ING NYC Marathon Week – It’s Here!

Well, Marathon Week didn’t start as usual this year. Because of the crazy Snowtober storm on Saturday, the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff race was cancelled. The trees in Central Park are still covered in leaves and the heavy snow on top made for unsafe conditions. Plus, a lot of the suburbs around the city were hit hard (um, can we say 19 inches of snow in some places?!) and lost power, so while some people may have been unhappy and it did mess things up in some ways, I definitely agree with NYRR’s decision to cancel the race.

I love running this race; it’s a great distance – 5 miles – and starts the excitement of the week. Plus, because it’s the weekend before Halloween, people are bound to dress up and be entertaining! I definitely signed up to run, but obviously even if it hadn’t been cancelled, I wasn’t running this year. *Sigh*

There are advertisements up now all over the city and ads running on TV. It’s super exciting. I wish I could get to Central Park though, because it’s always best around there. In my opinion anyway. There are tons of events throughout the week; I’m really not sure how NYRR is able to do it all. They must all be absolutely exhausted by the time it’s all over.

I can remember the ball of mixed emotions I was at this time in 2009, when I ran the NYCM. It was so exciting and terrifying at the same time. For those who run this race yearly though, I can imagine there aren’t too many nerves but rather it’s a thrilling run through the city. While some people are, justifiably, turned off by the sheer size of the field, it really is a party along almost the entire race (all but the bridges and a few blocks in Queens, Upper Manhattan, and the Bronx).

I found this video on YouTube, which was put together by WNYC and had to share! Unfortunately though, the camera’s battery ran out of steam before the runner finished, so you don’t get to see the best part of the race! But I still think it’s pretty cool.

And here’s a picture I took of the finish line last year

• Will you be running in or spectating this year’s marathon?
• If you’re a marathon runner, what’s your favorite tip to pass on to others who are running their first or thinking about running one?
• If you’re a spectator, where do you prefer to cheer for all the awesome runners?

Five for Friday

1. My friend Grace is hosting a new monthly women’s networking event, Sweet Talk, here in the city. Because it’s bound to be a huge success, I want you to be able to get in on it right away (before it becomes so popular there are wait lists)! The first one is next Saturday (Nov 5) from 5-7pm at The Fulton, a hot new restaurant on Fulton St downtown. Check out here blog [HERE] for all the details!

2.  I’m thinking about changing my Twitter handle from @EarlyMorningRun Why? Because I tweet about more than just running, and want it to represent my professional side as well. Most Twitter handles that include my name are already taken, so here are a few that are possibilities. I need your advice!

@Lisa_EMR @LisaA_EMR @LisaA_NYC @LisaAlcorn @LisaAlcornEMR @LisaAlcorn_EMR

Thoughts? Other suggestions?

3. We all know the NYCM is coming up. Fast. Here are a few interesting articles that have popped up recently:

Grete Waitz, Fred Lebow 1st inductees into New York Road Runner Hall of Fame (Washington Post)

Road Runners to Attempt Sports Social Media Milestone at NYC Marathon (Mobile Sports Report)

How To 'Endure' the Taper: Countdown to the New York City Marathon (Huffington Post)

Now, NYCM is not the only marathon happening. The Marine Corps Marathon is this Sunday in our nation’s capitol! I’ve heard fantastic things about this race.

4. Two weeks from today Woody and I will be on a plane to Denver!! I’m so excited about our trip, even though they got a few inches of snow Wednesday and was 18 degrees there Thursday morning (crazy)! We’re actually visiting my Aunt and Uncle who I rarely get to see, so it’ll be great to catch up and explore the city.

5. Unless you’ve jumped a few holidays and are focused on Christmas like most retailers have, you know that Monday is Halloween. I was thrilled a couple weeks ago to find out that the woman in the cube next to me also is not a fan of Halloween. I think in this city we’re in the minority group on this one. While I’m not big on costumes however, I do love the candy! If you’re g-free like me, here is an extensive list of g-free candy from celiac.com

• What should I change my Twitter handle to? Have you ever changed yours?
• Do you love reading about marathons and big races? Are you racing MCM or NYCM? Or another race coming up?
• If you’ve been to Denver, do you have any suggestions for our trip?
• Are you dressing up for Halloween? What’s the most creative costume you’ve worn, or seen?
• What’s your favorite candy?

Have a fantastic weekend!

Finding the Silver Lining

I really appreciate all the support I’ve been getting. I’d much rather be writing about running or fun Fall things, but I’m really lucky to have this great community who understands what I’m going through. Or at the very least, can imagine what it might be like.

So truth be told, I’m not really seeing a lot of ‘good’ when it comes to being on crutches, but there are a few and those are the things I am trying to focus on while I try to recover from this latest injury.

1. More ZZZ’s – I’ve been exhausted the past week and a half. This means I’m getting to bed at the same time as usual or even earlier, so between 10 and 10:30pm. And because I can’t go to the gym with Woody, I’m sleeping in until 6:20am so I can get the tea going before he gets home. This means over the past week and a half I’ve been getting nearly 8.5 hrs of sleep every night! That is absolutely unheard of for me. It’s pretty crazy and I know it’ll take some major adjusting once I can go back to the gym.
2. Power Shoulders – my arms, particularly my shoulders, are becoming super strong. They hurt, because I never use my shoulders and upper arms like this, but it’s getting slightly easier every day, so I’m gaining strength.
3. Flatter abs – many say the key to a flatter stomach is to keep it tight all day to engage the muscles. I am not very good at this usually, but it really helps on crutches to keep my stomach muscles tight. I’ve definitely noticed a difference, so now I just have to keep it up once I’m off these blasted things.
4. Priority Seating – I get to sit in the priority seating at the front of the bus. Unfortunately it’s not that easy to get in and out of the bus, and sometimes it takes asking for it, but I always end up with a seat on the bus. Even during rush hour.

Okay, so those are the only benefits I can see from being on crutches, but it’s something. Right?

I’m getting super excited to read all the blogs, articles, tweets and Facebook updates about the NYCM, which, if you don’t know, is next weekend (Nov 6)! It’s such a fun time in this city and even those who can’t even imagine running to catch the bus, will get excited for the marathon. It’s a huge 26.2 mile party and personally, I think it brings out the best in our city. As of now, I’m still scheduled to volunteer at the expo on Saturday afternoon, but we’ll see how I’m feeling next week and if I’m still on crutches. It’ll be extremely disappointing if I can’t do it. I love running, runners, the marathon spirit and this city. I love being around it all and I do not want this injury to keep me from it.

A piece of advice – if you feel something strange, muscle or bone, go see your doctor right away. If you can do anything to keep an injury from getting worse, do it. You don’t want to be on crutches. Runners want to be running, not hobbling along.

Take care of yourself!

Running Through The Pain

As you’d probably suspect, the first thing people ask when they see me on crutches is “what happened?” Those who know I run assume it’s from running, which even though it’s right, it’s also annoying because non-runners often assume running is bound to injure anyone who attempts it. Once I tell them I got a stress fracture while running a half marathon, they’re stunned to also learn that I actually finished the race. I often got the same reaction after I ran the NYCM and finished with a broken foot.

There are two sides to this. 1) I’m stupid for not stopping as soon as I realize the pain is not normal, and 2) it takes a lot of perseverance, strength and focus to run miles with broken bones.

I thought about this the other night as I rode home from work on the bus. It was a particularly trying bus ride home for several reasons and my leg was hurting quite a bit. It was really bothering me and I was dying to get off the bus and to the safety of our apartment. How could this bus ride be bothering me so much while I could run 3 miles on a stress fracture?

Well, it took a few days but I figured out why I can do it. And I bet you wouldn’t guess this.

Marching Band. To be exact, the Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band.

As a freshman each member of the SMB is introduced to the band through 8 days of pre-season drills. The first few days are just freshman and squad leaders – then the rest of the band shows up. The days are long. Usually 8am until 10pm or after. Hours of drills, running, music rehearsal, more drills and then a few hours after everyone else has gone home to learn Series. A grueling and intense series of horn moves choreographed to the drumline Series, performed while marching to and from the Stadium on game day (and any parades throughout the season) with breaks to play the fight song. Band members and fans of the band take this insanely seriously. It’s part of game day tradition in East Lansing. Crowds line the street every game day Saturday to watch the band march to the stadium. If you miss a horn move, fall out of line, or yell the wrong thing at the wrong time, you know you’ll hear about it for days to come from your squad leader and probably others as well. As a freshman, you spend hours each night during pre-season drills after everyone else has left, being drilled by the Section and Squad leaders in a stuffy hot room until you’re doing the series in your sleep. I still remember every element to this day.

At the end of the week, while our fellow freshman were getting to meet other students and hopping between house parties, we were being marched around campus for hours by the veterans to make sure we could do the Series up to their standards before you earned our band jackets and were allowed to march along side them on game day. It was a particularly hot and nasty night when I went through Freshman Dress. My arms, like those of my fellow alto freshmen, were covered in bruises, my legs were heavy and tired; I was busted before it even began. But I was more excited (and scared) about what was to come. After being yelled at for hours, the feeling we felt at the end of that night was the closest thing I can think of to the feeling I got when I finished the Detroit Half Marathon last weekend.

As a member of the SMB we learn to push through. We march through 3 months (hopefully 4) of 90 degree heat, rain, sleet, and then snow. All in heavy wool uniforms. We march 5 days a week, plus game days which start off with 8am rehearsals. We’re part of a team that becomes our family. You can’t let them down. So even if you have an injured wrist, food poisoning, whatever it might be, you suck it up and get through it.

I’m convinced that’s why all these years later, I can suck it up and finish a marathon with a broken foot and a half marathon with a stress fracture. I suck it up and keep heading to the finish line. It’s definitely not the smartest decision to keep running, I’m sure it makes things worse, but that’s just who I am. Once I start, I don’t give up*.

And some people think there’s no value in having band in schools.

*If I had been running the full marathon in Detroit, things would have turned out different. No way I could have made it through 26.2 miles.

• If you’re not feeling right in a race, do you push on? What would make you stop?
• Do you have a SMB in your past? Some experience that taught you to push past your (perceived) limits?
• How was your weekend? What was the highlight?

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Today’s workout -

none. still on the injury list.

Quick Update

Thanks so much for all your comments on my race recap yesterday. I guess I am spoiled by NYRR having clocks at each mile. I do have to mention one thing I didn’t yesterday – the awesome volunteers. They were seriously fantastic. They were up and on the course when it was still dark out and as the rain fell – handing us water, steering us in the right direction, cheering us on. They were really fantastic and I appreciate every one of them.

In other news – my Sports Doc called yesterday with the results of my MRI. It’s a good thing I went in straight away because I have yet another stress fracture in my left femur. This one is in a different place than the one earlier in the year, and truthfully, it hurts more than that one did. It even hurts when I sneeze! Hopefully it won’t take too long to heal, the fact that it was diagnosed so soon after it happened and I started using my crutches (thankfully I didn’t let Woody get rid of them!) when we got home Sunday night, have to be in my favor. While I hate crutches, this does mean I have a good excuse to sleep in! Next appointment is in two weeks.

I think it’ll be a while before I train for, and run, another half marathon.

Thanks for all your support and good wishes!

To end this post with something happy, here’s a beautiful picture from Saturday….

Race Recap: Detroit Half Marathon

Sunday was the Detroit Half Marathon that I’ve been training for over the last 10+ weeks. Woody and I flew to Michigan Thursday after work. Friday we headed down to Detroit to pick up my bib since we wouldn’t make it on Saturday while the expo was open. The expo was pretty well organized – you followed an S of vendors including Women’s Running Magazine (where I got to meet B.O.B.), Brooks, local running shops, regional races, Meijer, and to my dismay, McDonald’s. The bib pickup was pretty seamless even though not only was there a half marathon, but a full and a relay.

After the expo we got back on the road and headed home for dinner with my Grandma. Saturday was a great but exhausting day, and after watching MSU beat Michigan for the fourth straight year, and give UofM their first loss of the season, we packed up the car and headed back to Detroit. We got to the hotel around 8:30pm, a little later than I had hoped. It took us quite a while to figure out the exact start location of the race. The race goodie bag was by far the worst I’ve seen. There was only one sample and maybe only two or three coupons. I was hoping there would be more details about the race, like when the waves start, where exactly the starting line was, etc, but no such luck. The only map that was detailed enough to show the start line was that on the Android App I had downloaded on my Dad’s phone. Anyway, once we figured that out, it was time for me to get everything ready for the next day which included stuff for wet weather as there was a good chance it would rain. On top of being super windy.

The alarm went off at 5:10am and it was time to get ready (I’m still half asleep in that picture). At Six, Woody, my parents and I found our way out of the hotel and followed the crowds to the start line. We were there with plenty of time before the 7am start so I got in one of the long port-a-potty lines and chatted up with a few other runners. Soon I was saying goodbye to my cheering section and got in a wave, several behind my assigned wave which was based on the finish time I had hoped for way back in January before my stress fracture in the Spring.

It was still dark out when the gun went off and each wave went about a minute and a half after the one before. All the runners were mixed in together – full, half, relay – and I kept reminding myself to run my own race. My warm up only consisted of the nearly mile walk from the hotel and some dynamic stretching at the hotel and in the corral. Thankfully, it was a nice 50 degrees and no rain. Just wind. I wasn’t sure how my legs were going to feel once I started running, but turns out they felt great!

My cheer squad was down the road not even a mile and I waved as I passed. Then we hit the first water station – I always go to the end but that was a mistake because they already had Gatorade at the first water station. So, I had to wait till the next one. I also never saw the 1 mile marker and when we hit the mile 2, I realized they didn’t have timers up so there was no way I’d be able to keep any track of my splits. Which really didn’t bother me too much, but I thought it was weird.

Soon we were nearing the Ambassador Bridge heading to Canada. The approach was a little crazy, lots of loops and all gravel. Then, the high winds started. Not only do we have to climb a bridge, but we have to do it while battling crazy strong winds. What?!?! I pushed my way to the top and on the way down I thought it was sweat that hit me as a guy whizzed by me, but then after I felt a few more drops, I realized it was rain. We were welcomed into Canada by a cheering crowd, which was nice cause a lot of the route had been pretty quiet. We ran down the road along the Detroit River – and I checked out the houses and imagined the amazing view they have of Detroit. By now the sun was up but it was really cloudy and the light rain was still coming down. I walked through the last water stop, took my Hammer Gel, and headed towards the tunnel just was the rain started to come down a little harder.

The start of the tunnel wasn’t too bad, but after about three minutes, the cool factor was gone and I was ready to be out of there. Thankfully I’m not claustrophobic but the stale air was kind of gross and it was about 15 degrees warmer in there than outside. The incline seemed to go on forever and I could not have been more happy to see the customs and borders patrol guys saying “fresh air right around the curve”!

We ran through Hart Plaza, hit another water station and my cheer squad wasn’t far beyond. It was great to see them again and our plans were working on where to meet! I loved the signs they had made and my Dad was there with the camera. A little more than a mile later, my left leg started to feel a little funny up towards my hip. To this point, I was feeling great and had to keep slowing down my pace because I would catch myself going too fast. The pain kept getting worse but I tried to keep it out of my mind. The last few miles I just kept thinking that I was getting closer to the end and I tried to focus on the neighborhoods we were running through, the mariachi band that was playing outside the Mexican restaurant as we went by, the neighbors in Cork Town that had set up a massive sound system and were blasting classic rock to keep our spirits up. The crowds were pretty slim throughout most of the race, but when there were spectators, they were great.

I saw my cheer team again and knew I was almost there. Usually I’m able to sprint to the end, but this time I just wanted to make it across at a speed above walking. I crossed the finish line in 2:16:03, got my cool medal and found some water. I saw people with bagels and chips but never found out where they actually got them from. It’s okay though, since I wasn’t the least bit hungry and I can’t eat bagels anyway! I called Woody, broke out through a gate that was open and limped my way to meet up with them. I couldn’t believe how much my leg hurt. Seriously worse than when my leg was fractured. We made it back to the hotel after taking some pictures with the Spirit of Detroit and I iced for about 15 minutes and drank mint tea.

We checked out and headed to a Coney Island for brunch. It was also my Dad’s Birthday and I’m so glad we could spend it with him. Although I felt bad that it required him to wake up so early and stand in the cold dampness for hours as I limped my way across the finish line. He loves me though, so we he didn’t mind, too much! We also stopped by a Cider Mill in the afternoon for some hot apple cider and donuts (for Woody).

Aside from the pain (which I spent the majority of Monday at the Hospital for Special Surgery having tests done trying to figure out what’s going on), I had a great weekend! I think I’m spoiled by the NYRR uber-organized races that I run because I do think quite a few things about this race was unorganized or unclear, but I do recognize that the logistics must be crazy to have so many runners going across international borders, so I do have to hand it to them for that. Also, it’s a great event to bring people to Downtown Detroit, which I’m always in favor of! But I’m not sure if I’ll run this race again. Actually, I’m going to rethink the distances I’m going to race in the future all together.

(Thanks to my awesome Dad for most of these pictures!)

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Today’s workout -

None. Resting.

Love Your Running Group? Read This Now!

I’ve never been part of a local running team or club, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t interested me. I’ve always thought it would be cool to train with other runners, put on a team singlet, cheer on my teammates through the tough miles of a race and celebrate together after crossing the finish line. For one reason or another, I’ve never joined a team or club. Now, though, I’m on Team Oiselle, which is a little different, but I’m still looking forward to putting on the Oiselle singlet on Sunday and wishing my teammate Deloris before the race!

Sarah, from Oiselle, gave me the heads up about a cool contest they’re running today through Monday. The women of Oiselle are all about supporting runners and spreading their love of running. They want to honor the awesome (am I the only person who still says this?) running groups that keep us going. If you love your running group (a formal group or not) and you love cool running stuff, then you want to enter this contest.

It’s pretty simple. All you have to do is send an email to info (at) oiselle.com or post on their Facebook page HERE (this is the more fun way to go) and tell them:

1. The name of your running group (or a description of the group)
2. Where you are.
3. What your workouts are like and if you’re working towards a specific goal
4. Favorite post-run activity
5. Anything else that makes your group the most awesome (again with that word!) running group

The winning entry will be chosen at random, and the team that’s selected will win these cool Oiselle Start Line Tees for the whole group! [tip: since the winner is chosen at random, the more entries from your group, the more likely you’ll win!!]

The contest starts at 10am PST today and runs through next Monday. Go to Oiselle’s blog HERE for more info. Leave a comment here if you enter so we can all read about your running group!

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Today’s workout -

• 45min bike
• 2x20 seated row
• 2x20 lat pull down
• stretching
• ab exercises

It’s Only My Fault if I’m Bored

Michigan State’s football team had a bi-week this last weekend which meant our Saturday wasn’t dictated by what time Woody had to be at the bar to watch the game (he’s on the Alumni Club Board and is a rep at one of our watch bars) and how long he’d be there. The weather was amazing – high 70’s and low 80’s – so I packed it full of stuff to do!

After we got our usual things done in the morning, we headed out to the East Village to check out the BMW Guggenheim Lab that took over an empty rundown lot a few months ago. The lab is meant to inspire innovative ideas about urban living for the future. It allows people the opportunity to think about and discuss how all aspects of urban living impacts the world around us and what we can do to shape it in the future. Turns out the lab is more about programs, workshops, and screenings than exhibits, so there wasn’t much for us to do when we were there, but we did get to play this game URBANOLOGY, which you can play from your computer (just without the life size game pieces).

Then we walked down Houston hoping to catch a bus, but it turns out there are no buses on Houston on Saturday. Along the way, we found a beautiful community garden with little hidden benches and fountains, and lots of lush green plants.

After more walking down Houston, we finally made our way to the West Side Highway and Pier 25 for a little Mini Golf!! The Hudson River Park opened the new Pier 25 late last Fall, which includes a basketball court, skate park, beach volleyball courts, sunbathing area and a Mini Golf course!! Woody loves to golf and one thing we used to do in the early years of our relationship was to play put-put golf. We had to go try this course and it was a ton of fun! Plus, only $5 a person and they’re open till 10pm. We were able to watch a beautiful sunset as we finished up our game!

The weekend wasn’t over yet! After my 9 mile run Sunday, we headed over to the New Amsterdam Market then rushed to catch the East River Ferry to the Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg. We’ve been to the Flea during the winter when it’s inside, but never at this location. It was a fun way to spend the afternoon, but my feet and legs were sore by the time we made it home.

So often we are drained by the end of the work week, training runs and errands, that we don’t take full advantage of this amazing city we live in. This past weekend was not one of those times!

• Do you take advantage of the fun things your community has to offer?
• What’s your favorite way to enjoy your town?

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Today’s workout -

• 3 mile run
• stretching
• ab exercises

Detroit Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 9

Six days until the half marathon! It’s finally almost here. And just in time, too.

Monday -

After running 12 miles last Sunday (the longest run of the training cycle) I took Monday as a rest day. My legs felt stiff and heavy.

Tuesday -

Took a little coaxing to get me out of bed but once I started my run I felt great! I was really surprised how easily it came Tuesday morning and how quickly it was over. Yes, it was only 3 miles, but still flew by.

Wednesday -

So, I admit it. I took another rest day. My legs were still feeling really heavy and stiff and I thought it would be best to get more rest. My week was turning out to be pretty exhausting and stressful at work, so I thought the extra sleep might be what I needed more than a x-training session. Looking back it might have been better to go and spend a little time on the bike loosening up my legs.

Thursday -

Still feeling tight, I got up and went for my run. It was a beautiful morning and the weather was incredible. One of those runs that made me really thankful to have the opportunity to watch the sun rise. I couldn’t help but stop and take a picture.

Friday -

It is unheard of for me to take 3 rest days in one week when I’m not on vacation, sick or injured, but that’s exactly what I did this week.

Saturday -

Easy three mile run that took me to Whole Foods. I needed to do a little grocery shopping and wanted to get it done early, so why not combine a run and errand?

Sunday -

While I guess I’m technically in taper mode, I had one last long run to do. 9 miles on the plan and 9 miles is what I did. My legs were still really tight and heavy so the last few miles were a bit tough. I have trouble pacing, so I also kept having to remind myself to slow down. It was really warm on Sunday as we’re having a summer like weather this weekend and I definitely prefer to run in cool weather. I finished the 9 miles, put some ice packs on my legs and drank mint tea (the tea, and eating a low fiber dinner the night before is helping my post-run stomach!).

Overall it was a good week of training but I wish my legs weren’t so stiff. I stretch morning and night and before and after my runs, so I’m not too sure what else too do except keep stretching! Other than that, I’m feeling pretty good about this race on Sunday. I’m excited to go home, see my family, see some friends, go to the Michigan State football game, and maybe a visit to a cider mill even!

• What was the best part of your weekend?
  • Mini-golf with Woody on Pier 25, finding a random hidden community garden on Houston St and taking the east river ferry to the Brooklyn Flea! (more tomorrow)
• Do you ever combine your run with errands?
  • Sometimes, like Saturday.
• Do you love or loathe taper?
  • I have no strong feelings one way or the other, especially when taper is only a few days long for a half marathon

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Today’s workout -

• stretching
• ab exercises

Finally Friday

So, another week that I don’t have a 5 for Friday post ready. It’s been a long week and I’m definitely ready for the 3 day weekend (yes, we actually get Columbus Day off on Monday)! I have to say, after the few week’s I’ve had at work, I really deserve this day off. And next Friday too, when we’re in Michigan!!

For a longer post from me today, head over to Grace’s blog – Lean Girls Club – for a guest post from yours truly!!

Anyone running Chicago this weekend? Who’s doing a long run? Anyone lucky enough to be going to a cider mill? Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you enjoy every minute of it!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot… Go Tigers!!

Sometimes A Run Can Surprise You

I woke up this morning with stiff and aching muscles still from my 12 miler on Sunday. It was cold and dark outside. I was not all that enthusiastic about this run. Truthfully, my first instinct was to stay under the covers and go back to sleep. When I trained for the marathon I hit a point where I was on the edge of being burned out. It might not happen for everyone, but I found that following a training plan week after week and really got to be exhausting. I just wanted to wake up and do what I wanted to do – be it a run or the elliptical a class or just sleep in. I did get over that bump then and at first when I woke up this morning I felt that burn out coming on now that I’m in my 9th week of training. BUT, I reminded myself that I only have one more week after this one and I only had 3 miles to do so I got up and got ready!

Today was the first time this season I wore capri pants and a long sleeve top for my run. It was only 50 degrees and the sun wouldn’t be up before I finished so I decided to go with it. Thankfully I did because it was pretty windy out there.

Right from the start my legs felt pretty fresh and I was feeling much better than I had expected. I cruised along and before I knew it I was done! After running 12 miles two days ago, 3 miles is nothing. It’s funny how that happens, right?

This is big news for me, probably not for most of you, but yesterday it was announced that the Michigan State/U of M football game that we are going to the day before the Detroit Half Marathon is going to start at NOON!! This was the best possibility and I’m SO unbelievably relieved it isn’t a night game or even a 3:30pm start. This means we’ll get to the hotel in Detroit at a fairly reasonable time and I’ll be able to get to sleep before midnight! I had such a huge feeling of relief when I read it on twitter!

Okay, pumpkin banana oatmeal time! Have a great day!

• Do you sometimes have to push yourself to get out there for a run, only to have a great one?
• Are you a pumpkin person or not?

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Today’s workout -

• 3 mile run
• ab exercises
• stretching

Detroit Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 8

Only two weeks till the Detroit Half Marathon!!!

Monday -

After the 10 mile run last Sunday I took a rest day on Monday. I did do about 15minutes of stretching on my yoga mat when I first woke up to get my muscles moving and flexible for the day.

Tuesday -

3 mile run. I took a new route that basically hits all the hills downtown, one twice. I need to do some hills and while these aren’t big ones, it’s the best I can do down here. It was a pretty warm and humid morning. There had been a chance of rain but I missed it.

Wednesday -

Cross training day. Went to the gym and spent about 40 minutes on the stationary bike and did a bit of strength training. Even though I know it’s not good, as I run more, I strength train less. Once the race is over, I definitely need to pick it up when it comes to strength training.

Thursday -

6 miles on tap. I did the same route I had done the week before, which I really like. Again, really warm and humid, but it didn’t rain. I almost wish that it had rained a little, because there’s always a chance it could rain on race day and it would be good to get that practice in.

Friday -

It had been a long week at work and knowing what was ahead, I took my usual Friday rest day with stretching.

Saturday -

Easy three mile run. It was a bit cloudy but didn’t rain. We had an apartment guest this weekend so I was glad this run was on the short side so I could get back and go to brunch with her.

Sunday -

Longest run of the training cycle – 12 miles! I mapped out a route that was similar to my 10 miler last weekend but ended closer to home. Absolutely gorgeous morning. Only 51degrees when I started out and not much warmer at the end. I wore my new Oiselle arm warmers, which were absolutely perfect. My pace was all over the place but my legs felt pretty strong until the last mile. I finished my run near the Staten Island Ferry so I could walk back home and stretch out. I’d been really worried about the stomach cramps coming back, especially with our apartment guest in town, so for the 24 hrs before my run I drastically cut back on the amount of fiber I ate and cut out dairy completely. I also had a cup of mint tea Saturday night and one before my run, several after too. Seems to have done the trick!! Now I just have to figure out how to make it work when we’re in Michigan spending the afternoon at the MSU football game and then driving to Detroit and staying at a hotel. Hmmmm.

TOTAL MILES: 24 Miles

So, I’m feeling pretty good about things. My long run next weekend is only 9 miles then it’s just a matter of days until the race. Crossing my fingers that nothing crazy happens between now and then. This is when I really start to get nervous that I’ll get hurt walking down the street or something random like that (but so like me).

• What was the best part of your weekend?
  • Having a family friend stay with us, getting to catch up and show her a part of the city she’s never seen. Oh, and finishing my 12 miles!!
• What’s one trait of runners (or some runners) that annoys you?
  • When runners discard their empty gels by dropping them on the sidewalk or leaving them on the drinking fountain. Really not cool.
• Apple cider – hot or cold?
  • Love it both ways – depends on my mood!