Checking in With NYC Marathoner Grace Kim

The first Sunday of November is one of my favorite days of the year; it’s the day more than 50,000 people take to the streets after months (and sometimes years) of hard work, dedication, and dreaming, to run 26.2 miles through the most amazing city on earth. My first experience with the NYC Marathon was my first fall living in New York. I could tell it was going to be a big deal but didn’t totally understand until I walked two blocks from my apartment on the Upper East Side to 1st Ave and found the sidewalks crushed with people drinking and cheering for the runners passing by. It’s impossible to look at those runners and not see the emotion and sheer will pushing them forward each step to the finish line in Central Park. Finishing the NYC Marathon in 2009 will always be one of the things I’m most proud of.

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Many of my Oiselle teammates will be running on Sunday, including – get ready for this – Gabrielle Amara, Susan Empey, Paulette Ference, Dori Gray, Catherine Haggarty, Jessica Holt, Lisa Janssen, Farron McIntee, Prianka Nandy, and the one and only Kara Goucher! Check out this post on Oiselle’s blog about all the birds racing!

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Sunday morning I’ll be tracking my good friend, Grace (bib #: 51842), who is a constant source of inspiration and support for me. You’ve seen her on this blog more than a few times over the years, but did you know that the woman behind Lean Girls Club was chosen by Asics to run the TCS New York City Marathon as part of their Editors Challenge? They made an excellent choice! I was lucky enough to run six miles in Central Park with Grace when we were out in New York and she recently took time to answer some questions for me about running, training for her third NYC Marathon, and advice for first-timers.

Lisa: How long have you been running? Why do you run? Grace: I've been running for about eight years. I never thought I would "be" a runner, and according to doctors I'm not built for running. But I love it and do it anyway. I love running because it's changed my life and given me new life. I've lost a lot of weight through running, made new friends through running (the run community is like no other), and have even traveled to new places because of running. Running is my ME time - it's the time I get to invest back in myself when the other 23 hours of the day are spent doing things for other people.

Why are you running NYCM this year - for the third time? It's my hometown race. I love that MY city and MY people come out and celebrate runners. It's an amazing race which NYRR and the City do an amazing job of hosting. The energy in the city is explosive and I like being a part of it, whether running or volunteering.

You're running for Asics; can you tell us a bit about this? I am so honored to be a part of the Asics blogger team. Asics, who is a sponsor of the NYCM, invited me and five other runners to run with their blogger team. They've been incredibly supportive by giving me this opportunity to run the race by not only providing amazing gear but also giving us access to Coach Andrew Kastor. This is the closest to the pro-team I will ever get! It's amazing to me that less than 10 years ago I couldn't run a mile, and now I'm running with Asics. I told you running has changed my life!

What are your goals for Sunday? My goal is to run my best race, not cry at any point (I seem to cry at every marathon), and come out injury free. Oh, and to have fun!

Tell us about your training a bit, when did you start? I'd been running 10-13 miles on the weekends this summer and really ramped up my training in August.

What has your weekly training schedule been like? T/R – tempo runs, W/F - speed work, Saturday - fun run, Sunday - long run, M - rest (distance and intensity varies each week).

Photo Credit: Lean Girls Club

What was your longest run preparing for this marathon? 22 miles…in the rain.

What has gone well and what have you had to focus on? Recovery each week has gone really well. On the flip side, I've had to focus on being adaptable in harsh conditions. I ran more times in the cold and rain this training period, which wasn't ideal, but because I made myself focus on those runs in particular I feel extremely prepared.

How do you prepare for long runs and how do you recover? I truly believe a good low-key Saturday, sleep, good fuel, and an ice bath + foam rolling really helped me recover quickly. A beer during the ice bath helped too ;)

What type of cross training do you do? Spin, yoga, light weights. I have to admit that I'd like to (need to) do more in the future.

How do you stay motivated? Following other runners on Instagram motivates me. I see how much fun insta-runners are having, how many miles they're running, what they're struggling with, and it makes me want to get out there. Again, the run community is so amazing and so supportive!

Do you have any pre-race rituals that you'll follow Saturday & Sunday morning? Saturday - spaghetti bolognese + lay out my clothes + foam roll. Sunday - foam roll + cinnamon raisin bagel + banana + a quick prayer cuz I need it!

Do you have any mantras to help you through? "Pain is temporary, pride is forever." "Change and reward are on the other side of discomfort." "My heart may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart… - Psalm 73:26"

What advice would you give to someone running the New York City Marathon for the first time? Have fun. Trust the process and the work you've put in. Run strong. Blast Empire State of Mind.

How will you celebrate? I'll be attending the Lululemon Post--Marathon After Party and then I'll have a big glass (or two) of champagne with my Asics Teammates.

 

Photo Credit: Lean Girls Club

Is there anything else you want to share? There are too many people in this world who will tell you that you can't do something, don't let yourself be one of them. Dream big!

Before she lines up at Fort Wadsworth, you can find Grace with Asics at the Marathon Expo on Thursday at 10am EST, a #TeamAsics Tweetup Saturday at 9am at the NYC Public Library (5th and 42nd St) and the Marathon Lounge at 10am EST.

What characteristics mentioned in the Asics “We Are Marathoners” infographic do you associate with? * What is the best spectator sign you’ve seen along a race course? * Who will you be cheering for on Sunday?

Check out Lean Girls Club, and follow Grace on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

My Saturday Short Run

With Woody in Florida for the weekend visiting his family I totally changed up our usual Saturday routine.

Grace had 20 miles on her marathon training schedule and a couple weeks ago we planned that I’d join her for a few of those miles.

I slept in a little (7:30am, woo!) and was on my way to the Farmer’s Market by 8:30. I ran a few errands and then was off to meet her.

I found her on the West Side Highway on the north end of Chelsea Pier and we were off. It’s been a really long time since we’ve run together, I was more than happy to give her some company on these last few miles. I was really impressed by how well she was doing 16 miles in!

After getting an update on how she was feeling and the first 16 miles, we chatted about the usual randomness you chat about on a run. Her trip home to visit her parents, the trip Woody and I just took to Maine, how talented she is at eating on the run, and how annoying it is that the water fountains are turned off already. (I really think the city should keep the water fountains on at least until after the marathon)

I felt like a total slacker only running a little over four miles when she ran 20, but for me, as I try to get through this year without an injury, it’s what I could do. It was a good chance for us to catch up and I’m happy I could keep her company for a little bit. I remember when we started our little office running group years ago and I think it’s awesome that she’s running NYC for a second time. I hope she realizes how strong she is and that she can do anything she sets her mind to, including rocking this marathon. I mean, look how awesome she looks after a 20 mile run!!

• Do you love or hate cleaning out your closet?
  • I love the feeling after I finish, but I really procrastinate
• Run alone or with friends?
  • I usually run alone, but it’s great to mix it up
• Cold weather or warm weather runner?
  • In between, although it’s refreshing to bundle up and go for a run in the brisk air sometimes
• When it’s cold out do you go for coffee, tea or hot cocoa?
  • Depends on the mood I’m in

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Today’s workout -

• 40min elliptical
• 3x10 tricep kickbacks
• 3x10 upright row
• 3x10 cable twists
• ab exercises
• stretching
• foam roller

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!

From The ING NYC Marathon Finish Line

Yesterday was so great!

Woody and I started the morning with a 5 mile run downtown. We're running a Turkey Trot in Prospect Park on Thanksgiving (my first Turkey Trot!!) so he wanted to get at least one run in before the race. It was cold out. And the first mile or so was pretty breezy too but it was much calmer along the river and the sun was beating down, so it heated up quickly. By the time we hit the Staten Island Ferry all the NYCM runners had passed through and were on Staten Island! We got back, got ready and saw the start of the elite women's race on TV before heading out.

We easily found our way to the eastside bleachers and chose some great seats. We were both a bit surprised by how many seats were still open! Soon, April showed up and joined us, and her friend came a bit later. We were entertained by a marching band, double-dutchers (is that a word?), bagpipers and breakdancers. Quite a show!

A car came through stopping not far from us and who got out but Grete Waitz!! The legendary Norwegian runner who came out of nowhere to win the 1978 NYC Marathon and then went on to win it another 8 times! She joined Mayor Bloomberg at the finish line for an interview. (Grete is in the pink jacket, Bloomberg is wearing orange)

We were watching the race on a large screen trying to make out who was in the lead and soon we saw the lead women were in the park!! The pacers vehicles come through and then we saw the leader!

Edna Kiplagat of Kenya won in 2:28:20! And not too far behind was Shalane Flanagan, the American woman in her marathon debut!! She crossed in 2:28:40!! Shalane seriously looked like a super hero!

More women were crossing the finish line and we were waiting for the men's turn. Gebre Gebrmariam (Ethiopia) and Emmanuel Mutai (Kenya) broke away from the pack early. Really early. Gebrmariam who won the Healthy Kidney 10K in Central Park earlier this year, crossed the finish line in 2:08:14; it was his marathon debut!

And he finished a full minute before Mutai (2:09:18), the runner up in the 2010 Virgin London Marathon.

I was really hoping it would be a repeat for Meb, but unfortunately it just wasn't his day. He came in sixth at 2:11:38 to tons of cheers from the crowd!! It was great to see him running down the last few yards wearing his white USA singlet!

We hung around for quite a while, cheering the awesome runners in to the finish! They were all amazing and working so hard! We were sad see one man who collapsed not far from the finish who had to be carried off in a stretcher. It was brutal to watch him stagger and then falter so close to his goal. many people ran to his aid quickly and I really hope he's doing well. Aside from that, it was wonderful to see the excitement on the runner's faces. The joy of seeing the finish line. The months of hard work in their eyes as their goal came into sight. I hope all the finishers are enjoying their great accomplishment!!

Congrats to all the ING NYC Marathon finishers!!

What was the highlight of your weekend?
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today's workout -
45minute elliptical
2x40second planks
2x20second side planks
stretching

INGNYC Marathon Expo

As I had planned, I ran 5.5 miles up to the Jacob Javits Center this morning to get to the expo. It was pretty cold, but blue sky. Unfortunately I was running into the wind for the entire run. This can be exhausting, even when the path is flat. There were a good number of runners out, but less than usual. I did see some who looked like they were out loosening up before the marathon tomorrow. I felt a big urge to wish them all luck, but didn't since they looked pretty focused and I didn't want to sound crazy if I was wrong and they aren't running.

On my way up the West Side Highway I noticed a police car in front of a few UPS trucks. At first I thought it was some sort of security issue, with the recent cargo scare and all, but as I got closer I noticed there were quite a few UPS trucks lined up. It dawned on me that these must be the trucks going over to Staten Island for the marathon! (UPS is a sponsor, runners put their bags in assigned trucks at Ft Wadsworth and pick them up at the finish line). It was literally a parade of UPS trucks and almost each one had a kid in the passenger seat. I'm guessing the drivers were able to bring their kids if they wanted to.

All in all my run was pretty good. The wind was annoying and my legs were cold but my upper body was warm, so that was a little uncomfortable. I was carrying a few more things than usual (like a reusable bag, my bberry and money in my jacket pocket for the expo) so this also weighed me down a little. Still, I felt good and was glad to run on such a gorgeous fall day!

I got to the expo just after it oped and bypassed the number pickup line and went straight for the expo. Unfortunately though, I didn't take time to stretch and my legs are a little sore now. Anyway, there was hardly anyone in the expo when I got there! Lots of exhibitors, all the usual suspects like the apparel companies, Nissan Leaf (a sponsor), booths for races around the world, charities and gear companies.

I picked up some great info on races, a flashing light that I can wear when running in the dark, and a bunch of samples (gotta love Emerald Nuts!) I also got this awesome thing from the company that makes The Stick!

Looks strange, I know, but all of their things do, don't they? As soon as the saleswoman showed me how it worked and what it does, I was sold! It's a little miracle worker that I know both Woody and I will use quite a bit! It works similar to the stick, but puts pressure on specific areas and rolls easily. It can be used on legs, arms, pecs, feet, any muscle that aches and any pesky knot! It's small too, so can easily fit in a gym bag, suitcase or purse. I am in love!

Okay, I'm done with my sales pitch.

The subway was a mess and it took me forever to get home. I was too late to get to the bar to watch the MSU game with Woody and instead made a very late breakfast that was incredible! I tried something new and will post the recipe next week, so be sure to check back!

Can't wait for the marathon tomorrow! I hope you're having a great weekend!
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today's workout -
5.5mile run