New Digs, New Race

The big news…

Last week Woody and I got the keys to our first house together! After almost a decade of apartment living in NYC and Denver, we will be moving into our very own house soon! Both exciting and a bit scary, we are undoubtedly looking forward to not sharing walls with anyone and having the luxury of painting those walls any color we choose! (Although we’ll probably keep them as they are. Oh well.) While one of the top must-buy items on Woody’s list is a grill for the big deck we now own, I plan on spending quality time right here.

And also a few blocks south, in Washington Park – dare I say, the best park in Denver! Really, one of the best things about this house is that it’s so close to this park with great running trails! Good thing too, because I just registered for a race and need to get going on my training.

Everything I’ve heard about this race is that it’s awesome. Quintessential Boulder. The first Bolder Boulder was run in 1979 after Frank Shorter suggested it to a local businessman. While 2,700 runners participated in that first race, the 10K has grown to be one of, if not the, largest 10K in the country – over 50,000 finishers! While a race that large can easily be quite daunting and crazy, I hear that it’s incredibly well organized and one of the best days of the year along the Front Range. Just from my registration process I can tell it’s a unique race. Can’t wait to run with a bunch of other Oiselle birds, Woody and several colleagues on Memorial Day! I’m sure I’ll be posting more about this race over the next few months. I also plan on running another race before then, but haven’t yet signed up for it. With the big check we handed over last week, my bank account can only handle one race registration at a time!

What was the best thing about the past week? * Have any advice for new homeowners? * Who wore your favorite dress at the Academy Awards Sunday night? * What race(s) are you looking forward to this spring?

The Challenge Staring Me Down

I’m heading out of town for the weekend. Leaving my husband at home to go play in the North with my family. My nephew is turning 5 so it’s time to celebrate! As excited as I am to see my family – and I have to say, seeing my nephew and niece will be the biggest treat about it – I am also a bit nervous.

The last month or so I’ve been really focused on my goal to shed a few pounds and while they’re coming off slowly it is working and I’m afraid that stepping far outside the comfort zone and routine I’ve created is going to set me back. Thankfully the hotel my parents and I are staying at has a small gym, so I will run both Sunday and Monday (traveling early Saturday morning – maybe a few laps of the terminal?), probably chase the little munchkins around a bit and do my very best to indulge only a little.

My mantra for the weekend:

This Sunday is the NYC Half Marathon. It’s a great race that starts in Central Park and finishes here in my neighborhood downtown. I’ve only run it once, a few years ago when it was still in August; it was fun to run and a great one to cheer for. I’m definitely disappointed I won’t be here to support all the runners and for what is bound to be an awesome Oiselle Team meet-up. Good luck to all the Oiselle birds who’ll be out there running: Allison, Jocelyn, Katie, Meggie and Stephanie!

My exciting news? I’ve registered for two more races this Spring so I now have three on the calendar!

• Sunday, May 12: Japan Run in Central Park (4M)
• Thursday, May 30: AHA Wall Street Run (3)
• Saturday, June 8: Oakley Mini 10K

What are your plans for the weekend? * How do you like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – corned beef, green beer or a shamrock shuffle? * How do you stay on track with your health & fitness goals while you travel?

I Hated Running in School, Now I Pay to do it

Saturday I’m running another race. I know. My last race was in July and now two in a week. It’s just how it happens sometimes. Saturday is the NYRR 5th Ave Mile. This is only my second year running this. I will state for the record that I hated running the mile in school. I still remember running it in middle school and thinking that it would never end. I was not a fan of running because I didn’t know how to.

I still don’t know how to run a mile since I never train for a mile. Last year I just went out and took it pretty conservatively at the start then picked up my speed as we got closer to the finish. 5th Ave is no flat, which makes it a little difficult because there are these little hills all along the mile course. And when you don’t train on a course, you don’t know what to expect. It’s an interesting race so we’ll see how it goes. It’s kind of amazing that so many years after those bad experiences in middle school, here I am willingly racing a mile. Actually, come to think of it, that I run at all. It’s an incredible think how we’re able to change so much through our life.

There are a few other Oiselle ambassadors running – Robin and Meggie – while Emilie is planning to come out to cheer. Kate Grace, who’s on the elite team and ran in the Olympic Trials in June is running in the NYRR Championship heat. We’re all hoping to meet up at some point.

Unfortunately this week I haven’t been getting to much of a workout to prep for the race. My legs have been so stiff since race last Saturday. I think it’s a combination of three things 1) the hills, 2) my office chair at work that is about as comfortable and ergonomic as a wood plank and 3) the adjustment I got at my first chiropractor appointment Saturday after the race. I’ve ended up taking two days off from working out this week and instead spent about 20-25 minutes each morning on my yoga mat stretching. As much as I’d rather not take two days off in one week like this, it’s a must. I’d rather take two days off now and get past this quickly than let it go on an let it hinder my workouts. Thankfully this morning my workout was much better than earlier this week so it seems that I made the right choice. Plus, recently I became a strong believer in the idea that sleep helps strained muscles and heals injuries. Hopefully I’ll be ready to push through the mile on Saturday!

• How much did you love running the mile in gym class?

I loved running the mile about as much as I love eating olives.

• Any big plans for the weekend?

Spartan Fall Fest tonight with other MSU alumna in NYC, and the race tomorrow!

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Today’s workout -

• 40min elliptical
• 3x10 lateral arm raise
• 3x10 tricep kick-back
• 3x10 hammer curl
• foam roller
• ab exercises
• stretching

An Unusual Situation

I had another post ready to go for this morning but then last night as I was getting ready for bed I saw a really disturbing segment on the local news. It seems a sewage line broke in Tarrytown, NY this week. The local officials decided that the only way they could fix the line was to redirect all the raw (although apparently treated by chlorine) sewage into the Hudson River. Millions of gallons of raw sewage are dumping into the river.

On any usual day I would find this disgusting for the pure fact that they’re dumping sewage into the river. The Hudson isn’t the most clean river in the world, even in the State, but people and organizations have been working incredibly hard to clean up the local waterways and this is going to set them back. They images of the red water and the reports of the putrid smell were disturbing. And here’s my question: most communities aren’t located so close to a major waterway, so what do they do with raw sewage if a line breaks? There must have been another option.

Also, this isn’t just a usual day. More than 2,500 athletes are descending on this area for the first Ironman competition to be held here, which is taking place tomorrow. The swim portion is in the Hudson River. After dedicating so much time, energy and heart to training for the Ironman, the swim portion is in jeopardy.

According to a Reuters article, while beaches are closed and the public are warned not to go in the water, officials believe that the water will be okay for the Ironman. Apparently the fact that it is a tidal river has something to do with this. Runners and tri-athletes understand that no matter how hard you train, you never know what race day will bring and there are always things out of your control. Usually though it’s weather or bad days rather than sewage. Still it’s heartbreaking that the swim portion could be cancelled because of this. A bike and a run do not make an Ironman.

Today I’m hoping for the best and that these Ironman athletes will get to race the whole course and make amazing memories!

• What’s the weirdest race situation you’ve had to deal with?
• Have you been watching the Olympics? What has been your favorite moments?
• Are you following Early Morning Run on Facebook? No? Go HERE!

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Today’s workout -

• 35min run
• 10min walk
• 100 ab exercises
• 3x10 weighted side bends
• 3x10 upright row
• 1x40sec plank
• stretching

Wednesday Night at the Races

This has been one crazy week and I really feel like I've been slacking on the blog front, but sometimes I just have to go to sleep! I've been working on a really cool new business pitch at work that's been taking up a lot of time and effort, we've been running our usual weekend errands after work since we didn't do them while my parents were in town, and Wednesday my company called it a day early and went on a scavenger hunt around the city (let me just say, the thousands of miles I've logged in Central Park really came in handy yesterday) and then I volunteered in the evening.


Have you heard about NYC Runs? It's a resource, and social community, for NYC area runners started by Steve Lastoe that provides local news and articles on running, a listing of area races (some of which you can register for, without fee, on the site), and opportunities to find clubs and running partners. I don't have any stats on the site, but I can tell you that I've used it to look for races, read articles and am on the mailing list.


Earlier this year, NYC Runs started a race series in Riverside Park on the Upper West Side, as well as a few other parks throughout the city. When I heard about this I definitely wanted to run one since I knew the field would be a little less massive than the usual NYRR race and I also decided to volunteer and help out for a race. Last night was my night to volunteer.


The weather was warm, but there was a nice breeze coming off the river and the shade helped keep the park cool. A perfect evening for running. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I got to the meet spot and there were a few people getting things set up. As of now, this is a pretty low-key operation with only a few 'staff' members and around ten volunteers. The course winds through the park in a loop, with a few cross overs that make good signage and volunteers necessary. I met David, Steve and a few volunteers and eventually headed out to my spot at the south end of the loop. David gave us the low-down on the race and what we needed to do. Pretty simple work, of course, but essential work. Not long after 7:15pm (race start time) Steve came around on his bike and moments later he was followed by a thundering herd of speedy runners including members of a cross country team.


I had been told the races usually field about 75 runners, but while I don't know for sure, this one didn't seem to have quite as many. They rushed by quickly and then my job was done. Everyone seemed pretty happy to have a volunteer reassure them they were going the right way and there to cheer for them. I waited around for about 10 minutes then decided no one else was coming and went to meet up with another volunteer to head back to the start/finish. 


Most of the runners had finished by the time we got back and were lounging around, drinking water, stretching and enjoying icepops. The winners were being calculated (overall men's and women's winners and AG winners) and then were announced. Gotta love prizes from Party City! There was a family of four from Germany (I think) that swept the awards! They each won in the AG! What a great way to spend an evening while visiting the NYC.


While this is was a very small race, it was definitely a great opportunity for the runners to see what they can really do in a 5k. Everyone also seemed to be having fun, which was cool to see. I mean, how often can you race a 5k on a Wednesday night? If you can make your way up to Riverside Park, I definitely recommend you give it a try! There's a 10k (two loops of the course) in two weeks. Click HERE to register for only $10!!

Post Race

• Have you ever run a race in the evening after work?
• Do you prefer small or large races?
• What's the best thing you've ever experienced at a race, that was organized by the race? (great bands on the course, cool race souvenirs, lots of water stations...)

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Yesterday's workout -

3mile run

150 ab exercises

2x45sec planks

3x18 squats
3x15sec one leg bridge

stretching

Today's workout -

3mile run
125 ab exercises
2x45sec planks
2x30sec side planks
4x15sec one leg bridge
2x20 upright row
stretching

The Finish from Above

I decided to forgo my workout Sunday to walk over to Chambers and the West Side Highway to watch NYC Half Marathoners cross the finish line!

My hope was to see Meb and Kara race to the finish, unfortunately, neither of them won, but Kara did come in third! And while Meb didn't place in the top 5, Galen Rupp, a 24-year old American, running his 2nd career road race and first ever half marathon came in third for the men! Not a bad showing for the Americans!

I got to the finish pretty early and found a great spot on a pedestrian bridge right past the finish line! It was really cold, but definitely worth the wait!

The view from my perch. Waiting for the runners!

Mo Farah of Great Britain wins in 1:00:23
with Gebre Gebremaria right on his heels (1:00:25)

American Galen Rupp finished 7 seconds after the winner - 1:00:30

The top men were all smiles!

While Meb finished in 15th place, it was still an incredible 1:02:52!
The men's race was incredibly tight!

Caroline Rotich of Kenya won the women's race in a quick 1:08:52

The women put out a great race with Edna Kipligat coming in second, finishing in 1:09:00 and
Kara Goucher (above) crossing three seconds later.



Goucher celebrates with her husband and 6 month old son!

It was really a cool thing to watch the finish from above. A big crowd had gathered by the time the men were a mile away, so there was a fun, excited vibe going on. Not long after watching the women finish I gave up my spot to a a woman who were there to watch for her friend; it was more important for her to get that great view than me! I was thoroughly charged up by the experience. I stopped by Whole Foods to do a little shopping and loved seeing all the runners in the neighborhood as I walked home. I'm totally pumped and can't wait for my first 'big' race on May 1st.

• Do you like watching races as much as you like running in them?
• Do you follow elite runners?

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Saturday's workout -
5 mile run
leg strengthening exercises
foam roller
lots of stretching

Sunday's workout -
walk to/from race finish (approx 2 miles)
stretching

Today's workout -
4 mile run
3x10 lateral arm raise
2x10 side squats
forward, side & back kicks with resistance band
stretching
foam roller

Destination Races

One of the best things about running is that you can do it just about anywhere, and often with only a minimal amount of planning ahead of time. All you really need are comfortable clothes, running shoes, and a water bottle.

Confession time: I've never traveled for a race. All of the races I've run have been in NYC, either starting or ending in Central Park, except for one 5K I ran while a student at Michigan State. The only time I couldn't walk to the start line was when I ran the marathon last fall. Yes, I have it pretty easy, but it's not very exciting.

As I've been struggling to get through this latest injury, I've been dreaming of the day when I can run again, and when I can race again. (Not because I actually compete, but because I love the rush and comraderie.) Since I had to bail from the half marathon last month, I want to get another one on my schedule for later this year once I'm running again. I want a big race to train for. I need a race to train for. A goal to accomplish. So, this has me thinking about racing in general.

A lot of runners often travel for races all over the country. I love running in different cities when I'm on vacation and would love to take a trip with a race being the main activity. After talking with other runners, reading websites like Runner's World, Active.com, and other blogs, I put together a list of races that sound like a lot of fun and would require a little bit of traveling (of course, this list may grow at any time).

In no particular order:
1. Bayshore Half Marathon in Traverse City, MI
I love TC and think it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. It would be amazing to run along the bays!
2. Heart of a Spartan 10k in East Lansing, MI
This is a new one and I'd love to support local charities and nothing compares to the feeling you get when you run through the tunnel of Spartan Stadium (although this time there won't be thousands of football fans screaming and singing the fight song).
3. Rock 'n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon in Philadelphia, PA
I have had a love affair with Philly since I was a kid. This race just sounds like fun and isn't too far away. Plus, I could see some friends!
4. The Crescent City Classic 10k in New Orleans, LA
I've only been to NOLA once, but my sister and her husband lived there and loved the city. It has an amazing history and culture and anything we can do to support it is fantastic.
5. Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco, CA
Do I really need to say why I'd love to run this race? I've heard it's one of the best races for women in the country. Plus, SF is beautiful and it would be a great vacation spot. (although I'm not a fan of the race website. It's kind of annoying.)
6. Wine Country Half Marathon in Napa Valley, CA
Beautiful scenery and a wine & music festival at the finish line! Sounds great to me!
7. The Cooper River Bridge Run 10k in Charleston, SC
A beautiful and historical city, I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities for Woody to go golfing, and beautiful scenery from the race course (or so I've read)!
8. Great Cow Harbor 10k in Northport, NY (Long Island)
Close to home and a great excuse to finally get out to Long Island. Apparently the scenery is great and the non-profit race supports the Special Olympics of Long Island. 

If you've traveled for a race, what is the best tip you can give to making it a successful trip? What race(s) would you love to travel for?
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Workout Stats -
10mi bike
3x10 overhead tricep extensions
100 crunches
foam roller and crunches
90 minute Bikram Yoga class

It's Quiet Around Here

This was a great weekend! Lots of walking, laughing, eating, laughing, rain, running (them, not me), a bachelorette party and now, exhaustion! It was so fun to have Melody and Julie visit. We got to catch up on a lot and get the scoop on all of Melody's wedding plans (Julie and I are bridesmaids for her June 5 wedding!). The weather Friday and Saturday could not have been better. Unfortunately, Sunday and this morning was miserable, but that happens sometimes.

This was Melody's first time in the city, so we walked around quite a bit Friday afternoon, seeing many sights, including Grand Central (where there was a great Earth Day Festival), Bryant Park, and Times Square.

After breakfast at the Boathouse in Central Park Saturday morning, we walked through the park to hit up the MORE/Fitness Magazine Half Marathon expo at Roseland Ballroom. This expo was much better than the NYC Half Marathon expo that I volunteered for, and the goodie bag was fantastic! We checked out all the vendors, Melody bought a running belt, Julie a pair of running capris, and we tried out Skinny Water (still too sugary for me) and Silk Soy and Almond milk. The volunteers were great, the process completely smooth and the atmosphere was high energy, fueled by many excited women!

Then we checked out the first day of the new Hester St Market on the Lower East Side. I definitely don't think they anticipated so many people, all of the food vendors were running out by mid-afternoon and the very small space was packed. When someone came through with a stroller, there was hardly room to move. The market is a great idea and a good addition to the neighborhood, just wish they had more space! I'll probably go back with Woody, if only for a St-Viateur bagels driven to NYC from Montreal by the new-ish Brooklyn restaurant, Mile End, each Saturday morning. We had these bagels when we were in Montreal last summer and loved them. Dare I say, I may love them more than most NYC bagels?!

These are not the St-Viateur bagels, but bread from another food vendor at the market.

We woke up at 6am Sunday morning to rain. It rained all throughout the race, but Julie and Melody were amazing and finished with smiles! I went to cheer them on and was able to see them twice on the route and just before the finish line! I was completely inspired by all the women who got out there, even in the pouring rain and cold temps to run 13.1 miles through Central Park! What dedication! I really wish I had been able to run with Julie and Melody, but there was really no way I would have been able to do it. Hopefully we'll have another chance in the future to run a race together! Julie made these awesome shirts for the race - ours say 'bridesmaid' and Melody's says 'Bride in training'! So cute! I wore mine even though I wasn't running, of course!

Melody & Julie just before getting in their corral.

Post race smiles and fuel!

 The best picture from Melody's bachelorette 'party' (drinks and then dinner & a show at Lucky Changs!) is still on Melody's camera. Let's just say it was an interesting and hilarious night that involved drag queens and karaoke! I think all three of us are still recovering. I hope they both got some sleep on the plane!

Have you run a race in pouring rain before? How do you push through the mental challenges to finish the race?

Random note - thinking about Brett Michaels and hoping he recovers soon! It's so tragic whenever anyone suffers from something so life threatening. Another reminder to enjoy every single day.
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Workout Stats -
45min bike
stretching

Hello Spring!

I know, yesterday was the first day of Spring but today is the first full day! And it's another absolutely beautiful day in NYC! I am definitely sorry for all those in Colorado and other places that are being hit with snow and rain storms today. I hope they end quickly and Spring arrives.

Today is also my nephews 2nd Birthday! He's such a smart cutie and I wish we could be in Minneapolis to help him celebrate with his parents (my sis and BIL) and my parents. I'm sure he's having a blast and that they're all running around to keep up with him. It's only a short matter of time until he's on the ice playing hockey!

Happy Birthday Cutie!!

Yesterday I volunteered at the NYC Half Marathon Expo and was stationed at the number distribution table for 4hrs. It was a roller coaster of intensity, I got to help out a lot of people with a wide range of experience. From first-timers to local elites. Rocco Dispirito's bib was in my bin, but alas, he never showed up. I suppose he's off somewhere fantastic cooking and eating delicious foods! His loss! I met some cool women who were volunteering for their credit towards marathon qualification for next year. One of whom ran the Disney Marathon in January and is running San Diego later this year. If I was a runner, I'd be a bit disappointed in the Expo, especially compared to the NYC Marathon. It was extremely small with only a handful of vendors and booths, plus, the location is far out of the way for most people, but as far as I could tell, the process was very smooth and we did our best to figure out any issues as quickly as possible. I hope it was a good start to the weekend for all the runners!

This morning I headed to the park to check out the race for a little bit.

men's leaders

Deena Kastor leading

In the end, Peter Kamais from Kenya finished first in 59:52 and Mara Yamauchi from Great Britain won the women's title in 1:09:17 (both unofficial times). Turns out Haile Gebrselassie dropped out of the race after mile 9 due to an asthma attack. I personally can not even begin to imagine running that quickly! It was completely intimidating and awe inspiring as they blew past me knowing that they had only run 7 miles and the amount of energy they were exerting was incredible! I am so impressed by these runners!

After checking out the race I headed for the gym since the park was a bit insane. Truthfully, my foot was bothering me a bit so I thought it would be best to fit in an elliptical workout today. Had a great workout and the gym wasn't to crowded, which is always nice!

Then, I came home and made this delicious breakfast. Changed up my usual yogurt breakfast a little and added a toaster waffle to the mix. Yum!

I have entered into a new love affair with Chobani greek yogurt. It's simply amazing. I usually stick to the non-fat plain, but today I spiced it up a bit with non-fat vanilla. I love the thickness of it as well as the high amount of protein and low sodium. Yum!!

I have a bit of Spring cleaning to tackle today and a STATE basketball game to watch this afternoon. With Kansas out of the picture now, looks like a major roadblock has been cleared but the team has to get through today first! One game at a time. Oh March Madness!!

Have a great day! Can't wait to read all the race re-caps tomorrow!

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Workout Stats:

7.15mi elliptical

2.5mi stationary bike

3x12 side bends

3x10 upright row

trad planks and side planks

75 bicycle crunches

stretching

Good News for CP Runners!!

Some of the water fountains have been turned on!! Not all of them are working yet, some of which I think would be the first to go on, but perhaps its another way the city is trying to save costs, who knows. It is progress though. I would much rather run without having to lug water along with me, and I think others agree.

For the first few miles of my run this morning (in absolutely perfect running weather!) I didn't even pay attention to them as I went by since they usually aren't on this early in the year, so I only know of three that are, but here is where you can find them:

1. Just north of the reservoir along West Drive between W93rd and 94th on the path going towards the tennis courts (I saw a group of women gathered around it)
2. Also along West Drive near the Swedish Cottage just north of The Lake
3. The south end of the Observatory Water next to the concession stand that is sometimes open and sometimes not, directly across from the Alice in Wonderland statue.

If you know of any others, let me know! The fountains by the 72nd and 5 entrance and the Boathouse are not on yet, even though I'd think those would be some of the first. Oh well. At least a few are working!

I want to congratulate the awesome runners who finished the National Half Marathon this morning in DC - PRs set by Sarah and by Matt!!!! Congratulations!!

After the NYC Marathon, tomorrow is the second biggest running race in NYC each year. With 1.5 laps through Central Park then down 7th Ave to Times Square, 42nd St to the West Side Highway and down to Battery Park City, it's an exciting and fun trip through the city! I ran it two years ago and loved it! Partially because it had the largest crowd I had experienced yet and I hadn't run a race through Times Square before, it's definitely unique! I want to wish tons of luck to everyone running half marathons tomorrow! There are a ton of them here in NYC including TK, Megan, Chris, and many others I know I'm missing (please leave a note)! Also, there's a large group of runners out in Washington running the Mercer Island Half Marathong including Melanie who's going for a PR even after a week of being under the weather. Good luck everyone and have fun!!

I'm off to volunteer for the NYC Half Marathon Expo. If you're going to be there this afternoon, look for me!

Have a great weekend! I hope the weather where ever you are is as nice as it is here!

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Workout Stats:
6.5mi run
3x12 tricep dips
stretching

A Beautiful Morning

Before we head out for the Brooklyn Flea and whatever else awaits us, here are a few pictures from the Run for Haiti this morning.

Over 10,000 people registered for the race and so far, over $400,000 have been raised by this race (in central park and virtual).

Congratulations to all the runners!

Then, on my way over to the Boathouse to grab a coffee

I snapped this picture

Have a great day!