Hazy. Hot. Humid. We're approaching (and on some days we're there) summer weather, complete with late afternoon thunderstorm. It takes even more motivation than usual to get me running. Last week, it was the thought of Pitango Gelato after the run. Today it was the chocolate milk that was waiting for me when I got home. But I also enjoying running to see new parts of town or explore a town when I travel. That's what I did Sunday morning in Fredericksburg, VA. SA and AA got married Saturday night and LC, AM and I stayed the night. It was a beautiful ceremony and everything was in walking distance of one another: the hotel, the church, the reception, and the bar for the after party. We got to see a lot of historic Fredericksburg. It was cute and quaint. I got up early on Sunday morning, donned my running gear, and hit the pavement. I asked the front desk for a good running route, which they provided happily. It's one thing I've noticed about hotels is they usually have a running route map all ready for you. The route I ran was down through the historic downtown and onto the canal trail. There was water on one side of the pat and on the other parkland. I got to cross a couple of bridges across the canal. It was shady and a good pick-me up. I was tired from the late night.
May 30, 2011
May 23, 2011
Half Marathon #6: Or the Most Fun I've Had at a Half
22 May 2011
Unsurprisingly, at 6:13am it was overcast and chilly while runners waited to board the MegaBus to take us to the race start. I knew the ODDyssey Half Marathon would be a different race from most when I noticed a group of Wonder Women, Jack Sparrow and a bride and groom in the crowd waiting to board. The organizers of the race encouraged costumes and many of the runners complied. At the race site there were more people dressed up -- vikings, the Incredibles, some flowers, Crayola crayons, Wills and Kate...even the King, Elvis that is, donned running shoes this morning.
The course was actually quite pretty and scenic. We started at Memorial Hall Green and ran around the area for about three miles before descending into West River Drive along the Schuylkill River. The only strange part of the start was that we had to cross the finish line before we actually finished. I saw the banner, and as I ran under it at mile 3, I think, I thought this is the shortest (and fastest) half marathon I've ever run! Then after a few more turns we went down a nice long hill (more on that later).
Running along the river was beautiful. As we headed south, you could see boat houses on the opposite shore and the city of Philadelphia topped with low hanging clouds in the distance. Even the highway to the right couldn't take away from that great city view. At the turnaround point was a volunteer dressed in a bright orange penitentiary suit, a good substitute for a cone, if you think about it. We then headed north. Again, we stayed along the river, there were lots of water stops, if not a lot of cheerers, and the organizers also had a lot of things for runners to do along the way. Typically you just run hopping to get a good time, or just finish. The first thing I noticed was a costume corner.
You could stop and dress up and get your picture taken. I didn't stop. I did stop at the "obstacle course." It was an adult-sized bouncy castle type structure. You had to dive in as far as you could, weave your way around buoys, climb a ladder, and the slide down. I went through with the Angry Birds runners! It cost me a few minutes, but it was fun! Then a mile down was the water balloon stations. Two guys were throwing water balloons near the runners or, 
if a runner asked for it, at the runners. It was a bit of childhood whimsy thrown in that I really appreciated. If it were a warmer day, I think I would have liked it more! You got to pass by the water balloon station twice -- once on the way out and then again on the way back. Also on the way back, was a Jegna-like station. Large wooden block, like the ones I played with at school, were put in a tower and runners were encouraged to stop and pull one out and place it on top. If you pulled the block with the word winner on it, you would win a gift certificate. When I stopped, I asked what happens if I tip it over. "Nothing, but please don't." I didn't! I didn't win either, but at least I wasn't the runner to send the tower toppling! I knew I was close to done when I hit the hill.
The nice long downhill an hour and a half earlier became a nice, long uphill. It was a cruel way to end a race, but I had such fun along the course with the activities and the views that I almost didn't mind. Luckily the finish was a few minutes away and that was the thought that got me through. The race clock flashed my name as I crossed, there were nice snacks, a pint glass and recovery ale ready for me, and the MegaBus ready to take me back to downtown Philly. All in all, a good race. I finished in 2:19:21, chip time. I got a late start with my watch but it had 2:18 and change.
MLJ, who came with me to do the ODDyssey Half, walked the course and didn't have as much fun. The obstacle station was deflated, the water balloons, even the snacks and pint glasses were being packed away when she finished. The organizers gave a deadline of four hours to finish the race, and MLJ finished well within that time. I felt bad for her. But MLJ said she had fun and I think our sightseeing around Philly made-up for the less than stellar treatment of half marathon walkers got at the end
Unsurprisingly, at 6:13am it was overcast and chilly while runners waited to board the MegaBus to take us to the race start. I knew the ODDyssey Half Marathon would be a different race from most when I noticed a group of Wonder Women, Jack Sparrow and a bride and groom in the crowd waiting to board. The organizers of the race encouraged costumes and many of the runners complied. At the race site there were more people dressed up -- vikings, the Incredibles, some flowers, Crayola crayons, Wills and Kate...even the King, Elvis that is, donned running shoes this morning.
The course was actually quite pretty and scenic. We started at Memorial Hall Green and ran around the area for about three miles before descending into West River Drive along the Schuylkill River. The only strange part of the start was that we had to cross the finish line before we actually finished. I saw the banner, and as I ran under it at mile 3, I think, I thought this is the shortest (and fastest) half marathon I've ever run! Then after a few more turns we went down a nice long hill (more on that later).
Running along the river was beautiful. As we headed south, you could see boat houses on the opposite shore and the city of Philadelphia topped with low hanging clouds in the distance. Even the highway to the right couldn't take away from that great city view. At the turnaround point was a volunteer dressed in a bright orange penitentiary suit, a good substitute for a cone, if you think about it. We then headed north. Again, we stayed along the river, there were lots of water stops, if not a lot of cheerers, and the organizers also had a lot of things for runners to do along the way. Typically you just run hopping to get a good time, or just finish. The first thing I noticed was a costume corner.
You could stop and dress up and get your picture taken. I didn't stop. I did stop at the "obstacle course." It was an adult-sized bouncy castle type structure. You had to dive in as far as you could, weave your way around buoys, climb a ladder, and the slide down. I went through with the Angry Birds runners! It cost me a few minutes, but it was fun! Then a mile down was the water balloon stations. Two guys were throwing water balloons near the runners or, 
if a runner asked for it, at the runners. It was a bit of childhood whimsy thrown in that I really appreciated. If it were a warmer day, I think I would have liked it more! You got to pass by the water balloon station twice -- once on the way out and then again on the way back. Also on the way back, was a Jegna-like station. Large wooden block, like the ones I played with at school, were put in a tower and runners were encouraged to stop and pull one out and place it on top. If you pulled the block with the word winner on it, you would win a gift certificate. When I stopped, I asked what happens if I tip it over. "Nothing, but please don't." I didn't! I didn't win either, but at least I wasn't the runner to send the tower toppling! I knew I was close to done when I hit the hill.
The nice long downhill an hour and a half earlier became a nice, long uphill. It was a cruel way to end a race, but I had such fun along the course with the activities and the views that I almost didn't mind. Luckily the finish was a few minutes away and that was the thought that got me through. The race clock flashed my name as I crossed, there were nice snacks, a pint glass and recovery ale ready for me, and the MegaBus ready to take me back to downtown Philly. All in all, a good race. I finished in 2:19:21, chip time. I got a late start with my watch but it had 2:18 and change.
MLJ, who came with me to do the ODDyssey Half, walked the course and didn't have as much fun. The obstacle station was deflated, the water balloons, even the snacks and pint glasses were being packed away when she finished. The organizers gave a deadline of four hours to finish the race, and MLJ finished well within that time. I felt bad for her. But MLJ said she had fun and I think our sightseeing around Philly made-up for the less than stellar treatment of half marathon walkers got at the end
May 16, 2011
Lululemon Run Club
It's been awhile, but I went to the lululemon run club. It's a little larger than Pacers, and because of that this group has runners of all speeds. I'm still in the back, but I'm not the only one in the back. One thing has changed since I last ran with lululemon and this is they've started a new group: 5 mile moderate. I thought was was going to run three miles, but I decided to go with the moderate paced group (which was still faster than me).
It was fun. And I managed to run without music.
Speaking of which, I need to update my playlist. I've found some new music, one of which is the group Airborne Toxic Event. It's a group with a great beat (not techno/dance beat but more alternative/post-punk), has a viola player as a member, and also plays with a string quartet on occasion!
Tomorrow is cupcake class.
It was fun. And I managed to run without music.
Speaking of which, I need to update my playlist. I've found some new music, one of which is the group Airborne Toxic Event. It's a group with a great beat (not techno/dance beat but more alternative/post-punk), has a viola player as a member, and also plays with a string quartet on occasion!
Tomorrow is cupcake class.
May 15, 2011
Update to My 13 Halfs
My list of half marathons has changed:
1. Manhattan Half (Jan) 2:28
2. Austin Half Marathon (with JC in Feb)
3. National Half Marathon (with TK in Mar)
4. 13.1 NYC Half Marathon (not to be confused with the NYC Half Marathon, which I did not get into this year) (Apr)
5. More Half Marathon (Apr)
6.Still have to find one for May ODDyessy Half Marathon in Philly with MLJ (May)
7. Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon (Jun)
8.North Face Endurance Half Marathon DC (June - I still have to sign up for it) I never signed up for this. As much as I want the arm warmers, after the two halfs in one weekend in April, I cannot bring myself to do that again. Plus Post Hunt is that day, as is MW's 1st birthday party....oh and I have to work.
My additions:
8. See Jane Run (Seattle in July)
9. San Francisco Half Marathon 1st half route (July)
10. Still looking for August
11. Run to the Beat (London - Sept)
12. Baltimore Half Marathon (Oct)
My ".1". ING NYC Marathon (Nov)
Only two half-marathons left to choose!
1. Manhattan Half (Jan) 2:28
2. Austin Half Marathon (with JC in Feb)
3. National Half Marathon (with TK in Mar)
4. 13.1 NYC Half Marathon (not to be confused with the NYC Half Marathon, which I did not get into this year) (Apr)
5. More Half Marathon (Apr)
6.
7. Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon (Jun)
8.
My additions:
8. See Jane Run (Seattle in July)
9. San Francisco Half Marathon 1st half route (July)
10. Still looking for August
11. Run to the Beat (London - Sept)
12. Baltimore Half Marathon (Oct)
My ".1". ING NYC Marathon (Nov)
Only two half-marathons left to choose!
May 14, 2011
How Not to Make Whoopie Pies
I've spent months finding baking recipies I've wanted to try and I finally found time to make one of them: Chocolate Stout Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies. It was not what I would call a resounding success. But take a look for yourself!
If I ever try this again, I promise I'll write a script and not do the audio on the fly.
Yesterday's run was theraputic. Some parts of Thursday were incredibly frustrating and it carried over through Friday. This short run with T got me outside and enabled me to release some (not all) of it. On the positive side, it helped me go faster!
If I ever try this again, I promise I'll write a script and not do the audio on the fly.
Yesterday's run was theraputic. Some parts of Thursday were incredibly frustrating and it carried over through Friday. This short run with T got me outside and enabled me to release some (not all) of it. On the positive side, it helped me go faster!
May 11, 2011
No Running Where There's Lots of Running
I run around the Mall a lot. In fact, I'm doing it tonight. There are certain places you're not supposed to run. For example, to get to the Tidal Basin path, I run through about 40 feet of the FDR Memorial. That's a no-no.
A Park Ranger once stopped me and T from running those 40 feet. Another place you're not supposed to run is up the steps of the Lincoln Monument, where T and I ran past just a couple of weeks ago. It was early morning, there were only a few tourists around, and there were even two security guard looking types at the top. And of course, there were other runners, some of whom were running down the steps. T and I took this opportunity to run up! It was fun. A very Rocky moment at the top where we lifted our arms, and in my case, the Rocky theme song was going through my head. (Getting Stronger, not Eye of the Tiger) And it was a great moment. The sun was going through the columns in such a way that it illuminated good ol' Abe, but left the the sides in the shade.
I've been focused so much on the running part of this blog, you might have forgotten why I actually started running in the first place....to eat! I did some baking today and that shall be my next post.
As for whether I ran the other day or not. The answer is here.
A Park Ranger once stopped me and T from running those 40 feet. Another place you're not supposed to run is up the steps of the Lincoln Monument, where T and I ran past just a couple of weeks ago. It was early morning, there were only a few tourists around, and there were even two security guard looking types at the top. And of course, there were other runners, some of whom were running down the steps. T and I took this opportunity to run up! It was fun. A very Rocky moment at the top where we lifted our arms, and in my case, the Rocky theme song was going through my head. (Getting Stronger, not Eye of the Tiger) And it was a great moment. The sun was going through the columns in such a way that it illuminated good ol' Abe, but left the the sides in the shade.
I've been focused so much on the running part of this blog, you might have forgotten why I actually started running in the first place....to eat! I did some baking today and that shall be my next post.
As for whether I ran the other day or not. The answer is here.
May 10, 2011
Motivation or Get Your Butt Off The Couch
A beautiful day should, by itself, be more than enough motivation for me to go out and run. I've been doing this awhile now. I enjoy it enough to keep doing it. But actually getting out the door has always been a problem for me. I know I should run. I know I have to run to prepare for my upcoming races. I JUST DON'T WANT TOO!!!!!
Right now, I'm having the debate I always have:
Devil: You're not meeting anyone to run. It's not like you're letting anyone down.
Angel: It's good for you, and, if you really want company, the Pacer's Running Group is at 7pm!
Devil: That group always runs faster than you. You're the little pig that got left behind.
Angel: That's not true. Someone always stays with you --
Devil: Yeah, you ruin another person's run!
Angel: You give someone else an excuse to run slowly.
Devil: There's ice cream in the freezer! Yummy, chocolaty ice cream.
Angel: All the more reason to run!
Devil: Hasn't your ankle been hurting?
You get the picture. So will I run? I guess we'll all find out in about 30 minutes.
Right now, I'm having the debate I always have:
Devil: You're not meeting anyone to run. It's not like you're letting anyone down.
Angel: It's good for you, and, if you really want company, the Pacer's Running Group is at 7pm!
Devil: That group always runs faster than you. You're the little pig that got left behind.
Angel: That's not true. Someone always stays with you --
Devil: Yeah, you ruin another person's run!
Angel: You give someone else an excuse to run slowly.
Devil: There's ice cream in the freezer! Yummy, chocolaty ice cream.
Angel: All the more reason to run!
Devil: Hasn't your ankle been hurting?
You get the picture. So will I run? I guess we'll all find out in about 30 minutes.
May 8, 2011
Japan Day Run
Today was a perfect day for a run in Central Park: sunny, cool, good positive energy. Although, I wasn't feeling so hot, to be honest. My mom made my these Korean buns for breakfast and I couldn't say, "No, I'm about to head on a run." I ate and an hour later I could feel the buns slowly expand in my stomach as the race progressed. But despite that, I still managed to PR! Four miles in 37:40.
I even did one mile in under 9 minutes. I actually feel like I've earned my pink bib. It was worth the very short visit home (which, sadly, I spent sleeping since I was transitioning back to days).
On a serious note, NYRR has done a Japan Day run for a couple of years now, at least that I've noticed. This year they collected on-site donations to support earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. That's not all. They are doing a virtual Run/Walk to Benefit Japan. Between 1 May and 22 May, you have to run or walk four miles and just submit your result using a Garmin/Nike+/mapmyrun/etc. I signed up and am hoping to best the race pace I did today, but I doubt it will happen. Still, it will be fun to compare my Central Park 4-miler to the Mall 4-miler.
There was one funny thing of note. As I was driving over the GW bridge into NYC, there were hundreds of cyclists on the other side of the bridge heading into NJ! It was the starting (and end) point for the Gran Fondo New York Bike Race -- just a little 100 mile bike ride. At least I'm not that crazy!
I even did one mile in under 9 minutes. I actually feel like I've earned my pink bib. It was worth the very short visit home (which, sadly, I spent sleeping since I was transitioning back to days).
On a serious note, NYRR has done a Japan Day run for a couple of years now, at least that I've noticed. This year they collected on-site donations to support earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. That's not all. They are doing a virtual Run/Walk to Benefit Japan. Between 1 May and 22 May, you have to run or walk four miles and just submit your result using a Garmin/Nike+/mapmyrun/etc. I signed up and am hoping to best the race pace I did today, but I doubt it will happen. Still, it will be fun to compare my Central Park 4-miler to the Mall 4-miler.
There was one funny thing of note. As I was driving over the GW bridge into NYC, there were hundreds of cyclists on the other side of the bridge heading into NJ! It was the starting (and end) point for the Gran Fondo New York Bike Race -- just a little 100 mile bike ride. At least I'm not that crazy!
May 4, 2011
Volunteering at the ACLI Capital Challenge
This rainy and cold morning I woke up at 5:15am, got my running clothes on and looked for a cab. Then I remembered, I'm in DC and finding a cab would be difficult. Still, I waited for five minutes and then ran to Haines Point. I was going to be a parking volunteer at the ACLI Capital Challenge. It's a fun race idea. It's a three mile race for teams representing Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches of the federal government and the media.
It was a nice run down to the start, about 3 miles. But I was assigned to the parking lot that people forgot. I basically stood around in the cold rain for an hour and a half to direct 6 or 7 cars to park. Still, someone had to do it, right? But instead of heading to the start of the race and watching the runners finish, I decided to run home. I was cold, wet and tired.
It was a nice run down to the start, about 3 miles. But I was assigned to the parking lot that people forgot. I basically stood around in the cold rain for an hour and a half to direct 6 or 7 cars to park. Still, someone had to do it, right? But instead of heading to the start of the race and watching the runners finish, I decided to run home. I was cold, wet and tired.
May 2, 2011
A Run to Clear the Mind
It was a busy weekend at work so I didn't really run. When I woke up this afternoon, I remedied that with a quick afternoon run. I thought I'd only do 3 miles, but turns out I stretched it to 4 in about 45 minutes. It was fun and helped clear my mind. I was trying to figure what to do regarding my future housing: to buy or not to buy, that is (or was) the question. On my run, it occurred to me that I wouldn't mind if I lost out on the apartment. It's a sign that I should not buy. I just feel bad because my realtor, K, has done a lot of work with me. But I think I've come to a good place with my decision.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)