Run Groups and Treadmills

Earlier this week I went to the Pacer's run group/fun run. As usual, I was the slowest person there. But they're really good about sticking with you or, in my case, since I wanted to do a shorter run, sending me with other people who also want do a shorter runs. It was nice. I considered it my pace run since I was running faster than normal.

I had initially planned on running outside today, but it snowed. I went to the gym. I was going to do the power class at noon, but it was so crowded I just did some weight work on my own. I also decided to run on the treadmill. I lasted 16 mins ( or 1.62 miles). I don't know why I can't seem to run on the treadmill any more.

Running When It's 14 Degrees Outside

Saturday was the Manhattan Half Marathon. The first of my 13 half-marathons this year (if all goes to plan). I almost didn't run it. It was 14 degees at the start of the run and 16 degrees at the end. In other words, it was cold outside!

How cold was it? You could see frost on the outerlayers of most of the runners, including my hat! Thankfully, I bought some warm running gear a couple of days prior and it kept me nice and warm. Once I started running, all was good. Even my toes warmed up after a couple of miles.

I thought about quitting a couple of times (usually when I passed by the street where I was staying), but I managed to finish. I was happy because, let's face it, I didn't really train for this run. It could be why I ran as slowly as I did. Hopefully this will be my slowest run of the year.

I almost forgot, the eating part. After the run, I went to Alice's Tea Pot (Chapter 1) and split the mad hatter with my firend MP. It was a pot of tea (Mt. Everest Breakfast, for me), a buttermilk scone with clotted cream and jam, a chocolate banana scone, a BLT (which was really just a bacon sandwich with a little lettuce and tomato, and then assorted "nibbles" (which in this case was cookies and a lemon tart). It was a lot of food. And really good!

Mall Run

It's been awhile since I did a mall run. So after much hemming and hawing, and also realizing that my afternoon plans are really for Thursday and not today, I decided to take advantage of the sunny day and to a mall run. Only a partial loop. In total I ran 4.89 miles (according to mapmyrun.com) I did the look between the GW monument and the Capitol building. There were a lot of other runners out there today. It made for a nice run, all in all.

New Year's Day Run

I took it easy on my first run of the new year, in part, because some parts of the roads and sidewalks in NJ were icy or still snow covered. I did my home loop, which I'm guessing is just under 3 miles. It was a beautiful day for a run. Not to cold, sunny and the streets were not too crowded. All in all, a nice way to start the new year.

My friend AK sent me this video, I Am A Runner:

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So funny, so true.

Resolution 2011!

Well my resolutions are fairly straight forward:

1. Actually update this blog.

2. 13.1- 13 half-marathons and 1 marathon in 2011.

I've already got January, February and March down. In January I'll be running the Manhattan Half Marathon. February is the Austin Half with JC. March is Sun Trust National half marathon with TK, or what will be known from now on and my version of the princess half marathon. I might try and double up on a half in one of those months. The full marathon this year is the ING New York City Marathon!!! I'm finally in!

Reflections on the last half of the 2010 running year. I had a really good Seattle Marathon experience. I lucked out with great weather -- no rain, but it was a bit chilly. I stuck with the 4:45 pace group until about mile 19 and then when we hit the hills again, I went slower. My times with 4:5835, with a net time of (drum roll please) 4:57:06. So, at least I know I can finish a marathon in under 5 hours. I'm hoping for sub 4:30 at NYC. Cousin Sharon actually qualified for Boston on this same run!

Here's to a great 2011 running year!

G'Town and Back

I've had a couple of really good days of running and pilates. I'm actually a little bit surprised at myself. I did a long run (10 miles) that included running to the base of the Capital Crescent trail along the Potomac with TK. We tried the Galloway method or 7-8 minutes of running and then one minute of walking. Sure my legs felt fine and I felt faster during those 7-8 minutes, but overall it felt slower to me. I know it's a psychological thing tough. I also did a pilates class at the gym. They changed instructors (and I liked the old instructor) and the new girl went right into it and didn't really believe in resting between sets. So overall, my core is sore! (Yes, bad puns abound). And then this morning I did my typical 3 mile loop with JW. I had to drag myself out of bed, but at least I went.

So, how did I reward myself after yesterday's long run? Ate a pint of Ben and Jerry's. I'm thinking my 20 in 2010 is going to be hard to reach.....so long as I reach for the B&Js.

X-training

During one of my runs this week, I got to talking about cross-training -- how I need to do more of it. OK, do some cross-training. I use to be much better about finding time to go to pilates or doing some weight work, but I have let it slide. With my work schedule constantly changing, I've found a midday class that is fun and gives me a good workout. It's not Zumba (which, yes, I've heard is great). It's a stability ball class. I just thought it would be an easy flexibility/core building class. But this class kicks my a@@! I was sore for two days after the first class I took. It's lost of arm work, core and balance. It's also a lot of fun.