Jingle Bell Jog

The Jingle Bell Jog was one of my favorite NYRR races last year when I ran with Jenny, so I was excited to run it again with Jenny and Joyce this year! The forecast was for 100% rain, but luckily it didn't start raining until we had finished, and the weather was pleasantly warm (45 degrees).

I wore my usual green Lucy jacket, with the race swag stripey tech socks and a Yankees cap. I knew I couldn't PR because it was my first run after the marathon, but I discussed pacing with Jenny, saying a 10:00 min/mile pace was a respectable effort. I ended up running it in 41:34 (Jenny finished at our target pace!), which was a 10:24 pace and probably the fastest I've run since September's one-mile race.

The first mile felt like it took ages, and a lot of it was uphill. The second and third went by more quickly, and I lost Jenny by stopping at the first water station. I skipped all the rest, but I wanted to take it easy, so I didn't sprint for the finish, though I probably could have. We all went to brunch at Stecchino, an Italian place, and I had a maple sausage eggs benedict and split it for Tom's steak and eggs.

My legs paid for the "speed" the next day, as they were thoroughly sore, reminding me how easily and quickly one can get out of running shape! I had planned to run with Heather at 8:00am but I canceled to sleep in. I'm looking forward to running this weekend and hope to get my mileage up to ~15 miles per week by the end of the month.

Jenny and I have our sights set on a sub-2 half in May, so we have a renewed desire to train properly for that goal.

NYC Marathon Recap

I can't believe I am a marathoner! It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I think I was very underprepared for the distance, especially since my longest "run" this training cycle had been 10 miles + a 4-mile walk.

Pre-Race
Robyn and I signed up for the 8:15am Staten Island Ferry, so I woke up at 6:30am, made 2 peanut butter bagels and got dressed. I packed my bag with a Hello Kitty fleece blanket, put on my throwaway sweatshirt, and took the subway to the ferry terminal. The entire time I listened to two Southern gals discuss their marathons and coach and speedwork.

The ferry terminal was packed with runners. Luckily there were clean and numerous restrooms, and though the line was ridiculously long, it went fast and the bathroom attendant was getting everyone pumped. I gave Robyn a bagel and banana and we waited until 8:10am to board the ferry. The ferry ride was slow and boring, and once we got to Staten Island, we had to board a bus to get to the start. We figured we would rather wait in the warm terminal rather than outside so we waited a bit then boarded the bus for the longest 10-minute ride ever. Lots of runners were sharing stories and backgrounds. The bus ride (we started waiting for a bus at 9:00am) took so long that we got there barely in time for the 10:55am start.

Miles 1-2
We walked up to the Verazzano Bridge, heard the cannon go off, and started our NYC marathon to the sound of Frank Sinatra's New York, New York. We were in the orange corral so we went over the bridge, which was ridiculously windy. I focused on keeping my pace at 12:00-13:00, trying to start slow and finish fast (hah!). Robyn ran a bit faster and kept looking behind at me, but I didn't want to go out too fast, so I tried to keep a steady pace.

Miles 3-9
Brooklyn was by far the best part of the race. The crowds were out, live music was plentiful, and at one point, runners and spectators were doing the YMCA. I took a Gu every 40 minutes to an hour to keep my energy level up. The sun was shining and my legs felt good (too good and I sped up to under 12:00-minute miles).  Robyn and I had split up but her two bathroom stops made us end up in the same place! We stuck together until about Mile 16/17. I high-fived a row of little kids and laughed at the sign that said "Run from ebola!"

Miles 10-16
We crossed the bridge from Brooklyn into Queens and at the half-marathon point, I felt drained. Despite going conservatively, I guess pushing against the wind took more out of me than I expected. Queens was nondescript and soon over, and we were in the long Queensboro bridge, which was incredibly windy. I wanted to walk, but Robyn kept encouraging me to run. I told her that everything from the waist down was in pain. We finally made it through and as we ran into Manhattan, I heard my name being yelled. I was so excited to see Tom and Leemo on the side cheering me on! Boosted, I ran toward 1st Ave.

Miles 17-20
Running up from the 70s to the Bronx was difficult. I knew it was only 8 or so miles to the finish, but I stopped to walk and seriously considered quitting. These were my slowest miles of the race.  I told myself that once I got to Mile 20, it'd be the "halfway" point of the marathon and I could easily finish a 10K. The crowds were also sparse in the 100s and the Bronx. My body was hurting with every step and only walking seemed possible. The Bronx felt quick, and we were soon headed back into Manhattan.

Miles 20-23
I ran down from the Bronx and felt boosted for Mile 20. I sped up and my legs felt surprisingly fresh. But then in Miles 22-23, my legs felt like sandbags and my muscles felt destroyed. Running down 5th Ave. wasn't terrible, but I expected us to run down until 59th St, so I was pleasantly surprised that we turned into the Park right before Mile 24.

Mile 24-26.2
Once inside the Park, I heard my name and looked and saw Nathan! I high-fived him and heard Lyndsey yell, "Yayayay!!" which totally boosted me at that moment! I sped up again, only to hit another wall at Mile 25.  With one mile left to go, I ran/shuffled as quickly as I could, scanning the crowds along 59th St. for Tom.  Right at the corner before turning back into the Park, I saw him and high-fived him! I saw the 26 mile marker and sped up, thinking I could keep it up to the finish. Not so, I lost steam but teared up when I saw the finish line, blinked back my tears, and crossed the finish line!!

Post-Race
My right knee was in immense pain and NYRR makes you shuffle 2 miles to get out of the Park (and once you do, you have to trek another Avenue to get transportation anywhere). All cabs were taken, traffic was horrible because they shut down Broadway. Robyn and I debated getting a Lyft, Uber, pedicab (but we only had $10), and finally boarded a bus ride that took 30 minutes to go 20 blocks. We got home and I showered and we ate brisket and mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, beans, and sweet potatoes.

I can't stop thinking about the experience--it was incredible, but it was also a LOT of wear and tear and damage to my body. I don't think I can run another one, I went as hard as I could and only managed 5:50:05. I think I'll stick to halfs but I'm lucky and thankful I was able to run the NYC Marathon!

Marathon Training (Week 13)

I ran 5 miles on the treadmill on Saturday because it was raining and cold and I had limited time because we had to meet friends for some BBQ (which was a delicious post-run treat, even though Tom and I were deprived of our weekend bagels). For some reason I had a mental block against running 5 miles straight, so after 1.5 mile, I hopped off to get some water. I did another 2 miles (walking .5 of it), then got water again, then I finished with 1.5 miles.

Sunday was my 10-mile run. Tom did 5 miles with me, then I finished a second 5-mile loop on my own. I was struggling until I took more strides, which helped me keep moving forward and made my footfalls lighter and softer, which made running the rest of the 2 miles of the loop feel much easier. It was a warm day and I test-ran my marathon outfit, which turned out to be a poor choice because it was so warm. I'm not sure what I will wear if it is mid-high 50s on marathon day!

I read a blog about BQ-ing and one of the factors the author attributed his BQ to was increasing his strides per minute to 180/min. A lot of run/science blogs are debunking the theory, but it at least should help reduce impact, right?

I was a bit concerned about not hitting the magical 20-mile number for my longest run in marathon training. I felt slightly better about it after reading about some running coaches recommending running no longer than 2.5 hours (after which the benefits of the run don't outweigh the costs and wear on your body and increases the chance of injury). Of course most assumed that total weekly mileage was decent (mine isn't because I only run on weekends). But I guess I'll either walk slowwwly or let adrenaline carry me across the finish line. I'm already plotting which sweats and/or jacket to buy as bragging rights.

(How I ate back the calories)

Marathon Training (Week 12)

Saturday it was raining and I had a bit of work to do so after a long week, I did an easy 3 miles on the treadmill then went home to work.

Sunday was PERFECT RUNNING WEATHER!!! There was also the hustle and bustle and race day excitement of a half marathon in Central Park! The feeling of running a race without having to pay for it! Tom and I did the big 6-mile loop and I felt fantastic in the cool weather and fun atmosphere. I convinced Tom to do a second 5-mile loop, which we conquered with a bit of walking. I had intended to do 10-18 miles so I carried on alone for a last 4 mile loop, but as soon as I started heading up the east side of the Park my entire body was in pain. I cut across the Reservoir and just walked until I got home. I must have gone too fast during the second loop because I've never been in so much pain. 

I made it home but at one point I was despairing and wondering how I could get home without having to move any more.

One day after I feel fine. I'm debating whether to repeat last weeks 5mi/10mi for next weekend or try for 15-18 miles in one go. I'm getting nervous about experiencing the same type of pain during the marathon where it hurts to move. I'm not sure how best to prepare for it other than to run as slowly as possible. I guess I'm also banking on some race day adrenaline to get me to the full 26.2.

Bronx 10-Miler Recap (Marathon Training Week 11)

On Saturday, Tom and I set out to run 5 miles and I promptly wanted to walk and/or quit. He made me finish the 5-mile loop and we rewarded ourselves with our usual post-run bagels.

On Sunday, I ran the Bronx 10-miler with Robyn on pretty tired legs (we walked a lot Friday and Saturday, not to mention the 5-mile run).  I met Robyn at the start and we were in the back of the pack, but with my legs, the 12-minute-mile pace felt just right.

The course was rather boring, with a long straight run down Grand Concourse (which reminded me of my least favorite part of the Brooklyn Half from Prospect Park to Coney Island boardwalk but with less crowd support). Robyn and I stayed together for the most part, even though she took a bathroom break (guess I was running really slowwwly)! The course was an out-and-back, so we cheered on the first-place runner--he looked so breezy and all smiles, it was really refreshing and exciting to see someone run with such joy and so effortlessly! Unlike my plodding along--Tom coined the word "plogging" to describe my running (plodding and jogging).

I walked through all but two water stops, and thank goodness I had my new iPod shuffle to help the miles go by. (Note to self: OneRepublic, Kesha and Katy Perry are much better running songs than A Fine Frenzy and Snow Patrol.) My legs and feet were hurting and I was thinking that all the pain was due to Robyn, who got me to sign up for this race and for the freakin marathon.

I made it to the finish line, and beamed and waved when I saw Tom waiting for me. He even brought me a bagel! He's the best! I was sore the rest of that day but I'm fine the day after.

Official finish time: 1:57:28, an 11:45 min/mile pace. Slower than my half-marathon time, but it was a hot day and I had tired legs.

Next week: 20 miles!!!

Marathon Training (Week 10)

Ack! 6 weeks until I have to run 26.2 miles! What am I doing with my life.

So this weekend was probably the most I've run since June...I ran 6 miles Saturday with Heather, then 5 miles today with Tom. Then I went kayaking on the Hudson and got a little too much Hudson River on my face. But it was free so that's good for the wedding fund.

I've been running Garmin-less. Yesterday was all about catching up with Heather on her trip to Berlin and her fight for Taiwanese independence. Today Tom and I debated religious hostility, whether America was built on Christian ideals, and vaccines and correlation/causation of autism.

Luckily the fall weather has made running much more bearable than in the height of summer heat. And I have a shiny new iPod shuffle to listen to for next week's Bronx 10-miler and the 20 mile run I have scheduled for October 4!

I think in 2015 I'm only going to run the Brooklyn Half. I've spent well over $500 on races in 2014 and I need to just run in CP without being forced to in a race.

Fifth Avenue Mile Race Recap

I ran fast. My goal was 8:xx, which I told Robyn at the start. It was chilly at the start! Tom and I walked to the start at 5th Ave and 79th Street.

At the 1/4 marker, the clock read 2:19. At the 1/2 mile marker, it read 4:19. At the 3/4 mile marker, it read 6:13. I slowed down because my breathing was heavy and burning up my lungs and I knew I could make my goal time. Then when I checked my time via live tracking, I was surprised to see 7:37! I was coughing and having difficulty breathing the entire walk home, and downing a cup of water at Starbucks did little to help. Only after a hot shower did I start to feel better.

Tom says he runs fast all the time and he always feels like crap after. I think I'll never run that fast again. Or run the race ever again. I'll watch Tom and Leemo race it instead!

Ponytail flyin!

Marathon Training (Weeks 5-6)

The half of my goal distance training continues. I ran 5 miles (with Tom, Heather and Nikita) last Saturday, then this past weekend, did 6 miles (alone) and 4 miles (with Tom and Robyn). I also went stand-up paddleboarding, which was a full-body workout and loads of fun!

Tom tried hard to get me to go to the gym during the week but I felt really exhausted and had no energy after work. Hopefully we got enough rest this weekend (no 3am karaoke nights) so I will have more energy and motivation to check my runs off my training list.

Also on my mind is wedding planning. Holy costs out the wazoo! My #1 item was the photographer and I'm 99% on the way to booking her, and she's amazing and sweet. We changed our date for her, which may seem crazy but we hadn't booked a venue or committed to that date so we felt flexible.

We've also been trying to clean and organize our tiny 1 bedroom apartment, looking for new avenues of storage. We've thrown some boxes under the futon and contemplated getting a underneath the bed storage, but all our funds are being scrimped and saved toward the wedding so what we have now will have to do.

Marathon Training (Weeks 1-4)

Sooo I should be running 12-26 miles per week. Hah. Not happening. I was kind of depressed about Tom being stuck in England for 3 weeks and was a bit busy with work and celebrating engagements with friends, so I barely ran.

I've probably been running 3-5 miles each Saturday with Heather/Tom and essentially running 0 throughout the week. Tom and I did about 3 miles last night around the Reservoir at sunset. There is a portion on the UES area that is closed for construction and I think I ate at least one bug.

I keep saying I will run 8/10/12 miles but ending up with 4/5 miles...but something is better than nothing right? The weather is getting cooler already, which helps.

Hopefully I will wake up bright and early tomorrow and actually run 10 miles.

But our weekends have been pretty packed. Tomorrow is an Ikea trip to get a shoe rack and some new desk chairs (I hate the big black unwieldy ones). Sunday we are trying stand-up paddleboarding for the first time before summer is officially over! Hope it doesn't rain...

Mental Game

My Brooklyn Half and Queens 10K times were more than 2 minutes over my goal time.  While at the time of racing, it felt like a physical impediment, I think my mental game could have gotten me at goal or closer to goal.  Also, it's strange how I can run a 10K faster during a half marathon than at a 10K.  Another mental issue, because it seems so short in comparison to the full 13.1, but when running a 10K, 6.2 seems long enough to be daunting.

I think one important issue is that I need start more slowly.  I think I hit a mini-wall at Mile 2 of the 10K and Mile 8 of the Half.  I should address this by doing progression runs, which I find absolutely difficult to do.  I'm the positive split queen!  But this also failed to help at the NYC Half, where I started very conservatively (but that may have been due to the cold temperature and thawing out enough to pick up the pace).

It's also discouraging that I'm so slow.  My pace seems stuck, for better and for worse.  I can't imagine running an 8-minute mile, but I also can't imagine running a half marathon in slower than a 10-something pace.  But maybe it's because I choose comfort and familiarity over speed.  When I was running 10-minute miles, it felt safe and comfortable and ensured that I'd be injury-free.  Going at 9:20ish hurt my legs and lungs.  And when I ran the Jingle Bell Jog at that pace, I crashed right before the finisher's chute and jogged to the finish.  It's so hard to strike the right balance of having enough energy for a kick and fast finish and putting everything out there on the course and not having too much energy left over.  I know I should try to finish my longer runs with a sprint to work on this.  I'm also trying to be more mindful of running slow runs slowly and fast runs fast.

Pace seems so relative though.  When I only run at 5.2 on the treadmill, that seems difficult.  But when I start at 5.7, 5.2 is so easy.  And running at 7.2 makes 5.7 a breeze.  I think I gain confidence knowing I can hang onto faster paces, but starting slow just keeps me going slower.  But the opposite seems true at a race.  Starting fast depletes my energy.

I also think I've been wary of speedwork because after the 800m repeats, my legs felt dead for days.  But there are other factors that may have contributed to this--lack of sleep, not fueling properly, and running outside in heat and humidity.  I was so slow that Tom walked uphill faster than I was jogging, and I couldn't pick up the pace.

Sometimes I just want to go back to running at whatever speed and not caring about my race times or PRing.  Running was simpler and I was happier.  But then I want to see what my potential is, how fast I can get, whether I can run a 5K in under 30 minutes, a10K in under an hour, a half in under 2 hours, a marathon in under 4.5 hours.

And despite my only goal for the marathon being simply to finish, I hold onto the hope that I will finish between 4:29 and 5:00.

Mindy-K Training: Week 3 (9.28 miles)

Does it even really count as training if I skip all the tempo runs and intervals and do one easy run and one race? Does it even deserve a separate blog post? Oh well, it's getting one.

Monday: rest (worked late)
Tuesday: 3 miles on a treadmill with Heather (after drinking a beer, so suuuuper slow and it was supposed to be 4 miles)
Wednesday: rest (Yankees game! + food poisoning >.<)
Thursday: rest (date night with Tom at a wine and cheese bar and attempts to settle my stomach)
Friday: rest (dinner at Rare in Chelsea, then Alex's house party)
Saturday: whitewater rafting from 7:30am to 7:00pm (then Ippudo then sleep)
Sunday: Queens 10K (then dim sum, then a barbeque and the USA-Portugal game in New Roc)

Leemo's gone now, so maybe this week will be less socializing and more running. I may revert to last week's plan because the intervals sound fun!

Queens 10K Race Recap

I "tapered" the week leading up to the race, which meant I was too lazy to actually run the tempo run I had scheduled this week and only did a slow 3 miles on the treadmill. I also went whitewater rafting the day before the race, which must have exhausted me more than I realized.

I started the race around 9:14-paced runners, which meant absolutely no weaving and dodging in the first mile. But it also meant that the runners I started with were much faster than my legs were capable of running that day.  I held on for the first mile, but immediately, my calf began cramping on the outer sides.  I skipped the first water station but went to all but the last after that.  I hung onto goal pace (sub-9:34) for the second mile, but with my leg hurting, I decided to ease off of goal pace and run comfortably because I didn't want to risk an injury and felt my training hadn't adequately prepared me to meet my goal.

The course was described as fast and flat, but it turns out that with all my hill training in Central Park, fast and flat may have contributed to my calves cramping, as I was using only certain muscles in my legs that I didn't always use for extended periods of time.  For miles 3-5, I just kept running and told myself not to walk at the very least.  I also hated the course, because we ran next to the highway and I felt like I was inhaling car exhaust.  It was rather disheartening to see so many people pass me, but I kept running, even if it was slow.  It also felt very humid and outside of the shade, it was getting HOT! I definitely perked up once we entered Corona Park again, because I was looking forward to seeing the giant globe and finishing.

Before we got to the globe, there was an out-and-back section, which was motivating to see the other runners coming back.  But it was also difficult to wonder when the turnaround point would come!  One girl kept huffing as she ran and she was annoying so I sped up so I wouldn't have to listen to her.  Once we turned into the park, I sped up more, excited at the prospect of finishing (and that globe!).  Once we hit the globe, I knew we were so close to the finish, so I sped up to probably a 9-minute mile (my Garmin only shows average pace and not instantaneous pace, so I only saw that my average pace dropped to about 9:24).

When I got to the finisher's chute, I began sprinting and passing up other runners.  I spotted Tom near the finish line, so I kicked it up into top speed and finished (too) strong.  I think I had way too much gas in the tank at the finish, and I should have run faster in miles 4-5.

Where did my neck go? Tom said I look like Kim Jong Il.

 

Flyin!

See yaaaa!

Tom got some great action shots!

I'm disappointed that I gave up so easily mentally.  I blame going out too fast and maybe rafting the day before. I'm not sure I'll try the 10K distance again, and I definitely won't be running the Queens 10K again.  I just really did not like the course.

My official time was 1:02:54, but I did overrun the course, and my Garmin said I ran 6.28 miles.  Even though I didn't meet my A goal, I met my B goal of PRing, which isn't a bad thing!

Afterwards, we ate dim sum in Flushing, then went to New Rochelle to have a barbecue and pool party.

Goals for Queens 10K

Sub-1:00.  My official PR is 1:05:55 while hungover at the Healthy Kidney 10K (a 10 second PR is still a PR...right?).  During the Brooklyn Half, while holding onto Jenny's pace, I ran the 10K of the Half in 1:00:21.  Soooo close but it doesn't really count anyway, right?

According to the McMillan Running Calculator, based on my half-marathon time, I should be able to run a 10K in 59 minutes.

I just have to make sure all my miles are 9:34 or faster.  Sometimes I can't tell if 6.2 miles is daunting or doable.  It's only 2 more miles than a 4-miler, but maybe that extra 0.2 is just too much for me to handle mentally.  I know this sounds ridiculous even as I'm typing it, but I tell myself as I'm running that a 10K=6 miles, so not finishing at mile 6 is a bit of an unpleasant realization.

I did run 3 miles last night at a sluggish pace and felt very slow and tired.  Maybe it's because it was at the end of the day. We'll see how Sunday goes!

Oakley 10K Race Recap

I somehow conned Joyce into signing up for the 10K even though she hated running.  She panicked a bit until I told her 10K is 6 miles, not 10 miles.  We trained together a few times and she even started to enjoy running!  We stopped by Lululemon after one run and bought matching skirts to wear to the race.  I even bought a neon pink top to match even though I'm usually a pink-hater.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to try for a PR (my last one was while hungover so I probably could beat that) or pace Joyce in her first 10K.  Given that I had not really trained all week (and had drank and eaten too much) and I have a 10K the next week, I decided to go at an easy pace.  However, in the heat and humidity, even a slower pace was really hard.  Our main goal: get cute race pictures in our matching pink + skirt combo!

We made it to the start just in time and started running along Central Park West.  I tried to stay on the right side the entire time, keeping an eye out for race photographers.  There were some speedwalkers we passed...at first.  Later in the race, they passed us right back up. -_-

I felt like the water stations should have been at every mile, but after mile 1, we didn't get one until the 5K/halfway point.  Running in the shade felt amazing and energized us (especially downhill), but running in the sun was TOUGH!  We were both super sweaty.  Harlem Hills worried me but we trucked up them like pros.  I was thankful we were going clockwise in the park, as we were hitting most of the big hills as downhills.

Coming down on the East Side of the park, I spotted a race photographer and we smiled and waved madly.  Then it occurred to me that I was flapping my bingo wings and the picture may not end up very flattering.  I pointed out bodies of water to motivate Joyce.  We walked through all the water stations to catch our breath and hydrate.

I told Joyce we'd speed up for the last mile, even if it was just slightly.  I tried hitting 10-minute miles, but Joyce sped up to an 11-minute mile.  At 800m, I told her only half a mile left! She replied, that long??  We eventually made it up the West Side of the Park and spotted the finish line.  I looked for Leemo, but he missed us and we missed him.

We took a lot of pictures and somehow ran into Alyssa!  We called Leemo afterward to meet us at the Smith for brunch, where I ate delicious biscuits and gravy with 3 poached eggs.  My stomach was a little unsettled before kayaking, but it calmed down enough to have an enjoyable kayaking experience in the beautiful Five Islands Park in New Rochelle.  I'm SO glad we didn't opt for free kayking in the Hudson.  There's probably a reason it's free...no one wants to touch that filthy water.

Mindy-K Training: Week 3 (9.34 miles)

Well my training fell off of a cliff last week.  In my defense, I socialized a lot!  Karaoke and drinks with Monty, his sister, and Heather on Monday; a run and Chipotle with Joyce on Wednesday; BCD with Joyce and Esther Thursday; and Ippudo with Leemo and a gaggle of girls on Friday!  I guess I didn't realize how much I rely on Tom for social interaction and felt the need to fill the void.  I really missed that man!

Monday: rest (Karaoke + alcohol = no running)
Tuesday: rest (I was supposed to run, but I told myself I'd clean. Which I didn't do. I watched two rom coms on Netflix instead.)
Wednesday: 3 miles in Central Park with Joyce!
Thursday: rest (BCD, y'all!)
Friday: rest (More alcohol and friends--totally worth it.)
Saturday: Oakley 10K (Recap coming soon!) & kayaking, if that counts
Sunday: rest on the beach, I want to go back already!

Mindy-K Training: Week 2 (15.62 miles)

Monday: rest
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: 2.5 miles out of 3 (I was on the treadmill and saw Tom on the street and waved, and decided to cut my run short.)
Thursday: 4 mile speedwork out of 4.25 (posted below)
Friday: 3 slow recovery miles around Central Park with Tom, lovely running weather, but my legs felt like lead after doing speedwork the day before.
Saturday: rest
Sunday: 4.5 miles around the Reservoir with Joyce, then an additional 1.62 miles to run home. The weather started out nice but got SO hot, I felt ill the rest of the day. Tom and I walked a bit in the Park afterwards, but it was so hot, we escaped to the movie theater to watch Maleficent (which was very poorly written in my opinion, but Angelina was gorgeous).

Total: 15.62 miles

It's so much easier to run on the treadmill sans heat and humidity, but perhaps I'll just try to get up earlier to enjoy the fresh air and Central Park without the heat weighing me down. I kept saying it was so humid yesterday even though it was just pure dry heat that was beating down on Joyce and me. Joyce said she loved running next to bodies of water (at the Reservoir and on West Side Highway). The views were definitely gorgeous!

Speedwork: 800m Repeats

I did 800m repeats at 7.2 speed on the treadmill sandwiched between two warm up/cool down miles with 400m recovery in between. 

I never thought I could run at an 8:19 (!!!) pace but it turns out listening to music and only doing it for short half mile bursts was totally doable and I felt like I could go even faster?? And after running at 7.2, 5.5 (10:56 pace) felt like a crawl, but I did find it much easier to zone out when I had my headphones blaring Ke$ha. The first two 800m repeats breezed by, but the third started to hurt.

Yasso 800s intrigue me. Since I was running these at about 4:10, Bart Yasso, running guru, says that approximates your marathon pace. That means I have a 4:10 marathon in me? 

Oh and Tom said some guy was full on staring at me in a 100% creepy way. Winning? Makes me not want to go to the gym without him! I was so sweaty, as we walked out, I pressed my forehead on Tom's sleeve and left a damp patch. So sexay.

Successfully doing a round of speedwork makes me hopeful about running a sub-2 half marathon! Can't wait til Brooklyn Half 2015!

Sweaty at the gym (I took this pic weeks ago but I wore the exact same outfit today! Love my Pearl Izumi shorts!)

Favorite Running Gear

1. Headsweats yellow cap--the bright color makes it easy for Tom to spot me in races and it's lightweight and sweat-wicking, so it's better than regular caps. The brim shades my face (I'm ridiculously anti-sun exposure) and shields it from rain. (I wear it so often, it'll be in multiple pics in this post!) Also pictured is my Lululemon Pace Setter skirt and cheap amazon.com sunglasses.

2. Lululemon Swiftly Long Sleeve shirt--Lightweight but warm, wicks sweat and anti-stink material, flattering and comfortable fit. I bought them cheaper on eBay. I hear these are delicate so I handwash mine. (Ignore the mess. See, the hat again!)

3. Lululemon Pace Setter skirt--comfortable, breezy, cute! I love passing people in races while wearing a skirt, makes me laugh to think of people grumbling about a) me wearing a skirt to run and b) getting passed by a girl in a skirt. I can fit my cell phone in the back pocket too, but it does tend to get wet with sweat (gross).

4. Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer bra--the BEST sports bra! It has hook closures in the back so it's easy to get on and off. It's comfortable and VERY supportive. I have 3!

5. Pearl Izumi Women's Distance shorts--I can't wear Nike tempos or any other shorts because they ride up as I run and my thighs chafe. These are the perfect length, are lightweight and have lots of zip pockets.

6. Asics GT-2000--I was faithful to Mizuno Wave Alchemy (the first pair I got fitted for) until they discontinued them. These Asics are like running on clouds--how are they SO comfy? Tom got fitted for the same pair!

7. Camelbak! Essential for NYC winter running when they shut off the water fountains in Central Park! I only wish I could race in these, but NYRR doesn't allow them for security reasons. I hate holding things while running so this is perfect, even if I do slosh when I run. It also keeps the water remarkably cool. (Hat yet again! Bob the Builder outfit, according to Jenny.)

8. SPI belt--perfect for holding credit cards, a phone (if my crops don't have pockets and I don't feel like rocking the armband) and a Gu. Stays put and you can barely feel it.

9. Garmin--it's helpful to see the mileage you're at and the paces you are running (to know whether to speed up or slow down), to see splits of your average pace, and to measure your effort against your pace. Yay data and graphs!

I was trying to think of a #10 to round out the list but I'm drawing a blank.