Since the marathon that wasn't I've been very lazy with my running. I did the Jingle Bell 8k in Washington, DC. But I'm starting to think about the races for the coming year.
It's looking good. If for no other reason because my Nike Women's Half lottery luck has turned for the better. I got into the inaugural Nike Women's Half in Washington, D.C. TK said the San Francisco one was very crowded when she ran it, so I'm preparing for that. Still, the little blue boxes should make it worthwhile....or at least I hope.
The other run that I have signed up for this year is the Dingle Half Marathon. I'm very excited about this. Aside from the fact that I've never been outside of Dublin, the course looks beautiful. And Guiness makes everything better.
Otherwise, in February I'm running the Gridiron Classic. And I'm leaning towards running NYC marathon in 2013. But I've still got time to decide on that one.
Happy Running!
Dec 31, 2012
Nov 5, 2012
The NYC Marathon That Wasn't...And Then Was, Sort Of
After saying the 2012 ING NYC Marathon would be on, it was called off Friday just before 5:30 p.m. I was surprised that the city and NYRR said it would go on after the destruction from Sandy, but when they did I was prepared to run and redeem myself from last year.
There was a lot of opposition to putting on the race, which I agree with. And this post isn't about whether it should have happened or not (it shouldn't have). Nor is about whether they should have called it off sooner (Which, frankly, I think they should have. I didn't spend as much to travel to this race as tens of thousands of other runners did.)
This is about the death of my dream. Given the loss of life, homes and dreams, my running dream pales in comparison, but it was still my dream.
Last year, I ran what I had hoped would be my last marathon, the 2011 ING NYC Marathon, until my no results result came in. I knew right away I'd have to run it again. I wanted a run that wouldn't have a little asterisk by it -- at least in my head. I wanted a time that showed splits. Since then I worked -- and ran -- with that goal in mind. Getting a sub-5 hour for the NYC marathon and retiring my camelback in favor of half-marathon races and shorter distances.
When I went to packet pick-up I was so happy to see the D-tag. I thought to myself, "Thank God! My time will register!" The only downside was I'd have to be bussed to the start at 6:30am, meaning I'd have to wait in the cold for a couple of hours.
On Friday, I ran around the still-closed Central Park, but could see the work that had gone into setting the race finish up. I foolishly let myself believe the marathon really was going to happen. I'd run this marathon one last time and be happy with whatever time I got and then retire from marathon races.
But by 7:30 p.m. I was on the verge of tears. It was canceled. All this hope and anticipation that had been building since the city and mayor announced the race was on just came crashing down. All the miles logged, the early mornings to run before it got hot or to meet up with the race group, the chaffing i put up with, the mental preparation I had done for the marathon was for nothing. All those times at mile 15 or 16 or 20, where I pushed myself saying 'It'll help on race day' was for a race day that never happened.
I got home, stared at my 2012 bib and race shirt and then put them away.
Sunday morning, what would have been race day, I decided to go for a short run in Central Park. I know, marathoners planned on volunteering on race day, but others planned on running the full 26.2 in the park, a throwback to the early years of the race.
I didn't know what to expect, but I didn't expect to see thousands of runners clogging the drive or the people cheering us on, handing out water and waving signs. It was really moving and it had to be a great motivator for those running the full 26.2. It reminded me what marathon running is about: pushing yourself when others and even you think you can't. They kept me running longer than I had planned. I ran 8, ending at the finish line, or just short of it.
Ultimately, that's what the NYC marathon is turning into for me: a reminder of falling short and something that remains out of reach.
I'm guaranteed entry next year, but I don't know if I'll do it. Maybe I'm not meant to get a good run out the NYC Marathon. Maybe this will always be the marathon in my mind that has an asterisk next to it.
All I know is that -- for this year -- my goal, ambition, dream and hope all rolled up into one day is gone. And it makes me sad.
There was a lot of opposition to putting on the race, which I agree with. And this post isn't about whether it should have happened or not (it shouldn't have). Nor is about whether they should have called it off sooner (Which, frankly, I think they should have. I didn't spend as much to travel to this race as tens of thousands of other runners did.)
This is about the death of my dream. Given the loss of life, homes and dreams, my running dream pales in comparison, but it was still my dream.
Last year, I ran what I had hoped would be my last marathon, the 2011 ING NYC Marathon, until my no results result came in. I knew right away I'd have to run it again. I wanted a run that wouldn't have a little asterisk by it -- at least in my head. I wanted a time that showed splits. Since then I worked -- and ran -- with that goal in mind. Getting a sub-5 hour for the NYC marathon and retiring my camelback in favor of half-marathon races and shorter distances.
When I went to packet pick-up I was so happy to see the D-tag. I thought to myself, "Thank God! My time will register!" The only downside was I'd have to be bussed to the start at 6:30am, meaning I'd have to wait in the cold for a couple of hours.
On Friday, I ran around the still-closed Central Park, but could see the work that had gone into setting the race finish up. I foolishly let myself believe the marathon really was going to happen. I'd run this marathon one last time and be happy with whatever time I got and then retire from marathon races.
But by 7:30 p.m. I was on the verge of tears. It was canceled. All this hope and anticipation that had been building since the city and mayor announced the race was on just came crashing down. All the miles logged, the early mornings to run before it got hot or to meet up with the race group, the chaffing i put up with, the mental preparation I had done for the marathon was for nothing. All those times at mile 15 or 16 or 20, where I pushed myself saying 'It'll help on race day' was for a race day that never happened.
I got home, stared at my 2012 bib and race shirt and then put them away.
Sunday morning, what would have been race day, I decided to go for a short run in Central Park. I know, marathoners planned on volunteering on race day, but others planned on running the full 26.2 in the park, a throwback to the early years of the race.
I didn't know what to expect, but I didn't expect to see thousands of runners clogging the drive or the people cheering us on, handing out water and waving signs. It was really moving and it had to be a great motivator for those running the full 26.2. It reminded me what marathon running is about: pushing yourself when others and even you think you can't. They kept me running longer than I had planned. I ran 8, ending at the finish line, or just short of it.
Ultimately, that's what the NYC marathon is turning into for me: a reminder of falling short and something that remains out of reach.
I'm guaranteed entry next year, but I don't know if I'll do it. Maybe I'm not meant to get a good run out the NYC Marathon. Maybe this will always be the marathon in my mind that has an asterisk next to it.
All I know is that -- for this year -- my goal, ambition, dream and hope all rolled up into one day is gone. And it makes me sad.
Oct 23, 2012
Running in Toronto, Eh
The last time I was in Toronto, Canada, it was for a 9th grade orchestra trip. Over Labo(u)r Day weekend, I was in Toronto for my friend JF's wedding (He and his fiancee D had a really beautiful ceremony and threw and awesome bash afterwards). It was a great city (and I'll blog about the city later), but the day of the wedding I did a long run -- 14 miles. I headed east along the river. The concierge had recommended the path. It was fairly industrial for a the first few miles. I passed the Cirque du Soleil tent and then another cirque like circus, but then I got to "the Beach." It was small and wooded, but really pretty. There was a running path that I took that provided a lot of shade and cover and was pretty.
But before long I was back on the road -- even after taking a detour to a marina. But I needed the miles so I forged ahead. About 500 feet about the bike/run path started up again so I went with it for about a mile and turned back. I had seen a park entrance and thought I'd log some miles in there. It was a nice -- and turned out -- big park. Tommy Thompson Park is called an urban park. It actually reminded me a lot of Wilmington, NC, -- wide open spaces, beautiful blue sky and the sound of water lapping on the shore. There were a lot of people running and biking in the park.
Then I headed back the way I came. By the time I reached downtown Toronto I was still a mile short so this time I headed west along the path. I stayed along the water, dodging all the people in line for the ferry to the islands. I didn't make it the the Toronto Tower, but I got to 14 miles. And my legs still felt good enough to dance at the wedding!
But before long I was back on the road -- even after taking a detour to a marina. But I needed the miles so I forged ahead. About 500 feet about the bike/run path started up again so I went with it for about a mile and turned back. I had seen a park entrance and thought I'd log some miles in there. It was a nice -- and turned out -- big park. Tommy Thompson Park is called an urban park. It actually reminded me a lot of Wilmington, NC, -- wide open spaces, beautiful blue sky and the sound of water lapping on the shore. There were a lot of people running and biking in the park.
Running Along the Thames
My friend GF and her husband spend a year in this bucolic town. It really, really lovely (as the Brits would say). The town center was bustling and there were food stands in the middle of the square with everything from paella to pimms cups. (The pimms cup was yummy.)
They live right along the Thames, which has a trail running along side. It was a no brainer where I was going to run. I got a preview of it the night before, when GF and I walked along.
It was a warm weekend and people were actually swimming in the Thames.
(I had asked GF if people did, and she said no. Then about 100 feet
further up people were jumping in!) What was really great though was seeing all the activity in the Thames -- the different boats and even ducks rocking the '80's mohawk. 
Anyway, it was pretty. I woke up early on Sunday and went up the path to the locks. It was fun and the trail even turned into a bridge across the lock/Thames twice. The running path then took the form of a dirt path with lots of high grass surrounding it. There was even a tent with some people sleeping inside it I imagine. But I turned around and went the other way.
A 1980s music festival was happening that weekend as well and the path went right along the festival grounds. So I was dodging people in their finest '80s get up. It wasn't a paved path, but a dirt path so I took it kind of easy. But I also had fun just people watching -- the festival, the other runners, and even the swimmers. Yes, swimmers! There was a swimming race of some sort.
I think it was the Bridge to Bridge Henley Swim. The date and time work out. Anyway, I ran past another lock and then the trail went through more high grass so I hit a one lane road for about half a mile and then turned around and headed back.
It was warm and I only had a bottle of water. I thought it better safe than sorry. It was still a beautiful run and a nice way for me to see a bit of the English countryside.
Aug 7, 2012
Yes, I've Been Runing...But You'd Never Know It
It's been awhile since I posted. I haven't stopped running. I just haven't been keeping good track of it. That needs to change. And I've taken some steps to ensure that it will. I signed up for a marathon training group.
As some of you know, I'd been toying with the idea of getting a coach for awhile. I asked around and a couple were recommended. I spoke with them and chose one. He runs a marathon training group and thought that might offer a good mix for me: group runs with some individual sessions.
This weekend's long run was 9 miles. That should have been nothing for me. But the weather was hot and humid and I don't know, it just wrecked me. I walked during this run. It was bad. And my legs are killing me. I don't know what happened. The week before the 7.5 mile run was a cake walk.
As some of you know, I'd been toying with the idea of getting a coach for awhile. I asked around and a couple were recommended. I spoke with them and chose one. He runs a marathon training group and thought that might offer a good mix for me: group runs with some individual sessions.
This weekend's long run was 9 miles. That should have been nothing for me. But the weather was hot and humid and I don't know, it just wrecked me. I walked during this run. It was bad. And my legs are killing me. I don't know what happened. The week before the 7.5 mile run was a cake walk.
Jun 29, 2012
Running the Bridle Path with a Run Group
After almost a year, I finally made it to a NYC Run Group -- The Running Co. at Colombus Circle. The loop they did was something they called the lollipop. You run up the bridle path (the stick) and then circle the Reservoir (the lolli part). It was fun to learn a new party. (Of course Garmin didn't pick me up until I hit the Res), but as with my previous run group experience, I lagged far behind. In fact, so far behind that when they went around the res, the went clockwise. I didn't know any better and went counter-clockwise. I saw them pass me and that's how I knew I was going the wrong way.
Still, for about the first mile I kept up (with the stragglers), so it was a mini speed workout for me. I'm used to being the lagger on group runs. It's fine, especially when I know the course. I felt a little stupid since I didn't really know the course they were using and couldn't see which way they went (that's how far I lagged). But, every once in a while I wish there was a slow runners run group. It'd be nice to actually chat with some of the other runners while I do my run, not just before it. Based on the time I think I ran just over 4 miles. I'll have to do that full lolli run to get an accurate distance. (I decided to run home once I hit the 72nd st. Transverse rather than run back down to Columbus Circle.
Still, for about the first mile I kept up (with the stragglers), so it was a mini speed workout for me. I'm used to being the lagger on group runs. It's fine, especially when I know the course. I felt a little stupid since I didn't really know the course they were using and couldn't see which way they went (that's how far I lagged). But, every once in a while I wish there was a slow runners run group. It'd be nice to actually chat with some of the other runners while I do my run, not just before it. Based on the time I think I ran just over 4 miles. I'll have to do that full lolli run to get an accurate distance. (I decided to run home once I hit the 72nd st. Transverse rather than run back down to Columbus Circle.
Jun 22, 2012
Need to Re-Think How to Clock Mileage
Once again my Garmin failed to locate satellites when I started my run. I do wait a bit on the street corner for it to try and locate, but after awhile I just feel funny standing on the street corner, watching this bar on my watch almost become full and then just drop down to half way again. So I will start running figuring the Garmin will catch up with me...eventually
But it means I don't get an accurate gauge of my pace and time.
I used mapmyrun.com when I got home to gauge the distance (just shy of 3 miles) and then went to daily mile to log that and the time that Garmin gave me to get pace. Now I run in Central Park enough to get a general idea of how far I go, but really I want to know exactly, otherwise how will I know if I'm getting faster or slower.
All this has me thinking about whether it's time to retire my Garmin, shell out $$$ on a new one or try and figure out who to run with my iPhone.
Honestly, this is primarily a summer problem. In the the other seasons I run with jackets or a vest that has a pocket that I can stick my iPhone into and use any of my apps to clock the run and get distance. It's the summer, where running shorts or skorts don't have pockets really that I really tend to depend on the Garmin. I could use one of those arm band things, but in the past I've found them annoying and they chafe. I try not to run withe race belt because I always just feel weird with it. And honestly, I like the freedom that running without my iPhone or only just my shuffle affords me.
Suggestions anyone?
But it means I don't get an accurate gauge of my pace and time.
For example, today Garmin didn't find me until after I'd hit the park and crossed it. And it didn't take me 17 mins to run a mile.
I used mapmyrun.com when I got home to gauge the distance (just shy of 3 miles) and then went to daily mile to log that and the time that Garmin gave me to get pace. Now I run in Central Park enough to get a general idea of how far I go, but really I want to know exactly, otherwise how will I know if I'm getting faster or slower.
All this has me thinking about whether it's time to retire my Garmin, shell out $$$ on a new one or try and figure out who to run with my iPhone.
Honestly, this is primarily a summer problem. In the the other seasons I run with jackets or a vest that has a pocket that I can stick my iPhone into and use any of my apps to clock the run and get distance. It's the summer, where running shorts or skorts don't have pockets really that I really tend to depend on the Garmin. I could use one of those arm band things, but in the past I've found them annoying and they chafe. I try not to run withe race belt because I always just feel weird with it. And honestly, I like the freedom that running without my iPhone or only just my shuffle affords me.
Suggestions anyone?
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