Women Show Up and Win

I feel a few things coming on now that the Olympics are over: a let down from the lack of thrilling competitions and amazing shows of grit and determination, and I’ll get more sleep. But more importantly, I hope we’ll see an increase in women and girls participating in sports in this country and a lift in confidence and support.

Going into the Games, with nearly 5,000 women competing in the London Olympics, every participating nation had at least one woman on its team and women made up more than 50% of the US Olympic team. That’s ground breaking. However, at a press conference Sunday reported on by NBC Sports, the head of the Olympic movement, Jacques Rogge, expects that it will still take at least a decade to show real improvement among all countries when it comes to participation by women in sports. While another article from USA Today highlights the fact that the IOC needs to step up and reflect what’s happening in sports – only 22 of its 109 members are female.

As we celebrate Title IX this year, the London Olympics remind us that we are extremely lucky to have the opportunities to participate in sports that we have. Women in many other countries still do not have the freedom we have. I don’t want to discount the fact that there are a lot of people here in the US who don’t even have bare necessities, but at least our country allows us the chance. Our strength, determination and fitness is something to be proud of, not covered up and hidden. Or, forbidden.

Women like Sarah Attar, an 800-meter runner from Saudi Arabia, realize that it’s unlikely they will find themselves on the podium, but that’s not really why they’re there. They are there to inspire other women from their country. These women, some of whom must compete covered head to toe with only their face showing, should be examples for all women. The Olympics provide a unique opportunity for athletes from vastly different circumstances come together and compete on the world stage. The athletes aren’t coming from equal playing fields, but at least they are able to bring pride to countries and inspire people to go after their dream.

It’s been reported many times now that if the US women Olympians were counted as their own country, they’d come in 3rd in the medal count. I can only hope that the last two weeks have energized and inspired countless girls and women around this country. The women of our Olympic team have shown limitless strength, passion and determination. And even more, it’s been amazing to see the athletes, who usually compete as individuals, excel as part of a team. From the track to the pool to the volleyball court and even the boxing ring, what’s happened across the pond has been pretty spectacular.

• What was your favorite part of the Games?

Hard to choose just one, but watching the USA women win the 4x400 relay Saturday night was pretty awesome.

• Did you learn anything new this Olympics?

I learned that canoeing is an Olympic sport. And also rhythmic gymnastics. Hmmm.

• What were the highlights of your weekend?

Summer Streets and going to Chobani SoHo

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Today’s workout -

• 40min elliptical
• 100 ab exercises
• 3x10 upright row
• 3x10 lat pull down
• 3x10 box step ups
• 1x50 sec plank
• 3x10 bridge
• stretching

The Day After

BlogHer is done, back to regular life. I’m exhausted and have a ton to get done today, but I’m so glad I took advantage of the fact that the conference was here this year and went. With over 5,000 attendees, plus staff and exhibitors, the Hilton was buzzing. Thankfully, the conference organizers turned one men’s restroom on each floor into another women’s restroom so the lines weren’t so long! Makes sense when the ratio was probably somewhere around 90% women to 10% men.

I met some great people, including my Oiselle teammate, Lynda (find her at Hit the Road Jane) and learned a ton. We heard great keynote interviews with Martha Stewart and Katie Couric. I have a ton of things I want to do now, and have already linked my blog to Google Analytics (I know, why had I not done this before?!) and started a Facebook fan page for this here blog. You can become a fan HERE. There’s not much there yet, but that won’t last too long, especially with all the Olympic news coming out of London.

I do have to say though, while I learned a lot and met some great people and put the most random assortment of food samples into my stomach, I do think a good portion of the conference was geared towards mom bloggers and that if I go to another conference, which I hope that I do, it will be a health/fitness conference such as FIT Bloggin’ or the Healthy Living Summit.

I was in the last session of the day yesterday it seemed everyone on my Twitter feed was watching the men’s 10,000m final. It was blowing up even though the connection at the Hilton was miserable. I wish I had gotten to see the full race. Thankfully I saw a replay of the last lap a few times. Seriously, what a finish! Can’t imagine what it would have been to actually be there.

Did anyone wake up for the 6am ET start of the women’s marathon this morning? I have to admit, I didn’t. But I did turn it on as soon as our alarm went off at 7:10am and watched it till we had to leave for the gym. I had planned to go for a run but when I realized the marathon would be on I opted for the gym so I could watch from the treadmill. It was so sad to watch Shalane and Kara fall back and know that Desiree had already pulled out. But, it was a hard fought race and the American women are amazing. I hope they’re doing okay.

Track & Field is up this afternoon. Who do you think will win the men’s 100m?

By the way, NYRR opened registration for Fall races last week in case you want to sign up. I signed up for three so I don’t have to worry about them filling up while I’m not looking! Let me know if you sign-up for any of these, or the 5th Ave Mile, which I signed up for before!

• September 15: FITNESS Mind, Body, Spirit games (4M)
• October 28: Poland Spring Marathon Kick-off (5M)
• November 18: Race to Deliver (4M)

Let me know what you want to see on the new Early Morning Run Facebook page!

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Today’s workout -

• 50 min elliptical
• 3x10 lat pull down
• 3x10 upright row
• 100 ab exercises
• 2x10 box step ups
• bosu ball balance
• 3x10 squats
• stretching

London Calling Giveaway!

With Trials over and the Olympics only a few weeks away, it’s time to get ready to cheer for the hundreds of US athletes who will be competing in the Games. To help you get into the spirit, I put together this giveaway with my favorite running apparel company, Oiselle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One lucky winner will get a London Calling running tee and a pair of Oiselle’s distance shorts! (The winner gets to choose from the available colors)

I have a few Oiselle running tees and love them. They are extremely comfortable and great for wearing while going for a run on a cool day or just hanging out. I haven’t tried the distance shorts yet but have two other styles and couldn’t be happier. Perfectly placed pockets, great lightweight fabric and no poufy-ness in the bum!

Of course, there are a few ways you can enter to win! To be entered into the contest, do one (or more) of the following and leave a comment letting me know that you did! This is important: each entry requires a separate comment.

1. Follow this blog
2. Follow @EarlyMorningRun on Twitter HERE
3. Follow @Oiselle on Twitter HERE
4. Go to the Oiselle website HERE and let me know which color “London Calling” tee is your favorite
5. Tweet this: I just entered the London Calling @Oiselle giveaway on @Earlymorningrun! You can enter here: http://bit.ly/OttWfd
6. Tell me which is your favorite Summer Olympics event

The contest runs from Tuesday, July 10th through July, 17th. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, July 18th so they can receive the prize before the London Olympics opening ceremony on July 27th!

Disclosure: The prize of one running tee and one pair of shorts is provided by Oiselle; I was not compensated for this post or giveaway. The views expressed here are entirely my own. Product images courtesy of Oiselle.com

Check out this fun video from Oiselle’s Olympic Trials Fashion Show

Good Luck!

#TotallyTrials Crazy

Have you been watching the Olympic Trials all week? I’ve definitely been watching as much as I can. I am definitely getting more excited about the Olympics this year than I have in the past. It’s cool to hear stories about the athletes and see them achieve their dreams. Of course, it’s also heartbreaking when you see people struggle and falling short after working so hard to get to the Trials.

I’m watching the swimming trials right now, before Track & Field starts, and I have to say, I love the underwater shots. I am not a swimmer and I think the underwater shots make the swimmers look so graceful.

Can I just say, I really think I’d kill myself if I ever tried hurdles. I’m pretty confident that is something I would not excel at.

The track & field athletes in Eugene are amazing. All that rain? And Ashton Eaton still got a world record in the decathlon! Awesome. There really have been so many thrilling races, it’s been a ton of fun to watch. And have you noticed how colorful the runners feet are? Random, I know, but it really stands out in races like the 10,000 or 5,000 when the runners are in a pack. Just watch their feet and it’s like a box of Crayola crayons! I have to imagine that’s somewhat of a new phenomenon.

I have to admit that I’m pretty bummed I’m missing out on a ton of fun in Eugene. You see, Oiselle has three houses full of Oiselle runners and friends, partying it up at the Trials and Oiselle’s first fashion show, which is Friday night. I wanted to go but just couldn’t get away to make the cross country trip. From my Twitter feed over the last week, I know I’m missing out on a great time.

Oiselle’s fashion show Friday night will be the party everyone in Eugene will be talking about. Why? Well, first, the awesome women of Oiselle and the beautiful new designs they’re going to show, but also because the one and only MC Hammer is going to DJ. Yep, seriously. Crazy cool, right? I’m sure there are at least a few people reading this who really have no idea who MC Hammer is. I admit, I had a pair of MC Hammer pants back in my youth.

I suggest you follow Oiselle for the play by play!

Speaking of Oiselle and the Olympics… just a little heads up that I’m going to host a fun giveaway in a week or so to celebrate the Olympics, so watch for it!

• Olympic Trials, Wimbledon and Le Tour De France - what will you be watching?
• Do you have big plans for the weekend?

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Today’s workout -

• 45min elliptical
• 3x15 upright row
• 3x30sec single leg bosu ball balance
• 3x10 lateral arm raise
• 150 ab exercises
• 1x50 sec plank
• stretching

My New Hill

If you read the post below, you know that last Sunday was not a good day for me. It was tough and I’m still pretty annoyed about it, but I’m also moving on. Today I actually had a really great workout that has re-energized me.

I only did a 30 minute run before I hit the gym, but I targeted hills. When we lived on the UES and I trained in Central Park regularly, I had no trouble with hills. They were more afraid of me, than I was with them. But since moving down here I’ve lost my touch. I rather run along the river, where it’s flat, than on the crowded, smelly streets that are actually pretty hilly. Well, that’s over.

I started my run with an easy flat, out and back and then went for the hills. Wasn’t great at first, but by the end I was focused and feeling stronger. I actually ended my run in a different spot than usual because our regular gym is closed on Sunday and we have to go to one a little farther away, and turns out, there’s an awesome hill right there, kind of hidden out of the way. It’s a really long block, wide sidewalk, and very few pedestrians. Didn’t take me long to realize it was perfect for repeats. Because it’s really long, I chose to start half way up and did three repeats. This is my new hill.

The plan is (which has absolutely no science behind it, just seems reasonable to me) to attack this hill at least twice a week. Start with four repeats and add distance every two weeks. I’m also going to add more hills into my regular runs, but I think this is going to make me much stronger. I felt great after my workout today. It must be a good sign. Right?

In other news, I ate a ton of cheese today at the New Amsterdam Market cheese & dairy fair. It was awesome. While it was great to see a ton of people there, and that more people are discovering the market, I hope it doesn’t get as crazy as Hester Street Fair. Can’t wait for Ice Cream Sunday in August!

If you haven’t been watching the Olympic Trials from Eugene, you really should. So compelling and exciting to watch amazing athletes fight to get their spot on the US Olympic Track & Field Team! I do not think NBC is giving enough TV time for this either. Just an hour on tonight? Definitely not enough! Want to get the inside scoop on the trials? Follow the ladies of Oiselle, Sally and Sarah, who are there all week!

• How did your workouts go this weekend?
• Have you been watching the trials? Ashton Eaton’s world record? Awesome, right?
• What’s your favorite Olympic event?

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Today’s workout -

• 30min run
• 3 hill repeats
• 3x12 lat pull down
• 3x15 weighted side bends
• 2x15 upright row
• 3x10 back extension
• 100 ab exercises
• 15min elliptical
• stretching

Five for Friday

Do you realize next weekend is Memorial Day weekend? I do not understand where spring has gone, but I am excited to have a 3 day weekend!

1. With summer on the way, the Olympics are getting closer! Oiselle is running an awesome contest that you should seriously consider entering. Grab your best running buddy and get your creative juices going. They’re flying the winning duo to Eugene in June for three days of the Track & Field Olympic Trials! Not only do you get the plane tickets, but the winners also get to stay at the Oiselle Nest with Team Oiselle, tickets to three days of the trials, VIP tickets to Oiselle’s party and fashion show, an awesome Oiselle swag bag and what is guaranteed to be a ridiculously awesome time! Click HERE for all the details! Good luck!

2. One runner you might see if you go to Eugene and will likely see watching the Olympics this July, is Jenny Simpson. A Team New Balance athlete, Jenny won the gold medal at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. The first American woman to win a world championship in 28 years. Now, she’s a favorite for London. To celebrate her place in American distance running, New Balance put together a great behind-the-scenes mini-documentary which you can watch on YouTube HERE but for a sneak peek, watch the trailer below! I don’t know about you, but I love having the chance to see what life is really like for elite runners; how they train, their struggles and triumphs. I can’t wait to cheer for all the American athletes competing in the Olympics, including Jenny!

3. Switching gears to food….if you’re in the city this weekend and thinking you’d like to hang out with about a million people on a city street in mid-town and eat a ton of food from all over the world, head over to the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival in Hell’s Kitchen. If you’re having trouble finding it, just walk towards the unmistakable vendor cart aroma! Taste of Tribeca is also happening this Saturday. For $45 you can try food from 70 fantastic Tribeca area restaurants with proceeds going to local schools.

4. I’m now going to interrupt this 5 for Friday post for a quick PSA – as runners and people who generally like to be outside, we need to be sure to be careful when we’re out in the sun. While I never went to a tanning salon, when I was young I did like to lay out and get tan in the summer since I’m pretty pale with my Scandinavian complexion. As I’ve gotten older though, I’ve realized there are a lot of health issues we can’t control. But one thing we can have a lot of control over is skin cancer. So, please, I implore you to put on sunblock and run in the morning or night so you don’t get the worst sun of the day. HERE’s a great article from Rodale.com – “7 New Rules of Sunscreen” – a great read as we start spending more time outside.

5. I’m not sure if you’ve seen the “We Deliver” ads, the ones featuring delivery men for major beverage companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, but they are all over the TV out here and plastered inside Subway cars, bus shelters and phone booths. These ads really annoy me for several reasons, but I don’t want to get into that now. I was happy to read THIS article in The New York Times the other day which explores the fact that soda companies are having to find new sources of income because sales of soda has been dropping. I never want companies to go out of business or to have to lay people off, but I am happy to hear people are getting fewer calories from beverages. It’s not completely optimistic though, because the article does not that people may be drinking more energy and sports drinks, which are also high in sugar. But if fewer people are drinking harmful sodas, we can tackle the energy and sports drinks next!

• What is your favorite Olympic event to watch?
• Do you wear sunscreen religiously or “forget” to put it on?
• What is your favorite non-soda beverage?
• Are you racing this weekend? What are your big plans?

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Today’s workout -

• 40min elliptical
• 2x15 core twists
• 2x15 leg press
• 100 ab exercises
• 2 x 1min plank
• 2x15 back extension
• stretching