I don't mind running in cold weather. In fact, I prefer it over hot, humid summer weather. It may take more time for me to warm up and get into a groove, but I do....eventually. This morning, it was about 20 degrees when I went out. But the sun was out and it wasn't too windy, so off I went. I even did a different route; I went north to the 102nd street transfer, and then headed south on the west side. Instead of going down to the 72nd street transfer, I decided to run the loop around the Great Lawn.
It also helped loosen up the legs. On Saturday, I went skiing at Camelback. The first time, this year, that I got to go ski. My legs weren't too bad after, but on Sunday, I was feeling it. But it was worth it.
All in all, I nice President's Day weekend
Feb 18, 2013
Jan 11, 2013
Running Lake Tahoe
At the end of September, I went to SG and ZE's wedding in South Lake Tahoe, California. It was a beautiful ceremony, right on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
When they sent out the weekend wedding events, they mentioned that the post-wedding brunch would be held right along the course of the Lake Tahoe Marathon. Needless to say, that peaked my interest.
The Lake Tahoe Marathon is not one race, it's actually a weekend long running and tri smorgasbord. They had a 20 miler, which was just one mile more than I needed to do for my marathon (that wasn't) training that weekend, so I signed up. It's a point-to-point race. So all the different races start at different points along this one course.
Getting home fairly early from the wedding reception, I laid everything out so I would be ready when I got up in 5 hours to go grab the 6 am shuttle.
I got to the shuttle location, which was really empty, with about 20 minutes to spare. It was really empty. I was basically in a parking lot. Something about it wasn't right. That's when I unclipped my bib to double check the time. That's when I saw I had the time right, but I was in the wrong location. I had 20 minutes to "travel just down the road," according to the hotel front desk.
Just down the road turned out to be about 4.5 miles away. I'm running down the street at 5:40 a.m., it's pitch black, and I'm hating myself for not checking. About 2 miles in I realize just down the road really isn't just down the road, and I will miss the shuttle.
I have about $10 on me, but I'm not seeing a cab. So I think, maybe I can get the half marathon shuttle or the 10k shuttle. About 1.5 miles away from the pick-up point, I finally flag down a cab. It's 6:15 am he drops me off just shy of the stop (he was on his way to another pickup). And I think to myself: do I try and talk myself into the half marathon or the 10k? The half marathon starts at 9:30am, the 10k at like 8am. (The 20 miler was supposed to start at 7am.) I have to check out by noon. I opt for the 10k and figure I will run the opposite direction for about 3 miles, run back and then start the 10k. I figure with the running to the start, it will get me to around 18-19 miles total.
So, I tell the guy at the shuttle drop-off site, he lets me on and I settle in for the 25 minute ride to the start. When I get to the start, just before mile marker 20, I take off in the opposite direction. The 10k starts at the crest of a major hill, so I head downhill. And all I can think about, besides how stupid I am, is how beautiful it is, and how it's still kind of dark.
At the bottom of the hill, people are setting up music and water stations, but I just chug along, enjoying the views, if not the altitude. Then I start looking for port-a-potties. I hit mile marker 19 and then 18, as buses carrying half marathoners drive past. As I get towards mile 17, I see a couple of other runners. I figure they must be really fast marathoners. I go a little bit past that and start heading back the way I came.
The run helped calm me down a bit. As you can imagine, I was really kicking myself. It also didn't help that I didn't bring any water with me. (I figured I'd just use the water stops along the course.) By the time I got back to the water stop at the base of the hill, it was ready to go. I grabbed a water, listened to some music and then prepared for the hill. Hill is an understatement. Tahoe is surrounded by mountains, and this was running up a mountain. Granted, it wasn't as bad as the "hill"from miles 15 to just before 17, but it was larger than anything else I had run.
I had to stop and walk a bit, but when I got to the top, the 10k still hadn't started. There was a delay. So, what did I decide to do? I ran back down the hill. Here's a video of the band that was playing just past the base of the hill.
Anyway, by the time I got back to the top, the 10k had finally started and off I went. It was mostly downhill from there. I was sluggish for most of this run. I blame it on the altitude, but it was fun. There was some nice crowd support, and the scenery was beautiful, even when they had us on bike and walking trails.
When I got to the site S and Z's brunch party, I peeled off and chatted with the newly married couple, for about 15 mins. And then got back and finished the last mile and a half of the run.
When I got to the finish, they gave me the 20 miler finisher medal, even after I told the person that I didn't start at the 20miler. I didn't have a chip or bib chip, and since it wasn't a competitive race, I didn't think to find the timekeepers to let them know. (I got an email a couple of weeks later, someone challenging my "time" and I explained what happened to the organizer.)
All in all, the run is worth it just for the views. I had a great time in Lake Tahoe. Stayed at a really cute hotel, Basecamp.
I have to stay I loved the way they marked the border between the two. The other thing I missed about the western part of the country, just how big everything is. Mountains, trees, even the pine cones!
All in all, it was a great weekend to be back in the Lake Tahoe area!
When they sent out the weekend wedding events, they mentioned that the post-wedding brunch would be held right along the course of the Lake Tahoe Marathon. Needless to say, that peaked my interest.
The Lake Tahoe Marathon is not one race, it's actually a weekend long running and tri smorgasbord. They had a 20 miler, which was just one mile more than I needed to do for my marathon (that wasn't) training that weekend, so I signed up. It's a point-to-point race. So all the different races start at different points along this one course.
Getting home fairly early from the wedding reception, I laid everything out so I would be ready when I got up in 5 hours to go grab the 6 am shuttle.
I got to the shuttle location, which was really empty, with about 20 minutes to spare. It was really empty. I was basically in a parking lot. Something about it wasn't right. That's when I unclipped my bib to double check the time. That's when I saw I had the time right, but I was in the wrong location. I had 20 minutes to "travel just down the road," according to the hotel front desk.
Just down the road turned out to be about 4.5 miles away. I'm running down the street at 5:40 a.m., it's pitch black, and I'm hating myself for not checking. About 2 miles in I realize just down the road really isn't just down the road, and I will miss the shuttle.
I have about $10 on me, but I'm not seeing a cab. So I think, maybe I can get the half marathon shuttle or the 10k shuttle. About 1.5 miles away from the pick-up point, I finally flag down a cab. It's 6:15 am he drops me off just shy of the stop (he was on his way to another pickup). And I think to myself: do I try and talk myself into the half marathon or the 10k? The half marathon starts at 9:30am, the 10k at like 8am. (The 20 miler was supposed to start at 7am.) I have to check out by noon. I opt for the 10k and figure I will run the opposite direction for about 3 miles, run back and then start the 10k. I figure with the running to the start, it will get me to around 18-19 miles total.
At the bottom of the hill, people are setting up music and water stations, but I just chug along, enjoying the views, if not the altitude. Then I start looking for port-a-potties. I hit mile marker 19 and then 18, as buses carrying half marathoners drive past. As I get towards mile 17, I see a couple of other runners. I figure they must be really fast marathoners. I go a little bit past that and start heading back the way I came.
I had to stop and walk a bit, but when I got to the top, the 10k still hadn't started. There was a delay. So, what did I decide to do? I ran back down the hill. Here's a video of the band that was playing just past the base of the hill.
Anyway, by the time I got back to the top, the 10k had finally started and off I went. It was mostly downhill from there. I was sluggish for most of this run. I blame it on the altitude, but it was fun. There was some nice crowd support, and the scenery was beautiful, even when they had us on bike and walking trails.
When I got to the site S and Z's brunch party, I peeled off and chatted with the newly married couple, for about 15 mins. And then got back and finished the last mile and a half of the run.
All in all, the run is worth it just for the views. I had a great time in Lake Tahoe. Stayed at a really cute hotel, Basecamp.
They even had a fire at night, where you could roast marshmallows and make s'mores. I think it won my heart, right then and there. Would stay there again. (And interesting note, the guy who checked me in was running the full marathon!)
I even managed to get a short hike in at Van Sickle Bi-State park. Why is it a bi-state park? Because it straddles Nevada and California!
Jan 8, 2013
Cold, Cold, Go Away!
I'm not talking about the weather. I have a cold. I've had a cold for several days, even though it has felt like several weeks. I actually want to run, but I get winded walking briskly down the street. This does not bode well for half marathon training.
Jan 2, 2013
First Run of New Year
I ran today. It was the first time in, well, in a long time. I went just over 30 minutes, running around the Reservoir. It was also really cold, 23 degrees when I went out and 25 degrees when I came back.
Happy 2013.
Happy 2013.
Dec 31, 2012
Running 2013
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!
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!
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.
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