yeah, they're just like us

I liked this recent Runner's World interview with Kara Goucher (who won the mile at last nite's Millrose Games-yeah!)-especially this part:

It's hard to remember the last time there was somebody at your level who was running the mile and the marathon in the same season.
KG: I don't know, I can't imagine just running the marathon or just running the marathon all the time. As long as I can keep competing with everybody on this level, I'll do everything. I love it. I love the fact that this year (actually 2008), I ran a mile, a 3K, a 5K, a 10K, a 10-mile, and a marathon, and I did well in all of them. I like that. It's fun to be able to compete on all those different stages.

I felt like I could have written almost the exact same thing!! (strike the mile and 3K-replace with 4-miler and half-marathon.) It's exactly why I don't want to do a spring marathon this year...even though I do honestly like training for the distance, it's not something I want to do year-round. What's wrong with taking part of the year to see what you've got in shorter distances? Even though I felt last year I was a little stronger in the longer races, there is still unfinished business in races between 5K and 10K....

On a sorta related note, was glad to get my "long" run (10 miles) out of the way today, as I know I will be useless tomorrow...yep, it's Flyers Awards Gala time tonite!! What will everyone be wearing? Who will win what? Who will leave brokenhearted? (oops sorry, that one shoulda been for The Bachelor) What drama will there be? Man, this is more exciting than all those other awards shows :)

the "operation" continues...

Tuesday-actually got to watch the inauguration on TV!! and still made it to the gym in the evening.

Wednesday-long day that consisted of an 8:30 am meeting, 2 1/2 hour lunch, and a killer speed workout. Gawd, I forgot how long 3 minutes at 5K pace can seem...someone remind me how I was ever able to do 3 x 800 on the track at 5k pace last year when it was like 80 degrees out?

Thursday-activity consisted of walking around in heels and hitting the dance floor at our annual client party at Tavern on the Green. And made it home before midnight this time because, for a change in pace I was planning to work on Friday...

Friday-despite many caffeinated infusions, I was practically falling asleep at my desk by 2 pm. very tempted to just crash as soon as I got home, but hit the gym instead...

Saturday-deemed the better of the 2 weekend days, ran 10 miles and change with JS, DN and AU. Very fun, albeit a bit windy!! We came to the conclusion that it probably doesn't matter what direction we choose, we're always gonna hit a headwind when close to the water :-P

Sunday-felt like such a slacker since I didn't run the Manhattan Half. Got out the door in the afternoon with the intent of doing 4 and change. Saw that the bridle path didn't look that icy over on the west side and decided to brave it, needing a change from the roads. But it was bad on the east side and i slipped and fell on the ice :-\ needless to say, i had to walk to engineers gate and hit the roads then...

This week's mileage added up to an amusing number-26.2

So here's a dilemma...I think I am ready to race again (it's been 6 weeks...) The problem is that there seems to be not a lot out there for those of us who want to keep it short...I have the Cherry Blossom 10-miler coming up in April but nothing really on the agenda for February or March. I'd prefer to keep it short...yeah, I know there are half-marathons in abundence but I'm really not up for doing one until I know I'm in 1:45ish shape or better. Something between 5 and 10K...any suggestions? (preferably non-NYRR, if possible) Guess I'm finally itching to do something a little more exciting than slogging out slow miles every weekend...

and something non-running related...i thought this video was amusing so i am posting it :-P

so far, so good

alright...so far "Operation: Don't Wuss Out" has been somewhat successful...

Saturday was insanely cold, yet I still got in a full loop of the park in the afternoon (better to wait until the temps were in the high teens-right?) I just bundled up and got out there...wasn't so bad once I started moving, and I just thought about the Starbucks that I will treat myself to when the run was done :)

Sunday-a little warmer, but kinda snowy. Decided this day would consist of a spin class and 2 miles and change on the dreadmill.

Today-I was out all afternoon running errands and was sooo tempted to just call it a night as soon as I got home and scrap a workout (be it running or XT) But thanks to reading an email chain from the downtown crew, where they talked about the show (or the run) still going on, I put on my running shoes/clothes minutes after I got home and hit the park for 5 snowy miles before I lost my nerve. Thanks for the inspiration, downtown crew :) That plus one of the things I bought today was a pair of shoes that I plan to wear to the awards gala...which ties into making sure the dress still fits :-P

And is everyone excited for a certain inauguration tomorrow? :) I only wish I could watch online, but our IT department has blocked all streaming video. Thank goodness for DVR...

hello, motivation

I think I figured out what I need to do to get me out the door on those chilly nights instead of staying home-try on my dress for the Flyers awards gala. Got a little over 2 weeks to make sure it still fits, so gotta stay on track... (I guess that's what I get for buying the dress right around NYCM time...you get what I'm saying :) )

So winter has hit with a vengence here in NYC. I don't remember it being this cold in a very long time. Cold enough that I have to use my supplemental electric heater-which I don't think I have used since 2005!! So despite that, did I get back on track this week? Well...kinda sorta so far.

Monday-5 1/2 miles
Tues-yoga class with 2.2 dreadmill miles beforehand. The last 2 minutes were at 8:34 pace, which is basically MP for me-man, how did I ever maintain that for 26.2?
Wed-couldn't run in the evening due to a prior engagement...I did set the alarm for the AM but just couldn't do it...too damn cold (this was the beginning of the current cold snap)
Thurs-5 miles tonite. Was 18 degrees (just like Midnight Run night!) but since I had the right attire on, wasn't so bad. Though my hands were freezing for the first mile even though I had gloves on...maybe time to replace them. And a trick for an extra bottom layer? A running skirt-the kind with shorts instead of spankies. Provides the extra layering where I need it most-it actually worked!!

I was hoping to take a spin class tomorrow morning, but considering it's supposed to be single digits at 6 am, I am not sure that will be happening. (why venture outside if I don't have to...even I have my limits...) I guess just make sure I get in a shorter run on Saturday and a longish run on Sunday. There, I have it written down :)

And in non-running news...today's plane crash on the Hudson River-wow, that was a miracle if there ever was one. Unbelievable.

i need motivation

did i mention that i hate winter?

well in case i haven't, i'll say it again. i hate winter. :)

i don't know why, but this past week I was so unmotivated to run, only running twice. i did hit the gym 3 other days this week, but the annual onslaught of the "resolution" people mobbing the treadmills...you get the idea. Like the plan on Thursday was to do a few miles on the treadmill after a yoga class but all treadmills were taken, and i didn't have the patience to wait...

Then Saturday, the intent was to get in a short run outside after hitting the gym, and the hourly forecast looked favorable for me beating the snow but that wasn't the case...

And today? I had to sleep off my share of beverages from last nite...needless to say running did not happen today.

I don't know what's wrong with me, I figured vanity alone (worry about not fitting into my dress for the Flyers' awards gala at the end of the month) would get me out there but that has not been the case this past week. Guess the fact that there are no races on the horizon for awhile has made me a little bit lax. Or actually there is a race next month I would like to do, but that is contingent on being able to form a team...and looks like so far, training would be a breeze compared to convincing others to trek out to Brooklyn to run 3.3 miles :-P I don't know, guess I'm just sick of racing loops around Central Park and want to do a race that would be different and fun...maybe my idea of fun is different than others? :-P

tomorrow's another week...let's pray for better weather and more motivation!

mishmash

Another random smattering of things...

OK, now that The Hills is on hiatus (and we still dont know if Speidi are actually married!) I've had to get my Monday trash-tv fix with The City. It tries, but lightning doesn't strike twice. Though I do like to watch to see what bars/restaurants they frequent (Brass Monkey was in this week's episode! And funny, I was there after the 1st Monday downtown run this past week), especially where Whitney pseudo-works is right by where I work. (Her job is more fake than Heidi's? For shame...)

We were told several times this week at work that 2009 is going to be a "very tough year." Yikes. Honestly...whatever happens, happens. It's gonna be a tough year for a lot of people...

So after threats of rain and wintry mix all day Wednesday, it was actually decent weather for a speed workout. It was somewhat similar to the last coupla weeks-shots of Jack Daniels (short reps and long recoveries!! not the drink :-p)-but for whatever reason, I didn't feel as good as I did the last couple of weeks...I mean, it felt so much harder!! But I kept at it til the end, and then looked at my splits...



No wonder it felt harder-it *was* harder!! And I tried to gun the last one, I really did, but when a hill is at the end, it'll get ya every time. At least I earned the sangria afterwards!! :)

Thanks to everyone for their input on fall marathons. At this point, I think cost may be the deciding factor...so no final decision will be made until entry fee info is posted.

I walked by Westside Brewery earlier tonite and saw it was closed...no sign, everything was dark, but registers were still on, XMas tree still up...very strange. Any NYC'ers know what's up with that? I hope it's not closed permanently...I'll be sad :(

Another snowstorm!! Will this mean another "fun run"? Can't wait... (thank god I did not sign up for that race...gotta love being on racing hiatus!)

And finally, obviously one of the restaurants in Chelsea Market can't wait until inauguration day...they're counting the days!!

another poll-help me choose my fall marathon!

OK, so I can't be a trophy wife, but maybe I can be a Boston qualifier in 2009. My only question is where should I try for it? Yeah, I know it may be early but these things fill up mad fast...

So right now-the decision is between the "fall 4" and for entertaiment's sake I have a poll in the sidebar :)

Chicago
Pros-flat and fast, crowd support is as great as NYC, my 1/2 and marathon times would get me a preferred start
Cons-too early=warmer weather?, more travel expenses

Marine Corps
Pros-conveniently located (no need for plane travel), have heard very good things about the course and crowd support, perfectly timed (end of October)
Cons-no corrals by pace?

NYC
Pros-home field advantage, need I say more?
Cons-too hilly to try for a PR? Plus have done this one twice, might be better to try something else...

Philadelphia
Pros-conveniently located (no need for plane travel), have some course familiarity thanks to doing the Philly Distance Run
Cons-a bit late for my tastes (marathon mania will have worn off by the time I'd have to do my last long run), possibility of too-cold weather (29 degrees anyone?), no lineup control at the start?

Right now-I am sorta leaning towards Marine Corps but am open to any other suggestions!! (And there is a place for an "other" write-in vote) However-no spring marathons, as the plan is to race nothing longer than a 10-miler or a half this spring. Year-round marathon training could lead to burnout...another note-I'd prefer to not do a race with a backup in mind...solely for financial reasons-2 marathon fees may not be in the budget...

And any words of advice to sway me one way or the other on the races I'm thinking of would be very helpful :)

splitting the difference-sort of

Well I figured out a compromise to my December 31st/January 1st query in my last post. I figured whatever mileage I ran to warm up can count for 12/31, then the run itself can count for 1/1. There-a little something for each day.



Yes, it really was 18 degrees. No, it wasn't as bad as it may have sounded. Just had to layer right (running skirt over tights is a great cold-weather idea!) and was grateful for the hats we got in the swag bag this year (makes up for the ugly green shirt.) Plus I ran to the start to warm up that way. Surprisingly, saw no Flyers around. I know both that I was tentatively supposed to meet up with for the run decided to bail due to the cold...but figured there would be others. (Or am I the only crazy vain person who has to worry about fitting into her clothes?) Thanks to my trusty wireless communication device, I found out there were a few en route from the east side, but as midnight got closer I was getting too cold just standing around, and wanted to get a decent starting position so I could start running as soon as possible.

So I wandered over to the start and squeezed in as close to the front as possible which actually wasnt so close. And small world-there was a guy who recognized me from last year's Need for Speed-apparently we both were supposed to run leg 9 when we got the announcement that the race was canceled. (though surprised he recognized me-after all I had a lot of clothing on now and back then I had, uh, much less on.) Unfortunately, he was running with a girl-probably a girlfriend (of course this always happens to me.)

So blah blah blah, its midnight, happy new year, fireworks go off. Cross the start within 2 minutes. And even though I didn't race this, I didn't exactly take it easy either...the quicker I run, the quicker I finish. And that first mile included a bit of crowding too!! Didn't even bother stopping for "champagne" at the 2-mile point, as I carried my own in my water bottle (would you expect anything less?) At the beginning of mile 4, I spotted Moz and shouted at him. I picked up the pace a little, wanting to be done and taking advantage of the downhill. And done I was, in 33 and change minutes. Sorta uneventful, but it was 4 miles in the books for 2009. Saw Moz and some of his TRD teammates near the finish, posed for a coupla pics, chatted for a few minutes and then I wanted to get home and get inside. So that's how I started off 2009...not really with a bang.

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And now, some venting, if you don't want to read-please press the back button immediately. If not, hey dont say I didn't warn you.

I swear, what is it about New Year's Eve that always seems to accentuate how lonely I am? The fact that once again, I had no one special in my life to share last night with, to kiss at midnight, to run with me last night...it just brought to mind that even though I did have running-related successes in 2008, I failed miserably at something more important-the boyfriend department. And the fact that I had to defend to my mom on the phone yesterday why I was still doing the run when it was cold out, why I didn't get invited to any NYE parties, why I have to do things by myself...yeah, you can understand why I was crying by the time I got off the phone. Seriously, is it my fault that all my friends are in relationships and I'm left out in the cold? I'm sick of her and others saying "oh you never know, you'll find someone..." I call BS on that. It's easy to say that when you were married with 2 kids when you were my age-they don't know what it's like, how hard it is. I'm realistic, I know I don't have too many good years left-and at this point, I only see a guy being interested in me if he isn't looking to start a family-because at my age, I don't know what my options are. And believe me, again, it's not that I'm not trying...I guess all in all, I really feel like I'm "on the outs." And I swore to myself years ago I wouldn't let myself be in this situation again, feeling like the only single person...

Yeah I know, I ran a great marathon, I had a good running year, etc...but what did I ultimately sacrifice for that? And if I want to qualify for Boston this year...do I need to sacrifice that again? So confused...(or maybe I need to stop watching Sex and the City...)