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.
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