimes glitches in the Rock N Roll starts and I always happen to be in the glitchy corral!
Shortly before the race start, the wind picked up tremendously. We first ran north on the Strip and then after about a mile turned back toward all of the casinos. It felt nice having the strong wind occasionally gust and push at our backs as we ran south. Around the halfway point we turned off to the most boring part of the race through a neighborhood. There were no shiny lights or spectators here. We then ran back to Fremont Street before again heading north on the Strip toward the finish line in front of the Mirage. As I headed north, I was now running into the strong winds. Even though I felt like I was pushing hard, my pace was slower than expected. I crossed the finish line at 2:02:09. A personal record for me but not the sub 2 hour goal I was hoping for. Alek finished in 2:09:10 but I had to wait nearly 20 minutes for him at the finish line because of the corralled starts. Full results are here. The finish area had lots of food and drink but the bagels were just no good. Maybe I'm spoiled by being from New York?
Anyone who has visited Las Vegas knows that the pedestrian path down the strip takes you up and down elevators and sometimes through buildings. It takes a bit longer than expected to get anywhere. Running down the middle of the Strip was awesome!
The race was a lot of fun but there were a few factors I didn't plan for. The wind was definitely one of those. By the halfway point I was on track to finish in 1:58. Running into the wind slowed me down a lot. My water consumption plan didn't work out either. The temperature was perfect but I'm used to running in more humid air. The dry desert air left me much thirstier than expected, forcing me to stop at water stops and drink all of the water from my fuel belt.
The finish medals and race T-shirts were quite nice. Since this is my second Rock N Roll event of 2012, I should get one of their heavy medals for completing two events! I'll share a photo when I get it.
Race shirt and medal
How'd that playlist work out?
Alek mentioned to me that I never talk about how my playlists worked for races, so I decided on a new section for my race recaps to let everyone know what went well and what didn't.
This playlist for this race was quite good. Listening to Dave Matthew's "Don't Drink the Water" as I was avoiding water stops early on was amusing, as was listening to Florence & the Machine's "Seven Devils" as I ran past people holding up signs encouraging runners to turn to Jesus. The instrumental pieces between sections of the playlist smoothed the transitions between themes and the tempo of the songs was also fast enough to keep me going.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Playlist Las Vegas Rock N' Roll Half
Sunday's Rock N' Roll Las Vegas Half marathon will be my final race of 2012. Since this is my final playlist of 2012, it has multiple themes: 1) Vegas; 2) Doomsday (you know, because the world will end on 12/21); and 3) Christmas because I gotta get those in for at least one race! After all of the gloom and doom songs, I'll need some Christmas cheer to finish the race!
Viva Las Vegas Elvis Presley
Waking Up In Vegas Katy Perry
Little Bribes Death Cab for Cutie
Chaos City Tom Salta
Seven Devils Florence & The Machine
The Man Who Sold the World Nirvana
Don't Drink the Water Dave Matthews Band
Sell, Sell, Sell Barenaked Ladies
The Horizon Has Been Defeated Jack Johnson
Black Parade My Chemical Romance
This Devil's Workday Modest Mouse
Time Is Running Out Muse
1999 Prince
How Far We've Come Matchbox Twenty
It's a Disaster O.K. Go
In the End Linkin Park
We Will Become Silhouettes The Postal Service
It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) R.E.M.
The Battle Tom Salta
No Signs of Life O.K. Go
Lake Pontchartrain Ludo
99 Red Baloons Nena
Blitzkrieg Bop Ramones
Plague (We need no Victims) lola ray
Waiting for the End Linkin Park
This Fire Franz Ferdinand
No Way Back Foo Fighters
It All Ends Here Tom Salta
Little Drummer Boy The Dandy Warhols
The Christmas Song The Raveonettes
To Heck With Ole Santa Claus Loretta Lynn
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Brenda Lee
Jingle Bell Rock The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) Death Cab for Cutie
Christmas / Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental) Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer Various Artists
We Wish You a Merry Christmas Weezer
Christmas Wrapping The Waitresses
The First Noel Weezer
Feliz Navidad José Feliciano
Christmas All Over Again Tom Petty
Run Rudolph Run Chuck Berry
Christmas Lights Coldplay
Viva Las Vegas Elvis Presley
Waking Up In Vegas Katy Perry
Little Bribes Death Cab for Cutie
Chaos City Tom Salta
Seven Devils Florence & The Machine
The Man Who Sold the World Nirvana
Don't Drink the Water Dave Matthews Band
Sell, Sell, Sell Barenaked Ladies
The Horizon Has Been Defeated Jack Johnson
Black Parade My Chemical Romance
This Devil's Workday Modest Mouse
Time Is Running Out Muse
1999 Prince
How Far We've Come Matchbox Twenty
It's a Disaster O.K. Go
In the End Linkin Park
We Will Become Silhouettes The Postal Service
It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) R.E.M.
The Battle Tom Salta
No Signs of Life O.K. Go
Lake Pontchartrain Ludo
99 Red Baloons Nena
Blitzkrieg Bop Ramones
Plague (We need no Victims) lola ray
Waiting for the End Linkin Park
This Fire Franz Ferdinand
No Way Back Foo Fighters
It All Ends Here Tom Salta
Little Drummer Boy The Dandy Warhols
The Christmas Song The Raveonettes
To Heck With Ole Santa Claus Loretta Lynn
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Brenda Lee
Jingle Bell Rock The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) Death Cab for Cutie
Christmas / Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental) Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer Various Artists
We Wish You a Merry Christmas Weezer
Christmas Wrapping The Waitresses
The First Noel Weezer
Feliz Navidad José Feliciano
Christmas All Over Again Tom Petty
Run Rudolph Run Chuck Berry
Christmas Lights Coldplay
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Compression Tights
I have several pairs of compression running pants but I haven't worn them consistently since they're a pain to put on and take off. After reading more about how compression tights are supposed to give additional support to your abs and hips, I decided to start wearing mine (and even bought a few new pairs).
Recently I've worn the following compression tights and haven't noticed much difference between them. However, I have noticed that my hip and hamstring are much less sore during and after runs.
2XU Women's Compression Tights
CW-X Women's Revolution Tights
CW-X Women's Insulator Stabilyx Tights
CW-X Women's Stabilyx Running Tights
110% Play Harder Women's Juggler Compression Knicker
I've also been doing a lot strengthening work recently. This has mostly been squats, single leg raises, and core work. These workouts helped improve issues with my hip but I had been doing them for a while with small gains. Switching to compression pants during my runs has made even more of a difference, helping me hold on to the gains made during the strength workouts. While the compression tights are on the expensive side, my most recent injury leads me to believe they are worth the money.
On cold days, these tights layer well with an outer shell of running pants. In some cases you can save money by just getting compression shorts or 3/4 length pants and layer in the winter, especially if you're mostly concerned with helping your hips and hamstrings rather than your calves!
Recently I've worn the following compression tights and haven't noticed much difference between them. However, I have noticed that my hip and hamstring are much less sore during and after runs.
2XU Women's Compression Tights
CW-X Women's Revolution Tights
CW-X Women's Insulator Stabilyx Tights
CW-X Women's Stabilyx Running Tights
110% Play Harder Women's Juggler Compression Knicker
I've also been doing a lot strengthening work recently. This has mostly been squats, single leg raises, and core work. These workouts helped improve issues with my hip but I had been doing them for a while with small gains. Switching to compression pants during my runs has made even more of a difference, helping me hold on to the gains made during the strength workouts. While the compression tights are on the expensive side, my most recent injury leads me to believe they are worth the money.
On cold days, these tights layer well with an outer shell of running pants. In some cases you can save money by just getting compression shorts or 3/4 length pants and layer in the winter, especially if you're mostly concerned with helping your hips and hamstrings rather than your calves!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Winter is Coming...
Unlike the Starks in George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, I'm looking forward to winter. After December 21, the days will start to get longer. Sunset at 4:30 PM has really got me down, especially when the park where I usually run is closed from dusk to dawn.
The cold temperatures haven't bothered me too much so far this year since I've just been layering up. At least part of my runs happen when its dark out though so I have to be careful to wear bright or reflective clothing.
Only 25 days until the days start getting longer. I can't wait!
The cold temperatures haven't bothered me too much so far this year since I've just been layering up. At least part of my runs happen when its dark out though so I have to be careful to wear bright or reflective clothing.
Only 25 days until the days start getting longer. I can't wait!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Longing for a Turkey Trot
Last Thanksgiving I registered for a 5 mile Turkey Trot in Prospect Park. I ended up being too sore from the Philadelphia Marathon to actually run.
This year as I get email notifications about various Turkey Trots, I keep wanting to run one. I just won't have the time with our Thanksgiving family visit plans. I do plan to run five miles tomorrow, just on my parents' treadmill so I can hang out with everyone while running.
Thanksgiving is a big race day because of Turkey Trots. Who doesn't want to get in some exercise before gorging? What are your Thanksgiving running plans?
This year as I get email notifications about various Turkey Trots, I keep wanting to run one. I just won't have the time with our Thanksgiving family visit plans. I do plan to run five miles tomorrow, just on my parents' treadmill so I can hang out with everyone while running.
Thanksgiving is a big race day because of Turkey Trots. Who doesn't want to get in some exercise before gorging? What are your Thanksgiving running plans?
Monday, November 19, 2012
Race Recap: NYRR Race To Deliver
For a proper recap of the Race to Deliver, I have to start with Saturday evening before the race. After going out for a tasty dinner, I came home and got ready for a long run. My marathon training was calling for a 17 mile run, which would take me a little longer than three hours. After 3 miles I started to feel sick and came back home.
Instead of going back out to finish the run on Saturday night, I decided that I would sleep early and get in some miles before the Race to Deliver. I was up at 5am on Sunday and got 9.25 miles in before heading off to central park for the 4 mile race. By this point, I clearly didn't feel like running the race aggressively or getting a PR. But we did need to complete the race for Alek to gain guaranteed entry into the 2013 NYC Marathon.
I was slated to start 2 corrals ahead of Alek but instead I just started with him and we ran the race together and a relatively slow pace for both of us. It was a chilly morning and my layers were perfect for the pre-race run. However as the sun rose I became way too hot. The race itself was a normal 4 mile NYRR race around Central Park. It had 3 water stops, nothing too eventful.
We finished in 39:10 for a 9:46 pace. Full results can be found here. The race t-shirt was a normal cotton shirt. While its not a technical, moisture wicking shirt, I've found that these make a good outer layer during winter runs.
This was my final NYRR race report for 2012. Its been a busy year for racing, and I'm glad we both got our guaranteed marathon entry with more than a month to spare!
Instead of going back out to finish the run on Saturday night, I decided that I would sleep early and get in some miles before the Race to Deliver. I was up at 5am on Sunday and got 9.25 miles in before heading off to central park for the 4 mile race. By this point, I clearly didn't feel like running the race aggressively or getting a PR. But we did need to complete the race for Alek to gain guaranteed entry into the 2013 NYC Marathon.
I was slated to start 2 corrals ahead of Alek but instead I just started with him and we ran the race together and a relatively slow pace for both of us. It was a chilly morning and my layers were perfect for the pre-race run. However as the sun rose I became way too hot. The race itself was a normal 4 mile NYRR race around Central Park. It had 3 water stops, nothing too eventful.
Prerace photo!
Only dress like this if the temperature is 20-30F
The race shirt
This was my final NYRR race report for 2012. Its been a busy year for racing, and I'm glad we both got our guaranteed marathon entry with more than a month to spare!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Playlist: NYRR Race to Deliver
Sunday morning I'll run my final NYRR race for the year, The Race To Deliver. In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm running this one to songs about food.
What food songs did I miss? I've found it difficult to make a playlist while away from home, so suggestions are welcome and tweaking may happen.
The list is somewhere around 40 minutes. For a 4 mile race, that should be long enough.
The Thanksgiving Song Adam Sandler
Margaritaville Jimmy Buffet
Sugar Sugar The Archies
Eat It Weird Al Yankovic
Peaches The Presidents of the United States of America
Hollaback Girl Gwen Stefani
Pork And Beans Weezer
Milkshake Kelis
Pour Some Sugar on Me Def Leppard
Lady Marmalade Christina Aguilera
Hungry Like the Wolf Duran Duran
Bread and Butter The Newbeats
Girls Just Wanna Have Lunch Weird Al Yankovic
What food songs did I miss? I've found it difficult to make a playlist while away from home, so suggestions are welcome and tweaking may happen.
The list is somewhere around 40 minutes. For a 4 mile race, that should be long enough.
The Thanksgiving Song Adam Sandler
Margaritaville Jimmy Buffet
Sugar Sugar The Archies
Eat It Weird Al Yankovic
Peaches The Presidents of the United States of America
Hollaback Girl Gwen Stefani
Pork And Beans Weezer
Milkshake Kelis
Pour Some Sugar on Me Def Leppard
Lady Marmalade Christina Aguilera
Hungry Like the Wolf Duran Duran
Bread and Butter The Newbeats
Girls Just Wanna Have Lunch Weird Al Yankovic
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Running in Kirkland
This week, work has brought me to Kirkland, WA. So far the weather has been gloomy, but the mornings haven't had more than a drizzle. With a temperature hovering between 40F and 50F the conditions aren't too different than in New York. Also, the time zone change has left me wide awake earlier than I want to be so its easy to get runs in before work.
Juanita Bay Park is within a few miles of my hotel, so I've run there and back. The park has a wetlands area with many birds. It was relaxing to hear ducks sounds while running through this area of the park.
Juanita Bay Park is within a few miles of my hotel, so I've run there and back. The park has a wetlands area with many birds. It was relaxing to hear ducks sounds while running through this area of the park.
Beyond the wetlands area, there was a woodsy area with several trails and picnic tables.
While the run to the park was on sidewalks next to main roads, the park itself was quite nice. I'll be visiting a few more times before I leave Kirkland!
Have you visited Kirkland? What are you favorite running paths?
Monday, November 12, 2012
Race recap: Trenton Half Marathon
The Inaugural Trenton Half Marathon took place on Saturday, November 10. Alek and I stayed with my parents Friday and made the 1.5 hour trip from Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley to Trenton, NJ on Saturday morning. The race was originally slated to start at 8AM but during the week leading up to the race the organizers sent emails stating that the start time would actually be 7:45 AM. We followed the GPS to Thunder Park, but at 7am when we were 3 miles away from the park the streets were closed. The volunteer at the closed intersection wasn't sure how to instruct us to get to the race start, so I checked the website. Parking, it said, would be at Sun Stadium which was about a half mile from the start line. The site also said shuttles would run from the stadium to the race start. So we reset our GPS to go to Sun Stadium and followed signs for arena parking.
The first lot we pulled into was a no-go. The parking attendant said it was for cheerleaders and instructed us to go to a different lot. We finally found a lot and then started to follow the other runners to what we hoped was the race start. This took us to the lot where we were supposed to park, and shuttles were there to pick up. By now it was 7:13 and I was getting pretty worried about my ability to pick up my race packet before 7:30 when the website said packet pickup would end.
We got a shuttle, and arrived at Thunder Park, which is actually a baseball stadium, at 7:20. I put Alek and my parents in line for my bib while I went to find the port-o-johns. After I finished, I met up with everyone at the front of the line where I was able to get my bib and t-shirt fairly quickly.
The first part of the morning was quite chaotic. The line for morning-of packet pickup was long and disorganized. There were several lines based on bib number in addition to a line to find your bib number. There is definite room for improvement for next year. In addition the website said there would be signs indicating where to park, but signage for the race and parking was nonexistent as we drove to the race.
Thunder Park is actually a baseball stadium. The race started behind the stadium. After picking up my packet, we headed back to the start area. Here I met up with my friend Diane who would be running the 10k and her fiance Greg who was also running the half in this lot. We chatted for a bit, and then it looked like runners already in the corral were starting to move up so Greg and I headed to the corral. There weren't any time delimiters in the corral, they just asked fast runners to start at the front. I stayed midpack and didn't have any problems with where I chose to start. We ended up in the corrals until 8:25 with the race starting 40 minutes late.
It was a chilly, long wait in the corral.
The first three miles of the race took us around the historic area of Trenton with the only major hill being right at the start at a highway ramp. My parents and Alek were cheering that the three mile mark just before I crossed the Trenton Makes bridge into PA.
Running toward the first bridge at mile 3.
The bridge into Morrisville, PA was a steel grate bridge. My glutes started to hurt as I ran across and at that point I decided to back off a bit. Usually pain in the glutes starts just before hip pain and I didn't want to risk any long term problems. There were quite a few people out cheering in Morrisville. As always, its great to see.
After about 3 miles in Trenton we came back across a different bridge. This bridge was also a steel grate bridge, but it had a wooden sidewalk. I decided to run on the sidewalk as the grates were a bit difficult to run across. As I came off the bridge and onto the ramp on route 29, Alek was there cheering with his "Run All the Miles Sign."
Right around mile 6
The rest of the race took us on an out and back down route 29 and then through Cadwalader Park. The highway was mostly flat with hills on the ramps, but the park was very hilly. By mile 8 I was slowing down and getting very tired. The park showed evidence of Hurricane Sandy coming through with large downed trees.
The final stretch of the race led us into the baseball stadium at first base and finishing on home plate. This was the coolest race finish I've ever completed. It was especially great to see my parents and Alek in the bleachers cheering!
Rounding to home!
The finish line
I finished with a time of 2:05:10. My hip injury has once again taken my goal of a sub 2 hour half marathon from me, but I'm not giving up! I'll be running Rock N' Roll Las Vegas on December 2nd and I'll try again there.
Full race results can be found here. This race had a very cool finisher medal and long sleeve race shirt.
This race course was fun, and nearly all of it was very wide. I was impressed with the number of road closures and the amount of consideration given to runners in Trenton and Morrisville. There were a few logistical issues at the start, but I would trust the organizers to get these ironed out for next year's race. I would definitely recommend the Trenton Half to anyone looking for an unusual race with a very cool finish!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Weekend Race: Trenton Half Marathon
Tomorrow I'll run the Trenton Half Marathon in Trenton, NJ. This race is actually a two state race, as it crosses into Pennsylvania. This weekend is the first time this race will be held but the race description looks awesome! The part I'm most looking forward to is the finish, Your name in lights on the big screen, family and friends cheering while you circle the park and head toward home plate for the finish you deserve!"
Since my hip pain prevented me from completing the half marathon portion of the Runner's World Hat Trick, I'm going to use that playlist for tomorrow's race. Rest and strengthening have helped my hip to get better, so once again I'll be chasing a sub 2 hour half marathon!
The Playlist:
Since my hip pain prevented me from completing the half marathon portion of the Runner's World Hat Trick, I'm going to use that playlist for tomorrow's race. Rest and strengthening have helped my hip to get better, so once again I'll be chasing a sub 2 hour half marathon!
The Playlist:
Here I Go Again Whitesnake
The Distance Cake
Let's Get It Started The Black Eyed Peas
Run-Around Blues Traveler
Runaway Linkin Park
Chasing the Sun (Hardwell Extended) The Wanted
How Far We've Come Matchbox Twenty
I Think We're Alone Now Tiffany
Run to You Bryan Adams
Runaround Sue Del Shannon
Stronger Kanye West
Walking On Sunshine Katrina & The Waves
Hot Steppa Ini Kamoze
Darts Of Pleasure Franz Ferdinand
Chasing Pavements Adele
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Election Day Run
I considered spending last night clicking refresh on my browser to follow election results instead of running. With CNN casting results on the Empire State Building, I realized I could run and follow the election. After all, my run was early enough that nothing would be called.
I went out for my four mile run and by the end not much had happened in election news. I couldn't see the red side of the Empire State Building meter, but today we know what the results were - so I guess it didn't matter too much.
I went out for my four mile run and by the end not much had happened in election news. I couldn't see the red side of the Empire State Building meter, but today we know what the results were - so I guess it didn't matter too much.
CNN used the Empire State Building lights to broadcast results.
I was glad for my view of the Empire State Building. Brooklyn Bridge Park, where I do most of my running is currently closed from dusk to dawn as a result of Hurricane Sandy. In addition, the Statue of Liberty is still dark. It was great to see lights in lower Manhattan, but I'm eager (as most New Yorkers are) for a completely recovery from Sandy.
Monday, November 5, 2012
2013 NYC Marathon!
The New York City Marathon was far from the only race cancelled because of Hurricane Sandy. Most importantly to me, the NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5k was also cancelled. This race would have been my 9th in my NYRR 9+1 to get me guaranteed entry into next year's New York City Marathon. Since NYRR cancelled the race, I still got credit toward my 9+1. So, I'm in the 2013 NYC Marathon!
Or, I hope I am. I suspect that a good number of people who were displaced from this year's cancelled marathon will also get guaranteed entry into next year's race. I'll be waiting for updates from NYRR to find out how this will all work out.
Considering Sandy's disastrous impact on so many people - not being able to run the NYC marathon next year would be a small thing. It can also be replaced by a different fall marathon in my plans.
In other hard to get into NYRR race news, the registration for the NYC Half Marathon is open. Good luck to all who enter!
Or, I hope I am. I suspect that a good number of people who were displaced from this year's cancelled marathon will also get guaranteed entry into next year's race. I'll be waiting for updates from NYRR to find out how this will all work out.
Considering Sandy's disastrous impact on so many people - not being able to run the NYC marathon next year would be a small thing. It can also be replaced by a different fall marathon in my plans.
In other hard to get into NYRR race news, the registration for the NYC Half Marathon is open. Good luck to all who enter!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Race Recap Runner's World Festival 5k
Saturday morning started in the low 50's, when I arrived with Alek and my parents at the ArtQuest Center in Bethlehem to pick up my packet and run the Runner's World Festival 5k. Just before the start of the race, I found that my iPod hadn't been charged. I didn't get to run to my Halloween Playlist.
Despite my lack of playlist, there was plenty of entertainment on the course. Near the half mile mark, a local band was playing "Eye of the Tiger". By the one mile mark I noticed that a "joggler" had been running the race. Yes, it is what it sounds like - a man running the entire 5k while juggling.
Alek and I standing in front of the Steel Stacks.
Despite my lack of playlist, there was plenty of entertainment on the course. Near the half mile mark, a local band was playing "Eye of the Tiger". By the one mile mark I noticed that a "joggler" had been running the race. Yes, it is what it sounds like - a man running the entire 5k while juggling.
The "joggler" is slightly behind me (see the ball in the air?)
In addition to the "joggler", there was also an aardvark running the 5k. I didn't see him on course (he finished a bit ahead of me), but I did see him at the finish area.
An Aardvark!
It was fun to run through the area. There weren't too many spectators out in the neighborhood, but it was a good run on a nice morning.
I tried to hold back during the 5k, knowing that I would be running a 10k in an hour. I finished in 26:54 with an 8:37 pace. Full results can be found at on active.com.
Finishing up in front of the smoke stacks.
Stay tuned for the 10k recap!
Friday, October 19, 2012
PlayLists: Runner's World Hat Trick
Since its going to be a three race weekend, you get three playlists today.
List 1 is for the 5k. Since I'm not running any races next weekend, this is a 32 minute Halloween themed playlist.
Bat Out Of Hell Meat Loaf
Spooky Mormon Hell Dream The Book Of Mormon Original Broadway Cast
This Devil's Workday Modest Mouse
Monster Mash Bobby "Boris" Pickett
Love Me Dead Ludo
Satin In A Coffin Modest Mouse
A Freak Like Me Needs Company (feat. Bono and The Edge) Patrick Page
Witch Doctor Sha Na Na
List 1 is for the 5k. Since I'm not running any races next weekend, this is a 32 minute Halloween themed playlist.
Bat Out Of Hell Meat Loaf
Spooky Mormon Hell Dream The Book Of Mormon Original Broadway Cast
This Devil's Workday Modest Mouse
Monster Mash Bobby "Boris" Pickett
Love Me Dead Ludo
Satin In A Coffin Modest Mouse
A Freak Like Me Needs Company (feat. Bono and The Edge) Patrick Page
Witch Doctor Sha Na Na
The 10k playlist is 1 hour long and its theme is insanity. The theme is just to remind me how crazy it is of me to run the Hat Trick.
Out Of My Head Fastball
Flagpole Sitta Harvey Danger
Breaking Down Florence & The Machine
Insane In the Brain Cypress Hill
She's Got Issues The Offspring
Finally, the 2:18 Half Marathon playlist is all about running. I took a few liberties, but most of the songs have something to do with running.
Here I Go Again Whitesnake
The Distance Cake
Let's Get It Started The Black Eyed Peas
Run-Around Blues Traveler
Runaway Linkin Park
Chasing the Sun (Hardwell Extended) The Wanted
How Far We've Come Matchbox Twenty
I Think We're Alone Now Tiffany
Run to You Bryan Adams
Runaround Sue Del Shannon
Stronger Kanye West
Walking On Sunshine Katrina & The Waves
Hot Steppa Ini Kamoze
Darts Of Pleasure Franz Ferdinand
Chasing Pavements Adele
Stay tuned next week for recaps of all three races!
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