Okay so I have kept my workouts pretty regular but I need to make changes in my meals. I am certain that my two biggest challenges in that are are portion control and eating before 7 p.m. I will keep a fitness plan mainly to monitor my caloric intake for the next 3 months.
The 7-Day Calorie Cycle (zig-zag):
Monday: 1553
Tuesday: 1243
Wednesday: 1864
Thursday: 1553
Friday: 1398
Saturday: 1708
Sunday: 1553
*Calorie cycling provides same amount of calories per week, but 'tricks' your body by constantly changing the daily calories to avoid the yo-yo dieting effect or weight loss plateau.
Monday: Calories:
B: string cheese B: 50
L: 3 oz. chicken, green beans L: 140 and 20
S: Slim Fast shake S: 200
D: chick peas (1/2), 1 potato, broccoli (1 glass red wine) D: 143, 300, 20, 200
Goal: 1553
Total: 1073 so far...
Left: 480 (Hmmm, more wine or a small carb? This could be dangerously tough today.)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
New Goal. New Year!
So it's time to start training again. I took off 4 days from the NYC and felt great running six miles even on the treadmill. It probably was not the best idea to wear high heel boots in the week of recovery but hey--fashion calls! I registered on Nov. 8 for DC's National Marathon March 26, 2011. Today marks the first official training day. I plan to run 6 miles on Beach Shore Drive and then hit the gym for arms and abs. Thank goodness the kids are gone for 9 days and I can return to some sanity for awhile. We will leave Wednesday for Raleigh and I need to shed some holiday pounds before gaining at least three pounds of turkey & stuffing. I am excited to keep the marathon motivation train moving because Lord knows this is the time of year when extra pounds are comfortably hidden amongst sweater dresses, tights and wool coats. Not this year my friends!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
I Came. I Saw. I Conquered.
It's been one year (almost exactly) since setting my goal to run the NYC Marathon. This time last year, I felt that I needed a swift kick in the you know what to feel good about leaving the twenties behind. In 30 minutes, that decade will be behind me and I will be embarking on what one friend refers to as the "dirty thirties." I laughed at this but feel great after accomplishing all of my goals for the 20's.
I know that I've grown tremendously in so many ways this year: new career goals, summer trip in Europe (7 different countries) and the NYC Marathon. This seemed like a distant dream last year but I felt inspired by friends and loved ones. I feel blessed to have younger sisters that strive to meet academic and athletic goals at such a young age. Both of my sis' have participated at the state and national level in running and swimming. They've both been offered scholarships at local state universities. Last summer, my dad and sisters completed a relay tri-athalon. I kept saying to myself that I could start training again. I could run a competitive race again. Of course I didn't take this lightly when I applied for the country's largest and one of the most elite marathons.
I recognized very quickly this past weekend just how competitive and international this race was at the Health & Fitness Expo in NYC. The registration pickup was a 4-day ordeal and there were many race week events leading up to the main event. We arrived Saturday to the expo where I was herded like cattle through different stations to pick up my bib, d-tag, and goodie bag. I also purchased commemorative Asics workout gear with the ING NYC Marathon 2010 logo. How often do you run and complete this kind of race? Carb-loading and lots of sleep occupied Saturday evening and by 4 a.m. Sunday--I was ready to race.
Pete dropped me off at Ford Wadsworth which is the restricted village for racers. We were shuttled to our colored wave village: blue, orange and yellow. We looked less like an Olympic village and more like a homeless village huddled up in blankets and cardboard boxes to shield the brazen blast of cold air. This was the coldest NY marathon in 20 years. I was the second wave and raced at 10:10. We nibbled on complimentary bagels and power bars. I made several trips to the hot tea tent and made some polite conversation with runners in my area. I met a few people from the DC area but many were out of state and country. There was ample people watching as the first wave professionals began stretching the race directors paraded through the grounds several times to take pictures and view their handiwork. The race was quite impressive from beginning to end. I couldn't imagine the logistical nightmare of planning an event on this magnitude. I still had no idea of what lay before me and this was both a curse and blessing.
Quickly, they were calling baggage check and corral line-up on the PA in five different languages. I made my way to the appropriate corral: 22-952. I shimmied through the crowd to get a perspective on the start of the race. We waited for what seemed like eternity and then walked to the start of the race. I could see huge grandstands, a jumbo-tron, and three helicopters over the Verranzano bridge. The ING race directors warmed us up with pre-game well wishes and then turned the ceremony over to the celebrated performance of the national anthem. They announced the countdown and we were off! A large camera swung around the crowd capturing the send off up the intimidating incline. My first mile was a bit of a struggle to wrap my mind around. I was trying to come to terms with the fact that I was actually running the largest marathon in the United States through NYC's five boroughs and yes, "What was I thinking?" crossed my mind. I pushed past this negativity and the sign a couple of miles later that read: "Three miles down and only 23.2 more miles to go!" This was not helping but it didn't matter because I was hitting my comfortable stride. I was definitely in the runner's zone through the first 12 miles which was in Brooklyn. The scenery of the Hasidic-Jewish neighborhoods and friendly brownstone gatherers was fueling us. People were cheering on individual runners and shouting out "Great job guys, you can push on!" Their signs were both inspirational and very entertaining: "I support crop-dusting." "If Palin can run--so can YOU!" "Pain is temporary; Pride is Forever!" "Who needs toe nails." "Teachers make better runners." "You're a rockstar now!" The cheer zones did not stop which helped because there's many bridges especially at the first third of the race.
We pass through a variety of neighborhoods, including: Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Park Slope, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint. I cringe now when I think of Williamsburg because that bridge really separated the weak from the vetted marathon runners. At 13.1 miles, we crossed the Pulaski Bridge which was the halfway point of the race and the entrance of Long Island City, Queens. Nearly two and a half miles in Queens, we crossed the East River on the Queensboro Bridge which brought us into Manhattan. This is when many runners were visibly fatigued and alternated walking and running. Many people consider this bridge to be one of the most difficult points in the marathon.
At this point, I'm on mile 16 and I have still not seen my personal cheer crew: Linds and Pete. I knew that they would not make it to the start of the race but Lindsey had mentioned Queensboro and Pete could certainly pop up anywhere with that Nikon telephoto lens. Soon, I was on First Avenue, crossing the Bronx via the Willis Avenue Bridge before returning to Manhattan via the Madison Avenue bridge. I continued to look at the clever signs: "Six more miles till Heaven" with frothy beer mugs adorning the poster. I heard Linds and Pete yelling my name as I spotted them both. Linds was on the left and Pete was on the right snapping pics. They were able to see me one other time a few miles down but we missed each other at the finish. I told them this wasn't a big deal because I would not have heard them in the haze. I was fixated on the finish.
The bands and merriment did not stop especially through Harlem down Fifth Avenue and into Central Park. The last six miles, my endorphins were kicking in again as we proceeded across Central Park South. At this point, thousands of spectators lined the streets and race path especially the last mile. At Columbus Circle, the race re-entered the park, and finished outside Tavern on the Green. I began to sprint when the meters counted down. I spotted the ginormous Timex clock ticking off the seconds. I stride as quickly as my legs would allow at this point. I did not let up as I passed people on the left side. I looked at the military volunteer next to me and said, "This is over, right? I knew the answer but had to hear that I was finished! Thank the Lord! That was the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life and I can check it off my list now. A volunteer handed me the finisher medal and wrapped a cape around me to guard against post-race chills.
The post-race celebration was tremendous. A few guys lit up cigars right after their finisher photo. I grabbed my goodie bag and tried to avoid them. That's the last thing that I need is to ingest smoke in my lungs. We made our way to the UPS trucks that held our gear. It took over an hour for the crowd to get through the bottle neck in Central Park out to 77th Street. I met up with Linds and Pete. We snapped pics and headed to Cilantro's for a mexi celebration. We all had a celebratory beer that never tasted better. New Yorkers continued their good luck cheers and chants as I passed by with my medal. I felt so blessed to have run this race and have supporters there in freezing temps. People keep asking about the highlight of the race and it was definitely the FINISH! I came. I saw. I conquered. If you didn't have a faith prior to this race or needed it reconfirmed--this definitely strengthened my faith. Thank you Lord for helping me finish. I give God all the glory!
I know that I've grown tremendously in so many ways this year: new career goals, summer trip in Europe (7 different countries) and the NYC Marathon. This seemed like a distant dream last year but I felt inspired by friends and loved ones. I feel blessed to have younger sisters that strive to meet academic and athletic goals at such a young age. Both of my sis' have participated at the state and national level in running and swimming. They've both been offered scholarships at local state universities. Last summer, my dad and sisters completed a relay tri-athalon. I kept saying to myself that I could start training again. I could run a competitive race again. Of course I didn't take this lightly when I applied for the country's largest and one of the most elite marathons.
I recognized very quickly this past weekend just how competitive and international this race was at the Health & Fitness Expo in NYC. The registration pickup was a 4-day ordeal and there were many race week events leading up to the main event. We arrived Saturday to the expo where I was herded like cattle through different stations to pick up my bib, d-tag, and goodie bag. I also purchased commemorative Asics workout gear with the ING NYC Marathon 2010 logo. How often do you run and complete this kind of race? Carb-loading and lots of sleep occupied Saturday evening and by 4 a.m. Sunday--I was ready to race.
Pete dropped me off at Ford Wadsworth which is the restricted village for racers. We were shuttled to our colored wave village: blue, orange and yellow. We looked less like an Olympic village and more like a homeless village huddled up in blankets and cardboard boxes to shield the brazen blast of cold air. This was the coldest NY marathon in 20 years. I was the second wave and raced at 10:10. We nibbled on complimentary bagels and power bars. I made several trips to the hot tea tent and made some polite conversation with runners in my area. I met a few people from the DC area but many were out of state and country. There was ample people watching as the first wave professionals began stretching the race directors paraded through the grounds several times to take pictures and view their handiwork. The race was quite impressive from beginning to end. I couldn't imagine the logistical nightmare of planning an event on this magnitude. I still had no idea of what lay before me and this was both a curse and blessing.
Quickly, they were calling baggage check and corral line-up on the PA in five different languages. I made my way to the appropriate corral: 22-952. I shimmied through the crowd to get a perspective on the start of the race. We waited for what seemed like eternity and then walked to the start of the race. I could see huge grandstands, a jumbo-tron, and three helicopters over the Verranzano bridge. The ING race directors warmed us up with pre-game well wishes and then turned the ceremony over to the celebrated performance of the national anthem. They announced the countdown and we were off! A large camera swung around the crowd capturing the send off up the intimidating incline. My first mile was a bit of a struggle to wrap my mind around. I was trying to come to terms with the fact that I was actually running the largest marathon in the United States through NYC's five boroughs and yes, "What was I thinking?" crossed my mind. I pushed past this negativity and the sign a couple of miles later that read: "Three miles down and only 23.2 more miles to go!" This was not helping but it didn't matter because I was hitting my comfortable stride. I was definitely in the runner's zone through the first 12 miles which was in Brooklyn. The scenery of the Hasidic-Jewish neighborhoods and friendly brownstone gatherers was fueling us. People were cheering on individual runners and shouting out "Great job guys, you can push on!" Their signs were both inspirational and very entertaining: "I support crop-dusting." "If Palin can run--so can YOU!" "Pain is temporary; Pride is Forever!" "Who needs toe nails." "Teachers make better runners." "You're a rockstar now!" The cheer zones did not stop which helped because there's many bridges especially at the first third of the race.
We pass through a variety of neighborhoods, including: Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Park Slope, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint. I cringe now when I think of Williamsburg because that bridge really separated the weak from the vetted marathon runners. At 13.1 miles, we crossed the Pulaski Bridge which was the halfway point of the race and the entrance of Long Island City, Queens. Nearly two and a half miles in Queens, we crossed the East River on the Queensboro Bridge which brought us into Manhattan. This is when many runners were visibly fatigued and alternated walking and running. Many people consider this bridge to be one of the most difficult points in the marathon.
At this point, I'm on mile 16 and I have still not seen my personal cheer crew: Linds and Pete. I knew that they would not make it to the start of the race but Lindsey had mentioned Queensboro and Pete could certainly pop up anywhere with that Nikon telephoto lens. Soon, I was on First Avenue, crossing the Bronx via the Willis Avenue Bridge before returning to Manhattan via the Madison Avenue bridge. I continued to look at the clever signs: "Six more miles till Heaven" with frothy beer mugs adorning the poster. I heard Linds and Pete yelling my name as I spotted them both. Linds was on the left and Pete was on the right snapping pics. They were able to see me one other time a few miles down but we missed each other at the finish. I told them this wasn't a big deal because I would not have heard them in the haze. I was fixated on the finish.
The bands and merriment did not stop especially through Harlem down Fifth Avenue and into Central Park. The last six miles, my endorphins were kicking in again as we proceeded across Central Park South. At this point, thousands of spectators lined the streets and race path especially the last mile. At Columbus Circle, the race re-entered the park, and finished outside Tavern on the Green. I began to sprint when the meters counted down. I spotted the ginormous Timex clock ticking off the seconds. I stride as quickly as my legs would allow at this point. I did not let up as I passed people on the left side. I looked at the military volunteer next to me and said, "This is over, right? I knew the answer but had to hear that I was finished! Thank the Lord! That was the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life and I can check it off my list now. A volunteer handed me the finisher medal and wrapped a cape around me to guard against post-race chills.
The post-race celebration was tremendous. A few guys lit up cigars right after their finisher photo. I grabbed my goodie bag and tried to avoid them. That's the last thing that I need is to ingest smoke in my lungs. We made our way to the UPS trucks that held our gear. It took over an hour for the crowd to get through the bottle neck in Central Park out to 77th Street. I met up with Linds and Pete. We snapped pics and headed to Cilantro's for a mexi celebration. We all had a celebratory beer that never tasted better. New Yorkers continued their good luck cheers and chants as I passed by with my medal. I felt so blessed to have run this race and have supporters there in freezing temps. People keep asking about the highlight of the race and it was definitely the FINISH! I came. I saw. I conquered. If you didn't have a faith prior to this race or needed it reconfirmed--this definitely strengthened my faith. Thank you Lord for helping me finish. I give God all the glory!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Final Countdown
We're definitely at the final countdown. There's about 2 weeks left and this means tapering off from long runs. Oh how sad, I know! My last two Saturday's have been monopolized by long runs. Last 3 Saturday's" 12 miles at 1:45, 16 miles at 2:05 and yesterday, 20 miles at 2:45. The 20 mile run included hills and the bridge over 2 which is quite windy and not the best running conditions. I believe this run gave me psychologically an edge over the race. I know that I'm able to run the bulk of the race without walking or collapsing. Although I felt like jello once I switched into "couch recovery" mode--there was still the sensation that I could make this happen. This was a major confidence booster. I would still have the support of the NYC crowd and caffeinated gel packs, dried fruit, etc. The power of the crowd is NOT to be underestimated. I've heard that if a runner has 3/4's of the race under the belt--the adrenaline will pull the rest of the race. I'm banking on this because I want to avoid stress fractures and other injuries that are common with over-training that many runners are susceptible to during their first full marathons. I've also paired my workouts with arms, abs, elliptical and bike circuits to break up the monotony and vary my workout routine. I just purchased some runner's gear for the upcoming day. I have had recent dreams about running through the five Burroughs of New York City and finishing the race. I keep envisioning the finish line.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Visit to NYC Re-Invigorated My Spirits
Our GB trip to the Empire State re-invigorated my spirits. Surely this 26.2 mile race will feel like a standing ovation at a Broadway musical. The buzz of the crowd, pounding Manhattan pavement and crushing gatorade cups at each station should fuel my big race day. I have so much nervous excitement about this challenge. This is my first full marathon and I haven't run competitively in years. Unfortunately, my body doesn't seem to "whip" back into shape as it did in the early-twenties. Pretending that it would was my biggest mistake. This has definitely become quite the learning experience, both physically and mentally.
My 12 mile run today at 2:05 hours felt great but is not nearly on par with the long mileage for the week. I should be hitting 18-20 miles and scaling back in another week. One thing that I've taken great pride in has been alternating cardio activities to avoid injury. I've paired bike and elliptical days with arms and abs. I have not missed one workout in the last three weeks. There has been some sort of gym or outside activity regimen. Scaling back on alcohol and caffeine have been other secrets to my preparation success. In another week, that will almost disappear from my social activities even amongst football, happy hour, Halloween, and birthday party get-togethers. I stopped drinking coffee this past summer and switched to green tea. Many days I've been able to avoid caffeine all together despite the 6:15 a.m. start at the school. I am looking forward to completing this challenge.
I really just want to finish. Finishing under 4-4:30 hours would be amazing. I don't know what to expect with the crowd, weather or hills. I've heard the NYC marathon isn't the best first time marathon but hey, I guess I am going for a real kick in the a** on this one. Turning 30 will be less daunting if I can get this under my belt. I'm running against the 25-29 year old group and hopefully, I'll be able to compete. My focus is to stay positive and repeat positive phrases during both practice and the race but mostly, I can't wait till this is over!
My 12 mile run today at 2:05 hours felt great but is not nearly on par with the long mileage for the week. I should be hitting 18-20 miles and scaling back in another week. One thing that I've taken great pride in has been alternating cardio activities to avoid injury. I've paired bike and elliptical days with arms and abs. I have not missed one workout in the last three weeks. There has been some sort of gym or outside activity regimen. Scaling back on alcohol and caffeine have been other secrets to my preparation success. In another week, that will almost disappear from my social activities even amongst football, happy hour, Halloween, and birthday party get-togethers. I stopped drinking coffee this past summer and switched to green tea. Many days I've been able to avoid caffeine all together despite the 6:15 a.m. start at the school. I am looking forward to completing this challenge.
I really just want to finish. Finishing under 4-4:30 hours would be amazing. I don't know what to expect with the crowd, weather or hills. I've heard the NYC marathon isn't the best first time marathon but hey, I guess I am going for a real kick in the a** on this one. Turning 30 will be less daunting if I can get this under my belt. I'm running against the 25-29 year old group and hopefully, I'll be able to compete. My focus is to stay positive and repeat positive phrases during both practice and the race but mostly, I can't wait till this is over!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
School is definitely back in full swing. The first week is now under our belt and sleeping in never felt so well deserved. As always, I'm trying to balance two preps: AP and Honors Govt along with endless meetings, grad classes, Kaplan review coursework, training for the looming marathon and a bit of a social life. Since my Europe trip, I have been consistently hitting the gym 5-6 days a week.
Sunday: casual, fun jog (2 miles)
Monday: off
Tuesday: moderate run (4 miles)
Wednesday: elliptical, arms, 2-3 miles
Thursday: moderate run (4 miles)
Friday: elliptical, legs, 2-3 miles
Saturday: The Long Run (6-7 miles)
Sunday: casual, fun jog (2 miles)
Monday: off
Tuesday: moderate run (4 miles)
Wednesday: elliptical, arms, 2-3 miles
Thursday: moderate run (4 miles)
Friday: elliptical, legs, 2-3 miles
Saturday: The Long Run (6-7 miles)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Back to the Grind
So upon my return from Europe this summer, I rejoined at the gym. I'm at Edgewater Fitness which is the same facility but under new management. I have definitely hit the workouts hard the last two weeks including spin classes, elliptical, arm workouts, and obviously lots of running. Teachers started back this week for professional development and back to balancing many responsibilities. I know that working out will help keep me centered.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thanks big-3-0!
Ouch! Today hurt: sun scorching, knees aching, dog nipping, and me whining. I have run everyday this week and feel/see any results. Little frustrations setting in...I plan to research some meal plans for an energy boost. I just don't remember it taking this long to get back into shape. Thanks big-3-0...
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Primping for Preakness
The last two days have been on the muggy side so I decided to split the "Third Time's The Charm" loop. Three miles is still a good run especially in the hottest part of the day. Yesterday I was also a bit pressed to get ready for the Preakness. I nice run is key before a bit of cocktailing. I love to primp on Saturdays as it's the only day that I have time. I decided to wear a new little sundress.
The plan was to meet up with our friends, John and Muffie. Luckily, we talked our way out of $75 parking fee at the event's parking lot. Pimlico Race Course is in southwest Baltimore. Within a few miles, we were bombarded with the community solicitors; they were selling everything from water bottle and BBQ to their driveways. Peter hesitated to pull up into these neighborhoods and looked elsewhere. Finally, we decided to that the $75 fee may be a small price to be safe and close to the race. A police officer peered into our car and asked us, "Hey you two. Where you from? What's your favorite college?" I replied, "Annapolis and UMBC." I figured this was the most obvious answer. It worked! He waved us in. That definitely was a great kickoff to the day. We walked to the ticket counter to find out that we had a another walk to the infield ticket window.
A mass exodus of people released from the infield and I suspected this wasn't a good sign. I accidentally shoulder checked some lady that paid no mind to where she was walking. There were neighborhood children pushing "customers" back and forth to the infield. As we neared the gate, I saw someone I recognized. I couldn't believe it. In thousands of people, I manage to run into my friend's current crush (who I've only seen in pictures.) He has an uncanny signature look (huge puffy hair sticking out from a visor.) Easy to spot right? I quickly text Linds. She was weirded out. Small, small world...
Moreover, there was good people watching so we didn't mind the trip back to the first window as the infield was closed. We snapped pictures as we trekked. The more dressed down kids wore casual tees and sundresses. Some girls had bikini tops and cutoff shorts on which was pretty daring considering it was only in the high '70s. But hey, it's a festival and there's Jager tents. Many people wore the formal Kentucky Derby attire: ridiculously big brim hats, Polos, fancy suits with ascots, and poplin pants. The Jockey Club, Grandstand and Corporate Village were full of this "Gatsby" era look. It was definitely more about the fashion statement for many. Others raced to the betting windows and poured over their programs. The two favored were the Kentucky winners: Lucky and Super Saver. Peter bet on #24 First Dude (his lucky bday numbers.) We watched the Preakness race and darted to the parking lot to beat the mass chaos. Later, we met our friends at P.F. Chang's in Columbia. It was eventful and I am thankful that we kept it short at the race judging from friends' pics from the infield.
The plan was to meet up with our friends, John and Muffie. Luckily, we talked our way out of $75 parking fee at the event's parking lot. Pimlico Race Course is in southwest Baltimore. Within a few miles, we were bombarded with the community solicitors; they were selling everything from water bottle and BBQ to their driveways. Peter hesitated to pull up into these neighborhoods and looked elsewhere. Finally, we decided to that the $75 fee may be a small price to be safe and close to the race. A police officer peered into our car and asked us, "Hey you two. Where you from? What's your favorite college?" I replied, "Annapolis and UMBC." I figured this was the most obvious answer. It worked! He waved us in. That definitely was a great kickoff to the day. We walked to the ticket counter to find out that we had a another walk to the infield ticket window.
A mass exodus of people released from the infield and I suspected this wasn't a good sign. I accidentally shoulder checked some lady that paid no mind to where she was walking. There were neighborhood children pushing "customers" back and forth to the infield. As we neared the gate, I saw someone I recognized. I couldn't believe it. In thousands of people, I manage to run into my friend's current crush (who I've only seen in pictures.) He has an uncanny signature look (huge puffy hair sticking out from a visor.) Easy to spot right? I quickly text Linds. She was weirded out. Small, small world...
Moreover, there was good people watching so we didn't mind the trip back to the first window as the infield was closed. We snapped pictures as we trekked. The more dressed down kids wore casual tees and sundresses. Some girls had bikini tops and cutoff shorts on which was pretty daring considering it was only in the high '70s. But hey, it's a festival and there's Jager tents. Many people wore the formal Kentucky Derby attire: ridiculously big brim hats, Polos, fancy suits with ascots, and poplin pants. The Jockey Club, Grandstand and Corporate Village were full of this "Gatsby" era look. It was definitely more about the fashion statement for many. Others raced to the betting windows and poured over their programs. The two favored were the Kentucky winners: Lucky and Super Saver. Peter bet on #24 First Dude (his lucky bday numbers.) We watched the Preakness race and darted to the parking lot to beat the mass chaos. Later, we met our friends at P.F. Chang's in Columbia. It was eventful and I am thankful that we kept it short at the race judging from friends' pics from the infield.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Third Time's The Charm
Although I've been consistent in running--the blog has been less active. It's certainly hard to find extra time at this point with the school year coming to a close. I have finals due Monday, a month long trip to Europe looming, and major wedding plans. This does not include my normal domestic chores and marathon schedule. It's truly insane. Some may say that I thrive on this pressure because it seems par for the course lately.
I have recently discovered a new route. I call it "Third Time's The Charm" and I tell myself this exact statement as I'm rounding the second loop. This little jaunt is 6 miles and begins at Beach Shore Dr. It loops up to Mayo Rd. and circles our neighborhood. There's definitely some nice inclines although some traffic on Salisbury but all in all--a manageable route. I discovered it a couple of weeks ago on a more than blustery day. I liked the water view but didn't necessarily want to navigate close to the water the entire run as it was chilly for the shorts and t-shirt.
Today's run was around 5:30 p.m. so Thursday traffic was steady for the most part. I passed a couple of guys twice during the jog. They seemed to think it was pretty funny that we kept passing paths. Finally, turning onto my street--one yells out, "How many miles you run?" I looked back to say, "Oh, seven miles today." He scoffed, "The only running I do is to the liquor store" as he clutched the paper bagged liquor bottle. Oh Edgewater, Maryland!
I have recently discovered a new route. I call it "Third Time's The Charm" and I tell myself this exact statement as I'm rounding the second loop. This little jaunt is 6 miles and begins at Beach Shore Dr. It loops up to Mayo Rd. and circles our neighborhood. There's definitely some nice inclines although some traffic on Salisbury but all in all--a manageable route. I discovered it a couple of weeks ago on a more than blustery day. I liked the water view but didn't necessarily want to navigate close to the water the entire run as it was chilly for the shorts and t-shirt.
Today's run was around 5:30 p.m. so Thursday traffic was steady for the most part. I passed a couple of guys twice during the jog. They seemed to think it was pretty funny that we kept passing paths. Finally, turning onto my street--one yells out, "How many miles you run?" I looked back to say, "Oh, seven miles today." He scoffed, "The only running I do is to the liquor store" as he clutched the paper bagged liquor bottle. Oh Edgewater, Maryland!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Blue Sky Run on Beach Shore
This time of year is undoubtedly my favorite especially after one of the worst winters in decades. I am starting to hit a good stride now with nothing but blue skies ahead of me. The beach is pretty inviting at this point; I cannot help but wonder how many more weeks before Sunday Fun-day's in the water. Near Warwick, I'm noticing more joggers and walkers out than normal. Spring Feva is definitely in the air as a little Yorkie chases after me nipping at my ankles. I hate these dogs. They just annoy me and I have so little patience for their Napoleon complex. I picked up speed heading towards the Londontowne Pub hill as I contemplated the Long Loop. I pushed forward and finished my 3 mile run at a much quicker pace than normal. It's still not quite race pace but it's still early in my training schedule.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Mizuno Melee
Today's weather was a bit more chilly in Annapolis (50's) than what we've experienced the past couple of weeks. So, I slipped on a jacket, hat and running tights before hitting the pavement. I was feeling adventurous and ready to tackle the Extra Long Loop.* Normally, 3-4 miles wouldn't be cause for icy hot and an ice pack but today was a different story. Prior to reaching the water, I cut my right ankle on my opposing Mizuno's. I decided the 4-miler was out of the question but continued around Beach Shore. The sun was breaking through the clouds, jams pumping and soon I forgot about the nasty little scrape. I rounded all the scenic beach slips and headed towards Bentley Rd. The lemonade stand kids were off a safe distance (phew) as they normally stop me for a little bartering. I finished with a small kick despite the now throbbing knee and ankle.
*Denotes the running paths and mileage:
Short Loop (by water at Webster)--1.1 miles
Medium Loop (Bentley Rd.)--2.2 miles
Tacoma Loop--2.1 miles
Long Loop (Chesapeake)--3 miles
Xtra Long Loop (Warwick by water)--4 miles
*Denotes the running paths and mileage:
Short Loop (by water at Webster)--1.1 miles
Medium Loop (Bentley Rd.)--2.2 miles
Tacoma Loop--2.1 miles
Long Loop (Chesapeake)--3 miles
Xtra Long Loop (Warwick by water)--4 miles
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Back After Long Break
Back in the saddle after back to back vacations to Ocean City, MD. and NYC. I had every intention to run on the beach at sunrise but the seafood, Seacret's fueled rum runners, dirty banana's and Pain-in-de-asses beat me! Hey, when in Rome as they say... So, back to the normal schedule I went this week. I ran 2-3 miles each afternoon Monday-Friday. Today, I ran 3.1 miles and plan to head out before sunset for another 2-miler.
I sent out a rough itinerary to Christin, Peter and Rory for the Europe trip in June and July. I am super excited for the mega-magical month long trip to London, Belfast, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Florence, Venice, and Pisa. Rory and I worked on a rough sketch of ideas during the early dismissal (for 3rd Marking Period) and made great headway. Now comes the hard part--biting the bullet for a grand on airfare. Gas prices are mega-ridiculous this summer.
I sent out a rough itinerary to Christin, Peter and Rory for the Europe trip in June and July. I am super excited for the mega-magical month long trip to London, Belfast, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Florence, Venice, and Pisa. Rory and I worked on a rough sketch of ideas during the early dismissal (for 3rd Marking Period) and made great headway. Now comes the hard part--biting the bullet for a grand on airfare. Gas prices are mega-ridiculous this summer.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Today I embark on my journey towards turning the big-3-0. This has not been the first moment that I've given some thought to what this new milestone means or should mean to me. Like most people--I've tried to imagine the goals that I would be able to check off at this point. I have decided that November 10 this year will be a celebration. I will work towards completing a half-marathon and then the culmination of my hard work: NYC Marathon on Nov. 7, 2010. If that's not a kick in the pants to jump start the new decade--I don't know what is! I am excited to officially begin my preparation. I plan to blog about my daily mileage, meals and more. The more will include music playlists, daily affirmations, and other sources of inspiration.
Daily Mileage
4 miles-Bay Shore
Daily Music
Me & U--Ryan Leslie Remix
Daily Meals:
2 egg whites with salsa
protein shake
Daily Mileage
4 miles-Bay Shore
Daily Music
Me & U--Ryan Leslie Remix
Daily Meals:
2 egg whites with salsa
protein shake
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