Yes, folks, the day you've all been waiting for is finally here. I know all of you have been on the edge of your chairs.
I ran.
Yes, you heard me right! I whole 2.1 miles! Slow and easy, a nice 9:30 pace. We won't talk about my heart rate. It was pain free. I'd feel a hint of soreness, but I'm totally paranoid about it. I think the test will be if it's sore in the next few hours. I've already stretched and I'm icing as I speak. So now nice and easy and hopefully I'm on the right track.
And now on to some other news. As many of you know (and many of you do too) I spend a lot of time on the Runner's World forum. We have a nice band of ladies all with the goal of BQing and most of have reached it. It's been an unbelievable support and source of info, training buddies, racing pals, and couches to sleep on. Last year, one of our girls got attacked while running, something should never ever happen to anyone. This week, that piece of trash got sentenced to SIXTY YEARS in prison, and I hope he serves every minute of it. Just a reminder to be safe out there, esp. in these colder months when there are less people out and less light.
Many of these same girls are traveling to Philly this weekend for the Philly marathon/half marathon. This will be a meeting of epic proportions, so if you are within 150 mile radius of Philly and hear shrieking laughter, it's us. Also a shout out to me home team who's making the trip down there. Remember, dont go out to fast, check your baggage with your baggage, and run your asses off.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
put the needle on the record
I do believe I am now on the longest running break I've had in years. It's over the 2 week mark with over a week to go. I only have short burst of going insane. I fully admit to obsessing over my foot and every thing that may or may not be an ache or a pain or the ghost of either or. Really, it doesn't hurt. When I do feel something there, I think it's the spot from the shot. Because, ya know, there was a needle in the bottom of my foot.
So now we wait. And as we wait, we plan for 2010.
As everyone knows, I'm running Boston in April.
Other things I'm doing for thinking about doing are:
Mt Washington Road Race (hey only 1 hill!) This has a lottery, so we'll have to see.
Timberman, which is a half ironman. That's in August. I've done this race once before and really liked it. Loren's also doing it, it'll be here first half. Rumor has it my pal Chris is also doing it.
I want to do some short distance tris as well. I also want to do some half marathons. Last year, I did 3 of the NYC races, Manhattan, The Bronx, and Brooklyn. I most likely will do those again. Maybe the Philly distance run. I'd really like to break 1:40 in the half.
As far as fall marathon, Im not sure. I have a spot in NYC. We'll see. I have tons of time to plan for that.
Anyway, still alive over here on my couch.
So now we wait. And as we wait, we plan for 2010.
As everyone knows, I'm running Boston in April.
Other things I'm doing for thinking about doing are:
Mt Washington Road Race (hey only 1 hill!) This has a lottery, so we'll have to see.
Timberman, which is a half ironman. That's in August. I've done this race once before and really liked it. Loren's also doing it, it'll be here first half. Rumor has it my pal Chris is also doing it.
I want to do some short distance tris as well. I also want to do some half marathons. Last year, I did 3 of the NYC races, Manhattan, The Bronx, and Brooklyn. I most likely will do those again. Maybe the Philly distance run. I'd really like to break 1:40 in the half.
As far as fall marathon, Im not sure. I have a spot in NYC. We'll see. I have tons of time to plan for that.
Anyway, still alive over here on my couch.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Shot through the heart
Today I went back to the Dr. With the xray negative, like her, my PT, me, the dog, and some random guy on the street knew it would be, she recommended a steroid shot to the irritated area. She doesn't think it's torn or anything, still just irritated. Perhaps after my week of drugs (when if felt good) I returned to running too soon.
Her course of action: steroid shot, no running or anything else that causes it to hurt, for 2 more week, when I return to running, short runs on the DREADMILL. I have the treadmill. I dont even have a gym membership to go an use one. Oh well. If it still hurts after this, MRI and possibly another shot. There's a 90% chance this will do the trick. I hope so!
Her course of action: steroid shot, no running or anything else that causes it to hurt, for 2 more week, when I return to running, short runs on the DREADMILL. I have the treadmill. I dont even have a gym membership to go an use one. Oh well. If it still hurts after this, MRI and possibly another shot. There's a 90% chance this will do the trick. I hope so!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
These streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you, Let's hear it for New York
The 40th NYC Marathon is in the books and did not disappoint.
Sat. morning I went to the FRNY pancake breakfast, a Front Runners tradition. It was here I really realized I was not upset about running. All that tension and stress I normally feel the day before a marathon was gone. I wasn't worrying about the weather, every little ache and pain, if someone was giving me some unknown cootie. I got to just wish everyone luck and relax.
Race morning, Loren and I rode over to our friend Marge's house to watch the pros. I'm usually in the park to see the pros go by mile 24. While that is totally cool to see them in person I then miss the end of the race which is pretty cool to see. So this time I watched in on TV.
Watching Meb win was totally amazing. He ran a really smart race. Incredible to finally see an American win NYC.
Shortly after, Loren and I high tailed it over to mile 24. Riding our bikes, we were there in less than 10 minutes. With the range of runners our team has and with the new wave start, I knew it was going to be a long day. I had to pace myself. The mile 24 water station is also a FRNY tradition (click here for a lovely photo from the '82 crowd). As I've mentioned before, I do it the years I dont run and since a marathon is out of the question for the wifey, this was her 8th year of service. If you run NYC, look for Loren in the Ithaca is Gorges Tshirt. She's use to hugs, hellos, and the stray kiss.
We got there just as our first runner came through. Rich clocked a blistering 2:41. We spent the next several hours handing out water and cheering. It's a long day but so worth. It's so much fun watching everyone come though. I know from my experiences running NYC that it is so cool to get to mile 24 and see someone you know, even if it's just one person, it can make all the difference.
All in all, FRNY, had 108 people run, times varying from 2:41 to 7:11 and everything inbetween. PR, BQ, first time, and even some devil dogs that made it the whole 26.2.
I'm proud of all of you and I hope you're proud of yourselves!
Ok, now on to me.
Still not running. I had an xray this morning to rule out a stress fracture which neither my PT or my DR think I have but in order to get an MRI, I need an xray first. Totally stupid. There's a chance I have a tear in my facia. I'm hoping it's just really irritated. I haven't run in close to 2 weeks. Well,if I need to take an extended break, let it be now so I can go into Boston ready to kick some ass.
I'll keep you posted.
Sat. morning I went to the FRNY pancake breakfast, a Front Runners tradition. It was here I really realized I was not upset about running. All that tension and stress I normally feel the day before a marathon was gone. I wasn't worrying about the weather, every little ache and pain, if someone was giving me some unknown cootie. I got to just wish everyone luck and relax.
Race morning, Loren and I rode over to our friend Marge's house to watch the pros. I'm usually in the park to see the pros go by mile 24. While that is totally cool to see them in person I then miss the end of the race which is pretty cool to see. So this time I watched in on TV.
Watching Meb win was totally amazing. He ran a really smart race. Incredible to finally see an American win NYC.
Shortly after, Loren and I high tailed it over to mile 24. Riding our bikes, we were there in less than 10 minutes. With the range of runners our team has and with the new wave start, I knew it was going to be a long day. I had to pace myself. The mile 24 water station is also a FRNY tradition (click here for a lovely photo from the '82 crowd). As I've mentioned before, I do it the years I dont run and since a marathon is out of the question for the wifey, this was her 8th year of service. If you run NYC, look for Loren in the Ithaca is Gorges Tshirt. She's use to hugs, hellos, and the stray kiss.
We got there just as our first runner came through. Rich clocked a blistering 2:41. We spent the next several hours handing out water and cheering. It's a long day but so worth. It's so much fun watching everyone come though. I know from my experiences running NYC that it is so cool to get to mile 24 and see someone you know, even if it's just one person, it can make all the difference.
All in all, FRNY, had 108 people run, times varying from 2:41 to 7:11 and everything inbetween. PR, BQ, first time, and even some devil dogs that made it the whole 26.2.
I'm proud of all of you and I hope you're proud of yourselves!
Ok, now on to me.
Still not running. I had an xray this morning to rule out a stress fracture which neither my PT or my DR think I have but in order to get an MRI, I need an xray first. Totally stupid. There's a chance I have a tear in my facia. I'm hoping it's just really irritated. I haven't run in close to 2 weeks. Well,if I need to take an extended break, let it be now so I can go into Boston ready to kick some ass.
I'll keep you posted.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Time after time
On Nov. 5th 1989, I was 18 years old and had been living in NYC for about 2 months. Sometime in the afternoon, I left my rodent infested shitbox of an apartment on 91st and Broadway for the Met. I would go there on Sundays with my pal Jen and draw. Sometimes I would ride my bike, sometimes I would walk. This day, I walked. I cut across Central Park having no idea it was marathon weekend. I stood very close to where my team, Front Runners, hands out water at mile 24. I dont remember how long I stood there watching. I do remember thinking it was really really cool and I very clearly remember 1 man who ran by.
He was missing a leg and going at it on crutches. That image has stuck with me over time.
My 18 year old self had no idea that 10 years later my 28 year old self would run NY for the first time. My high school XC coach talked about running NYC and running Boston and I thought he was nuts. By 18, I don't think I had ever run more than 6 miles at once.
Now my 38 year old self looks back over those 10 years since my first NYC and my first marathon. That 28 year old had no idea I'd run NYC 4 times (and counting!) along with 7 other marathons and be planning a trip to Boston in April.
I did hope to run this year but it's just not in the cards which is fine. NY will be here, it will always be my favorite marathon even if it's not my fastest or best.
This year, as I've done every year I haven't run but 1 since running my first NYC, I'll be out at mile 24 along with my team mates cheering and handing out water. So for all of you first time marathoners, first time runners of NYC, those looking to go under 3, those who claim it's their last, seekers of PRs, crazy maniacs, SloHoMos, BQ chasers, marathon weekend is here. All your work is done. Go out and run YOUR race and have a good time doing it.
I'll be watching!
He was missing a leg and going at it on crutches. That image has stuck with me over time.
My 18 year old self had no idea that 10 years later my 28 year old self would run NY for the first time. My high school XC coach talked about running NYC and running Boston and I thought he was nuts. By 18, I don't think I had ever run more than 6 miles at once.
Now my 38 year old self looks back over those 10 years since my first NYC and my first marathon. That 28 year old had no idea I'd run NYC 4 times (and counting!) along with 7 other marathons and be planning a trip to Boston in April.
I did hope to run this year but it's just not in the cards which is fine. NY will be here, it will always be my favorite marathon even if it's not my fastest or best.
This year, as I've done every year I haven't run but 1 since running my first NYC, I'll be out at mile 24 along with my team mates cheering and handing out water. So for all of you first time marathoners, first time runners of NYC, those looking to go under 3, those who claim it's their last, seekers of PRs, crazy maniacs, SloHoMos, BQ chasers, marathon weekend is here. All your work is done. Go out and run YOUR race and have a good time doing it.
I'll be watching!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
no parking on the dance floor
After another 4 mile run this week (the run itself was GREAT) followed by a sore foot, I put myself back on the shelf. At least another week of no running and more anti inflammatories. I am thinking of actually not running for 2 weeks. This way, all my running pals are tapering for NYC this weekend and then will be having an easy/off week the following week. Then we can all start up again together. We'll see. John did tell me if there's still pain after this go round, back to the Dr.
Since there's no running right now, I have been on my bike more. With high running milage, I tend to ride around less. Like less city riding. So now, more city riding. I actually really like that and since I ride a fixed gear around town, my pedal stroke gets smooth and it's like adding cycling strength without a whole lot of work.
Today Loren and I hopped on the road bikes and did the 26 mile River Road loop. It was a beautiful day. All the leaves are changing out there and I just felt really really good.
So I'm trying to turn a negative about the running into a cycling positive.
Since there's no running right now, I have been on my bike more. With high running milage, I tend to ride around less. Like less city riding. So now, more city riding. I actually really like that and since I ride a fixed gear around town, my pedal stroke gets smooth and it's like adding cycling strength without a whole lot of work.
Today Loren and I hopped on the road bikes and did the 26 mile River Road loop. It was a beautiful day. All the leaves are changing out there and I just felt really really good.
So I'm trying to turn a negative about the running into a cycling positive.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
fools and horses running their courses
An update:
1. Canceled NYC. Totally fine with it. Actually glad cause now I can escape taper madness.
2. Running a bit, usually about 4 miles. I take Bea with me when I can cause her limit right now is about 4.5 so I know I wont be temepted to do anything crazy.
3. having PT 2x a week. Seems to be helping.
4. I am having a bit of pain but I think it's getting better. It's still under the 3 scale while running. I am thinking about taking some time totally off again to see if that helps.
Other than that, not much going on.
1. Canceled NYC. Totally fine with it. Actually glad cause now I can escape taper madness.
2. Running a bit, usually about 4 miles. I take Bea with me when I can cause her limit right now is about 4.5 so I know I wont be temepted to do anything crazy.
3. having PT 2x a week. Seems to be helping.
4. I am having a bit of pain but I think it's getting better. It's still under the 3 scale while running. I am thinking about taking some time totally off again to see if that helps.
Other than that, not much going on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
